It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to be born without limbs, but this is the reality that student activist Joanne O’Riordan faces every single day. Joanne was born with a rare condition known as Total Amelia, affecting only six other people in the world. However, Joanne’s extraordinary character has never let this limit her, “no limbs, no limits”, that’s her motto.

Joanne rose to fame in 2011 when she openly challenged the government on their cut to funding for people with disabilities, which was subsequently reversed. Since then she has gone on to address the UN in New York, given a TED Talk and been named one of the Junior Chamber International Ten Outstanding Young People of the Year.

Currently, Joanne is a final year Criminology student in University College Cork where she is on a Quercus Scholarship for Active Citizenship. As well as her studies, she is currently campaigning for the ratification of the UNCRPD (Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities), which would solidify the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland, (currently Ireland is the only European country which has not ratified the treaty).

When asked about the balance between college and activism, Joanne advises that it’s all about time management and clear goal setting. Her advice to students is, “Don’t be afraid to stick your neck out, every action can have a snowball effect”, but that activism isn’t easy either “Don’t be deterred by failure, be prepared for shocks along the way.” Joanne also added that we should all continue challenging issues in whatever capacity we can.

If you wish to help Joanne in her quest to have the UNCRPD ratified, she urges you to write to the Minister of State for Disability, Finian McGrath on [email protected] or call +353 1 479-0200.

If you wish to watch Joanne’s inspiring journey in “No limbs, no limits”, it can be rented or bought here.

Photo by Lucy McSweeney

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