Meet Caitlyn: Championing Creativity, Accessibility and Youth Voices on the Whizz Kidz Youth Board

At just 25 years old, Caitlyn - a vibrant, creative wheelchair user from Ayrshire on Scotland’s West Coast - has already packed an incredible amount into her journey. From performing on stage to representing young people on a national platform, her story is full of energy, resilience and a passion for change.

Music, Sport and Creativity

If there’s one thing to know about Caitlyn, it’s that music is never far away. Whether she’s performing, singing, building the perfect playlist or heading off to a concert, music is a core part of who she is. Creativity pulses through the rest of her life too, particularly in social media content creation and fashion, where she spends time exploring trends and shaping her own personal style.

Sport is another major passion. Caitlyn plays and competes in Boccia, a Paralympic sport she takes part in through Scottish Disability Sport. And when she’s not on the court herself, you’ll probably find her watching Formula 1, where she’s an enthusiastic fan.

Navigating Life as a Young Wheelchair User

Caitlyn describes her journey as a young wheelchair user as one filled with both challenges and opportunities. While planning ahead can be a hurdle, her wheelchair is also a lifeline, one that has given her independence, freedom and access to experiences she deeply values.

“Being a wheelchair user has brought me brilliant and unique opportunities,” she says. “Youth Board is one of them - something I wouldn’t have had without it.”

A Full-Circle Moment: Joining the Whizz Kidz Youth Board

Caitlyn’s connection to Whizz Kidz began long before she joined the Youth Board. As a child, she received her first power wheelchair through the charity -  a moment she remembers as life-changing during her teenage years.

“That independence in secondary school felt incredible,”she recalls.

She also attended the Glasgow clubs run by Whizz Kidz, which adds an extra layer of meaning to her role today.

“Becoming a Youth Board representative now, as an adult, is a real full-circle moment. It’s my way of giving back.”

Her motivation for joining the Youth Board was rooted in advocacy. She wanted to continue championing the voices of young wheelchair users while working alongside peers who understand the lived experience of disability. The chance to support the youth sector and promote Whizz Kidz was a natural next step.

Highlights and Achievements on the Youth Board

Caitlyn has helped shape a number of impactful projects, both individually and as part of the wider group. One standout moment was her involvement in ‘Morph’s Epic Art Adventure’, the UK’s first step-free accessible art trail across London. Her fashion-themed Morph statue, created in collaboration with Scottish designer Alison Black, featured an adaptive tartan suit and was proudly displayed outside St Paul’s Cathedral.

“It was unforgettable. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

She has also contributed live social media updates for the Youth Board’s September showcase, helping to launch the ‘Beyond Fair’ bus report, and has played a vital role in developing impactful resources such as:

• Youth Board Manifestos
• The A–Z university guide created with UCAS
• Accessibility insights for supermarkets through work with Tesco
• Feedback for book publishers and authors to help improve wheelchair representation in children’s literature

“For young wheelchair users to see themselves represented means a lot to me,” she says.

Driving Awareness and Encouraging Change

One issue particularly close to Caitlyn’s heart is venue accessibility. While larger venues are improving, grassroots spaces still fall short, and she wants to see meaningful improvement.

“It shouldn’t be stressful just trying to find out if you can get inside a venue.”

She believes young people with disabilities can be powerful forces for change, both locally, by working with businesses and MPs, and nationally, through partnerships with charities and organisations like Whizz Kidz.

Dreams for the Future

Caitlyn hopes her future continues to blend creativity, advocacy and community. Whether working in social media, music or another creative industry, she aims to remain a strong voice for herself and others.

A Message to Future Youth Board Members

Her words for anyone thinking of joining the Youth Board are full of warmth and encouragement:

“Go for it. It’s rewarding, and you’ll learn so much while working alongside a brilliant group of young people. You pick up so many tips, tricks and handy wheelchair gadget recommendations along the way! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Scotland representative. Cherish the experience - it flies by.”

A Huge Thank You to Caitlyn

As Caitlyn completes her time on the Youth Board, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for everything she has contributed. Her creativity, passion and commitment have left a lasting impact, from championing accessibility and representation to helping shape resources that will support young wheelchair users for years to come. Caitlyn’s voice, energy and insight have been invaluable, and we’re incredibly grateful for the dedication she has shown throughout her journey with Whizz Kidz. We can’t wait to see what she does next.