Northern Ireland Trailblazers Inclusion Now campaign.

Trailblazers 

Young Campaigners’ Network 

Inclusion now 

The Northern Ireland Trailblazers report 

April 2013

02 

www.trailblazersmuscular-dystrophy.org 



Northern Ireland, my home, is a typically friendly place. 

However, many individuals see my wheelchair and ask what day 

centre I attend. While I appreciate that this is the case for some, 

there is a clear lack of understanding and education here. 

Many people will speak to me through the person I am with, rather than speaking to me 

directly. This is something I have grown to deal with over time. Individuals with disability 

should be spoken to as equals, regardless of their level of disability. 

I have been involved in a project where I go into schools and talk to young children about 

myself, my life and my disability, I believe that if you can change perceptions, remove barriers 

early on and get people to think differently, this will change the attitudes of future generations. 

I would like to see a future where having a disability will be something which makes us 

different and individual – like wearing a pair of glasses! – but it won’t be a big deal. 

Michaela Hollywood 

Trailblazer 

Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland 

This report was researched, 

written and compiled by 

Trailblazers Ambassadors: 

Frances Ashe, 

Newtonabbey, County Antrim 

Caítríona Brauders, 

Dungannon, County Tyrone 

Alistair Carlisle, 

Bangor, County Down 

Sean Fitzsimons, 

Downpatrick, County Down 

Suzanne Glover, 

Newtonards, County Down 

Julianne Gribbon, 

Belfast, Country Antrim 

Ruth Henry, 


Michaela Hollywood, 

Downpartick, County Down 

Conor O’Kane, 

Ballymena, County Antrim 

Daniel Rafferty, 

Newry, County Down 

Sara Tipping, 


Ireland 

North Channel 

Marina Grudinina/istock 

Ireland 

Irish Sea

www.muscular-dystrophy.org 03 

About Trailblazers 

Trailblazers is a group of disabled campaigners from across the 

UK who tackle the social issues affecting young disabled people, 

such as access to higher education, employment and social 

and leisure opportunities. The network, which was established 

in 2008, began in Northern Ireland. We aim to fight these social 

injustices experienced by young disabled people and to ensure 

they can gain access to the services they require. We are part of 

the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. 

About the Muscular 

Dystrophy Campaign 

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity fighting muscle-wasting 

conditions. We are dedicated to beating muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular 

conditions by finding treatments, cures and to improving the lives of everyone affected 

by them. 

Our work has five main focuses: 

n we fund world-class research to find effective treatments and cures 

n we provide practical information, advice and emotional support for individuals with 

muscle-wasting conditions, their carers and families 

n we campaign to bring about change and raise awareness of muscular dystrophy and 

related neuromuscular conditions 

n we award grants towards the cost of specialist equipment, such as powered wheelchairs. 

n we provide specialist education and development programmes for health professionals. 

Get involved 

Take action, campaign, learn new skills. Interested in 

becoming a Trailblazer? We always welcome people 

to our thriving campaigning community. 

t: 020 7803 4807 

e: trailblazers@muscular-dystrophy.org 

w: www.muscular-dystrophy.org/trailblazers 

I am a firm believer in the biggest barriers 

of all being attitudinal – I have to say I 

met my fair share of people who are very 

positive and forward thinking in terms 

of improving access and conditions 

for disabled students. Sadly like wider 

society you always meet those who are 

not as open minded. 

Sean Fitzsimons

04 


Background 

Around 20 percent of people in Northern Ireland have a 

disability or long-term health condition 1 and two out of five 

households have at least one disabled person living within 

them. While legislation exists to prevent discrimination and 

promote inclusion 2 , campaigners argue that laws alone cannot 

remove barriers to society. Attitudes must change to ensure 

that disabled people have the same opportunities as their 

non-disabled peers. 3 

Trailblazers in Northern Ireland have researched and compiled this report to demonstrate 

what it is like growing up as a young and disabled person in Northern Ireland today. Sharing 

experiences and highlighting challenges, they give you an insight into what it is like accessing 

services such as higher education, employment, public transport and leisure facilities and hope 

to challenge negative perceptions of being young, disabled and Irish in 2013. 

Executive summary 

The Trailblazers’ investigation into what it is like to be a young disabled 

person living in Northern Ireland has found that despite legislation to 

promote inclusion and significant progress being made, there are still 

a number of issues to contend with. 

The research was carried out through the personal stories of Trailblazers currently living in 

Northern Ireland. Eleven Trailblazers were consulted and a number of similarities can be 

drawn from their experiences. 

The report offers information, advice and tips, together with some 

positive recommendations on the following subjects: 

n public transport 

n driving 

n higher education 

n leisure 

n travel 

n housing 

n employment 

n relationships. 

1 

www.equalityni.org 

Alasdair Thomson/istock 

2 

Disability Discrimination Act Northern Ireland 1995 

3 

www.dredf.org/international/paper_ruebain.html 

Barnes and Oliver


Public transport 

Many people living and working in Northern Ireland, as elsewhere in 

the UK, need access to public transport. For disabled people, there are 

particular, unique challenges in accessing public transport and where 

access is difficult, or impossible, it hinders disabled people’s ability to 

study, work and socialise in and around the towns and cities. 

We have found that although there have been many improvements in recent years, there 

is still much to be done to enable disabled people to use public transport confidently, 

spontaneously and safely. Automatic ramps on some buses and portable ramps on trains 

and taxis enable disabled people to travel to some extent. 4 However, this is less than ideal 

for young disabled people, as they still rely heavily on assistance from others. Travelling 

independently should be of prime concern. The details follow. 

Concessions 

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for free or concessionary travel on 

buses and trains in Northern Ireland. 

Free travel for: 

n everyone aged 60 and over 

n people who are registered blind 

n war disablement pensioners. 

Half-fare travel for people: 

n who are in receipt of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance 

n who have had a driving licence refused or revoked on medical grounds 

n who have a learning disability 

n who are partially sighted 5 . 

