Recently I have been doing some work about disability awareness, putting able-bodied people in wheel-chairs to get a feel for a life spent in wheels. This got me thinking. How can I get more people to experience disability?

My dad recently confessed that when I was first injured he had a go at not using his legs, to try and wrap his head around my situation.

Well since you can’t all get in a wheelchair and go about the assault course that is daily life; I’d like you to take a leaf out of my dad’s book.

I often lie in bed thinking about what to write here; I look back at the past two weeks to things that have irritated me, or fun things I have done that would surprise you, but just recently I had my Eureka moment: why not write about my bed.

Due to my injury I don’t have the use of my legs and any muscles below my chest. Moving around in bed is tricky and this is something you can all try. Your task is to get from a chair to bed and get around your bed. It’s the most simple things that become a mental puzzle when half your body doesn’t work.

So let’s start: I’d like you to put a chair next to your bed (Health and Safety notice: you’re on your own as the Oxford Mail cannot accept any responsibility for your actions). Using your arms (one on the chair, one on the bed) lift your body onto the bed and don’t cheat by using your legs. Once you are sat on the bedside, grab under your knees and hitch your legs up as you lean backwards and fall into a bundle.

Now try turning over without using your legs or your abs – hands are allowed.

It’s these kinds of experiments that give you a glimpse into the life of a wheelchair user. And this is all before I even get out bed. I have to do this every morning and night, it’s a constant reminder that my life is forever changed.

There is no respite from disability. If you find this task hard, think about getting dressed, bathing and cooking.

The reality is all the little things you take for granted all of a sudden become obstacles once you become disabled.

Although I embrace my disability, it is often the challenges that no one sees that represent some of my greatest moments of frustration. This is the true reality of a having disability...