Hearing Impairment No Barrier To Drive For Learning

Teresa Chu has spent most of her life overcoming her physical disabilities. Now the RMIT University graduate, who is hearing-impaired, is helping others to do the same.

Ms Chu has received the Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement for her passion and determination to achieve much in her life despite physical challenges and language barriers.

Ms Chu, who has 50 per cent hearing loss in her right ear and 80 per cent in her left, has had her disability since she was 10 months old. It was only diagnosed when she was an adult.

Ms Chu went through primary and secondary education labelled a poor student. Her disability impeded her learning, not her desire or will to learn.

Ms Chu migrated to Australia from Hong Kong as a 36-year-old mother of two sons.

She completed a Master of Arts in Culture and International Studies at RMIT University.

Despite her physical limitations, Ms Chu devoted years to her work. She has sat on the committee of Better Hearing Australia, the City of Manningham’s Access and Advisory Committee of Management.

Ms Chu has also worked as a consultant on “Strengthening and Building Participatory Practice”, a Victorian Government project that encourages people with a disability to actively participate in the community.

"Theresa Chu’s achievements are phenomenal," RMIT University’s Director of Student Services, Jane Stewart, said.

“Her accomplishments are a testament to her commitment, her refusal to believe that her disability would impede her learning and her desire to give back to the community.”

“Her story is an inspiration to all of us and highlights the importance of listening and learning from people with disabilities.”

About the Award

The Tattersall’s Monthly Award for Enterprise and Achievement consists of a personal cheque of $5,000 for Teresa Chu and a cheque for $15,000 for RMIT’s Disability Liaison Unit.

“The Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement is one of Tattersall’s most significant community initiated programs that honours those prepared to ‘have a go’ whether it be overcoming physical disabilities, heroic deeds or helping someone in need. Teresa Chu is a great example of what this award represents, having demonstrated persistence and determination above the norm to achieve her goals,” said Tattersall’s Sponsorships Manager, Peter Franich.

Teresa Chu, along with eleven Tattersall’s Monthly Award for Enterprise and Achievement recipients, are in the running to win the 2007 Tattersall’s Annual Award for Enterprise and Achievement, with a $15,000 personal prize and a further $75,000 for the recipients chosen beneficiary. The award will be announced at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne in August 2007.

3AW People’s Choice Award

The 3AW People's Choice award will also be announced in August 2007. This award is for the most popular Tattersall’s monthly winner as voted by 3AW listeners.

Contact: Contact RMIT’s University Media and Communications (03) 9925 2807 for more information about Tersea Chu and RMIT’s Disability Liaison Unit. Contact Melissa Misuraca (03) 8517 7350 at Tattersall’s for more information about the Enterprise and Achievement Awards.