A Penwortham retired GB Para Athlete is leading the way against disability discrimination to break down the barriers of disability.

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Claire Buckle, who competed for England and GB in shot put and discus, started Ability Consultancy to educate current and future generations about disability discrimination by offering courses to professional service providers, education providers and the third sector.

The not-for-profit company normally offers workshops and bespoke training in person but has not been able to during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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In lockdown, the company has developed its CPD accredited Disability Awareness and Equality and Diversity courses online using self-study and webinars.

They use real-life experiences and disability simulation aids to enlighten participants about how subtle changes in attitude and environment can considerably enhance a disabled person’s life and well-being and help make a fully inclusive society for all.

Claire, Director of Preston-based Ability Consultancy (NW), said: “We believe that by offering these CPD accredited courses we can provide a platform for disabled people to be part of a society that can be more tolerant and inclusive.

“Knowing that people are still subjected to discrimination and prejudice in today’s society, I aim to show that being disabled is not a barrier to becoming a successful person nor is it a barrier to achieving all that you want to do in life.”

The courses highlight how disabled people are not given a fair opportunity to achieve their ambitions or full potential due to the barriers they face and educate on how to make the workplace, the playground or any environment accessible for all.

Claire added: “I was born with Cerebral Palsy and later diagnosed as dyslexic. Being subjected to discrimination and prejudice as a youngster left me with little self-belief and self-worth. Thankfully, I discovered Para sport and it changed my life completely.

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“Representing GB at the highest level and helping others achieve their dreams also helped me to understand how I fit into the world.

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“It drove my determination and passion to achieve my dreams and ambitions when others thought it would be impossible.

“This is why I set up Ability Consultancy (NW) Ltd and began to run the Disability Awareness and Equality and Diversity courses.”

The next online course is Tuesday 18th August 2020 at 18.30 and can be enrolled online at Eventbrite.