Just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world — oh oops, wrong song. However, I was indeed a small-town girl with dreams I didn’t yet know I had, supported by an amazing community around me. Born with a perceived impairment, I labeled myself as a disabled person. For so many years — through my teens, my 20s, and my 30s—I always tried to fit in, not rock the boat, and for the love of God, avoid admitting or talking about my perceived impairment or my wheelchair, which I tried to “run” away from but, for some reason, it kept chasing me around! Then, in my 40s, after losing my dad as a thirty-something in tragic circumstances, I began to understand the fragility of life and the importance of time or the lack thereof. It became very apparent that the world wasn’t going to change the way I wanted it to, so I had to change it.
In more recent years, I have leaned into becoming an advocate and a voice for change. I don’t hide from my perceived impairment anymore. Why do I keep describing myself as a person with a perceived impairment and not a disability? Well, back in October 2023, I met Peter Kearns, an actor, writer, funny guy, and a person with a perceived impairment. In the last six months, Peter has done more for my psyche than any other person in the disabled community. While I still refer to myself as a person with a disability, I now understand that by using “person with a perceived impairment,” the focus shifts back to society, highlighting that it is society — and nothing more —that disables me!
In mid-May of this year, a light-bulb moment came to me. With Disability Pride Month approaching in July, I wanted to host an event. The event would consist of a panel of guests, with Peter immediately coming to mind. Another incredible person I met, Rebecca Connor Wood of the Ballina Autism Friendly Town group, also came to mind. The next stop was finding a venue — the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina, Mayo. This venue was particularly poignant as President Robinson, a small-town girl (just like me) who achieved the highest accolade in Ireland (not like me yet!!), continues to be a great leader in Human Rights.
Nothing about us, Without us!
The stage was set for July 25th. The lights went up at 7:20 p.m., and my friend and trusty sidekick for the night, the incomparable Anne Marie Flynn, kicked off proceedings. Myself and the other two panelists shared our journeys and the challenges faced by those of us in the disabled community. The crowd was electric, and the atmosphere was buzzing. Conversations were awesome, with amazing participation from the audience.
The event proved that Expanding Horizons 2025 will definitely happen! This first-of-its-kind event was a fantastic night of empowerment and change, shining a light on the practical, lived experiences of people living with disabilities and changing perceptions.
Amplify our voices! Find out more about the three speakers on social media. Stay tuned for more updates and join us next year as we continue to expand horizons and break down barriers. Follow Avril, Rebecca & Peter on insta:
Read more about Avril’s journey so here MY Journey
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