Wembley Stadium introduces Nimbus Access Card
Wembley Stadium connected by EE is collaborating with the Social Enterprise Nimbus Disability to streamline the process for fans requiring accessible tickets. The venue is set to introduce a new Access Registration Scheme: a Wembley Stadium Digital Access Pass, or DAP, built on the nationally used Access Card system via Nimbus, which will make the purchase of accessibility tickets for all its events simpler and quicker. At present guests requiring access tickets for events at Wembley must send in documentary evidence supporting their request. This could include evidence of: PIP (Personal Independence Payment), a letter from a medical professional or carer’s allowance documentation. Access requirements will now be verified by the team at Nimbus and, at the point of booking, a customer can simply use their DAP or existing Access Card from Nimbus Disability to convey their access requirements. The Wembley Stadium DAP is free. Guests simply need to apply via the Wembley Stadium Access Scheme to obtain one, or to upgrade to a full Access Card which is recognised at thousands of venues and events across the UK and beyond. Once done, both an Access Card and a DAP will last for three years. A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: “The Wembley experience starts when fans purchase a ticket, and the new collaboration with Nimbus will make this process quicker and easier. “We consulted with several disability groups about the best way to improve the service we deliver and many highlighted Nimbus as leading the way. “It reduces the need to send in proof to the Wembley Stadium customer engagement team, which is time consuming, and takes additional time to verify. The process is far quicker via Nimbus. “With their very own unique Wembley DAP, fans can look forward to an improved process and enjoying many more spectacular events at this iconic venue.” Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise, and an organisation run by and for disabled people. It is widely recognised as a lead authority on accessible ticketing in the UK. The system offers greater privacy, as people with access requirements will no longer need to carry supporting documents or explain circumstances to staff. They will only need to supply the information once when they register. A spokesperson for Nimbus said: “Recognising the obstacles some fans encounter when buying accessible tickets, Wembley Stadium has committed to improving the process and through the introduction of the scheme, fans will experience a more seamless and convenient ticket-buying journey.” Guests with an Access Card or DAP ID will still need to telephone the venue to book tickets but will be able to benefit from a highly tailored service offering seating requirements and other accessible facilities that most accurately meet their individual requirements. The system is set to be in operation from September 12.
Creating a Dyslexia-Friendly Workplace
Dyslexia is a fairly common condition that can impact both adults and children in different ways. It is a learning disorder, but it does not affect the intelligence of the person who has it. There are many ways that adults with dyslexia at all levels can thrive, both personally and in the workplace.In this article, we will go over what dyslexia is, what it looks like in adults, how it impacts those at work, and how you can support employees who may have dyslexia by creating an accommodating and accessible workplace. What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a genetic condition and a learning disability that is related to language. Dyslexia can cause difficulties with things such as reading, spelling, writing, and even pronouncing words. However, dyslexia most commonly affects reading. Dyslexia can affect someone differently throughout their life. Students in particular may struggle in a typical learning environment. Dyslexia does not just impact someone’s reading. It can also affect language and comprehension through an impairment in someone’s short-term memory, which can cause adults to have trouble with day-to-day activities, such as completing tasks at work. However, with awareness and accommodations, there is no reason that someone should not thrive in an work environment. Symptoms of dyslexia The symptoms of dyslexia can impact a person differently depending on their age, even though there are also some similarities. The Mayo Clinic describes the following symptoms in teens and adults: Adults who struggle with dyslexia may have been undiagnosed as a child, leading to future struggles with reading-related activities. If you think you or someone you know may be struggling with dyslexia, talk to a healthcare provider to learn more. In the meantime, this article will review what you need to know about adults with dyslexia in the workplace and how to support employees with the condition. How does dyslexia affect the brain? Dyslexia affects the brain in several complicated ways. According to Reading Rockets, the left hemisphere of the brain has a failure in the “rear brain systems” to function properly. Reading Rockets also discusses a study that shows that the frontal regions of the brain might overcompensate for the failure in the rear areas, by showing more activation. Basically, dyslexia stems from more activity in other parts of the brain, and less activity in the areas of the brain that are associated with reading (Kimball, 2023). This means that someone with dyslexia might process words and sounds differently than those without dyslexia. It’s important to remember that dyslexia does not define the intelligence of anyone who has it, nor does it mean that the person is unmotivated. In fact, according to the International Dyslexia