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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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3rd December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations says:
"The International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development."
Did you know, over a billion people worldwide live with a disability?
One in every five women is likely to experience disability in her life?
One in every ten children is a child with a disability?
Many people with disabilities are excluded from the workforce, even if they want to work and are capable of working. This is often due to the unwillingness of organisations to even consider them or through an unwillingness or lack of understanding about reasonable adjustment.
Figures from June 2023 show that the employment rate of disabled people was 53.7% whilst the employment rate for people who are not disabled was 82.7%.
General access to businesses, services and the public realm is also poor for many disabled people, preventing them from being independent and from accessing things that many people take for granted. I cannot use any of the shops on the nearest parade (newsagent, fish and chip shop, optician and butchers) because they all have large steps at the door and not one has a ramp. None seem to even care, and seem to think it's okay for me to either not use their services or to try and serve me whilst I sit on the pavement outside.
So, let's all think of one tangible thing we can do to improve the lot of people with disabilities, on this Day of People with Disabilities.
Ta muchly, Fabland 
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As a “bag” wearer men’s toilets are not designed or set up for bag changes.
So I use a disabled toilet or baby changing one when out. The looks but actual comments I get are amazing to the point where once I actually lifted my top and showed them my bag |
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"Not only is accessibility still a huge problem, the benefits system is also badly failing people with disabilities and long term health conditions.
Nita
"
The benefits system is horrific. I decided not to try to claim PIP after the trauma some of my other disabled friends experienced. However, apparently the only proof of disability accepted by many organisations is a benefits letter, i.e PIP. Being in a wheelchair, with a Blue Badge etc isn't enough. It means I can't get accessible tickets for many venues because you have to phone up (can't book online) then they ask for your PIP letter, which I don't have. |
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"As a “bag” wearer men’s toilets are not designed or set up for bag changes.
So I use a disabled toilet or baby changing one when out. The looks but actual comments I get are amazing to the point where once I actually lifted my top and showed them my bag "
No toilets beyond the accessible ones are set up for people with bags of different kinds. You have every right to use the accessible toilets, they are not just for people with mobility issues.
My biggest bugbear is the baby changing always being inside the disabled toilets and having to endure impatient parents banging on the door, thinking they have some god-given right to just walk right in. The dirty looks one receives upon leaving the toilet (in a wheelchair) are just bananas. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"As a “bag” wearer men’s toilets are not designed or set up for bag changes.
So I use a disabled toilet or baby changing one when out. The looks but actual comments I get are amazing to the point where once I actually lifted my top and showed them my bag
No toilets beyond the accessible ones are set up for people with bags of different kinds. You have every right to use the accessible toilets, they are not just for people with mobility issues.
My biggest bugbear is the baby changing always being inside the disabled toilets and having to endure impatient parents banging on the door, thinking they have some god-given right to just walk right in. The dirty looks one receives upon leaving the toilet (in a wheelchair) are just bananas. "
It’s worse leaving one without any sign of a disability. People think you are trying to queue jump.
I need a clean and sanitised area as far as possible to change a bag. As a urostomy not colostomy it’s more if I get a leak if out but still happens.
Most male toilets have one cubicle and no where to put anything or hand wash |
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Since having my accident in may and being unable to walk without a walker I now find myself physically and mentally disabled. I had to move out my home after 28 years as it was no longer suitable for my needs
I don't drive but its hard for my mum to take me anywhere as I can only walk short distances with my walker. Going to apply for a blue badge. I stay in most of the time now |
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I must also add that there are some absolutely fucking wonderful people in the world, who stick their necks out to fill in for the lack of services for disabled people.
On the day we moved house, I contacted the local council to register for adult services. We moved in February 2023. They finally came to "assess my needs" in mid-November, so 9 months later. Then comes the best bit, the financial assessment. Because we both work and our total household income is above £30k, we do not qualify for a solitary penny in assistance to make major adaptations to the house, including ramps, an accessible wetroom and widening a couple of doorways so I can do things like put my daughter to bed. We are expected to pay for everything in full, ourselves.
