Accessibility will impact on all of us at some stage in our lives. Think about an older person with a bad hip or dodgy knee, a parent pushing a buggy, tourists dragging a heavy suitcase behind them, a deliveryman trying to get his hand trolley in and out of a place, and yes of course, people with disabilities. The principle of universal design is a philosophy based on designing to be fully inclusive of everyone and these principles need to be ingrained in every part of government planning and decision-making to create a society in which everyone can thrive.
Stephen Cluskey is an award-winning entrepreneur, disability advocate and public speaker. Having suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury at the age of just 18, which left Stephen paralysed from the neck down, he has since gone on to achieve in a short time, more than most would in a lifetime. Stephen graduated with an Honours Degree in Business Studies from the Open University. He attended UCD to study Economics, after his accident, via the UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Programme and also studied in Dublin City University.
Stephen has started 2 award-winning businesses and 1 social enterprise. He offers a very unique, positive perspective on life, challenging individuals to realise that almost anything is possible with the right will and determination. Twitter: @StephenCluskey This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
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