CHRISTMAS is a genuinely magical time for children and many adults.

It’s a rare moment in the year where the world slows down on Christmas Eve and we can focus on those closest to us and believe in a bit of magic.

For those families and carers of people with disabilities, young and old, all-year round can often be a struggle.

Despite increased awareness of disabilities, society is overwhelmingly geared towards able-bodied people.

We face little obstacles when visiting the shops, cafes, pubs, public transport or toilets.

We rarely have to think or exhaustively plan ahead, unlike those who have disabilities who always have to second guess all manner of hurdles just to lead a normal life.

That’s why the idea by Barrow and District Disability Association of a dedicated Santa’s Grotto is such a considerate idea.

Because every time a barrier is placed in the path of someone with a disability, it only shrinks their horizons and magnifies their differences.

Life for them is frustrating enough without having to be at the back of the queue for Christmas as well.

Despite the important and campaigning work of the BDDA, many towns are still a long way away from being truly fully accessible.

We must do more to put this right.