Rab J Stewart

“When I was born with Cerebral Palsy, the doctors told my dad and maw that I was going to die. Six months later the experts said I would not walk or talk. Then the doctors said that I would be, well for a lack of a better word, ‘thick’. If only that doctor could see me now.

“Everything I have achieved in my life so far has been down to hard work, commitment, self belief and being stubborn.”

My school years made me, in truth. Being integrated with the other pupils made a difference. Growing up with friends was the key, unlike years ago when a bairn with a difficulty was kept in a different classroom, hidden away. For me that is the main difference in society today.

After my standard grades, I decided to go to college to do a ‘Business Administration’ course. After I had completed the course, I decided to attend a course in ‘HNC IT Applications’ - a bad decision. After 7 months I had to leave.

The next 3 years of my life were the hardest. I never knew where or who to turn to for help. Then by accident, or, I like to believe fate, when I was trying to get a ‘walk-in shower’, my Occupational Therapist put me in touch with Ann Wilson from ‘Fife Employability Team’. Normally I have no time for the social-worker type, but Ann was different. Within a month of knowing Ann she introduced me to Shaw Trust where I was given the opportunity of being a volunteer, mainly in the IT.

Since I have been volunteering, I have been volunteering, I have new found confidence in myself. I have learned new skills and found skills within myself that I never knew existed.

I have made the closest set of friends who I can rely upon if I have any problems and ultimately from this I hope to find employment. I enjoy passing my skills on to people with learning difficulties and social problems and helping to prepare them for the workplace.”

Rab J Stewart, Shaw Trust Volunteer