Simon’s determination and confidence in his mission for supporting people with disabilities and others with significant or severe impairments has earned him several recognitions. He has vast experience in various fields such as disability, social care and has worked with over 150 organizations such as Warwick University, Care Quality Commission, Department of Work and Pensions, Channel 4, BBC, NHS England, Barclays Bank, Council of Europe and eBay. Simon is also a popular blogger (www.dysability.blog) with over 800 articles. He has also authored a play based on his experiences within the conventional education system caller “Normality”. One of Simon’s outstanding awards is the Community Category of Enterprising Young Brits and was presented by Gordon Brown who was then the Chancellor.

As a disability and inclusion consultant, tell us how you are advocating for people with disabilities?S: I have worked for over 200 organisations in the last 28 years doing a vast range of things. This video shows one important project I did in Romania. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU0DK23Js64. It is hard to get paid to help disabled people. My work has been adhoc regardless of the size of the organisation, including the BBC, I provide unique solutions.

What are the key initiatives needed to increase disability awareness?S:  I believe when the political focus is on people with an invisible impairment who may or may not have a social disadvantage, it is important people with significant, severe or profound impairments also have a voice. We remaining politically incorrect as bibs, diapers, harnesses and helmets are part of our lives.

What is the idea behind the world's first disability themed virtual nightclub, Wheelies?S:  Wheelies was set up in an era when everyone had one. Wheelies was never for just disabled people and the name was tougue in cheek. I never imagine the club would have the media or academic attention it received, it clearly challenged social norms,

What challenges did you face during your school days? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?S:  I wnt at a mainstream all-boys school at 11 where was constantly bullied for 5 years. I coped I think being determined and in denial. I knew nationally what was right and wrong and I would always challenge people regardless of how important they were.

What are your other hobbies?S: Anything involving a wesuit, My favouriite wetsúit is a beavertail suit which is waist pants and a jacket with a strap between legs. It is old-fashion and unpopular but it is an accessible suit. Swimming is my favourite sport and now to keep warm and safe now involves a swim diaper, rubbers, trunks, rash vest with, silicone swim hat, latex swim socks, swim shoes, and arm bands or lifejacket with crotch strap

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?S: There are so many. It has to be Budapest in Hungary, followed by as I have many memories and close friends in Budapest. I have been to Boston. I travelled from Boston to Chicago via Washington DC with a friend. I got a taxi in Washington DC to tour the wwwhite hour.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?S: Enable your disabled child to be naughty and do not fear telling them off. If they have life long issues they are unlikely to feel as fragile as you think but likely in denial. Even at 45 I find being 'called a 'drooling spastic;[ due to brain damage causing 'cerebral palsy spastic quadriaplegia athetod' remain amusing funny labels .

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to overcome adversity?S: my advice is simply be yourself, like yourself and love yourself assuming in one way or another you make the impossible possible