Judy Watson, deputy head at Stanchester Community School in Somerset, has contributed to the success of a mainstream school that actively supports access for the disabled, one of the few in the country to be completely wheelchair-friendly.

A former winner of the Woman of the Year award, Judy Watson says "I'm a very good role model for a school, celebrating the differences in people and promoting a positive image of disability".

Star the guide dog helps the deputy head around the school

Using braille teaching materials, Judy Watson takes lessons the same as sighted teachers, with her heightened hearing helping her to keep order.

"If you drop a pen she can hear it," said one pupil. "She can hear people chewing so you can't take any bubble gum into her lesson."

Stanchester's headteacher emphasised that Judy Watson had won the deputy's post on merit, with no allowance being given because of her disability.

"Judy was appointed from a competitive field and was clearly the best candidate. Most of the time we completely forget that she's blind."