Society Member Nick Mulryan, one of the founder members of the Communications Group is stepping down after 12 years’ service.
Nick, who has multiple sensory impairments, has recently suffered some further setbacks with his vision and has been facing an uphill battle to save the limited sight that he has.
Despite all the issues associated with his health, Nick has always made sterling efforts to make it to meetings, accompanied by his guide dog. First there was Judy (the former Blue Peter dog), followed by Comfort and now Willmott – all three immaculately behaved, as they sat in meetings, nestled under the desk next to Nick.
Over the years, there has been a number of different members and Chairs of the Comms group and Nick has been a constant presence. He attended the very first meeting held in Luton in 2012 along with fellow members, Kristian Weaver, Ed Pratt, Sophie Vowden, and former SST Chair, Professor Graham Smith. The Comms Group has now taken on a new mantle as the Events Task Team and, led by current Chair Hayley Clarke, will focus on events, webinars etc.
Nick has a congenital disorder, Axenfeld Rieger but he has never let his disability hold him back, always curious to understand and keen to learn about his condition from some of the top eye consultants from across the world. In recent weeks he has been able to self-support as a result of his Sports Therapy background. Because of his training, his consultant felt sufficiently happy to send Nick for specialist training in Birmingham to learn how to monitor his intraocular eye pressure; vital in keeping his condition stable.
Nick has become a role model for other therapists with disabilities, with students and newly qualified therapists, from various disciplines, wanting to visit and speak and learn from his knowledge and experience. Nick has support in his clinic in the form of Gordon, who helps with the administration and writing; allowing him to get on with assessments.
Looking back 50 year old Nick said: ‘I didn’t expect to end up helping so many people. If somebody said to me thirty years ago that you would be doing this, I would have said no way.’
Although Nick is stepping down from the group, he said:
‘It is so important we continue promoting The SST, working with groups and making it more accessible for the visually impaired or people with hearing loss. If people want to do it, they actually can do it, provided they can meet all the competencies. You have to be realistic as well. People are afraid of discriminating against disabled people but it also comes down to the person as well. Can you actually do the work that is expected of you because, at the end of the day you are dealing with a person’s health and wellbeing and injured tissue. You have to be on the ball with it and you have to have confidence as well.’
Editor’s Notes
- The SST thanks Nick for his dedication over the years, and we wish him all the best in dealing with his health challenges.
- Nick has agreed to offer his support and advice to The SST on disabilities particularly around sight and hearing loss.
- You can read more about Nick and his latest Guide Dog. Willmott, here
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