A new year brings new challenges, I'm not one to have a New Year's resolution. 

I prefer to come across a challenge and or an activity and set a goal throughout the year.

One thing I have enjoyed over the past 4 to 5 years, is following people who either have a spinal cord injury or are in the disability field, via their social media platform.

Over the past five to seven years, I have found a couple of different people I follow on YouTube.

This was helpful when I was looking for a different challenge. It was interesting to see new ways to go about my life by viewing how someone else does their daily activities. It brought up questions that could launch me into research about others’ daily lives. 

Are there techniques easier or harder than mine? How can I apply these to my routines to improve them?

My support workers would watch and be fascinated by what they could do as well. Especially for new carers, it has proven to be a great way to share knowledge and gain further understanding about disabilities and how to best support people throughout their day. 

Overall, it was a good conversation starter, and it allowed me and others to see what people can do and achieve.

It prompted ideas surrounding things like, what support and types of equipment are around. What ideas can help us achieve our goals?

This is no different to someone without a disability, they will watch someone on YouTube to learn how to build a cupboard, work on the car, cook etc.

My goal has been to show that we don't just live inside our homes, all day long and can have a fulfilled life the same as able-bodied people.

I also use YouTube to help with my social media platform.

About the author

Lindsay, who was born and grew up in Brisbane, Australia, obtained a spinal cord injury several years ago which sees him getting around on four wheels instead of two legs. His injury hasn’t stopped him from making the most out of what he refers to as "my beautiful life". Lindsay's journey began on the last day of grade 12 at the age of 17 when he went for a celebratory swim at Southbank, Brisbane and broke his neck at vertebrae C5. Over the last 28 years, Lindsay has done public speaking at universities, conferences, fundraisers, and within healthcare settings. He also works part-time, travels, attends the gym and volunteers as a peer support mentor for the newly injured and their families. Lindsay is an advocate for disability awareness and his goal is to help people and their families who are in similar situations.