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About Me
Hello there! I'm pleased you've dropped by my About Me page on my website. I'm delighted to have you here, and I'm excited to share a bit about myself with you. Let me start by sharing three palpable moments with you:
One:
I'll always cherish the memory of my first article published in the
Weekend Times in 1999. It was special for two reasons: First, It was the 17th of April, my son's first birthday, and second, It enabled a wheelchair user to participate in the London Marathon. Swasie Turner had faced discrimination solely because of his wheelchair. Just imagine the incredible feeling of seeing him crossing the finish line. This photograph shows him beaming with pride, as he completes the race in 7 hours, 4 minutes, and 59 seconds.
Two:
When I was just ten years old, I had quite an adventurous experience. I actually survived a 20ft fall from a tree! Can you imagine the mix of fear and relief coursing through me during that unexpected descent before I hit the deck and everything went black. It was a wild experience, and it's something I'll never forget. I still have my own tangible memories of that tree even now four decades on. It was tall and resolute like a majestic arboreal giant, its branches, wide-spread and reaching out with what I imagined to be with an air of grandeur, extending like benevolent arms and creating a mesmerizing spectacle of intricate interplay, each limb bearing the weight of countless stories, whispered secrets, and the ancient wisdom of seasons past; my perilous encounter, just another secret among many secrets silently witnessed, yet never spoken.
Three:
Another moment etched in my memory is the birth of my son. At exactly 10 pm on April 17, 1998, he came into this world, filling my heart with indescribable joy. I can still recall the overwhelming emotions I experienced as I held him in my arms for the first time wrapped in a tiny blanket, delighting in feeling his warm pulsating fragile, form against mine; his first rhythmic breaths pure music to my ears. Beside encapsulating that precious moment, this personal image taken when he was just one month old with me holding him in my arms, also captured the beginning of a beautiful journey as a father.
Celebrating Our Similarities & Differences
You know what's really fascinating? We actually have a lot in common if you think about it. As Rush beautifully put it in their song 'Alien Shore', "we are slaves to one chromosome... just variations on a theme." Despite our diverse backgrounds, we share numerous connections at our core. We all breathe the same air, belong to the human race, and have those basic needs for food, shelter, and survival. And let's not forget our emotional similarities. We shed tears when we're sad and burst into laughter when we're happy. Plus, who doesn't appreciate the warmth of love?
Now, speaking of differences, one thing that sets me apart—maybe more uniquely for some—is that I was born with
bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia. It's a condition I've had since birth that has left me almost completely blind. But hey, being visually impaired doesn't mean I lack intelligence; although, I suppose that's up for debate!
Embracing the Challenges
Throughout my life, I've had the chance to explore various fields, from adult education to retail, finance, business, and even radio and print journalism. There hasn't been a challenge I've considered unrealistic. You see, my character has been shaped by a tapestry of life experiences, and I've embraced every step of the journey.
My years as a journalist have given me a unique insight into reading between the lines, leading to a deeper understanding and more profound results compared to some of my sighted colleagues.
With my wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of disability, I've created various programmes, ranging from dyslexia support to addressing sensory impairments like hearing loss and blindness.
Now, I personally view blindness not as a disability, but rather as another challenge that can be overcome with determination. Problems only have power if we allow them to hold us back. It's all about accepting the circumstances and striving to create positive change despite the difficulties. A colleague once told me, "It's not blindness that disables me, but attitude." And we all know that attitudes can be altered.
That's why I consider the "DIS" in "Disability" to be one of the greatest negatives of all time. It directs attention to the problem rather than focusing on the individual and their abilities. By removing the "DIS" from "Disability," we immediately shift the focus from negative to positive and highlight the person's capabilities.
Defending the Cause
Equality is something I strongly believe in, and I wholeheartedly support campaigns aimed at eradicating Disability Hate Crime. This cause is particularly important to me because I have personally experienced the terrible persecution associated with it in the past. It took an article in my local newspaper and persistence on my part before the authorities took my situation seriously and provided me with the justice I deserved.
My Epitaph
Now, if you're wondering about my epitaph, there's a quote by Mark Twain that I find amusing and thought-provoking. He said:
"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
It resonates with me because it reflects the intriguing nature of our existence. It serves as a fitting epitaph, encapsulating my curious spirit and my knack for seeing the world from different angles.
Connect and Discover
Click here to learn more about my life and achievements.
Finally, click any of these links to listen to my previous broadcasts or my bi-monthly motivational podcast, "Against The Odds," where I celebrate incredible heroes who have triumphed over adversity and achieved remarkable things - and now "Talking Point" - my latest controversial podcast which sparks debate and challenges the status quo.
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USEFUL LINKS
Trailblazers: We campaign for change
Independent Living: a site for adaptive equipment and useful resources
Change: Charity Championing Persons with Learning Disabilities
WelcoMe: Bridging the Gap in Inclusive Customer Service
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