Bill Volkmann shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Bill, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I have cerebral palsy, so I have to balance my day by taking care of myself by going to physical therapy, working out at the gym, or getting a therapeutic massage. It is very important to take care of yourself while working 10-13 hours a day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
This fall, I began speaking to students at UCSD and PLNU about what it is like living with a disability and their program, which was for medical students in both. I was born with cerebral palsy, but the disability never stopped me from achieving my goals or defined me. I was the first student in New Jersey with intellectual or developmental disabilities to attend New Jersey public schools after the ADA was passed in grade school. From high school till I moved to San Diego, I lived in many states and experienced many things. Moving to San Diego over three years ago, I didn’t know anyone, but this was one of my dreams to live here, and I knew I could do it. What has happened is beyond my dreams. I volunteered, then worked for the Challenged Athletes Foundation in Business Development, and then I was Director of Business Development at a supportive living company for adults with disabilities. Both places, I saw the desire in both adults and the kids at CAF to be like everyone else in work or other social environments. Two young boys with physical disabilities at a four-day CAF event in San Diego came from different areas of the country, but both told me they love coming because, for four days, they felt like everyone else. They reminded me of when I was a child, and friends from over thirty years ago, wishing the same just to be like everyone else in society. Instead of complaining about only a small change in the positive, something has to happen. This fall, I founded my own company, Empower Your Courage. Through the use of media and technology, we can change the path of those kids, the next generation of people with disabilities.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories was when I was at the mall holding onto my mother’s hand at the young age of seven. I noticed people were staring at me because of the way I walked. My mother stopped walking, looked down at me, and told me, “You don’t have a problem Bill, they have the problem.” As I grew older, I became more aware that people in society were not mean or didn’t care about people with disabilities, they just didn’t know what to do. They didn’t know how to interact with people with disabilities. Now I realize when people have a chance to work with someone with a disability, they quickly see the person and not their disability.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In 2018, I had to have neck surgery. The surgery did not go well and there were complications. I ended up with both of my arms being temporarily paralyzed and one of my vocal cords being paralyzed too. It was hard not being able to move my arms, but it was excruciating not being able to talk. I was in an immense amount of pain. When my paralyzed vocal cord collapsed, I almost died of suffocation; this occurred twice. I thought to myself, if I can get out of this and recover back to the way I was, I would dedicate my life to helping others. When I came back and felt better, I realized through my nephew’s eyes, who had autism, not enough had changed the perception of people with disabilities.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe my closest friends hold a positive perception of me. I like to spend time talking to my friends and really understanding what they are going through. They sometimes call me their “free psychiatrist.” Other obvious characteristics of me include: having fun, being spontaneous, caring, loyal, and always willing to push limits.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I leave this earth, people will remember me as being determined, never taking no as an answer, and trying to help other people improve their lives. I also hope they remember me as having a positive impact on society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweryourcourage.com
- Instagram: @billvolkmann
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-volkmann-59a497250
- Youtube: @billvolkmann