To check your eligibility, you need to apply to the Translink concessionary fare scheme for 

a half-fare smart-pass. Some companies offer reductions in fares – which is positive news – 

however there is a need for consistency among transport providers so that disabled people 

can have reasonable expectations of what their travel fares will cost them. 

4 

www.drdni.gov.uk/newsDetails.htm?newsRef=2388 

5 

www.nidirect.gov.uk/free-bus-travel-and-concessions

06 


Buses 

Bus services are slowly improving, most notably in Belfast. 6 Newer buses have a ramp and 

wheelchair space, enabling more disabled people to access local services. However, these are 

not available at all times on all routes. Investment is welcome, but to minimise challenges, 

action must be taken to promote the accessible bus routes and give as much detailed 

information as possible upfront to disabled passengers regarding access. 

Currently in Northern Ireland, 82 percent of Translink buses are wheelchair accessible 7 . By 2015, 

on completion of the planned bus deliveries, Metro will be made up of 100 percent wheelchair 

accessible buses and Ulsterbus will be 81 percent accessible. 8 

In general I don’t use buses, I’m never sure where the kneeling* buses are located 

and how often they will come and they definitely need more information available. 

In the future I’d like every bus to be a kneeling bus; I wouldn’t mind waiting. I would 

use them more. 

Alistair Carlisle 

I think the buses need regular checks on their electronic ramps as they often don’t 

work, making travel plans difficult! I would definitely recommend travelling by train 

rather than bus because it’s so much more reliable. 

Suzanne Glover 

I am originally from London, where all buses are low-floor and accessible, but here 

you have to book 24 hours in advance for an accessible bus, just so you can make 

sure it has a ramp. It’s more of an inconvenience than anything else; it’s not that 

often we want to use a bus but if we just happen to want to go into town for the 

market or want to have a drink, it’s difficult. Booking 24 hours in advance removes 

freedom and independence, plus there is then the added issue of prams taking up 

wheelchair spaces. 

Frances Ashe 

Trains 

Trains are now 100 percent accessible in Northern Ireland, as stock has been updated in 

accordance with rail vehicle accessibility regulations 2001. However, it is not possible to access 

all rail stations as some are old and need extensive regeneration. To use a train, a wheelchair 

user can ask for assistance and use a portable ramp to get on and off the train. Rail staff 

members are there to assist disabled passengers in various ways. 

When I went to watch the rugby in Dublin, the Dart [Dublin Area Rapid Transport] 

tram was great! It went all the way to the stadium. It was all level access with no 

kerbs and no hassle. Belfast could benefit greatly from an investment like this. 

Conor O’Kane 

I LOVE Translink! [Northern Ireland’s integrated bus and rail public transport company.] 

Since my early teens, I have been using the train to travel with friends into Belfast 

for shopping days. Currently I use the train to get from university to Belfast for social 

events and volunteer work. All the staff members are really helpful and always 

have the ramp ready and waiting! I’m so confident with the service that I can travel 

alone and be assured that the station staff will assist me to use the lift and cross the 

platform if needed. 


6 

www.drdni.gov.uk/newsDetails.htm?newsRef=2388 

7 

www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/ 

news-drd/news-drd-150113-accessible-transport-strategy.htm 

8 

Department for regional development; Accessible Transport Strategy 2012-15 

*A kneeling bus is a bus that not only has no steps between the door and the bus 

floor, but also has an air-adjustable suspension. This feature allows the driver to lower 

the bus to the curb to make entering and exiting the bus much easier. By lowering 

the bus, people who have limited mobility are given much easier access to the bus, 

and wheelchair access is made easier. The kneeling bus takes its name from the 

kneeling-like manner in which it lowers itself at the bus stop.


Door-to-door community transport 

Door-to-door transport is a service which is available to people in towns, including wheelchair 

users, who find it a challenge to use public transport. It is necessary to sign up to the scheme 

beforehand and you need to book at least a day in advance. It normally costs £1.50 per journey 

and helps people access their local town more easily. 9 

Every day I use a door-to-door service, which is run by the government. It is reliable 

and takes me to work every day. I pay £46 upfront for the service and then pay a small 

fee per trip. This works well for me, and is better than using taxis, in my opinion. 


Taxis 

Accessible black cabs are often the only transport option for disabled people, who may often 

need more space for equipment and may not be able to walk to the bus stop or train station. 

Taxis, however, are often more expensive than other modes of transport, can be hard to find and 

will often not stop for someone in a wheelchair. Some Trailblazers have reported that they have 

been charged more for a journey because of their disability. This is discriminatory and should 

never occur. 10 

Taxis are accessible but they are few and far between and I get charged time and a 

half; I’m not really sure if that is allowed? 

Frances Ashe 

I’ve had some good and bad experiences with taxis. One of my best experiences of 

using a taxi was when a female taxi driver lifted out her two baby seats from her boot 

and lifted my wheelchair into her car. My disability wasn’t seen as a hindrance. Some 

of my worst have been when taxi drivers won’t take me because they have ‘golf clubs’ 

or ‘shopping’ in the boot and can’t fit my wheelchair in. 


Some incompetent taxi drivers who operate locally have posed a safety risk to myself 

as a passenger because of how they secure my chair, so I rarely use a public taxi. 

Daniel Rafferty 

Actions needed 

n A standardised railcard for disabled people, which offers concessionary travel for disabled 

people and their carers. 

n All buses to be made accessible within a designated timeframe, with clear information 

and promotion about the location and priority for designated wheelchair spaces. 

n Removal of the requirement to book 24 hours in advance for an accessible bus. 

n Better training for drivers and staff around disability, equality and equipment and a clear 

complaints procedure. 

n Increased availability of accessible taxis, with more stringent training on ramp deployment . 

n Working together with organisations like Trailblazers and speaking to disabled people 

themselves to find out how to improve access to public transport services, how to 

develop existing strategies with all transport providers within a set timeframe to ensure 

there is improved access. 

