When Stefanie Reid was 15 years old, her life changed dramatically. Already a talented sportsperson, with an eye on the rugby world stage, her dreams were shattered when a boating accident resulted in the amputation of her right foot. Now having spent half her life as an able-bodied person and half her life with a disability, Stef has a unique perspective when it comes to imagining a world that’s truly inclusive. Stef argues for the social model of disability as the key to changing our perceptions and enabling everyone to thrive. Her one issue with the model? It limits itself to people with disabilities. From parents manoeuvring pushchairs through the London underground to someone with a twisted ankle trying to get up a flight of stairs, Stef illustrates how the need for accessible design is universal - and therefore everyone’s responsibility. A Paralympic long jumper, who competes for Great Britain, Stef is a five-time world record holder, world champion (London 2017 long jump), and triple Paralympic medallist in the long jump (2016, 2012) and 200m sprint (2008). She has an honours degree in biochemistry, and away from the track works as a broadcaster, speaker, actor, and model. She is currently training for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Stef is alsovice president of UK Athletics, a member of the British Paralympic Association Athlete Commission and an ambassador for the Leprosy Mission UK. Stef was a finalist on BBC Celebrity Masterchef 2018 and continues creating weird, healthy, and delicious culinary concoctions! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
When Stefanie Reid was 15 years old, her life changed dramatically. Already a talented sportsperson, with an eye on the rugby world stage, her dreams were shattered when a boating accident resulted in the amputation of her right foot. Now having spent half her life as an able-bodied person and half her life with a disability, Stef has a unique perspective when it comes to imagining a world that’s truly inclusive. Stef argues for the social model of disability as the key to changing our perceptions and enabling everyone to thrive. Her one issue with the model? It limits itself to people with disabilities. From parents manoeuvring pushchairs through the London underground to someone with a twisted ankle trying to get up a flight of stairs, Stef illustrates how the need for accessible design is universal - and therefore everyone’s responsibility. A Paralympic long jumper, who competes for Great Britain, Stef is a five-time world record holder, world champion (London 2017 long jump), and triple Paralympic medallist in the long jump (2016, 2012) and 200m sprint (2008). She has an honours degree in biochemistry, and away from the track works as a broadcaster, speaker, actor, and model. She is currently training for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Stef is alsovice president of UK Athletics, a member of the British Paralympic Association Athlete Commission and an ambassador for the Leprosy Mission UK. Stef was a finalist on BBC Celebrity Masterchef 2018 and continues creating weird, healthy, and delicious culinary concoctions! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
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