As a University student with a dream to study a Masters in TV and Radio Broadcasting visually-impaired Mohammed Al Ghafli was told it was "not a good idea".

"The university didn't approve of me doing the course because of the difficulties I would face with my disability."

With 60 per cent of the programme based on interacting with the camera Al Ghafli said the lecturers deemed it "too challenging" to enroll him on the course so instead he pursued a degree in journalism.

Today Al Ghafli is a well-recognised radio presenter broadcaster actor and author who says nothing is too challenging for him.

Born with a visual impairment Emirati Al Ghafli turned completely blind at the age of six so for him he has never really known any different. "This is really the only life I know so it hasn't affected me at all. I finished my schooling I went to university and I'm now in full-time employment. Why should a disability stop anyone?"

Speaking to Khaleej Times at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature a confident Al Ghafli who speaks both English and Arabic says his autobiography Another Taste to Life aims to empower people with disabilities.

While working in the public relations department of the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai the idea for the book was born when his colleagues approached him saying they wanted to create a book to help visually-impaired people to find jobs.

"Right away I knew I wanted to create an autobiography. I wanted to share my story with others and be an ambassador for disability employment in the UAE."

Published in 2012 Al Ghafli says the personal insight into his life has since helped inspire others but as the author he says it has also empowered him.

"Writing allows me to express exactly what I'm feeling."

Talking about the perceptions towards disabilities in the UAE Al Ghafli says it has changed an incredible amount over the years.

What was once taboo is now being openly discussed however some families still feel a need to silence the voice of their disabled child.

"We have so many new laws in place now to protect the rights of people with disabilities so those who are ashamed to talk about their child because of their disability are in essence breaking the law."

Touching on his own battle with his family some years back Al Ghafli says he found it a struggle to marry the woman he loved.

"The community sets this idea that if someone is visually-impaired they should marry someone who sees because they can help their spouse. I wanted my right to marry the person I loved - and she just happened to be blind like me."

He says it took him one year to convince his wife's family to take her hand in marriage while his own family was completely opposed to the idea.

As a result he had to propose to her in secret after finally getting the approval of her family.

"Her family worried about how we would live a 'normal life' how we would travel together things like that. When they did finally agree they said 'on my head be it' and if anything was to happen it would be all my responsibility."

Now three years happily married Al Ghafli and his wife have the full support of both families and he says his mother - who didn't attend the wedding - now feels guilty of how she first reacted.

"She is so pleased that we are living a normal life together and she always tells me she feels bad for not being there at the ceremony. I do not blame her though she was just a worried mother scared for her child."

Admitting his experience is something that is quite common here Al Ghafli says the difference in his case is the fact that he is open to talking about it.

"I am not ashamed to talk about my life as a visually-impaired man. I find it easy to talk. Sharing your story inspires others that's what I want my book to do."

Kelly Clarke Originally from the UK Kelly Clarke joined Khaleej Times in November 2012 as a reporter. She has a keen interest in humanitarian issues and loves to champion the efforts of local residents companies in offering aid and development assistance to both local and region-wide causes. She works mainly within the healthcare beat but regularly produces human interest features. In her spare to she loves to travel and regularly volunteers at Riding for the Disabled in Dubai. Kelly received her BA Honours in Journalism from Middlesex University UK in 2008. Before joining Khaleej Times she worked as a Supervising Editor for three Healthcare titles in London. KellyAnn_Clarke