My Presentation at Beacon House School (North Nazimabad Branch)

My second session of the Move Workshop took place on the 11^th of August at the North Nazimabad branch of Beacon House School. This time it took place in the morning. There was a lot of firing going on in N.Nazimabad prior to my presentation. I was a bit apprehensive but thank God my session was completed without any problem.

Reserved Students

The classroom in which I had my session was much bigger compared to the one at the Gulshan Branch which was a bit cramped for space. The same format followed as the previous day which included having a question and answer session. It went well and I was satisfied with it. Although I find the students to be reserved and quiet, in comparison to the students at Gulshan Branch who were more talkative and interested? It could have been that the students were a bit shy and possibly afraid to ask questions seeing me on a wheelchair

Invited by the Principal

After finishing my presentation me and my friends from FESF (Family Services Educational Foundation) were asked to join the principal for tea. The principal was very nice, asking me a number of questions including as to how my presentation went. We did have a good discussion and it was very kind of her to call us.

Getting Experience

I would say that both the workshops were quite satisfying. The change in the Move workshops was effective and very encouraging. Changes are always good and it is always nice to have some experimentation. It was a very good experience for me giving a presentation at schools in Gulshan and Nazimabad for the first time. I look forward to taking part in Move Workshops in the future.

My Presentation at Beacon House School (North Nazimabad Branch)

My second session of the Move Workshop took place on the 11^th of August at the North Nazimabad branch of Beacon House School. This time it took place in the morning. There was a lot of firing going on in N.Nazimabad prior to my presentation. I was a bit apprehensive but thank God my session was completed without any problem.

Reserved Students

The classroom in which I had my session was much bigger compared to the one at the Gulshan Branch which was a bit cramped for space. The same format followed as the previous day which included having a question and answer session. It went well and I was satisfied with it. Although I find the students to be reserved and quiet, in comparison to the students at Gulshan Branch who were more talkative and interested? It could have been that the students were a bit shy and possibly afraid to ask questions seeing me on a wheelchair

Invited by the Principal

After finishing my presentation me and my friends from FESF (Family Services Educational Foundation) were asked to join the principal for tea. The principal was very nice, asking me a number of questions including as to how my presentation went. We did have a good discussion and it was very kind of her to call us.

Getting Experience

I would say that both the workshops were quite satisfying. The change in the Move workshops was effective and very encouraging. Changes are always good and it is always nice to have some experimentation. It was a very good experience for me giving a presentation at schools in Gulshan and Nazimabad for the first time. I look forward to taking part in Move Workshops in the future.

My Presentation at Beacon House School (North Nazimabad Branch)

My second session of the Move Workshop took place on the 11^th of August at the North Nazimabad branch of Beacon House School. This time it took place in the morning. There was a lot of firing going on in N.Nazimabad prior to my presentation. I was a bit apprehensive but thank God my session was completed without any problem.

Reserved Students

The classroom in which I had my session was much bigger compared to the one at the Gulshan Branch which was a bit cramped for space. The same format followed as the previous day which included having a question and answer session. It went well and I was satisfied with it. Although I find the students to be reserved and quiet, in comparison to the students at Gulshan Branch who were more talkative and interested? It could have been that the students were a bit shy and possibly afraid to ask questions seeing me on a wheelchair

Invited by the Principal

After finishing my presentation me and my friends from FESF (Family Services Educational Foundation) were asked to join the principal for tea. The principal was very nice, asking me a number of questions including as to how my presentation went. We did have a good discussion and it was very kind of her to call us.

Getting Experience

I would say that both the workshops were quite satisfying. The change in the Move workshops was effective and very encouraging. Changes are always good and it is always nice to have some experimentation. It was a very good experience for me giving a presentation at schools in Gulshan and Nazimabad for the first time. I look forward to taking part in Move Workshops in the future.

My Presentation at Beacon House School (Gulshan Branch)

The Move Workshops which are organized by Family Educational Services Foundation took place at Beacon House School (Gulshan-e-Iqbal Branch) and at the (North Nazimabad Branch) last week. After a gap of 3 to 4 months I was giving a presentation and was looking forward to it.
Let me talk about my experience at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Branch first. It took place on the 10th of August 2010 in the afternoon. This time round there was a change in my presentation. After giving a brief introduction of mine, I was involved in a Question and Answer session which I found very interesting.

