What in the World - How heatwaves impact people with disabilities

Download How heatwaves impact people with disabilities

Heatwaves are uncomfortable for everyone. But people living with disabilities face additional and specific challenges that can compromise their health and well-being. Many of these issues - from struggling service dogs to overheating wheelchairs - are frequently overlooked, even in public advice and emergency planning.

Maddie Molloy is a BBC climate and science reporter who is also profoundly deaf. She explains some of the challenges a heatwave can pose for deaf people, the visually impaired and people who use wheelchairs. We also hear from Blessing Odukoya, Emily Davison, Maddie Haining and Osayuki Igbinoba about how they cope with the heat.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: William Lee Adams and Adam Chowdhury
Editors: Verity Wilde

Published on Wednesday, 12th August 2026.

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