0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- I'm James Lusted.
0:00:02 > 0:00:07- I'm 24 and I have Diastrophic - Dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- I live at home with my parents - and brother Phil.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- Phil has the same condition as me.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- I don't allow my disability - to hold me back.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- In fact, I hate the word disabled.
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- In this series, I'll travel Wales - to meet other disabled people...
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- ..to experience life - through their eyes.
0:00:28 > 0:00:28- Subtitles
0:00:28 > 0:00:30- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- I've come for a haircut.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- I'm preparing for the series.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- I want to meet disabled people...
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- ..all over Wales.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- I hope the series - will give me a new challenge.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- Sometimes, - we take who we are for granted.
0:01:09 > 0:01:15- I'm sure it'll change - my attitude towards my own life.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- Ta-ra. Thanks a lot.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- My hair is sorted.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- I'll begin my research - by contacting the first contributor.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- I'm in the process of - sending Charlie Doherty a message.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- She has a radio programme on Mon FM.
0:01:36 > 0:01:42- I'm told she has cerebral palsy.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- I'm sending her a message, and I - hope to receive a positive response.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- My name is Charlotte.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- I live in Holyhead.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- I'm 23.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- Are you getting up?
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- Charlotte moved into - her own flat three months ago.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- She enjoys the independence.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- Once it's in your mouth, - I'll switch it on, OK?
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- Like that now.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- What the hell's happened here?
0:02:31 > 0:02:32- What the hell's happened here?- - Bed hair!
0:02:33 > 0:02:35- Really bad bed hair.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- Shall I put the hairspray or...?
0:02:38 > 0:02:39- The hairspray.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- I wake up around 8.00am.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- There are six people - who look after me.
0:02:49 > 0:02:50- Done.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- Done.- - Whatever I want to do for the day...
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- ..if I want to go out, I go out, - if I don't, I don't go.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- Sometimes I don't get up - until 3.30pm!
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- She loves a cup of tea - in the morning.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Who doesn't love - a cup of tea in the morning?!
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- The flat - was specially adapted for her.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16- A device enables Charlotte to - control everything from her chair.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- It's called Possum, - and she'd be lost without it.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- It's a system of controls.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- It speaks to me.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- I can do things for myself...
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- ..without help.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- "Reset, bed head up."
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- That's how my machine works.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- Like me, drama and acting - is one of Charlotte's main hobbies.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- She's a member of the Amlwch - Showstoppers drama company.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- She's attending rehearsals for their - latest show, Trouble In Pantoland.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59- Whee!
0:04:00 > 0:04:01- Hiya.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- There are a lot of preparations.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- We've been rehearsing - for the show for three months.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- Being an actress with disabilities - has its problems.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- It takes a long time for me - to learn the script.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- It's not easy.
0:04:22 > 0:04:28- It takes four strong people - to carry me onto the stage.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- There's no ramp.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33- Hey, guys!
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- Acting helps me - for about two hours...
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- ..then I'm back - to being Charlotte again.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- Oh, wicked queen of Pantoland, Snow - White is the fairest in the land.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Charlotte loves - performing to an audience.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- She has her own programme - on Mon FM community radio station.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- She prepares the interviews - and chooses songs for the show.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- How much is left?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- How much is left?- - About 20 minutes.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- Justin Bieber.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- I like Mon FM...
0:05:13 > 0:05:18- ..because I want - to be as independent as possible.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- I think that...
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- ..independence is good for me.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Elin Fflur, Y Moniars.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30- Elin Fflur, Y Moniars.- - OK.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Charlotte replied - to my Facebook message...
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- ..and invited me on her radio show.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- I'm not normally a shy person, - but I'm a bit nervous today.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- I don't know what Charlie Mint, - as she calls herself, will ask me.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- But I can't complain - about the interview.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- I'll be asking Charlotte about - her life later in this programme.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- Welcome to Mon FM.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- I'm interviewing James Lusted today.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06- Hello, James!
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- Hello, Charlotte. How are you?
0:06:08 > 0:06:09- Hello, Charlotte. How are you?- - Fine, thanks!
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Thanks for inviting me on your show.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- Would you like more independence, - and not have to rely on Mam and Dad?
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- I think I'm fairly independent.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- I have a car.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- I go out on my own - to shop, and things.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- I hope in the future I'll have - a house and family of my own.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- I live on my own.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- It's really hard...
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- ..because there's - someone with me 24 hours a day.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- I'd like to be more independent.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54- I'm Charlie Mint. The next song is - Emeli Sande and Read All About It.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- It was a busy programme.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- There were many people - in the studio.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- I prefer chatting to people - one-to-one.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- I'd like to spend - the day with James.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- So that he can get - to understand my disability.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- Charlotte is going to a Slimming - World weigh-in in Canolfan Byron.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34- Hiya!
