Learning is for Everyone
Peta heralds changes for Midland TAFE campus
 Peta Crane is no stranger to the challenges of a physical disability.
At the age of 13, Peta was diagnosed as a quadriplegic following a trampoline accident, but defied the predictions of doctors by walking again. Today she walks with the assistance of a walking stick, and sometimes with no assistance at all, but still remains more than aware of the demands placed on students with disabilities.
"I spent four years at the Midland College of TAFE studying towards a Diploma in Human Services, and have now returned to the same campus to complete a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Human Services, through Edith Cowan University," she explained.
Peta has not only benefited personally from the services of Midland’s Disability Officer, but has also taken an active role in improving these services for the benefit of other students with disabilities.
"I am a member of the campus Disability Committee, where I have had an opportunity to suggest a number of changes to the college’s Montreal Road Annex," she said.
"In addition, I have been asked by the campus administration to represent the college at a number of workshops aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities."
Changes resulting from Peta’s involvement both with the Disability Committee and the Disability Officer have certainly benefited campus students.
Improved accessibility has included ramps and self-opening doors for wheelchair access, and Peta has been able to point out minor issues that people without a disability would not consider, such as a non-skid surface for the canteen.
Peta said she was able to bring a new perspective to the Disability Committee on how it feels to be a student with a disability.
"Having missed out on most of high school following my accident, I appreciate the importance of an education and I will not allow my disability to prevent me from achieving my goals," Peta said.
"For me, ‘can’t’ does not exist, and I hope that I have proved to be a positive role model not only for students with disabilities, but for every other student also."
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