Welsh Vlogger Emily Roberts wants to put the brakes on discrimination over driving.
YouTuber Emily Roberts, 22 from Swansea (right) and a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, is aiming to highlight achievement with disability through her ability to drive independently thanks to Driving Mobility.
Wheelchair user Emily is a passionate vlogger and works as an admin assistant in a bridal shop.
She believes disability is not represented enough in the media and people with restricted mobility are a ‘lost group’ within society.
She is determined through her YouTube videos to change the mindset of able-bodied people so they understand what can be achieved with a disability.
Emily regular encounters phrases such as ‘I’m surprised people like you can do that’ which passively discriminates against disabled individuals when discussing aspirations and achievements. Emily aims to stop this as much as she can – starting with videos that explain how she drives independently as a wheelchair user.
Emily runs a car leased through the Motability scheme which has been specifically adapted following guidance from the Driving Mobility Centre based at Rookwood Hospital, Llandaff. Operated by the South Wales Mobility & Driving Assessment Service, a charity part funded by the Welsh Government, has helped Emily gain her full driving licence so she can ‘prove to the world what is possible with cerebral palsy’.
Driving Mobility signposted Emily to a selection of local vehicle convertors of which she chose LTC Mobility in Llanelli to adapt her Renault Clio and then was introduced to a selection of specialist instructors so she could begin driving lessons.
“The instructor I chose was really well experienced and gave me lots of confidence. I only needed lessons for six months and passed at the first attempt!”
Being able to drive has literally changed Emily’s life. Spending time with her friends and shopping are always top of her list along with enjoying the local music scene.
“I can’t thank the team enough at Driving Mobility for helping me achieve my goal and I continue to admire what they do every day. They make sure as many people as possible can live their life to the full; championing independence and supporting people to adapt in an unadapted world.”