A book 30 years in the making
Breaking Through
From Paralysis to Purpose
“We are all one bad day away from being disabled.”
— Gloria Steinem
The uncompromising, deeply human journey of what comes after a life-changing moment. The grief, the grit, and the breakthrough.
Available in Paperback & Kindle | Published July 2025
About the Book
At the age of 18, Sébastien Ducarme's life changed in an instant: a dive into shallow water resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving him partially paralysed and facing a world that no longer felt designed for him.
Breaking Through is more than just the narrative of a tragic accident. It is the uncompromising, deeply human journey of what comes after: the grief, the grit, and the breakthrough. With vulnerability and wit, Ducarme retraces his path from hospital wards in Portugal and Belgium to rediscovering purpose, gaining confidence, and challenging societal assumptions about disability.
Told in a voice that is raw, reflective, and ultimately hopeful, Breaking Through invites you to witness the small wins and setbacks that shaped a new reality, one where disability is not a limitation, but a lens to see the world more clearly.
This book is for
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Anyone who has experienced loss or change
Or the disorientation of a life unlike the one you imagined
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Parents & friends
Learning how to support loved ones, even when you're frightened to say the wrong thing
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Leaders & organisations
Who want to create truly inclusive workplaces
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Anyone figuring things out
Whether you're walking, rolling, or simply taking one imperfect step at a time
About the Author
Seb & PurpleSpace
PurpleSpace
The world's only professional development hub for disability network leaders
“Breaking through adversity to lead with purpose.”
Networkology
The art and science of running impactful disability ERG/Networks. Building disability confidence from the inside out.
Sébastien Ducarme (Seb)
Membership Engagement Manager & FutureMaker Lead
As a Networkologist at PurpleSpace, Seb practises the art and science of building impactful disability Employee Resource Groups and Networks, helping disability network leaders grow their capabilities and drive meaningful change within their organisations.
Meet the PurpleSpace TeamOriginally from Belgium and now based in Sydney, Seb is a passionate strategic leader and disability confidence coach who represents PurpleSpace in Australia. A founding member of Roche's RocheAbility Australia ERG, he advocates for the inclusion of people with both visible and non-visible disabilities. He is also a Generation Valuable 500 alumnus, where seasoned executives are paired with emerging disabled leaders in dynamic, reciprocal mentoring partnerships.
Seb's commitment to disability inclusion is personal and long-standing, following a spinal cord injury in 1995. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, he has driven cultural change, advanced digital accessibility, and strengthened disability confidence on a global scale. Fluent in five languages, he has deep expertise in executive coaching, leadership development, and stakeholder engagement, empowering organisations to build inclusive cultures and confident leaders.
PurpleSpace is a unique leadership development membership hub for disability ERG/Network leaders, champions, and allies around the world. Our 4,000+ members across 170+ employer brands employ over 1.5 million employees with disability between them. Members join to increase the effectiveness of their disability ERG/Networks, develop their leadership skills, and learn how to help their organisations to become disability confident from the inside out. We call it Networkology and it is having a powerful worldwide impact on driving the next phase of cultural change within many different types of organisations.
The introduction of rights-based legislation is what we call the first phase of change. In some parts of the world that is still on the move. The second phase is the process where employers tap into the enabling products and services that help them to create better policy, practice, and procedure. That phase continues. Meanwhile, the third phase of change has begun. Where employees with disability build inner confidence, lean into their careers, and create meaningful conversation about how to get ahead at work. High performing disability ERGs and Networks are at the vanguard of this change. This is the new modern approach to sustaining culture change. It's what we do. Find the space to think Networkology.
What Readers Are Saying
“It's not just a book about disability inclusion in theory. It's about identity, relationships, resilience, and the journey back to purpose. Lived experience matters so much in the books we read about work. A powerful legacy so that others may learn.”
Kate Nash OBE · Founder, PurpleSpace
Read the full post on LinkedIn
“This book is a true source of inspiration. His resilience, grit, sources of energy, ability to find purpose in challenge, and desire to change the world for others are remarkable. We found the notion of situational disability very profound and it makes us reflect every day on how we can shape the environment around us to be more inclusive.”
Laurent Kinet · Verified Purchase“I always saw my brother in law as a super hero, but after reading this book I understood that those superpowers come from Mental strength, Determination and Courage. I highly recommend reading this amazing book.”
Astrid · Verified Purchase“A fantastic book that inspires courage and encourages the reader to follow their own path! At the end of each chapter, brief hints for lessons learnt and suggestions help you see the systematic behind the experiences and draw your own conclusions.”
Christoph · Verified Purchase“Seb's personal journey of injury & disability, interwoven with inspiring quotes and thought-provoking questions. The RECLAIM framework and the chapter From Spectator to Actor resonated strongly for me. It is relevant to anyone going through a period of challenge or adversity.”
Jeremy L · Verified Purchase“A beautiful and insightful perspective on life. It made me reflect on being considerate of others circumstances and that we can all face our challenges. We can only truly connect if we're brave enough to share.”
Harrison C · Verified Purchase“This book will guide all people to find their best self. I would recommend this book to everyone, but it is especially pertinent to anyone who feels like they don't fit in societal norms. Teaching you how to embrace your differences and advocate for the adaptations that you need in your world.”
Kindle Customer · Verified Purchase
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Available worldwide in paperback and Kindle formats.
Also available as a Kindle Edition