Robert Smith.
Robbie Carrick Smith.
The youngest of 3 siblings, from the outset Robbie wasn’t treated any differently, although he needed more support in school and frequent hospital check-ups, he had a very similar upbringing to his brother and sister.
Robbie was born with a right sided hemiplegia (Cerebral Palsy) as a result of a stroke before birth. His disability manifests itself as a weakness on his right side with a partial loss of fine motor skills and also impacts his speech.
Thanks to his family upbringing and his own internal drive, Robbie has always been very capable, but one thing he wasn't able to escape during his teenage years was bullying - which manifested itself in mimicry, physical and verbal abuse.
But sport gave Robbie a positive focus, as well as an opportunity to meet other athletes living with a disability, creating a unique bond with others living with a similar disability. Over the years Robbie has competed at numerous UK National Championships & University Championships. In 2019 and 2020 he ranked first in the UK for his classification in discus, and competed for England in the Cerebral Palsy world games.
Robbie also has a love for sailing. He has sailed the Baltic sea from Norway to Denmark and back to Scotland and has experience working on all sized boats from a small dingy to yachts. All while adapting to boats that don't have appropriate modifications, again showcasing his capabilities.
Yet despite his academic expertise and years of experience, Robbie has faced countless scenarios of workplace discrimination, for example an application was rejected due to a speech recognition technicality. Rather than talking to Robbie, it was an instant dismissal.
Robbie now works for a X-press Feeders, a global container shipping group with offices in Dubai.
Robbie's story is one that needs to be shared, and we are delighted to welcome him to the TOUCH family.
