PARALYMPIC athlete Ben Rushgrove paid a visit to Bournemouth University to talk to students and staff about disability.

Ben represented Great Britain in the T36 100m and 200m at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and the London 2012 Games, winning a silver medal in the 100m in Beijing and a bronze in the 200m in London.

He visited the university as part of a series of events celebrating Disability History Month, which runs from until December 22.

Ben, who has cerebral palsy and dyslexia and is deaf, said: “A lot of emphasis is being put on the Paralympic Games.

“It was pretty amazing, and the crowds were just phenomenal, but the problem is it was just a moment – and moments pass and move on.

“If we don’t make the most of the opportunities, the moment will be lost forever.

“We build disability into our world – we build steps instead of ramps, we create signs with no braille on.

“It is about looking at disability as something that is changeable. We as a society can do something about this, but the question is are we ready to?”

Ben, who is now training for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, said he thought it was important that universities held events like this.

“Universities are one of those places where ideas are formed for life.

“People go to university to learn and have an open mind, and want to be influenced by people and things that are going on.

“It is really important that we continue doing that.”