Paralympian Inspires Education Support Students at Wodonga TAFE

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Students in the Education Support course at Wodonga TAFE were recently treated to an unforgettable guest session with Paralympian Katja Dedekind, whose story of resilience, courage, and achievement left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.

Katja, who lives with a vision impairment, shared her personal journey through the education system. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a student, including bullying and a serious injury after being pushed down a flight of stairs. Despite these hardships, she also recalled the positive impact of school staff who showed her kindness and support—people who helped her feel seen, safe, and capable.

It was this balance of adversity and encouragement that resonated deeply with the Education Support students, many of whom are training to become the very people who can make that kind of difference in a young person’s life.

Katja also shared how she found her passion for swimming by joining her twin in the pool. What started as a sibling activity quickly turned into a competitive pursuit, and Katja soon outpaced her peers. Her dedication and talent led her to the world stage, where she has proudly represented Australia at the Paralympic Games. She has now represented Australia at three Paralympic Games and brought along her gold medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she set a world record in the 50m freestyle S13 category.

The session also explored the growing support available for people with vision impairments, both in education and in sport. Students were introduced to Goalball, a unique team sport designed specifically for athletes with visual impairments, which further highlighted the importance of inclusive opportunities in all areas of life.

Katja’s visit was more than just a guest talk—it was a powerful reminder of the role education support workers play in shaping inclusive, supportive learning environments. Her story reinforced the idea that with the right support, every student has the potential to thrive.

Interested in making a difference in the lives of students like Katja?
Learn more about our Education Support course and how you can get started: Certificate IV in School Based Education Support - Wodonga TAFE