Association, people with dyslexia are often bright and capable. They report that people with dyslexia may have talents in a wide variety of areas, including sports, music, math, acting, and more. While it can impact someone’s ability to learn in some ways, it doesn’t mean that someone needs to feel limited in their capabilities and options. Employers may appreciate the creativity that their dyslexic employees can offer. How does dyslexia affect adults? While some people might know dyslexia as a disorder that affects children, it can also impact adults. This is especially true if the disorder is not caught when someone is young. Adults with dyslexia may find that it can cause issues in day-to-day life, although the symptoms can change depending on various circumstances. Adults with dyslexia may develop the habit of avoiding things they have difficulty with. This can lead to not applying for promotions that involve a high amount of administrative work (LoGiudice, 2018). Adult dyslexia can also cause someone to feel frustrated with certain parts of work that include sequential tasks and processes. The British Dyslexia Association mentions that other effects of dyslexia on adults might include difficulty reading and focusing and trouble with time management. They also point out that adults with dyslexia may have low self-esteem. There are benefits to having dyslexia in some ways, as well as positive ways that people with dyslexia are viewed. For example, many people with dyslexia demonstrate superior work ethic (LoGiudice, 2018). They can also think out of the box. While their learning methods can cause hardships, knowing their strengths such as hands-on tasks and experimentation can mean a creative employee that is beneficial to a workplace. What the ADA says about dyslexia The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals in the workplace who have disabilities, including dyslexia, which they define as a learning disability. The ADA also states that “as many as 80% of all people with learning disabilities have dyslexia.” The ADA website clarifies that people with dyslexia can comprehend things fine, but may have issues with decoding and identifying what they are looking at first. How is dyslexia treated? Dyslexia is treated slightly differently depending on if the person is an adult or a child when it is identified. Rather than being treated with medication, dyslexia interventions surround educational methods that include ways to read and learn (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). Certain professionals, including neurologists or others, may play a part in treating dyslexia in children. In adults, dyslexia is treated through a variety of methods, including occupational therapy and technology. Tutoring might also be a way to help improve reading skills. The Mayo Clinic (2017) states that there is currently no way to correct the part of the brain that causes dyslexia. The best thing that can be done for dyslexia is to treat it early, but if someone is a recently diagnosed adult, they can still meet with a professional to see what the best next steps are. Handling Dyslexia at Work Reasonable workplace adjustments and accommodations for dyslexia The ADA provides protections to employees looking for “reasonable” accommodations at work. The website Disclo (2016) guides readers through potential accommodations for adults with dyslexia in the workplace. This includes things such as: By providing these options and facilitating these strategies, employers are demonstrating the value of every employee, including those who may need unique support or options through which to engage in
Facts About Mental Health Disabilities
Struggling with your mental health can make it difficult to function on a daily basis and handle every-day activities, including employment. Mental health disorders can affect one’s ability to work as expected in a variety of ways, and these struggles are often misunderstood. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any options. This article is intended to help guide you through your rights and provide education on the challenges that may arise from struggling with mental health at work. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone in these struggles. In fact, more than one in five adults in the United States live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Despite how common it is, there isn’t necessarily enough education in each state on how to accommodate and handle mental health. While there are laws in place to help navigate this complex issue, many people aren’t aware of what is available to help. Diverse workplaces are important, which includes the employment of people with a variety of abilities. This can mean that companies are responsible for working with their employees to help them complete tasks in a way that is most functional for them. Unfortunately, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s easy getting the accommodations you may need. That being said, even if a workplace is not aware of an employee’s mental health disability, providing accommodations and education is helpful to the bottom line. For example the Handbook of Occupational Health and Wellness states that it is more expensive to not address mental health in the workplace. This also includes providing training to employees to help prevent mental disorders in the first place. Facts About Mental Health Disabilities This article goes over a variety of topics related to mental health and disability, including: Challenges of Mental Health Disabilities in the Workplace Each person who has a mental health disability will have a unique life experience. Some might be considered disabled in certain scenarios, such as work, due to the way their