Common 

concerns 

n Paying for a carer to 

accompany a disabled 

person means that the 

cost is greater for 

disabled passengers. 

n The 24-hour 

pre-notification period 

to use buses, trains and 

door-to-door service stops 

disabled people 

being able to go out 

spontaneously and 

independently. 

n Bus ramps do not always 

work, bus stops are not 

always accessible, 

and the designated 

wheelchair space is 

often taken up by prams. 

n Lack of availability of 

accessible taxis, and lack 

of awareness from drivers 

who may not understand 

a disabled passenger’s 

requirements. 

9 

www.imtac.org.uk/publications.php?pid=34 

10 

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14527162

08 


Driving 

Many disabled people rely on private cars to travel around. Some choose 

to drive themselves, and others travel with family members, personal 

assistants or friends driving. Either way, it is important to know what 

options are available for you. 

Various adaptations are available and can be tailored to your needs, depending on whether you 

drive from a wheelchair, transfer into a seat or just use a regular car with a few adjustments. 

If I knew it was possible, 

I would definitely learn 

to drive! It’s sometimes 

about knowing what is 

out there. 

Conor O’Kane


The Motability Scheme 

The Motability Scheme is available for people who are in receipt of the higher rate mobility 

component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

and various other benefits. If you are eligible, you can exchange your allowance for the lease 

on a car, which lasts between three and five years. Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) are 

available on the scheme, which can offer more freedom and independence. In some cases, 

it is possible to drive from your wheelchair. 

Suzanne Glover, 20, shares her story about recently learning to drive from her wheelchair: 

I have recently got my first drive-from vehicle, a Volkswagen caddy, which is very 

exciting! I was assessed by Motability just after I got my provisional licence at 16. 

We looked to see which car would be most suitable in terms of size and adaptability 

for the controls. I found out about possibly being able to drive by talking to others 

with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and similar conditions. I contacted Disability 

Action, who guided us through the process and gave us information about initial 

assessments. I met with an assessor from Motability, we looked at my physical 

strength by test-driving a car, and this enabled us to see what I could and couldn’t do. 

The assessor explained the process of getting the adaptations and learning to drive. 

I would definitely learn 

how to drive if I had heard 

about the existence of 

a drive-from vehicle! 

At the moment, I have a 

non-adapted Motability 

car but find it a challenge 

getting in and out of it. 

Frances Ashe 

“Motability staff members were generally supportive and helpful. I started the 

process just after my 16th birthday (I’m now 20). Over the four years, I have had a 

number of hold-ups such as missing paperwork, waiting for funding approval and 

a new wheelchair. I had to change my wheelchair last year, which meant that the 

adaptations were halted until I got my new chair. 

LEARNING TO DRIVE – TOP TIPS FROM SUZANNE 

BE PATIENT and start the process early! 

MAKE SURE you check at the start that your wheelchair is suitable to be driven 

from, so you have plenty of time to change your wheelchair if necessary. 

IF YOUR CONDITION changes, ask for another assessment to make sure that 

the adaptations are still suitable and any necessary alterations can be made. 

KEEP IN CONTACT with your caseworker in Motability so you can get updates 

on the progress of your car and are aware of the next steps. 

urbancow/istock

10 


Higher education 

Many students may find it daunting when starting university. Moving 

away from home, making new friends and starting a degree are all new 

and exciting challenges to look forward to. Disabled students need to 

consider not only these challenges, but often more. Planning in advance 

and getting your support in place beforehand can make the process a 

lot smoother. 

In the United Kingdom, an estimated 30,000 disabled people entered higher education in 

2012, an increase of 75 percent since 2004. 11 However, according to UCAS, disabled people 

are also less likely to go to university than their non-disabled peers and are less likely to be in 

employment. Universities need to ensure the right support is in place before a disabled person 

starts university, to ensure that students can get the most out of their university experience. 

It is advisable for disabled students to allow plenty of time to investigate potential universities, 

and to contact the disability service or student support service to find out as much information 

about the facilities as possible. It might also help to visit the campus to see what it is like and 

gauge attitudes and access. 

Disabled students would need to see if they would be eligible for Disabled Students Allowance 

(DSA), which can provide financial assistance towards support and equipment. 

I have been in higher education now for three years. I spent the first two years 

studying a HND (Higher National Diploma) in Broadcast Journalism. Despite very 

obvious physical barriers to using equipment, the teaching staff treated me no 

differently and expected the same standard of work while allowing me the physical 

assistance. I cannot commend the teaching staff highly enough. After some problems 

with my PA in the first year, I had a member of my class and a friend take up the role 

in the second year. I have never been more integrated into a class, and I had a great 

year. I would recommend this to anyone as a very worthwhile risk! 

“I am now halfway through my second year in a degree in Public Relations at the 

University of Ulster. I am unable to complete an optional placement year due to 

barriers in DSA; there are too many restrictions with transport and I couldn’t get any 

non-medical help with admin duties. I wasn’t given any information about Access to 

Work in this situation. 

Michaela Hollywood 

11 

UCAS figures www.ucas.ac.uk


Lise Gagne/istock 

Sean Fitzsimons studied Law at Queen’s University Belfast and a PGDE (post-graduate diploma 

in education) at the University of Aberdeen. He shares his varied experiences from both: 

It was very interesting studying at two different universities; it allowed me to see and 

experience firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of each from the perspective of a 

student with a disability. 

“In terms of access, it was very much a mixed bag. At Queen’s I was based in a city 

centre location, so parking was at a premium. Being provided with a disabled parking 

permit didn’t always mean a space would be available, and this could make getting to 

classes on time very difficult. This simply had to be factored in but it could at times be 

stressful, particularly coming up to exam times. 

“The University of Aberdeen had much better access and benefited from a modern 

refurbished building, which made it much easier to get to classes on time. This 

removed that constant panicked feeling and allowed me to get on with the work 

of the day. 

“A common universal barrier in universities is the buildings. I know Queen’s Lanyon 

Building at points can be very tricky to manoeuvre around. Accommodation is 

the other area I feel can and should be improved over time; a greater number of 

‘disabled-friendly’ student flats would greatly improve the prospects for disabled 

students to integrate with their peers. 

