Empire Times 50.6 by FUSA Association

EMPIRE TIMES Vol 50 Issue 6

DISABILITY POETRY | CREATIVE PIECES | BREAKING STEROTYPES INVISIBLE DISABILITY| THE VOICE|POLAROIDS 1

Art By Alysha Dinning

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Nina Marni (translation: hello, how are you?). Empire Times would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands in which the editors, contributors and readers live, and honour elders past, present and emerging. Bedford Park is a significant site in the complex Dreaming of the Kaurna ancestor Tjilbruke. We write on behalf of the students and faculty on this land, First Nations, Non-Indigenous and Immigrant, who work and learn here. Empire Times is edited and distributed on the traditional lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and that this land is stolen.

Contents

PA G E

Contributors

Editorial

Sensory Space Marat Sverdlov and FNSSA

Horoscopes

PA G E

Disability Parking at Flinders University

Working in a School for the Blind

Breaking the Mould of Physiotherpy

The Chance of Rain

By Evangelia Karageorgos

By Oliver Land

By Tilly Hammond

PA G E

5 Reasons Every Healthcare Student Should Consider a Job in Care By Evangelia Karageorgos and Support Photography

By Maxwell Willis

Wait! What?

Ode to the Weird Ones

By Margot Albrecht

By Leilani Arens

By Divyangana Sharma PA G E

PA G E

A Sight for Poor Eyes

This Ability

Puzzle Break!

Some Kind of ...ist

By Georgia Nolan

By Katie Stedman

PA G E

ADHD Diagnosis in the Digital Age By Katia Rawlings

The Metamorphosis By Evangelia Karageorgos

By Evangelia Karageorgos

Puzzle Answers

Next Edition!

ISSUE 6 EDITORS Katia Rawlings Rachelle Summers Katie Stedman ASSOCIATE EDITOR Georgia Nolan WRITERS Divyangana Sharma Evangelia Karageorgos Leilani Arens Margot Albrecht Maxwell Willis Oliver Land Marat Sverdolv and Flinders Sensory Space Tilly Hammond

Find Flynn the Mallard Duck and win! Hidden on one of the pages in this magazine you will find Flynn. Send a picture of Flynn in his hiding spot and your student ID number to empiretimes@flinders.com.au to claim your prize! The winner will be announced when the next Empire Times issue is released. (This image of Flynn above is not the one you need to find.)

LRC Lachlan White - Unite Tom Gilchrist - Socialist Alternative Gwydion Rozitisolds - Young Greens Graci Andrea - Young Liberals COVER ARTIST Jasleen Kaur ARTISTS Alysha Dinning Jasleen Kaur Evangelia Karageorgos Cea Morrison Harry Kellaway WHAT IS ET? Empire Times is a publication of the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA). It is your student magazine. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the editors, Flinders University or FUSA. Reasonable care is taken to ensure articles are accurate at the time of publication. 5

Editorial Hello to all our readers! We hope uni isn’t too much of a drag the moment… But you know what can help that? Reading the new Empire Times issue that has found it’s way into your hands! For Issue 6, we explore the topic of disability. We had a lot of contributions this issue, probably the most we’ve receieved this year. So, it goes without saying that disability is a very nuanced and often misunderstood topic. We cover invisible disabilities, negative stereotypes and labels, issues surrounding accessibility, the mind of a paralympian, the benefits of studying physiotherapy, and much more! And, for something different, we’ve scrapped our Left, Right, Centre segment! But not without reason. Instead, we’ve included an information guide on the Voice to Parliament and Yes23 campaign. We feel it’s important to inform our readers about the Voice referendum, slated for the 14th of October, and what it means to certain First Nations communities. As always, a big thanks to all our writers, artists and FUSA for helping us bring Issue 6 together. We couldn’t have done it without you! And if you want to be a writer or artist, please let us know! Send us an email at empiretimes@flinders.edu.au or visit our website at empiretimesmagazine.com From Katia, Rachelle, Katie and Georgia

Harry Kellaway 6

Pop-Up Sensory Space Words by Marat Sverdlov, Treasurer, FNSSA

The Flinders Neurodivergent Study Support & Advocacy (FNSSA): popup Sensory Spaces! You are now aware of how big your tongue is in your mouth, and how your feet feel in your shoes. You’re also blinking manually for good measure. Now that I’ve made some enemies, let me explain why while you sharpen the prongs on that pitchfork: by the time you get to the end of this article, the terrible things I’ve just inflicted upon you will be gone again. Your brain processes a huge amount of input every moment – a never-ending tsunami of signals from every sensory nerve all over your body. Every sight, every sound, every touch, smell, and taste, all the time. Most of it you don’t notice in your day-to-day lives because your brain is an excellent filter, fading most of it into the background where it doesn’t take any of your attention. Neurodivergent people, such as those with autism or ADHD, tend to have filters that block out significantly less less,, often experiencing discomfort in conventional learning environments, particularly when it comes to balancing sensory inputs. The studies in this field clearly identify this as an area of disability access that has long gone overlooked In August, the pop-up Sensory Spaces were designed to offer our student body

– particularly those with the increased sensitivity to physical inputs – a place to rest and reset, much as the Queer Space offers a comfortable community space to our LGBTQIA+ student body. A place to recenter yourself, to relax or study in a setting that places less stress on that filter and hence eats up less brain power and attention actively trying to ignore it. It was an exciting step forward in meeting the needs of a group whose needs have flown under the radar before while by extent creating a better environment for everyone as often happens with disability-friendly features (eg. those little ramps on sidewalks at every street corner were initially a wheelchairaccess feature but have become part of standard universal design because everyone found them convenient. Or how if you reading this have no hearing problems whatsoever there’s a good chance you still watch shows and movies with the captions turned on). This is called the curb-cut effect and is well worth being your next rabbit hole. Look out for posters and media going up around the University with more information. The Sensory Space was only the first in a series of upcoming events designed to bring not just recognition to our neurodivergent students but also to meet their unmet needs – and in doing so create a better environment for us all. For more information email: flindersnd@gmail.com Or join our group on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/952396632034182/

HORO SCO P E S FO R O C TO B ER

Aries

Ta u r u s

Ge m i n i

Aries, we are in for the final stretch of the year! Mid-semester break is now over and it’s time to crack down and get things done. Obstacles are inevitable; don’t let them dampen your spirit. While some may doubt you (even yourself), remember your value. It’s important to keep your emotional well-being in mind this month. Make sure to get some sun and move your muscles.