symptoms present, while others with the same condition might not be affected in that same way. Disabilities in the workplace can create challenges that then lead to further difficulties, including discrimination and unemployment, even despite certain laws. The ADA defines a person with a disability as “a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment”. Many people can fall under this definition. The establishment of this criteria is helpful, because it means that many people are able to ask for help when they previously would have been invisible. The work is not done, however, as disabilities, especially invisible ones like mental illness, may have a stigma surrounding them that can create hardship when asking for accommodations, despite existing laws that prevent discrimination. Stigma is defined as “a set of negative and unfair beliefs that society or a group of people have about something”. Experiencing a stigma against you can include assumptions that you are not good at your job, issues with coworkers or employers who hold a negative perception and let it affect their professional interactions with you, and other forms of discrimination. If you experience discrimination due to a mental health condition, it can be helpful to document anything you can in regards to your negative experiences. This might include emails, your personal account of instances, voicemails, testimonies from coworkers who have observed you being discriminated against, and anything else you can gather. This documentation might be helpful if you experience retaliation, which a company and/or supervisor may do if you ask for an accommodation, despite ADA laws against this. Forms of retaliation may include, but are not limited to: What complicates this issue is that employers can often take disciplinary action against you if there is a history of poor performance. However, poor performance in certain ways may be caused by some mental health symptoms. This is another reason why documentation may be helpful and important. Poor performance caused by mental health can also be a reason why someone might choose to disclose their condition, as someone with the proper accommodations may be able to fulfill the job expectations as expected. Additionally, stigma can cause an employer to have certain biases against the employee, which can lead to an environment where the employee fears being fired or they are unfairly criticized for their work. However, the ADA protects employees with mental health disabilities from being fired or having other adverse action taken against them if they are experiencing biases and stereotypes against them. None of the struggles described above mean that people with mental health disabilities will automatically “fail” at career endeavors, nor does it mean that they are unemployable. In fact, many people who struggle in one area may thrive in another with their own unique skills. However, having self-awareness about your struggles may help you feel more content at work, as accommodations can make all the difference. Should I Disclose My Mental Health Condition at Work? Ultimately, choosing whether or not to disclose your mental health at work is up to you, but there are factors to consider. Despite certain laws, considering the risks involved can be a part of your decision. As mentioned in the previous section, one might consider disclosing their mental health condition if it may cause poor performance that might lead to dismissal from the job position if accommodations are not received. Certain accommodations can help a disabled employee meet certain goals, such as turning in accurate work or completing work on a requested timetable. While disclosure is optional, it may be important to disclose a mental health condition and request accommodations before any symptoms might affect the quality of one’s work. An employer can potentially enforce the quality and productivity of their employees to the detriment of the disabled person, if said disability is not disclosed in a timely
Transport strategies has failed disabled people
The UK’s lack of coherent inclusive transport strategies has failed disabled people – transport accessibility must become consistent across nations and modes to ensure disabled people can make seamless door-to-door journeys. The Accessible Transport Policy Commission, part of the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) and convened by a cross-party group of Parliamentarians, has launched its first report, Joined-Up Policies, Joined-Up Journeys: Roadmapping Accessible Transport for the UK and Devolved Governments. The report sets out five-year roadmaps to improve transport accessibility policy and regulation in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Denied access to transport systems that are equitable, consistent, and inclusive by design, disabled people make 38% fewer journeys than non-disabled people across the UK transport system[1], with ncat research finding that 92% of disabled people face barriers when using at least one mode of transport. [2] The exclusion caused by inaccessible transport prevents disabled people from fully contributing their talents, skills, and perspectives – stifling the ambition of policymakers to build a healthy, prosperous, and successful society by limiting access to employment, housing, health, and culture. Our research shows this has a disproportionate impact on disabled people from marginalised and lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Across the UK, barriers to transport are caused by fragmented governance, outdated frameworks, and faltering policy delivery. The Commission’s report highlights the “postcode lottery” created for disabled people by inconsistent accessible transport