I wrote a blog around discrimination recently (https://sophie-adaptive-athlete.com/2026/05/08/the-lasting-impact-of-discrimination/) that, in someways came out of no where. In reality, behind closed doors I have been facing many challenges of being judged and told what I can and can’t do due to my disabilities.
There is a course that I wanted to do to further my lifeguarding qualifications. I asked if I could attend and for some images of the entry and exit to the water so that I could ensure it is accessible for me.
The response was that the venue isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, the course wouldn’t be suitable and I wouldn’t be able to get in and out of the water because there is a long ramp into it.
An automatic no.
I responded with a polite but firm email explaining that I am able to walk short distances, I am independent and I already lifeguard weekly. That I am a competent and confident swimmer and that I have even swum the English Channel solo. Once again, requesting for photos to enable me, as a disabled individual to judge if the venue would be accessible as they do not know my abilities. Also, was the reason they have said no just because I mentioned i was a wheelchair user?
I gave them a week to respond before I was going to follow up with a further email quoting the equality act. Luckily for them they emailed me as I was writing the email to send them!
They ensured me that they were concerned about my welfare, didnt believe the venue would work for a wheelchair user. They attached the requested photos and told me to contact them if I have any further questions. Low and behold the venue entry to the water is 100% accessible and incredibly easy for me.
Encounters like this are totally unnecessary, I shouldnt have to inform them that I have swum the English Channel for them to realise I am perfectly capable in the water. What would happen if an individual with a disability contacted them and hadnt swum the channel? Does that make them less worthy of participating? Would they just be turned away?
Why does this kind of thing keep happening? It is NOT ok!
Those with disabilities are no different to everyone else, we just do things slightly differently sometimes. We deserve respect, we shouldn’t have to prove we have the ability to do things that others don’t have to.