Now what you amazing people might not realise is that this is a good year for you! You guys are being presented with more opportunities for success and contentment. I know you’re stubborn and don’t like being told what to do, so take this more of a suggestion: take some risks! Take comfort in the material and listen to your spiritual pursuits. Make the most of the year while it’s still 2023.

October is looking fabulous for you multi-tasking legends. Venus and the Sun in Libra will be encouraging you to just live life and enjoy yourself. Pick a few of your favourite hobbies, go on some dates and enjoy harmony within your usually conflicting social groups. Maybe take advantage of that and go on a big group weekend away?

Cance r

Le o

V i rgo

Love and personal growth, who knew you could have both? In the realm of love, some challenges await you. Meeting new people. Don’t worry too much though, I only foresee positive vibes! Embrace the energies coming your way and let them guide you through the awkwardness of those new friendships and relationships you might develop this month!

Okay Leo, you’ve procrastinated through the break and it is now October. and all that work is still there. peanut butter to your jam and is your month to finally get back to where you feel you’re supposed to be, finally putting away all those clean clothes on your bed back into your draws is the first step in having a fantastic month. You got this!

Virgo! Was that break what you needed? Now that Uni is back you can put that restless energy you might have been feeling into your work and career! I foresee some interesting opportunities popping up this month! A word of warning—don’t push yourself too hard. Be sure to take breaks and please try to get that atrocious semi-circle you call a sleep cycle back under control.

L ib ra

Sco r p i o

Sa gi tt a ri u s

Hey Libras! Your patience might be tested this month, as you’ll have to deal with an annoying family member wanting something. For some, it’ll be a heartwarming request to spend time with you, for others it’ll be a brief phone call on why you should invest your life savings into their latest “business venture”. Don’t take the bait for either—the heartwarming request is just going to lead to another ponsi scheme!

Scorpios are going on an exotic trip this month, which is surprising because you guys tend to be agoraphobic. I’m envisioning a person with thick black eyeliner, crouched in the corner of their room listening to Deftones—what part of this picture doesn’t scream I need a holiday? So go to Westfield and buy some shorts, because let’s face it, you probably only own one pair (that probably doesn’t fit). Get some sunshine and enjoy your getaway.

Sagittarians are getting political this month. It’s time to hit the streets and fight for what you believe in! Just don’t get into any physical fights—this isn’t a game of rugby. Let’s face it, the local government probably don’t give a rat’s a**—I can see them playing online Solitaire as we speak—but it’ll feel good to express yourself!

Cap r icor n

Aquarius

P i s ces

Hey Capys! You guys are meeting a mythical creature this month! Don’t scoff at me—I’d never lie to you guys. What kind of person would actually profit off lying to people for a living? Tut tut. Anyway—depending on where you live, you’ll witness a creature of legend. Just last week, I spotted Bigfoot at Bunnings! He even had a fake name tag and everything. Sneaky bugger thought he could fool everyone. Not me, though… not me.

Hey Aquarius, how are you guys feeling? My third eye says lonely. Awww. It’s not uncommon to feel this way during busy periods, when all your assignments are due. Here, take my advice—coerce someone into spending time with you. I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out. Pretend your leg or arm is broken - people love signing casts. Or was it only ten-year-olds who love doing that? You’re going to be the talk of the town!

Hello Pisceans! Do you sometimes feel like you’re from another planet? It’s because you are! You’re a starfruit! Which means you originate from the berry planet. Starfruits have an important mission—to replace the entire food pyramid with just yellow fruits. Quite a hard mission, if I’m being honest. What’s that? It’s starseeds, not starfruits?

Disability Parking at Flinders University

Words by Evangelia Karageorgos Let me ask you, is prioritising sheltered standard

It takes me approximately 15 to 20 min to unpack and

parking spots a form of discrimination?

And if it is raining my only options now have been to

parking spots and removing sheltered disability You decide…

I have been a part-time student at Flinders University since 2020 and this year has been my first year completely back on campus for all my classes. I

returned to discover that Flinders had drastically reduced the amount of undercover/sheltered

disability parking spots. With signs saying, it’s

okay, there are more available upstairs (these are unsheltered spots).

set up (or pack up) my wheelchair and other items. get soaking wet and possibly injure myself getting things out, or wait it out and hope it stops raining

long enough for me to get unpacked and get to my

class on time. Or I could pay to park in an undercover standard parking space (luckily, I don’t require the

extra width of a disabled spot to get out of my car).

However, since the disabled spots on campus are free, I had to consider if I could even afford safe sheltered parking every time I came to campus. Or just simply miss another class because of access issues.

Now, as a person who uses a wheelchair and a power

Of course, I realise that the disability parking bays

with the rain, is very much needed if I am to be able to

right to them than any other permit holder and I am

assist device, sheltered parking, specifically in winter unpack and set up everything safely.

Up until now, I had always found the number of

sheltered disability parking spots great. And I had

never had an issue getting one whenever I came to

are for everyone with a permit. So, I have no more never guaranteed a space. However, my chances or anyone’s chances at a sheltered disabled spot

have now been drastically reduced. Making Flinders University less accessible to permit holders like me.

campus, no matter the time. However, this year I was

I was left to question why these sheltered accessible

standard parking spaces had been prioritised.

parking spaces. What was the logic of prioritising

shocked to discover they had been culled and that

spots were removed and replaced with standard

sheltered standard parking over sheltered disability parking?

I found myself extremely disappointed that Flinders University had chosen to make their campus more inaccessible and unsafe. And as semester 2 drew closer my frustration grew and I knew I needed

On July 28th answers finally came. ·

that many of our disabled parking bays were

be so convoluted and long?

non-compliant with current code (built to

older design standards). They were not deep

In May I wrote my first letter to the Student Council

enough, and this was unmodifiable due to an

Disability Officer. I explained everything above. But

Then Semester 2 started, and I decided I would make a post on my blog and share it with students and my network. This brought many suggestions on who I needed to contact next.

On July 13th I emailed The Dean of Education and

Vice President and the Executive Dean. On July 18th

I emailed The Disability Access Committee chair and

Equal Opportunity and lastly, I emailed the Director of Student Services, Health, Counselling and Disability Services. Then finally on July 18th and 20th I started

to get some responses. An official complaint has been

made and the issue was finally being looked into, and I was asked about what I would like to see happen… So Flinders University, at minimum I would like

what was taken away to be put back in place. As it was an adequate amount of sheltered accessible parking, it’s fair to want that same amount back.

However, ultimately what I would love to see is more sheltered accessible parking spots put in place all

across Flinders (Bedford) campus. Because access to

sheltered parking can make attending university more accessible and safer for those needing the spots all year around. And this could only be a positive thing for disability inclusion. Right?

I also requested that anyone holding a disability parking permit be aloud to park in a standard

sheltered parking spot for free as long as their permit

was displayed. Giving us more options for safe access.

maintenance work was conducted in Car

Park 5 and in the process, it came to light

answers. Who knew that getting these answers could

sadly, they struggled to get any response or answers.

“In the 2022 Christmas/New Year break,

adjacent rock wall.

The four bays that were not adjacent to a

rock wall were retained and a further 12 car

parks were moved up to the top deck and built compliant to code.”

Finally, an actual explanation, a very simple and valid one. Why was this information so hard to find out? But this still leaves me with the question: Why not

move those extra 12 bays to other sheltered spots? Sheltered blue reserved bays were put in place, sheltered motorcycle parking was updated, but disabled parking was kicked out in the rain.

The good news, they will be examining what other solutions can be put in place to provide more

sheltered disability parking spots. Apparently, they have a number of options they need to consider. However, in the interim, if you have a disability

parking permit and can park in a normal sized bay you can park for free in any undercover spot as

long as your permit is displayed. Staff have been

instructed not to issue fines to anyone with a disability parking permit displayed parked in a standard parking bay. And if you do get a fine, email the Director of Student life.

Now I wait in hope. Hope that I hear back soon, hope that this examining of solutions and what other

options can be put in place results in more sheltered accessible parking spots across campus. And that it doesn’t take too long to be put in place.

I really hope I can start my 2024 university year with better and equal access to sheltered parking.

Working In A School For The Blind Words by Oliver Land Now, usually my articles focus on music and

holidays rolled around, and I had a week off

boardgames, topics that I have a lot of personal

while mum was still at work, I was immediately

connection with, and perhaps more importantly,

volunteered (happily) for whatever needed doing

enjoy writing about. However, this issue provides

there at the time. One year I acted as a roadie at

me with a great opportunity to write about

the school assembly, moving the drum kit around

something else very important to me, and that’s my for the music teacher. The next I came and spent job.

three days in AFP essentially scanning books a page at a time into the computer system. I read

I work at the South Australian School and Services

with kids, attended music lessons, and generally

for the Vision Impaired (SASSVI for short), as

acted as a spare set of hands. I learnt a little of how

a braille transcriber. I started this job at the

the department worked, and learned how amazing

beginning of last year, and only a year and a half in,

some of the kids were there as well. I made a

I am lucky enough to have found myself immersed

few connections with some of the teachers, but

in the world of the amazing people who work to

generally was just happy for the experience.

provide equal opportunities for vision impaired students. I have a few things I wanted to cover

Then one day… COVID happened. In the space of

in this article, and it’s a bit of a scatter of ideas,

a term, the AFP department lost about 80% of its

however I think I’ll start with how I ended up there,

working force, through bad luck or circumstance.

and then move on naturally from there.

At the same time, I was having an awful time at my other job and was just starting to look for new

My family moved to Australia in 2011 (bear with me,

opportunities. It started as a joke at home, with

this is relevant.) and of course my parents first job

my mother asking what I thought about coming

was to look for work. While my dad was happy doing along to see how I’d like it, then rapidly spiralled any work, he could get, my mother had previous

from that into me applying, getting the paperwork

experience in primary schools, and in had worked

started, and getting a new job that I could never

with a vision impaired student in England for a

expect that I could have, and yet was wildly excited

time. This led to her finding a job at SASSVI, and

for.

eventually, after working as a SSO in the classroom. She moved through the school library to Alternate

The AFP department exists to take materials

Format Print, or AFP for short.

needed for students and change them to make them accessible for vision impaired students.

Now to me at the time, this didn’t exactly mean a

We service all the students in South Australia,

lot. What it did mean was that when high school

which isn’t bad when you consider there’s only six

of us working there. Our department especially

same cells and symbols as literary math, most of

works hand in hand with the school library. When

them have totally different meanings. There’s a

someone, usually a teacher at our school or a

whole new set of rules to do with where thigs are

teacher with one of our students in a school that

placed on the page, and what order things need

we support, wants something from us, they’ll

to be placed in. I’m incredibly lucky that the music

contact our library who’ll see if we already have

teacher has been incredibly patient with me and

it on hand. If not, it goes to our room, where the

helped me learn at every step of the way, and that

work is shared out to whoever suits it. Usually it

the school has supported us learning with a local

takes one of two forms, large print, or braille. We

blind music teacher that has been teaching and

are extremely lucky in that we have a computer

using braille music for 40 years. On top of this

program that can translate word files to braille,

again, I had the opportunity to take part in the

therefore when it comes to braille most of our work

braille music short course we hold at SASSVI, where

relies around formatting it so that the braille is

I met more amazing students and people who are

consistent with past work we have done for all our

part of the blind communities.

students. This principle of consistency is possibly

I find the process for a lot of the work we do very

the most important one we have, as its important

interesting, and I’ll share with you the typical

that the braille can be used easily by students, with process I go through for a new piece of music. Once page numbers and titles all in the same place no

I’ve received the music, which would either be in

matter what braille book you pick up (the same as

a physical copy or a pdf, I’ll assess the difficulty

any book a sighted user would pick up).

of the piece. You see, I have a piece of software called good feel braille music translator and with

Large print is the other commonly produced

long, complex pieces of music I will transcribe it

format, which consists of taking the text

first into a software called Musescore, allowing me

wanted and changing the sizing to a preset size.

to make a xml file, and then use Goodfeel to turn

Both formats, braille, and large print, become

this straight into braille (which I’ll then check). If I

substantially more complex with the addition of

think it’s not to complex, I’ll just move straight to a

diagrams and pictures. Large print usually needs

braille software (we use Duxbury, but there’s a free

some tampering, and braille has various ways of

software called perky duck if you’re curious.) and

recreating pictures, my personal favourite being

start typing. I’ll check the music for areas we can

swell. Ink is printed on special paper, that when

use ‘braille repeats. In braille we use repeats a lot

heated causes the ink to rise, creating a raised

more frequently, having ways to say, “repeat the

image that can be felt. This method is excellent for

last two bars ten times,” or “repeat bars 46 to 58”

creating all sorts of images, although some simple

which we can use as the transcriber sees fit.

pictures are recreated using braille cells or dotted lines.

