Sarah Rose Talks About Sport, Disability and Kids

Sarah Rose is a three-times Palalympian, disability advocate, mother of two and Playschool superstar. Now, she can add 'author' to her impressive list of achievements.

Sarah's new book ABC Disability is a big-hearted guide to disability that celebrates uniqueness. She chats with Lunch Lady about how she got into sport, why she wrote the book and the importance of talking to kids about disability.

Can you share the moment when you decided the write this book.

When I came back to Australia after the London Paralympic Games in 2012,  I began doing school visits. It was then that I discovered there were no books in the market that featured people with a disability throughout the story, or no books that explain disabilities in a child-friendly and engaging way.

That realisation made me think back to when I was a kid at school. I remember learning the alphabet. But I don't remember being taught about disabilities, diversity or the importance of real inclusion. I've had to learn those lessons by myself and now I want to share them with the world. 

One in five Australians live with a disability, and the disability community is big and beautiful, bold and bright. This is a big part of the inspiration behind my children's book, ABC Disability. I want my children and their friends to learn about disability and diversity because I never did. 

The book is a fun and colourful introduction to an alphabet of disability terms and a timely reminder that there's no shame in being different. I honestly think this book will change lives, just as the Paralympics changed mine. 

You’re a three time Paralympian swimmer. Can you tell us what this journey has been like?

The journey has been life changing!

I knew nothing about the Paralympic Games until the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. My mum bought tickets to the Paralympics, and we went to Homebush to watch some events. I couldn't believe what I saw: elite athletes at the top of their game who also happened to be disabled. It was the first time I felt truly seen. I was 14.

Up until then, I hadn't really seen people with dwarfism competing at the top of their game. I was born with dwarfism, and seeing the athleticism at the Paralympic Games flicked a switch inside me. 

I remember lining up for autographs and being inspired when one of the athletes told me to take the initiative and make a mark. Be good at what you love. I had always loved to swim and enjoyed training with a squad. I started in a disability swim program at my local pool and my coach thought I had potential so I moved to an elite training squad.

After watching the Paralympics, I knew I wanted to compete at the Games. I stepped up my swimming, climbed the ranks and eventually started training at the NSW Institute of Sport.

For the first time, I felt like I was actually good at something. I trained my arse off and qualified for the 2004 Athens Olympics. I was 18.

I clearly remember touching the wall at the end of the Women's 50m Butterfly S6 event. I looked up at the stands to see my parents, brother and his girlfriend. I'd won bronze and got to stand on the podium in front of my family, my coach and teammates. Time slowed down and I felt every tiny emotion very deeply. I was relieved, stoked and enormously proud.

After Athens, I competed at the 2008 Beijing Games and the 2012 London Games.

This year, the Paralympics are being broadcast on Channel Nine, so all the Aussies can cheer loudly from home. I'll be in Paris to help with athlete welfare.

Why is it important to talk to kids about disability?

Raising inclusive kids starts at home. As parents and caregivers, we can create a loving and supportive environment for all children. Talk to your kids about disability and differences. Kids need to understand disability is a part of society. 

Our differences really are what make us special. They’re part of our individual uniqueness and they make the world a better, more interesting place. Kids need to understand that. 

What myths do we need to dispel around disability?

One in five Australians live with a disability, so it needs to be spoken about a lot more and normalised. Firstly, I think it's important to recognise that disability doesn't look the same for everybody. There are many invisible disabilities that we can't see. Those people often need support, so we should recognise that disability comes in many forms.

Also, avoid assumptions about what someone with a disability can or cannot do. People are affected by disabilities in different ways, and not every person's experience with a disability is the same. People with disabilities have a wide range of experiences, and we can broaden our understanding when we listen to their stories. 

You’re a disability advocate. What does that mean?

I am constantly working towards a fairer and more equitable society for people with disabilities. I think most people with disabilities are advocates. I wish that I didn't need to be a disability advocate, but our society has so far to go. When I see proper representation in the workforce, as decision makers on boards, on TV, in advertising campaigns, in politics and in society, I would have done my job. Representation matters.

Also, alarmingly, people with a disability are much more likely to experience domestic violence at significantly higher rates. In particular, women with disability are at greatest risk; they also experience many barriers to accessing support services. We have a real problem in this country.  

What has been some reactions to the book so far?

Phenomenal (insert happy tears)! I did not realise ABC Disability would receive such positive feedback.

I've had many people reach out and say they'd never felt seen like this before or never seen their disability represented like this before.

Children are learning the Auslan alphabet from the book, and they're teaching their friends at school.

Children are also having conversations about disability, and they're using the correct terminology at a young age. This is groundbreaking to the concept of inclusiveness for all. 

If children in my primary class had access to this book, they would have learnt about all types of disabilities, disability aids and practical tips, and things could have been a lot easier for kids like me growing up.

What is your advice on having conversations with kids about disability?

Keep it simple and normalise kids being curious, asking questions and having conversations around disability and differences. Remember, disability is nothing to be ashamed of. By having open and honest conversations, we can reassure each other and build confidence in understanding and celebrating diversity.
Asking questions and being curious is a wonderful thing. Read ABC Disability and other books that feature kids with disabilities to better understand, welcome and celebrate differences. Continue the conversation about how differences make us unique and the world a better, more interesting place.

What work do you think needs to be done on the current social narrative around disability? 

A hell of a lot! 

We need to have more open discussions around disability and why the disability employment rate is so low, why mental health in the disability community is at an all-time high, and why the suicide rate for people with a disability is one of the highest groups. Why domestic violence for people with a disability is disproportionally higher.

We need to see representation everywhere! We can't be what we can't see!

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Sarah Rose Talks About Sport, Disability and Kids is published in partnership with Hachette Australia. Follow them on Instagram, or follow Sarah Rose. You can buy ABC Disability here.   

For more conversations about disability read, Talking About Disability With Kids, Parenting Around the World with Nina Tame or Sam Drummond's chat about parenting with disability.