"Never Admit Defeat!"
Dean Clifford was born with a serious genetic skin disorder called epidermolysis bullosa commonly known as EB, sometimes referred to as "cotton wool babies". EB is lifelong and incurable. When he was born, Dean was given a life expectancy of just five years. He is now 27.
Dean's achievements are many and varied but for someone with such a debilitating condition just being able to lead a relatively normal life is a feat in itself. He has a particularly aggressive form of EB, which is a genetic defect affecting the strength of the skin, causing lesions and blisters at the slightest injury.
His story continues to inspire and empower his audiences throughout Australia.
The value of work in Dean's life cannot be underestimated. In his role as ACE ambassador he works to help others with disabilities find the same satisfaction he has found in the workplace.
"I couldn't have made it this far without the help and support of so many people and organizations,". "ACE has been awesome. Employers need to be aware of the contribution people with disabilities can make to their workforce and the people at ACE do so much to make that happen. And of course they [through the Disability Employment Network] provide ongoing support for employers and employees."
Dean, who lives in Brisbane, began working with Ken Mills Toyota in Kingaroy Queensland in August 2002. When he moved to Brisbane he was amazed and delighted that he could keep his job.
"This was merely a bridge we had to cross and arrangements were made with my support team and Ken's teams. I was supplied with the latest technology and began working online from Brisbane.
"When I started work it was in a clerical position, these days I am assigned to business and marketing. Mostly I work from my home base via the internet. With his speaking business ever increasing it's a tough juggling act to balance the two careers, but one Dean thrives on.
On top of his thriving Motivational Speaking Business and his role within Ken Mills Toyota Dean has also taken on the volunteer roles as the Ambassador for the Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Football Team, Is the Spokesperson for dEBra helping to raise awareness, support and funding for E.B and of course is our ACE Ambassador.
"As a motivational speaker his story is described as a powerful, life changing experience taking people to a new dimension of life's reality. Having travelled to most Australian states so far sharing his story with groups ranging from small intimate staff gatherings to auditoriums catering to crowds of 1500 people or more, there is no limit to where Dean can take his life experience and make a real difference in the way people see the world and themselves."