Phillip Lynch, 26, is just three feet tall and was born without knees. When you see him for the first time, you're shocked at what he can do. He has the upper body and physique of a gymnast and can do hand stands, planches and pommel horse exercises as he vaults from his smaller than standard-size wheelchair.On shaking his hand, his grip is like a vise.
For 11 years, Lynch has been living at Aylward House Hermitage Road, Belmont, Gonzales, a transitional facility that is run for older boys and socially displaced children under the auspices of the Credo Foundation for Justice.He is now too old to remain at the home which can accommodate eight boys only and where the age limit is 18 or 19 years. He is supposed to move out at monthend to make room for new boys arriving in the new year.
Speaking to the Sunday Guardian in front of Nalis (The National Library and Information System Authority of T&T) on Tuesday, Lynch said, "I've applied to the HDC (Housing Development Corporation) for a house but I haven't heard anything."I'm very talented and able, but jobs for people in my condition are hard to find."I would like to take care of myself, but for now, I live off a government disability grant.
"My Christmas and New Year's wish is for a place that I can call home, hopefully get a place from HDC to rest my head. Without a house or roof over me, I can't sleep anywhere."He said one of the challenges he faced when applying for a job was being asked if he could do the job or move around.Lynch said he could walk around on his legs, but not for long periods of time.He works part-time in the IT department at Nalis and also with the Para Olympics, helping with counselling and coaching.
Lynch's hobbies are wheelchair racing and basketball, and he enjoys life as best he can.When the Sunday Guardian visited him, he was editing wedding and birthday pictures on his laptop, a skill he learned at Servol where he also learned electronics.Mtima Solwazi, Lynch's instructor at Servol, has maintained a relationship with him. Solwazi said Lynch was fiercely independent, didn't use his disability as an excuse, saved his money, and inspired others by telling his story.
He recalled that Lynch was in Servol's ADP (adolescent development programme) and he remembered his determination. Solwazi said Lynch did not sit down and feel sorry for himself.He said Lynch was a very intelligent young man and had a can-do attitude. "If you wanted him to do something, tell him he can't do it and you will be surprised."Solwazi appealed to the Government to help Lynch.