After picking these areas out, I’ll start inputting braille, looking as well for using things like

My specialty in all of this is the wonderful world

“doubling” where I double an ornament or

of music braille. While music braille uses the

something like a sharp, which means “hey, until I 13

say otherwise, all these notes are sharp,”. Most

Honestly, I think it’s the people that make my

of this is to make the braille more approachable

job the best. The ends some of the teachers go

for students but also you must remember that

to, to make sure the students are given equal

while us with sight can read multiple lines at once,

opportunities is amazing. As I work closest with the

braille must be read linearly, which also means

music teacher, I see how much she must constantly

that braille can take up a whole lot more space! I’ve

upskill herself, and how much time she puts into

transcribed a four-page piece that has resulted in

organising music and shows for the kids. All the

10 pages of braille.

teachers have a constant focus on upskilling, and all of them have amazing amounts of dedication

Once I think I’ve finished I’ll give the piece a once

to the kids and to teaching. The enthusiasm for

over then emboss it, which is the braille equivalent

the SSO’s and staff to learn braille and accessible

of printing. Theres two options, interpoint or

formatting mean these staff go above and beyond

single page. Interpoint means that the paper will

what they need to, and with how smart the kids

be embossed double sided, and is usually used

are its hard sometimes to remember that most of

for much stronger braille readers, whereas single

them are entirely blind, and those that aren’t have

page is single sided embossing, used for younger

incredibly limited vision.

students. After that, it’s sent where it needs to go, either the student or the relevant teacher.

Fur Elise Sheet Music in Braille

Breaking the mould of Physiotherapy From personal trainer to working with children with disability Words by Tilly Hammond Breaking stereotypes within the health industry, William is challenging common norms when it comes to the type of people who end up working within the health care sector and how they get there. “If you’d asked me two years ago, I would never have even considered paediatric disability work,” William says. “Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.” William pursued a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree with the goal of working in sports physiotherapy. With his history in competitive sports and weight lifting, and a passion for movement, it seemed like the right path. It was only during his final semester elective placement, when he worked with children with disability, that William experienced a new environment that shifted the entire trajectory of his life. “It was another level of fulfilment that I’ve never experienced before,” William recalls. William now runs a mobile physiotherapy practice that specialises in supporting children with disability. “I reckon, sometimes, the kids do more for me than I do for them,” William says. He fondly recounts the story of a patient he helped learn to walk, saying, “She went from taking ten steps initially with a walker to taking 150 steps all by herself! I can just picture it in my head, her face the first time I met her versus a year and a half later.”

He adds, “It’s so nice, knowing that I’ve done the best I can for her mobility. That’s really special to me.” William describes his work as multifaceted. “It can be very fun, but also challenging as you play multiple roles,” he says. For example, a day in William’s life at work might involve liaising with health professionals, being a good listener, and providing emotional support for families. Other days, as part of his mobile service, William heads to children’s homes, or schools to complete the therapy there. He also offers education to families and carers on ongoing support exercises and provides advice on necessary equipment such as wheelchairs. In William’s opinion, the care and support sector is a great fit for people who can be quick on their feet, adaptable, and expect the unexpected. “I honestly think my purpose in this life is to give back as much as I can and change as many people’s lives as possible,” William says. “Working with these kids gives me the opportunity to get closer to that purpose every day.” He urges people to give care and support work a try, even if it’s a sector they may never have thought about working in. “You might end up loving it and finding a true sense of purpose, and the world would gain another much needed care and support worker,” he says.

The Chance of Rain By Maxwell Willis Lewis woke to the sound of an alarm. Lying on his back, he reached over to the bedside table and pushed the button on the alarm clock. His mouth was dry, and a layer of perspiration had settled on his forehead. Esther was lying on her left side. She propped herself up on her elbow to check the alarm, and seeing it was only 6:30, returned to her side. Lewis placed his hand on the railing attached to the side of the bed. He pulled himself up to a sitting position and waited until the clock read 6:35. Feelings of light headedness would mean he needed to raise his blood pressure. Slowly, he slid his feet off the bed to place his weight on the floor. He stood up, and a sharp pain shot through his legs. He reached over for his walking stick beside the table, then limped towards the kitchen as pain squeezed his legs in firm handfuls. He then pulled opened the kitchen drawer and reached for a clear container labelled ‘Saturday – AM’. He opened the lid and found three circular tablets—a white tablet for pain, a pink tablet for blood pressure, and yellow tablet for spasms. As Lewis swallowed the last mouthful of water, he noticed the quietness of the house. The curtains were open, so he could see it was still dark outside. He made the few steps from the kitchen counter to the doorway of the study and flicked the light switch on. He then lowered himself into the chair at his desk and opened his email. There was an unread email from Anthony, with the subject ‘Catching up.’ “It was great talking to you on Wednesday,” the email read. “I’d love to catch up for a coffee. Let me know what works best for you.” Anthony was friendly when he met him the week prior, so Lewis opened the calendar app on his desktop—an occupational therapy appointment on Monday, an appointment with his psychiatrist on Tuesday, and a bone density scan on Thursday. “It was great talking to you too,” Lewis typed. “How’s Wednesday for you? I’m sorry about my limited availability. As I mentioned, I often have a few health-related appointments during the week.” His finger hovered over the mouse for a moment before hitting send. He replied to another couple of emails and read a chapter of his book before hearing the bedroom door open. Standing up slowly, he found the pain in his legs had been reduced to a subtle tenderness. He took his walking stick in his right hand and stepped into the kitchen.

