Proving there are many opportunities for people with vision impairment and inspiring others to work towards their dream.
Mehdi Hassani was born into the Hazara minority in Afghanistan in 1998. Mehdi grew up speaking both Hazargi and Dari, and these language skills would help him successfully learn English later in life.
With a brother already in Australia, Mehdi and his four siblings made the courageous decision to leave their war-torn homeland and seek asylum in Australia.
They landed in Sydney, but after a difficult time in primary school, they moved to Melbourne and settled in Cranbourne. Mehdi was born with Optive Nerve Atrophy causing detail, like people’s faces and writing, to be fuzzy, thus effecting his confidence at school and in social settings.
Mehdi still recalls with fondness an Integration Aid that came to help him in early high school and how their support led to important progress in his learning.
Fortunately, in high school Mehdi was also encouraged to participate in school athletics, thus discovering his talent for running. Mehdi proudly went on to compete and do well in many State and National Cross Country competitions.
In 2014, at the age of 16, Mehdi was introduced to Darren, the coach of BSRV’s affiliated Blind Soccer program. Henceforth began Mehdi’s unwavering passion for playing soccer and helping younger children with vision loss learn the game; Mehdi says, “I like football because it’s very fast paced, a moving sport that’s high intensity, it doesn’t get boring, there’s always a drama and it finishes soon, not like cricket!”
In 2016-17, Mehdi joined the BSRV team to do his VCAL work experience, and subsequently, his placement for a Certificate III in Sport & Recreation. Mehdi said of his time with BSRV that, “I learnt so much, I learnt about all the sports available for people with vision loss, it showed me that just because you have a vision impairment, you shouldn’t be ruled out, there are lots of opportunities.”
Mehdi’s educational achievements have continued to grow as he completed a Diploma in Sports Development at Victoria University, and a double degree in Sports Management and Business. Currently, Mehdi is employed as a Technology Analyst, but soon he plans on undertaking a Graduate Degree in Orientation & Mobility.
Mehdi also wants to become a motivational speaker for the future generation of young people with vision loss and to ultimately, use his adversity to inspire hope. Mehdi explains, “I want to tell the kids that nothing’s impossible, you just have to work towards that goal or dream, just being dedicated, believing in yourself, you’ll get there eventually. I started from nothing, there are always challenges, but I said to myself, don’t give up!”
Written by Miriam Bilander (BSRV Program Manager).
“The learning curve was steep but I learnt quickly. Rick is patient, experienced as a runner and extremely motivated” said Carlos, BSRV volunteer.
"We became fast friends and have never been at a loss for things to talk and laugh about!"
Heading out most weekends, Annette and BSRV volunteer Andrew are sharing their joy of riding as they explore their local area.
Since losing his sight, Paul has faced challenges head on and believes that anything is possible.
