Marcus Owen Mason-Williams

Allow everyone the time to show that they have something to offer. Borrowing a few quotes from my TV and movie heroes. He who dares wins…. A strong man stands up for himself. A stronger man stands up for others…… This is not the finish line, my friends. This is the start of the race. The future is the finish line. And our combined skills and geniuses, working together, are just the thing to get us there.

My autism makes me feel like I can be me and I do not have to pretend. Being self employed I am able to work in a more flexible way (when it suits me) and I do not have a “boss”, as I was worried that I might get fired when I was in employment if I did something wrong. Tones (harsh tones) upset me. I am the creative mind / designer and narrator. I am also the face of the business when we are promoting to companies and the public at retail events. I like speaking to people and I am told I am a good performer. I gave a full speech about my autism at Autism Got Talent at the Stockton Globe, near Middlesborough. Being able to say what is in my mind has helped me when presenting to senior business and public figures, for example when I was at the Glasshouse College to the Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council and circa 50 guests. Having autism also gives me the opportunity to work with autistic and other disabled entrepreneurs. I have loved working with Michael and Niall as part of the SOGB/Coca Cola Project and with Jen Parker (my amazing book editor) of Fuzzy Flamingo on my books. I have produced videos about my disability and work for d:Entrepreneur (part of Small Business Britain) and Lloyds Banking Group and for the Lilac Review. I have been interviewed twice by BBC Radio WM and by Marlow FM promoting the contributions disabled people make. I have been featured in a number of disability articles, including Microlink, Autistica, Included, TheWyrdSisters and Anna Kennedy Online. I have also spoken at local schools and colleges in the Midlands about my autism and my work; I am keen to do more of this.

I am keen to remain actively involved in the Lilac Review. I want to work more with fellow-disabled business owners, like Jen of Fuzzy Flamingo. I want to continue supporting Purple Sock Day and the work of Parallel Lifestyle and performing at Parallel Windsor. I want to be an ambassador for Anna Kennedy Online Charity and Autism’s Got Talent. I will work more with local charities and schools to promote disability.

Sing, watch films (especially animated films), spend time with my brother and rest of the family, work with horses, enjoy nature and wildlife in the UK and the rest of the world. I also like to rise horses, run, do tai chi and ski with Special Olympics GB.

Doing movie speak with my brother, watching films, spending time in nature, singing sea shanties and other songs, going to music concerts and musicals, and helping others (especially the young and the old).

dogs (not had a cat)

allowing all people (disabled and not) to be treated fairly

Similar level of support for self-employed disabled people and for employed disabled people Educating people on how to communicate with autistic and neurodiverse people so they understand and accommodate our sensitivities Recognising the value of disabled people and that others are not simply doing you a favour by giving you work and that you should be paid the market rate for your work Recognition that some/many disabilities are long-term and that support should be maintained rather than diminished over time on the basis you are ‘getting better’ Many changes do not need physical add-ons BUT they do need changes in behaviour. These should be not expensive BUT need ongoing effort and not just one off training programmes