About

Redefining possibility •

Redefining possibility •

Young man in a graduation cap and gown smiling, showing a badge or ribbon on his chest.
Diagram of a DNA double helix with colored spheres representing nucleotide bases.

In 2011, Mr Dudley proudly graduated from the Up the Hill Project at Flinders University  

Hi, I’m Dudley Afford, but you can call me Mr. Dudley!

Some people see my wheelchair as a limitation. I see it as a vehicle that’s taken me to places I’ve never imagined.

I was born with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Quadriplegia and severe vision impairment, conditions that could have defined me. But instead of accepting the limits the world tried to place on me, I chose a different path – one of resilience, courage and most importantly, action.

I’ve spent my life proving that adversity isn’t the end of the road – it’s just a detour to something greater.

Today, I’m an author, speaker and inclusion advocate, dedicated to inspiring others to push past their own barriers and embrace their full potential.

BOOK ME AS A SPEAKER

A man on a mission

My physical impairments have never held me back. Here are just some of my achievements:

  • Line drawing of a graduate wearing a cap and gown, with a tassel on the cap.

    Completed Year 12, studied at TAFE and graduated from Flinders University

  • Purple outline of a medal with a star in the center and two ribbons hanging from it.

    Winner of the Lions Children of Courage Award, 2002

  • Neon outline of a trophy with a star on the front, purple and white on a black background.

    Winner of the National Disability Rights Young Leader Award, 2009

  • Outline of a man speaking at a podium, with a serious expression, in purple line art on a black background.

    Met all manner of people including then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd

  • Neon purple outline of a building with a flag on top, representing a government or official structure.

    Been invited to Government House 6 times

  • Purple outline of a closed book with a label on the cover and a thick horizontal line, representing a book icon.

    Author of my bestselling auto-biography, My Life on Wheels, 2013

CONTACT ME TODAY

What drives me

At my core, I believe in three things:

  • A smiling elderly woman, a young boy, and an elderly man posing in a backyard garden with trees and bushes, the boy sitting on a small wooden chair.

    Resilience over limitations

    Life will throw challenges at you – but it’s how you respond that defines you. I’m living proof that determination beats circumstance every time.

  • A person wearing a black cap, sunglasses, and a black polo shirt with a logo that says 'SIMPSON DESERT BIRDSVILLE OUTBACK' takes a selfie in a room with furniture and decorations in the background.

    Advocacy and inclusion

    Disability isn’t about what someone can’t do – it’s about how we create a world where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. I use my voice to advocate for accessibility, awareness and acceptance.

  • Two young boys using a walker together, looking at a magazine, in a room with several people standing and sitting in the background.

    The power of mindset

    I’ve learnt that thoughts shape your reality. I choose to see possibility instead of obstacles, and I want to help others do the same.

LET'S CONNECT

Beyond the stage and the page

When I’m not writing or speaking, you’ll find me:

  • Two hands are positioned in front of a sunset, with the sun aligned between them, creating a starburst effect.

    Finding peace in spirituality and pastoral care

    My faith brings me profound fulfillment, and I find joy in supporting others within my community

  • A young man in a wheelchair being honored with a Disability Awareness Award, surrounded by two older adults, a woman and a man, at an award ceremony.

    Spending time with my tribe

    I love spending time with my family and support network, as they enhance my well-being, and play a pivotal role in enriching my life satisfaction.

  • A woman with red hair helping a man in a wheelchair paint a canvas with blue and white colors.

    Building connections and fostering relationships

    I enjoy engaging with others and leveraging my network to bring individuals together.

  • A happy young man with short blonde hair smiling next to a smiling woman with glasses and shoulder-length light brown hair outside near a brick wall and glass door.

    Laughing and making the most of each moment

    Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. I make it my mission to find joy in the small things.

  • A smiling elderly woman with gray hair and glasses and a younger man with short light hair are taking a selfie together inside a restaurant or cafe. The woman is wearing a black and white striped top and a necklace, and the man is wearing a bright blue shirt with a disability badge and a waist pack. They appear happy and are sitting at a table with a wooden counter and kitchen area in the background.

    Proactively maintaining relationships

    I am dedicated to building and nurturing relationships. I love staying connected with those I care about, offering support, and doing small acts of kindness.

  • A woman and a man with a disability smiling for a photo inside a building with a large harp in the background.

    Enjoying music

    I find great pleasure in music, whether I'm listening to Emma Horwood’s beautiful CDs or relaxing at live concerts.

FANCY A CHAT

Music I love

Emma Horwood – Ave Maria

Colorful abstract circular artwork with swirls and shapes in yellow, purple, green, red, orange, and black.

An artwork close to my heart

Painted by Kateri, this artwork has been a source of strength and joy for me over the years. Aptly named “Journey”, it’s more than just a painting — it’s a visual reflection of my journey, capturing the moments of growth, challenge, and transformation. 

The piece blends symbolic wheels in various colours: small purple ones representing the early growth of mobility, bold red ones signifying a bright and whole future, and a singular black wheel hinting at a breakdown or perhaps the beginning of a new chapter. 

This artwork reminds me daily that even with wheels, I am always moving forward — carried by hope, supported by community, and surrounded by joy, peace and love.

An illustration of a central figure with a crown, sitting on a throne, with six surrounding figures in various poses on a rotating wheel.

Words that stay with me

“The Fool” poem was first introduced to me in 2007 by educator Gill Maguire at Open Access College. It made a lasting impact, so much so that I still draw strength from it to this day. When I’m ready to take on something new or bold, I’ll often say with a smile, “The wheel is going up!”

THE FOOL

Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill, lest it break they neck with following it: but the great one that goes up the hill, let him draw thee after.'

King Lear, ACT 2, SCENE 4

A heartfelt responsibility

Being Savannah’s Godfather is one of the greatest honours of my life. It’s more than a title — it’s a promise. A promise to show up, to guide, and to share in life’s meaningful moments. This role brings me deep joy and quiet pride, reminding me that we all have the power to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we love.

A smiling young woman in a maroon hoodie stands behind a man in a wheelchair, who is looking to the side. They are outdoors in an urban setting with people walking in the background.
Group of nine people gathered in a warmly decorated room, celebrating an occasion with a sign displaying the number eight, indicating a birthday or milestone.
A group of five people standing outdoors in a residential area, smiling at the camera with their arms around each other and behind a small stone wall, with trees and houses in the background.