Talofa
My name is Naomi and I’m Samoan, born and bred in South Auckland. I use a power wheelchair to move around because of my disability called Muscular Dystrophy. This means my bones are small and weak. Despite living with barriers daily, I like to think I do some pretty cool stuff.
Since the age of 12, I’ve been working within disability sector. Now at 25, I’m working with young people with disabilities in various spaces, including advocacy and creative arts. This work allows me to be expressive through a social justice perspective, while showcasing who I am as a Pacific leader working with young Pacific individuals with disabilities.
My love for gaming started when I was little. Introduced to the PlayStation 4 by my brothers, I quickly became hooked on games like GTA and Crash Bandicoot. Gaming became my favourite pastime after school and on weekends, offering me an escape from reality as I immersed myself in learning and unlocking new levels and tricks.
Why am I interested in trying the new controller? As someone with muscular dystrophy, my bones may weaken further, possibly affecting how I use a controller. Experiencing a different way of gaming would be exciting. It’s providing me with the opportunity to test it on behalf of my young peers who face their own barriers to gaming. Adapting to all abilities is essential, which is why I’m eager to share my experiences!
Let’s level up together!