About this Short Film
Disabilities Do Not Define Us, from Balaklava High School (Australia, 2025), is a short film that explores themes of challenge, group life and intellectual disability within a school setting. Quiet and attentive, it invites viewers to consider how young people navigate friendships, expectations and day-to-day routines. The film sits comfortably within the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival program, which highlights the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. Presented by a school-based filmmaker, this piece offers an immediate, humane perspective on teenage life and encourages audiences to look beyond labels to the person beneath.
Film Details
Country:
Australia
State:
South Australia
Category:
School Documentaries
Genre:
Informational
Festival Year:
2025
Filmmaker:
Balaklava High School
Film Transcript
Hi, my name is Seth. I'm a Year 12 student at BLA High School and I have a global disability. This means that learning can take me a little longer than it does for others, but I won't let that control my life at school or in CFS.
Howdy. Now, I bet that's not what you expected me to say, but don't jump to any conclusions. Don't judge a book by its cover. Now, let's try that again. My name is Haley Coohl. This isn't normally what I wear — it's just my work gear. I love working on a dairy and sheep farm in the southeast of South Australia. I talk, walk, breathe and eat just like everyone else. But I have what some people call a disability. I prefer to think of it as a powerful ability. So get over it.
When I first joined the CFS, Jules ran a volunteer day for Spec Ops at BHS where they showed us all the tools used to fight fires. From the very beginning, I knew this was something I wanted to be part of. At first, it was really hard and I struggled to keep up because I didn't always understand what the cadet coordinator was teaching us. But they went over things again and again, making sure we could grasp them over time. I started to pick things up. It was challenging, but also incredible and rewarding, and I loved every minute of it. Now I've been in the CFS for almost 4 years. We train in Owen at the CFS station every fortnight on Monday evenings from 5 to 6:30.
Mainstream English was intimidating and overwhelming at first. The pressure to keep up and succeed like a neurotypical student was so intense, and I wouldn't ask for help during class. To support me, the school arranged an SSO — a Student Support Officer — to assist me with both my academic work and social interactions. Having that support made me feel more comfortable in the classroom. Now I can complete my work without needing constant help. My English teacher also made accommodations by breaking down assignment questions and explaining formats and layouts to me. This gave me the confidence to start asking and answering class questions. Over time, I began talking to my classmates outside of English lessons, whether it was in the yard or working on homework.
One of the biggest hurdles for me was asking for help. I didn't want to seem like I was falling behind or that I didn't belong there, so I kept a lot of my questions to myself at first. But over time, things started to shift. The people around me turned out to be incredibly supportive and kind. They took the time to explain things in ways I could understand, often going over them more than once so I could fully grasp what was happening. They were patient and understanding and all wanted to help me succeed. Their support made me feel different. It helped me feel more comfortable asking questions and gave me the confidence to keep learning and improving. I realised that even though I had started off feeling like an outsider, I was surrounded by people who were willing to meet me where I was and help me grow.
We all have challenges. We all have things that make life harder. But that doesn't mean we stop. That doesn't mean we let the world tell us who we are. We define ourselves by our passions, by our dreams, by what we choose to do, not what others expect of us. Our disabilities are a part of us, but they do not define us. We are more than labels. We are without limits. We got this.
Filmmaker
Balaklava High School is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Balaklava High School.
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2 comments
Great video Well done to you all
We always remember Seth as a very well mannered boy and are wishing Him all the best for His future. Vickey Andrew.