Simon Stevens is a leading independent disability consultant and trainer with vast experience and expertise in a wide range of fields including disability equality, independent living, social care, lifestyle advocacy and secondlife. Simon has worked with many organisations of all types over the last 15 years locally, nationally and internationally including Scope, Warwick University, BBC, Council of Europe and eBay.
Born in 1974, Simon Stevens has cerebral palsy which affects his speech, balance, hand control and sense of humour (in a positive way). Despite his difficulties and the level of everyday discrimination he faces, Simon has had a vast range of life opportunities and experiences. He has travelled widely around Europe and the world, and taken part in many sports and especially water sports.
Simon’s life has a number of highlights. The first is having his play about his experiences of mainstream education, Normality, being first performed by his Sixth Form College in 1991. The second is being an active participant and coordinator of the European Human Bridges project which organised many week long seminars for disabled and non-disabled young people across Eurupe including over 15 countries. Thirdly, is being awarded the Community Category of Enterprising Young Brits in 2004 which was presented by Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor. The last is when Newsweek International produced a video for a cover feature about Wheelies, the first virtual disability themed nightclub in the world using the secondlife platform. The club supports 100s of disabled people around the world and provides a safe area for socialising and chatting.
Simon has determination, passion and commitment to everything he does. He has great communication skills and can understand specific situations very quickly. With a good sense of humour, Simon is a great host, friend and companion. Simon is also open and honest and recognises he is far from perfect.
