Improve the lives of those injured in our sport, those working in our sport with disabilities and make a real change towards inclusion in motorcycle racing.

Dear all,

I'm reaching out to seek your support for my petition to the FIM urging them to establish a Disability and Accessibility Commission.

In the past two years, media members and staff accredited in our industry have faced workplace discrimination, which deeply concerns me. It's disheartening that some employees in factory teams have insensitively suggested that those with disabilities are merely seeking attention.

I understand that addressing this issue requires collective action, involving not only the FIM but also their partners, such as Dorna, IRTA, and other event organisers associated with the competitions they oversee.

However, I cannot remain silent when discrimination persists before my eyes every race weekend. People with disabilities are well aware of their capabilities; all they are seeking is access to the places necessary for them to perform their jobs. It's disheartening to hear responses like "it's not my problem.”

To those who have not had to fight for equality, you are fortunate. 

From personal experience, having faced life-changing injuries and spending a significant amount of time in a wheelchair, I've come to realise that the world wasn't always accommodating. However, the paddock I worked in during that time was. They provided support during my return to work and made the necessary adjustments for me to access spaces that hadn't previously been considered for disabled access. This has a lasting and positive effect on that paddock and accessibility for others. 

How sad is it, that at the world championship level, this is not a consideration the way it was in club racing in rural Australia?..

While we do excel in some aspects, there's always room for improvement. Deliberately excluding members of our paddock who are simply trying to perform their jobs falls short of our collective potential. I'm not asking for extraordinary efforts; instead, I'm urging everyone to embrace a common-sense and inclusive approach within our sport.

I can’t do this without you.

Yours,

Maddi Patterson