What issues affect children and young people today? On our blog, our volunteers, staff, leaders and the young people we work with share their experiences and tackle the issues. Let us know what you think – leave a comment or send us a message about what you find on our blog.
Paralympic glory
This summer, I was left exhausted by the Olympics and Paralympics. My lungs burned, my body ached, my heart raced – not however, because I was an athlete.
I am the quintessential 'active non-participant observer'. I shouted encouragement, screamed at the TV, jumped up and down, waved my arms in the air and cried.
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126:5)
Too often, young people with physical, mental and learning disabilities have been disregarded and overlooked, sowing silent and often-angry tears. In countries such as my own, India, the stigma is often worse. But in the UK, as well, prejudice is often pronounced for disabled young people, who are often treated as less than human and sentenced to a lifetime of invisibility.
Yet this summer, especially during the Paralympics, many of us witnessed and cheered on disabled people as individuals reaped with songs and shouts of joy! These athletes included numerous young people, including swimmers Josef Craig and Ellie Simmonds, and equestrian Sophie Christiansen.
They were recognised and validated for the first time for what they are -- outstanding athletes.
By Cham Kaur-Mann
Our work with disabled children and young people aims both to support and empower. For example, through our PACT programme, disabled young people help shape and design services for City of York Council and have representation on strategic partnership groups.
Find out about PACT and its schemes that provide opportunities for disabled young people.
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