Ability to persuade

SIR – In 1995, when the Disability Discrimination Act was passed, Bert Massie (Obituaries, October 18) was invited to address the judges and lay members of the Employment Appeal Tribunal in London on its implications.

To make the point that disability was a relative perception, the campaigner told of going to a beach in the summer and watching people frolicking there. He said: “Seeing all the people in their swimming costumes made me realise that my twisted body wasn’t so bad after all.”

His presentation, full of good humour, was a big step in equipping the EAT to deal with the legislation. Peter Dawson

Borrowash, Derbyshire