Draft:Joseph Reid

Joseph Reid (born 14 May 1995), also known by his online handle JosephReidNZ, is a New Zealand-based internet personality, disability advocate, and motivational speaker. Known for his extensive use of assistive technology and active presence in online communities, Reid has built a large social media following and is a frequent speaker at schools and conferences on topics related to disability, communication, and digital accessibility.

Early life and education

Joseph Reid Wojciechowski was born in Tauranga, New Zealand, to Catherine Reid and Stan Wojciechowski. He was born with athetoid cerebral palsy, a form of cerebral palsy characterized by involuntary movements and speech impairment. Despite being non-verbal, Reid demonstrated early intelligence and developed alternative methods of communication, initially using a system of “blink spelling” with his mother. Over time, this evolved into using facial expressions and eye movements to spell out words and phrases.

Assistive technology and independence

In 2012, Reid began using an ECO Point 2 device from the Prentke Romich Company, a laser-based eye-gaze computer that allowed him to communicate and interact with digital interfaces independently. The device enabled him to write, use social media, and later control an Android phone using Vysor software. These technologies became central to his life and his public outreach.

Online presence

Reid’s use of social media platforms such as Twitter and Threads gained him widespread attention. His Twitter/X profile amassed nearly 120,000 followers, including a follow from Twitter’s co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey. He has since transitioned to Threads, where he maintains a similar following. His public posts focus on his lived experiences with disability, humor, music, and digital culture.

On Chess.com, Reid holds the username JosephReidNZ. He has achieved top rankings in site features such as Puzzle Rush Survival (ranked #1 with a score of 1,234) and Lessons with (ranked #1 with 4,857), and has amassed over 192,000 followers and views, placing him among the platform's most followed accounts.

Public speaking and advocacy

Reid's experiences and resilience led to his invitation to speak at a major disability conference in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2014. His talk, which detailed his technological journey and personal philosophy, was well received and became a foundational piece for his future speaking engagements. He has since presented at numerous schools and businesses across New Zealand, focusing on topics such as disability awareness, assistive technology, and the power of online community building.

Personal life

Reid is passionate about comedy and music. He has close friendships with well-known comedians including Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry, and has developed a relationship with Stephen Christian, lead singer of the Christian rock band Anberlin. In 2021, Anberlin dedicated the song "Soft Skeletons" to him during a livestreamed concert.

He underwent significant spinal surgery in 2013 and credits his online community and close friends for helping him through recovery. He is also a regular concertgoer and has met several of his favorite musicians in person.

Legacy and impact

Through his public engagements, social media presence, and advocacy work, Reid has become a figure of inspiration for individuals living with disabilities, particularly in New Zealand. His ability to independently navigate digital spaces using advanced assistive technology has been cited as an example of the potential of inclusive tech design.

See also

• Eye-tracking technology
• Disability advocacy in New Zealand
• Assistive technology in communication
• Augmentative and alternative communication