Since 2014 we have delivered an annual lecture to keep alive the passion and fire demonstrated by Edward Rushton [b.1766 d.1814], a poet, social activist, slavery abolitionist and disabled man.
He left a profound legacy in his poetry and activism, but due to his perceived ‘uneducated’ background his impact in recorded history is by and large, hidden. By delivering these lectures we will keep his memory alive and continue his fight to raise important issues affecting our lives now in the 21st Century.
It is therefore with huge delight that we welcome Simon Weston CBE to deliver this year’s lecture. When serving in the Falklands conflict he sustained life changing injuries and become a person who decided to use his experiences to educate and motive others to achieve.
His lecture will focus on the impact of becoming disabled after armed service. Disability is fraught with many layers of misunderstanding and stereotypes that can lead to negative or unrealistic expectations on the person and their families and friends. How does a physically fit soldier, airperson or sailor deal with a life that is now changed? What is the impact on family and social life? How can you deal with people’s comments and attitudes?
Simon will deliver insight into these issues. This will then be followed by a debate and Q & A with ex-service personnel. It is a much needed debate in society today and we welcome and value your input into this important subject.
The event will be supported through Captions, BSLI and Lip Speakers.
Contact us if you have any further access needs.
Image of Edward Rushton by kind permission of the Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool.
Running time 2 hours