standards, ineffective transport regulators, and a lack of integration between different transport modes. These systemic challenges and the highly devolved nature of UK transport policy mean that better coordination between policymakers is vital to enabling more equitable and inclusive travel. The report also urges policy makers to bring disabled people – whose experiences and expertise are often overlooked – into decision making processes. Future reforms must embed co-production at all stages.. Joined-Up Policies, Joined-Up Journeys outlines a practical vision for standardising transport accessibility practices and integrating transport across the UK. The report’s recommendations put coproduction at the heart of a series of five-year national roadmaps that pave the way for operational, strategic and legislative reforms to how transport policies are made and evaluated. For individual nations, the report recommends: England Year 1: The forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy should develop an accessible transport framework and form a Ministerial Taskforce across departments to deliver it. Year 2-3: Establish an Accessible Transport Standards Commission and UK-wide Disability Transport Taskforce to update and review accessible transport frameworks and regulation. Year 4-5: Conduct an England-specific review of the impact of the accessibility design and training standards, alongside the publishing of annual accessibility enforcement and compliance summaries. Wales Year 1: Establish a National Accessibility Advisory Panel to advise Ministers and integrate Disability Rights Taskforce Working Group for Travel’s recommendations and the Accessible Transport Plan into Llwybr Newydd. Year 2-3: Contribute to a UK-wide Disability Transport Taskforce to ensure strategic alignment, and establish local access plans, working with local authorities and corporate joint committees in Wales. Year 4-5: Conduct a Wales-specific review of the impact of the accessibility design and training standards. Mandate accessibility and disability awareness training for all public-facing transport staff and managers within Transport for Wales . Scotland Year 1: Begin co-production of the Accessible Travel Framework for post-2026 that is in line with the National Transport Strategy 2, with a cross-departmental taskforce established to deliver the framework. Year 2-3: Contribute to a UK-wide Disability Transport Taskforce to ensure strategic alignment. Mandate accessibility and disability awareness training for all public-facing transport staff and managers within Transport Scotland. Year 4-5: Conduct a Scotland-specific review of the impact of the accessibility design and training standards, alongside the publishing of annual accessibility enforcement and compliance summaries. Northern Ireland Year 1: Publish an inclusive transport strategy for NI and establish a cross-departmental Ministerial Taskforce on Accessible Transport. Set up more community accessibility panels at the district council level, linked to rural partnerships. Year 2-3: Reform the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to introduce protection from indirect discrimination. Mandate accessibility and disability awareness training for all public-facing transport staff and managers within Department for Infrastructure. Year 4-5: Conduct an NI-specific review of the impact of the accessibility design and training standards, alongside the publishing of annual accessibility enforcement and compliance summaries. For more information please email info@ncat.uk
Thousands flock to take on Superhero Tri
Saturday August 16, 2025 saw close to 5,000 people descend on Dorney Lake to enjoy the thrill of Superhero Tri, powered by Marvel – the world’s only grassroots disability sports event. People came from far wide, including participants from the Highlands in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and even South Africa. Now in its ninth year, Superhero Tri is the world’s only mass participation event exclusively for people with disabilities. Providing a unique platform which puts their needs front and centre, ‘Everyday Superheroes’ lined up alongside Paralympians and disabled role models to take on the three-stage course in a choice of three distances. Some flew solo and took on all three stages – swim, cycle and push/run – but most shared the fun with Sidekick teammates who helped tow, push and pull them around the course. Enjoying their first-ever Superhero Tri were Paralympic, World and European table tennis champion Will Bayley, Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth swimming champion Maisie Summers-Newton MBE. Among those travelling long distance to take part this year were 14-year-old twins Caleb and Callistus Armstrong from Enniskillen, 11-year-old Sienna and her family from Swansea, 22-year-old Poppy from Inverness and renowned DJ Kabila aka Siyanda Makanya, 47, who flew in from Pretoria, South Africa to enjoy the legendary event. “There’s something magical when you put together a team of mixed abilities and everyone supports each other round the course and crosses the finish line together,” says Jayne Armstrong, mum to 14-year-old twins Caleb and Callistus who both have cerebral palsy. “We travel from home in Enniskillen to take part and have done so since 2018,” says Jayne. “It’s a fantastic family day out with my daughter Laura, cousins and carers coming along to lend support and take part. I love the fact there’s something for everyone to enjoy and we feel part of the Superhero Series family.” Sienna, 11, has a six-hour round trip from her home in Swansea to participate in the Superhero Tri. She has now done the event four times and this year had the great honour of being presented with a Golden Cape for