Chantelle Griffiths
Tactile and Technology Literacy Centre (TTLC)
If you could capture Chantelle’s personality in three words, they would be bright, gregarious and sensitive. If you ever get the chance to work with her or take part in one of her training sessions, you will no doubt leave impressed. There is a hidden depth to her personality; a multi-talented, gifted creative genius who is profoundly generous and person-centred.
An access citizen from birth, Shon was diagnosed with an optic nerve vision condition as a baby. In later years, her family told hilarious (often embarrassing) stories of her mischievous antics at optometry appointments, in her grandparents’ convenience store, and later, terrorising other store owners on the streets of Central Auckland. Specialists found it difficult to determine how much she could see, as Shon’s acute hearing and quick wit during assessment tasks led unsuspecting adults on many a wild goose chase. From lollies to literacy, Shon developed strategic thinking, communication and networking abilities early on that transcend her vision impairment, serving her well to this day.
Shon learned braille at school, working hard to improve her tactile skills throughout her education. She learned piano and flute, quickly becoming interested in the musical art of arranging. It wasn’t until high school that she learned to read music notation in braille, opening the floodgates for musical and employment opportunities. After working briefly as a braille music proof-reader, she studied adaptive technology and launched her new career as an adaptive technology instructor, specialising in electronic braille. Shon worked in Australia for several years before returning to New Zealand with a global network and much more experience, eventually becoming a braille instructor full-time.
During this time, Shon noticed a great need for tactile-based programmes that reach beyond basic English literacy. A current braille student, violinist David Seevaratnam asked if she would teach a small cohort how to read music and literary braille concurrently. She agreed with enthusiasm, pioneering a ground-breaking adult braille music curriculum.
Leadership came naturally but reluctantly to Shon, who shied away from opportunities that made her stand out. However, with her sought-after combination of people skills and technical understanding, she often found herself in leadership positions. She overcame much of her anxiety after completing the Be. Leadership programme, realising that for her, part of being a leader was a responsibility to actively be the change she wanted–and the world needed–the world needed.
When she was invited to apply for the Possibility Leadership Programme at the Global Centre of Possibility, Shon received what she calls a life-changing Divine vision, clearly outlining the core aspects of what was soon to become the Tactile and Technology Literacy Centre (TTLC). She invited David and Anne on the journey, and from the beginning, they were immersed in a unique programme of leadership and entrepreneurship skills specific to the Access community. By drawing on her varied experiences in teaching, coaching, vision rehabilitation and business, Shon and the TTLC team designed and built an access-led, person-centred initiative addressing the needs of adult tactile learners. For Shon, the programme also caused a complete reimagining of her entire values system. When it came time to put those values into practice during the design process, her thoughts and next steps were clear and fully aligned with the Divine vision she had.
Shon is devoted to–and passionate about–sharing the value of access citizens on a global scale. Her deep understanding of the nuances of the access community, years of lived and learned expertise, and her willingness to serve places her in a unique position as a global leader within the Possibility space. Perceptive, innovative and well informed, Shon is one of those rare individuals who keenly understands what the world needs right now, and how best to channel her skills to meet those needs head on.