From Pathways student to creative SEND professional

Maisy’s inspiring journey

As a college, our vision is to support our students to be themselves and to achieve more than they believe possible by helping them grow in confidence, discover their strengths, and take their next steps into the world of work. We are delighted to share the recent success of one of our former Pathways students, Maisy Gallagher-Horwood, whose strengths of determination and creativity is inspiring to everyone who meets her.

Now 21 years old, Maisy has already made her mark as a passionate advocate for disability rights and accessible employment. Her talents have been rewarded and she’s now celebrating a fantastic achievement; securing a role with Oxfordshire County Council as their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Media Support Officer for Supported Internships.

Supported Internship

This opportunity came about after Maisy impressed during her Supported Internship placement as part of the Pathways course at Abingdon & Witney College from 2023 to 2024. At the end of the programme, she was offered a year-long paid role – a brilliant recognition of her skills, hard work, and positive attitude.

Maisy says:

“There are so many opportunities for me, I can’t thank Oxfordshire County Council enough. I can even show off my creative side, developing a comic strip newsletter for young people, designed to be accessible to children and young people with SEND.

I plan to visit one of the local colleges to interview students on a supported internship, sharing my own experiences, and with the goal of gathering ideas and information about ways to make workplaces more accessible and inclusive.”

With the support of her job coach and a fully accessible recruitment process, Maisy was able to showcase her talents and shine in interviews. Her workplace has also been adapted to meet her needs, with an adjustable desk, regular breaks, and ongoing support from the council’s supported employment team – all of which ensure she can focus on what she does best.

A positive voice for disability and special educational needs

But Maisy’s passion doesn’t stop there. Outside of work, she volunteers with Oxfordshire County Council’s SEND Youth Forum. Also in her own time, Maisy, as a passionate ‘U’s’ fan, has recorded matchday experiences as a wheelchair user at Oxford United’s stadium, with the aim of helping the club make their stadium more accessible. She’s also contributed to a local arts and culture project encouraging more organisations to embrace accessibility.

Maisy adds:

“I want to be a voice for people with my condition, showing how widespread cerebral palsy is and how it can impact people in different ways. This has created another opportunity for me at the council, where I recently contributed to a new arts and culture project; the aim is to encourage more local organisations to be accessible for people with different conditions.

If I can get people thinking about disability and special educational needs in a more positive way by showcasing what we can contribute to employers and society in general, then I will fly the flag and blow the trumpet until people listen and act.”

Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Oxfordshire County Council, sums it up perfectly:

“Maisy is passionate and determined, and her qualities shine through. We are delighted she’s now employed by the council, in a role where she can make a real difference to other young people.”

Maisy’s journey reminds us of the power of perseverance, community, and opportunity – and we’re so proud to have played a part in Maisy's story so far. At Abingdon & Witney College we aim to go the extra mile to ensure students can succeed in their lives and their careers. Find out more about the Pathways programme here.