Parents Create Special School for Daughter
ABC Mid North Coast
Topic: People With Disability
Sat 13 Jun 2026 at 9:46am
Lillian Rowsell's parents made a special school for her. They call it the university of life. Lillian's parents wanted to help her learn and have fun.
Lillian's parents looked for a creative way to help her when she couldn't go to school anymore.
Lillian's mom said, 'All her friends went to university, so we made our own university.'
They called it the university of life.
Lillian does different activities every day with her support worker. She has a routine that helps her achieve her daily goals.
Lillian's parents set up a special space for her in her grandfather's flat. It's like a campus just for her.
Lillian's mom said making a separate space for her was the best option. They thought about setting it up in their own home.
Lillian gets to leave her house every day with a purpose. She's not just staying at home.
Lillian's mom wants to give her the best life possible. Lillian had a rare brain condition when she was a baby.
Lillian had seizures, and the only way to help her was to remove half of her brain.
Lillian went to mainstream school with the help of her aides. They followed her to high school.
The school community was very supportive of Lillian. They cheered her on and included her in activities.
Purpose beyond school
Lillian's parents didn't find any suitable options for her outside of school. So, they made their own special space.
Lillian's family and support workers help her every day. The National Disability Insurance Scheme helps fund her support.
Kellie says Lillian is like family, and she'll never lose contact with her.
A researcher said Lillian's family's approach to her education is unique and beneficial.
The researcher said the family's approach is possible because of individualized funding.
For someone with complex needs, this funding can make a big difference. It can help them have a full and active life.
Young people with disabilities want to keep growing and learning after school. They want to stay connected and belong.
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A researcher said many families feel like they're falling off a cliff when their child finishes school.
School provides routine, learning, therapy, and relationships. But when it ends, there's often nothing to replace it.
The problem isn't the goal, but the system rarely offers a way to reach it.
Lillian uses visual cards to choose her activities every day.
Kellie and Debbie helped set up Lillian's learning plan and space. They used visuals and choices to help her.
Lillian points to cards to choose her activities. She can play games, do educational activities, or go bowling.
Lillian's family invited her community to the university of life open day. 50 people came to see what they were doing.
The university of life started in January 2020.
Lillian's dad said they wanted to show their community what they were doing. So, they hosted an open day.
50 people came to the open day, and they all got to see what Lillian was doing every day.
Lillian still attends the university of life daily. Her mom said she's seen small but significant improvements in her.
Lillian can respond to questions faster now. It used to take her a long time to understand and process what was asked.
Lillian spends time on the computer doing interactive games. She uses a touchscreen to play.
Lillian gets excited for her day at the university of life. She slaps her leg to show she's happy.
Lillian's family and support workers make sure she has social activities. She does dance class, music, and bowling.
Other NDIS participants have joined Lillian at the university of life for a while if they're a good fit.
Lillian's pop is the head of the music faculty. He brings Lillian into the 'school of rock' every day.
Unique uni to inspire others, mum hopes
Lillian's mom hopes their model can inspire others to find unique ways to support people with disabilities.
Every person deserves choices and support. The NDIS has given Lillian and others this opportunity.
Lillian's mom hopes their story will inspire others to create their own unique solutions.
Sat 13 Jun 2026 at 9:46am
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