Challenge Not Accepted: Tamara
< Back to Challenge NOT Accepted Campaign
"Tamara is always out and about shopping, having a pub lunch or going to the cinema, and she loves music - especially Ed Sheeran."
Biases around disability can limit society's expectations for disabled people, assuming they don't have the same interests, goals or need to feel connected. At Rose Road, we empower disabled young people to belong, achieve and thrive every day, because every individual should be able to achieve their aspirations.
Tamara's mum Alison explains why they say "Challenge NOT Accepted" to being stuck indoors and missing out on fun:
"Tamara is so bubbly and social and loves to shop, especially for shoes and accessories - I sorted out our cupboard the other day and found 15 handbags!!
We love being out as a family, despite there being some barriers with regard to public transport. Our local train station isn't accessible, so we more often drive to Eastleigh, as it's easier to get to than Southampton. If there’s an event on, Tamara will want to be there, among the action, so we go out at the weekends as much as possible.
When school came to an end a few years back, we needed to find a place for Tamara, and I knew straight away Rose Road was the best choice.
She gets to go out every day – to local places like WestQuay to go shopping or the Walnut Tree pub, to daytrips further away to places like Bournemouth Sealife Centre or Sunnyfields Farm. They take her on the train and she gets to spend every day out and about with friends. It's exactly what Tamara loves to do.
I’m very happy with Rose Road, it’s Tamara’s second home. She sits at our door waiting, ready to go!
She’s really happy there, she’s got really special friendships and she’s able to have a laugh with everyone."