Because the wait for assessment was so long but it was essential to get a ramp to the front ASAP, the most fantastic and amazing man, who wishes to remain anonymous, offered to build one for us. He devoted an entire day of his time, for free, travelling from a considerable distance away, to build me a beautiful and very functional ramp. We paid for the materials only. His intervention has been THE most assistive thing that anyone has done for me in the almost seven years since my disability issues started. Thank you, #YouKnowWhoYouAre |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The best thing I have is a card which says please can I use your toilet.
It was given to me in hospital so if I am out and can’t find a public one you can go on to a business and ask to use a staff one.
Only ever used it twice, once in a petrol station and once in Greggs and that both said yes no problems |
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"Not only is accessibility still a huge problem, the benefits system is also badly failing people with disabilities and long term health conditions.
Nita
The benefits system is horrific. I decided not to try to claim PIP after the trauma some of my other disabled friends experienced. However, apparently the only proof of disability accepted by many organisations is a benefits letter, i.e PIP. Being in a wheelchair, with a Blue Badge etc isn't enough. It means I can't get accessible tickets for many venues because you have to phone up (can't book online) then they ask for your PIP letter, which I don't have. "
One of the MANY problems.
I do think claiming PIP is worth it, especially if you're willing to appeal if refused. Apparently loads are accepted on appeal that should have been paid in the first place.
A friend of mine has cerebal palsy and is a strong advocate for disability rights.
I don't know what the answer is, other than being vocal.
My son was in a wheelchair during much of his last couple of years at school and I had to fight for him to be able to attend. Education Welfare were really helpful, but shouldn't have needed to threaten action under discrimination...
Nita |
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"I must also add that there are some absolutely fucking wonderful people in the world, who stick their necks out to fill in for the lack of services for disabled people.
On the day we moved house, I contacted the local council to register for adult services. We moved in February 2023. They finally came to "assess my needs" in mid-November, so 9 months later. Then comes the best bit, the financial assessment. Because we both work and our total household income is above £30k, we do not qualify for a solitary penny in assistance to make major adaptations to the house, including ramps, an accessible wetroom and widening a couple of doorways so I can do things like put my daughter to bed. We are expected to pay for everything in full, ourselves.
Because the wait for assessment was so long but it was essential to get a ramp to the front ASAP, the most fantastic and amazing man, who wishes to remain anonymous, offered to build one for us. He devoted an entire day of his time, for free, travelling from a considerable distance away, to build me a beautiful and very functional ramp. We paid for the materials only. His intervention has been THE most assistive thing that anyone has done for me in the almost seven years since my disability issues started. Thank you, #YouKnowWhoYouAre "
That's good to know  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Thank you for sharing these details to allow us all to be more knowledgeable, aware, and to give a little extra thought to all persons with disabilities.
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Thank you, OP. I know not all people with disabilities are also wheelchair users, but this was on our local news during last week and it feels appropriate (assuming I can share the link)...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67594581 |
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"Thank you, OP. I know not all people with disabilities are also wheelchair users, but this was on our local news during last week and it feels appropriate (assuming I can share the link)...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67594581"
This is really nice to read, thanks YOLO!
The key sentence for me, though, was: "In 2019, in one day everything changed for me."
Too many people are complacent. Anyone can become disabled at any time. Disability rights are human rights
I shall seek out wheelchair crossing lights when I'm in that-there London soon! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"As a “bag” wearer men’s toilets are not designed or set up for bag changes.
So I use a disabled toilet or baby changing one when out. The looks but actual comments I get are amazing to the point where once I actually lifted my top and showed them my bag "
People are just trying to support disabled people by calling out the people that look like they're using the wrong facilities.  Hopefully by shaming them they won't do it again. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Since having my accident in may and being unable to walk without a walker I now find myself physically and mentally disabled. I had to move out my home after 28 years as it was no longer suitable for my needs
I don't drive but its hard for my mum to take me anywhere as I can only walk short distances with my walker. Going to apply for a blue badge. I stay in most of the time now"
 |
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"Since having my accident in may and being unable to walk without a walker I now find myself physically and mentally disabled. I had to move out my home after 28 years as it was no longer suitable for my needs
I don't drive but its hard for my mum to take me anywhere as I can only walk short distances with my walker. Going to apply for a blue badge. I stay in most of the time now"
Definitely get your Blue Badge application in, Diamond. You can park in lots of extra places and be closer to the front doors of things. Have you thought about getting a mobility scooter? There are some pretty decent second hand deals on them these days and even the basic ones have decent range on the batteries.
