VISION BEYOND SIGHT: GEOFF'S INSPIRING PATH​

 

When Geoff was paired with Andrew, a mentor whose experience and approach aligned well with Geoff’s aspirations, it didn’t take long for Geoff to realise the value that Andrew brought into the mentoring relationship.

 

FROM PAEDIATRICIAN TO ADVOCATE

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Geoff Aiken's life has been one of resilience and courage. Born in South Africa, he had to find his way in a world that wasn’t built for people with his challenges. "I have a problem with my eyesight, which I’ve had since I was born,” says Geoff. ” I’ve never had peripheral vision and as a result of that, I did experience life very differently to other people." School was a struggle. Despite growing up in a privileged environment and being academically capable, his visual challenges made learning difficult and socialising wasn’t easy either. Geoff shares "Nobody ever told me I could not see like other people. You can't actually hide that from young people of the same age. They quickly spot that you can be tripped up.” As a result, he often felt overlooked in an education system that didn’t know how to accommodate difference.

 

But, Geoff didn’t let this stop him. He tenaciously continued to try and participate in as many aspects of life as he could manage. He not only finished school, but he learned to ride a bike and even learned to ski. Eventually he went off to Cambridge to study medicine, specialising in paediatrics and neonatal care. His work has taken him across continents - from the UK to New Zealand, and even to Zimbabwe - where he dedicated himself to improving infant health under some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.

 

As his eyesight declined further, Geoff made the difficult decision to retire from clinical

practice. Settling in New Plymouth, he embraced a quieter life, growing vegetables and selling them at local markets. However, the desire to contribute to his community remained strong. Geoff's passion for inclusivity and understanding, especially regarding disabilities, led him to seek new avenues to make a difference.

 

DISCOVERING ENABLING GOOD LIVES TARANAKI (EGLT)

It was this passion that led Geoff to become involved with Enabling Good Lives Taranaki (EGLT). He was drawn to its vision of creating inclusive communities that value all people, and he brought a strong analytical lens to the initiative. From the outset, Geoff saw EGLT not just as a support organisation, but as a platform for societal transformation. Geoff believes in people’s ability to adapt and grow. “We are constantly able to change,” Geoff states. ”I learned how to use a cane, fairly effectively, very late in life.” The ability to adapt “is there with us all our lives. It doesn't go away.” 

  

 Geoff is particularly interested in the role education plays in shaping societal attitudes. He sees young people as the key to making change and building a more inclusive society—one where disabled people are more than simply accommodated, but genuinely understood, respected, and welcomed. He has experienced the impact of this firsthand and recognised that while schools had foundational knowledge about disabilities, there was a gap in genuine understanding and empathy among students and teachers.

He envisioned a programme that could break down these barriers by hearing the stories and experiences of students with disabilities, providing interactions that would not only demystify disabilities but also cultivate a culture of empathy and support amongst students as well as teachers, transforming the school environment.

 

However, translating this vision into a tangible programme was a daunting task. Geoff had no trouble coming up with great ideas, but figuring out how to make them happen was often much harder. He knew he needed guidance to navigate the complexities of educational systems and to effectively implement his ideas.

 

THE MENTORSHIP CONNECTION: MEETING ANDREW

With this in mind, Geoff joined the Mentoring Foundation programme. Here, he was paired with Andrew, a mentor whose experience and approach aligned well with Geoff’s aspirations. It didn’t take long for Geoff to realise the value that Andrew brought into the mentoring relationship.

 

He found Andrew's mentoring style both supportive and challenging.

  

 Andrew gave Geoff the space to explore his ideas. He encouraged self-reflection and personal growth, while providing accountability along the way. Geoff reflected, "Andrew knew just the right moment to challenge me, encouraging me to step up and follow through with my ideas."

 

TURNING VISION INTO REALITY: THE SCHOOL DISABILITY AWARENESS PROGRAMME

With Andrew’s guidance, Geoff began shaping his ideas into what became the School Disability Awareness Programme. Concepts turned into concrete goals:

 

• Highlight Neurodiversity: Educate students and teachers about conditions such as autism, focusing on understanding and acceptance.

• Foster Open Conversations: Create safe spaces where students can share feelings around comfort, overstimulation, and personal experiences.

• Clarify Misconceptions: Teach the differences between meltdowns and tantrums to encourage more empathetic responses.

• Introduce Sensory Experiences: Offer hands-on activities to help students understand the realities of sensory impairments.

• Discuss Haptic Communication: Explore the role of touch in communication, underlining the importance of consent and awareness.

 

 Andrew's mentorship was absolutely instrumental in making this happen. He encouraged Geoff to move beyond theoretical discussions, urging him to take actionable steps. Geoff noted, "If I hadn't had this experience with my mentor, I would never have written down the proposal for the school disability awareness programme." Furthermore, Geoff added, “it would not have been anywhere near as good as has turned out to be.”

  

BEYOND THE PROGRAMME: PERSONAL GROWTH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The benefits of Geoff's mentorship extended beyond the development of the programme. Through his interactions with Andrew, Geoff experienced significant personal growth. He became more engaged with the community, building connections and collaborating with like-minded individuals.

 

"I was making lots of other connections," Geoff shared. "That was a very rich source of inspiration."

 

Andrew's support, along with Geoff’s engagement with EGLT, reignited Geoff's passion for advocacy and education. He felt a renewed sense of purpose, eager to challenge existing perceptions and promote inclusivity.

 

MORE THAN A MENTOR: A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

Geoff’s story is a reminder that mentoring doesn’t just help you do more—it helps you be more. It sparks confidence. It creates space for reflection. And it turns ideas into action.

 

With Andrew’s help, Geoff didn’t just create a proposal. He created possibility. His work is now under consideration by the Enabling Good Lives Taranaki board, and his vision for more inclusive, understanding schools has moved closer to becoming a reality.

 

Even more importantly, Geoff has found a renewed sense of purpose—a way to keep giving, and to keep growing. He still skis when the opportunity arises, and he’s often seen navigating the streets of New Plymouth with his cane in hand, guiding both himself and a visually impaired friend. With quiet courage and unwavering resolve, Geoff continues to challenge both himself and the world to be better.