Coping with disability - a story of care behind the headlines

THERE are many unfortunate children who make headlines for all the wrong reasons, the best bits of childhood stolen through some tragic mishap at birth.

Generally, all most of us know of their stories is what we glean from media reports, often from the steps of a courthouse.

We hear slight details of a life severely compromised by oxygen deprivation, delayed delivery, questionable judgements on behalf of medical staff. The upshot can mean life in a wheelchair, possibly with mental impairment, limited communication skills, and no chance of competing in something as basic as school sports day. We shake our heads at the awfulness of it, count our own blessings, and move on.