Who or what brings light into your life?

Karleigh | Tauranga

Karleigh shares how small acts of accessibility and support helped her thrive, offering a hopeful glimpse of what true inclusion could look like everywhere.

“One recent moment that made me full of laughter was when I was involved in Tauranga Musical Theatre’s production of The Prom.

I was an ensemble member. It was a very fun story, but it was also a fun story with messages of inclusion and acceptance, which is something I’m really passionate about, especially being neurodivergent and living with tremors and other bits and bobs.

Everyone, from the production team to my cast-mates and even the crew, just wanted me to do well. They put things in place so I could smash through the barriers I met. Little things, like putting velcro on one of my costumes so I didn’t have to fluff around with buttons. I’ve got essential tremor, and buttons and I don’t get along very well.

So having someone from the wardrobe team put velcro where I would normally do buttons meant I could get ready all by myself and not have to rely on people helping me, especially during the busy getting ready stuff. It also allowed me to keep calm and not having to rush, which made my anxiety feel better.

It’s amazing, and I honestly wish it was more like that for disabled and neurodivergent people everywhere. But sadly, it’s not. So… that little theatre community – it’s just a little glimpse of what I want to see in the future.”