By The Social Eyes Team
Born with one leg, a half-arm, and rock and roll in his veins, Martin Deschamps has come to redefine what an artist can be. At 55, he continues to embody the strength of artistic and social achievement. His every performance with his deep, booming voice carries the message of real inclusion.
Deschamps was born in Montreal in 1970. He had several birth defects: he was missing one leg, half an arm and fingers. Yet his story is not one of pity, but rather of triumph.
At age 11 he had already mastered the drums, then the bass, then singing. He was determined to not let his body dictate his ambitions. He became a graphic designer at Bell in the 1990s. But at the same time, he was taking his first steps as a musician by playing drums for the group Deep Freeze. In 2000 he launched his solo career with the album Comme je suis (As I Am), which sold 80,000 copies and was nominated for three prestigious Félix awards.
In 2001 his album Différent consolidated his star status. He was named spokesperson for Quebe’s week for disabled persons, la Semaine Québécoise des personnes handicapées. He has retained this position ever since, for 24 years now.
Rocker with a Tender Heart
On stage, Martin is all fire and flame. In life, he is defined by his generosity and his joie-de-vivre. In 2010, he made an entrance at the Paralympic Games in Vancouver… atop his Harley Davidson, in front of 60,000 people. An iconic moment.
His energy and his jokes – he likes to say that something “cost me an arm and a leg” – both charm and inspire. He is especially inspiring in front of young people who attend his conferences.
Each year, at the Quebec disabled persons’ week, he calls for an audacious attitude: “Give the disabled the tools they need to live full lives.” He underscores that society too has to adapt. He sees his galas and concerts as precious “public service.”
A Daily Commitment
Martin says himself: “My commitment isn’t just for a week, it’s a cause that preoccupies me all year round.” He works to de-dramatize disability, making it a source of strength and not of taboos.
He sees himself in those who have been given “no chance.” He recalls that a number of people living with a severe handicap don’t even know what helpful resources are available to them. That’s why he is committed to opening doors for them.
His body has never held him back. He is a downhill skier – a sliver medalist in slalom at age 16! He drives his Harley with one arm and one leg thanks to some adaptations on the bike. And he goes on stage to sing with the legendary Quebec metal group Offenbach, play festivals, and open events like the Paralympic Games.
Each exploit is done with grace and generosity. He takes time out to speak with those who say hi to him, talk with parents or youths who are suffering, sending each a clear message: “Disabled or not, you have a right to happiness.”
Influences and Life Lessons
Musically, Martin cites rock and roll influences like Metallica, AC/DC and Gerry Boulet. But above all he remembers a spark provoked by a friend at music school, or of his handyman father who adapted his instruments so he could play them.
He recommends to families and teachers that they should be open to differences, and should furnish the tools so that everyone can reach their full potential.
Martin Deschamp’s story is a model for several inclusion initiatives. He doesn’t hide the reality of a handicap: he transforms it, thereby changing what people see as a strength or a weakness.
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