From Adelaide to Los Angeles | Shianne Durdin’s Historic Braille Challenge Journey
[Image Description: A Shianne Durdin holds a white cane while seated outdoors. Shianne is wearing an Australian Regional Braille Challenge T-shirt.]
Shianne Durdin made history when she became the first Australian to compete in the prestigious International Braille Challenge Finals. Now home from Los Angeles, she’s reflecting on the friendships, challenges and unforgettable moments that came with representing Australia on the world stage.
When Shianne Durdin departed Adelaide Airport in June, she carried with her something no Australian had ever carried before, a place in the Braille Institute’s Braille Challenge Finals. After months of preparation and years of dedication to Braille literacy, she travelled to Los Angeles to compete against some of the world’s most accomplished young Braille readers.
Selected from more than 2,000 students who participated across the United States, Canada, Australia and other participating countries, Shianne earned her place among the world’s best after winning the Varsity category at the Australian Regional Braille Challenge, hosted in Adelaide by See Differently in partnership with the South Australian School and Services for Vision Impaired (SASSVI).
Shianne’s journey with Braille began when she was just five years old.
“Being able to read with my fingers just opened the door to so much independence and to so many opportunities for me, and I knew that even at five.”
That foundation would eventually take her all the way to Los Angeles.
When she first learned she had qualified for the Finals, the significance of the moment was not lost on her.
“I’m honoured to represent Australia in Braille, but not just represent Australia, represent the blind and vision impaired community and represent Braille. It’s just such an honour.”
[Image Description: See Differently staff pose with a Shianne at Adelaide Airport holding signs of encouragement before the International Braille Challenge Finals.]
A Place Where Braille Came First
For three days, Shianne immersed herself in an international community of students who shared her passion for literacy, learning and accessibility. The competition was held at the University of Southern California (USC) and included challenging academic tests, technology showcases, networking opportunities and social events for competitors and their families.
Despite the nerves that come with competing in an unfamiliar environment, Shianne quickly embraced the experience.
“It was very daunting sitting in a room where I knew nobody, in an unfamiliar country,” she recalled. Yet it was those same experiences that would become some of her most treasured memories.
Across two days of competition, Shianne completed tests in speed and accuracy, reading comprehension, proofreading, and tactile graphics, each designed to challenge even the most experienced Braille users.
She also enjoyed exploring Los Angeles, visiting the California Science Centre, experiencing Santa Monica and connecting with friends old and new along the way.
Reflecting on the entire experience, one memory stands above the rest.
“It was nice to be in a place where Braille came first. It was a blast!”
A Landmark Moment for Braille Literacy
For Damian Papps, Executive Director of See Differently, Shianne’s achievement represents far more than an individual accomplishment.
“This is a landmark moment, not just for Shianne, but for every young person in Australia who is learning Braille.”
“Braille is the gateway to literacy, independence and opportunity. Shianne’s achievement proves what is possible when students are given the right support, encouragement and access to programs that celebrate their abilities.”
That message is one Shianne embodies every day.
Braille is woven through every aspect of her life, from accessing schoolwork using refreshable Braille displays and reading music for performances, to communicating with friends using the Braille input features on her iPhone. Looking ahead, she plans to study psychology at university and expects Braille to remain an essential part of her academic and personal journey.
“Moving into life after school, I see myself using Braille throughout Uni. Also to keep helping me pursue my sports and my music endeavours. Using Braille for performances and for reading music and lyrics is going to be something that I’m going to keep doing throughout my entire life.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Having experienced the International Finals firsthand, Shianne hopes her journey encourages other young Australians who are learning Braille to challenge themselves and embrace new opportunities.
“Keep going and keep trying, keep learning, keep challenging yourself, because it’s going to open so many doors for you and it’s going to lead to so many great opportunities.”
As Australia’s first-ever finalist in the Braille Institute’s Braille Challenge Finals, Shianne has demonstrated what can be achieved when talent, perseverance and access to quality Braille education come together. Her achievement represents an important milestone for Braille literacy in Australia and an inspiration for the next generation of students who are blind or have low vision.
See Differently is immensely proud of everything Shianne has achieved, and remains committed to delivering world-class Braille literacy programs that empower children and young people to learn, thrive and pursue their goals with confidence.
Interested in the Braille Challenge?
See Differently proudly hosts Australia’s Regional Braille Challenge, providing students who are blind or have low vision the opportunity to test their skills, build confidence and connect with peers.