"I am not disabled; I am this able." These words capture Ronald Greenway's inspiring outlook on life—a man who, despite a life-changing physical challenge, has dedicated himself to sharing his skills and passion, especially with others facing similar obstacles.
“You have to recognize that each and every one of us has limitations in different ways. The key is to focus on your own abilities and what you can do,” Ronald explains. “Otherwise, out of love and affection, people may unintentionally make you more dependent by wanting to do everything for you. While they may mean well, it’s important to recognize your own strength and capability.”
A proud citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, Ronald's life took an unexpected turn in August 2002, when a vehicular accident resulted in the loss of one of his limbs. Despite this, his journey of resilience and empowerment has been remarkable.
As an educator and advocate for skills training, Ronald has made significant contributions to the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), serving on its syllabus review panel for several years. While his current role is outside the traditional classroom, he continues to make an impact through his work with the Ministry of Social Transformation, working at a rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities.
The Sailability programme
Ronald is a passionate participant in the Sailability programme at the National Sailing Academy of Antigua and Barbuda. This non-profit initiative enables individuals with disabilities to experience the freedom and joy of sailing, perfectly aligning with Ronald's mission to inspire and empower others.
The programme offers persons with disabilities in Antigua an inclusive opportunity to engage in sailing and develop new skills. Open to both children and adults, the programme fosters a supportive and empowering environment. It demonstrates that when individuals with disabilities are given opportunities within an inclusive environment, they can thrive and make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. This also reminds us of the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities—to live with dignity, participate fully in society, and access opportunities without barriers.
Sylvester Thomas, Chief Instructor at the National Sailing Academy, explained that the Academy, established over 12 years ago, sponsors a school program that welcomes primary and secondary school students to learn sailing and swimming every afternoon. The initiative also extends to the broader community, including senior citizens and individuals with varying disabilities.
The National Sailing Academy made reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility for participants with physical challenges, such as those using wheelchairs or living with quadriplegia or paraplegia. These reasonable accommodations ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in the Sailability programme. These include adaptations such as accessible ramps and equipment that enable safe boarding and disembarking from boats, as well as opportunities for active engagement, like steering or managing the sails. Reasonable accommodation refers to necessary and appropriate adjustments to ensure that persons with disabilities can enjoy their rights and freedoms on an equal basis with others. Such measures are essential not just in recreation but in all areas of life—education, employment, and public services—to promote inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for everyone.
Ronald Greenway’s journey with the Sailability programme began in February 2021 when he started transporting people to the Academy for training sessions. “I used to transport people here, and I decided that instead of sitting and waiting for them, it was an opportunity for me to get in the water as well. Thank God I was trained. I started in a nine-foot Hansa boat, and now I use a 16-foot vessel, the RS Venture, to take people out on the water—it’s just fun,” he recalls.
For Ronald, the sessions transcend sailing. “They’re about building confidence, fostering independence, and creating a community,” he emphasizes.
Empowered Living: Overcoming Challenges, Inspiring Others
Beyond the Academy, Ronald has a deep passion for landscaping, reading, photography, art and painting. People often ask how he manages tasks like cutting grass and trimming trees. His response: “I use a lawn mower, and when they ask me how you do it, I say if you have a job cutting grass would you use your foot or your hands? I have both hands. To climb a tree it's about holding on, getting your balance, swinging up and doing what you have to do.”
Ronald believes he might not have discovered the opportunities he now enjoys if his life had continued on its previous path as a teacher. After his accident, he refused to remain idle and sought activities that kept him active. Initially assigned to an office job behind a computer, he found it unfulfilling and ventured out to seek more engaging roles.
Through the challenges, sailing became a transformative outlet. “I am saying to you, if I did not face this challenge and if I wasn't the person who I am now or who have always been looking forward to new things, maybe I would come out only on Sunday afternoons. Now I am able to do it until it is now becoming a part of me, and I am looking to become qualified. So out of the challenge that you face while others may see it as a downside to your life, want to pity you and everything, look into yourself and see if there's anything new that you can take up as an individual. Begin a new life as things have already changed.”
As a motivational speaker, Ronald shares his philosophy on overcoming adversity. “Encourage yourself and believe in what you can do, no matter what others say. You don't need to be negative, there's enough negativity to keep the world going, without you being a part of it, love yourself and do what you can do.”
Ronald advocates for fairness and self-acceptance, noting, “we speak about equality; do not speak about equality—speak about fairness. As long as you are treated fairly because of your challenge, that’s what matters. Equality may put you into more danger. Stay at your level, do what you can do, and be the best that you can be. You can live with your challenge, your disability, whatever it is. It is a new life—face it. With God on your side, you can make it.”
A Message of Hope and Inclusion
Ronald Greenaway’s story is a testament to perseverance and self-belief. His journey reminds us that every individual deserves respect and equal opportunities. Treat others the way you would want to be treated, recognizing their abilities, not their limitations.
Ronald’s message to others is simple yet profound: “Disability is what you decide it to be; do not let anyone decide that for you. People will, out of safety, tell you not to touch this or do that, but you just need to venture out. Life is a risk—take it, and enjoy life.”
