Cerebral palsy no barrier for can-do Oxfordshire student

Maisy Gallagher-Horwood, aged 21, who lives in Shipton-on-Cherwell has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user.  

For years she has championed disability rights and accessible employment opportunities, Now she’s landed a job with Oxfordshire County Council as its special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) media support officer for supported internships.

The former Marlborough C of E School pupil and Abingdon and Witney College student proved herself at the council during a supported internship and at the end of it she was given a year long contract in the SEND role.

Maisy said: “There are so many opportunities for me, I can’t thank Oxfordshire County Council enough. I can even show off my creative side, developing a comic strip newsletter for young people, designed to be accessible to children and young people with SEND.

“I plan to visit one of the local colleges to interview students participating in a supported internship, sharing my own experiences, and with the goal of gathering ideas and information about ways to make workplaces more accessible and inclusive.”

To help Maisy complete the application and interview for both her supported internship and salaried role, Lydia Martin, senior SEND project officer at Oxfordshire County Council, made sure that the application process was accessible, meaning Maisy could compete on a level playing field with other candidates.

A job coach helped her prepare, including practice in answering anticipated questions before she went in front of the interview panel for real.

As Maisy’s line manager, Lydia makes sure they are both based on the ground floor of County Hall close to other colleagues. An adjustable desk is available for Maisy – she often works in a reclining position to avoid back pain – and her work pattern is carefully planned with regular short breaks, helping her concentrate on tasks more effectively.

Regular support from job coaches, within the council’s supported employment team – and paid for through national government’s access to work fund – ensures Maisy’s confidence and abilities continue to grow.

Maisy’s passion to make a difference goes above and beyond, so much so that she volunteers on Oxfordshire County Council’s SEND Youth Forum.

Also in her own time, she has recorded matchday experiences as a wheelchair user watching Oxford United FC, with the aim of helping the club make their stadium an even more accessible place. Although this work has been voluntary, it was really a “no brainer” for Maisy, she is a passionate ‘U’s’ fan!

Maisy said: “I want to be a voice for people with my condition, showing how widespread cerebral palsy is and how it can impact people in different ways. This has created another opportunity for me at the council, where I recently contributed to a new arts and culture project; the aim is to encourage more local organisations to be accessible for people with different conditions.

“If I can get people thinking about disability and special educational needs in a more positive way by showcasing what we can contribute to employers and society in general, then I will fly the flag and blow the trumpet until people listen and act.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s supported internships are education programmes for young people aged 16 - 25 with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), allowing work and study at the same time.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I am determined that, where possible, our council embraces opportunities to give SEND young people opportunities to gain valuable work experience, and if they prove themselves and roles are available there’ll be potential for getting salaried jobs with us.

“I am therefore overjoyed by Maisy’s success. She is passionate and clearly wants to make a difference for those with a disability or who need extra support. It is these can-do strengths, this drive that we’re looking for. Her qualities shine through, and everyone is delighted that Maisy is now employed by the council, and in a role where she can make a difference to other young people.”

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