Joanne O’Riordan

Joanne O’Riordan is one of seven people in the world living with a rare physical disability known as Total Amelia. This means she was born without all four limbs and even though there is no medical explanation as to why this happened, Joanne or indeed her family has never allowed it to hold her back.

Joanne first gained attention for skipping school to confront then Taoiseach Enda Kenny about his proposed plan to reduce disability funding during his election. In April 2012, she spoke before the UN and challenged the body to create technology to help disabled people such as herself. She was named “Young Person of the Year” at the People of the Year awards in 2012. Joanne is an activist for people with disabilities, a motivational speaker and a sports columnist with The Irish Times. She appears in the 2013 documentary No Limbs No Limits.

She has used technology to enhance her abilities in both her education and through the wider social environment. She has conquered enormous challenges at home, in school and around her local community. Joanne adapted her life in such a way that it has given her both national and international acclaim. Joanne is now an example for all to live very happy, independent, fulfilled lives. After studying criminology in UCC, Joanne is currently studying law.

Joanne has a huge passion for sport and has appeared as a pundit for RTÉ during their Paralympic Games coverage in Tokyo and Paris. Joanne is also a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.