Ahmad Jones: A Phenomenal Triumph

Ahmad Jones, 19-year old quadriplegic is one of the most exacerbating young men in Florida. At the delicate age of 10, Jones was struck by a truck while riding his bike. Although Jones survived, he was forced to be confined to a bed or wheel chair for the rest of his life. His dreams of becoming an all-star football player were diminished; however Ahmad didn’t allow his disability to stifle his growth as an influential young man.

After nearly eight years in a wheel chair, Jones has become accustomed to his life, and is thankful he was given a second chance. Since his accident occurred in 1996 in Havana, Florida; Ahmad, known as A.J by his family and friends, has been completely dependant on his family and nurses to feed, bathe and care for him.

In 2004, Ahmad graduated from high school through a home schooling program for the home bound at Merrick Educational Center in Coral Gables.

Although Jones is paralyzed, he allows his strengths to overpower his physical weaknesses. His striking personality attracts people with an involuntary feeling to love him. Former resident of Opa-Locka, Ahmad has gained friendships throughout the state of Florida with celebrities, professional athletes, key dignitaries and others.

            Most commonly, being confined to a wheel chair limits Ahmad’s ability to do normal things. However, Ahmad has showcased that he is more than normal. Jones’ creativeness has gone to amazing levels and he is determined to show that it is his ability that makes him special, not his disability.


When Ahmad was 16, he decided that he needed something to tell the world about the battles in his life and how he was just thankful to have a second chance at life. Ahmad cleverly thought that he should make a series of poems that depicted his feeling towards his life, relationships, and battles of being a quadriplegic. The book of poems is also Ahmad’s reflections of his sincerity to God. After almost a year, Ahmad completed the book.  He worked long hours and early mornings to complete the book and self – publish with his family and friends helping him along the way. The book of poems entitled, Crying Out for Love was recognized by CBS Channel 4, Neighbors for Neighbors. Overall Crying Out for Love openly and sincerely allows readers into his mind, into his past and into his hardships over the last eight years.

Ahmad’s dedication and assertiveness has gained him what he refers to as “unwanted attention.” He has been featured on Neighbors 4 Neighbors broadcasts on various occasions for his achievements. Because of the numerous interviews, Ahmad has gained seamless communication skills. Jones has also received commendations from the City of Opa-Locka for his achievements over life’s milestones. In honor of Ahmad, the City of Opa-Locka has also named September 11th after him, which describes his influence on the City of Opa - Locka. Ahmad has also been featured twice in the Neighbors section of the Miami Herald.


Crying Out for Love may have been his greatest accomplishment since his accident; however Ahmad refuses to stop there. In result of the recent devastation of the 3rd grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores, Ahmad has proposed a new program, Follow Our Dreams, Inc. The program’s main purpose is to influence youth to achieve their goals no matter what perils they face. Ahmad also wants to increase the number of elementary students that pass the FCAT at an alarming rate. Ahmad plans to do so by connecting with third graders from an educational perspective utilizing cartoon illustrations to help them gain a greater understanding of test taking skills. Research has shown that third graders learn more if they can have actual contact with the materials. Those few third graders who have passed the FCAT, can tell you that it is nothing more than understanding what you read and following the correct mathematical steps to achieve a correct answer. Ahmad has noticed that the FCAT scores are lower in inner city schools, especially those schools that received F’s. Ahmad is confident that, along with volunteer tutors, the statistics of FCAT scores will rise.

Although this program will mainly target the FCAT, it can also be seen as an assistance program for disabled youth. Although Ahmad wasn’t the only quadriplegic to achieve his dreams, he was one of the few. Because Ahmad knows the intensity of achieving your dreams while being disabled, he wants the program to help the disabled youth at achieving their goals.

Overall, Follow Our Dreams, Inc. will be beneficial towards building and shaping the communities future leaders. Ahmad wants to instill in our future leaders that nothing is impossible.