her determination and motivation “We love the positive and uplifting atmosphere of Superhero Tri and appreciate the wonderful opportunity for Sienna to be surrounded by people just like her,” explains Jo Allen-Chaplin, Sienna’s mother. “This year, Sienna led a celebrity team with Paralympian Maisie Summers-Newton and TV comedian Alex Brooker. She did the 3k bike ride and I joined as her Sidekick. Straight after that, she took part in the Wheelchair Basketball showcase so it was a super busy day for her.” Dedicated to the UK’s 16.1 million people with disabilities*, Superhero Tri removes all barriers to participation and allows people to take as long as they want and use whatever adaptive super kit, gadgets and gizmos they need. Powered by Marvel, many people dress up as their favourite superhero making the event a sight to behold. Poppy Morrison, 22, travelled over 1,000 miles from her home in Inverness with her mum, aunt and family friend Sidekicks to take part in her first Superhero Tri. They came down by train but flew home. “Superhero Tri is a fantastic opportunity that allows me to enjoy two of my favourite sports, swimming and cycling, push my limits and achieve something that I never knew would be possible” says Poppy. “I feel like the Superhero Tri has gone above and beyond to make things accessible, bring people with disabilities together and form a supportive community. I want to learn from this!” says Siyanda Makanya from South Africa, who campaigns for disabled people’s accessibility rights and uses the motto “The impossible is merely the untried.” Alongside the 15 consecutive waves of people setting off around the course, other highlights of the day included a Golden Caping Ceremony in which Clare Balding CBE awarded seven inspiring young participants the prestigious Golden Cape for their resilience, spirit and fundraising feats. A range of activities brought further fun including the Marvel Avengers Training Initiative that unleashed people’s inner superpowers, a Wheelchair Basketball showcase game and Wheelchair Rugby training sessions and showcase match delivered by the Berkshire Banshees “Every year I’m inspired by the effort people put into shaping their team, sourcing supportive gadgets and pulling together to get round the course,” says Sophia Warner, Paralympian and founder of the Superhero Tri. “I’m also moved to know how far people will travel to be part of the day. It just goes to show what people can do when given the opportunity. Of course, another reason they will travel for hours is because we are the only mass-participation grassroots sports event centred on people with disabilities. “Superhero Tri is powered by Marvel and people love to take on one of their superhero characters and channel the feeling of having a superpower,” continues Sophia. “Giving people with a disability the chance to show the amazing things they can do sums up the day perfectly!” “We are so proud to support Superhero Tri powered by Marvel, seeing so many people embracing their inner superhero on Saturday at an event enjoyed in such a fun, inclusive and celebratory way,” says Deborah Armstrong, Country Manager for UK & Ireland, The Walt Disney Company. “It’s part of our commitment to creating moments that matter inspired by our incredible stories and characters.” Super Supporters Supporting the Superhero Tri headline partner Disney are partners DHL, E.ON, Everyone Active, Invacare, Pfizer, Salutem, Staysure and Swim England whose invaluable support make Superhero Tri possible. See the highlights The 2025 highlights, hosted by Clare Balding, will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 0915 on Sunday August 31,, 2025. Next event Everyday Superheroes are invited to return to Dorney Lake for the Superhero Series winter event, Winter Wonderwheels where people can walk, wheel or run around three scenic lakeside distances: 1km, 5km & 10km. Find out more and enter here: https://superheroseries.co.uk/winter-wonderwheels-2025
Sight Loss Councils Share Stories
Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted (BPS) volunteers, are sharing their rail travel stories as part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. They are also encouraging others to travel by train to build confidence and independence. Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted volunteers. These volunteers use their lived experience to shape inclusive services, influence decisions, and improve accessibility in local communities. Access to public transport has been a key priority for SLCs. This follows feedback from blind and partially sighted people during the 2023 Listening Month consultation, where 65 per cent of BPS respondents identified it as a top concern. Blind and partially sighted people – who are unable to drive – are heavily reliant on public transport for daily life, to socialise with friends and get to work. Making transport accessible enables them to be more confident, safe, active and independent. When local transport is not accessible, many risk becoming isolated. How have rail experiences changed for blind and partially sighted people? As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, Birmingham and Black Country SLC member Steve Keith, who is registered blind, shares his personal story of how improvements in rail travel have helped him feel safer, more confident, and more independent – recalling how older train doors could previously be opened before stopping at a station, putting him at risk of walking out of a moving train. He explains: “Modern trains are far more accessible and customer-friendly, especially from a disabled passenger’s point of view. It’s now much easier for me to visit family in Scotland 400 miles away, and to meet friends in Birmingham