We’re a small team who are passionate about making connections… with everyone!
Vicky Ackroyd
Vicky currently holds the ‘Trainer Award’ for 2016/17 from the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards. She has worked in a variety of education settings for over 15 years, and has developed a number of training offers to support organisations in best practice, and students at the beginning of their professional lives. Vicky has co-written journal articles with academics from the University of Leeds, and her innovative teaching approaches have been evaluated by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University. Vicky is an audio describer at multiple Yorkshire Theatres and writes plays for stage and radio. She began her career in stage management, then spent 10 years with BBC radio; presenting and producing, before moving into teaching. Vicky entered the the second season of the Great British Bake Off and was, frankly, relieved not to be chosen as the baking tasks got a bit tricky! Her favourite treat is crisps.
Rachel Barker and Emily Moorhouse and Israr Abbas
Rachel, Emily and Israr are Self-Advocates with significant experience co-facilitating training to nursing and social work students.
Rachel and Emily have co-presented at a number of conferences and co-written an article about the social history of learning disability for Learning Disability Practice – a journal for nurses and other health professionals caring for people with learning disabilities.
Rachel enjoys performing and has been on ‘A Touch of Frost’ as well as onstage at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, and many other venues. Rachel’s favourite treat is going to Wetherspoons with Emily, and she’s keen to point out that she really, honestly doesn’t like eating chocolate, especially not Mars Bars!!
Emily enjoys baking, making dinners and lives independently. While Emily’s family are very important to her, she’s baffled by their enthusiasm for sport as she is much more interested in all things creative. Her favourite treat is her Nana buying her jelly babies!
Israr is a big fan of Bhangra and powerlifting, and his favourite treat is his mum’s curry!
