Reclaiming My Voice: My Journey with FND
Imagine waking up and suddenly realising you can no longer move or speak. That became my reality at age 13. I was a happy, healthy teenager until Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) – a condition where the brain’s “software” crashes even though the “hardware” is intact – stripped away my independence.My brain and body completely shut down on me. For six months my mind went blank and I didn’t know who or what anything was. I don’t remember the early days of my illness and life before it is a blur. I became suddenly and severely disabled having all my abilities taken away from me. I was rushed to hospital for testing and came out four months later with a diagnosis of FND. For three years, I was completely bed bound, and for five years, I was unable to walk. I lost my ability to communicate for a year. I felt trapped inside my own body. I was stuck in a hospital bed, unable to sit in a wheelchair without agony. The local wheelchair services even told me no equipment was suitable for my needs. It was a terrifying, isolating experience, made worse by a lack of understanding from some medical professionals. Recovery has not been a straight line, but it is happening. Today, I have finally reclaimed my voice. I am learning to walk again, transitioning from being bedridden to standing independently and walking with support. I’ve been fighting FND since I was 13 and I’m now 23. Most of my days are now spent reclaiming the life FND once took from me. Achieving my dream of visiting London was a massive turning point in my rehabilitation. I have now visited the capital many times and I also achieved a long held wish of mine when I met the cast of the ITV show Loose Women. I’ve met 15 panelist’s altogether. Another goal I’ve now achieved is visiting 100 towns and cities across the UK. It feels wonderful to travel again after being housebound due to FND. My next wish is to visit Cyprus as I have Cypriot heritage. I’m busy raising awareness about FND. I’m no longer trapped; I’m finally moving forward. These moments remind me that while FND took my mobility, it could never take my determination.I don’t know if I’ll ever fully recover from FND but I’m now learning to live with my new normal. I’m adjusting to life post severe FND. I share my story now to raise awareness. FND is a very real, debilitating illness that is often misunderstood because it’s “invisible” on standard scans. I want anyone else struggling with this condition to know they are not alone. Even when everything feels lost, you can find a way forward. I lost my voice and my freedom at 13, but ten years later, I have gained a resilience I never knew I had. I’m no longer letting FND define what I can achieve – I’m living life on my own terms. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder
Clever support dog, Cassie
Paul Jacob’s world was turned upside down when he was involved in a motorcycle crash aged just 21, then he met support dog, Cassie. He had been an apprentice plumber with a promising future. But the collision left him with a spinal injury and he spent four months at Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s National Spinal Injury Centre before he was allowed home. Now a wheelchair user, it took time and courage to rebuild his life. “To go from being fairly active to being in a wheelchair, was quite the change,” says Paul now a 42-year-old dad-of-two. But his love of dogs has helped him to face the world again and banish isolation. Paul and his two-year-old black Labrador, Cassie, recently graduated as a successful Support Dogs partnership. Yorkshire-based national charity Support Dogs trained Cassie to be a disability assistance dog – giving Paul lots more independence and freedom to enjoy family life. “I struggle sitting in a chair trying to reach the ground and don’t have the use of my stomach muscles, so balance for me is quite difficult,” said Paul, from Wantage in Oxfordshire. “Cassie has been trained to pick everything up off the floor. “I’ve got two young kids, so there are often lots of clothes and toys – as soon as you turn your back, it’s all on the floor again. “Cassie will pick up my shoes, her toys and she can even take clothes to the washing machine and help load the washing machine. She can also pull my socks and jacket off.” The wonderdog has also been trained to close doors behind Paul, as well as push access buttons when out and about. Paul retrained as a design engineer with his employer, Warburton Building Services, just eight months after his accident, a job he still holds. He described how Cassie helps him both practically and mentally. “When you go from able-bodied to disabled, going outside on your own can be quite scary at first, not knowing if you’re going to get into a situation such as falling out of your wheelchair,” said Paul, who is dad to seven-year-old Oliver and Benjamin, nine. “It becomes quite anxious, but to have a dog with you relieves that anxiety of being on your own. “Life would be a lot more difficult without Cassie, physically and probably emotionally. “It’s also about getting out and seeing people, and seeing Cassie in her Support Dogs jacket facilitates people asking how she helps me. “Having Cassie trained also means she can come into shops with me.” Paul, who is married to Ida, a 41-year-old midwife, praised the work of Cassie the Support Dog, and support dogs in general, who also train and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children and adults with epilepsy to live safer, more independent lives. “I think it’s amazing what the staff can teach a dog in such a short amount of time and how that affects people’s lives,” said Paul. “It’s helped me so much – I can only imagine what it has done for others.” Support Dogs provides all its services free of charge and relies on voluntary donations. To learn more or donate, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk
