Paul's Road to New York
Paul Barclay has done a lot in his life, much of it helping ours and raising awareness of disability related issues. He was one of our first Access Panel members, so we wanted to introduce him, and maybe motivate you to help him get to the New York Marathon.
Blinded in a car accident more than 30 years ago, Paul is involved in many disability-related groups as well as serving on the Christchurch City Council, Canterbury DHB and Ara Institute of Canterbury disability advisory groups. He also works part time raising awareness of disability needs at Pegasus Health.
Having spent more than 25 years in key positions with the Blind Foundation/Blind Low Vision NZ and Arthritis New Zealand, (more than 10 of those as an Employment Consultant), Paul is now doing freelance work including helping Access Advisors with research and demonstrations.
Paul is a handy person to know. He provides career planning, transition, pre-employment support, post placement support or job retention advice. Paul is also connected into a growing network of Counsellors and Adaptive Daily Living, Orientation & Mobility and Adaptive technology Instructors.
Paul can also help find funding sources and submit funding applications for disability-related supports such as equipment, transport, job coaches, productivity subsidies, awareness training, etc.
On top of all that, Paul also runs marathons, a lot of marathons, with more than 15 under his belt so far. His big goal is to run the New York Marathon on Sunday the 3rd of November 2024. He was entered and ready to compete in 2020, but COVID cancelled the marathon that year so he is eager to finish what he started working towards back then.
As a totally blind runner Paul needs two guides who take turns guiding him through the actual marathon itself. Back in August Paul and his team of guides from Archilles ran the equivalent of three marathons around Hagley Park. They distance was the farthest he has run, but was chosen as it its 1% of the distance to New York.
Paul and his guides are now trying to raise as much as they can for their flights and accommodation. If you’d like to support Paul then visit his Give a Little page. The team at Access Advisors is behind you all the way.
Paul is just one of our panellists from across the motu. If you would like to find out more about our Access Panel, please email Access Advisors.