What does the phrase ‘I am disabled’ mean?  As an activist for too many years to remember, I felt confident in suggesting that it is society that disables people. All very 80s, all very post-Thatcher era political activist stuff.

However, it is very true. I wobble a bit therefore should I accept the wobble is intrinsically not good? Or should I say, ‘actually I like my wobble’?  It’s all to do with love and acceptance. No looking back. No ‘what ifs’. This is the deal and I actually quite like who I am. OMG, disabled man likes being disabled... horror!

Well it’s true. Special school, for all its faults, introduced me to some lifelong friends. Do we rib each other using our own impairments? Yes indeed. Do we remember playing war games as kids with real live stainless steel crutches? I can show you the bumps.

Why am I telling you this?

Watch this video:

On a cold January morning, when it was slightly hard to get out of bed, Sue Austin reminded me of my childhood and the fun it is being disabled. In a TED talk given in Washington during 2012, Sue outlines some of her artistic practises and her amazing scuba wheelchair. Yes, she re-imagines the world but not in some cold, corporate way certain Irish cities wish to rebrand themselves.

This re-imagining is alive, full of possibilities and has a real love of life.

A great way to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!