A Paralympicslegacy for youngdisabled people

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"This manifesto encompasses the voices, experience and recommendations of young wheelchair-users who are enthusiastic and passionate about having the opportunity to shape the legacy of the Paralympics. They are inspired to do the ordinary, as well as the extraordinary."

Sir Philip Craven

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ForewordI am delighted to introduce Whizz-Kidz’s Generation Inspired? manifesto.

2012 was an incredible year; one which saw the Paralympic movement reach new heights, with tickets selling out, Paralympic athletes becoming household names, and Paralympic sports seeing their profiles raise exponentially.

As President of the International Paralympic Committee, I get asked how will we follow a year like 2012? My answer: we build on it. We have so much momentum to build on and it’s so very important that young people have the opportunity to be part of building the Paralympic Legacy as well as benefitting from it.

And that’s why the work Whizz-Kidz does is so important. Not every wheelchair user wants to be the next David Weir or Hannah Cockroft, but by giving young wheelchair users the right mobility equipment at the right time, Whizz-Kidz

gives them the independence, confidence and skills to fulfil their own ambitions.

And when the charity says that its young Ambassadors are at the forefront of all their work, they really mean it. This manifesto encompasses the voices, experience and recommendations of young wheelchair-users who are enthusiastic and passionate about having the opportunity to shape the legacy of the Paralympics.

They are inspired to do the ordinary, as well as the extraordinary. Their vision of the legacy of the Paralympic Games extends beyond accessing, enjoying and competing in sport – although that is certainly important to them.

They are, without a doubt, a generation inspired and I hope that those tasked with delivering the Paralympic Legacy will in turn take inspiration from the ideas and recommendations of Whizz-Kidz’s young Ambassadors in this manifesto.

By Sir Philip Craven,Presidentof theInternationalParalympic Committee

ContentsForeword by Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee

Introduction by Ruth Owen OBE, Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz

The Inspiration – The Paralympics GB athletes who supported Generation Inspired?

A generation inspired... to watch and play disability sport

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A generation inspired... to be active and independentA generation inspired... to be role models for othersA generation inspired... to travel independentlyA generation inspired... to challenge perceptions of disabilityAbout Generation Inspired? and our recommendations

Introduction

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The Paralympic Games shone a spotlight on the talent, skill and ambition of young disabled people and we were incredibly proud to see a number of Whizz-Kidz Ambassadors participating in the Games.

But for every Paralympian making the headlines through extraordinary achievement, there are still thousands of disabled children and young people waiting for the right equipment to fit their young lives – and simply the chance of a full and active childhood.

At Whizz-Kidz, we know that the right wheelchair can transform the lives of young disabled people, often literally overnight. It can set them on the road to independence, giving them opportunities to participate fully in school, and play with their friends, no longer being pushed around by parents, siblings or teachers.

As a wheelchair-user myself, I always say that my wheelchair is my shoes. It is a vital part of me.

But without this essential equipment, young disabled people are finding that their ability to develop the skills needed for adulthood is not even

leaving the starting blocks. There are approximately 70,000 disabled children and young people in the UK who have the wrong wheelchair for them – if they have one at all.

If we talk about needing to walk before we can run, these young people don’t even have the right shoes.

The recommendations set out in this manifesto show that for the young people who have already started their Whizz-Kidz journey, the Paralympics provided tremendous inspiration, and they are keen to see the legacy extend across society.

However, nothing is more important than fulfilling each disabled child’s fundamental human right to the appropriate mobility equipment. If we can’t do this, we will fail a whole generation of young disabled people, thwarting their ambitions.

Let’s make the enduring legacy of the Paralympic Games one which provides all young disabled people with the equipment, opportunities and support to make the most of their lives, giving them their own chance to shine and reach their potential.

By Ruth Owen OBE,Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz

"The Paralympics provided tremendous inspiration, and young people are keen to see the legacy extend across society. Nothing is more important than fulfilling each disabled child's fundamental human right to the appropriate mobility equipment. If we can't do this, we will fail a whole generation."

Ruth Owen OBE

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"I'm proud to have represented my country in London 2012, and bringing home a silver medal feels fantastic. I know there are thousands of young disabled people excited for a UK legacy following the Games, so I'm supporting Whizz-Kidz's Generation Inspired survey to help highlight these hopes and ensure lasting change."

Charlotte Henshaw,Paralympic Silver Medalist

"It's an honour and privilege to support the Generation Inspired initiative. There's been so much excitement around the Paralympic Games and, for me, it's all about keeping this momentum going."

Sam Hynd,Paralympic Gold and double Bronze Medalist

The inspiration

"As a former competitor, and having now spent two weeks presenting for the Paralympics, I think these have been the best Games ever. But I'm interested in what young disabled people want to see as the legacy now they have drawn to a close."

