Being handicap is a state of mind. Nobody knows that better than Brett Eastburn, and he’s happy to spread his message.
Eastburn was born with no arms or legs. Despite what some people might see as disabilities, Eastburn showcased his skills in basketball, football, baseball, swimming, wrestling, art, teaching and especially motivation.
An internationally recognized motivational speaker, Eastburn brings his message of boosting self-esteem and overcoming obstacles to both adults and children.
Over the past week, Eastburn visited several Clarkston schools to speak with students, starting on Jan 18 at Sashabaw Middle School and Clarkston Elementary and ending on Jan. 20 at Clarkston High School.
After introducing students at Clarkston Elementary to his service dog, Murray, Eastburn shared personal experiences with students to illustrate his message.
‘A handicap is something that can get in your way, something that can slow you down… ladies and gentlemen, it says nothing about someone. Last time I checked, I was a person, not a thing,? Eastburn said.
Showing no effort, Eastburn leapt from his wheelchair onto a nearby table, and proceeded to show students just how able he is. He dribbled a basketball while recounting stories from his days as a point guard for his school team. He threw a quick pass to a student in the audience; and later did so again with a football, though he made sure the student did not throw it back.
‘It’s not that I can’t catch it, I just want to stay on the table,? Eastburn joked.
In school though, any joke about his appearance was on Eastburn’s opponents, who underestimated his skill and often left him open, giving him the perfect opportunity to help his team.
‘Just because somebody looks like they’re handicap doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. I personally believe you’re handicap only if you choose to be. And I also believe that there’s only one person in this room who can stop you from doing what you truly want to do in life and that is… you,? he said.
When he got thirsty during the presentation, Eastburn grabbed a can of Coke, opened it with his teeth, and drank ? to loud applause from the audience.
‘You know what cracks me up? I’m the only guy in the world that I know of who can draw applause for opening a can of cola,? Eastburn said.
He told students to applaud the same way for their next speaker when they take a drink and see how they react.
Eastburn answered questions from the audience and shared stories throughout his demonstration. Near the end of his presentation, while holding a marker between his chin and shoulder, Eastburn scribbled away on a large piece of paper. Eventually, he held up a portrait of Garfield the Cat to the sound of awe from the audience.
Throughout the performance, one theme resounded in everything Eastburn did: that handicaps are something we impose upon ourselves.
‘When you think ‘I can’t do that,? you’re right, because you won’t even try,? Eastburn said.