“For the PGDE, I had to go on a number of placements and I have to commend 

the School of Education at the University of Aberdeen who made a number of 

adjustments for me in terms of location and accessibility of school campuses I was 

to be working at. The close link that was maintained between the Faculty and the 

Disabled Students Liaison Officer throughout the course of my studies was key to 

my ability to partake in and successfully complete the course. 

Common 

concerns 

n Lack of accessible 

disabled parking. 

n Challenges in accessing 

buildings, particularly 

older ‘listed’ buildings. 

n No DSA funding available 

for optional placement 

years and work experience, 

so disabled students 

are at a disadvantage. 

12 

www.studentfinanceni.co.uk 


n More investment in improving the accessibility of 

university buildings. 

n Consulting with and discussion with disabled 

students to find out exactly what needs to be 

done to improve their student experiences. 

n More car parking for disabled students. 

n DSA to apply to optional placement years, to 

allow disabled students the same options as 

non-disabled students. 

TOP TIPS 

START LOOKING for your 

university one to two years 

in advance. 

VISIT AS many of your 

choices as you can. Have 

a good look around your 

chosen university and 

make a list of concerns. 

WORK WITH the Disability 

Advice team to iron 

out problems. 

DECIDE IF you would rather 

live at home, on campus 

or non-campus. If you 

decide to live in student 

accommodation, make a 

list of all the equipment 

you will need in your room, 

kitchen and communal 

areas and make sure you let 

the accommodation and 

disability teams know. 

SEE AS many rooms as you 

can before selecting the 

one that best suits you. 

MAKE CONTACT with the 

disability support advisers 

at the first opportunity. 

DON’T BE AFRAID to 

ask questions. 

CHECK OUT the accessibility 

of venues and bars before 

you arrive. 

CONTACT YOUR local 

Education and Library 

board for more information. 12

12 


Leisure 

Like many young people, young disabled people like to go out with 

their friends and families. Going out to the shops, to a concert or perhaps 

enjoying a meal out do not seem like extraordinary events. Much of the 

time, however, young disabled people find they need to plan ahead 

meticulously to ensure access is available. 

Investing in accessibility makes business sense and not considering access precludes disabled 

people and many of their friends and family from spending their hard-earned cash in particular 

establishments. If disabled people can have accurate information related to access, this is crucial 

in improving their experiences and would help to avoid disappointment. 

My local pub has steps but my mates lift 

me into it. The pub does however have 

a disabled toilet. The big screen is great 

and I enjoy going out. 


I know some sports stadiums where 

all disabled fans are sat together, 

regardless of who they support! 

It is a bit awkward! 


Michaela Hollywood shares her experiences about what she likes to do in her spare time: 

Visiting restaurants 

Restaurants are great, provided they have the physical access. Most staff members 

could do with more training on how to address me, and not another member of my 

party when taking my order. However, I have come across some excellent members 

of staff who have addressed me and offered plentiful physical assistance in a tactful 

and subtle manner. 

Going shopping 

Clothes shopping is often a challenge due to lack of space; the disabled changing 

rooms are either used as storage rooms or are completely inaccessible. I would love to 

see changing rooms include hoists and benches so that I could try on trousers as well 

as tops, as currently I have to buy them to try them and return them if they don’t fit. 

“I have never been to a public place in all of Northern Ireland which has a toilet with a 

hoist and bench. However, I recently found out that Stormont [Parliament Buildings] 

has a Changing Places toilet. Building standards should include these. 

“All too often the image of disability is someone who can either be lifted or can 

self-transfer to a toilet. This is not the case. It is painful, dehumanising and undignified 

to be unable to use the toilet when going out. This has got to change! It is, without a 

doubt, the most urgent aspect of being disabled in Northern Ireland, which has got 

to be fixed not only for dignity but for health and sanitation.


Going to concerts 

I live, eat and sleep music. Matt Cardle has released his tour dates and he is playing 

at the Empire Music Hall – a completely inaccessible venue for anyone with any 

type of mobility difficulty. This is the third or fourth time an artist I like has played 

at the venue. It’s extremely frustrating and disappointing that I’m continually 

meeting this barrier. 

“I often feel disadvantaged when it comes to going out. It is virtually impossible to 

get more than one seat with a disabled ticket at concerts. That means if I’m taking 

my niece, or going with my friends, I can’t go with more than one person. This 

makes it much harder to have a great night out as a group, as it’s usually just me 

plus one other. 

“Music venues have significantly improved in recent years. The Odyssey Arena has 

now begun to seat wheelchair users in the first and third row on the ground floor. 

However, they continue to discriminate by not allowing wheelchair users on the 

ground floor in a designated area during standing concerts and only allowing a 

restricted number on the ground floor during seated concerts. I want them to work 

with Trailblazers to improve the situation and help to set a benchmark in standards 

of inclusion for the rest of the world. 

Like most students, I love 

to party! My friends and 

I love Ollies nightclub in 

the centre of Belfast. The 

bouncers are fantastic at 

helping me through the 

crowds to move to where 

I want to go throughout 

the night. Overall I feel 

that accessibility is really 

good and it is gradually 

improving over time. 

Many venues allow you 

take a carer free of charge, 

however this is rarely 

made clear when booking 

so asking is always best! 


“As an individual who loves music and theatre, concert halls are my main leisure 

location. The Grand Opera House has been incredible in setting the standards. 

I cannot commend them highly enough. Two things, however, would perfect 

their service: if they had a system in place so that I could be sat with my entire 

party, and if the venue included a Changing Places toilet. 

Common 

concerns 

n Lack of access into some 

restaurants, theatres 

and shops. 

n Lack of disabled toilets 

with hoists. 

n Paying more to visit places 

with carers. 

n Lack of choice for seating 

when visiting concert 

halls, sports stadiums and 

music venues. 


n Improved promotion and use of ‘Part R’ of building regulations 13 and disability discrimination 

legislation 14 to ensure that new buildings have level access to shops and restaurants. 

n Tougher blue badge enforcement. 

n Changing Places toilets in shopping centres, at music venues and tourist attractions. 

n Promotion of carer concessions. 

n Improved disability awareness training for all employees that communicate with 

disabled customers at any stage of the booking process. 

n Choice for disabled seating in theatres and stadiums. 

n Accessibility to be considered in both home and away stands at sports stadiums. 

n Working together with organisations like Trailblazers and consulting with disabled 

people directly when making decisions that will have an impact on them. 