Ade Adepitan,Paralympian, broadcaster and Whizz-Kidz supporter

Hannah Cockroft MBE, Double Paralympic Gold Medalist and proud Whizz-Kidz Ambassador

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“I won two gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and it was my racing wheelchair Sally that carried me to those two glorious victories. But Sally wasn’t always the most important chair in my life. Five years ago, I got given my first sports wheelchair from a charity called Whizz-Kidz…

The day I received my wheelchair from Whizz-Kidz changed my life. My hope for the legacy of the Paralympics is that more young disabled people will not just be inspired – but have the opportunities – to go for gold and succeed in whatever they want to do.”

Our aim is to ensure that every disabled child has an opportunity to be something special… a kid. There are an estimated 70,000 disabled children and young people in the UK waiting for a wheelchair that fits their young lives. That’s where we come in. Whizz-Kidz provides disabled children with the right mobility equipment at the right time, and receiving a wheelchair is just the start of a young person's journey with Whizz-Kidz. We also run Ambassador Clubs, Wheelchair Skills Training sessions and residential camps, giving young disabled people the confidence and independence to lead fun and active childhoods. Visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk to find out more about us.

Whizz-Kidz – Move a life forward

"The day I received my wheelchair from Whizz-Kidz changed my life."

Hannah Cockroft

A generation inspired to...

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The key findingsThe achievements of Hannah Cockroft, David Weir and other Paralympics GB stars undoubtedly inspired our young people to play disability sport – this echoes a recent English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) survey where 79% of disabled respondents declared a keener interest, post London 2012*.

But our poll revealed this enthusiasm to get active is tempered by a lack of opportunity. More than two thirds of parents surveyed said their children’s schools don’t play any of the Paralympic sports. So, while our Ambassadors may want to take up Boccia, wheelchair basketball, archery, wheelchair tennis and other Paralympic sports, opportunities to do so at school are limited.

Our young people suggested mainstream schools and local clubs should work together to share facilities and equipment.

One told us: “Ideally, a mainstream school with good sporting facilities should be able to invest in some training equipment for aspiring disabled

athletes... [but] a more cost-effective way would be to have closer ties between schools and sports clubs.”

Most of those surveyed simply wanted to try a range of sports, and many suggested disability sports could be adapted so their non-disabled peers could participate.

They felt this was a much better option than mainstream schools only offering non-disabled sports and them being “left watching”.

One parent summed up that thought by saying: “[Schools should] have some PE sessions of Boccia that everyone can play, and that may give the disabled child a chance to shine.”

Parents highlighted the impact not being able to take part in sports can have on their children’s confidence and self-esteem, and a common theme was that school sports staff should forge closer links to local clubs to learn more about Paralympic sports.

We must not let this enthusiasm to take part in sport be lost because of perceived barriers.*EFDS Legacy Questionnaire Report, Oct 2012

Whizz-Kidz KeyRecommendation:We want communities to work together so that schools, disability sports clubs, parents and young people can share expertise, facilities and opportunities to play

66%of young disabled people said theParalympicsinspired themto get involved in sport

"We set up a Boccia club at my son's school – and it's gone from strength to strength. I'd like to see wider support for parents who want to enable their disabled children to play sport" One Ambassador's mum

The ten Paralympic sports young disabled people were most inspired to try

...watch and play disability sport

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"The sport atmy school fordisabled people is boring. We want to do basketball, tennis or cricket"Lexian

"I'd like disabled students froma number oflocal schools to do PE and team games together"Josh

"It would be good to see postersto encouragedisabled peopleto get involvedmore in sports"Charlotte

"I'd like it if Paralympians gave talks in schools and to sports groups and do a demonstration"Joel

A generation inspired to... ...be active and independent

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The key findingsMany young disabled people told us they are already active and independent, and that the Paralympics inspired them to be even more so.

One said the Paralympics left him feeling “able to do more things for myself”, but Ambassadors and parents agreed that disabled young people face barriers to access and inclusion that limit how active and independent they can be.

One parent summed up this theme, saying: “Disabled people should be able to go and do the same things as all other people. I would love to see removable seats in theatres, cinemas, and all places where people gather socially so a wheelchair-user and their friends or family can choose to sit anywhere they want – as do all the rest of the public.”

Our Ambassadors want to take an active role in remedying this. They would like to be consulted by those making decisions that will

affect their lives and be empowered to shape these decisions – by carrying out accessibility audits, advising on design or taking part in consultation exercises.

We asked our Ambassadors what the Government should do to help. Common themes included talking directly to disabled young people to find out their opinions; raising awareness of disability; and improving access to leisure facilities and transport – all ideas summed up in one response that politicians can help give disabled people “freedom to expand their horizons”.

