Living with a disability could be seen as hindering your life. It could, on the other hand, be seen as character building, making a person more self motivated and determined to do the best they can.

My name is Clare Mason, I am 30-years-old and I have grown up with a diagnosis of Developmental Dyspraxia*, a disability which can effect movement and co-ordination, but with hard work and determination can be overcome. This is my story and what I have achieved.

I was diagnosed at the age of five and had no idea about how it would affect my life in years to come. Despite this, I grew up determined to overcome the physical and social hurdles the condition put in my way. I attended weekly physiotherapy sessions where I worked on skills such as balance, co-ordination and spatial awareness, and I had the strong support of my parents and family.

Sadly things were different at school, as I faced years of bullying from my peers. Being ‘singled out’ for being different was something I had to contend with throughout my teenage years.

I persisted with weekly physiotherapy and studied hard. I left school achieving nine GCSE’s, went on to gain a BTEC National Diploma and graduated in 2000 with a BA HONS degree 2.1.

For that past eight years I’ve worked in various care/education and special needs environments. During this time I have reached an elite level of fitness, working out three hours a day. This is what motivated me towards wanting to work in sport and inclusion.

My lucky break came via The London Sports Forum For Disabled People and YMCAfit who granted me a place on their ‘Coach Ability’ scheme – a programme enabling me to train to become a fitness instructor within a friendly, caring environment where my needs could be supported and I could learn at my own pace.

On the course I was given plenty of opportunity to practice skills until I got them right and the team provided constant encouragement to help me grow in confidence and flourish. I successfully completed and passed the final assessment, leading to a Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification.

Having learnt on the course just how under represented disabled people are in fitness environments, I was inspired to set up my own company - Dyz-ability Inclusive Fitness. Its mission is to attract people of all ages and types of disability into engaging with sports and leisure-based activities. The company will give them an avenue to achieve and progress as well as reaching their own goals in a fun and supportive environment. I am looking to start motivational talks, consultancy sessions and inclusive exercise classes in local gyms, care homes, schools and various other settings.

It is thanks to YMCAfit and The London Sports Forum For Disabled People that I have been able to make this possible.

I believe that living and growing up with a disability can drive and push people forwards towards a bright, fit and healthy future – I’m living proof of that.

www.dyz-ability.com

*Developmental dyspraxia is an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement. Dyspraxia is thought to affect up to ten per cent of the population and up to two per cent severely.