Joanne O’Riordan from Millstreet, Co. Cork was born without limbs. But that hasn’t stopped her and today she was pronounced the “Outstanding Young Person of the World” by Junior Chambers International.
Joanne is one of only seven people in the world with total amelia, a condition which resulted in her being born without limbs. She is currently studying criminology in University College Cork and has addressed the UN about how technology changed her life,
Yes it’s true I have been awarded the prestigious JCI Outstanding Young Person of the World Award for 2015.Will be #rockingit in Japan
— No Limbs No Limits (@NolimbsNolimits) August 27, 2015
Joanne picked up half of the votes in this years award. Speaking after she was informed of the win she said “I’m simply blown away by the fact that I have been awarded such an accolade. To say I’m over the moon would be an understatement.”
“For me this award is about highlighting the ability of every citizen irrespective of their disability. I want people to realise that people with disabilities can contribute to a wider society in a more positive and helpful way,” she said.
The award ceremony is in Japan next month and Joanne is looking forward to the visit, saying she’ll “try not to embarrass myself.”
Here’s Joanne at a TEDx talk she gave in Cork.
