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Emily Yates

Emily Yates

Lifting the cloud of limitation

Born with cerebral palsy and now a full-time wheelchair user, 22 year old Emily talks about how important it is to grasp opportunities while you can, and gives tips on how to be someone that always says ‘YES!’ when the right chances are there for the taking. She became a wheelchair user at the age of nine after an unsuccessful operation, and, to many, this would have left the world empty.

However, a charity expedition to southern Africa at the age of 16 changed her life and now Emily is travelling the world writing accessible travel guides in association with Rough Guides for huge sporting events.Her current projects include the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics! Emily has used the events that have happened in her life and made something positive out of them, and it is her dream that those of all abilities will gain the confidence to leave their comfort zones and explore the exhilarating unknown.She also encourages students and teachers alike to explore the world and break boundaries that were once considered limiting.

She has travelled to/lived in: China, Australia, the Sinai Desert, southern Africa and Rio de Janeiro A keen volunteer, Emily was also a Games Maker at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and was mentioned by Lord Sebastian Coe for ‘lifting the cloud of limitation’ for those with disabilities.

After one of Emily’s talks, it is without doubt that all who listen will realise that ability exists primarily in the mind, and feel that their cloud of limitation has been lifted, too.

Testimonials from Teachers

“Emily was a star at school! She has continued to be an inspiration as we have kept up with her adventures and achievements. It was no surprise that Lord Coe spotted her as a Games Maker and I am sure she will make a real difference to disabled visitors to both Glasgow and Rio through the guide she is compiling. She has been our guest speaker at Prize Giving and was outstanding. If you want a speaker who will challenge students’ perceptions of disability and challenge them as to what they can do then book Emily.”

– Dr Andrew J Cummings, Headteacher, South Craven School

"Emily is an inspiration. She has an amazing story to tell, as she takes on the world. Accepting each new challenge with the determination to make the very best of things, she shows what can be done, regardless of the obstacles that get thrown in the way. Her story is hugely life-affirming and a reminder to all of what can be achieved when you believe in yourself."

– Simon Gruselle, Chairman of the JoLt Charity

"Emily was a terrific speaker at our Awards evening, engaging really well with the parents and students within the audience. Emily’s preparation before the event was very thorough, ensuring that she tailored her theme to our event and sharing her PowerPoint resources and script outline with us before the evening. Emily was very professional throughout the evening and was very easy to work with."

– Chris Ozanne, Felixstowe Academy

"Emily delivered a truly inspirational and very entertaining address and we were all very lucky to have been able to secure her services on this special occasion."

– Andrew Salter, Principal, Felixstowe Academy

Speaker File

Location

Glasgow

Topics

  • Enterprise
  • PHSCE
  • Lifestyle
  • Careers
  • Women
  • Disability

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