city centre. “Tactile paving at the edge of platforms has also made a big difference. It might sound small, but knowing I won’t accidentally walk off the edge has a very real impact on how, and when, I choose to travel.” SLC member Mike Wright, also registered blind, has shared his personal story of how he travels by train to go dragon boat racing. He said: “Tactile platform markings, whilst they might seem minor, compared to high-tech innovations I’d argue are one of the most safety-critical features introduced for blind and partially sighted people, alongside central locking train doors.” Passenger assistance has also had a major impact on BPS passengers’ ability to travel independently and safely, alongside improvements in signage and station navigation. Passenger assistance provided by train companies aims to offer assistance with a range of measures, including but not limited to navigating stations, boarding and alighting trains, and finding seats. Steve explains: “Since the introduction of Passenger Assistance, my journeys have become much simpler – and most importantly, safer. A member of staff now guides me around the station and onto the train. Thanks to the passenger assistance app, they can also notify my destination station about where I’m seated. This makes it much easier for staff to find me when I arrive.” Progress and impact As transport has evolved over the past 200 years, so too has accessibility. Since their inception in 2017, Sight Loss Councils have witnessed some positive changes for blind and partially sighted people through their collaborative work with transport operators and wider partners. SLCs have for example: Real-life impact Try a Train events are designed to help participants build confidence in travelling by train, from navigating stations to getting to know the train layout. Alan Rankin, who travelled by train for the first time since losing his sight at a Try a Train event in Lancashire, explained: “I was extremely anxious about going on a train… But this was a massive first step for me, and I’m so glad I went.” Nolene Wright, who also attended the Try a Train event, said: “Not only did it give me an opportunity to chat with other blind and partially sighted people, but it really helped boost my confidence to travel by train in the future.” Carl Martin, Accessibility Lead at Govia Thameslink Railway, said about their work with Sight Loss Councils on increasing access: “Working alongside blind and partially sighted people who have that vital lived experience is so important to us. The power of their expertise in helping us plan and introduce a navigational guiding app across all our stations, along with other initiatives, is invaluable in increasing independent travel.” We need to make rail travel accessible for all But there is still much work to be done and challenges remain. For example, there is a lack of consistency across the country around accessible and easily navigable stations, ticket machines and apps for bookings, and passenger assistance services including for trips that cut across multiple regions. Steve shared: “I’d love to see more staff trained to use the Passenger Assistance App properly. There have been times when my journey was cancelled on the app without explanation, leaving me stranded and unsure how to exit the platform safely.” Sight Loss Councils plan to continue working with operators nationwide to improve accessibility and raise awareness by sharing their lived experiences and expertise as BPS passengers. Steve adds: “I would always encourage other disabled people to share their positive travel experiences too. Sharing our stories can help build confidence and encourages more blind and partially sighted people to explore and enjoy events and new places. And if you’ve had a negative experience, I encourage you to give constructive feedback. Sharing feedback with operators is how they can learn and improve. “This is exactly what the Sight Loss Councils are doing – working in partnership with train operators to make travel safer and more accessible. Everyone has the right to travel independently and safely, and live the lives they want to live.” Learn more about Sight Loss Councils and their work to make transport accessible at www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk
A fantastic partnership for Fox and hound – a support dog
When Grace Fox was younger, she led an active life. A former beauty therapist, she loved to ice skate at her local rink in her spare time. But when she was 22, she developed an eye problem – which was an early symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. “I lost part of the vision in my left eye, which I still haven’t got back,” said the 64-year-old from Brighton, whose mum also had MS. Grace later had two daughters, Adele and Hannah, and was well enough to care for them, but as she got older, she developed problems in both legs and began using a wheelchair 10 years ago. After her husband William passed away, she found herself feeling increasingly isolated. That’s when she looked into getting her pet dog, Lucy, trained as a support dog. Thanks to the national Support Dogs charity, the three-year-old yellow Labrador is opening doors both figuratively and literally for Grace. Now Grace, who lives with Adele and Hannah, feels a lot less isolated at home, and knows her daughters have peace of mind when they go out to work, assured that their mum is in safe paws. “Lucy has made a big difference,” said Grace. “She can help me take off my socks and shoes and another thing she is really good at is touching the footplates on my wheelchair – she knocks them down and I can put my feet up, which otherwise would be really difficult for me to do for myself.” Lucy can even load and unload the