A Portarlington woman who is afraid of heights is adopting the mantra ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ as she prepares to join 12 of her colleagues at St Anne’s Special School, Newbridge, to raise funds for the school by taking part in a sponsored parachute jump at Clonbullogue Airfield on Sunday, June 23.
Danielle Lawlor, 47, originally from Bracklone Street and now living in Derrymore, has resided in Portarlington all her life.
She is a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in St Anne’s Special School in Newbridge.
Also part of the group from the school taking part in the parachute jump is teacher Lorraine O’Dea who is living in Durrow.
She has a head for heights and is eagerly awaiting the challenge. Danielle has worked in St. Anne’s Special School since 2011.
“Previous to my role as a SNA, I worked with adults with additional needs for 10 years. I’m currently in a classroom with six pupils,” she says.
“My job is extremely rewarding. What I love most about it is supporting students on their educational journeys.
“Being a SNA, you create a very special bond with students you work with.
“We help students to participate in class activities while also providing support and encouragement to help them build confidence, independence and social skills in order for them to reach their full potential,” Danielle says.
Danielle has just graduated with a level 6 diploma from UCD on inclusive school support and attends short online Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses in specific areas relevant to her role and the students with whom she works.
Parachute jumping was never on her bucket list.
“I have never done anything like this before. I’m afraid of heights and am always nervous boarding a plane. I don’t even go on rollercoasters at a theme park.
“At first, my family thought I was crazy for putting my name forward for it, knowing how I am with heights and flying. But they are very encouraging and supportive.
“My children are very proud that I am challenging myself for such a great cause, as they know how passionate I am about my job and the students I work with.
“When I think of it, it’s nothing in comparison to the challenges the students and their families face on a daily basis,” says Danielle.
“I am nervous but my focus at the moment is on raising lots of money for the school that will help the students have the school experience they deserve. I’ll worry about the jump on the morning of it,” she remarks.
Lorraine is a newly qualified special education teacher and has been working in St. Anne’s Special School since last September.
“I am currently teaching a senior ASD class. I work with students who are both verbal and non-verbal, and aged between 16 and 18-years-old, with moderate to severe learning difficulties,” she says.
“Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to taking part in this skydive as it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now and it’s even better that it’s for such a great cause.
“The monies raised will go towards sensory and educational resources,” outlines Danielle.
“They will also go towards our wheelchair bus. This is a vital resource for our students to participate in the community and attend extra curricular activities such as therapeutic horse riding, social training and school trips.”
If you wish to donate to Danielle or Lorraine you can do by clicking on their names.
