Zavier Price is fearless.
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The eight-year-old student at Eaglehawk North Primary School is a ball of energy. If he falls down, he gets back up again.
Watching him play soccer, you can barely tell Zavier is vision impaired.
Zavier has a condition called Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis which causes his retinas to degenerate.
Since very early on in his life he’s had assistance from Vision Australia to help him develop skills at the same pace as other kids.
Help has included occupational therapy, loans of equipment and classroom support and technology.
It’s allowed him to be what he is: a normal, eight-year-old.
Zavier’s story is so successful that Vision Australia has chosen him as one of the Fab Four. These four children with vision impairment from around the country are helping Vision Australia promote its carols by candlelight fundraising campaign.
There are four children because every dollar donated to the campaign will be turned into $4 by Vision Australia’s sponsors.
Zavier’s success is the result of years of help from Vision Australia, and a fair bit of hard work from him and his family.
When he was younger, life was hard for Zavier’s mum Stacey Hampson.
Doctors told her Zavier would never be able to do much, or see much.
Even simple things like taking him to the supermarket were difficult, as Zavier would be overwhelmed by all the noises.
Now Ms Hampson parents a healthy, happy child who likes soccer, maths, PE and computer lab.
“He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Ms Hampson said.
“With the help of Vision Australia, he can go out.
“They were amazing help, I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Occupational therapist Carlia Rix has been working with Zavier since he was learning to walk.
He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations.
- Stacey Hampson
When he was little Zavier would have weekly sessions to help him develop his skills.
Now Ms Rix needs to see him fortnightly or monthly, to continue to assess his needs.
One of the things Ms Rix loves about working with Zavier is that after learning one skill, he’s always got the next goal lined up.
“He is the best. He’s highly charismatic, there’s never a dull moment,” Ms Rix said.
“It’s just a pleasure to work with a great mum, and family.”
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