"I am not just my disability, I am me. A young, black, disabled, hilarious, entrepreneur, KZfaqr and soon to be Paralympian!"
She might be 18 years old, but Tegan Vincent-Cooke is already a successful KZfaq star and horse-riding champion.
Tegan was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at birth, meaning that her limbs have a variety of range and tones. One day she might just have stiffness in her legs, the next day she can't get out of bed, but it’s never stopped her from pursuing her passions and interests.
A talented horse rider, Tegan has been riding for 14 years. Some of her proudest achievements include winning the National RDA Dressage Championship four times and being selected to be on the British Dressage Team.
In 2016 she started a KZfaq channel, creating inspiring, motivational videos and animations about her experiences of living with a disability, which went viral.
Her experience however is that people often underestimate her capability and intelligence, treating her like a young child.
Her TEDx talk challenges the negative perceptions around being a person with a disability, encouraging us to have better discussions and connections with disabled people - infact anyone we perceive as “different”.
Credits:
Our talks and films are produced, filmed and edited by a brilliant team of talented volunteers and pro-bono partners:
Directed and Produced by Mel Rodrigues, Creative Director TEDxBristol
Production Manager: Clare Crossley
Filmed and edited by Floating Harbour:
Richard da Costa
Reuben Gaines
Chessie Sharman
Raph Watson
Tom Young
Ben Scrase
Dan O'Connell Tegan Vincent-Cooke is an 18 year old Bristolian with a passion for life - especially horses and digital media!
She was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at birth, meaning that her limbs have a variety of range and tones. One day she might just have stiffness in her legs, the next day she can't get out of bed, but it’s never stopped her from pursuing her passions and interests.
In 2016 she started a KZfaq channel, creating inspiring, motivational videos and animations about her experiences of living with a disability, which went viral.
As a result she’s created her own business as an inspirational and educational speaker, delivering lectures and workshops to junior doctors, women's groups and schools to increase knowledge and awareness of people considered to be ‘different’.
Tegan is also a talented horse rider, and has been riding for 14 years. Some of her proudest achievements include winning the National RDA Dressage Championship four times and being selected to be on the British Dressage Team.
The Paralympics better watch out - it’s next on her list! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx