4 minute read
Letty on Wheels: Breaking Barriers and Rolling Towards Change
Letty, better known as Letty on Wheels, is an unstoppable force in the world of disability advocacy. A social media powerhouse, Letty uses platforms like Instagram and TikTok to educate, inspire, and challenge outdated perceptions of disabled people. “Broadly, my videos are about my life as a disabled person. As everyone does, I live a multifaceted life with many interests and hobbies, but my disability affects everything I do,” Letty explains. “I take my viewers along with me and show them how I adapt to make things accessible to my disability.”
Changing Perceptions, One Post at a Time
Letty isn’t just about raising awareness – they’re about action. With over 167,000 followers and millions of likes on TikTok, their content breaks down barriers, smashes stereotypes, and promotes inclusivity in a way that’s engaging and relatable.
“I also make videos addressing misconceptions and educating people about disability. I hope my content makes non-disabled people more aware of what life is like for disabled people, making them better allies,” they say. “And I hope I encourage disabled people to feel more confident in themselves.”
Fitness, Fun, and Fierce Advocacy
Staying active as a wheelchair user can sometimes feel like a challenge, but Letty is here to show that it’s not only possible – it can be fun! Their adaptive workout videos provide practical tips and exercises that empower others to get moving in a way that works for them.
“I’ve always been pretty sporty. When I was younger, I competed in cross country, football, and netball, and at university, I fell in love with rock climbing,” Letty shares. “When I became a wheelchair user, it took me quite a while to get back into sports. I desperately missed it but worried sports wouldn’t feel the same from a wheelchair.”
After attending a disability sports week at university, Letty found their passion again and now plays wheelchair rugby and tennis, and has recently started sit skiing. “These clubs are more than just sports clubs. They
provide me with community and people who understand me,” they say. “I have felt the same freedom and exhilaration playing these sports as I used to when I was younger.”
A Voice for the Community
As someone who is hard of hearing and fluent in British Sign Language (BSL) and Sign Supported English (SSE), Letty’s advocacy goes beyond mobility – they’re passionate about accessibility in all areas of life. From tackling issues like transport and work opportunities to sharing their own experiences, Letty is a bold voice for change.
Letty’s impact is felt far beyond social media. “I was at a protest outside Downing Street advocating for the return of the Minister for Disabled People. I met many disabled people that day, and a few came up to me and told me what my videos meant to them,” they recall. “They told me my content helped them learn to wheelie or feel like their life wasn’t over when they became a wheelchair user. Seeing these people in real life was incredibly moving.”
Why Letty Matters
Representation is powerful. Seeing someone like Letty thrive, challenge norms, and push for accessibility helps create a world where disabled people aren’t just included – they’re celebrated. “Often, disabled athletes are
seen as inspirational, but the focus is usually on ‘overcoming’ disability rather than their athletic achievements,” Letty points out. “Adaptive athletes should be seen as athletes in their own right.”
Through their work, Letty is showing young disabled people that they can dream big, be independent, and live life on their own terms.
So, whether you’re looking for practical advice, a confidence boost, or just some brilliant content to brighten your day, Letty on Wheels is a must-follow. Head over to Instagram or TikTok and join the movement –because together, we can roll towards a more inclusive future!
