INTERVIEW with Sara Shams || Amputee, Model, Speaker, Disability Advocate

SD: Hi Sara. Can you introduce yourself to my readers who don’t know you yet?

SS: Thank you, Suzanne! Hi all, I am Sara and I wear a few different hats.

A congenital anomaly led to me becoming a bilateral above knee amputee at a young age. I am a full-time prosthetic legs user and pharmacist by background, currently working in public health policy and studying a Master of Public Health. On the other hand, I am also a model, peer support volunteer, speaker, and disability advocate, passionate about increasing visible representation of disabled people in the media and fashion industries.

SD: What is a trait that you developed that came about because of your unique challenges?

SS: Adaptability and resilience - my ability to adapt to situations and find solutions to issues I may be facing has led to me being resilient. My disability has strengthened these skills and I can apply these to multiple aspects of my life. These skills led me to running (on blades) for the first time in my life at 29 years old and completing the Bridge to Brisbane (story for another day, perhaps?).

SD: Did you have any strategies that help you navigate growing up as an amputee?

SS: A thick skin, haha! But jokes aside, kids and teenagers can sometimes be awful. I had a strong support network of family and close friends who always picked me back up when I felt down. However, I didn’t have much contact with others like me, which I believe would have been extremely helpful. Today, with social media, we can connect and learn from others.

In fact, social media played a huge role in me learning to embrace my quirks (my disability). As a teenager, I didn’t feel beautiful or attractive because society’s description certainly does not include prosthetic legs. As a result, I would hide and wish my disability away. However, seeing confident and gorgeous people with disabilities on Instagram made me realise we are all incredible individuals, worthy of love and respect, regardless of the number of limbs we have. I decided to not let what others may think of me hold me back.

Photo supplied by Sara

SD: What advice would you give to children who are amputees or their parents?

SS: Your child can achieve whatever they put their minds to. Ensure you provide support and encouragement, regardless of their abilities. Educate yourself and others about how you can help your child live their lives to the fullest.

SD: What was an opportunity that came about because of you being an amputee that you are grateful for?

SS: There are a few of these! But most recently, becoming a model and walking on runways, showcasing beautiful designs, with my prosthetic legs on display! In the 90s, there was a huge lack of representation of people with disabilities on any platform. But now, I am an active and visible part, effecting positive change and this feels surreal!

SD: What is something that you think many people misunderstand about being an amputee?

SS: Funny answer – that we can choose what height we want to be. This is somewhat true – we can be as tall as we want to…but it still must be in proportion to our bodies! If only it could be more like Inspector Gadget…

On a more serious note – there are many different types and levels of amputations. Below/above knee, upper limb/lower limb, from birth or later in life…just like every disability is different, every amputee and their needs may be different. It is important to clarify what their needs are. But I must also add – please be polite when/if asking. Oftentimes how a person acquired their disability may be associated with a traumatic event and talking about it may trigger painful memories and as such, it is essential to be respectful.

SD: What is your greatest accomplishment?

SS: Positively impacting people’s lives by sharing my story. It is an honour and privilege to be able to do this.

SD: What advice would you give someone about starting modelling?

SS: Put yourself out there and meet new people! Even if you look and are different to every other person at a shoot, an event or runway, know that you are there for a reason. That you deserve to be there. It is natural to feel nervous – I felt like a fish out of water at my first shoot! But, since then, the messages from men and women saying, “I wore shorts for the first time, after seeing you”, or "seeing you succeed has made me realise my child (with disability) can do the same", made it all worth it.

Every body deserves to be represented and seen. Seeing someone like yourself on the runway, catalogue, or website, can have profound effects on the way a person feels about themselves. Don’t hold yourself back, you don’t know what you can achieve!

SD: What are your hobbies?

SS: These tend to evolve and change – most recently, I have been enjoying upcycling furniture I have collected from local council clean-ups :)

INTERVIEW with Sara Shams || Amputee, Model, Speaker, Disability Advocate

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