Interesting Questions

The questions were in regards to how I got used to living in a wheelchair, and the difficulties and challenges faced by me. The questions also included as to how this disease has had a positive effect on my life. They questioned about how I see my future and in conclusion as to how I would like to change the country to better accommodate people with disabilities. It really was a very interesting session and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Attentive Students
I found the students to be very attentively listening to the interview, which was visible by the interesting questions they asked. They asked me as to how I feel when someone is rude to me and who supported me the most during my struggle. I do like students who ask questions, which gives you the impression that they really are interested in what you are saying. Majority of the students at the end of my session came to me thanked me and shook my hand. At the end the students took a group photograph with me.

My Presentation at Beacon House School (Gulshan Branch)

The Move Workshops which are organized by Family Educational Services Foundation took place at Beacon House School (Gulshan-e-Iqbal Branch) and at the (North Nazimabad Branch) last week. After a gap of 3 to 4 months I was giving a presentation and was looking forward to it.
Let me talk about my experience at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Branch first. It took place on the 10th of August 2010 in the afternoon. This time round there was a change in my presentation. After giving a brief introduction of mine, I was involved in a Question and Answer session which I found very interesting.

Interesting Questions

The questions were in regards to how I got used to living in a wheelchair, and the difficulties and challenges faced by me. The questions also included as to how this disease has had a positive effect on my life. They questioned about how I see my future and in conclusion as to how I would like to change the country to better accommodate people with disabilities. It really was a very interesting session and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Attentive Students
I found the students to be very attentively listening to the interview, which was visible by the interesting questions they asked. They asked me as to how I feel when someone is rude to me and who supported me the most during my struggle. I do like students who ask questions, which gives you the impression that they really are interested in what you are saying. Majority of the students at the end of my session came to me thanked me and shook my hand. At the end the students took a group photograph with me.

My Presentation at Beacon House School (Gulshan Branch)

The Move Workshops which are organized by Family Educational Services Foundation took place at Beacon House School (Gulshan-e-Iqbal Branch) and at the (North Nazimabad Branch) last week. After a gap of 3 to 4 months I was giving a presentation and was looking forward to it.
Let me talk about my experience at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Branch first. It took place on the 10th of August 2010 in the afternoon. This time round there was a change in my presentation. After giving a brief introduction of mine, I was involved in a Question and Answer session which I found very interesting.

Interesting Questions

The questions were in regards to how I got used to living in a wheelchair, and the difficulties and challenges faced by me. The questions also included as to how this disease has had a positive effect on my life. They questioned about how I see my future and in conclusion as to how I would like to change the country to better accommodate people with disabilities. It really was a very interesting session and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Attentive Students
I found the students to be very attentively listening to the interview, which was visible by the interesting questions they asked. They asked me as to how I feel when someone is rude to me and who supported me the most during my struggle. I do like students who ask questions, which gives you the impression that they really are interested in what you are saying. Majority of the students at the end of my session came to me thanked me and shook my hand. At the end the students took a group photograph with me.

Pulling it all together

Effect of Friedrich’s Ataxia
I have Ataxia. There are various types of Ataxia and the one affecting me is known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. F.A. is a rare neurological disorder that has an effect on the speech, balance and coordination. It is an inherited genetic disease and people with F .A. need support to walk or get around, from e.g. a stick, scooter or wheelchair.

Remaining active
In my fight against F.A. it has been very important for me to stay active and exercise on a regular basis. My exercises include swimming, going to the gym and physiotherapy. Lately when I visited the doctors in London, they told me the importance of having physiotherapy. My legs used to get stiff and having physiotherapy was the cure. Although swimming does help legs becoming less stiff but physiotherapy would be ideal. I did start walking in the past but due to my legs weakening I could not continue with it.I inshallah will resume my walking again once I feel my legs are strong enough. To be able to walk again and do so without any discomfort is my ultimate goal.

