Click here to watch Owens speaking at the pollical event to getting Government approval wilt TD Aodhan O Riordain
Owen Collumb's life took a profound turn in 1993 when a motorcycle accident left him almost entirely paralyzed from the shoulders down. Before this, Owen was a vibrant athlete, enjoying sports like basketball and table tennis, and even captaining his local football team.
Receiving a grant from Dublin Bus for his work as Chairperson
Boards of Directors with all disabled members of Greater Dublin Independent Living
The sudden shift was immense, but Owen's spirit remained unbroken. He found inspiration in connecting with other young people facing similar life-altering injuries, which ignited a new purpose within him: to support disabled individuals. He channelled his energy into helping others access suitable accommodation, job opportunities, and social integration activities.
Presenting A Report to Dail Eireann on The Right of Disabled People to live and work in the community
Working together with the HSE , Cheshire Ireland, IWA and Citizens Information to establish Direct Payments in Ireland
After many years in institutional care, a significant milestone arrived in 2001 when Owen moved into his own independent house, supported by Personal Assistants (PAs).
His interest in Direct Payments, a model that empowers individuals with disabilities to control their own services, grew. In 2010, he saw a monumental opportunity with Áiseanna Tacaíochta (ÁT), a network making Direct Payments a reality in Ireland. Along with three other leaders, Owen bravely piloted this model, establishing his own company, 'Personal Assistant Service Dublin.' This gave him maximum choice and control over his life, allowing him to employ his own staff and manage his funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE). His "Circle of Support," a group of individuals with expertise in Independent Living, was crucial in this journey. Owen is deeply grateful for their volunteer efforts, which not only supported him but also championed the broader Direct Payments model.
Lobbying all Dublin politicians on access for Disabled people in the city
Owen's resilience and determination continued to shine. A keen sportsman before his injury, he embraced new horizons through technology. He became a pilot for the NeuroCONCISE Team, competing in the Cybathlon, an international athletics competition. Using an EEG headset linked to a sophisticated AI/signal-processing computer, Owen could translate his imagined hand and arm movements into control commands for a virtual avatar. This "mind control" technology allowed him to navigate computer game-like challenges, including guiding a wheelchair through obstacles, achieving remarkable feats in record time. His participation and victory in the Cybathlon, using neurotechnology developed at the University of Bath, had a major impact on his life and wellbeing, showcasing the power of human spirit and technological innovation in overcoming adversity. Owen Collumb's journey is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of a meaningful, independent life. Owen Collumb's life took an unexpected turn in 1993 when a motorcycle accident left him almost entirely paralyzed from the shoulders down. Before this, he was a vibrant athlete, excelling in basketball, table tennis, and even captaining his local football team. The sudden shift was immense, but Owen, with remarkable resilience, found a new purpose.
Advocacy for Disabled People
Housing for All in Dublin City Council
He channeled his energy into advocating for others with disabilities, particularly children, helping them access suitable accommodation, job opportunities, and social integration. His personal experience became a powerful tool for change. In 2001, after years in institutional care, Owen moved into his own home, living independently with the support of Personal Assistants. This was a testament to his belief in self-direction.
Owen became a founding member of Áiseanna Tacaíochta (ÁT), an organization dedicated to making Direct Payments a reality for people with disabilities in Ireland. He saw this as a revolutionary step, giving individuals maximum choice and control over their services. With the support of his "Circle of Support," he even set up his own company, "Personal Assistant Service Dublin," employing his own staff and managing his funding.
His journey of overcoming adversity continued into the realm of technology. A keen sportsman, Owen found a new way to compete. He became a pilot for the NeuroCONCISE Team, participating in the Cybathlon, an international competition for athletes using assistive technologies. Wearing an EEG headset, Owen used "movement imagination" and deep mental focus to control a virtual avatar, completing complex tasks and even winning. This remarkable feat, achieved with brain-computer interface technology, opened new horizons for him and showcased the incredible potential of human resilience combined with cutting-edge innovation.
At his first Cybathlon In Zurich 2016, Owen finished 6th however having the 3rd best time in the tournament . Owen would go on the win come 3rd in the next event and to final win the Cybathlon series in 2024, making him the No.1 ranked player in the world entering the 2026 Cybathlon series.
Owen's story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right mindset and support, one can navigate life's challenges and create profound meaning g a nd purpose. Here is a short story about Owen Collumb, along with an illustrative image:
So what does the future look like Owen Collumb.
