Select a region
As a former journalist, Anthony Lewis was once a master of words. Now they don’t come so easily to him.
Following a stroke ten years ago, he was left with a condition called aphasia. It means that he has difficulties in speaking, reading and writing – but has no effect on his intelligence.
The condition affects more than 350,000 across the UK, but many people know little about it.
“One of the biggest challenges for people affected by aphasia is that many people don't know enough about it or how they can help. Better awareness of the condition and the right communication tools can make all the difference,” the Stroke charity’s Tracy O’Regan explained.
Thanks to getting the right tools in recent years, Ant’s been finding his voice – and his fundraising running shoes – and is using it to highlight the issues facing others with disabilities. He's previously walked full marathons to show that disability isn't inability and even put the topic on the States agenda by challenging politicians to live with a disability for a day.
Now, as part of disability charity Enable Jersey's Week of Celebration ahead of the UN Day of Disability this Sunday, Express brings you the five things Ant would like to change about Jersey – in his own words...
Work, work....or more. Sad.
Pictured: Ant believes that islanders should strive for a better work-life balance.
We need to have healthy lifestyle. A balance in life.
I feel we need to act now.
Pictured: One thing Ant would like to change about Jersey is attitudes towards the environment.
I will put the environment to the top of the political agenda. The LOUDEST voices. I think about the future.
It is overcrowded in Jersey. It is an environmental disaster.
Pictured: Ant would like to see plans to manage the island's growing population.
110,000 people? Do we need work permits? Ageing population?
I think disabled and able: same. For everyone.
Video: Ant at work on his campaign to become Senator in next year's elections.
I feel a stigma. I need to remove the barriers in society. They need more support.
Orcam glasses. They have changed me as a person and changed my life.
Video: Anthony trials his special Orcam glasses.
Books, the newspaper, JEP, Times or more. I can read loads.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not those of Bailiwick Express.
Express is supporting Enable Jersey's Week of Celebration, which aims to shine a spotlight on inspiring islanders faced with the challenges of disability. As part of that week, they've been hosting a series of events - and there are still two to go:
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.