Charlestown teenager Connor Wink has released his first single on iTunes. The inspiring song, ‘I am Life’, was created from a poem he wrote for an English assignment in year 7. It gives an insight into how he feels about life and how he tackles the day to day challenges brought about by his blindness.
Connor, who has been a talented musician from an early age, has extremely low vision due to a rare genetic eye disorder called Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, a condition that affects cells in the peripheral part of the retina. He can only see shadows.
“Connor has always loved music. He started playing the piano when he was 2 and singing when he turned 5. Now he plays the Ukulele, which gives a unique folk, country and Hawaiian feel to his music,” said Connor’s mum and manager Tracey Wink.
Vision Australia supports Connor and his family with specialist training and advice designed to ensure he meets his childhood milestones. For example, children who are blind or have low vision don’t receive visual stimuli to encourage them to reach out and grasp at objects, so parents learn how to do this using sensory toys.
“We have been coming to Vision Australia since Connor was very little. At first, we learnt how to help Connor to develop his hand and body strength through physio and OT. Now he regularly attends the school holiday programs,” she said.
In December, Connor was selected to perform to an audience of 5,000, alongside professionals such as The Wiggles, at the Variety Kids Christmas Party in Sydney’s All Phones Arena.
“I love performing,” says Connor. I enjoy singing and playing my Ukulele, but the best part is meeting so many people.”
Vision Australia helps to support hundreds of people from Newcastle and the Hunter who have low vision and high hopes. Drop in to the centre, 7-9 Beaumont St, Hamilton or call 02 4927 3300 to find out how.