TOPICS:
“My parents don’t want you in their house because you can’t see.”
When her partner uttered those words, Fern’s life took a profound turn. Yet, it wasn’t the first instance her disability had left her feeling excluded, nor would it be the last – both personally and professionally.
Navigating childhood, university, and the job market as a blind woman has imparted invaluable lessons about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) to Fern, far beyond what any textbook could offer. As a remarkably gifted communicator, she shares these insights in an inspirational, positive, and, above all, relatable manner, allowing audiences to find pieces of themselves in her narrative.
Fern doesn’t speak from bitterness but from a genuine desire to help organizations thrive by fostering diverse and engaged workforces where every individual feels appreciated. She’s passionate about building bridges, not walls!
In addition to her role as a public speaker, Fern is a radio broadcaster and producer, CPD accredited trainer, qualified psychotherapist, and one of the very few blind audio description narrators worldwide (and she’ll gladly share her secret with you)! Though her journey to this point has been a roller coaster ride, the lessons she’s learnt along the way have proven invaluable, and they can be for you too!
The knowledge she has gained now inspires her to reach out to others. From someone who once did everything she could to hide her disability, Fern now speaks openly about her sight loss and the effect it has had on her life, what it has taught her and how it can help YOU to succeed.
Are you a modern, forward-thinking organisation that is ready to embrace equality diversity and inclusion or are you allowing misconceptions and fear of change to stop you moving forward?
Fern draws on her life experience – particularly in the workplace – to support organisations to examine how inclusive they really are. Her engaging content will help you to build a more productive environment, where everyone feels valued and included.
Fern’s content includes:-
* Breaking down misconceptions about EDI;
* Interactive sessions in a safe environment;
* The Equality Act 2010, including Reasonable Adjustments.
If you could give a young person a gift, what would it be?
Thinking back to when Fern was 15 years old, anorexic and with deteriorating sight, the most precious gift she believes she could have been given then was the belief that she could meet those challenges and not be beaten.
Puberty, exam stress, family relationships, social media. The young people you care for face pressures every day and for some, these will seem overwhelming. So give them this gift….
Using the knowledge and experience she has gained since being that troubled 15 year old, Fern can reach directly into the minds of young people to prove to them that they can overcome challenges and build internal resilience. Fern will equip them with the skills they need to:-
* Identify the challenges they face;
* Develop strategies to overcome adversity;
* Deal with anxiety and stress;
* Know when and how to ask for help.
Are you looking for a new approach to tackle bullying in your school? Someone who can make every one of your students think hard about what it means to be a bully and how every single person plays a part in putting a stop to it?
Growing up with the challenge of being blind, Fern understands the truly devastating effect bullying can have, both emotionally and physically. Her words will surprise and shock your students. Fern will redefine the term ‘Bully’; a bully can be your worst enemy or sometimes even your best friend. Fern will persuade your students to:-
* Take responsibility for their own actions;
* Think about the consequences of their behaviour on themselves and others;
* Choose to be kind, both on and offline;
* Ask for help when needed.
Do your leaders deliver a clear, concise and engaging message? Is important information lost in translation by the time it reaches the frontline? Fern is an outstanding TEDx speaker and radio presenter. Sharing her knowledge and experience, she will help your organisation to:-
* Deliver clear, powerful leadership messages;
* Create teams that work to a common message;
* Give constructive criticism and feedback.
Born severely visually impaired, and now registered blind, Fern’s story inspires and invigorates all who hear it. Fern shares how her childhood hopes and dreams were shattered as the physical and emotional challenges of losing her sight affected her deeply as a young adult. The story of those dark days and the journey back into the light will captivate, motivate but above all educate, and leave you with new and lasting inspiration.
Fern’s speeches generate both laughter and tears. In her own powerful and relatable way, she tells not only how she found the strength to overcome adversity, but how you can too.
Are you a modern, forward-thinking organisation that is ready to embrace equality diversity and inclusion or are you allowing misconceptions and fear of change to stop you moving forward?
Fern draws on her life experience – particularly in the workplace – to support organisations to examine how inclusive they really are. Her engaging content will help you to build a more productive environment, where everyone feels valued and included.
Fern’s content includes:-
* Breaking down misconceptions about EDI;
* Interactive sessions in a safe environment;
* The Equality Act 2010, including Reasonable Adjustments.
If you could give a young person a gift, what would it be?
Thinking back to when Fern was 15 years old, anorexic and with deteriorating sight, the most precious gift she believes she could have been given then was the belief that she could meet those challenges and not be beaten.
Puberty, exam stress, family relationships, social media. The young people you care for face pressures every day and for some, these will seem overwhelming. So give them this gift….
Using the knowledge and experience she has gained since being that troubled 15 year old, Fern can reach directly into the minds of young people to prove to them that they can overcome challenges and build internal resilience. Fern will equip them with the skills they need to:-
* Identify the challenges they face;
* Develop strategies to overcome adversity;
* Deal with anxiety and stress;
* Know when and how to ask for help.
Are you looking for a new approach to tackle bullying in your school? Someone who can make every one of your students think hard about what it means to be a bully and how every single person plays a part in putting a stop to it?
Growing up with the challenge of being blind, Fern understands the truly devastating effect bullying can have, both emotionally and physically. Her words will surprise and shock your students. Fern will redefine the term ‘Bully’; a bully can be your worst enemy or sometimes even your best friend. Fern will persuade your students to:-
* Take responsibility for their own actions;
* Think about the consequences of their behaviour on themselves and others;
* Choose to be kind, both on and offline;
* Ask for help when needed.
Do your leaders deliver a clear, concise and engaging message? Is important information lost in translation by the time it reaches the frontline? Fern is an outstanding TEDx speaker and radio presenter. Sharing her knowledge and experience, she will help your organisation to:-
* Deliver clear, powerful leadership messages;
* Create teams that work to a common message;
* Give constructive criticism and feedback.
Born severely visually impaired, and now registered blind, Fern’s story inspires and invigorates all who hear it. Fern shares how her childhood hopes and dreams were shattered as the physical and emotional challenges of losing her sight affected her deeply as a young adult. The story of those dark days and the journey back into the light will captivate, motivate but above all educate, and leave you with new and lasting inspiration.
Fern’s speeches generate both laughter and tears. In her own powerful and relatable way, she tells not only how she found the strength to overcome adversity, but how you can too.
Thank you so much for speaking at our inspiring life talk on Friday. You totally outdid the 20 people we have had on before you, from politicians to Paralympians. I have never had so many phone calls of appreciation. Your talk touched people, connected with people, and helped to inspire people to see that even in the darkest times, with strength and determination, things got so much better for you and yet, you showed your human side.
At Eye Matter we promote things to empower and give wellbeing to our members and your talk did exactly that. We are so proud that you came to speak to us, and we look forward to working with you in the future. Many thanks again for taking the time.
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
ADDRESS :
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, CV37 1RD
PHONE :
020 7993 2724
Sporting Champions introduces world class Inspired Athletes for the Schools and the education sector.
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
Sporting Champions introduces world class Inspired Athletes for the Schools and the education sector.
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