Always being Positive in Life
There are times when I do feel low and frustrated. The general fact of being unable to do anything without someone helping me, not being able to play outdoor sports, like tennis or cricket, and being unable to dance or go for a drive on my own were getting me down.
After feeling frustrated and negative for a while it dawned on me, that it was time for me to remind myself that my advantages definitely outweigh my disadvantages. After all , what I had learned most since being diagnosed with Ataxia was to have a lot of will power, to keep a positive attitude and remember that God always compensates things. So I started to compare myself positively to others who were less fortunate than me.

Affording the luxuries of life
The fact that despite being confined to a wheelchair, I was able to achieve things that many people who are able to get around normally never have, gives me a sense of achievement. For example, I am able to swim very well, something which many non-handicapped are unable to do. My circumstances are also so much better than countless other people out there. I am able to afford many luxuries in life which many are not blessed with and I thank God for that.

Having fun in life
I am a member of the prestigious Sind Club in Karachi. It is an exclusive club and I am fortunate to become a member. Sind Club is I would say my second home, as I go for swimming and also go to the gym. Their food is also very good and I do tend to take home different varieties of their eatables. Plus Sind Club has a number of social parties like dinner and dance balls, parties etc. So having all these benefits, it is hard to imagine my life without Sind Club. Having close and caring friends is also a blessing that many people do not enjoy.

Being focused in life
Above all the thing that has helped me the most has been my faith in God and my communicating with him. So counting my blessings and remembering what I have been able to do and achieve in life despite my handicap once again helped me rise above the feelings of frustration and depression. My handicap has taught me how to be happy and contend in life. We only live once and we should try to make the most of it. The ability to struggle for something, even though we may never achieve it, is of foremost importance. This has been my main focus in life, along with always looking at the positive side of things.
In conclusion, here is a saying that has helped me tremendously:
“ If you put your mind to something, hold onto your faith and inner strength and just stay focused, you can accomplish anything”.

Pulling it all together

Effect of Friedrich’s Ataxia
I have Ataxia. There are various types of Ataxia and the one affecting me is known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. F.A. is a rare neurological disorder that has an effect on the speech, balance and coordination. It is an inherited genetic disease and people with F .A. need support to walk or get around, from e.g. a stick, scooter or wheelchair.

Remaining active
In my fight against F.A. it has been very important for me to stay active and exercise on a regular basis. My exercises include swimming, going to the gym and physiotherapy. Lately when I visited the doctors in London, they told me the importance of having physiotherapy. My legs used to get stiff and having physiotherapy was the cure. Although swimming does help legs becoming less stiff but physiotherapy would be ideal. I did start walking in the past but due to my legs weakening I could not continue with it.I inshallah will resume my walking again once I feel my legs are strong enough. To be able to walk again and do so without any discomfort is my ultimate goal.

Always being Positive in Life
There are times when I do feel low and frustrated. The general fact of being unable to do anything without someone helping me, not being able to play outdoor sports, like tennis or cricket, and being unable to dance or go for a drive on my own were getting me down.
After feeling frustrated and negative for a while it dawned on me, that it was time for me to remind myself that my advantages definitely outweigh my disadvantages. After all , what I had learned most since being diagnosed with Ataxia was to have a lot of will power, to keep a positive attitude and remember that God always compensates things. So I started to compare myself positively to others who were less fortunate than me.

Affording the luxuries of life
The fact that despite being confined to a wheelchair, I was able to achieve things that many people who are able to get around normally never have, gives me a sense of achievement. For example, I am able to swim very well, something which many non-handicapped are unable to do. My circumstances are also so much better than countless other people out there. I am able to afford many luxuries in life which many are not blessed with and I thank God for that.

Having fun in life
I am a member of the prestigious Sind Club in Karachi. It is an exclusive club and I am fortunate to become a member. Sind Club is I would say my second home, as I go for swimming and also go to the gym. Their food is also very good and I do tend to take home different varieties of their eatables. Plus Sind Club has a number of social parties like dinner and dance balls, parties etc. So having all these benefits, it is hard to imagine my life without Sind Club. Having close and caring friends is also a blessing that many people do not enjoy.

