To celebrate this year’s National Poetry Day, we wanted to share this poem written by one of our teenage AAC users.
My Superhero
From the first moment I opened my eyes, I saw my
superhero:
No cape, no shiny costume, no mask...
From the first moment the doctors told her that I was
disabled,
She fought ferociously for me like a lioness protecting her
cub!
From the first moment I wanted to go to primary school, she
fought for me.
No TAs, no access, no space...
From the first moment I wheeled in the front gates, I felt
welcomed,
She fought like a soldier being relentless in battles: brave
and bold.
From the first moment we went to 1 Voice, we both felt at
home.
No stress, no awkwardness, no questioning...
From the first moment we went to the disco, my mum cried
with happiness,
Me and 1 Voice opened her eyes to endless opportunities.
From the first moment I wanted to go to mainstream
secondary school, she fought for me.
No additional support, no extra time, no adaptations...
From the first moment I pressed the bright green button to
open the doors at school, I felt welcomed.
Courageous, determined, outspoken, loving, considerate,
powerful.
From the first moment I needed extra time for exams, she
fought for me.
No time, no readers, no scribes...
From the first moment I started an exam, I felt ready.
Her determination rubbed off onto me.
From the first moment I needed a bigger house, she fought
for me.
No wide doorways, no big corridors, no gaming room...
From the first moment I opened my own front door, I felt
exhilarated.
My house is the hub for all my friends.
You are my strength. You are my inspiration. You are my
sunshine.
I will always want hugs at the most inconvenient times!
Tiago dos Santos (15)