A DISABLED woman from Edgware addressed MPs in Westminster last week in a bid to raise awareness of problems faced by young disabled Britons.

Tanvi Vyas, 27, was among 20 campaigners from the Trailblazers network, who suffer from muscle-wasting diseases, who went to Parliament last Wednesday to speak at the new All Parliamentary Group for Young Disabled People.

Ms Vyas, who has spinal muscular atrophy which causes weak muscles, said: “It went really well – the Speaker of the House, John Bercow, came and gave a very good speech.

“Young disabled people just want to use bars, restaurants and shops like everyone else but at the moment it just isn't possible.

“This meeting allows us to tell MPs what the issues are so that they have the right statistics and information, and can make good policy.”

The group, which is made up of 10 MPs from across all parties and is chaired by disabled MP Paul Maynard, will meet four times a year to discuss how legislation affects young disabled people.

Mr Maynard said: “I feel proud to be involved with a group like the Trailblazers, who are tackling the uphill struggle that young disabled people face to achieve goals in life taken for granted by non-disabled peers.

“It is not right or fair that a person should face a constant daily battle on everything from accessing higher education and employment to using public transport and socialising with friends and family.

“I hope that by hearing directly from young disabled people and gaining a genuine understanding of their experiences we can work towards real positive change and allow young people to make decisions based on their goals and potential – not their disability.”

The group will produce a report in the autumn laying out recommendations for ministers, businesses and public bodies on how to make society more accessible.