It's horrific when you are forced to move out of a much loved home when it no longer suits your needs, we had the same in February. Sending all our very best for the future |
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"Thank you, OP. I know not all people with disabilities are also wheelchair users, but this was on our local news during last week and it feels appropriate (assuming I can share the link)...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67594581
This is really nice to read, thanks YOLO!
The key sentence for me, though, was: "In 2019, in one day everything changed for me."
Too many people are complacent. Anyone can become disabled at any time. Disability rights are human rights
I shall seek out wheelchair crossing lights when I'm in that-there London soon!"
Yes, you're right. And won't find any dissent to 'disability rights being human rights' over here.
As for the crossing lights - as true in so many areas - being 'seen', in big and small ways, matters, so I hope they roll a few more out across town. |
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"Thank you, OP. I know not all people with disabilities are also wheelchair users, but this was on our local news during last week and it feels appropriate (assuming I can share the link)...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67594581
This is really nice to read, thanks YOLO!
The key sentence for me, though, was: "In 2019, in one day everything changed for me."
Too many people are complacent. Anyone can become disabled at any time. Disability rights are human rights
I shall seek out wheelchair crossing lights when I'm in that-there London soon!
Yes, you're right. And won't find any dissent to 'disability rights being human rights' over here.
As for the crossing lights - as true in so many areas - being 'seen', in big and small ways, matters, so I hope they roll a few more out across town."
Brilliant pun there at the end  |
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"Since having my accident in may and being unable to walk without a walker I now find myself physically and mentally disabled. I had to move out my home after 28 years as it was no longer suitable for my needs
I don't drive but its hard for my mum to take me anywhere as I can only walk short distances with my walker. Going to apply for a blue badge. I stay in most of the time now
Definitely get your Blue Badge application in, Diamond. You can park in lots of extra places and be closer to the front doors of things. Have you thought about getting a mobility scooter? There are some pretty decent second hand deals on them these days and even the basic ones have decent range on the batteries.
It's horrific when you are forced to move out of a much loved home when it no longer suits your needs, we had the same in February. Sending all our very best for the future "
Thankyou kinky. Will definetly get the blue badge sorted. I have looked at mobility scooters but haven't decided. There always for sale on our buy and sell page. It does sound as though I'm in a better position than you as my bungalow has extra wide doors and a wet room |
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"Thank you, OP. I know not all people with disabilities are also wheelchair users, but this was on our local news during last week and it feels appropriate (assuming I can share the link)...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67594581
This is really nice to read, thanks YOLO!
The key sentence for me, though, was: "In 2019, in one day everything changed for me."
Too many people are complacent. Anyone can become disabled at any time. Disability rights are human rights
I shall seek out wheelchair crossing lights when I'm in that-there London soon!
Yes, you're right. And won't find any dissent to 'disability rights being human rights' over here.
As for the crossing lights - as true in so many areas - being 'seen', in big and small ways, matters, so I hope they roll a few more out across town.
Brilliant pun there at the end "
I know. I didn't want to blow my own trumpet...
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"Thank you for raising awareness - I'm disappointed that i didn't find out about this from work - I'm part of the disability employee group  "
I co-chair ours and have a week's worth of content to spam the entire worldwide network with! Disability is coming to town this week!
That's why I was video editing until 02:00 this morning  |
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"Since having my accident in may and being unable to walk without a walker I now find myself physically and mentally disabled. I had to move out my home after 28 years as it was no longer suitable for my needs
I don't drive but its hard for my mum to take me anywhere as I can only walk short distances with my walker. Going to apply for a blue badge. I stay in most of the time now
Definitely get your Blue Badge application in, Diamond. You can park in lots of extra places and be closer to the front doors of things. Have you thought about getting a mobility scooter? There are some pretty decent second hand deals on them these days and even the basic ones have decent range on the batteries.
