“Blocked by barriers — and by attitudes”: The reality of disability in Birmingham
For one family, daily life is shaped by inaccessible spaces and a lack of awareness — and they say the city still has a long way to go
“Every journey is a risk assessment.”
That’s how Sarah Lilly describes life in Birmingham with her sister Vicky, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
Planning a trip out isn’t simple. From checking for accessible toilets to making sure venues can meet her sister’s needs, she says everything has to be considered in advance.
“You’re thinking about everything before you even leave the house,” she told us.
She says while there has been progress in some areas, barriers remain — both in terms of physical access and public awareness.
One moment, she says, has stayed with her.
“We were waiting for an accessible lift — the only one she could use. People had seen us waiting, but when it came, they just got in anyway,” she said.
“The doors shut and we were left there.”
For Sarah, it highlights the reality disabled people still face navigating public spaces.
She says challenges were also visible during major events like the Commonwealth Games, where accessibility issues remained despite the scale of the occasion.
Her sister Vicky is now an award-winning wheelchair dancer, building independence and taking part in activities she enjoys.
But Sarah says until both access and attitudes improve, everyday life will continue to come with unnecessary barriers.
“It’s not just about what’s built,” she said. “It’s how people think too.”