“Morning, darling.” Lewis wrapped his hand around Esther’s waist and kissed her on the cheek. The sun was now peaking over the horizon. Esther poured herself a coffee and Lewis a peppermint tea. Their conversation covered the usual topics—Lewis’ appointments for the following week, Esther’s deadlines for work, whether Lewis was running low on any of his prescriptions, and what they’d have for dinner that evening. The sun had now risen. Clear light filtered through the windows and the sky was a soft blue. Esther took Lewis’ hand and rubbed it gently between her fingers. She cleared her throat. “Darling, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.” She smiled, as though trying to reassure him. Lewis took a sip of his tea, then returned his cup to the table. “Sure,” he replied calmy. He had become accustomed to dealing with difficult subjects. “I’m wondering if you’ve had any more thoughts about having kids?” She rested her chin in her free hand, and sounded slightly short of breath. He took a deep breath, and a faint numbness floated through his chest. He leaned in towards her. “I love you, and I want to have kids. I really do,” he said. “But I’m still worried about what they would go through if they were to inherit my disability.” Lewis looked at Esther with heavy eyes, and she nodded. “I know, darling.” “Being in pain every day,” Lewis added, “constant hospital visits, depression, bullying. I’m not worried about the two of us being able to take care of a child with my disability; I’m worried about them going through what I’ve been through. It would be hard for them.” He bit his bottom lip. Six months prior, Lewis’ doctor had told him his condition could be inherited, but she couldn’t give him the likelihood of his child inheriting the disease without referring him to a specialist. Lewis traced a small circle on Esther’s hand with the tip of his finger. Inviting Esther to see a specialist with him would allow the two of them to hear from an expert first-hand. “So, how about we go and see a specialist together?” Lewis suggested. “A doctor who specialises in the inheritance of disease.” Esther lifted her chin out of her hand and raised her eyebrows slightly. She looked at Lewis for a moment, as though waiting for clarification. “Not necessarily to commit to having a baby at this stage,” Lewis added, “but perhaps a specialist could give us an idea of the likelihood of our baby inheriting my disability. Perhaps there are ways to screen sperm for carrying the disease or prevent the illness in the early stage.” He rubbed his thumbs together. “There’s always new technology being developed. There might be techniques available now that weren’t available when I was born.” He looked at Esther’s expression. He couldn’t see obvious signs of her being distressed or upset, so he ventured further. “The doctor might even suggest we look at surrogacy.” Esther took a deep breath. She nodded and brought her hands together over Lewis’. “Sure. Let’s go see a specialist, if you’re okay with that,” she said. She smiled gently. Lewis nodded, then turned to face the window. A layer of grey clouds had formed; it looked like it might rain. 17

Evangelia Karageorgos. 18

Fear of Difference

5 Reasons Every Healthcare Student Should Consider a Job in Care and BY DIVYANGANA SHARMA Support. When life is overtaken by textbooks and lectures, it’s common to think the only options for work are retail or hospitality gigs. While these jobs can be fun and a good way to meet new people, there are other flexible and rewarding roles available that you may not have considered. It’s the ultimate student dilemma: finding a job that’s flexible enough to work around your studies and social life, while still bringing in the income you need to get by. Throw being an international student into the mix, and things can be even more challenging. But take it from someone who’s been in your shoes, there are more opportunities out there than you might think. I never imagined I would find myself working in aged care, or that it would turn out to be such a rewarding experience. But as an international student studying nursing, I realised that gaining practical experience in care and support work could be a huge opportunity for my future career. That’s why I decided to take on a part-time job as a Personal Care Assistant during the middle of a pandemic, and it was the best decision I ever made. Despite the challenges of starting during this time, I felt incredibly proud of the work I was doing and even went on to be named International Student of the Year by Study Melbourne in 2022. So, if you’re a TAFE or uni student hoping to get a start in a healthcare profession, or just find a reliable and flexible gig to support yourself while you study, I’d suggest you take a look at the huge range of care and support roles out there.

Here’s why: 1. Apply your knowledge with hands-on experience Working in aged care gave me the chance to apply the clinical knowledge and skills I learned in nursing school to a real-world setting. As a Personal Care Assistant, I was able to provide support to all the nurses caring for older people, from supporting at meal times to helping with minor medical procedures. The experience gave me a deeper understanding of patient care and helped me build my clinical skills beyond what I was learning in the classroom. 2. Form meaningful connections and know your work matters Compared to hospitals, aged care and other personal support work is moderately paced – you get the opportunity to observe and connect with patients one on one. This enabled me to develop a deeper understanding of their conditions, needs and preferences. I heard their stories and learnt about their lives, all while gaining a new perspective on how to provide the best possible care. I have no doubt this experience has helped me become a more compassionate and empathetic care provider in any profession. When you know you’re having a real, positive impact on someone else’s life, it also makes coming to work that little bit easier. 3. Get the flexibility to work around your studies Working in care and support was a great way to earn a stable income while gaining valuable experience in my field of study. The flexibility in the shifts meant that I could work around my classes and assessments, without sacrificing either. I was gaining skills that would look great on my resume while supporting myself with a secure and stable job.

4. Beat the boredom when no two days are the same One of the things I loved about working in care and support was that no day was the same. I got to do everything from assisting with walks and meals to observing nurses performing medical tasks, such as providing medication and administering injections. The variety kept me engaged and motivated to continue learning. 5. Get a head start on your career progression Working in care and support roles can open up many doors for future career opportunities. For me, it paved the way for a career as a nurse, but it could also lead to roles in allied health, community care and many other areas of healthcare. The knowledge I’ve learnt has proven to be invaluable in my current role, but I know I’ve also gained people, management and organisational skills that could apply anywhere.

Find what works for you Whether you’re studying a related field like health, nursing or medicine, or just looking for a stable, flexible job that will allow you to focus on your coursework, I highly recommend considering work in the care and support sector. Not only will you gain valuable clinical experience and get flexible hours to support yourself, you’ll also learn transferable skills that will serve you well in your future career. This is a sector that’s full of opportunity and in need of new workers. So, jump in, keep learning and kick-start your career with care and support. Learn more: careandsupportjobs.gov.au/whychoose-care-and-support

Blame Aristotle “Wait! What?” Margot Albrecht’s Column

When my dad was a young man, conscripted to the RAF as part of his compulsory national service, his commanding officer charged him with Dumb Insolence; my dad had failed to respond to a question or order. Fortunately, this happened in peacetime. During war, a charge of Dumb Insolence in the British Armed Forces could, if taken to the extreme, have resulted in summary execution. My dad was neither dumb. Nor insolent. But, like me, he was a Deaf person trying to navigate a hearing world. Dumb. Insolent. Dim-witted. Slow. These are just some of the misconceptions that I’ve had to contend with for most of my life. I was born with hereditary sensorineural deafness—the cells or nerves in the inner ear cannot receive or transmit certain sounds—but it remained undetected until I was six, when a specialist advised my mum that hearing aids would not help me. I simply had to learn to live with not hearing well. So, like most disabled people, I adapted to the able-centric society around me. I learned to get by. By my mid-twenties my hearing had deteriorated to the point where I was struggling to even ‘get by’. I decided to consult an audiologist. He looked at me with confusion when I told him that I knew hearing aids couldn’t help me, but I was desperate. He advised me that hearing aids would most definitely help me. Wait! What?

