Turning Impossibility into Reality: A Journey Beyond Limits

by Alyas Omeed

Overview

At the Heart of Resilience

Life becomes extraordinary when effort meets unwavering belief in oneself. This book is a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness, no matter the odds.

...

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781038329080
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	02/26/2025
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Life is a journey filled with challenges, but within every challenge lies the seed of opportunity. Losing my sight at a young age taught me that obstacles are not roadblocks-they are stepping stones to growth, resilience, and transformation. Through perseverance, hope, and unwavering determination, I have come to embrace life's lessons and channel them into a greater purpose.

Today, I stand as an advocate for human rights, a voice for marginalized communities, and a champion for the inclusion of people with disabilities and women in every aspect of society. These efforts are rooted in the belief that together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world-one where everyone is empowered to reach their fullest potential. This journey has been made possible by the support and trust of those who believe in this mission, proving that collective effort can truly make the impossible achievable.

Editorial Reviews

2025-05-27
Omeed recounts his struggles and successes as a blind man in this memoir.

Omeed combines personal experience with cultural history and disability advocacy in this story of strength and perseverance. In a chronological, factual narrative, Omeed takes readers step-by-step through the defining events of his life. Born in 1984 to a large family in Afghanistan, the author was permanently blinded by a grenade explosion during the Afghan Civil War. His fear and frustration were “unbearable,” and he felt isolated and judged. Omeed struggled to find schooling and eventually enrolled at the Visual Impairment Services in Afghanistan school in Mazar-e-Sharif. When the Taliban captured the city, the family fled to Pakistan. At 16, Omeed started a job at the Afghanistan Association of the Blind, teaching blind children how to read Braille. Omeed graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a bachelor’s in education and obtained a master’s degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. He returned to Kabul and opened a private school, but after the Taliban returned in 2021, he went back to Canada and welcomed a daughter. In 2023, he founded the Canadian Hope Giving Organization, which provides support and opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. He concludes by praising Canada’s inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities, reminding readers that “there is always a path forward, and there is always hope.” Omeed passionately advocates for people with disabilities, sharing truths like, “disability can be accommodated. And once it is accommodated, persons with disabilities can showcase their talent and actively participate in society.” Readers will also learn about Afghan culture, both good (generosity and hospitality) and bad (patriarchy and people with disabilities being treated like “second class citizens”). Some of the book’s details are quite disturbing, like the beating Omeed and his peers endured at the hands of imams at mosques. The narrative leans heavily on recounting events rather than reflecting on their emotional impact.

An awareness-raising memoir about living with a disability that emphasizes achievement over reflection.

Kirkus Reviews