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Co-founder of Disability Horizons, Martyn Sibley, shares his thoughts on the past year and Disability Horizons’ plans for reaching and empowering more disabled people, as well as increasing inclusion and making a difference in 2020.

The Pansar family spent £65,000 to force Walsall council to provide the help that transformed their son. Like many nine-year-olds, Gyan Pansar lists riding his scooter, swimming and playing football among his favourite things to do. He is cheerful and inquisitive, and loves to be physically active. But it took three years of extreme will and determination for his parents to help Gyan, who is severely autistic, get to this stage.

When Bella Parkhouse was told by a hospital consultant she had multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 15 years old, she surprised everyone in the room by laughing. “I’ve got a nervous giggle – I was trying to hold it in,” she says. “I thought ‘ah well, it’s got a name now’. Nothing’s actually changed.” Beyond the nervous laughter, Bella’s diagnosis was unusual.

The new Conservative government has described how it plans to fulfil the five major disability policy pledges it included in its general election manifesto. They cover social care, a new national disability strategy, hospital parking charges, funding to move disabled people out of long-term hospital settings, and disability benefits.

Winter can be a gloomy time of year, with the cold weather and short days, especially if you’re unable to get out of the house. But there are ways to lift your spirits and enjoy your time at home. Wheelchair user and writer Raya details 10 things she does to brighten her winter days.