News & Events

A paralysed British entrepreneur has won a prestigious business award for creating one of the UK’s most popular app rating venues for accessibility after being inspired by an embarrassing experience in a Spanish restaurant. 41-year-old Simon Sansome was left paralysed from the waist down after a botched chiropractic session resulted in three of his vertebrae being crushed.

During an evening out in Spain to celebrate his progress in rehabilitation, Sansome realised the restaurant’s toilets were not wheelchair accessible when they were located on the first floor. Unable to get to the bathroom in time, the humiliating experience motivated Sansome to help others avoid similar situations. Upon returning home, Sansome created a Facebook group for reviewing and rating venues in his hometown on their accessibility for wheelchair users. The group quickly amassed over 1,000 members within weeks and has now grown to more than 110,000 members across the country. He then developed a new app called Snowball aimed at helping disabled individuals find accessible and disability-friendly venues.

Read the original article here: https://www.purdueexponent.org/lifestyles/entertainment/video_db3aa3ca-1dcc-54f5-a327-d008262a3741.html

In the past year, our #Commonwealth family has seen incredible growth and innovation across industries. From Jamaica’s new tech hub to Rwanda’s booming manufacturing sector – countries are thriving! 🚀

Join us as we recap positive news from 12 countries representing each month of 2023. Discover the diverse achievements across our network and how we continue to support one another. 🤝

The future looks bright in 2024 and beyond! Stay connected with the #Commonwealth world by following our social channels. Let’s continue to collaborate, innovate and make progress together!

The Christmas season begins in late November or early December with the start of Advent, a period of preparation for Christmas Day. Traditions like decorating Christmas trees, singing carols, attending church services, and waiting for Santa Claus are hallmarks of the Christmas season. On Christmas Eve, children eagerly wait to spot Santa and his reindeer delivering presents. Christmas Day starts with families opening gifts and enjoying festive meals together.

Many of the customs and decorations of Christmas, like mistletoe, holly, and yule logs originated from pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations. When Christianity spread, the Church gave new symbolism and meaning to these old traditions. The giving of gifts may recall the gifts of the Magi to the Christ child. Christmas carols, nativity scenes, and church services help recount and celebrate the story of Christ’s birth.