Why Inclusion Matters in Schools
As someone who has spent years visiting schools to deliver Disability Awareness Assemblies, I’ve seen first hand how transformative inclusion can be. Not only does it help and support disabled children in mainstream schools, but it has a huge impact on every pupil who learns in an environment that values and accepts difference. Inclusion matters […]
Cerebral Palsy Is Lifelong But The Support Isn’t
As a child with Cerebral Palsy, I had countless hospital appointments. Mum and I used to joke that we might as well live at the hospital! There were weekly physio sessions, speech therapy and check-ups. The support and interventions to manage my condition seemed endless. I was given specialist shoes (which I hated but still), […]
Challenges of a Speech Impairment: Inclusion starts with listening
As a disability trainer and speaker, I spend a lot of time helping others to understand the world through a more inclusive lens. People often ask me what’s the most challenging aspect about having Cerebral Palsy and I have to say, the biggest challenge I face is having a speech impairment. I understand that my […]
Disability Awareness in Alternative Provision Schools
I was recently approached by an alternative provision school about delivering my Disability Awareness Assembly. These are normally aimed at Key Stage 1 & 2 and I normally deliver them in front of each key stage group, before taking questions from the children. On some occasions, I deliver the assembly and then visit each classroom […]
From Fears to Triumph: Parenting with Cerebral Palsy
Parenthood is a life-changing experience for anyone, sprinkled with joy and laughter, tears and challenges. For me, the journey has been uniquely shaped by my experience with Cerebral Palsy. As a mum with CP, I’ve navigated a path that combines the typical ups and downs of parenthood with the additional challenges posed by my disability. […]
Redefining Ability: How Cerebral Palsy Shaped My Career Success
Navigating the world of employment can be challenging for most people but for those who have Cerebral Palsy, the journey is often littered with additional barriers. There are so many misconceptions about CP but the one which really bothers me is the assumption that people with CP can’t work. Those with Cerebral Palsy bring unique […]
Debunking Myths: The Realities of Living with Cerebral Palsy
I’ve had Cerebral Palsy since birth (over 40 years ago!) and over the years, it’s surprised me how many people aren’t aware of the condition. I often encounter many myths about the condition and as March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month (CP), it’s an ideal opportunity to address the truths about the condition. But firstly, […]
Independence in Motion: Honouring International Wheelchair Day
It’s International Wheelchair Day and an ideal opportunity to celebrate being a wheelchair user! That might sound strange to some. However, having had Cerebral Palsy since birth, I’ve used an electric wheelchair since I was about sixteen. It really has transformed my life and given me an independence I wouldn’t have enjoyed otherwise. I’ve often […]
The Strength of Love: Finding emotional support on difficult days
It’s something people have commented on as long as I can remember. “You’re always smiling. You’re always so happy”. And for the most part, it’s true. I see my disability as a positive aspect of who I am. However, now and again, fighting against the barriers which society puts in my way as a disabled […]
Cerebral Palsy: What you need to know
March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month -a chance to celebrate and raise awareness of the condition. As someone who has lived with the condition for over 40 years, these are some things I think people should know about Cerebral Palsy. What is Cerebral Palsy? It’s typically caused as the result of an accident or […]