It's horrific when you are forced to move out of a much loved home when it no longer suits your needs, we had the same in February. Sending all our very best for the future Thankyou kinky. Will definetly get the blue badge sorted. I have looked at mobility scooters but haven't decided. There always for sale on our buy and sell page. It does sound as though I'm in a better position than you as my bungalow has extra wide doors and a wet room"
Our bungalow was just an ordinary bungalow for sale. We couldn't find any that were perfect or already fully adapted, unfortunately. It's a thousand times better than our previous house with stairs though!
Definitely have a look at scooters. You can also get hoists in the boot of cars to lift them in and some are at least partly folding. There's one that folds down to a small suitcase size. |
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"Thank you, OP. I know not all people with disabilities are also wheelchair users, but this was on our local news during last week and it feels appropriate (assuming I can share the link)...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67594581
This is really nice to read, thanks YOLO!
The key sentence for me, though, was: "In 2019, in one day everything changed for me."
Too many people are complacent. Anyone can become disabled at any time. Disability rights are human rights
I shall seek out wheelchair crossing lights when I'm in that-there London soon!
Yes, you're right. And won't find any dissent to 'disability rights being human rights' over here.
As for the crossing lights - as true in so many areas - being 'seen', in big and small ways, matters, so I hope they roll a few more out across town.
Brilliant pun there at the end
I know. I didn't want to blow my own trumpet...
"
So I blew it instead   |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've broken my neck twice, and have had surgery to remove disks and brace the vertebrae, I've recovered really well is was told 2 years ago I would spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair but with fantastic help from my medical team still going strong, obviously not as active as I used to be and have put on weight which does get me down. But I consider myself to be so lucky that I can do most things that I need to. My employer at the time was fantastic and did absolutely everything they could to keep me on, but given the nature of the work I decided that it was not only unfair on them but also on me as I was just not physically able to do it any more. |
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I have a non visible disability.
On the outside I look ostensibly grand and appear to live a life without a care in the world.
Then when I pluck up courage to say what I have to people they respond with a “well you don’t look like one”
Thanks very much all those years of suffering denigrated in one small sentence.
It comes from a loving place I am sure but just accept it rather than question it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thank you for raising awareness - I'm disappointed that i didn't find out about this from work - I'm part of the disability employee group
I co-chair ours and have a week's worth of content to spam the entire worldwide network with! Disability is coming to town this week!
That's why I was video editing until 02:00 this morning "
If you have anything that can be shared, feel free to spam me! (Or i can give you my telegram if easier) |
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"As a “bag” wearer men’s toilets are not designed or set up for bag changes.
So I use a disabled toilet or baby changing one when out. The looks but actual comments I get are amazing to the point where once I actually lifted my top and showed them my bag "
People are 'orrible.
The airport at Menorca has facilities for bag changing, I've never seen it anywhere else. |
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"I have a non visible disability.
On the outside I look ostensibly grand and appear to live a life without a care in the world.
Then when I pluck up courage to say what I have to people they respond with a “well you don’t look like one”
Thanks very much all those years of suffering denigrated in one small sentence.
It comes from a loving place I am sure but just accept it rather than question it. "
We are sorry you experience this. Keep on sharing your experiences, if you can, because we believe that only by being vocal and belligerent, will we make things better. |
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"Thank you for raising awareness - I'm disappointed that i didn't find out about this from work - I'm part of the disability employee group
I co-chair ours and have a week's worth of content to spam the entire worldwide network with! Disability is coming to town this week!
That's why I was video editing until 02:00 this morning
If you have anything that can be shared, feel free to spam me! (Or i can give you my telegram if easier) "
The stuff I created/edited are very specific to my workplace situation, unfortunately. Case study-type material featuring staff and students (and me), so it's not really sharable, sorry. I did create a quiz that could be shared? |
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One of my closest friends is wheelchair bound. Another ex work colleague who I met during Covid describes themselves as Neurodiverse.
The pandemic was a real wake up call with regards to disability and supporting individuals to flourish and not a moment too soon  |
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"I'm thinking Mrs KC
I'm very aware of partially sighted people and always make someone aware if I'm coming up behind them.
What's one thing you'd suggest?"
I'd suggest trying to approach from the front or an angle, not right behind and to use clear, verbal cues that announce who and where you are and your intentions.
