Calling for Change: Young Wheelchair users tackle education inequality

Whizz Kidz, is proud to announce the successful launch of Making the Grade, a powerful new education report led and developed by the charity’s Youth Board. The launch event, held last week at the Attlee Suite in Portcullis House, brought together Members of Parliament, education professionals, and disability advocates to address the stark inequalities facing young wheelchair users in the UK education system.

The Youth Board, made up of young wheelchair users from across the UK, undertook original research to explore the experiences of their peers in both mainstream and SEND schools. The report outlines key findings from this research and presents 11 clear and practical recommendations focused on Accessibility, Best Practice, and Change — designed to help schools become truly inclusive environments.

Among the Youth Board’s top recommendations are:

• mandatory annual physical accessibility audits in all UK schools
• improved teacher training on inclusion
• better support for wheelchair users during work experience placements.

Their work is backed by evidence and lived experience, making this one of the most authentic and impactful education reports to date.

“Every young person has the right to a fair and equal education,” said Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive of Whizz Kidz. “We are incredibly proud of our Youth Board for leading this important work and demonstrating that young people’s voices can drive real change.”

The parliamentary launch drew cross-party attention and was attended by several MPs who committed to championing the report’s recommendations in Parliament as well as Youth Board members offering interviews and sharing personal stories of resilience, ambition, and the urgent need for reform.

The Youth Board previously tackled inclusion in higher education through their A–Z Guide to University, which was adopted by over 150 institutions and shared by UCAS. With Making the Grade, they have now turned their attention to primary and secondary education — calling for systemic change so that no child is held back due to inaccessible schools or a lack of understanding from staff.

“We believe inclusive education isn’t just a moral obligation — it’s a social and economic imperative,” the Youth Board stated. “Better access now means more disabled young people progressing into higher education, employment, and active citizenship. We can help make that happen.”

Whizz Kidz now calls on all education stakeholders — from local authorities to school leaders, policymakers, and the public — to back the Youth Board’s recommendations and work together to close the inclusion gap.

Download the Report