Welcome back to Of Primary Importance!
In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight.
In this episode, I am joined by Ellise Hayward to talk about ‘Empowering students with physical disabilities.’ Ellise is a motivational speaker, AAC mentor, and an advocate for SEND and Inclusion. She is currently studying Health & Social Care at College. Ellise has cerebral palsy and is passionate about sharing her experiences to raise awareness and empower others with physical disabilities.
“My name is Ellise and I happen to have cerebral palsy. I’ve always been very accepting of my disability, always try to look on the positive side, and always try my best in everything. I’m a strong-minded person and do anything I want to do. My disability isn’t a barrier, I’ll always find a way, I’m forever pushing myself to be the best version of myself. Even though it might take me longer, I get there eventually. I’m a motivational speaker and an AAC mentor. I speak to schools, colleges and universities about my life and my own personal experiences. I’m very passionate about spreading awareness of cerebral palsy and inclusive behaviours. In the last year, I have spoken to University of London and University of Plymouth students who are training to be Speech and Language Therapists and SENDCos. I was also a guest speaker at the Somerset SENCo conference in 2019. I have given whole school staff online CPD sessions.”
Here are some of the questions I asked Ellise:
You can follow Ellise on Twitter at @Ellise_Hayward_ and on LinkedIn at Ellise Hayward. You can also check out her flow page for more ways to get in touch and to see her motivational videos.
You can follow me (Kat Cauchi) on Twitter at @ReallyschoolK
Check out #OPIP and #OfPrimaryImportance for more content. If you are interested on coming on the show or have a topic suggestion, send me a DM!
Kat Cauchi is the Product Manager of ReallySchool and the Editor of R.I.S.E. Magazine.
She is also a former Primary School Teacher, Member of the Global Equality Collective,Technocamps GiST Role Model, and Global Ed