All those school years of solitude, sitting alone on the front row of every class, flashed before me. With hearing aids, maybe I could have sat where I yearned to be, with the cool kids, at the back ... but who was I kidding; in a British 1970s education system, where there were as many teachers as students who were bona-fide bullies, it’s more likely that (along with the kids who wore glasses) I would have been mercilessly teased for wearing hearing aids. Of course, falsehoods surrounding deafness is not a new phenomenon. The ‘blame’ might well be lain at the sandaled-feet of the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, whose work De Anima (On the Soul) first promulgated the notion that humans have only five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—and of these ‘outward wits’, Aristotle believed that hearing was the sense most crucial to knowledge and learning; therefore, he claimed, that “those born deaf become senseless and incapable of reason”. In the centuries prior to the lifechanging advent of the Gutenberg printing press, Europe was an oral and hearing dominated culture with knowledge shared through word-of-mouth. This verbal transmission of knowledge was considered a marker of natural intelligence; one which ‘naturally’ excluded deaf people. This exclusion was compounded, in part, by the Aristotelian assumption that without hearing, deaf people were incapable of being educated.

As deafness is difficult to quantify from someone’s outward appearance, it is often described as an invisible disability; and one which brings with it a constant undertow of anxiety that affects your confidence, self-esteem, and mental wellbeing. You feel stupid when you mis-hear or, worse, miss out completely. The deaf, it seems, must accommodate the hearing. I find myself saying “sorry” every single time I need someone to repeat themselves. I’m tired of apologising for being deaf. So, how can the hearing help the deaf? Face us. Speak clearly. Be mindful of our struggle with ambient noises, with people who are softly spoken or mumble or who have very strong accents. But, please, don’t talk down to us by overenunciating.

An engraving of hearing aids from Exercitationes Practicæ circa by Frederik Dekkers, 1694

These days I mostly ‘get by’ with hearing aids and lip reading but there’s a whole cohort of sounds that I can’t hear, even with hearing aids. Unfortunately, these sounds are all ‘clarifying sounds’, essential for comprehension of language and meaning of words (e.g., I cannot readily differentiate between the sounds k, t, f, s, th, or I don’t hear them at all). A cochlear implant looms large in my future, and I really need to level-up on my sign-language skills. Am I one of those people who has embraced their disability to the point where, given a mystical choice, they wouldn’t change it for anything? Abso-fricken-lutely-NOT. I would love normal hearing. I think of how different my life might have been … of all the career opportunities that could have been open to me … and I’ve never actually stopped wishing I could sit at the back, with the cool kids.

If you live with a disability, I would love if you wanted to share your own Wait! What? life-changing moments. Email: empiretimes@flinders.edu.au Insta: @empire.times Facebook: /empiretimesmag 23

e to

t he

Weird

This one is for the weird ones.

The ones whose stare is a blank page,

Who know how to eat sun

And throw money in trash cans --

and in thick air stares

fight to prance chest-out on the street.

These are the people who

press the elevator button three times. Every time.

Who wear elastic shoes so

they never need to tie their laces.

Lovers of Leisure --

if picking blades of grass can be called that.

Hypochondriac in the worst times

And a body who defies the mind at the best.

Lizard Folk -- sunbathed

or hooded cloaked -- roll the dice, these are those folk

Who play keyboard out of key on the Seaford Line

And piss through their undies coz they couldn’t hold it.

O n es

UTI prone: Unbelievably Tenacious

Individuals. Who die their hair bright red and wear fingerless gloves.

Wrap around sunnies

sucking on a Calippo -- have you ever seen a fire so ice-cold?

These are the ones who either thrive Or cry in a 9-5

Have fallen off countless stools

And don’t believe in the 5-second rule.

And, on windy days,

when the water fountain sprays It feels like rain -for one.

Yeah these are the ones Who may be the sort

Who covet owning a pair

Of those kids light-up shoes.

But if you stopped to think about it, I’m sure you would too.

Words by Leilani Arens (they/them) 24

A SIGHT FOR POOR EYES VISUAL DISABILITIES ARE ON THE RISE... I, like many other young people, have a visual disability. I am short-sighted in both eyes with astigmatism also afflicting my left eye. Without contact lenses, my vision is a smear of colours and shapes that blend together. I cannot make out words unless they are inches away from my eyes, nor can I discern people or objects. I never used to have vision problems, but when I started high school, I noticed my vision deteriorating. Year after year, my eyesight has rapidly degenerated, and I’ve had to change my prescription numerous times to keep up. Every time I visit my optometrist (who I am very lucky to have), I give them a heart attack. Short-sightedness is when light is focused inaccurately as it passes into the eye. People with short-sightedness have eyes that are either too long or oval-shaped rather than round, meaning the light rays don’t reach the back of the eye, known as the retina, and instead cross in front of it. Therefore, the messages sent from the retina to the brain are inaccurately perceived as blurry (‘Near-sightedness’, n.d.). By 2050, it’s estimated that one in two Australians will be short-sighted (Swan, 2023). Most, if not, all of these cases will develop in early childhood. While short-sightedness can be genetic, I know mine is not. Genetic cases of myopia do exist, however, they are rare (Ghorbani-Mojarrad, 2022). Lifestyle factors are more to blame, including a lack of time spent outdoors, and prolonged periods of focusing on objects close up. Young people are spending more and more time indoors and on screens, conditioning their eyes to only observe things close up rather than far away. This isn’t their fault but rather a downside that has come with rapid technological advancement. Many of us are shifting or have already shifted to learning online, whether it’s for all of our education or a part of it. While schools still remain in-person, many kids use tablets and laptops as learning tools, increasing their screen time. As much as I’m grateful for these big leaps in technology, they have done nothing good for my eyesight. Knowing that my visual disability is not genetic, I can only guess how many young people like myself are also struggling with shortsightedness.

The earlier a person develops myopia, the more likely they will face vision problems in adulthood, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy (Mudditt, 2022) - all very anxietyinducing. Maintaining healthy visual hygiene in our younger years is crucial to lessening the likelihood of developing these conditions. That includes taking 20-minute breaks from looking at something closeup, taking regular eye exams, going outside and focusing on objects far away, wearing prescription glasses and/or contact lenses, using atropine drops (if prescribed) and protecting your eyes from direct sunlight. But, if you’re like me, and Specsavers can’t even save you, we need to make learning and workplace environments as accessible for us as possible. When I was in my final years of high school and experiencing degenerative myopia, I always struggled to see the board in front of me, the text or equations seeming grainy and minuscule. I resorted to taking zoomed-in photographs of the board, creeping out my teachers, who always seemed to get caught in the crossfire. Even if my situation couldn’t be helped, notes on any screen or board that’s being shown to students or employees should be as legible and clear as possible, especially considering the rise of short-sightedness in the population. Missing out on key concepts and ideas due to a crappy projector or tiny and illegible writing can mean feeling behind in your studies or work. It can mean chunks of time and money going down the drain. So, the future needs to be more accessible for visually-impaired people, even if it means increasing the text size on a PowerPoint or investing in a larger lecturing screen. It’s really not that difficult. Words by Georgia Nolan

THIS ABILITY DISABILITY By focusing on resilience and adaptability, can we shift our mindset around disability and potential? By Katie Stedman There are many different types of disabilities. They range from visible to invisible, acquired to genetic, temporary to life-long. An individual could have a physical, learning or emotional disability, and this list by no means covers every type of disability. Everyone’s disability journey is different, even amongst individuals with the same disability.

