YOUNG people with disabilities from across the county turned out in droves to air their views about their future in an inaugural conference.

More than 45 students who attend Gloucestershire schools, colleges and centres voiced their views at Allsorts’ first Our Voice to Live conference.

Rachel Levay, manager of the Stroud-based charity, said that there needs to be a huge change in the way society thinks to enable people with disabilities to have their say and broaden their horizons instead of their options becoming increasingly limited as they get older.

Josh Reeves, 18, a student at the National Star College near Cheltenham, agreed saying that as he prepares to leave the college he feels his choices for the future are limited and that everything is a compromise.

“I’m scared for what happens to me,” he said. “Any of my friends can go to different colleges anywhere they want because they’re not disabled, we don’t get that chance. Every single step in my life is a challenge. We have to fight for everything.”

Allsorts supports families across Gloucestershire who have children with disabilities and additional needs by providing youth clubs, family trips, inclusive sports, specialist equipment and more.

Operations manager Nikki Michael said the young people had entered into the spirit of the conference and it was an eye-opener for them feel connected by talking to others who shared their challenges.

She said: “Josh says people with disabilities don’t get the same opportunities. We’ve got to put that right.

“We’ve started something really good today, now we need to share our resources and ideas and that starts with listening to young people.”

The charity worked with young people to organise the event, hosted at National Star in Ullenwood, to give the participants the chance to tell council representatives and organisations that support young people with disabilities what they want and need, rather than adults making decisions for them.

Among those taking part were St Martin’s, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, Gloucester College, the Apperley Centre, National Star and Heart of the Forest School.

For more information about Allsorts visit allsortsglos.org.uk