Nedlands student Helen Steffanoni has overcome considerable personal setbacks to win a major prize at the 2009 Central TAFE Awards.
The Minister for Training, the Hon Peter Collier presented Helen with her award the most outstanding Student with a Disability at the gala event at Government House Ballroom tonight.
The annual event officially recognises, rewards and promotes student and staff excellence at one WA’s largest training organisations.
Helen was born with Rubella syndrome which left her with multiple disabilities including learning, sight and hearing. This meant she missed out on formal schooling.
However, starting at Central TAFE in 1998 was the beginning of a fantastic journey to an independent life for Helen.
She did numerous part time courses before starting the full time Certificate I in Work Education in 2008. Such was her rapid progress Helen even became a mentor for some of the younger students in the class.
Although Helen’s hearing was deteriorating in 2005 she was able to successfully have cochlea implants. Following the procedure she was able to hear things she had never previously heard. Things most people take for granted such as birdsong and ticking clocks.
As her hearing improved, Helen set about learning thousands of new words and as she did so, her communication skills and blossomed and thirst for learning intensified.
“Undergoing two operations for my cochlear implants and then two more for the insertion of valves in my eyes was very challenging and at times painful," said Helen.
"The learning process following the implants was frustrating at times. The sound produced has been likened to Donald Duck talking. It took roughly three years of hard work and persistence to get to the point where I am now.”
Central TAFE Managing Director Neil Fernandes was thrilled at how training had helped Helen in her journey to an independent life.
“Helen’s story is truly inspiring. Her positive outlook and willingness to tackle difficult challenges head on demonstrates why she is such a deserving winner,” he said.
Helen has subsequently moved into her own unit and started further study.
The acquistion of further literary and mathematical skills will open up more employment options for this impressive winner.