Nicky Abdinor: International Keynote Speaker | Clinical Psychologist | Founder of Nicky’s Drive NPO

11 Sep 2015

I am a Clinical Psychologist and Inspirational Keynote Speaker. I founded a non-profit organisation (NPO) called Nicky’s Drive that funds car adaptations for people with disabilities to keep them mobile and independent. I was born without arms and shortened legs and I drive a specially adapted car – I take hands-free to a whole new level!

Please tell us a little more about your dream and Nicky’s Drive.

I was fortunate to have a modified vehicle in the UK donated to me 13 years ago. The freedom and independence as a result of being able to drive was exhilarating! The modifications for me to drive are still not available in South Africa (although they have been available in the UK for over 25 years). My mobility and independence is not something I am willing to give up! I was inspired to start an organisation to plan for my future and help other people with disabilities afford the costly adaptations.

What was your inspiration behind this dream?

I was fortunate to have a modified vehicle in the UK donated to me 10 years ago. The freedom and independence as a result of being able to drive was exhilarating! The modifications for me to drive are still not available in South Africa (although they have been available in the UK for over 20 years). My mobility and independence is not something I am willing to give up! I was inspired to start an organisation to plan for my future and help people with disabilities afford the costly adaptations.

Who is your inspiration and why?

I admire my parents who believed in my abilities, rather than my disability! While they were not prepared for my physical limitations (there were no scans in those days!) they endeavored to treat me just the same as my able-bodied siblings. I was included in everything and was given the opportunity to lead a “normal” life.

What is/was the biggest adversity you have faced and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges was attending my first year at Stellenbosch University. I lived in a girl’s residence and had to work out ways to be independent when no family would be around to assist me. Being independent was all about being creative and having a problem-solving perspective on activities of daily living. I struggled with the walking distances on campus and had to rely on friends and fellow students to take me to classes. What was supposed to be my most exciting year turned out to be very frustrating! In my second year, I managed to raise funds for a motorised wheelchair. The freedom and independence was incredible!

What has been your obstacles?

Having a physical disability means that you need to be outspoken, to let people know that you are capable – that it’s only a physical limitation, not a mental limitation!

What story would you like to tell?

I feel that I have a responsibility to share my story for two reasons: firstly, to motivate people with disabilities to focus on their abilities rather than disabilities and secondly, to challenge the stereotypes of disability in society – that despite a disability, you can have a family, career and dreams!

What advice would you women who have a dream and not sure how to achieve it?

Perseverance is key – keep trying and never give up! It is important to have a dream and keep aspiring to achieve it! This dream may grow into something bigger than you had imagined. Mobilise resources by speaking to friends, family and colleagues and using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Blogging.