I was invited to perform a cameo role in a StarJam production. I was astounded by the energy and quality of the children’s performances and moved by the whole occasion

Daniel Gourlay

From the Blue chair to the Red Carpet - Daniel’s story

I went to school by taxi. Bill would pick me up first & chat about our weekend as we picked up the others. It was a car so all our bags went into the boot. Bill trusted me to shut the boot & get back in the taxi quickly & safely. But someone complained about me jumping in & out of the taxi. One of the teachers followed us home.Then phoned my mum & told her I was not allowed in the taxi ever again.

Daniel - from the Blue Chair,
to the Red Carpet

On the blue chair the next day.

One day a tennis ball appeared at my feet. I picked it up & threw it back. Just at this time a teacher walked in its way & the ball hit her on the back of her head. I was on the blue chair.

I was told I had a silly laugh & to use a normal one. Off to the blue chair again.

I think the blue chair was for bad behaviour. I was upset and angry and didn’t understand why me? I was the new boy and had been mainstreamed up until this and I asked questions. Was that why I was on the blue chair?

So what was school like for me? Primary School? Bullied. First Intermediate? Wouldn’t have me. Murrays Bay Intermediate? Lovely. It was brilliant for me. First College? Didn’t want to be seen as a school for disabilities. Wouldn’t take me. Second College? Disaster. Third High School? Didn’t enjoy it. That’s where the blue chair was …

I don’t know why people stare at me. I look different and some people call me names to get a reaction … like they’re frightened of me. Mum says just smile. And now StarJam with the red carpet in the office. It is the best, it is awesome, it is brilliant it is fun. I love my job. StarJam is my life.