Shaunna Farley – Monday 21st July 2025 – 8am.
From saving lives to breaking barriers, Emergency Dispatcher, Elle Dempsey is proving that you can lead a full and active life alongside living with disability this Disability Pride Month.
Elle, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, works full-time in one of WMAS’s busy control rooms as a dispatcher, handling urgent 999 calls and helping people across the region get the emergency care they need.
As well as holding down a fast paced role in the emergency services, Elle takes part in a range of adaptive sports including wheelchair basketball, weightlifting and climbing. She credits her active lifestyle with helping her stay strong both mentally and physically, while also breaking down misconceptions about what people with disabilities can achieve.
Elle said: “Growing up I often felt quite lonely and isolated as I couldn’t participate in a lot of the sports and activities that other children were doing. I stumbled across an online community of people taking part in wheelchair sports and since then I haven’t looked back.
“Having this community, along with the ability to stay active and enjoy so many sports is incredible. I want people, especially young people with disabilities to know that they are not alone and that there is space for them in roles like mine and in sports.”
Chair of the Disability, Carers and Advocates Network, John Eames said: “We’re proud to champion inclusion and diversity, and Elle is a shining example of how lived experience can bring valuable perspective to frontline services.
“Elle is an incredible example of resilience and determination, both in the control room and in the wider community. I hope her achievements in her sports can inspire others that they are not alone and leading a life you love is still very much possible.”
ENDS.
Notes to Editors:
- Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. It’s caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth.
- West Midlands Ambulance Service is proud to be awarded Disability Confident Leader status in recognition for our work championing and supporting people with disabilities in the workplace, right from recruitment stages throughout their employment with the Trust.
- The Disability, Carers & Advocates (DCA) is the name for the West Midlands Ambulance Service support group for all staff who have a disability, are a carer or would act as a supporting advocate for either party.