Being focused in life
Above all the thing that has helped me the most has been my faith in God and my communicating with him. So counting my blessings and remembering what I have been able to do and achieve in life despite my handicap once again helped me rise above the feelings of frustration and depression. My handicap has taught me how to be happy and contend in life. We only live once and we should try to make the most of it. The ability to struggle for something, even though we may never achieve it, is of foremost importance. This has been my main focus in life, along with always looking at the positive side of things.
In conclusion, here is a saying that has helped me tremendously:
“ If you put your mind to something, hold onto your faith and inner strength and just stay focused, you can accomplish anything”.

Pulling it all together

Effect of Friedrich’s Ataxia
I have Ataxia. There are various types of Ataxia and the one affecting me is known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. F.A. is a rare neurological disorder that has an effect on the speech, balance and coordination. It is an inherited genetic disease and people with F .A. need support to walk or get around, from e.g. a stick, scooter or wheelchair.

Remaining active
In my fight against F.A. it has been very important for me to stay active and exercise on a regular basis. My exercises include swimming, going to the gym and physiotherapy. Lately when I visited the doctors in London, they told me the importance of having physiotherapy. My legs used to get stiff and having physiotherapy was the cure. Although swimming does help legs becoming less stiff but physiotherapy would be ideal. I did start walking in the past but due to my legs weakening I could not continue with it.I inshallah will resume my walking again once I feel my legs are strong enough. To be able to walk again and do so without any discomfort is my ultimate goal.

Always being Positive in Life
There are times when I do feel low and frustrated. The general fact of being unable to do anything without someone helping me, not being able to play outdoor sports, like tennis or cricket, and being unable to dance or go for a drive on my own were getting me down.
After feeling frustrated and negative for a while it dawned on me, that it was time for me to remind myself that my advantages definitely outweigh my disadvantages. After all , what I had learned most since being diagnosed with Ataxia was to have a lot of will power, to keep a positive attitude and remember that God always compensates things. So I started to compare myself positively to others who were less fortunate than me.

Affording the luxuries of life
The fact that despite being confined to a wheelchair, I was able to achieve things that many people who are able to get around normally never have, gives me a sense of achievement. For example, I am able to swim very well, something which many non-handicapped are unable to do. My circumstances are also so much better than countless other people out there. I am able to afford many luxuries in life which many are not blessed with and I thank God for that.

Having fun in life
I am a member of the prestigious Sind Club in Karachi. It is an exclusive club and I am fortunate to become a member. Sind Club is I would say my second home, as I go for swimming and also go to the gym. Their food is also very good and I do tend to take home different varieties of their eatables. Plus Sind Club has a number of social parties like dinner and dance balls, parties etc. So having all these benefits, it is hard to imagine my life without Sind Club. Having close and caring friends is also a blessing that many people do not enjoy.

Being focused in life
Above all the thing that has helped me the most has been my faith in God and my communicating with him. So counting my blessings and remembering what I have been able to do and achieve in life despite my handicap once again helped me rise above the feelings of frustration and depression. My handicap has taught me how to be happy and contend in life. We only live once and we should try to make the most of it. The ability to struggle for something, even though we may never achieve it, is of foremost importance. This has been my main focus in life, along with always looking at the positive side of things.
In conclusion, here is a saying that has helped me tremendously:
“ If you put your mind to something, hold onto your faith and inner strength and just stay focused, you can accomplish anything”.

My experience at the Toastmasters Club

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.

Headquartered in California, the organization has more than 260,000 members in over 12,500 clubs in 113 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

How Toastmasters has helped me

I have been a member of the Karachi Toastmasters Club for almost 3 years now. Joining the toastmasters club was the best thing that could have happened to me, as being a motivational speaker the toastmasters has helped me improve my speaking skills by leaps and bounds. It has given me the confidence to speak in public anywhere. It makes me happy to know that I am the only one on a wheelchair in the club and get a lot of appreciation from other people. I am really made feel welcome there which gives me the inspiration to go there every week.

