From guide dog puppies to an inspirational Paralympic medal-winner – Telford College’s Equality and Diversity Week featured an action-packed programme.
The Haybridge campus hosted a visit from the Shrewsbury Mobility team, which has been delivering guide dog services across large parts of the West Midlands for more than 10 years.
Students got chance to meet some of the puppies currently in training which were at the campus during the day, while staff delivered a talk on the services they provide.
More than 100 foundation, sports and health students took part.
Dan Blasczyk, the college’s enrichment co-ordinator, said: “Students were really excited about meeting the dogs, and felt they had developed a better understanding of the work that Guide Dogs for the Blind does.
“The main aim of the talk was to raise awareness of disability and specifically people with sight difficulty.’’
Jerome French, a sports level three student who took part, said: “It was fascinating to meet the guide dogs and their handlers. We learnt a lot about how the dogs support people with their daily lives, including things like shopping.”
And fellow student Joe Dorricott added: “It was good to learn how the dogs help with things that we take for granted, such as catching the bus.”
Meanwhile, over at the college’s King Street campus, Paralympic archery star Jo Frith took centre stage, delivering a presentation raising awareness of disability issues.
Jo, who trains at Lilleshall, won a silver medal at Rio in 2016 in the women’s individual compound competition, helping team GB to a 1-2-3 on the podium.
Later that same day she took gold in the mixed team compound, alongside Newport-based team-mate John Walker.
Jo gave a talk on her life story and success at the games, and brought along a set of arrows so students could have a go themselves.
Events took place at both Telford College campuses every day during Equality and Diversity Week.
Other highlights included a Pride march and LGBT talk, plus spotlights on issues such as sexuality, religion, race, tolerance, and respect.
