“I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010 and I moved into a Jewish Blind & Disabled flat three years later in April 2013 and everything changed for the better. Prior to moving, I was struggling to come to terms with the major change to my mobility. I am and always will be a positive person, but, since being diagnosed with MS, my whole outlook on life has changed. The community within the development is fantastic and moving here has made my disability a lot easier to manage knowing I have help on hand 24/7.”

Neil talks to students about the challenges of being a wheelchair user and how he has had to adapt how he lives. Students appreciate his openness and positivity as he shares how he manages day-to-day, from getting dressed to shopping, while not having the use of his legs. He encourages young people to think about how people with a disability can do most things with a little bit of help and creative solutions.

“I have various very rare conditions and I live my life in 24-hour chronic pain. However, I am a very big believer in feeling ‘enabled’ and am extremely grateful for the support network around me. This includes 16 years ago being given the opportunity to live in an adapted flat suitable to my needs within a Jewish Blind & Disabled development. JBD has helped secure me various aids including a wheelchair to get me from A to B and help me retain my independence.”

Diana has been involved in the Schools Programme since its conception and has a genuine and warm approach with young people. She tells stories that illustrate how she lives with her condition while encouraging young people to consider any pre-conceived views they have about disabilities. Diana gets asked lots of interesting questions from students which helps them to get a deeper understanding of the disability community.