TEENAGER Elliott Thompson has a clear career goal, but realises he will have to break down social barriers to achieve it.

He wants to be a TV producer, but has already had a number of obstacles placed in his way.

Wheelchair user Elliott, 19, from Withington, Manchester, quit two college courses because he says they did not do enough to cater for his access needs. And he admits it has knocked his confidence in the education system.

"I have the same right to an education and to employment in any area as any non-disabled person," says Elliott, pictured.

He is keen to stress that being in a wheelchair is not the problem, but "the social barriers we have to face. And that's about society's perceptions, lack of awareness and attitudes," he adds.

"I shouldn't have to face these barriers I'm constantly having to face. I realise they could threaten my ambition, but I'm determined not to let that happen."

While most non-disabled people take using public transport and going on holiday for granted, Elliott says that, for a disabled person they can create huge problems.

"Most public transport is inaccessible to me or a person in a wheelchair, and going on holiday involves quite a planning process," he says.

"I think most airline staff have not had the right training and a lot of hotels are inaccessible. It is not ideal and it should not be like that."