Blog: Things are finally changing for disabled people thanks to updated Government policy, technological advances, and most importantly, changing attitudes – we’re more used to seeing folk with weird and wonderful disabilities out there getting on with life, rather than being housebound by inequality, writes Emma Suddaby.

Because inequality isn’t only about legal rights and privileges, it begins with not being able to access the bus and extends to not being given the same chances to follow one’s dreams as everyone else.

Sadly, some attitudes are changing faster than others . . .

This year, Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee runner, has made history competing in an able-bodied world championship with no special allowances, just the same chances as every other runner.

He runs on state-of-the-art “cheetah” blades – prosthetic legs shaped like curved blades. Developed to allow users to run rather than walk, they act like springs, cleverly returning energy put into the stride to spring the wearer forward, much like real legs would.

But some are suspicious the technology is giving him an inhuman ability, making Oscar faster than nature ever could have. And rather than celebrating the arrival of equipment enabling disabled runners to live up to pre-injury promise, narrow minds are already undermining their incredible achievements.

Personally, I don’t find the speeds achieved by “bladerunners” hard to believe at all, it’s much harder to believe anyone could really think that any amount of clever technology could make up for two missing legs. I mean, give the guy a break.

And talking of trailblazers, I realise Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Moon from EastEnders, doesn’t seem the pioneering type but she has shown true grit in dumping her slimy fiance and cancelling her entire wedding with just hours to spare.

We’re always accusing celebrity nuptials of being more about publicity then love, gleefully guestimating how long showbiz unions will last. Jessie and her very-nearly hubby-to-be, Vince Morse, would have picked up a cool £400,000 for exclusive coverage had they tied the knot.

But on learning of Vince’s apparent indiscretions the night before the big day, a distraught Jessie went with her heart and cancelled the whole champagne-soaked shebang.

Now that takes some guts when the worst you can expect is a “told-you-so” speech from your auntie Marion and fatherly guilt trips over uneaten canapés.

But to have one’s disastrous love life picked over by gossip magazines with picture specials of your puffy, tear-stained face dripping all over the nation’s breakfast newspapers – that takes some guts.

It also sets a great example to young women everywhere not to accept that sort of behaviour from a man, no matter how difficult disentangling might be, nor how easy to allow the marital tide to sweep you along to discreet divorce some months down the line.

Good for Jessie, I say, despite the embarrassment and heartache, better to waste a few bottles of champagne than waste one’s life with a love-rat.