The Paralympics has inspired disabled young people to become more active and independent than ever before – we hope that enthusiasm will be captured and turned into real change. Whizz-Kidz Ambassadors want to play a role in influencing the decisions that affect their lives.

Whizz-Kidz's Key

Recommendation:

We want young disabled

people to play an active

role in shaping decisions

affecting their lives

"Going to the cinema with friends is difficult as the wheelchair spaces are only at the front, and I can't always sit with my friends"Lexian

"Disabled people have tohave confidence. If you'renot accepted by your peers or teachers, you decreasein confidence"George

91% of disabled young people watched the Paralympics

67%of parents said that the Paralympics had inspired their disabled child to get actively involved in sport

"I would like the Government to listen to the views of young disabled people and act on them" Anna

The key findingsOur Ambassadors felt strongly that the legacy of the Paralympics should extend beyond sport and that coverage of the Games created a platform to build on by raising awareness of disability.

They were excited that there are now more well-known and inspirational disabled role models, and want to see role models in walks of life other than sport – although they were clear that should be through talent, not tokenism.

One said: “I want to see people with disabilities in more prominent places, such as in business, politics, the media and the arts world.”

One parent told us the media should “provide more coverage of the ‘normal’ lives of disabled people to show that sport is not the only feasible success for them to aspire to over university, careers or families”.

A recurring theme was that the media should focus on what disabled people can do, rather than what they can’t – and that any disabled person can be a role model in their community. Our Ambassadors want the same opportunities to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations – whatever they may be – as non-disabled people. They called on companies to be more open to employing disabled people, and to focus on the ‘three As’ – awareness, access and ability.

One showed how simple work-place schemes can produce role models, suggesting: “I would like to see disabled young people working as access advisors, as part of work experience. It would educate employers how to actively accommodate and use disabled people to their full potential.”

If disabled young people are given the opportunities to achieve their potential – whether that’s reaching a Paralympic podium or playing a valuable role in their community or workplace – they will become role models who will inspire future youngsters and keep the Paralympic legacy alive for many generations.

Whizz-Kidz KeyRecommendation:We want employers to offer young disabled people the opportunity to be role models for others by providing accessible work placements and internships

A generation inspired to...

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"I'd like to see more disabled people in music videos" Martin

"I'd like to see more photos of disabled role models at school" Karl

"Taster days could open up how careers can be made accessible – companies should have an open mind about employing disabled people" Claire

36%of parents thought the media coverage of the Paralympics presented a balanced view of disability

...be role models for others

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"My experiences have made me realise I now want a career in raising disability awareness, which will help other young disabled people get into work" Rebecca

9%of parents feel the media presents a balanced view of disability

"Baroness Grey-Thompson won our inspirational role model award at the Kidz Unlimited awards, but one person can't speak for everyone who is disabled"George

A generation inspired to...

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28%of disabled young people who went to watch the Paralympics used public transport to get there

15%of disabled young people rated the public transport used to get to the Paralympics as 'very accessible'

"It's hard sometimes to travel onpublic transport with my friends – whether they are other wheelchair-users or not – as there's not always space"Lexian

"The Paralympics were the first time I felt transport staff were there to proactively help disabled people"George

...travel independently

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The key findingsOur Ambassadors gave a clear verdict on public transport – in London it became better and more accessible during the Paralympics and now the lessons of those improvements need to be applied across the country.

One Ambassador said: “It was like the Paralympics made the transport staff realise that disabled people were just like everyone else. I hope it has a lasting effect.”

Ambassadors know what needs to change to ensure that lasting improvement. While only 15% rated the public transport they used during the Paralympics as “very accessible”, their feedback suggested the attitude of staff on duty during the Games was excellent.

Our youngsters are recommending that best practice is rolled out elsewhere through better disability awareness training.

Time and again, our Ambassadors called for more ramps to be provided so they can get on and off trains more easily and independently.

Once on board buses and trains, our Ambassadors said they struggle to find enough space for their wheelchairs – a limited number of seats for wheelchair-users means inconvenience or delays, especially when travelling at busy times.

Another repeated theme was the need for disability awareness training for staff. Ambassadors felt this training would lead to practical changes as well as improvements to attitude.

One summed up the changes suggested by many, saying: “[Operators should] adapt trains and platforms so you can access them yourself.

"I find it really frustrating and stressful having to rely on the train guard. In the past, I’ve been forgotten and I don’t have the confidence to use the trains alone.”

Being able to travel independently is vital to so many aspects of a disabled young person’s life, and must be a key part of the Paralympic legacy.

Whizz-Kidz KeyRecommendation:We want transport operators to treat young disabled people like any other passenger

"I had great experiences travelling to the Paralmypics" Katie "They should make it easier to get on and off, especially for powerchair users" Sam "It was great to be able to turn up at London Underground stations and travel using the ramps – you didn't even have to book ahead!" Martin

The key findingsThe Paralympics excited the young people involved with Whizz-Kidz – not only through the successes of Paralympics GB, but also because the Games changed the public’s perceptions of disabled people.

