I have Cerebral Palsy which affects all four limbs and my speech (this being the short explanation, of course). I am a Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist, I chose to train to be an occupational therapist, because when I was younger, my occupational therapists played a significant role in my life, inspiring me to apply for this career. I am an ambassador for CP Teens UK where I write guest blogs and co-host cohesive and inclusive events within a social and fun environment.  

 In 2020, I used my blog ‘Not So Terrible Palsy’ as part of my virtual occupational therapy role-emerging placement where I wrote weekly blogs to raise awareness of the online disabled community and virtual healthcare. My placement resulted in me becoming the Global Student Ambassador and Digital Production Director for Occupational Therapist Without Borders, where I promote the occupational therapy profession through blogging and have the opportunity to connect with and learn from occupational therapists nationally and internationally. The placement sparked new conversations about virtual healthcare around the world and resulted in me writing a piece for the Young Voices Section of British Medical Journal, Paediatrics Open, about how important virtual healthcare is for children and young families, a piece based on my own experiences.  

 I will continue to raise more awareness of online communities and online healthcare. I strive to bring together to the occupational therapy and disability community by using disability as a tool to aid my future career whilst challenging ableism within occupational therapy practice.