Episode 4: Tackling Disability Stigma with Hannah Cockcroft

The 2012 Paralympic Games in London were seen as a turning point for disability in the UK. The games broke multiple records and created a huge shift in attitudes and perceptions towards those with disabilities, yet some stigma and discrimination still remain.

One of the athletes from those games, joins Gareth and Craig to talk about stigma. Wheelchair racer Hannah Cockcroft MBE won two Gold Medals at the games in London in T34 100m and 200m races. Since then she’s won three more Gold Medals in Rio alongside her 11 World Championship Golds.

Since losing the ability to walk at an early age, Hannah has faced challenges at many points in her life, between the low funding and treatment of Para Athletes to the lack of accessibility to public places, it’s been a tough journey. Listen as she tells us more about those challenges, the stigma she’s battled and how passionate she is about ensuring anyone with a disability has access to sport.

We hope you enjoy this episode, the fifth in our series looking at how we can together tackle stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination around vital social issues, including HIV.

Feel free to get in touch with us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We’d love you to find out more about the Tackle HIV campaign by visiting tacklehiv.org, or check us out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.