Paralympian to speak at Newcastle University Students' Union

Paralympian Stephen Miller MBE will address students on Thursday for Newcastle University's Students' Union (NUSU) disability awareness week.

Students will be encouraged to get involved in interactive stalls, sign language courses and try out disability sports like Goalball, Boccia and Polybat. 'Fibro Guy' Adam Foster will also speak.

Inclusive Sport Co-ordinator at NUSU, Liam Isaac, said: "What many people don't realise is that not all disabilities are visible. Less than 8 per cent of disabled people use wheelchairs - the majority of impairments are not visible. We want to educate all students that, regardless of disability, students can access many opportunities at NUSU and get involved.

"We're working hard on making our services, in particular our sporting activities, far more accessible for those with disabilities."

Last year NUSU was named the first official Students' Union to become an associate member of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS). This enabled the Students' Union to receive support and guidance on how to encourage students with disabilities to become more active.

Liam Isaac said: "We're very excited to be welcoming Adam and Stephen to the Students' Union to talk about their experiences and how important they believe sport to be for anyone with a disability.

"Our events and activities throughout the week are open to all, whether they have a physical disability, mental disability or learning disability. It is important for the Students' Union to spearhead this for other Students' Unions throughout the country and improve disability for anyone at University on a national level."