Colin Klotzbach/istock 

13 

Department for Finance and Personnel, Building regulations R ‘Access to and use of buildings’, 

www.dfpni.gov.uk/tbr_online_version.pdf 

14 

Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Disability Discrimination (NI) order 2006 (DDO)

14 


Travel 

Every year a greater number of young people are taking more trips 

around the UK and abroad 15 and young disabled people should be no 

exception. Disabled people have an estimated £80 billion disposable 

income a year 16 , and it makes good business sense to ensure services 

are accessible and adjustments are made. Young disabled people want 

to be able to relax and enjoy holidays with friends and family both at 

home and abroad. Trailblazers in Northern Ireland have shared their 

stories about travelling abroad. 

I went on a trip to Lourdes in France with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust in Easter 2012. 

It was a great experience and I would recommend it! 

“It was the first time I had been away without my parents, so it was quite a big 

step. I’m the type of person who needs to get to know someone first, so a few 

people came over to my house to meet me before we went. It was a great 

opportunity for my parents and me to discuss a few things with them. 

“A group of about 40 of us, aged 18 to 30, went for a full week and many of us 

were wheelchair users. The time on the aeroplane went well and there were 

no issues with damaged equipment, although this was a concern! We stayed 

at a nice hotel where there was one accessible bathroom. I actually used a normal 

bathroom with a chair! It’s sometimes about thinking creatively and having an open 

mind. I met a lot of new people on the trip and had the experience of a lifetime! I am 

glad I went – it was an experience I will never forget and I would absolutely go back. 


I find going away on holiday a challenge. Not all hotels have wetrooms and those 

that do never have shower chairs with armrests; they mostly have small shower seats 

attached to the wall. With a neuromuscular disability, I don’t find it possible to sit on 

these small seats. 

“I have found that most hotel beds have solid bases, which makes it impossible to 

push a hoist underneath for transferring. If you are travelling with a carer there is 

often no provision for a free carer or discount for a carer. Many hotels don’t give you 

a choice of twin, double or family rooms for disabled rooms so you can find yourself 

sharing a bed with a carer or sleeping separately from your partner! 

“If we go abroad, I find air travel very traumatic and stressful. I have to be manually 

lifted on to the plane seat, once there I am not able to go to the bathroom as I cannot 

transfer myself and even if I was transferred on to an aisle chair, I would still need to 

be transferred to the toilet. This puts me off travelling on long-haul flights; the longest 

I have flown was 10 hours to Florida and by the end of this I was very uncomfortable 

and in pain because I had not been able to go to the toilet for over 10 hours. 

15 

ABTA Travel trends report 2013 (Those aged 15-24 

took on average almost five breaks in the UK or overseas in the past 12 months 

compared to an average of four holidays during the same period a year ago.) 

16 

DWP statistics


I recently flew to Milwaukee from Dublin Airport and the disability team there 

arranged a hoist so I could use the bathroom in the airport right up to boarding 

the plane. However there is no way to make sure that this arrangement can be 

made at the airport you are flying to. It would be less stressful if all airports had a 

high-dependency bathroom with a hoist and bench and at least if you can’t use 

the bathroom on the airplane, you know you can use this at the airport. 

“When I am at home, I use an electric wheelchair. However I won’t take this with me 

on an airplane (I take my manual wheelchair), as they treat wheelchairs with such 

disrespect – my own manual wheelchair has been damaged. 

“I have found it is becoming easier in European countries to hire equipment like 

hoists and electric wheelchairs and have these delivered to your accommodation. 

However, when you are out and about, the toilet issue raises its head again, as they 

do not have hoist facilities; this is also an issue in the UK. 

Julianne Gribbon 

Common 

concerns 

n Airlines refusing 

passengers travelling 

with vital pieces of 

medical equipment, 

e.g. wheelchairs, hoists 

and oxygen. 

n Damage to equipment. 

n ‘Accessible rooms and 

bathrooms’ being open 

to interpretation and 

being unsuitable. 

n Lack of accessible 

transport when travelling. 

n Lack of staff training 

when moving and 

handling disabled 

passengers on to 

aircraft seats. 

n Lack of accessible toilets 

at airports and on board 

the aircraft. 


TOP TIPS 

INVESTIGATE the possibility 

of taking a portable hoist 

with you or see if there are 

any organisations nearby 

which rent them. 

PHONE AHEAD to see if 

there are photographs 

of the hotel and room, 

ask questions and do 

some research about the 

surrounding area. 

IF POSSIBLE, check out local 

transport systems and see 

if there are any accessible 

van hires/taxis. 

WHEN BOOKING a hotel, it 

is often beneficial to look 

for one which is central 

if you get stuck you can 

walk/wheel back. 

CHECK WITH the airline 

about wheelchair storage 

and give them 48 hours 

notice about your needs. 

MANY TRAVEL companies 

have specialist assistance 

lines; make sure they email 

you with information. 

n Accurate and detailed travel information to be available in advance to allow passengers 

to make informed decisions about airlines. 

n Airlines, airports and designers to look at new and innovative ways of storing medical 

equipment safely and securely. 

n Airlines, airports and designers to look at improving the access of toilets on board 

the aircraft. 

n Changing Places toilets to be available at all airports. 

n Tour operators to invest in staff training so customers receive accurate and 

relevant information. 

n Photographs and access information relating to hotels to be made publicly available. 

n More hotels to have hoists and bathing seats, or information to signpost to nearest 

available rental companies for these. 

n More investment in training for airport staff on transferring disabled passengers to 

aircraft seats. 

n Tour operators, airlines and airports to engage actively with organisations like 

Trailblazers to ensure that they are meeting the needs of disabled customers. 

anirav/istock

16 


Housing 

After college or university, many young people – disabled and 

non-disabled – want to move away from home and begin a 

new chapter of their lives. Obtaining barrier-free, accessible 

accommodation is a key component for young disabled people 

to be able to live independently. 17 

Statistics provided by the Foundation for Lifetime Homes and Neighbourhoods show that 

more than 40 percent of young disabled people aged 16 to 24 are living in accommodation 

that does not meet their needs. 18 

Trailblazers in Northern Ireland share their experiences when attempting to move away 

from home: 

I rented a place in Bangor about seven years ago, through the Northern Ireland 

Institute for Disabled People and from there we bought a bungalow in Bangor. 

