Meet Laura: Using Her Voice to Drive Change

At 23 years old, Laura, from Durham in the North East of England, is bringing passion, lived experience and a determination to create change to the Whizz Kidz Youth Board.

Whether she’s advocating for better accessibility, baking her favourite chocolate Swiss roll or enjoying coffee with friends by the sea, Laura is someone who believes that young wheelchair users’ voices deserve to be heard and she’s ready to make sure they are.

Finding Freedom and Independence

Laura’s journey as a wheelchair user has had its challenges. When her health declined, everyday life became increasingly difficult.

“I was stuck in the house most of the time and I was limited in what I could do,” she explains.

Getting a wheelchair gave Laura back something invaluable: her freedom.

“My wheelchair has given me my freedom back, but it hasn’t been without challenges.”

Like many young wheelchair users, Laura has had to adapt and learn new ways of navigating the world. One of the biggest lessons has been learning to advocate for herself.

“Since becoming a wheelchair user, I have had to learn to communicate my needs, such as asking people to move in crowded places.”

These experiences have shaped her confidence and strengthened her determination to help improve accessibility for others.

A Life Full of Passions

When she’s not studying or advocating for change, Laura enjoys a wide range of hobbies. Music has always played an important role in her life. She plays both the piano and flute and, when she was younger, performed in wind bands, taking part in concerts throughout the year. She’s also a keen baker and cook, with a particular speciality:

“My favourite recipe is making a chocolate Swiss roll.”

Living close to the coast means Laura can often be found meeting friends for coffee or enjoying peaceful walks along the beach. A surprising fact that many people don’t know about her: when she was younger, Laura was an accomplished skier.

“I won first place in a children’s ski race where over 200 children from multiple countries took part.”

Inspired by Possibility

One person who particularly inspires Laura is Ellie Henry.

“She is a young wheelchair user and she does not let her disability stop her from trying new things such as sit skiing and travelling.”

Seeing other disabled people challenge expectations and embrace new opportunities motivates Laura to keep pushing boundaries in her own life too.

Why Whizz Kidz?

Laura first discovered Whizz Kidz through social media and was immediately drawn to the opportunities available for young wheelchair users. What stood out most was the charity’s holistic approach.

“Whizz Kidz supports young wheelchair users through activities and advocacy, as well as supporting families and siblings.”

As she learned more about the Youth Board, she knew it was something she wanted to be part of.

“I wanted young wheelchair users’ voices to be heard and I wanted to make an impact.”

When she found out she had been accepted onto the Youth Board, her reaction was a mixture of excitement and ambition.

“I was very happy to be accepted and very excited to begin participating in projects to influence change.”

Championing Accessibility

Laura joined the Youth Board with a clear goal: to ensure that young wheelchair users have a say in the decisions and policies that affect their lives.

“I hope to work on a number of projects on a variety of topics to help the voices of young wheelchair users to be heard.”

She is particularly passionate about accessibility in retail environments and would love to contribute to Whizz Kidz’s supermarket accessibility work. For many wheelchair users, everyday shopping can present unexpected barriers.

“Self-service tills and shopping in retail can be challenging as a wheelchair user since the layout of shops can be quite tight to navigate and self-service tills can be too high up.”

Laura is eager to help influence change both locally and nationally so that accessible design becomes the norm rather than an afterthought.

The Power of Young People Leading Change

Laura believes disabled young people have a vital role to play in shaping a more inclusive society.

“Young people with disabilities can advocate for change and promote equal opportunities by working with advocacy groups and charities.”

She believes there is real strength in collective action.

“Voices in numbers allow change to happen.”

Through the Youth Board, she hopes to work alongside other young people who share the same commitment to making a difference.

Looking to the Future

In five years’ time, Laura hopes to combine her academic learning and lived experience in a career that supports others.

“I envision myself working as an occupational therapist, utilising the knowledge I’ve gained, both academically and through my own experiences, to support others in achieving independence and confidence.”

Her ambition is to complete her degree, continue developing her skills and build a career where she can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Laura’s Message to Other Young Wheelchair Users

For any young wheelchair user considering applying for the Whizz Kidz Youth Board, Laura has a simple message:

“Take the opportunity; young wheelchair users’ voices are needed. Through lived experience, the challenges you face and the strengths you build provide a unique perspective that can be shared to help change society.”

As Laura begins her Youth Board journey, she brings with her determination, lived experience and a clear vision for a more accessible future. Whizz Kidz is delighted to welcome her to the team and looks forward to seeing the impact she will make.