Motability Scheme Prices To Rise Following Political Attacks
Motability has been in the spotlight in recent months following a number of negative articles in the media. Some claimed the system was being abused while others suggested the scheme was costing taxpayers too much. Motability chiefs claimed the scheme was good value for money due to the way it stimulated car buying alongside enabling those with disabilities to travel to work and shop. However, the Government has moved to appease the dissenters with a number of changes that were laid out in the controversial Budget last November. Inevitably they are set to increase the costs to some customers. In a message to customers, Motability Scheme has now set out what the implications are for the people who rely on it. It said: “While there will be changes to how the Scheme operates, our commitment to disabled people remains steadfast. “We’re focused on keeping the Scheme as affordable as possible, continuing to support access to employment, education and everyday life, and working closely with Motability Operations to ensure the Scheme remains a cornerstone of independence for disabled people – just as it has been for nearly fifty years.” A more sustainable scheme The Scheme has been impacted by many external influences in recent years such as rising costs, fluctuating second hand car pricing and the large-scale introduction of EVs. The Government has confirmed that VAT will apply to Advance Payments and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to Scheme leases which will take effect from July 2026. These tax changes will mean the Scheme will become more expensive for disabled people but will remain sustainable with a choice of affordable vehicles. Evolution Premium brand vehicles have been removed from the Scheme. The Scheme will focus on vehicles that meet disabled peoples’ needs and represent value and purpose, while still harnessing competition between manufacturers to get good value. We recognise that any increase in the cost of a lease could have a significant effect on disabled people’s independence and daily life. To minimise price increases for customers taking out a new lease, the Scheme is considering a range of other changes across the leasing package including mileage, overseas breakdown cover, increased use of telematics for insurance purposes and other services. Details will be confirmed only when the impact to disabled people has been fully assessed. The tax changes will increase the cost of a lease on the Scheme and we anticipate the average Advance Payment (upfront cost) of a vehicle will increase by around £400 over the three-year package. We will continue to provide a range of around 40 to 50 vehicles available to lease with no upfront payment. Changes to the Scheme’s package are expected to be introduced from July 2026. Motability Operations, which runs the Scheme, will begin engaging with customers about the proposed changes in spring 2026. Proposed changes to the leasing package will undergo disability impact assessment by the Motability Foundation, which oversees the Scheme, before any changes are approved, announced and implemented. As the Scheme evolves and we fully understand the impacts changes may have on disabled people, the Foundation will also need to consider how its grant programmes best support those most in need. To more strongly combat the issue of misuse, the Motability Scheme is creating a new Special Investigations Unit. While the overall rate of misuse has remained stable, and the vast majority of customers use their vehicles in the way they are intended, the growth in customer numbers means more cases are being investigated. There are now around 80 people who are dedicated to tackling misuse of Scheme vehicles who join the newly formed Unit. Motability Operations also plans to strengthen data-sharing arrangements with government and police agencies to enable quicker, more effective action where misuse is identified. Commitment to disabled people While some change is necessary to ensure future longevity, the Motability Scheme remains committed to our core purpose – providing mobility to disabled people, many of whom have no choice but to use private transport because of inaccessible public transport and infrastructure across the UK. The Motability Scheme commits to: • No changes for customers in current leases. Changes to the Scheme would relate to new leases. • Continuing to provide a range of around 40 to 50 vehicles available to lease with no Advance Payment • Motability Foundation and Motability Operations will continue to subsidise and provide grant funding for the ongoing provision of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, while also funding adaptations to support over 82,000 customers with essential mobility solutions. • Motability Foundation will continue to provide grants to support people with the most profound needs to access the Scheme, having awarded £59.3 million in 2024/25 to help over 10,000 customers benefit from essential mobility solutions. Nigel Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Motability Foundation, said: “We understand the challenges disabled people face in accessing reliable and accessible transport, and how important a Motability car is to Scheme customers. “The changes to tax reliefs imposed on the Scheme in today’s Budget statement mean the Scheme will need to evolve. “We are working hard to minimise price increases for customers and are taking steps to assess the impact of potential changes to the leasing package. “Our focus remains firmly on protecting the Scheme for those who need it most.” Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, said: “An evolved Motability Scheme will continue to put the disabled people we serve at the heart of everything we do. “Changes to evolve the Scheme will involve understanding what matters most to disabled people, working closely with Motability Foundation.” https://www.motability.co.uk
Government to modernise laws on powered mobility devices
Laws around powered mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, could be modernised, as the Department for Transport launches a 12-week consultation today (6 January 2026). The government is inviting users, accessibility organisations, industry and the public to share views on how outdated rules should evolve to reflect modern technology and improve safety. Current legislation, which dates back nearly 40 years, does not reflect the technological advances that have transformed these devices. For example, some modern wheelchairs used by adults and children exceed the current maximum legal weight limit, meaning they can only legally be used on private land. The consultation seeks views on how regulations should evolve to better support people who rely on powered mobility devices, while ensuring safety for everyone that uses our roads and pavements. Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses said: “Powered mobility devices give people independence and freedom, and the law should enable their safe use. “This consultation is a chance for users and organisations to help us modernise these outdated rules and ensure they meet today’s needs.” Throughout this consultation, powered mobility device users, accessibility organisations, industry and other members of the public will be able to make their views heard on a variety of areas critical for updating these laws. These include: Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said: “We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and improving access to assistive technology, as well as making sure that the laws around its use are up to date, is essential to this.” “I encourage disabled people to respond to the Department for Transport’s consultation so their views and voices are used to shape this policy.” Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to see the Department for Transport consulting on modernising laws on “powered mobility devices”. Over 10 million people in the UK have mobility-related impairments and existing laws create confusion, restrict market innovation and limit Disabled people’s freedom to travel. “New high-quality regulations that meet Disabled people’s needs will enable millions more Disabled people to legally use a growing range of existing and innovative safe, convenient, cost-effective, low-carbon mobility devices to move around our communities. “This has the potential to improve the independence, physical and mental health, employment, educational and social options of Disabled individuals and our families across the UK.” Nick Goldup, CEO, Wheelchair Alliance CIC, said: “The Wheelchair Alliance wholeheartedly welcomes this government review of powered wheelchair legislation. For too long, wheelchair users have been sidelined by outdated legislation and offensive terminology. Many individuals using wheelchairs over 150kg have been left feeling anxious and worried about breaking the law. “Having worked closely with Simon Lightwood MP for over a year, we are beyond proud that our campaigning has secured this commitment to change. We will continue to amplify the voices of our community to ensure this review delivers a fairer, more inclusive future for all.” The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 31 March 2026 and a government response will be published soon after. max.kelly@dft.gov.uk
Keep pavements clear for those who rely on them most
Disabled people will benefit from new local powers being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions across their area, helping keep them clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, while allowing exemptions where needed. Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, and older people, limiting independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe. Following a public consultation, the Department for Transport has confirmed that local leaders will be given new and improved legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach, where action is often limited to individual streets and requires lengthy, complex processes. Local leaders know their streets best and are best placed to respond to local needs. Under the new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, and they will retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable. Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person. “That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.” Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive Andrew Lennox said: “After years of campaigning, we welcome the announcement to give councils greater powers to tackle problem pavement parking. “Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see. Pavement parking is also a barrier that shuts people out of everyday life. When pavements are blocked, people with sight loss lose confidence, independence and the freedom to travel safely. This stops people from accessing work, education and social opportunities. “We look forward to working with the Government and local authorities to ensure these changes are introduced quickly and consistently enforced so pavement parking becomes a thing of the past.” RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking. “These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people.” Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: “Clear pavements matter. For parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and people who are blind or partially sighted, a blocked pavement is not a minor inconvenience – it can stop a journey altogether and is a risk to people’s safety. “Most drivers want to park safely and considerately, and these new powers help in areas where dangerous parking causes real problems. “Giving decisions to local leaders means solutions that reflect how our streets actually work. It’s a practical step that helps people move around safely, confidently and independently in their own communities.” The Department will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers in a proportionate and locally appropriate way later in 2026. By putting decision-making closer to communities, the approach supports safer, more inclusive streets that work better for everyone. This forms part of the Government’s Plan for Change, making transport more accessible and inclusive, and supporting growth by ensuring our streets and public spaces work for all. georgia.brown@dft.gov.uk
Inclusive road safety education for autistic people
A new autism and neurodiversity resource is now available to help ensure road safety education is more accessible and inclusive for autistic people. Developed by Co-Pilot in partnership with the National Autistic Society, the resource supports road safety professionals to create learning experiences that recognise and respond to the needs of autistic learners. While the focus is on improving inclusion, understanding autism also plays an important role in meeting legal responsibilities. Under UK equality law, organisations must consider and make reasonable adjustments to avoid disadvantaging disabled people. With at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, most practitioners will work with autistic children or adults during their careers, including individuals who may not yet have a diagnosis. Autistic people may experience differences in social communication, sensory processing, executive functioning and a greater need for certainty. These differences can shape how they engage with road safety sessions, education materials or learning environments. The new resource features 24 short videos delivered by an expert from the National Autistic Society. Each video explores a different area of difference and provides practical, real-world examples. Supporting written guidance helps professionals design materials, plan sessions and anticipate situations where autistic people may benefit from additional support. A recent example from a local authority’s Active Travel Team demonstrates the value of inclusive thinking. After receiving feedback from a parent of an autistic child, the team reviewed its school walking route guidance and explored clearer mapping, colour coding and quieter alternative routes. These improvements were recognised as boosting accessibility for autistic pupils while supporting more children to walk to school safely and confidently. Ellie Goodman, Trainer Consultant at the National Autistic Society, said: “We’ve designed this resource to provide clear information and practical guidance to enable all road safety professionals to better understand autism and support autistic people. We hope our films and written guidance will support professionals to feel empowered to make often small but important changes to their practice.” This latest addition is another example of the practical, specialist support available through the Co-Pilot Vision Zero Toolbox. Members can access a growing library of tools, resources and expert-led guidance designed to help them strengthen their practice, keep pace with emerging expectations and deliver high-quality services across all areas of road safety. The resource arrives at a key moment, with the Department for Transport’s Road Safety Strategy expected soon. It hopes the guidance will help members feel confident, supported and prepared to embed inclusive, legally responsible practice as expectations evolve across the sector. James Evans, Founder and CEO of Co-Pilot, said: “When we take time to understand autism, we can create learning experiences where more people feel able to take part – and we’re also meeting our responsibilities as professionals. Many autistic people face barriers that aren’t always obvious, and making reasonable adjustments is both a legal duty and simply the right thing to do. “We developed this resource with the National Autistic Society to give practitioners clear, practical support. Our hope is that it helps colleagues reflect on their approach, make small changes that benefit everyone and feel confident they are delivering inclusive and responsible road safety education. With the new Road Safety Strategy on the horizon, this work is more important than ever.”