It didn’t need many adaptations but a friend helped put up a ramp. We made a 

few changes, so now the doors are hung the other way, to allow more space. Our 

bungalow has two bathrooms and two showers accessible for me with grab rails etc! 


We found it hard going from renting to buying somewhere. We went from a flat to a 

bungalow, which was of course more expensive than anything. When we bought the 

house, I couldn’t get into the house through the front or back. Alan, my partner, used 

to bump me in with my manual wheelchair, and we had a makeshift ramp. I didn’t 

feel very independent at all. When we tried to get some help with adaptations, the 

ramp the housing executive made was completely inappropriate as it was so steep. 

But we have sorted it out now. 

Frances Ashe 

Julianne Gribbon shares her story: 

I live in a ground-floor apartment in Belfast. I bought the apartment as a new build. 

This therefore enabled me to have every room set up as I required. It used to be a 

dairy and bakery and was ideal for me as it had two very large bedrooms, a living 

room, a kitchen and a large bathroom. My front door has an electric-arm opening 

mechanism and is activated by a remote control fob. When I arrive at my front door I 

can open the door by pressing the fob. This electronic mechanism was provided by 

the Belfast Health Care Trust. 

“My kitchen has lowered work surfaces, with space underneath the worktops to allow 

me to wash the dishes and use the cooker. I also have a raised surface in the kitchen 

for someone to use, standing, if they need to. My oven is set at a lower level and is 

side-opening so I can cook. My washing machine is raised, which is brilliant, as I can 

put my washing in easily. I have to say I love my kitchen as I am able to do so many 

17 

Nocon and Pleace, 1998, p.361. 

18 

www.lifetimehomes.org.uk/pages/why.html


more things than in an ordinary kitchen. I wouldn’t be able to put on a clothes wash. 

Sad as it sounds – there is something satisfying about putting on a wash! 

“My bedroom has a standard king-size bed with plenty of room for my hoist. I have a 

wider dressing table with a gap in the middle of it to allow access for my wheelchair. 

I can dry my hair, put my make up on and do all those other girly things I love to do. 

“Throughout the apartment, I have higher sockets and lower light switches. I have 

also had remote control switches fitted to some of the plugs in the house to enable 

me to turn off the sockets. I feel my home is very well adapted for my needs and 

they are not intrusive disabled adaptations on view. 

The Disabled Facilities Grant 

Disabled people in Northern Ireland can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from the 

Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to help to improve their home. A DFG, which may 

be based on the recommendation of an occupation therapist, may be able to help with: 

n providing access to your bathroom, living room or bedroom 

n providing additional bathroom facilities 

n making the preparation and cooking of food 

easier – for example, by enlarging the kitchen 

or providing low-level units 

n adapting lighting or heating controls 

n improving your heating system. 

David Dear/istock 

Common 

concerns 

n Lack of information 

from estate agents about 

accessible homes, whether 

buying or renting. 

n Availability of DFG if you 

are young disabled, married 

and own your home. 

n Lack of information 

on websites about 

accessible housing. 

n Accessible housing being 

allocated to people who 

do not need it. 


n Better training for estate agents, so they are aware of the 

value of promoting accessible or adapted property. 

n Educating landlords to ensure they realise the potential 

of disabled tenants. 

n Development of property websites to enable a more 

‘joined-up approach’ connecting disabled home-hunters 

and sellers. 

n A register to show accessible homes in Northern Ireland 

that are available to rent. 

n Clarification of the DFG so that disabled people in employment 

are not paying for 100 percent of their adaptations. 

n Working with organisations like Trailblazers to ensure that 

investment and development are made in improving 

access, disability training and access to websites for the 

benefit of disabled home-hunters.

18 


Employment 

Currently, only a third of disabled people are in employment in Northern 

Ireland 19 and a recent Equality Commission NI report in 2010 considered 

employment inequalities during the economic downturn. 20 They found 

that for a disabled person there has been a decline in the number of work 

placements available and increased insecurity for those in work. 

Perceptions and attitudes of employers make a huge difference to a person’s employability, 

and if an employer is going to get the most skilled and experienced person for the job, they 

need to invest in accessibility. A government scheme called Access to Work can help with 

some of the financial costs related to employing a disabled person. 

Unfortunately, many people do not know about this scheme, and it has been described as the 

government’s best-kept secret. It also doesn’t apply to students on placements, volunteers or 

people on work experience programmes. 

Sean Fitzsimons shares his experiences of looking for employment: 

I work for Disability Action in Belfast, as a Project Co-ordinator for their Employment 

Advocacy service and as an Employment and Training Officer supporting people 

under Workable (NI) which is a Department of Employment and Learning programme 

providing tailored support in the workplace to employees with disabilities. I really 

enjoy my job. It’s a privilege to be able to go into work every day to do something 

you feel very passionately about. 

“There is a lot of support available to get into work – some more widely known 

than others. The best place to start is to speak to an advisor in your local Job Centre 

who can point you in the direction of things such as Workable and Access to Work. 

There is lots of help for employees and employers in making the small adjustments 

which can make the difference for a person with a disability in the workplace. 

“When looking for a work placement for my degree, a number of employers 

offered me a placement but they all had some form of inaccessibility. A lot were 

smaller businesses who didn’t have the finance to invest in access for someone on 

a work placement. 

