Double Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft has hit back at those who assume that people with disabilities aren't as intelligent as everyone else.
The 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, believes that those with disabilities deserve to be seen in the same light as able-bodied people.
"Some people pat you on head or treat like dog and can be patronising," Cockroft told the Daily Mail. "But just because your legs don't work, it doesn't mean your brain doesn't work.
"I can laugh that kind of thing off but for others it can be degrading and upsetting, we just want to be seen as another member of society. Disabled people can be just as intellectual and clever as anyone else."
Cockroft was awarded an MBE for her success at the London Olympic Games last year in wheelchair racing.
