My name is Gaia, I am 8 years old and I am a little person who has Pseudoachondroplasia. I love music, fashion, playing with my friends at school and seeing Ellie Simmonds on Strictly Come dancing. Since year 3 our classroom has moved upstairs. Going up and down is hard work and it hurts my knees, plus I find it too hard to focus on my school work. At the moment I use a standard scooter to mobilise around school and outside. But when we go on school trips a pushchair is used, which doesn't look so cool. The NHS doctors and consultants help me with the additional mobility needs I have, but recent MRI scans have shown that an operation is needed on my knees and spine to help keep me mobile.

The Iona School Association has identified the priority issues in the best interest for Gaia is, accessibility up the stairs and an adjustable chair. Policy at the school is finances should never be a barrier to parents accessing Steiner education, the downside is there is no spare funds to cover the cost of installing a lift. As an independent school we do not have the same access that state schools may or may not have to services. However we do have a duty to uphold the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Independents are facing a minefield of a challenge navigating rising costs of energy, whilst following government guidelines post COVID 19 and implementing measures to make people feel safe and supported.

To raise awareness through the community, Tom from Dwarf Sports Association gave a talk at the school regarding persons with disabilities in all areas of life. Building a broader perspective around the challenges and things that little people have to accept in a built environment created for the average sized person.

This is where your help comes, in a collaborative effort to boost, elevate and resurrect Gaia's presence in the community. You're probably thinking I'm always giving, i don't have it to give or how can I donate what with rising costs! If you only give to a charity once a month, next time think of Gaia. Funds for a stairlift will create freedom and an adjustable chair in the classroom will help keep her safe.

With individualised support measures in place in school Gaia will be able to be a part of the community, ensuring full time enjoyment. Beyond Gaia these much needed funds will help the school eliminate obstacles and barriers to accessibility for prospective parents whose children have mobility issues. Enabling the Iona school association to promote inclusivity; that persons with disabilities are not excluded from this beautifully rich primary education.