Disabled in a heatwave: 'We're talking about survival'
Disabled campaigners say the official advice for staying safe in a heatwave can put them in more danger.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"For somebody who is able-bodied, it's uncomfortable but if you identify as disabled, we're starting to talk about survival."
— Doug Paulley , Activist
"The dog's health has to come first."
— Emily Davison , Activist
"The heat definitely impacts the chair and it makes the battery go down a lot quicker… I always have to think is there a way I can get to where I need to be without moving the chair?"
— Jimmy Macfarlane , Celebrity
"If I've got all my windows and doors open, I feel incredibly vulnerable because I can't see if anybody is walking into my property."
— Claire Sisk , Influencer
Key People
Claire Sisk is a content creator and advocate with distorted vision.
Doug Paulley is a campaigner focused on the challenges faced by disabled individuals.
Emily Davison works with a guide dog as she has a visual impairment related to a congenital health condition.
Jimmy Macfarlane is a Cardiff-based actor who uses a powered wheelchair.
All Coverage
Disabled campaigners say the official advice for staying safe in a heatwave can put them in more danger.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Temporary ban on sale of disposable BBQs over wildfire risk
Single-use grills pose a "significant risk to the public" in current drought and heatwave conditions, the government warns.
August 14, 2026 at 05:42 PMEurope's heatwaves expose insurance gap as business losses mount - Reuters
Europe's heatwaves expose insurance gap as business losses mount Reuters
August 16, 2026 at 05:06 AM'I have never seen the pond so low in 17 years'
James Herd, who works for Surrey Wildlife Trust, says everyone needs to prepare for extreme weather.
August 17, 2026 at 05:01 AMTemperatures to soar to 38C as amber extreme heat warning in effect
Heat will spike again on Thursday with a rare warning in place and more records set to tumble.
August 13, 2026 at 08:01 AMHeatwave expected to remove 15% of France's nuclear capacity on Friday - Reuters
Heatwave expected to remove 15% of France's nuclear capacity on Friday Reuters
August 13, 2026 at 11:13 AMEurope's scorched landscapes seen from space after summer heatwaves
BBC Verify examines the impact of drought and extreme heat on western European rivers, fields and mountains.
August 15, 2026 at 05:01 AM