IN this first article relating to my role as Chelmsford City Council Champion for Disabled Children and Adults, I would like to focus on raising awareness of disability and celebrating the achievements of those living with a disability. To have a disability doesn’t mean a child or adult can’t enjoy life and, in many cases, excel within their chosen field.

An example of this is Chelmsfordian Crystal Lane, born with an underdeveloped left arm, who took cycling silver medal in the individual pursuit and bronze in the road race in the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio.

My specialised research relates to learning difficulties, be it from birth or acquired later in life. Autism Spectrum Disorder has never been as openly discussed as in the last few years, with known celebrities including Dan Aykroyd, Daryl Hannah and Susan Boyle confirming an Autism Spectrum diagnosis. Chelmsford Museum celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 this year.

The event attracted more than 250 visitors from all areas of Essex with one significant interest; to gain more knowledge of the Autism Spectrum, which affects over 700,000 people within the United Kingdom.

Following the event, Chelmsford Museum has been awarded the prestigious National Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society.

Just as significant is that the museum is only the third in the country to have gained this gold standard for the magnanimous welcome given to people who are within the Autism Spectrum, their families and carers.

The dedicated team at Chelmsford Museum is now creating more Autism-Friendly, ‘relaxed’ events, beginning on Sunday, September 17.

Chelmsford City Council has selected Chelmsford Museum to be one of the venues to host this year’s Discovery Festival, focussing on a week-long series of events in recognition of the International Day of People with Disabilities which takes place on December 3.