‘Dash for darts ’25’ smashes Target
Darts is thrilled to announce that this year’s dash for darts ’25 fundraising campaign has not only met its goal, but far exceeded expectations, raising £6,790.57. The award-winning charity has significantly surpassed the original target of £5,000. The dash for darts campaign, in which a dedicated team of 19 runners from across the darts community (staff, artists, trustees, local businesses, and supporters) took part in Curly’s Doncaster City 10K to raise funds, has been hailed as a massive success. This year’s Run Club contributed to their most successful campaign yet, with far more runners and supporters than ever before. Funds raised will directly support darts’ vital creative health and learning programmes across Doncaster including Singing for Memory for people living with dementia, All Aboard for Disabled children and young people and Art Club for all children and young people. darts’ programmes use art to improve life learning and health, working towards a healthier, happier and more connected Doncaster. Fundraising & Development Assistant, Grace Sansom said: “Each pound raised helps us keep providing essential, expert, low-cost or free creative opportunities for people across Doncaster. Thanks to the generosity of our runners, supporters and sponsors, we can continue making a real difference in our community.” Highlights Achieved and exceeded More than six times last year’s number Quotes from Run Club ‘dash for darts was the hardest yet most rewarding thing I have maybe ever done! It was so great to cross the finish line knowing I’d done my best to raise money for a cause that impacts my community so greatly.’ ‘Great achievement & met some amazing people’ ‘The dash for darts was challenging, rewarding and absolutely worth it. I’m proud to have raised funds and awareness for a local charity doing important work.’ ‘Fantastic to see so many people get involved and for the target to be absolutely smashed!’ ‘This was such an energising experience.’ ‘It has been one of the biggest win wins I can ever remember having in education.’ Thanks & What’s Next darts extends a heartfelt thank you to every runner, donor, sponsor and supporter who made dash for darts ’25 possible. Surpassing the fundraising goal is a testament to the power of community spirit, shared values, and belief in the power of the arts. Your generosity ensures that darts can continue delivering high-quality, inclusive creative experiences that improve life, learning and health for people across Doncaster. With fundraising being so tough in the current climate, it is more important than ever to raise local support and much-needed funding. If you are interested in joining 2026’s ‘dash for darts’ Run Club, contact Grace: grace@wearedarts.org.uk For more information about darts, its programmes and upcoming events, or to find out how to get involved or donate, please visit: https://wearedarts.org.uk 01302 493995
Turner Prize win marks new dawn for disabled artists
The choice of a learning-disabled sculptor as this year’s Turner Prize winner is ground- breaking news for other artists with disabilities, says the mother of a painter with Down’s syndrome. Nnena Kalu’s historic win this week marks a turning point in the view of art created by practitioners who live outside the traditional view of what an artist should be, says Mari Stevenson, whose daughter Fiona Stevenson creates bold abstract works which reflect her own perception of the world. “Their work can now sit in the mainstream, alongside that of neurotypical, non-disabled artists,” she said. Fiona’s work has been likened to that of ‘outsider artists’ from the surrealist movement by renowned art critic Mark Hudson, who visited her studio in Hertfordshire ahead of its official opening next year. “The surrealists were great champions of what we’d now call outsider artists,” said the Independent’s chief art critic and Guardian and Daily Telegraph writer. Turner Prize winner, Fiona is, in fact, a former member of the organisation at which Nnena has been a resident artist for quarter of a century, with Nnena’s selection suggesting it is an excellent incubator for disabled artists. Mark continued: “Fiona’s work superficially reminds me of certain kinds of art which were going on in the 1950s, particularly the kind based on very intuitive abstract gestural ways of getting paint on canvas, with origins in surrealist automatism. Here the artist doesn’t come with premeditated ideas. They just let everything come from the subconscious.” It is Fiona’s emotional connection with the world which drives her painting. She has worked every day for more than a decade with passion, with her paintings exhibited in New York and London. Tate Britain director and chair of the judging panel Alex Farquharson’s comments