A graduate of the University of Worcester is making a difference to disabled people in Worcestershire as part of a forum aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity.
Christian Wilson has joined Voices United Worcestershire, a forum for young people up to 25 years old, with an additional need or disability, after he graduated from his Sports Coaching Science with Disability Sport Degree.
The group meets monthly to discuss issues that are important to young people in Worcestershire, for example schools and access to hospitals and GP surgeries.
“We invite different stakeholders from various different sectors,” explained Christian. “For example, people from health or education backgrounds, and we offer feedback and discuss with them where they might improve their services.”
The forum usually meets once a month for open and honest discussion with others, with the aim of giving disabled people a voice and a chance to be heard and understood.
Christian said: “With Voices United, I’m very grateful that I have had the opportunity to share my experiences within mainstream education. I have shared my university dissertation with the group, which I hope has given the group a new perspective in that area.”
Christian has also had the opportunity to speak at committee meetings to discuss the outcomes of the group. He said: “This hopefully will help disabled people to share their views and experiences to empower others in the future.”
He said he’s hoping his involvement in Voices United will help him with his future career: “On a personal level, I’ve enjoyed making new connections, and I’m hoping it might lead to some possible future job opportunities.
Christian, who is 23 has verbal dyspraxia, and communicates through text to speech software on his Ipad. He was at the heart of a BBC search for voice donors, after he discovered a company that could create a bespoke voice using recordings from two ‘voice donors’.
Christian added: “I’d encourage anyone to get involved with Voices United, from stakeholders and companies to disabled young people, let’s continue to make Worcestershire one of the best counties in the country by improving inclusivity.”
The forum is supported by Co-Production Officers Chanika Benain and Amy Knight.
Chanika said: “The forum are passionate about the topic of SEND, and they want to make sure that young people’s experiences are improved, both in education, but also in healthcare.”
Amy Knight added: “We love welcoming new members, and we aim to be as flexible as possible so that everyone can join in. Our youngest members are 9, and our oldest is 24. They are very supportive of each other and it’s great to see our younger members growing in confidence with guidance from the older ones.”
To find out more about Voices United Worcestershire, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/SENDcoproduction
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]