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Lusi Faiva is using her dance and performance talents to mentor others. OUR LIFE Member Stories Lusi’s Story: Award-winning stage performer ready for next goal Performer and dancer Lusi Faiva’s exposure to the performing arts came when she was a teenager. She was approached about being involved in a drama group, and despite not having any acting experience, Lusi, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy – Spastic Quadriplegia as a two-year-old, embraced the opportunity, sparking a life-long love of performing. Ten years later she attended a contemporary dance audition workshop for people with different abilities which resulted in her joining Touch Compass as a dancer, performer and founding member. Touch Compass became Aotearoa’s first integrated dance company to have dancers with, and without, disabilities. Grace’s Story: Getting behind the wheel is a good feeling Unlike most young adults, Grace Lee had to jump through a fair few extra hoops to get her driver licence, and her first car. She was born four months premature and was diagnosed with Congenital Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia which affects her balance. For Grace, the barrier to driving was about accessing providers of disabled driving lessons, paying for specialised lessons in a modified vehicle, and paying for the modifications to a car. “I had to take public transport which was quite tiring for me because I can’t walk long distances. But it’s hard to keep my balance on moving and crowded trains and buses.” From there Lusi’s performed and had professional training here and overseas, performed in solo and group performances, at festivals, twice at the Paralympics, in theatre and short film. She’s also claimed a number of prestigious awards. She is now a mentor and tutor with Touch Compass – a role where she works with people who have a disability, and those who are able-bodied, in community classes and workshops. “It’s a great opportunity to mentor people – sharing life’s experiences and skills. I think it could be an inspiration to them.” In July 2021, Lusi was appointed to the Touch Compass Artistic Direction Panel – making her one of three artists with artistic backgrounds and a disability to lead the company. Cerebral Palsy affects Lusi’s muscle coordination, walking and speech – she uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to communicate. Getting behind the wheel didn’t come easy for Grace Lee. The full version of this article was published in The Review Jan-April 2022 . 20 | ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2021-2022