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News Round Up\\\ On Your Skates
Paralympian Libby Clegg, who has Stargardt Macular Dystrophy, is the latest celebrity contestant to sign up to ITV series Dancing on Ice. Libby, who is the first blind skater on the show, said that along with professional partner, Mark Hanretty, the duo use “touch and verbal communication” on the rink. Although the celebrities have set themselves a fair challenge, Libby knows her appearance on the show can also go a long way to inspiring others to face their fears. She said: “I’d love for people with disabilities, or just in general, to come out of their comfort zone, set yourself a little goal and just do it.”
FIGHT OR FLIGHT Major consumer group, Which?, who for over 60 years has been “asking probing questions of businesses” have turned their attention to the aviation industry. The independent group found that 25% of 363 disabled passengers quizzed who had used special assistance at an airport were unhappy with the support provided. Furthermore, 46% of travellers with reduced mobility felt flying was not an option for them due to the stress it caused when airport assistance was not booked or was insufficient when provided. Travel editor for Which?, Rory Borland, said: “Not one single person should have to suffer the indignities and pain we heard about in the course of this investigation. It seems these experiences
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of inadequate airport accessibility services are all too common, so it’s unsurprising that thousands of disabled travellers feel unable to fly.”
