Voodoo Buwan: So, can you explain the inspiration behind "Wheelies"?
Simon Walsh: It was a bit of fun to be honest and everyone had clubs back them, and so what does a disabled man calls his club...but its grow and grow
Voodoo Buwan: So, was your intention to make somewhere for other disabled people to come and party, or is the title more to do with where you are coming from?
Simon Walsh: Always be an inclusive club. Wheelies is a disability theme club
not a club for disabled people. All are welcome.
Voodoo Buwan: But a place that, while all are welcome, people with disabilities can come without feeling their disability is an issue? is that fair?
Simon Walsh: Yes
Voodoo Buwan: If I can say, without coming across the wrong way, I notice you are in a wheelchair in SL. Many people with impairments in SL choose to embrace the opportunity to not have not have it. May I ask why you chose to be in a wheelchair here too?
Simon Walsh: Ok, you are a man in rl?
Voodoo Buwan: Yes
Simon Walsh: Why are you a man in sl?
Voodoo Buwan: Right... so you are being true to yourself?
Simon Walsh: Yep, I’ve got no time to pretend. I do walk in rl with helmet, and use wheelchair often, but its true me, only I am slimmer and younger here and I’ve worn wetsuit shorts for 6 weeks :)
Voodoo Buwan: How have you found people's reaction to you as a person in a wheelchair in SL?
Simon Walsh: In the early days... and this was when there were 200000 users, it was hard at times as a newbie. Now, I am not 'a wheelchair user'. I am 'owner of wheelies' because I’ve been seen on TV and people track me down. I am the famous git I always wanted to me
Voodoo Buwan: So SL has brought the attention of the RL media?
Simon Walsh: omg yes. It started with Canada news, over the youtube video (which can be seen at http://www.simonstevens.com/), then bbc radio 4, UK Times, UK disability now and now newsweek. Oh, and blog after blog after blog in many languages.
Voodoo Buwan: So, how has your newfound fame affected you?
Simon Walsh: It’s made me calmer, but it’s still about helping the newbies. i think being a role model is important. Fame is a job for me.
Voodoo Buwan: So, you've kind of become an elder statesman on SL?
Simon Walsh: Hehe, wheelies has its place
Voodoo Buwan: Is it true to say that SL has opened up opportunities to you that were denied you in rl?
Simon Walsh: Yes, and that’s sounds sad. i have a lot of opportunities in rl. i achieved 10 times more than most in rl. in sl, i achieve 100 times
Voodoo Buwan: So SL is just another way to push your drive and ambition
Simon Walsh: Yes, the big leap to real success
Voodoo Buwan: And what next for Simon Walsh?
Simon Walsh: Stevens centre, a place for disability equality training for rl in sl
Voodoo Buwan: Still looking to give something back?
Simon Walsh: And make a lot of rl money
Voodoo Buwan: Well, thank you for speaking to me, and best of luck