Toastmasters divided into 3 phases

The toastmasters meeting last about a couple of hours. They are divided into three phases. The first phase is known as the table topics, where a member asks various questions from other members and guests. You have to speak on any given topic for two and a half minutes. Normally there is a theme for the table topics and all the questions are related to the theme. The second phase consists of prepared speeches where four to five speakers prepare a speech and talk. The last phase in my opinion is the most critical one which is known as evaluation. Everyone who speaks is evaluated and you get to know what you are doing right and wrong. The evaluator evaluates your body language and the eye contact. He also tells you the areas in which you need to improve.

Different roles played by members

Along with the table topic master which refers to the member who is asking questions, there is a grammarian, an ah-counter, a timer and a member who gives the word of the day. The grammarian highlights the grammatical mistakes made in a speech, while an ah-counter counts the number of various a-h's used in a speech. While the timer times the various speeches as well as the evaluators and the word of the day is to be used in the speeches as much as possible. All these roles are fulfilled by various members and they all play an important part in the meeting.

Visiting a Toastmasters Club in London

I was in London recently and was fortunate enough to visit a Toastmasters Club. It was known as the Grosvenor Square Speakers Toastmasters Club in London. It is the oldest toastmasters club in London. I attended a couple of their meetings and was given a very warm welcome by their President as well as their members. I was present at the transfer of power meeting where
the current President’s term comes to an end and gives the charge to the newly elected
President. It marks the beginning of a new year for the newly elected President. A President’s term in the toastmasters club is for one year.

Giving a speech at London Toastmasters Club

It was a great experience for me to attend a meeting in London and have learnt a lot from the meeting. It was the first time I had attended a toastmaster meeting outside Karachi. I was persuaded to give a speech by the President of the Club. I spoke for three minutes on my experience at the Toastmasters Club. The speech went well and the feedback I received was very encouraging. The applause received at the end of my speech made it truly a memorable moment and I will remember it for the rest of my life. This was also the first time I had given a speech in London. The President asked me to visit the club the next time I am in London.

Why one should join The Toastmasters Club

The Toastmasters Club is very beneficial for anyone wanting to become a public speaker. It also helps you improve The Toastmasters Club is very beneficial for anyone wanting to become a public speaker. There is also the opportunity to meet new people and share new ideas with with them. It indeed is a great platform for learning various things about speaking, communicating and listening. Also the fact that since the club is present almost all over the world, enabling anyone to join the Toastmasters Club.

My experience at the Toastmasters Club

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.

Headquartered in California, the organization has more than 260,000 members in over 12,500 clubs in 113 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

How Toastmasters has helped me

I have been a member of the Karachi Toastmasters Club for almost 3 years now. Joining the toastmasters club was the best thing that could have happened to me, as being a motivational speaker the toastmasters has helped me improve my speaking skills by leaps and bounds. It has given me the confidence to speak in public anywhere. It makes me happy to know that I am the only one on a wheelchair in the club and get a lot of appreciation from other people. I am really made feel welcome there which gives me the inspiration to go there every week.

Toastmasters divided into 3 phases

The toastmasters meeting last about a couple of hours. They are divided into three phases. The first phase is known as the table topics, where a member asks various questions from other members and guests. You have to speak on any given topic for two and a half minutes. Normally there is a theme for the table topics and all the questions are related to the theme. The second phase consists of prepared speeches where four to five speakers prepare a speech and talk. The last phase in my opinion is the most critical one which is known as evaluation. Everyone who speaks is evaluated and you get to know what you are doing right and wrong. The evaluator evaluates your body language and the eye contact. He also tells you the areas in which you need to improve.

Different roles played by members

Along with the table topic master which refers to the member who is asking questions, there is a grammarian, an ah-counter, a timer and a member who gives the word of the day. The grammarian highlights the grammatical mistakes made in a speech, while an ah-counter counts the number of various a-h's used in a speech. While the timer times the various speeches as well as the evaluators and the word of the day is to be used in the speeches as much as possible. All these roles are fulfilled by various members and they all play an important part in the meeting.

Visiting a Toastmasters Club in London

I was in London recently and was fortunate enough to visit a Toastmasters Club. It was known as the Grosvenor Square Speakers Toastmasters Club in London. It is the oldest toastmasters club in London. I attended a couple of their meetings and was given a very warm welcome by their President as well as their members. I was present at the transfer of power meeting where
the current President’s term comes to an end and gives the charge to the newly elected
President. It marks the beginning of a new year for the newly elected President. A President’s term in the toastmasters club is for one year.

