While most of us find the movement of our head and hands as natural as breathing, Norris Cummings knows what it’s like to experience the loss of such abilities as he has been living with Cerebral Palsy, commonly referred to as ‘CP’, since birth.
Norris has overcome obstacles many may never know. Due to Cerebral Palsy, a physical disability affecting his balance and impairing the use of his upper limbs, Norris often experiences debilitating pain from his neck down. Despite this, Norris is known among his colleagues for his sense of humour, infectious laughter, and his determination to overcome adversity.
In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Norris disclosed that it was the nurses’ negligence by delaying his delivery and lack of oxygen to the brain at birth that caused him to be born with CP.
But Norris has not allowed CP to prevent him from pursuing his dreams.
A skilful entrepreneur
Norris attended the Diamond Special Needs School, where he learned much about independence from his teachers and others like himself. At home, his siblings assisted him with everyday activities, which ultimately taught him to fend for himself.
The 26-year-old mentioned he reads all the time, which has contributed to him being able to articulate fluently despite his slurred speech.
After special needs school, Norris attended the Open Door Centre in Sophia. There he studied information technology, covering programmes such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and reprogramming of computers. Having limited control in his hands, he skilfully uses the computer with his feet.
“I started practicing using my feet when I was in the special needs school to write. Like any normal nursery student, you start off tracing letters which I did. I then moved on to write in cursive, which later helped in using my feet effectively to operate the computer. I didn’t really get into computer hardware because of the fact I’m using my feet, and certain parts are very small and fragile. After I completed my courses at Open Door, I went to Global Technology to do graphic design. Although they didn’t have facility at that time when I enrolled, they implemented this to accommodate me, which I think is very commendable,” he remarked.
Equipped with his certification in computer software, Norris opened his small business, Foot Works Graphic Printing & Photocopying Shop, at his home in New Hope on the East Bank of Demerara. He works as a graphic artist designing brochures, ads, newsletters and much more. He also helps out students in his village with the typing of their assignments.
Interestingly, Norris uses his feet expertly even for eating. “For eating, I use my feet very comfortably. I can also clean myself. When I’m out, though, I would need assistance as there aren’t any facilities really for those with disabilities. I have a couple of really good friends who would help me when we hang out. I have friends with and without disabilities. I’m thankful for the support I receive from my friends and family,” Norris expressed.
Challenges
But the young entrepreneur is irked at the reaction of others when they see his disability. They stare and would make fun of him; however, he is “too smart to bother with illiterate people”.
Additionally, Norris is resolute to never allow what others say or do to him to discourage him.
Another challenge he encounters is the use of public transportation. Norris said it is very difficult for persons with disabilities to travel using minibuses.
“Most of the time I would travel by myself using public transportation. Only those who know me would stop, the others just slow down and when they see me they drive away. This makes me feel like I’m not a human to these persons. But what I want to highlight is that we never wish these things upon ourselves. Accidents and unforeseen occurrences can make us paralysed for life, so I don’t think they should treat people with disabilities differently,” Norris declared.
Goals
Norris’ goal is to one day make his business into an empire, where he could employ others with disabilities. As part of Young Voices Guyana, which advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities, Norris wants to do more in seeing the rights of the disabled fulfilled. He is focused too on creating forums with various locations on implementing facilities that are disability friendly. Norris also wants to see a better attitude from minibus operators in helping people living with disabilities.
His advice to those with disabilities is to know it is “not the end of the world” and that they should not give up on their goals. He encourages them to be as positive as possible and never allow others to dissuade them because of their disability.
“Take a page from my book,” he insisted, “I am not permitting anyone to stop me from pursuing my dreams.”
Recently, Norris, who is also a DJ and goes by the moniker, ‘DJ Foot’, graduated with a certificate in computer repairs from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
Check out Foot Works Graphic Printing & Photocopying Shop on Facebook to find out more about Norris’ work or call 592-638-0465.