E.g. "hi, I'm close to your left side - is it OK if I come closer, do you need any help" etc. |
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"3rd December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations says:
"The International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development."
Did you know, over a billion people worldwide live with a disability?
One in every five women is likely to experience disability in her life?
One in every ten children is a child with a disability?
Many people with disabilities are excluded from the workforce, even if they want to work and are capable of working. This is often due to the unwillingness of organisations to even consider them or through an unwillingness or lack of understanding about reasonable adjustment.
Figures from June 2023 show that the employment rate of disabled people was 53.7% whilst the employment rate for people who are not disabled was 82.7%.
General access to businesses, services and the public realm is also poor for many disabled people, preventing them from being independent and from accessing things that many people take for granted. I cannot use any of the shops on the nearest parade (newsagent, fish and chip shop, optician and butchers) because they all have large steps at the door and not one has a ramp. None seem to even care, and seem to think it's okay for me to either not use their services or to try and serve me whilst I sit on the pavement outside.
So, let's all think of one tangible thing we can do to improve the lot of people with disabilities, on this Day of People with Disabilities.
Ta muchly, Fabland
"
I wish people would be a little more understanding when it comes to others with hidden disabilities
My Daughter in Law has Ehlers Danlos, she's 25, looks healthy on the outside but suffers painful joints and fatigue, she has abuse regularly when parking her car in the disabled bays of the car park (she has a badge). She brushes it off but she shouldn't have too, neither should she have to explain herself to these ignorant arsewipes x |
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"One of my closest friends is wheelchair bound. Another ex work colleague who I met during Covid describes themselves as Neurodiverse.
The pandemic was a real wake up call with regards to disability and supporting individuals to flourish and not a moment too soon "
How does your friend feel about the term "wheelchair bound", as it's one that a lot of people aren't very keen on. Just curious.
It's really good that you were able to see how a flexible approach to working could support people with disabilities to be in the workforce. It's something that's going backwards at the moment, with many jobs no longer proactively advertising flexible arrangements or changing previous customs to being 100% back in a physical workplace. It might still be possible to request flexible/hybrid/home working as a reasonable adjustment, but having to ask for it/negotiate is much harder than businesses being proactive. |
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"I'm thinking Mrs KC
I'm very aware of partially sighted people and always make someone aware if I'm coming up behind them.
What's one thing you'd suggest?
I'd suggest trying to approach from the front or an angle, not right behind and to use clear, verbal cues that announce who and where you are and your intentions.
E.g. "hi, I'm close to your left side - is it OK if I come closer, do you need any help" etc. "
Yeah I usually say something like " I'm behind you and just coming past" I kind of cough first in the British way .
I meant really what would you suggest from your point of view.? |
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"3rd December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations says:
"The International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development."
Did you know, over a billion people worldwide live with a disability?
One in every five women is likely to experience disability in her life?
One in every ten children is a child with a disability?
Many people with disabilities are excluded from the workforce, even if they want to work and are capable of working. This is often due to the unwillingness of organisations to even consider them or through an unwillingness or lack of understanding about reasonable adjustment.
Figures from June 2023 show that the employment rate of disabled people was 53.7% whilst the employment rate for people who are not disabled was 82.7%.
General access to businesses, services and the public realm is also poor for many disabled people, preventing them from being independent and from accessing things that many people take for granted. I cannot use any of the shops on the nearest parade (newsagent, fish and chip shop, optician and butchers) because they all have large steps at the door and not one has a ramp. None seem to even care, and seem to think it's okay for me to either not use their services or to try and serve me whilst I sit on the pavement outside.
So, let's all think of one tangible thing we can do to improve the lot of people with disabilities, on this Day of People with Disabilities.
Ta muchly, Fabland
I wish people would be a little more understanding when it comes to others with hidden disabilities
My Daughter in Law has Ehlers Danlos, she's 25, looks healthy on the outside but suffers painful joints and fatigue, she has abuse regularly when parking her car in the disabled bays of the car park (she has a badge). She brushes it off but she shouldn't have too, neither should she have to explain herself to these ignorant arsewipes x"
I get stared at, as I park up too. Right until my wheelchair comes out (the crutches don't seem to make any difference). Mr KC went back to the car on his own yesterday whilst I waited inside a shop (we were going to the one next door but needed to dump some bags) - he got absolutely evil stares from an older man who was sitting waiting in the car next to ours. Presumably, an able-bodied looking man shouldn't be putting bags into a car with a Blue Badge on it.
