To round off our interview series with Nath Fernandes, Nath talks about how having a disability has changed his outlook on life. Nath has severe Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy (affecting both arms, and both legs) and associated communication difficulties.
Nath has built 2 businesses (and since this interview has gone onto developing his third). His most recent project is Dynamically Awesome, a business providing ‘accessible for all’ teambuilding birthday parties to children aged 6-12.
Dynamically Awesome: http://dynamically-awesome.co.uk/
Nath says it better himself though so make sure you watch the video!
The transcript of the interview is as follows:
“When you’re disabled I think you kind of see the world in a different way. For example, walking down the street you are automatically programmed to scan for drop kerbs, and simple things like that. Whereas if I was able bodied I wouldn’t of even thought of something like that.
I think one of the main things is that I’ve got patience for other people, well… sometimes… Like if say, for example, I’m on holiday in a different country, and then someone’s English is bad, I would take the time to understand them, whereas some people might get a bit funny.
I like going around different cultures as its interesting how they react to someone like me, whether they stare at me or just ignore me, I find that aspect interesting. It’s just seeing like in a different way”
An update from Nath about his new business:
Nath Fernandes (who has severe Cerebral Palsy) has since gone onto developing his third business, Dynamically Awesome providing teambuilding birthday parties to children aged 6-12. During these parties, children must work as a team to complete challenges including The Cube and The Labyrinth obtaining keys to unlock a treasure chest full of goodies! The concept stemmed from Nath’s daily experience working with his 12 PAs and the important role that teamwork plays in order to achieve his goals. When Nath was growing up, finding a suitable venue or activity became a challenge in itself; most of the time it was either bowling or the cinema followed by a meal. As a result, one of the aims that Nath set for Dynamically Awesome is to adapt these parties to be ‘accessible for all’ thus this summer he is working closely with a charity to trial some adapted challenges to ensure that participants have the most awesome time ever, after all, that’s what birthday parties are for!