Something that is common though, across the range of disabilities, is adaptability and resilience. For a long time, it has been thought that individuals who are blind have better hearing than average. Evidence of this neural plasticity and adaptability was first scientifically documented in a 2019 article in the Journal of Neuroscience. Anyone who has a learning disability who has got through school, or gone on to do further study is an example of determination. Every para-athlete is an example of resilience. And that’s not even mentioning all the

unsung heroes who go through challenges each day, the same as people who are not disabled. There is a quote by Robert M. Hensel which says, “Determination has no disability” and this applies to anyone, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. Determination looks at challenges as something to be overcome, not something to stand in the way of a goal.

“ Determination

has no disability. ” - Robert M. Hensel

I want to come back to the idea of para-athletes and focus on Liam Malone, a former New Zealand Paralympian who gave a Ted Talk in 2017. In his presentation, he stated that he now believes that with the help of the advances of technology and his mindset, his disability is his greatest ability. He contrasted this thinking to when he was growing up. As a kid, Liam wanted nothing more than to feel ‘able’, to keep up with his friends as they were walking, running and swimming, but he was limited by the engineering of his two prosthetic lower legs. When he was upset by this, his father would console him and predict that one day, someone would design legs that would allow Liam to run better and faster than his friends. This came true with the creation of the running blade. The running blade’s sole purpose is to make its user faster, and its design is actually based on the hind leg of a cheetah, the fastest land animal. The running blade is lightweight, more energy efficient, and unlike muscles, it can’t become fatigued while running.

“ Disability is

the inability to see ability. ”

- Vikas Khanna

Liam’s aim is for prosthetic technology to advance so that bilateral amputees run faster than Olympic athletes without a disability. He is not hampered by society’s idea of an athlete, and fully embraces the potential of disabled athletes. Vikas Khanna said, “Disability is the inability to see ability,” and this is a disability that Liam and others that think like him do not have. People should not be defined by their disability, or the way society might perceive potential or ability to contribute. Everyone, whether they have a disability or not, has the ability to inspire others.

Liam Malone running in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Photo: NZ Herald/Getty Images

PUZZLES Braille Alphabet and Numbers

A few fun facts! One, there are two types of braille. The braille here is uncontracted, meaning letter for letter. Most braille for experienced uses is contracted, meaning there are some things, like whole words or parts of words, that have single cell signs. Secondly, its only the first ten letters that have unique patterns. The rest are simply the first ten repeated with either an extra dot, or two extra dots! Numbers use the first ten letters a – j, but are preceded by the number sign, which means it becomes 1 to 0, with j as 0, until there is a space. Transcribe these three jokes from Braille into English. Use the letters and guides on the other page to help you with this.

Some Kind Of …ist An open letter to Humanity.

I have always been told, “You are a Person with a Disability, disability does not define you

Dear Humanity, let me ask you something.

and it should not come first. But you must also

Why, in a society where all groups are screaming

accept that your disability is an important part

out for acceptance, can we not inside these

of you, and you must embrace it, and own it.”

groups accept differences? Why do we find it

(Contradictory? Hypocrisy?). However, I don’t

so difficult to accept those who don’t adhere

like using the word “disabled” when talking

strictly to that group’s, that label’s, currently

about myself or defining myself and I don’t want

accepted definition? We shame them, we accuse

to use person-first language. I don’t want to be

them of being prejudiced, of being unaccepting of

known as the writer with a “disability” or the

themselves and then call them some kind of …ist.

“disabled” writer. I believe if being a person first is so important then why must being disabled even

In fact, the most discrimination I have ever

come second or at all in my definition? If I had to

experienced has come from inside my own label of

pick ten words that defined me, “disabled” would

“disabled”. Why? Because I don’t fit perfectly into

not be one of them.

their currently accepted cookie-cutter definition. The first time I experienced discrimination was

I have been told that I “clearly have an issue with

from an art mentor with a disability in a program

accepting my disability” because I don’t share all

for people with disability. And I have continued to

the currently accepted beliefs that come with the

experience this from artists, students and other

label of “disabled”. I have even been told off for

people with disability my whole life.

not wanting to declare my disability to an official business to get offered services. Even when I don’t

Now I don’t adhere to many of my other labels’

need these services. Being told that I “clearly don’t

currently accepted definitions, (disabled, female,

understand what’s being offered to me”. When I

bisexual) and I frequently get shamed for it. As

just don’t see the need to declare my disability and

such, I rarely speak up about how I feel or what I

take services that I do not require.

believe. Because, well to put it crudely, my opinion always seems to bite me in the arse.

So, I end up being accused of being “ableist”, told that I am “encouraging discrimination”, and accused of being “pro-Eugenics”. All this from other people with disability and all because I don’t want to use the word “disabled” when defining who I am, and don’t fit the label’s cookie-cutter definition. We live in a time where we are constantly being

told to be accepting of what people want to be called. Name, gender, pronouns, sexual identity etc. However, there is an underlying prerequisite to this, it must fit into that label’s currently acceptable terms. Terms that are constantly changing and evolving. So, Humanity let me ask you…

- Why have I been made to feel less of a person by other people with disability all because I don’t want to use the word “disabled” in my definition? - Why can’t this be my personal choice? - Why must I check all the currently acceptable boxes to be accepted by the label of “disabled”? - When did identifying as “disabled” become the most important part of who someone is or must be? - When did it become acceptable to force people to use the word “disabled” in identifying themselves? - When did it become ok to harass people who don’t want to? - Why is this even important to anyone else but the individual? - Why is this anyone else’s business (with disability or not)? I strongly believe that I, that we, don’t have to adhere to all the checkboxes in any of our labels. And maybe those who judge me on that, who shame me for that are what’s wrong with this world. Because if we, if you, can’t accept the differences inside our own labels, how can we expect those outside of them to accept us? You know, maybe I can be accused of being different from the norm, being a little quirky, and being middle ground. Maybe in today’s world, I am just some kind of …ist. And you know what, I am ok with that. All my love, from one of your own. Evangelia Karageorgos PS. Get Well Soon. 31

