Hello my name is Stephanie Leaf. I am 21 years old. In October 2011 I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia. Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare inherited disease that causes nervous system damage and movement problems. This damage results in awkward, unsteady movements and impaired sensory functions.

In the past 4 years I used a wheelchair more and now I am currently dependent on a wheelchair. I first started to learn to drive in a manual car which I found difficult so changed to an automatic which was slightly easier but I still found using my feet hard. So I spoke to Motability they told me that BSM had hand controls in some of the Learner cars, so they organised a lesson with a local instructor.I found driving with hand controls much easier than using my feet and even thought it took me a while to pass my test I did it in July 2012.

When we first heard about Get Going Live we didn’t know what to expect. On the day we made the journey as a family to the event and spent the whole day there. We have attended the event each year since it started.

There is so much on offer and each year there is something different. I would highly recommend anybody young, old, newly disabled or not to attend. Whoever you are, whatever disability you have I would recommend going as it opens your eyes to all the things that are there. Nothing can stop you if you have a little bit of information and if you want to know more just ask. It is not a stupid question if you don’t know the answer!

Get Going Live! 2013 takes place on Saturday July 13 at Donington Park from 10am - 4pm. Admission and all activities are FREE. To attend simply register here

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