From today’s Examiner: Joanne O’Riordan who was born without arms or legs is to be the recipient of a special achievement award at the West Cork Garda Youth Awards later this week.
Joanne, 15, from Millstreet suffers from a disability known as Total Amelia, but rather than fade into the background, she has been actively involved in school and community events.
“She has promoted a positive awareness of disability amongst her peers, and is involved in sport, drama, the Young Scientist exhibition, school trips, the school magazine and visits to the elderly,” said Garda Damian White, the spokesman for the awards.
Garda White said that Joanne’s strong work ethic was clearly demonstrated when she recently excelled in the Junior Certificate.
“Joanne has positively touched the lives of all those whom she comes into contact with, and her positive outlook is an example to all,” he said.
…. read the full article on today’s Irish Examiner.
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update 12/Nov: On receipt of the award, joanne had this to say in the examiner:
“I’m delighted with the award — it was unexpected. I supposed some people think it’s well deserved but I’m one of those modest people really,” said the transition year student.
“When I was born, my parents didn’t know what to do. But when I was two they met a girl from England called Tina who had the same condition and that gave them hope. And with advances in technology and medical science, things got easier. I just take every day as it comes really.”
She was nominated by Siobhan Doyle, her French teacher at Millstreet Community School. “For all of us who know Joanne, her positive demeanour and her charismatic personality makes her disability fade into the background,” said Ms Doyle. “It does not impede her full participation and interaction in all aspects of school life. She is truly an inspiration to us all.”
She praised her work ethic, her perseverance, and her performance in the Junior Certificate.
Joanne’s schoolbooks have been uploaded to a computer and, with the help of her special needs assistants Nicola O’Donoghue and Joanne Twomey, she types her schoolwork using a biro she holds in her mouth, or dictates it.
She is involved in the school magazine, which she hopes will help her achieve her ambition of becoming a journalist.
The Jedward fan will star in the school play, It Runs in the Family, this month, and help switch on Millstreet’s Christmas lights on November 26.
At the BT Young Scien-tist Exhibition in Dublin next January, Joanne will present her research project, No Limbs No Limits, on educational supports for Irish students with disabilities, which she compiled with classmate, Nadine Spillane.
She is also the focus of a documentary for the BBC which is being filmed by her brother, Steven.
from: http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/joanne-hailed-as-inspiration-to-everyone-who-knows-her-173721.html
What an amazing young woman… She is just beautiful inside and out. Thanks so much for the article about her..
Excellent. I’m delighted that Joanne has been recognized. Through her many achievements, she has taught what it means to be a citizen in the fullest sense of the word. Congratulations, Joanne!
Congratulations Joanne. We are delighted to hear of your award. It is well deserved. Hope you have a great night.
From all your friends in Presentation Convent N.S. Millstreet.
A truly magnificent achievement, Joanne – so richly deserved. You have been such a wonderful source of inspiration to so many. Sincere congratulations and very best wishes from All in the Millstreet Website Team and in the LTV2 Team.