washing machine – another fantastic help to Grace. She can also pick up and fetch objects, raise the alarm, open and close doors and push access buttons. “She does fetch help – she can press my Care Link button if I have a fall,” added Grace. And as well as practically, Lucy is also boosting Grace’s sociability. Before her MS, which is secondary progressive, Grace loved being around people. “When I was a beauty therapist, I used to have people come and have home treatments – I was always used to having people around me. “With my MS, it can be very isolating, especially when I stopped driving. “But with Lucy, she brings friends – a lot of people come up and talk to us, especially when they see her in her Support Dogs jacket. “We also take Lucy along to a choir and she loves meeting people there. She also comes to an art group and writing group. She pushes buttons to open doors. She’s also been learning to go to the cinema with me – she comes and sits through the film with me.” The family got Lucy as a pet when she was just 10 weeks old and tried training her themselves. But then Grace heard about Support Dogs, a charity, which trains specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, as well as adults with epilepsy or a physical disability to live safer, more independent lives, and she was so impressed, she applied for training in late 2023. Grace said: “I saw it in my MS magazine about how wonderful these dogs were and how they could be trained to help you. “What Lucy has done is given me confidence to help me in many aspects of life. “I lost my husband and you lose going out with friends and doing things, she’s now given me the opportunity to try and go out by myself and hopefully get on the bus or go in the car.” The pair began training in November last year and they have recently graduated as a successful Support Dogs partnership. “I was fit and had no idea I would have problems walking or not be able to do things one day – you have got to do everything you can, when you can,” said Grace. “I think what Support Dogs does is brilliant. “It helps disabled people to keep going, to carry on and enjoy life.” To find out more about the incredible work of Support Dogs, please call 0114 2617800 or visit www.supportdogs.org.uk
Cambridge special autism school celebrates first ever GCSE results
This August, The Cavendish School, Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained free school for autistic students, is celebrating the “enormous achievement” of its first ever cohort to sit GCSE exams. More than half (54 per cent) of its students, who all have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), achieved a Grade 4 or higher in English and Mathematics. Nearly 40 per cent (38%) of students at the school achieved a Grade 5 or higher in English and Mathematics, exceeding the 2022/2023 national average of 6.9 per cent for students with an EHCP. Freya C., achieved seven GCSEs, four of which were graded 8 or 9, and will study Biology at The Cavendish School’s Sixth Form. Matthew W., will also continue onto the school’s Sixth Form to study Maths and Science after he achieved two Grade 8s in his Science GCSEs. The school, which opened in 2021 for autistic students in Years 3 to 13, is the first state-maintained special autism school in the world to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). The educational framework is rooted in inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning and develops students’ academic growth and their social, emotional and physical wellbeing. Students build on the skills and knowledge that they develop in Years 3 to 8 during a transition year before commencing their GCSE studies in Year 10. To prepare students for success in their exams, students complete entry-level qualifications from Year 9. A gradual, trauma-informed approach to weekly and end of unit mini assessments also normalises the process of testing knowledge throughout students’ time at the school. Stephanie Smith, Head of School and Director of Autism Education for Eastern Learning Alliance, said she is ‘extremely proud’ of the students’ accomplishment. “Anxiety is common in autistic children and, as such, the exam period can be challenging for them. An important part of their experience at The Cavendish School is to normalise the assessment process and build students’ confidence so that they feel ready to sit their exams. Over the past four years, it has been incredibly gratifying to see our students achieve their personal and academic aspirations, and we are tremendously proud of every single one of them.” This year’s cohort will also be the first to have the option of progressing to the school’s new Sixth Form, which opens in September 2025, where they will be able to pursue an Open University Level One module Qualification. Credits from this module can be used towards further Open University qualifications, or like A Levels, to meet the entry requirements at a variety of universities including Anglia Ruskin University and Goldsmiths University of London. Alongside this, students will also benefit from work or volunteer experience and continued therapeutic Personal Learning Goal (PLG) support. Smith said: “At The Cavendish School, we aim to break down the potential barriers to education facing autistic young people to help our students to become independent, emotionally and socially confident young adults. Qualifications such as their GCSEs are a significant step on this journey and I am look forward to welcoming many of our students back in September, when they join our Sixth Form.” To learn more about The Cavendish School, visit: https://thecavendishschool.org.uk/
Model Disability Award 2025
