Happy International Women's Day.

I underestimated the impact of Chloe’s short talk which she gave on Monday, explaining her role as disability officer and her achievements over the last few years.

As I listened to Chloe speak I quietly realised there are still huge misconceptions and generalisations when it comes to disability. From my probably naïve and inexperienced perspective, I was much more resigned to the idea that we as a society, are at a point where we are open and non-aligned when it comes to treating disabled people as equals in our society. But Chloe kindly reminded me that we are still unfortunately a long way to go.

In the lead up to International Women’s Day this Friday, Chloe’s exceptional character is an inspiration to all as she uses her voice to raise awareness of her condition whilst spreading a positive attitude.

Chloe is 20 years old and is currently in her final year at Leeds Trinity University. At the age of 15 she started a blog based on her own experiences about life as a Cerebral Palsy student.

Whilst honing her own voice and becoming more comfortable with her disability, she has become an award winning blogger, been featured on many known publications such as The Yorkshire Post, Cosmopolitan, Times Higher Education, and The Mighty as well as public speaking and campaigning all on top of her studies.

Chloe walked into the computer room, her slight difficulty in walking means that she relies on a walking stick for assistance, she sat down with a beaming smile on her face ready to answer the questions which we had for her. She was confident and self-assured but you can occasionally catch a glimpse that it hasn’t always been that easy finding the confidence to do the things she wants.

During school Chloe recalled how it was easier not to talk about being disabled and when it wasn’t blatantly obvious she could get anyway with not having to speak about it at all. However, as it became more noticeable she could no longer hide and felt the only coping mechanism would be to normalise it by speaking about her struggles as openly as she could.

Later when talking about her journey of getting comfortable with who she is told us: “Sixth form gave me the confidence and university gave me the voice”

She admits that there are aspects of her life that she is indefinitely not okay with but she knows that this goes for everyone and that her disability has in fact given her a powerful voice as well as a purpose and a drive.

When Chloe first started University she required a wheelchair at all times. However since then, she has learnt how to walk using the support at Leeds Trinity but as her ability to walk progressed her vision unfortunately failed. In September 2018, Chloe’s vision declined by 50% and since then it has been a worrying concern for the future of her eyesight and if eventually she will be completely visually impaired.

Its “terrifying” she tells us, “But it also means that I don’t know what the future is going to hold”

Her genuine and unapologetic voice told us how she deals with bad days and how she reminds herself to stay positive.

“In terms of generally staying positive, I don’t have a bad life, I’ve had some incredible opportunities.”

Chloe also touched on the subject of goals and dreams and how as a disabled person it can be very difficult to make goals as the future consistently remains so uncertain because of her health.

Currently studying Child development and psychology in her final year, Chloe exclaims how she never anticipated wanting to pursue a career in journalism by the end of her undergraduate but told us after this talk she’s off to an interview about doing her masters in Journalism at Leeds Trinity.

“Your hobby can be your career and your passion can also be your career”

The lack of representation of women as well as disabled people in journalism is something which Chloe endeavours to change and with her prolific writing and assured persona I am sure we are yet to see the best of her.

Happy International Women’s Day on Friday to every inspiring woman out there xxx