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- I come every week to be weighed.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- All the others get weighed - in Slimming World.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- They can step on the scales.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- I get weighed in a hoist - because I can't walk.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- I don't like being weighed - in the hoist.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- I don't want to be different - from the rest. I'm off the chair.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02- Stop.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04- Right.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- 59.7.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- Even though she doesn't - like being weighed separately...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- ..Charlotte - admitted there were advantages!
0:08:16 > 0:08:21- Have you ever considered - lying about your weight?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- Stop on that question! Stop!
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- You have to put something down.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- Does the Slimming World lady - know you're lying?
0:08:36 > 0:08:37- Yeah, she knows.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- After the weigh-in...
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- ..Charlotte goes home for tea - before the Slimming World meeting.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Is it teatime yet?
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- Yes.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- Mealtimes can be difficult - for Charlotte.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- The cerebral palsy - has affected her stomach.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05- I eat like a child. - I feel ill if I eat too much.
0:09:07 > 0:09:13- Keeping an eye on her weight is more - important to someone like Charlotte.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- She's in a chair - and can't move around.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- What time is Slimming World?
0:09:20 > 0:09:21- Seven.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- The flat is too small for exercises.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- I'm not living in a mansion!
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- It's time to meet the Slimming World - crew to check Charlotte's weight.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- Charlie, we haven't had your card. - Did you go through the laptop?
0:09:41 > 0:09:42- No.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- We don't know what you've done!
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Charlotte has forgotten - her weight chart book.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- There's no way to discover how much - she's lost. Mmm. Good trick!
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- What was it?
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- She hasn't got the book, - so we just have to write it down.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- Even though she's lost a bit - of weight, she gets impatient.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- Paula, the leader, - gives her a pep talk.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- It's hard because - the scales are all wrong.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- It's hard.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- But you've already lost some weight.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- No matter how long it'll take, - you will do it.
0:10:31 > 0:10:31- .
0:10:34 > 0:10:34- Subtitles
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- I'm on my way to meet - Charlotte on Anglesey.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- It'll be interesting...
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- ..to chat about her life.
0:10:50 > 0:10:56- I want to know how her family - copes with her condition.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- In another five minutes...
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- ..we'll be there.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07- I think this is it.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- Hiya, Charlotte. Are you OK?
0:11:15 > 0:11:16- Come into the kitchen.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17- Come into the kitchen.- - Thanks.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- This is a nice house. - When did you move in?
0:11:22 > 0:11:23- Three months ago.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Was it a good decision?
0:11:27 > 0:11:28- Yes.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- You can have time to yourself.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- I don't get any time to myself.
0:11:35 > 0:11:41- I have a carer who comes - every day to look after me.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- What is your condition?
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- Cerebral palsy.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54- My body gets spasm attacks.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Charlotte was born - three months prematurely.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05- Cerebral palsy has affected - her sight, legs, arms and back.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- Like me, she's had a great deal - of physio over the years.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- Ready? One, two, three, four, - five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- Very good, very good.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- How was your childhood?
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Really frustrating.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- I couldn't do anything on my own.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Have you got a brother or sister?
0:12:34 > 0:12:35- Have you got a brother or sister?- - One sister.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- She didn't like it - because I had all the attention.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Frankie and Charlotte playing...
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- ..on the 10th of June, 1991.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- It's been difficult - for Frankie over the years.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Not having her to be - involved in Charlotte's care...
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- ..90% of the care - that I gave Charlotte...
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- ..I had to because of her condition.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11- Frankie saw it as me giving - all my attention to Charlotte.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- Anybody who came to the house, - it was always for Charlotte.
0:13:16 > 0:13:22- I didn't realize - what would happen in the future.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- And it was really, really difficult.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Oh! I dropped her!
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- It was so complicated...
0:13:36 > 0:13:41- ..that Charlotte's mother made the - difficult decision to foster her.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- She hoped it would improve - everyone's lives.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- It's a topic that Charlotte - still finds difficult to discuss.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- When were you fostered?
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- When I was four years old.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- How does that make you feel?
0:14:04 > 0:14:05- Sad.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08- Sad.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- Do you maintain a good relationship - with your foster parents?
0:14:14 > 0:14:15- Yes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- She started having respite - one weekend every month.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- We tried different families.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- There was one family - who were really, really good.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- They were there for the long haul.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- She started going there - once a month.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- That was good because by then I was - a single parent with two children.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- I started getting tired - and unable to cope.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- Social Services agreed - that Charlotte could go there...
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- ..during the week, and - that she'd come home every weekend.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- It was great, - it gave me the respite...
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- ..and time to spend with Frankie, - which was really important.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- How is your relationship - with your mother?
