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Download my free ebook: The Disability Diamond Theory here

In taking the step from being a disability charity fundraiser into the untitled world of self-employment, I hadn’t quite understood the magnitude of how high the metaphorical bar would rise. You see, the one pressure I knew that would potentially weigh heavy was money: in becoming self- employed it is up to me and only me to earn and pay the mortgage. I backed my business acumen to be sufficient on this front. However, the unforeseen pressure was not the lack of time, energy or resources; it was my self determination, ambition and search for perfection that have made this move more complex. This article will explain that whilst one’s ‘job’, one’s ‘income level’ and one’s ‘social status’ can matter, when it comes to social justice, social change and people’s lives it is only about making a difference.

Having secured the sponsorship for my martynsibley.com webinar series and the partnership contracts with Hackney council and Scope, I breathed a little sigh of relief regarding the bank balance. However, it soon became apparent to me that despite having blogged for 2 years, co-launched http://disabilityhorizons.com/ and become known for being a cheeky chap; I really was just starting out. With so many other great people working on improving life for disabled people, I realised I needed to be more than someone just sharing his personal experience of disability. Having spent long hours considering my experiences, things I have heard people say, things I have read and things I have seen: I had a eureka moment! My mantra of inspire, inform and change said it all… Whilst the campaigns on government and society must continue to protect disability rights, the area I can make a difference in is encouraging disabled people to raise the bar individually. As I have interacted with more disabled people worldwide on Facebook, Twitter and Skype I can feel this fire burning in my belly to help them overcome their personal everyday obstacles.

I fear that the biggest barrier can be a lack of confidence and belief in what is possible, as well as a perceived sense that those who are disabled should dampen down the depth of their ambitions. Naturally life is harder with a disability, society doesn’t always understand the issues and the government do not make things easier or less stressful. Compared to 20 or 30 years ago, however, disabled people can and do live fulfilled lives. I believe with more of a ‘can-do’ approach, some assistance in the detail, that anything and everything is possible. I now know how I want to make that difference!

I began looking inside myself for what it is that has helped me achieve many things (dare I say) despite my disability. I looked back at my 28 years and charted specific periods that were tough and jotted them down. I began to really acknowledge the many people who had supported me (both friends, family and professionals). Over time I could see a visual interpretation of general life goals, the barriers in the way due to disability, the resources and ultimately the philosophy I have used to progress to where I am in life. I realised that if I could articulate and communicate this interpretation, as a theory, to the disability community it would underpin and demonstrate the value of my current projects and ambitions.

I now proudly present to you, after weeks of thinking, writing and amending – The Disability Diamond Theory! It is free to download, by my own admission it derives from personal experiences and is not an academic thesis. My experiences have, however, been influenced by many other disabled people and all of my professional work has been in the disability sector. A pretty solid foundation to write such a book I hope.

My vision is that the Disability Diamond Theory will encourage disabled people (especially the next generation) to use the resources available (that were not around 20+ years ago) and excel in life. Where the ebook explains the theory; every article, video, webinar and e-course I run will support those who want to make a change in their lives – Pick your goals, identify your barriers, find your solutions and grab life!

Please read this ebook and feedback your views – good, bad or indifferent to http://martynsibley.com/give-me-a-shout

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I have recently had some friendly contact from you guys asking why I haven’t written any overarching or political articles of late. I cannot express how busy I have been with the daily grind of self employment: keeping on top of emails, rolling out #disabilitywebinars with Hackney Council and Scope (now both live for their audiences), delivering the webinar series for http://martynsibley.com/, interviewing an amazing variety of disabled people for http://disabilityhorizons.com/ and prospecting new contracts for later in the year. I can assure you this is all said in the most positive of ways and actually is not the reason for my lack of ‘real’ writing.

Alongside all of the nuts and bolts of running my social enterprise, I have just finished writing a book! It outlines a new theory I have created on how disabled people can excel in life. It uses personal experiences alongside professional knowledge. It is currently in the design stages and I plan to launch “The Disability Diamond Theory” ebook next week. The even cooler thing is it will be free to download. Stay tuned in for more information. My usual article standards will be resumed thereafter 😉

You will hopefully have noticed that my recent posts have been lighter but just as engaging. To quickly update you on recent news:

  • The twitpoll results are in and you have sent me to (drum roll please) – Edinburgh! http://martynsibley.com/where-will-you-send-me. So I am in the middle of setting up meetings to collaborate with Disabled People’s Organisation in the city, beginning logistical arrangements and I will keep you posted. Of course, a video blog of my exploration north of the border will ensue.
  • The wheelchair WiFi hotspot project has stalled slightly http://martynsibley.com/wheelchair-wifi-hotspot. I need to purchase a dongle and data package for the cool device sponsored to me. Being so early days with my social enterprise I cannot afford this cost and so I am seeking a sponsor for this element of the project. Please get in touch if you can help.
  • If you haven’t already done so, feel free to watch a recent talk I delivered on ‘disability and technology’ and also the video of my birthday trip to Bournemouth http://martynsibley.com/category/video

I am off to prepare for the book launch, tidy my inbox up and chill out over the weekend. I have a friend visiting tomorrow and we will probably head to Camden for a catch up and a drink. I wish you all a great weekend!