have given heart to Mari. “It breaks down walls between, if you like, neurotypical and neurodiverse artists. It becomes really about the power and quality of the work itself, whatever the artist’s identity is,” he said at the ceremony. “So maybe what’s historic about it is it’s one more move to include really great neurodiverse artists in the picture we present of art today.” Mari agrees with Nnena’s artistic facilitator at Action Space, Charlotte Hollinshead, who said: “This is a major, major moment for a lot of people. It’s seismic. It’s broken a very stubborn glass ceiling. This will challenge people’s preconceptions about differently abled artists, but especially learning-disabled artists, an important creative community so undervalued.” Fiona’s studio in Hertfordshire will open in 2026. See some of Fiona’s work, and ask to be added to the private view guest list, here: https://www.fionastevenson.co.uk
How Inclusive Design is Reshaping Mobility and Everyday Life
For decades, accessibility in design was defined by compliance. Ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible doors were an afterthought, items to check off a list to meet the regulations. But in the last few years, there has been a shift: inclusive design is no longer just about minimum standards. It is transforming into the expectation, a new design language that does not just focus on accessibility but goes deeper into creating a sense of belonging. This transformation is seen in product design, architecture, and city planning. Cities are redesigning public spaces to welcome everyone, no matter what their ability. Technology companies are incorporating accessibility into mainstream products rather than as an afterthought. And in mobility, one of the most intimate areas of design, the change is particularly dramatic. From Functionality to Empowerment The traditional wheelchair has long been the symbol of accessibility. It provides function, yet all too often in the rigidity of sitting, looking up, and adapting to a world designed for standing. Emerging mobility solutions are shattering that paradigm. Robotic standing mobility solutions, for example, do not just transport a person from place to place. They restore the ability to stand upright and to interact at eye level – a basic human act with profound meaning. Moving while standing is more than just physical health, though there are many benefits to it: improved circulation, reduced risk of pressure ulcers, improved bone density, and many others. Beyond physical health, standing provides dignity, confidence, and autonomy. Being able to shake hands eye-to-eye with another person, access something on a shelf, or navigate through a crowded space without feeling “lowered” changes the way a person experiences their day-to-day life. The New Standard of Inclusive Design Inclusive design is advancing mobility devices from their original purpose, which is compensating for limitations, to the potential of reclaiming natural human experience. It’s a part of an even larger design movement: realizing that accessibility needs to be a priority, not an add-on. A robotic standing mobility solution, for instance, is not a gadget; it represents the notion that everyone deserves access to the richness of the world. What we are seeing today is a culture change that represents broader societal progress. Just as city planners no longer design public transportation without accessibility from the outset, mobility innovators are crafting products with freedom, dignity, and empowerment at their core. Looking Ahead The future of mobility technology holds even greater integration between the human body and assistive devices, devices that learn and adapt intuitively, allowing natural movement across varying terrains and surroundings. The technology demonstrates a world where mobility is not defined by limitations but by possibilities. And that’s what inclusive design is all about: it does not merely remove barriers – it reimagines the way things can be when barriers were never part of the equation from the start. Leading the charge in this societal shift, robotic standing mobility solutions offer not only mobility but a sense of purpose. They remind us that genuine inclusion is not about compliance, but instead about dignity, self-determination, and the power to flourish fully, on equal footing with the world. Lea Waisman Shaler is the CEO of UPnRIDE, the maker of a unique self-balancing robotic mobility device that empowers natural and intuitive movement, enabling seamless transitions between standing, walking, and navigating any terrain. Lea is a mechanical and biomedical engineer with extensive experience in leading and managing all phases of startup development and operations, transforming innovative concepts into market-ready products.