Just back from my first talk for Inspirational Speakers for Schools to a group of sixth formers down in Poole. The title was "A disability awareness workshop" but with two hours to fill (and after discussions with the head of sixth form), I decided to mix things up.
So we looked at perceptions of and attitudes to disability and had a fascinating debate about what being disabled actually meant. We came to the conclusion that there was no such thing as normal; that in a way, everyone was disabled - everyone had something that they couldn't do very well. I was impressed by the willingness to consider and discuss the issues. I learnt a lot myself.
Then we looked at coping with change, using my own story as simply an extreme example, the impact it's had on me and how I've learnt to cope (or not). Very forthright, direct, refreshing questions...
Oh, it was fabulous to be speaking in front of a group again. It's been too long. Great to challenge and provoke at the same time as be challenged and provoked. More please, especially when I get feedback like this:
"I enjoyed the whole thing as it made me realise that my life could change at any moment and that I just have to adapt to it".
And if you want to get a flavour of what I was talking about, there are some excerpts here on youtube...
