Age Is Nothing, Attitude Is Everything | Bobbie Hickey | TEDxTallaght

Summary

In this inspiring TEDx talk, Bobby, a visually impaired individual born without sight, shares his journey of overcoming challenges. Despite undergoing over fifty surgeries and facing societal perceptions, Bobby emphasizes the power of determination and self-acceptance. He discusses how he has defied expectations, from obtaining a speedboat driving license to enjoying activities like horse riding, all while embracing his disability with humor and confidence. Bobby encourages others to not let limitations define them, showing that attitude, resilience, and self-belief are key to living a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bobby was born with no sight and has undergone over 50 operations and around 150 minor surgeries to maintain his vision.
• 😀 As a child, Bobby didn't realize his experiences were different from others until he met someone else with a visual impairment at age 10.
• 😀 Bobby's initial struggle with accepting his disability was overcome after a pivotal moment when he was knocked down by a cyclist and realized the importance of using his cane.
• 😀 Bobby faced a difficult childhood with frequent hospital visits and surgeries but never considered giving up because of his determination to keep the sight he had.
• 😀 Bobby is the only blind or visually impaired person in Ireland to hold a speedboat driving license, demonstrating his belief in his capabilities despite his impairment.
• 😀 Bobby’s attitude towards his visual impairment has shifted from seeing it as a limitation to embracing it as a part of who he is.
• 😀 Bobby enjoys proving others wrong by doing things people don't expect him to, showing that his disability doesn't define his abilities.
• 😀 Through his experiences, Bobby learned that overcoming challenges in life is more about mindset than the obstacle itself.
• 😀 Bobby encourages others to not let people's perceptions of their abilities limit their potential, reminding them that it's how you deal with your challenges that truly matters.
• 😀 Bobby's positive attitude towards his disability has led him to achieve things many people would not expect from someone with his condition, showing that life can be lived fully with the right mindset.
• 😀 Bobby concludes by sharing a personal story of overcoming fear and taking on a challenge (a water slide in Greece), reinforcing the message that we are all capable of achieving what we set our minds to.

Q & A

What is Bobby's experience with visual impairment and surgeries?

Bobby was born without sight and underwent his first operation at 3 weeks old. He has had over 50 operations and around 150 minor surgeries throughout his life to maintain the sight he has left.

How did Bobby perceive his visual impairment when he was younger?

Bobby did not initially understand that his visual impairment was different from others. He thought that everyone who had poor eyesight underwent surgeries like he did, and he didn’t realize his experiences were unique until he was 10 years old.

How did Bobby feel about his disability growing up?

Bobby's attitude towards his disability shifted over time. As a child, he hated the constant surgeries, especially the needles. However, over the years, he learned to embrace his disability, seeing it as just another part of him.

What was the significance of Bobby's interaction with his doctor about his sight?

When Bobby learned from his doctor that he had only 5% vision, he was confused and upset, believing that he had more. This moment highlighted his belief in his own capabilities, and he chose to reject the doctor's perception of his sight limitations.

What unique achievement does Bobby hold in Ireland?

Bobby is the only blind or visually impaired person in Ireland to have a speedboat driving license, which he achieved despite his limited vision.

How does Bobby view his disability in relation to his everyday life?

Bobby forgets that he is visually impaired most of the time. He sees his disability as just another part of who he is, like having brown hair or disliking eggs, and it does not stop him from living life to the fullest.

What lesson does Bobby want to teach others through his TEDx talk?

Bobby's main message is that your perception of your capabilities can shape what you think you can achieve. He encourages others to not let others' opinions or limitations define what they can do.

Why did Bobby hide his cane when he was younger?

Bobby hid his cane because he didn't want to be seen walking with a white stick. He was reluctant to embrace his visual impairment in public, but after an incident where he was knocked down by a cyclist, he realized the importance of using his cane for safety.

How did Bobby's family influence his approach to challenges?

Bobby's family played a key role in encouraging him to face challenges, like when they convinced him to try a big water slide in Greece. Their support helped him overcome fear and embrace new experiences.

What does Bobby mean when he says he has fun with his disability?

Bobby means that he doesn’t let his visual impairment define him negatively. He enjoys surprising people with his ability to do things they don't think he can, and he takes pride in not being held back by his disability.