As Chris McCausland lights up Strictly, DAVID BLUNKETT – who shares comedian’s disability – praises his ‘have-a-go’ attitude: ‘From one blind man to another: Thank you, Chris for brilliantly inspiring the next generation’

As I read through this touching narrative, I found myself deeply moved by the resilience and determination displayed by both the speaker and Chris McCausland, the visually impaired comedian who is making waves on prime-time TV.

For people not acquainted with Chris McCausland, his participation in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing might surprise them. While many are likely already aware of his hilarious wit, infectious spirit, and adventurous nature, ready for any challenge that comes his way.

Some might recognize him from Channel 4’s reality show “Scared Of The Dark”, where participants stayed in a pitch-black house for eight consecutive days. Alternatively, others could have listened to BBC Radio 4’s program “You Heard It Here First”, where he challenges a group of comedians to identify an object based solely on its sound.

Such programs resonate deeply with me since both Chris and I share a unique bond, as we are visually impaired individuals.

It’s not that I have a knack for dancing; my pair of clumsy left feet has always been a hindrance rather than a help on the dance floor, and that’s why you won’t find me participating in shows like Strictly.

As a politician, I was taught to avoid putting myself in potentially embarrassing situations whenever possible. That’s why I declined invitations to appear on shows like Have I Got News For You and The Friday Night Project, even when offered substantial sums such as £25,000. However, for a comedian like Chris, taking risks is just part of the job description.

However, his actions captivate audiences not only by showcasing genius and skill but also by performing astonishing displays of agility and imagination.

The action he takes, and what I’ve striven for through numerous years, is to dismantle obstacles set up by others, whose limited understanding of a blind person’s capabilities often contradicts the actual possibilities.

As a follower dedicated to understanding human potential, I often ponder on the insightful words of poet William Blake about ‘mind-forged manacles’, symbolizing the self-imposed limitations we set on what we think is achievable. Sometimes, our own beliefs about others’ capabilities can influence their confidence in reaching for their goals.

In a similar fashion as Channel 4 has inspired countless individuals over several decades by broadcasting the Paralympics and showcasing the incredible feats achievable by those with various disabilities when given an opportunity, Chris is expressing the idea that self-confidence paves the way for success.

Dianne Buswell, Chris’s dance partner on Strictly, faced questions from doubters who were curious about her ability to handle the task. However, she reassured them that it wasn’t just about winning; rather, the experience was more important. Given Chris’s widespread appeal, there’s a lot of potential for success.

My bet is that life hasn’t always felt like that for Chris.

Previously, I mentioned that our shared experience is blindness, but upon closer observation, I see a similar resilience in him – stubbornness, if you will, which propelled me from being a Braille-learning boy to becoming a city councillor in Sheffield, and eventually serving for eight years in Tony Blair’s Cabinet.

Ever since I was a little tyke, I’ve been bucking societal norms, defying expectations that were set for me even before I could fully understand them. At just four years old, my parents chose to send me to a boarding school for the visually impaired, against my will and perhaps their own. But little did they know, this journey would become an integral part of who I am today – an obsessed fan, in love with life’s endless opportunities.

In those times, things functioned differently. People had lower expectations, fewer opportunities presented themselves, and the advancement in audio technology that we see today, empowering visually impaired youth, was still a distant dream.

Due to the underdevelopment of my optic nerve, I’ve never been capable of seeing anything beyond light and darkness. This is a similar situation that Chris has found himself in currently.

Over the years, I’ve found myself grappling with the gradual loss of my eyesight, a health issue that was familiar among my schoolmates, including those I continue to cherish friendships with, due to retinitis pigmentosa – a condition some of them also faced back then.

In my case, adjusting to the world came just as easily as others managing everyday challenges. I picked up Braille reading, developed numerical skills with tactile resources, and enjoyed playing with a football filled with ball bearings.

For Chris, becoming blind as an adult was something he found both frightening and humiliating, requiring him to quickly adapt to seeking assistance from others.

Possessing a knack for eloquent speech undeniably proves beneficial. For him, it’s all about making people laugh; for me, it’s about rallying support for a cause and convincing others of my viewpoints. Regrettably, this skill seems to be on the decline, particularly evident at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, where I noticed that the strict control of teleprompters stifled the speakers’ ability to engage with the audience spontaneously.

Additionally, being open to adopting novel technologies is beneficial, a skill I believe Chris has honed more effectively than myself.

As much as apps can vocalize messages on smartphones for me, I often find myself relying on my spouse and others to verbally convey the content displayed on screens, catering to my personal preference.

Through social media, even though it has its drawbacks, provides a vast network of social interactions for children who are less mobile compared to their able-bodied peers, offering them a broader social realm beyond their immediate surroundings.

For the next generation, the exposure of people like Chris on prime-time TV is invaluable. Role models really do matter and his presence in the living rooms of the nation will encourage both parents and youngsters to think, ‘well, if he can do it, so can I’.

As a child, I was nurtured on a diet of Morecambe and Wise and The Likely Lads on television, along with Tony Hancock’s humor through the radio waves. Each of these entertainers had their unique charm, yet none truly resonated with my personal experiences.

During my tenure as Education and Employment Secretary, I felt strongly about inspiring individuals who’d overcome challenges to share with kids and families that higher education or chances beyond their usual experiences were just as accessible to them as they are to anyone else.

Taking advantage of opportunities demands self-assurance and ambition, yet it’s equally important to be open to just giving it a try.

The triumph of Chris McCausland holds significance beyond himself and the resurrection of Strictly, a show currently facing challenges. It’s relevant to everyone who believes that each individual possesses unique value and potential to improve the world in their own unique way.

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2024-09-29 00:52