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Lisa Hammond blasts award show access for disabled actors

Lisa Hammond wants TV and film bosses to encourage award shows to be more considerate of disabled cast and crew when choosing their venues.
The former ‘EastEnders’ actress – who previously played Donna Yates on the BBC soap – has restricted growth condition pseudoachondroplasia, and she is often told there is no wheelchair access at venues for ceremonies or parties.
She wrote on Twitter: "Dear showbizz, pls consider disabled members of ur team when saying yes 2 award ceremony venues or booking parties.
"The aim surely is to provide access to all the team 2 celebrate equally? Please push for this. I’m so tired of getting the email 2 tell me there is no access etc.. (sic)"
The 41-year-old star appeared on ‘EastEnders’ from April 2014 to July 2018, and she admitted people were often critical when they saw her getting out of her chair in scenes, because they misunderstood her disability.
She previously said: "The main image of wheelchair users is that of paralysis. So when I get out of my chair to do a scene on my feet, people don’t like it.
"If I’m feeling good and want to walk in that scene, I will. But if I can’t or pain levels are bad then I’ll use my chair."
Lisa explained she has to try to "laugh it off" when fans approach her in the street to confront her about what they’ve seen on and off screen.
She added: "I’ve been shouted at. I’ve had people say, ‘Oi, why are you in a chair when you were walking on ‘EastEnders’ last night?’
"People always think I’m this feisty girl and I can hold my own but in those moments you just don’t think of anything to say. It’s shock and disbelief. I have to laugh it off."