Jessica Hodge

Jessica is 19 years old. She has quadriplegic cerebral palsy with fluctuating tone, learning and communication difficulties. Jessica uses a Vantage communication aid and is an excellent communicator given the time. Jessica attends Beaumont College, Lancaster; Scope's flagship Further Education Specialist College for people with Cerebral Palsy. Jessica is a member of the college's Student Union; representing the views and needs of disabled learners in the college and beyond. Some example are hosting the North West Learner Forum for specialist colleges in the North West, represented disabled people at the International Day of the Disabled in Lancaster by asking questions of the public and making a film. The group also represented the college at the Disabled Leaders of the Future event organised by Disability Equality NW. Involvement in these events has been inspirational to other disabled people in the region and the college has become a centre of excellence for Learner Voice. Jessica has been at the centre of these activities and I therefore feel that she would be the ideal person to represent the community in the role of torch bearer. As the route of the March goes past the college it would be good for the 100 disabled learners who attend to feel a part of this international event, showing the spirit of inclusion that the Olympic ideal inspires.