Julianne Gribbon has been working for a software developer. She shares her story: 

When I first commenced employment, there were a few obstacles to overcome but 

with the help of Allstate NI and Access to Work, we overcame them. One of my main 

concerns when I began working at Allstate was how I was going to use the bathroom. 

That was because I had to be transferred to the toilet using a hoist. Access to Work 

‘gifted’ a hoist for my personal use and this stays in the toilet at work. Allstate To assist 

me with personal care, I have paid carers that come in three times a day. These carers 

are funded by Access to Work. 

“I also have a button on my lanyard that I press when approaching the doors and they 

open. This makes such a difference to my day as, like everyone else, I can nip up to the 

canteen for a coffee or lunch, or speak to a colleague in another area without having 

to rely on someone to open the doors for me. 

“From a work/life balance perspective, Allstate NI offers all employees flexible working 

hours and the ability to work from home. They have welcomed me for my ability to 

do my job and they have made sure that I am comfortable while I have the same 

opportunities as others. 

19 

www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/final_disability_strategy_consultation_doc_... 

20 

Employment Inequalities in an Economic Downturn, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, July 2010 

I studied an NVQ at 

business school, as I’ve 

always found accounting 

really interesting. I am 

studying a part-time 

accounting course at 

Doherty through the 

Cedar Foundation. It’s 

great as I learn on the 

job, and go in two days 

a week. 


After having my baby I 

worked in a call centre. 

The physical access was 

good but I felt it was 

people’s attitudes that 

made a difference. My 

disability deteriorated 

and there were more 

things I needed, but my 

employers weren’t willing 

to make adaptations. 

Ideally, I would love 

to find something 

which is flexible as my 

daughter and I both 

have a [neuromuscular] 

condition, so I need 

to juggle hospital 

appointments. 

Frances Ashe


Common concerns 

n The lack of availability of the Access to Work scheme for volunteering, work experience 

and university placements. Currently the scheme is only available to individuals who are 

in paid employment. 

n Exactly when a disabled applicant should disclose their disability in the job application 

process; whether it be on an application form, at the interview or when they are successful 

in attaining a position. 

n The lack of physical access into many smaller businesses, which could stop a potential 

employee accessing the office, and could discourage employers from inviting a good 

candidate to an interview. 

n Employers’ lack of understanding about the benefits of flexible working hours and working 

from home for disabled employees. 


n Promotion of the existence of the Access to Work scheme, and extending this to 

internships, volunteering, work experience and university placements. 

n Active engagement by businesses to promote equality and diversity, by offering work 

placements and schemes where possible. 

n Increasing the number of disabled people employed as Disability Employment Advisors 

by Jobcentre Plus. 

n Encouraging flexible working practices. 

n Working in conjunction with organisations like Trailblazers to develop a national disabled 

graduates’ training scheme. 

n Reviewing care packages so it is easy for people to relocate for work reasons. 

The Employers’ Forum on Disability 

I’ve worked for Habinteg 

for about a decade now. 

I started off there as a 

student, I left school 

and went there in the 

summertime and asked 

the Chief Executive for 

work experience. From 

a working point of view 

it was good to know 

they had a history with 

disabled people. Watching 

a housing scheme 

develop from a plot of 

land to tenants, you are 

able to see the scheme 

built up. 


The Employers’ Forum on Disability works with employers to make it easier for them to employ 

disabled people and serve disabled customers. We are supported by a growing list of members 

from UK business, multinational corporations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the 

public sector, and are widely recognised as setting the standard for disability best practice. 

TOP TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES 

FROM THE EMPLOYERS’ FORUM ON DISABILITY 

BE PREPARED to have a conversation with the employer about adjustments that they might 

need to make. 

BE PROACTIVE and confident in talking about how you would do a job and how the employer 

might make adjustments. Identify the sector you want to work in and think about where 

employers advertise their vacancies. 

DON’T LIMIT yourself to recruitment agencies specialising in disability. Many large firms want 

to hire high-calibre disabled applicants but do not necessarily advertise their vacancies in, 

say, the disability press. 

DON’T ASSUME there are sectors or employers that are reluctant to hire disabled people. 

Good practice exists in a wide range of employers across all sectors. 

IF AN EMPLOYER is a member of Employers’ Forum on Disability, it is a good indication that 

they are committed to working towards disability confidence in recruitment.

20 


Relationships 

For many young people, finding romance and that perfect relationship is 

a part of life that often seems illusive. For young disabled people living in 

Northern Ireland, it is no different. 

Frances Ashe shares her story: 

Alan and I met on holiday in Magaluf; I was 18 and it was my first girlie holiday. 

He was from Belfast and I was from Streatham in London. After our holiday, 

we went back home to our homes and we just visited each other long-distance 

for about a year. I was in the process of applying for university and so one of 

the places I put down was Ulster-based Jordanstown. I decided to go there 

and study business and finance. I moved into a flat with Alan, who had never 

known anyone with a disability before – he was just open-minded! 

“I fell pregnant in my last year of university. It wasn’t something that was on the 

agenda, I was 23 and I wasn’t married at the time, it was my final year. I was 11 weeks 

pregnant when I found out, and I had my first scan on the first day of my first final 

exams. I’d worked hard, so I just got on with it. 

“It was more shock than anything, and I didn’t really have any time to process it until 

after my exams! When I had my graduation, I was four months pregnant. I think 

the first thing that played on my mind was whether I could pass on my muscular 

dystrophy. Our baby has got muscular dystrophy but that just means we have more 

things to juggle. I would recommend every 18 to 30-year-old to have at least one 

girlie holiday; it was one of the best experiences I have ever had alongside university. 

And a wee holiday romance – or in my case lifelong romance – just added that 

wee something! 

My one piece of advice 

is to find someone who 

you can first and foremost 

have a laugh with, 

certainly don’t despair – 

I was never a believer in 

the ‘there is someone out 

there for everyone’ but I 

believe this might just be 

true. Just be prepared to 

travel! Certainly don’t be 

afraid to take a chance.... 

