Hof der dingen - Maxine’s princess tiara

Sometimes you just need to be reminded of how beautiful it is. How utterly beautiful it is to be unique. 

Sage advice from Maxine. “Look, that’s just who you are – and that has nothing to do with a label, a problem, disability or whatever people want to call it”, she explains. 

Maxine Sabbe is 19 years old. She’s visually impaired and has autism. But she does not let that define her. Nor does she let it stop her of achieving anything she wants to achieve. Her perspective on life? She doesn’t sugarcoat anything and likes to call things as she sees them.” Look, I enjoy comfort and affection as much as the next person, but don’t coddle me. It’s who I am – and it’s my strength”. 

Though Maxine certainly has a vivid imagination. Her princess tiara, her whimsical and fairy-tale style. “It’s my way of expressing who I am. What’s life without a little whimsy? Without imagination, we wouldn’t have Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or theme parks such as the Efteling. Who would enjoy a life without fantasy? I know what people say about fairy tales – but I don’t care”. 

Still, she doesn’t let her imagination run her life. “Of course not — using my white cane is just my way of using common sense. If I don’t use it, I’m not using my brain either.” 

Her other weapon? Humour. “I make a lot of jokes about blind people – though I’m careful who I tell them to. If it’s not offensive, then what’s the harm?”. 

Wim Opbrouck joked the other day that he had a bowl of Asperger soup (instead of Asparagus soup), and it just cracked me up”.