Nick Wilson, 49, from Towcester, aka Disabled Adventurer, has been shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Disability Award at the 2025 National Diversity Awards for his exceptional work promoting disability awareness and accessibility. His mission is simple: to open the world up to make the outdoors and adventuring more accessible for everyone, wherever they are. Whether going up a mountain or his local high street in his wheelchair, Nick shares his journey to show how making the great outdoors accessible to people has the power to change lives. A former Sergeant in the British Army, Nick’s 14-year service included deployments to Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. His distinguished Army career ended in 2013 when the culmination of injuries sustained from carrying too much heavy equipment left him physically incapacitated. Nick lives in constant pain from seven prolapsed discs and a degenerative disease of the spine and is unable to sit or stand up for longer than 10 minutes. Compounding this, he has PTSD from his time on the front line. Despite these setbacks, Nick has transformed his personal challenges into a powerful platform for advocacy and change. Rock bottom When he came out of the Army, Nick started a chauffeur business working for himself. “I saw it as my coping mechanism. I worked 16+ hours a day, seven days a week to keep myself busy. But it drove me over the edge,” Nick admits. He started to make bad choices, lost money and was told he couldn’t have contact with his daughter. “I hit rock bottom and attempted suicide in August 2016. I simply saw no point to my life if I couldn’t see my daughter,” he says. Nick spent time in residential rehab for his depression and PTSD and during this period saw a path ahead of him. “When I came out, I started a consultancy dealing with mental health issues for others and founded Talk Mental Health, a charity aimed at supporting men facing challenges. This was important as I knew first-hand that waiting lists are very long – too long – if you have a serious mental health problem.” Vicious circle for disability community “When people think of accessibility they think of infrastructure. Community and social groups are vital for our wellbeing but if you’re disabled it’s much harder to access such things. “In my area there are no disabled community groups and that’s not unusual,” says Nick. “Knowing that disabled people are vulnerable to social isolation leading to depression and suicide, this astounds me. Effectively, it is a vicious circle in which disabled people can quickly spiral downwards.” The risk is very real with disabled people three times more likely to die by suicide than people who are non-disabled. The peace in nature “Getting outdoors is the way I manage my negative thoughts and feelings. However, when reliant on a standard wheelchair, it’s limiting. I want to get off the path – literally,” explains Nick who finds joy by heading into the woods, going across fields and up into the mountains. Working closely with Rock Engineering the all-terrain chair Rock Climber was built to enable Nick to go off-road – and show what can be done with the right support. He has been on many adventures with this wheelchair including being the first disabled person to ascend Snowdon solo. Another design Nick likes is the Quantum all-terrain chair which can go into the woods, over grass and through mud. However, with a price tag of £15-£30,000, such experiences are out of reach for many. “My idea is that places like the National Trust can buy a chair and hire it to visitors so they can access the great outdoors and find the peace in nature,” says Nick. “It may seem a short amount of time someone can spend doing this, but the thrill and happy memories stay for a long time making these experiences invaluable.” Bringing others on the journey Nick is acutely aware how sharing his adventures can help others. He films his escapades and posts them online so that people can share in the thrill and maybe even try it for themselves. “Some of my community can’t physically leave the house but like watching the videos to see my experience,” says Nick. “They tell me they feel good that we’re pushing the boundaries and love to see how much can be done with the right equipment and mindset.” When people struggle to socialise for whatever reason, an online community is the next best thing. Nick considers his community to be an extended family comprising people who care about each other. And with over 15 million views in one year, Nick’s work is clearly resonating with like-minded people. National Diversity Awards “The unsung heroes shortlisted in the National Diversity Awards help us to realise how much goodness and humility there is at the heart of our communities,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards. “The work these people do and the empathy they show is more important than it has ever been. We are living in a time when funding and support are limited which makes community action an invaluable resource on which so many people rely. Indeed, for some, it really is a lifeline.” “If I was fortunate enough to win the Award, it would give me the platform to reach out and help even more people,” says Nick, admitting he needs to manage his PTSD nerves and anxiety to attend the National Diversity Awards in Liverpool on September 19th. “Crowded rooms make me anxious but I’m focusing on meeting disability and community role models that I look up to,” says Nick. Such role models are essential, Nick believes. “Diverse role models help show people what’s possible and instil belief that they can do things, too. “If you can get someone to believe their dream is possible, they can see what tomorrow could bring. And that’s important because thinking tomorrow could bring something good encourages