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- Not very good.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Not very good.- - Do you see Mam every day?
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Yes, but I can't talk about - anything.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- I can't open up.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- Do you find it hard to see Mam?
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- Are you OK, Charlotte? - Would you like a break?
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- OK.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- I found it difficult to talk - to Charlotte and her mother...
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- ..about something so personal.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- It's made me aware of the effect - a disabled child has on a family...
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- ..and the difficult decisions - that parents are forced to make.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- I'm grateful - to have a supportive family.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- They have supported me - through everything...
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- ..hospital surgery...
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- ..school, college...
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- ..living in Australia...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..sports, badminton.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- Mam and Dad - have worked incredibly hard...
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- ..to give me a brilliant life.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- I'm very grateful.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- I can't thank them enough.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- Sometimes, - it's hard to say things like this.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- But I'm proud to be able to say...
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- ..that Mam and Dad - are my Mam and Dad.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- They are the best parents - in the world.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- I often turn to Mam - to talk about what's on my mind.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- Filming with Charlotte - has been quite hard.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- It's opened my eyes...
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- ..to the different - experiences people have.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Charlotte was fostered - when she was a child.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- That made me think...
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- ..about what you and Dad - went through when I was born.
0:17:41 > 0:17:42- OK.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- We were very lucky because - Taid and Nain could help us.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Granddad Wilf and Nanny helped us.
0:17:53 > 0:17:59- No-one considered any other option - with either of you two.
0:17:59 > 0:18:05- We wanted to raise you - and do our best for you.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- It has been difficult, though.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- People live differently.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- When you haven't seen how they live, - it's hard to understand.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- But you've seen - that it's hard for some people.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- But there we are.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Like any young girl, - Charlotte likes a night out.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Her sister Frankie - and friend Corina...
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- ..are helping her - get ready for a karaoke night.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- I've had a fake tan.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- And I've had my hair done.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47- And I've had my hair done.- - Pretty!
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- It's not long before the - conversation turns to boyfriends.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- I've had loads - when I was away in college.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Tongue in!
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- We used to watch DVDs all night - and just chill out and chat.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- I'd like to get married...
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- ..and have children...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- ..if I found the right person.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- Do you hope - to find a boyfriend tonight?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- I'll try.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- Charlotte and Frankie are close now, - but it wasn't always so easy.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- As a child, Frankie - was quite envious of her sister.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- I didn't understand why Charlotte - was getting so much attention.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- To me, she was normal. - As I grew older, I understood why.
0:19:48 > 0:19:54- When you're younger, early teens - especially, people are really nasty.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- People were picking on me - because of it.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- After a while, - you just sort of get used to it.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- We used to fight something shocking.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- I mean really want to - rip each other's hair out.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- She can be really nice - and really caring.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Family and friends - mean a lot to Charlotte.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- But yes - she's very opinionated.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- If you do something wrong, - she'll tell you about it.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- Charlotte wants her mother - and foster family to hear her sing.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- Can I have a hug?
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- You're beautiful, honeybuns!
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- We got to know Charlotte as foster - parents, when Charlotte was four.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- She still comes - for tea on Thursdays.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- Like every child, Charlotte - goes through different emotions.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54- Thanks!
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Of course, she gets frustrated.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- But she copes.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- She sees how lucky she is.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09- Cheers, everybody.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Charlotte is quite a karaoke queen.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- I've decided to come to hear - her sing and meet her family.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- Hiya, Charlotte. Are you OK? - Are you having a good night?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Yes, thanks.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- You look nice. - You've put your hair up.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31- Who are you with?
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- My family and friends.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- I've met your mother. - How are you doing, Val? Are you OK?
0:21:41 > 0:21:42- This is Olwen.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- This is Olwen.- - Hi, Olwen. Are you OK?
0:21:46 > 0:21:47- What are you drinking?
0:21:47 > 0:21:48- What are you drinking?- - Sambuca.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- You've hit the hard stuff!
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- Yes! Pass me my drink, please.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- Yes! Pass me my drink, please.- - No problem.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Thanks, James.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Dutch courage!
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- A confidence booster!
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- Elin Fflur from Anglesey is one - of Charlotte's favourite singers.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- # There is something about you
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- # That I can't explain
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- # Something about you
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- # That makes my heart beat
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- # You are the strong arms
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- # That silence my fears
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- # Oh!
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- # Oh!
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- # Something about you #
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- CHEERS
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- The programme has been interesting - and, at times, difficult to make.
0:23:02 > 0:23:08- I've met a girl - who's had difficult experiences...
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- ..as well as good experiences.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Charlotte has a strong personality.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- I hope Charlotte's - dreams come true.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:41 > 0:23:41- .