Sue Keegan is a longstanding Associate in the Listen Up! team. She has been working with her local MP, Alex Baker, since first meeting her at Parliament during SeeAbility's 225th anniversary celebrations in 2024.

Last week, Sue and Alex took a walk and talk around the (very hot) pavements of Aldershot in Sue's local constituency to discuss accessibility for people who use wheelchairs and have sight loss.

Sue said:

“It was so great to meet Alex again and show her what happens, even on a short journey, when you use a wheelchair. It’s so bumpy and uncomfortable when pavements are in a bad condition. Sometimes you get parked cars, or dropped kerbs that are steep and leave you feeling unstable. I look forward to working with her.”

With Parliament recently legislating to take tougher action on pavement parking, it was a great opportunity to talk to Alex about the ways MPs can help address issues affecting people with disabilities, both locally and nationally.

Alex also met Pat Hallett-McKenna, SeeAbility's Registered Manager for homes in Aldershot and other parts of Hampshire. Pat has worked for our charity for more than two decades and shared her experiences of what could make a real difference, with a new public consultation on adult social care reform due to launch soon.

Alex commented:

“It’s always lovely to catch up with Sue and the fantastic team at SeeAbility in Aldershot. Today I had the chance to learn more about the Listen Up! project which helps raise the voice of people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss and to hear first-hand some of the accessibility issues wheelchair users face.

The walk Sue and I did really brought home how difficult poorly maintained pavements can make everyday journeys. I look forward to continuing to work with Sue, SeeAbility and the Listen Up! team to raise awareness of these issues and help make our communities more accessible and inclusive for disabled people.”

The Listen Up! programme was designed by Scott Watkin, SeeAbility's Head of Engagement. As a person with lived experience of disability, Scott has spent decades campaigning for inclusion and now mentors a team of SeeAbility Associates, including Sue.

Together, the Listen Up! Associates are influencing attitudes, raising awareness and helping to change policy where needed.