Giving a speech at London Toastmasters Club

It was a great experience for me to attend a meeting in London and have learnt a lot from the meeting. It was the first time I had attended a toastmaster meeting outside Karachi. I was persuaded to give a speech by the President of the Club. I spoke for three minutes on my experience at the Toastmasters Club. The speech went well and the feedback I received was very encouraging. The applause received at the end of my speech made it truly a memorable moment and I will remember it for the rest of my life. This was also the first time I had given a speech in London. The President asked me to visit the club the next time I am in London.

Why one should join The Toastmasters Club

The Toastmasters Club is very beneficial for anyone wanting to become a public speaker. It also helps you improve The Toastmasters Club is very beneficial for anyone wanting to become a public speaker. There is also the opportunity to meet new people and share new ideas with with them. It indeed is a great platform for learning various things about speaking, communicating and listening. Also the fact that since the club is present almost all over the world, enabling anyone to join the Toastmasters Club.

My experience at the Toastmasters Club

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.

Headquartered in California, the organization has more than 260,000 members in over 12,500 clubs in 113 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

How Toastmasters has helped me

I have been a member of the Karachi Toastmasters Club for almost 3 years now. Joining the toastmasters club was the best thing that could have happened to me, as being a motivational speaker the toastmasters has helped me improve my speaking skills by leaps and bounds. It has given me the confidence to speak in public anywhere. It makes me happy to know that I am the only one on a wheelchair in the club and get a lot of appreciation from other people. I am really made feel welcome there which gives me the inspiration to go there every week.

Toastmasters divided into 3 phases

The toastmasters meeting last about a couple of hours. They are divided into three phases. The first phase is known as the table topics, where a member asks various questions from other members and guests. You have to speak on any given topic for two and a half minutes. Normally there is a theme for the table topics and all the questions are related to the theme. The second phase consists of prepared speeches where four to five speakers prepare a speech and talk. The last phase in my opinion is the most critical one which is known as evaluation. Everyone who speaks is evaluated and you get to know what you are doing right and wrong. The evaluator evaluates your body language and the eye contact. He also tells you the areas in which you need to improve.

Different roles played by members

Along with the table topic master which refers to the member who is asking questions, there is a grammarian, an ah-counter, a timer and a member who gives the word of the day. The grammarian highlights the grammatical mistakes made in a speech, while an ah-counter counts the number of various a-h's used in a speech. While the timer times the various speeches as well as the evaluators and the word of the day is to be used in the speeches as much as possible. All these roles are fulfilled by various members and they all play an important part in the meeting.

Visiting a Toastmasters Club in London

I was in London recently and was fortunate enough to visit a Toastmasters Club. It was known as the Grosvenor Square Speakers Toastmasters Club in London. It is the oldest toastmasters club in London. I attended a couple of their meetings and was given a very warm welcome by their President as well as their members. I was present at the transfer of power meeting where
the current President’s term comes to an end and gives the charge to the newly elected
President. It marks the beginning of a new year for the newly elected President. A President’s term in the toastmasters club is for one year.

Giving a speech at London Toastmasters Club

It was a great experience for me to attend a meeting in London and have learnt a lot from the meeting. It was the first time I had attended a toastmaster meeting outside Karachi. I was persuaded to give a speech by the President of the Club. I spoke for three minutes on my experience at the Toastmasters Club. The speech went well and the feedback I received was very encouraging. The applause received at the end of my speech made it truly a memorable moment and I will remember it for the rest of my life. This was also the first time I had given a speech in London. The President asked me to visit the club the next time I am in London.

Why one should join The Toastmasters Club

The Toastmasters Club is very beneficial for anyone wanting to become a public speaker. It also helps you improve The Toastmasters Club is very beneficial for anyone wanting to become a public speaker. There is also the opportunity to meet new people and share new ideas with with them. It indeed is a great platform for learning various things about speaking, communicating and listening. Also the fact that since the club is present almost all over the world, enabling anyone to join the Toastmasters Club.