Ellie Robinson MBE has announced she will help support disabled people from West Northamptonshire ahead of the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) on 1 December.

Now in its third year, next month’s event, taking place on December 3, will focus on hidden disabilities with the slogan ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“.

Ms Robinson and her coach Andy Sharp of Northampton Swimming Club will star in a combination of live and recorded presentations between 11am and 2,15pm on the day.

The virtual event will invite people living with a hidden disability to share their own personal stories on the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Disabled Person’s Forum.

Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for community safety and Engagement, told West Northamptonshire Council:  "I am delighted that WNC is marking IDPWD for a third year running and helping to shine a light on the fact that not all disabilities are immediately visible.

"Disabled people are an important part of our diverse communities. I invite everyone to join us in celebrating IDPWD and use the opportunity to get involved, reflect on the experiences of disabled people, and think about what we can all do to be an ally to, and advocate for, the disabled community."

There will also be a performance from accessible dance school, Born To Perform, who made it to the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals.

Cllr Alan Chantler, Co-Chair of the forum said: “As a person in a wheelchair, my handicap is apparent. But it may be someone finds it difficult to form sentences in their head, or finds it difficult to write things down and has to remember everything all the time.

"But I think it is important that we always focus on what we can do and not what we can’t do.

"That’s the same if you are handicapped or not. Disability isn’t going away and what we can all do is be aware of the wide range of abilities people have and concentrate on the skills they have, not those that are absent."

Live screenings of the event will take place in Northampton, Daventry and Towcaster - to reserve a place click the relevant links.

You can also reserve a place at the live screenings by calling 07826 993847