Our Ambassadors felt that the public started to see what disabled people can do, rather than what they can’t. One told us: “It made me feel disabled people were taking a stand.” Another said: “We are finally getting recognition for our abilities and not our disabilities.”

One summed up this feeling: “It was really cool seeing world-class disability sport on mainstream TV, but even better was that lots of people were really interested in it, regardless of whether they had a disability. For me, it was fantastic to see a major shift in perception of people with disabilities.”

The Paralympics also inspired

change in some of our youngsters’ perceptions of themselves. Many Ambassadors told us they felt “proud to be disabled” and that they were “inspired” by the capabilities of the athletes, with one saying “it made me feel like I could do these things as well”. One Ambassador spoke of a dramatic change in their outlook, saying the Games made them feel “there is a future for me”.

Our Ambassadors offered some suggestions to make sure this change in perception of disabled people is lasting. One wished people would “stop being so afraid to acknowledge my disability because they think I’ll be offended.” Many wished people would stop staring at them, while one summed up the lasting change needed in society’s perception of the disabled in just two words – “acceptance” and “inclusion”.

72%of disabled young people feel the Games have made people think differently about disability

A generation inspired to...

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Whizz-Kidz Key

Recommendation:

We want young disabled

people to be more visable

in the media, fashion and

advertising

"Work has to be done now to challenge perceptions of disability" George

"Because of hard work, and the right support, I am now working as a solicitor. I know that I'm challenging some perceptions of disabled people and that's fine, but I'm a lawyer first and a disabled person second." Whizz-Kidz beneficiary Arunima, 27

"Until disabled people are portrayed well in the media, people's attitudes to us will be negative" Sally

...challenge perceptions of disability

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85% of young disabled people thinkattitudes towards disabled peoplein society should be improved

The Whizz-Kidz Ambassadors were inspired by Paralympic athletes. They were encouraged by improvements to public transport. They were excited by the public’s support for the Games.

They recognise that there has never been such a wonderful opportunity to make lasting improvements to the perception of disability and the opportunities for disabled young people.

Whizz-Kidz and our Ambassadors are ready to play our part in delivering the Paralympics legacy, and we hope you will join us.

A generation inspired? Yes!

Whizz-Kidz would like to thank all of the Whizz-Kidz Ambassadors and Parents who contributed to the survey, focus group sessions and who provided us with anecdotal evidence. We would also like to thank:● Jon Arnold for designing and writing the Generation Inspired manifesto;● Hannah Cockroft MBE for all that she has done, and continues to do, for Whizz-Kidz;● Sir Philip Craven for his time and support;● Sam Hynd for his time and support of Generation Inspired?;● Charlotte Henshaw for her kind support;● Ade Adepitan for his ongoing support and inspiration;● Mark de Wolf for designing and delivering our Generation Inspired? Focus Group;● The SEN Team at the Department for Education for kindly hosting our Generation Inspired? Focus Group;● Press Association Images for access to Paralympic Games photography;● Jess Bool for providing limitless knowledge of the Paralympic Games;● Roger Bool for photography;● Paige Erlich for project support;● Simon Hall and colleagues at Freshfields LLP for printing.

About Generation Inspired?

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Our surveyOur research was undertaken via our young Ambassadors and their families from September 2012 – January 2013 through online survey, focus groups and phone-calls. We had 117 respondents, whose opinions, experiences and recommendations are reflected in this manifesto.

We also drew on anecdotal evidence from young disabled people and their parents obtained through the Whizz-Kidz Ambassador Network; which has over a thousand members, many of whom attend Whizz-Kidz Ambassador Clubs, Wheelchair Skills Training or other life skills services.

Acknowledgements

Recommendations

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We want communities to work together so that schools, disability sports clubs, parents and young people can share expertise, facilities and opportunities to play.We want young disabled people to play an active role in shaping decisions affecting their lives.We want employers to offer young disabled people the opportunity to be role models for others by providing accessible work placements and internships.We want transport operators to treat young disabled people like any other passenger.We want young disabled people to be more visible in the media, fashion and advertising.

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Keep the flame burning for young

disabled people

Whizz-Kidz is the working name of The Movement for Non-Mobile Children (Whizz-Kidz).Registered charity number 802872. Scotland registered charity number SC042607

To find out more about Whizz-Kidz's work, get involved, or make a donation to help more young disabled people

reach their potential, visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

"It's really important that young disabled people have a say in the legacy of the Paralympics"

Joel, Whizz-Kidz Ambassador

"We have to make sure the legacy goes beyond sport"

George, Whizz-Kidz Ambassador