Marie Younan "A Different Kind of Seeing" for International Day of People with Disability

Event Description

Join writer/Interviewer Claire Halliday in conversation with Marie Younan. Marie was born in 1952 into a family of Assyrian refugees living in north-eastern Syria. Her book "A Different Kind of Seeing" (co-written with her friend and teacher, Jill Sanguinetti), shares a story of courage & resilience - & the transformative power of language, friendship, education, & the kindness of strangers.

Accidentally blinded by her grandmother as a baby, in 1978, things changed when - after fleeing persecution & violence, first to Beirut & then to Athens - Marie joined the rest of her family & migrated to Australia.

Without English or sight, Marie depended on her family for everything & after three failed operations to restore her vision, Marie admits to feeling only "half-alive".

Then, in 1985, aged 33, she attended the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. A close bond with her Braille teacher, Ben, helped her become fluent in English & also in Braille.

Learning how to communicate & also walk with a cane, Marie's world opened - & continues to expand, in her life as a professional interpreter with counsellors & refugees at the Foundation Centre for Survivors of Torture.

Notes & Requirements

Books will be available for sale on the day for $20 cash. The library is wheelchair accessible and Hearing Loop is available upon request.

Event Partner

https://www.idpwd.com.au/

Bookings

This event has concluded. It's a little too late to make a booking!