Many readers will know I have a virtual self, called Simon Walsh, within the secondlife platform. I have been using Secondlife for 7 years and I confess that I have not been using Secondlife as much as I would like to as other work takes priority. My virtual nightclub, Wheelies, is still going very strong but does not receive the press attention it did when it was at the peak.

 

My secondlife story is interesting because at a time when people used the platform to escape from reality and portray their perfections, I naturally decided without any thought to use a wheelchair in secondlife, being the first full-time user, because that was the identity I was comfortable with. Within a truly post-social model virtual world, this statement caused great interest from people around the world as its brings light to impairment identity.

 

Secondlife plays an important part in my development and as other work is completed, I do plan to spend more time there.

  

If you like what I say, have a look at my site at www.simonstevens.com or follow me on twitter, @simonstevens74, or even leave me feedback on +44 (0)121 364 1974 or email simon@simonstevens.com