BARRY Town United, Rhoose school children and a 12-year-old girl who was seriously injured in a car accident have all been recognised at the 2015 Understanding Disability Awards.

The awards, which are given to groups and individuals who promote positive attitudes towards people with a learning disability, were presented on Tuesday, November 10 at the Future Inn Hotel in Cardiff Bay.

Barry Town United FC received an award in the Local Group/Organisation category for giving Ryan Cox, a 27-year-old man who has a receptive speech and language disorder, the job of making public address announcements at matches.

The Club have encouraged Ryan allowing him to make tannoy announcements at their home football matches. and, although he made some mistakes initially, he has grown in confidence and now makes announcements at all games.

By associating with the club, Ryan has developed a large group of friends, both disabled and non-disabled, and is able to socialise outside the football season. This has been a real achievement for Ryan who attended a special school and a special needs college and hasn't had the opportunity to integrate with other non-disabled people.

Lesley Cox, Ryan’s mother said that supporters and members of the club have "become a lovely football family".

The Children's Category Award was presented jointly to Rhws Primary School Community Club and Sasha Williams, both of Rhoose.

The children of Rhws Primary School Community Club have developed links with the residents of a nearby Bay View Nursing Home for people with a learning disability, some of whom also have dementia.

The children make half-hourly visits every Tuesday carrying out activities such as singing, dancing, puppet shows, arts and crafts and story- telling.

Their most recent project will be to design and build a sensory garden at the Home.

Norbert Flynn, Chair of the Understanding Disability Group said: “There is no doubt that the residents greatly benefit from this interaction.

"For some, this is the only contact with the outside world, whilst the children gain experience beyond their years and will certainly become better, more compassionate citizens in the future."

Sasha Williams, 12, who was left with development and learning needs after an out-of-control car ran into her and classmates outside her school two years ago, has been attending the Vale Parent/Child Homework Support Club based at Rhoose Community Centre where she mentors other children.

The awards heard how Sasha was very withdrawn when she first started attending the club but has now become confident and is an inspiration to other children who ignores her own problems and encourages them to concentrate on what they can do, and not on what they cannot.

Norbert Flynn, Chair of the Understanding Disability Group said: "These Awards clearly highlight what can be achieved by people with learning disabilities given the right level of support.

"The Awards Ceremony has become an annual opportunity to celebrate good work, and good news, and provides an inspiration to all who attend."

The Understanding Disability Group was set up by Cardiff and the Vale Parents Federation in 1992 to promote a more positive appreciation of people with a learning disability.

The Group includes representatives from the health service, local councils, other voluntary organisations and local businesses who meet annually to judge nominations for the awards.