Disability no impairment to Ross's learning

Graduations

Ross Simpson had a tougher path towards graduation than most of his fellow music students. Pictured on the steps of Elder Hall with his father Angus Simpson, a Professor specialising in water engineering in the School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, Ross is visually impaired and unable to sight read music.

He's had to learn his pieces by memory with visual aid CCTV-based technologies and recordings, relying on his ears to get the most from his music.

Ross, 22, graduated with a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance.

He's played the bass guitar since Year 9 and is a member of a new indie music trio, Eat Paint.

Ross was full of praise for the help he has had from the University's Disability Services, his teachers and his family. This year Ross is starting a degree in Mathematical Sciences.

Story by Robyn Mills