"I’m an everyday activist because I want to have my voice heard."

Hi I’m Michelle from Lincolnshire. I am a campaigner and I like helping people. I am a Speakout leader for Voiceability. I am passionate about doing campaigning work for people with a disability.  

I’m an everyday activist because I want to have my voice heard and I like to speak up on behalf of people with a learning disability. If we didn’t have a voice then we wouldn’t have anyone to speak up for us or people with a learning disability.

One of my proudest campaigning moments was when I met Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh for the Health Summit. I talked to her about the local work I do with Voiceability and the work I have done on Treat me well. We made some videos to help prepare people for having an operation. 

I had to pretend I had a broken arm and put a fake plaster put on. When making the video I spoke to different nurses and different people in departments like the operating theatre and the importance of reasonable adjustments.

I would like to see more understanding of hospital passports. I want more people with a learning disability to get a job with the right support. I want more people to understand the importance of easy read .  

I want people to understand what a learning disability is and other hidden disabilities.  

My top tips for campaigning are: Go online and find local organisations that campaign in your area. Try and give it a go! You can do it if you put your mind to it!