Jet Gates
Nominee Profile
Location: Winchester
Ello ello!
Becoming physically disabled at 17, I thought that my life was over. However I quickly realised that life doesn’t just stop because I am disabled. Everything in life is about the attitude which we embody, in the words of Nike “just do it”.
From day 1 I have been using my experiences to help shape the lives of other young disabled people. I started sharing this on social media through Instagram and TikTok before expanding onto LinkedIn as well. Through this work, I have been able to set up the most incredible online community for nearly 100 disabled people across the UK, which gave me a platform to organise a demonstration in December 2023. This was our first in person meet-up to protest the changes to the role of disability minister. Despite the horrific weather, short notice and technical issues, we had an absolute blast of a time.
This online community has provided a lifeline for other young disabled people. It has become a vital space for everyone from any background to come together. Within our community we have seen strangers become close friends, members supported at the lowest of lows and everyone being able to have a great laugh.
On a more local level I have been honoured to work directly with the SLT at my university, setting up the disabled students network, working with the SU, helping other disabled students, campaigning for better access and recently becoming a student officer.
Finally, I have recently joined the international campaign, Rights on Flights, This role includes being a social media manager and rally co-ordinator, working with some of the most amazing people in the industry including Sophie Morgan and Martyn Sibely.
Thank you for all of the nominations and votes, its an absolute honor to even be considered for this award!
Lots of love,
Jet
Becoming physically disabled at 17, I thought that my life was over. However I quickly realised that life doesn’t just stop because I am disabled. Everything in life is about the attitude which we embody, in the words of Nike “just do it”.
From day 1 I have been using my experiences to help shape the lives of other young disabled people. I started sharing this on social media through Instagram and TikTok before expanding onto LinkedIn as well. Through this work, I have been able to set up the most incredible online community for nearly 100 disabled people across the UK, which gave me a platform to organise a demonstration in December 2023. This was our first in person meet-up to protest the changes to the role of disability minister. Despite the horrific weather, short notice and technical issues, we had an absolute blast of a time.
This online community has provided a lifeline for other young disabled people. It has become a vital space for everyone from any background to come together. Within our community we have seen strangers become close friends, members supported at the lowest of lows and everyone being able to have a great laugh.
On a more local level I have been honoured to work directly with the SLT at my university, setting up the disabled students network, working with the SU, helping other disabled students, campaigning for better access and recently becoming a student officer.
Finally, I have recently joined the international campaign, Rights on Flights, This role includes being a social media manager and rally co-ordinator, working with some of the most amazing people in the industry including Sophie Morgan and Martyn Sibely.
Thank you for all of the nominations and votes, its an absolute honor to even be considered for this award!
Lots of love,
Jet