Roundtable Interview Normalising Attitudes Towards Disabilities The Impact of the Paralympic Games
We sat down with Jamie, Alicia, Adam and Al a few days before they headed out to Brazil for the Rio Paralympic Games as part of the C4 Disability Production Trainee Scheme, to work behind-the-scenes for the official broadcast.
We spoke about the influence of the games from London to Rio and their impact on changing attitudes within mainstream media and the public. We also discussed the difficulties faced when trying to start a career while having a disability.
Al Meichan is a researcher working on The Last Leg (and one of the faces of our Rio Vlogs!); Jamie Burton is a researcher who, as a history graduate, saw this scheme advertised and thought why not! Adam Lione is an Assistant Producer at Sunset & Vine and plays visually impaired football. Alicia Dalrymple is working as a production secretary, while training to be a production coordinator.
What are your fondest memories from the London Paralympic Games in 2012?
Al – Yea, I suppose my fondest memories of it are mainly the atmosphere; I don’t put it down to one single event.
Adam – Four years ago I was just about to go to university. I was moving away on a visually impaired scholarship. Obviously having a disability it was quite a big step moving 3-4 hours away from home. I went to the Paralympics a couple times. I saw Jonny Peacock and Hannah Cockcroft, and I saw them get a lot of attention and it was really nice to to see a change in attitudes and change in impression. People wanted to meet them; were inspired and impressed by them.
What impact will Rio 2016 have on Paralympic Sports?
Al: I think what you see from Athens all the way to Rio is a very distinct progression of Paralympics sports. It’ll be interesting to see where Rio advances it next.
Jamie: I think one thing that will improve is athlete performance. It shouldn’t be underestimated at all.
Adam: It’ll be nice to see as well how another country and culture will embrace the Paralympics and how by the end it will change the people’s impressions of disability and Paralympic sports, because we can’t deny the change it had on the UK after London 2012.
Poll
Did the Paralympic Games help change your impression of people with disabilities?
What’s the hardest thing about starting a career with a disability?
Jamie: I got invited to an interview after being told they thought I was great for the role but I couldn’t actually get into the building with my wheelchair. Looking back on it it’s hilarious but at the time it was gutting to miss out on a dream job. I have to be honest, I have no choice because it’s here, and my wheelchair is obvious. I can’t lie on my CV, but I also think that a lot of employers don’t ask the right questions, because if they did they would realise the changes that have to be made are actually very minimal. The way they reply to jobs now they; don’t have to disclose why [they aren’t giving you the job], so you’re left in doubt about whether it’s because of your disability or because you’re just not good enough.
How are you fighting to normalise disability?
Adam: Being honest is a huge part of it - by hiding away and covering it up you’re being detrimental. You need to be open and honest and willing to talk about it because we’ve go to the point where people are interested and willing to learn.
Jamie: If someone is being ignorant you can’t be angry with them, you have to educate them.
Al: You only ever do it person by person.
Alicia: And then it becomes the norm.
What empowers you?
Alicia: Proving myself wrong. There are times I never thought I would make it past 20 and look at me now: I’m 27, proving that I can do it!
Al: Everyone with a disability has a bit of a chip on their shoulders. People assume, or tell you, that you can’t do things. If you have a chip on your shoulder it might seem negative but it’s good to have an ego and show that you can do so much more than being average.
Adam: I’ve beaten one of the hardest things in the world as a kid, so what can I do as an adult! I’m visually impaired with no left eye and an impaired right eye due to cancer as a baby and young child.
Jamie: I relish proving people wrong, from making it to mainstream school, going to university or even driving.
What’s your advice to young people with disabilities?
Adam: Remember that we are on an up-rise with attitudes. I would have loved for something like London 2012 to happen when I was at school, because it would have allowed us to find more positive outlooks.
Alicia: Mine is to keep an open mind, because there is a whole world out there beyond school.
Adam: Remember you’re not the only one with similar problems.
Al: It’s really difficult for a lot of disabled people, because their issues are more visible. But it’s really the same for disabled and non-disabled people - just like any other teenager - if you’re having a tough time, just keep going and speak up. You get older, you become an adult, and loads more doors open and you become more independent.
Adam: You’re not going to be in school forever: you’ll look back and realize school whizzed by.
