Disability Pride Month: How a student nurse is breaking barriers at VU

From accessible technology and tailored support to dedicated teachers and accessibility specialists, VU is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. 

For Diploma of Nursing student Brooke Theodoridis, that commitment has helped transform uncertainty into confidence, enabling her to thrive while pursuing a career in nursing.

Finding the right support 

Brooke enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing with a clear goal: to build a career in healthcare. Her journey will take her through VU's pathway into the Bachelor of Nursing towards her goal of dermatology nursing. 

"Ever since I was young, I was always interested in nursing, surgery – anything to do with the human body," Brooke said. 

While excited to begin studying, Brooke was unsure what support would be available as someone who is hard of hearing. 

That uncertainty quickly disappeared. 

"I ended up getting in contact with Nursing Course Coordinator Colleen Damons. She was an absolute angel. She directed me to the disability support team and I spoke with Maria." 

Working together, Nursing Course Coordinator Colleen Damons and Accessibility Liaison Officer Maria Vardakis helped identify practical adjustments that would allow Brooke to fully participate in her studies. 

Colleen has worked at VU for eight years, beginning her career as a nursing teacher before progressing to her current role as Course Coordinator for the Diploma of Nursing. She now oversees delivery of the program across Sunshine, Werribee and St Albans campuses, while also mentoring new staff. 

"My work focuses on building student success through academic guidance, wellbeing support, liaising with our Learning Accessibility Support team and interventions that promote engagement and professional growth," Colleen said. 

"I work closely with teaching staff, industry partners and clinical placement teams to ensure best-practice education and positive student outcomes." 

"I am committed to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment that enables students to develop the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required for safe and effective nursing practice regardless of their learning disability." 

Technology opening doors 

Accessible technology has played an important role in removing barriers to learning. 

One of Brooke's biggest challenges was using a traditional stethoscope. 

"We discovered that I couldn't hear out of a normal stethoscope," she said. "I investigated and found that in America they have digital ones that connect to Bluetooth." 

Working with Accessibility Services, Maria arranged for a digital Bluetooth-enabled stethoscope to be sourced from overseas. Not only did this equipment allow Brooke to further her studies, it came with an added bonus. 

"My new stethoscope allowed me to listen to my son's heartbeat for the first time. It was just amazing." 

Thriving at VU 

Brooke says VU's support staff have made a lasting impact. 

"They always check in on me," Brooke said. "I never had that support in my life really." 

"I feel like my disability isn't a burden at VU. When I go through day-to-day life, it often feels like a burden ... but not here." 

A shared commitment to inclusion 

Maria has been part of VU's Accessibility Services team for more than 15 years and says helping students remove barriers and achieve their goals is what inspires her every day. 

"As someone born and raised in Melbourne's west, VU represents everything I value: creating opportunities through education and ensuring every student has access to an inclusive learning environment where they feel valued and supported," Maria said. 

"What makes VU so special to me is its people. I'm fortunate to work with colleagues, staff and academics who share a genuine commitment to reducing barriers, embracing inclusion, and thinking creatively about how we can better support VU students." 

Maria believes accessibility must be embedded into every aspect of learning. 

"As the world changes, our learning environments must evolve too. By embedding accessibility and inclusive practices into everything we do, we create opportunities for all students to participate, thrive and reach their full potential." 

"Seeing the resilience and success of the students I support is what inspires me every day, and it's why I'm so proud to be part of the VU community." 

Building confidence through nursing 

Brooke says studying nursing has changed the way she views herself and her disability. 

"When I first stepped into the course, I was uneasy. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew that I was put in the right class. I was put in the right hands and everyone reached out to me. 

"This year alone, I've come so far. I enrolled in nursing and I saw the difference. I noticed the change in how happy I was ... I couldn't have done that without VU." 

Looking ahead 

Today, Brooke is thriving in her studies and looking ahead to a future career in nursing. 

She aspires to progress into the Bachelor of Nursing and continue expanding her skills and knowledge. 

As Disability Pride Month reminds us, inclusion is about more than removing barriers. It's about recognising strengths, creating opportunities and ensuring every student can achieve their goals. 

Brooke's message to others considering study is simple: 

"Don't let the disability define who you are. Everyone's got their own little problem that they're insecure about. There is nothing stopping you. If you're switched on, you can put your mind to anything and succeed."