Clenton Farquharson
Twelve years ago I had the experience of being attacked and stabbed numerous times. This led me to acquire my disability. Since this time I have gone through an emotional roller coaster, firstly of feeling absolutely desperate and that my world was at an end and that I was completely useless. But over the last seven years this has completely turned round and I now have a mission to promote Social Inclusion, Equality and Disability Equality. I believe passionately and strongly about these issues and of their importance to this society, to people here, and on a global scale.
I came into this field of working in Social Inclusion not simply because I am black disabled man. I saw how some barriers were in place through the attitudes and behaviours of people in society. I now understand that a process is needed to enable full Inclusion to take place. The gift I bring to this is the passion and emotion that I have for the subject.
To achieve my mission I work on building and developing other people’s knowledge and understanding on the barriers disabled people face as well as working as Chief Access Consultant and Examiner for Gallant2000 Ltd.
Over the past ten years I have become an expert in accessibility issues working in a variety of sectors and disciplines. I have combined knowledge based on training, personal experience and practical insights gained in the field of disability. This has contributed to the creation and design of the Access Auditor Practitioner Level 4 (NCFE) programme.
Clenton says
I bring a very practical straightforward approach to translating how the theories of Equality and Diversity, operate in our lives and work. It’s not the theories, it’s the mindset. Don’t let what you don’t like get in the way of what you might find. Be willing to do what others wont do. There are no traffic jams on that extra mile. My aim is that social inclusion is achieved when individuals or communities do not suffer from the negatives effects of unemployment, poor skills, low income, poor housing, crime, and inequality in health provision.
I spend my life combating the injustice experienced by marginalised groups. This has led me to become a member of boards where I can use my experience and knowledge to influence change. My current public appointments include Equality 2025, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the user led project, that is being led by the Department of Health.
My interests include working towards achieving Social Justice and in any spare time I am also an ardent Birmingham City Football supporter.