ADHD Diagnosis in the Digital Age Words By Katia Rawlings Dr Google? Step aside and make way for Diagnosis TikTok. It can seem like there has been an epidemic of ADHD over recent times, and when you dig a little into where the thought process came from, for many, they saw a TikTok. Social Media has become an epic platform for the transfer of information. Fake news, research, stories, lies. Gen Z are experts at wading through the slush pile selecting tidbits they relate to and the most recent of these things is ADHD. With the power of social media platforms, truth bombs about the influence of centuries of male dominated health research and its impact on the diagnostic criteria for conditions like Autism and ADHD have broken open the hidden struggle of the female presentation of these conditions. Vocal young women and open-minded health experts have posted detailed bites about the different presentations of ADHD. This has opened a whole new world of selfdiagnoses, helping girls and women understand more about themselves and answer questions they have had for years. Why am I different? Why can’t I just concentrate on this properly? Why am I overwhelmed??? ADHD has 3 forms, Inattentive, Hyperactive and Inattentive/Hyperactive combined. It is caused by an insufficiency of neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. To be fair, it’s not just men researching men that has delayed the understanding of ADHD in women. It’s also the symptoms and the social perception of these. The boy in class who can’t sit still, gets agitated and flighty and maybe lashed out is easier

to notice than a girl who seems over excited, chatty and a daydreamer. Symptoms go beyond restlessness, fidgeting and talkativeness. Common signs in women include disorganisation, forgetfulness, problems listening, overspending, indecision and paper clutter. Undiagnosed women can present with burn out, anxiety and overwhelm. Maybe its not that you aren’t coping – maybe your brain needs some extra support. And thanks to the digital age – we didn’t need to wait on new research and understanding to mosey its way along into the research journals and filter down to your GP and teachers – the ladies got loud! Loud, proud and public on social media declaring the new information and spreading it as fast as possible so that others from the sisterhood could get the support they need ASAP. Whilst it is great that more awareness is coming from people sharing their stories and struggles with ADHD, there is potential harm to it as well. Whilst many people (myself included) can relate to many things these influencers and storytellers are saying, an ADHD diagnosis is not so clear cut. There may be people who use the struggles of others to influence the meaning of what ADHD really is by misusing a self-diagnosis to get out of things. In the age of the internet so many people have the capability to research and understand more about disabilities and disorders than ever before, creating more opportunities for people to understand themselves more. If you do feel like you may have ADHD it is still important to get a professional diagnosis, to ensure that the information you receive is catered for you.

The Metamorphosis

A Metaphor for Disability (Review and Interpretation) A reality born from an absurd situation that is sad and haunting. ‘The Metamorphosis’ is a short story by Franz Kafka about Gregor Samsa, a salesman who wakes up one morning inexplicably transformed from a human being into a large bug. We follow Gregor and his family as they navigate their struggle to reconcile Gregor’s humanity with his transformation. We watch them as they transform and adapt to handle this unexpected occurrence. In its essence, ‘The Metamorphosis’ is about transformation and a dysfunctional family. One could assert that Gregor’s condition is used as a metaphor for disability and chronic illness, exploring the impact these have on oneself and one’s family. ‘[I]n spite of his present unhappy and hateful appearance, Gregor was a member of the family, something one should not treat as an enemy, and that it was, on the contrary, a requirement of family duty to suppress one’s aversion and to endure — nothing else, just endure.’ Gregor’s reality is emphasised over that of the other characters. As such, we only see each member of the Samsa family through Gregor’s eyes. This gives us a darker and sadder look at the impact of illness and disability and shows us how the way we are treated by those around us can affect our mental and physical health. This story does not spoon-feed us fantasies about life but rather shows us the internal human struggle to find value and meaning after unexpected change. A symbolic tale of a young man, once the family breadwinner, who is suddenly afflicted with a disability or illness (his bug transformation) that he has no control over, and the subsequent impact on and reaction from himself and his family (grief, hate, resignation, endurance, and relief). This reveals the simple truth that, when we assign too much value and responsibility to an individual, if they break, everyone suffers. We watch on as Gregor’s family struggle to come to terms with his change. As they mistreat and neglect him more and more, he

becomes isolated from not just his community but his family. His sister is the only one willing to enter his room, even though she can’t stand to see or interact with him, and does not think he is capable of understanding anyone anymore. A haunting reality for many who acquire a disability. ‘…for she was convinced that he did not understand her words — “and isn’t it a fact that by removing the furniture we’re showing that we’re giving up all hope of an improvement and are leaving him to his own resources without any consideration?’ ‘The Metamorphosis’ reflects the real-life treatment of those with physical or intellectual disability during the twentieth century. Predominantly ostracised by their families and hidden away (often in an asylum) keeping them apart from others, under the guise of that it’s ‘for their own protection’. This tale is chilling and fascinating, especially given the current and very real Pandemic playing on many of our fears. Fear of the unknown, fear of illness and disability affecting us or those close to us, and fear of isolation and alienation from our community. Getting us thinking about our own limits, our intolerance, and the sympathy we give and receive. What would you do if someone you loved was to acquire a disability or get sick suddenly? How would you accept it, and adjust to it? How long would your sympathy for them last? This story combines real life, symbolism and the absurd, making it an interesting but also challenging read. Although it is fictitious, its depiction of rejection for being different (disabled) feeds into our fears, and its sentiments towards isolation feel real. This story won’t be everyone’s cup of tea with its dark depiction of life and illness. Nonetheless, it is worth challenging yourself to read it and find your own meaning to its tale. You never know, you might just start to enjoy the absurd after all. Words by Evangelia Karageorgos 33

PUZZLE ANSWERS

1. Where do you learn to make a banana split? Sundae school.

2. Why can’t your nose be 12 inches long? Because then it would be a foot.

3. What did the ocean say to the shore? Nothing, it just waved.

N e x t Edit io n Are you ready for Issue 7?! Deadlines for this issue have closed, and the magazine is currently in its editing phases, but make sure to keep a lookout on our socials for when the physical and online copies will be available! Did you manage to find Flynn the Mallard Duck? He is in here! Make sure to send us a picture of the page he’s on (if you find him) for your chance to win a cash prize! If you want to contribute to the magazine, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any ideas or submissions you have! Whether it be for a story, poem, photospread, cartoon, or article, we’d love to hear from you.

Mark your calendars! Issue 8 deadlines close on October 1st! The theme is ADVENTURE. Feel free to take the theme as literally or as figuratively as you’d like! Contact us! Email: empiretimes@flinders.edu.au Website:empiretimesmagazine.com Instagram: @empire.times Facebook: /empiretimesmag

Adventure 35

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