News imageWhat in the World, How heatwaves impact people with disabilities

What in the World

How heatwaves impact people with disabilities

12 August 2026

Available for over a year

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