Disability charity, Enable Jersey is celebrating its 50th anniversary year by welcoming a new president.
Having been voted into the role at the charity’s last Annual General Meeting, Will Ross is supporting the charity to define the next chapter in its history and meet the needs of Jersey’s disabled islanders.
Will is relatively new to disability having experienced a devastating accident in 2018 which caused multiple spinal fractures and left him paralysed. He was airlifted from his home in Jersey and underwent months of rehabilitation on a specialist ward in Salisbury.
Will, who is actively working with the charity to define its future plans and ensure Jersey residents of different abilities are enabled to live a life without unnecessary limits said: “Since becoming disabled, I have faced challenges and barriers that are just unacceptable. It’s been a truly eye-opening experience and I’ve had to adjust quickly. I am committed to actively supporting Enable’s work in lobbying for disability rights, and acting as the face of Enable Jersey to help raise awareness of these issues”.
Founded by trailblazers June Beslievre and Barbara Marie in 1970, Enable was known as The Jersey Society for the Disabled until 2017. Set up with the simple aim of making things better for disabled people in Jersey, Enable has focused on helping elderly disabled islanders to get together regularly and providing financial support where it’s needed most.
Clair Cousins, Chair of Enable Jersey, said: “Having Will join us is incredibly exciting. When I joined Enable as Chair 3 years ago, I wanted to make sure that the people of Jersey appreciate how much disability matters affect us all. Whether it’s a family member, friend, through ill-health or accident, all our lives will be touched by disability at some point.
“Covid-19 has impacted our 50th Anniversary celebrations and having Will on the team has helped to soften that blow. Will is the perfect figurehead for us. His story highlights how much needs to change to enable people with different abilities to access our wonderful island. I’m so excited about working with Will in evaluating how we can add the most value and ensure our work continues to have focus and meaning”.