Sean Fitzsimons


Summary 

Freedom to travel, socialise, work and live independently is a 

fundamental right for any young person. However there are 

a number of extra factors that young disabled people have 

to consider before they can make any decisions. Our research 

shows that it is likely that taking action, providing information 

and suggesting improvements can make Northern Ireland a 

more inclusive place to live, work and socialise. 

Trailblazers hope that this report will not only bring attention to key areas of concern, but 

will also emphasise progress and positive change. In order for young disabled people to 

have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers, there needs to be communication, 

investment, consultation and increased awareness of the benefits these will bring to both 

disabled people and the wider public. 

If you would like to find out more information about Trailblazers or discuss any of the 

issues raised in this report, do get in touch with us at trailblazers@muscular-dystrophy.org 

or follow us on Twitter @MDCTrailblazers

22 


Links 

Higher education 

Colleges Northern Ireland 

www.anic.ac.uk/index.aspx 

The membership body for Northern Ireland’s six colleges of further 

and higher education. 

Community Service Volunteers 

www.csv.org.uk 

Provides younger care workers from overseas. 

DirectGov 

www.direct.gov.uk 

Provides information on government services and those 

responsible for them. 

www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/ 

UniversityAndHigherEducation/index.htm 

Provides information on government services in relation to 

universities and higher education. 

DisabledGo 

www.disabledgo.info/Education 

On a university-by-university basis, you can check physical access 

to places such as halls of residence, refectories, lecture halls, 

student unions and the nearest train stations. 

National Union of Students Northern Ireland 

www.nistudents.org 

A voluntary membership organisation of students and its member 

students’ unions in Northern Ireland. 

National Union of Students 

www.nus.org.uk 

A voluntary membership organisation of students and its member 

students’ unions. 

The Open University 

www.open.ac.uk/study 

The UK’s part-time distance learning university with about 10,000 

disabled students annually. 

The Times Good university guide 

www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/gug 

The Times newspaper’s guide to the best universities in the UK. 

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service 

www.ucas.ac.uk 

The organisation responsible for managing applications to higher 

education courses in the UK. 

Travel 

ABTA 

www.abta.com/consumer-services/accessible_travel 

Information and tips on travel and accessibility. 

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain 

www.accessibleguide.co.uk 

The place to order a guide to accessible holidays in the UK. 

Discover Northern Ireland 

www.discovernorthernireland.com 

The official website for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. 

Tourism For All 

www.tourismforall.org.uk 

Advice on accessible tourism. 

Driving 

Driving - Disability Action 

www.disabilityaction.org/services-and-projects/driving 

Offers a mobility service and undertakes driving assessments on 

behalf of Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA). 

Motability 

www.motability.co.uk 

Information and advice about accessible vehicles and driving 

with a disability. 

NIDirect government services 

www.nidirect.gov.uk/the-blue-badge-parking-scheme 

Service for people with severe mobility problems that enables blue 

badge-holders to park close to where they need to go. 

Transport 

Belfast City information 

www.belfastcity.gov.uk/seniorsinfo/transport.asp 

Belfast City Public Transport information. 

Translink 

www.translink.co.uk/Services/Metro-Service-Page/Routes-and- 

Timetables 

Northern Ireland bus route information and timetables.


Disability Action 

www.disabilityaction.org/services-and-projects/transport-services 

Disability Action transport services information. 

SmartPass 

www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/ 

travel-transport-and-roads/public-transport/bus-andcoach-travel/free-bus-travel-and-concessions.htm 

Northern Ireland Direct Government services transport 

concessionary fare information. 

IMTAC Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory 

www.imtac.org.uk 

IMTAC advises Government on issues relating to disabled 

and older people and the transport system. 

Housing 

Northern Ireland Housing Project 

www.disabilityaction.org/services-and-projects/housing 

The Housing Project aims to improve housing for people with 

disabilities in Northern Ireland. 

Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations 

www.nifha.org/housing-association-database 

A database designed to help potential tenants searching for 

first-time accommodation and/or current housing association 

tenants seeking a housing transfer in Northern Ireland. 

Centre For Independent Living NI 

www.cilbelfast.org 

The Centre for Independent Living NI is an organisation of 

disabled people, working to support disabled people choosing to 

take more control over their arrangements for personal support. 

Northern Ireland Housing Executive – help for people 

with disabilities 

www.nihe.gov.uk/index/advice/disability.htm 

A site comprising of useful housing information for people with 

a disability. 

Housing Advice Northern Ireland Disabled Person’s 

Allowance 

www.housingadviceni.org/rates/rate-relief/disabledpersons-allowance.html 

Advice on claiming Disabled Person’s Allowance. 

Cedar: Northern Ireland disability charity living options and 

accommodation support 

www.cedar-foundation.org/find-a-service/living-optionsand-accommodation-support/ 

Cedar, a charity offering advice on living accommodation and 

living support. 

Employment 

Northern Ireland Careers 

www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers 

Information on end of school work options and university advice. 

Cedar: Northern Ireland disability charity employment and 

learning 

www.cedar-foundation.org/find-a-service/employmentand-learning 

Cedar delivers a range of services that enable people with 

disabilities to get the most out of life and to be fully included in 

their communities. 

Northern Ireland Employment and Learning Help For People 

With A Disability: 

www.delni.gov.uk/index/finding-employment-finding-staff/ 

fe-fs-help-to-find-employment/das.htm 

Advice on employment opportunities for disabled people living 

in Northern Ireland. 

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland: 

www.equalityni.org 

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland disability 

discrimination information.



Get involved 

Take action, campaign, learn skills, make friends. Interested 

in becoming a Trailblazer? We always welcome people to 

join our thriving campaigning community. 

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign 

61 Southwark Street 

London SE1 0HL 

t: 020 7803 4807 

e: trailblazers@muscular-dystrophy.org 

w: www.muscular-dystrophy.org/trailblazers 

Registered Charity No. 205395 and Registered Scottish Charity No. SC039445 

Illustrations: Kirsty Pargeter/istock

Northern Ireland Trailblazers Inclusion Now campaign.

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