I do understand that some people think they're being helpful by trying to challenge Blue Badge abuse, but like you've said, not all disabilities are visible and so one should take a different approach rather than shouting at people in car parks. |
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"I'm thinking Mrs KC
I'm very aware of partially sighted people and always make someone aware if I'm coming up behind them.
What's one thing you'd suggest?
I'd suggest trying to approach from the front or an angle, not right behind and to use clear, verbal cues that announce who and where you are and your intentions.
E.g. "hi, I'm close to your left side - is it OK if I come closer, do you need any help" etc.
Yeah I usually say something like " I'm behind you and just coming past" I kind of cough first in the British way .
I meant really what would you suggest from your point of view.?"
Do you mean from my wheelchair perspective? My experience of partially sightedness is with a good friend from school only. |
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"I'm thinking Mrs KC
I'm very aware of partially sighted people and always make someone aware if I'm coming up behind them.
What's one thing you'd suggest?
I'd suggest trying to approach from the front or an angle, not right behind and to use clear, verbal cues that announce who and where you are and your intentions.
E.g. "hi, I'm close to your left side - is it OK if I come closer, do you need any help" etc.
Yeah I usually say something like " I'm behind you and just coming past" I kind of cough first in the British way .
I meant really what would you suggest from your point of view.?
Do you mean from my wheelchair perspective? My experience of partially sightedness is with a good friend from school only. "
Yes from your wheelchair perspective |
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"I'm thinking Mrs KC
I'm very aware of partially sighted people and always make someone aware if I'm coming up behind them.
What's one thing you'd suggest?
I'd suggest trying to approach from the front or an angle, not right behind and to use clear, verbal cues that announce who and where you are and your intentions.
E.g. "hi, I'm close to your left side - is it OK if I come closer, do you need any help" etc.
Yeah I usually say something like " I'm behind you and just coming past" I kind of cough first in the British way .
I meant really what would you suggest from your point of view.?
Do you mean from my wheelchair perspective? My experience of partially sightedness is with a good friend from school only.
Yes from your wheelchair perspective "
The big thing is don't just turn up behind me and grab the chair and do what you think I need. Like with sight impaired people, use clear verbal communication and wait for the wheelchair user to respond. Don't assume. Just because someone looks like they're struggling, doesn't mean they actually are. Lots of people get out of breath running for the bus, but we don't pick them up and carry them.
Treat the wheelchair as an extension of the person's body. You wouldn't touch someone's legs without getting consent and it's the same for wheelchairs.
And if offers of help are declined, respect the response. Don't keep on with "are you sure" or "I don't mind, honest..." and don't take it personally if the wheelchair user wants to continue independently.
People who use wheelchairs have very varied abilities to get around independently but the vast majority will be able to ask for help if they need it, rather than needing it on spec without asking.
I've got so many annoying examples of people thinking I need help and foisting it upon me |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thank you for raising awareness - I'm disappointed that i didn't find out about this from work - I'm part of the disability employee group
I co-chair ours and have a week's worth of content to spam the entire worldwide network with! Disability is coming to town this week!
That's why I was video editing until 02:00 this morning
If you have anything that can be shared, feel free to spam me! (Or i can give you my telegram if easier)
The stuff I created/edited are very specific to my workplace situation, unfortunately. Case study-type material featuring staff and students (and me), so it's not really sharable, sorry. I did create a quiz that could be shared? "
Totally understand... Yes defo share the quiz if it is ok xx |
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"Thank you for raising awareness - I'm disappointed that i didn't find out about this from work - I'm part of the disability employee group
I co-chair ours and have a week's worth of content to spam the entire worldwide network with! Disability is coming to town this week!
That's why I was video editing until 02:00 this morning
If you have anything that can be shared, feel free to spam me! (Or i can give you my telegram if easier)
The stuff I created/edited are very specific to my workplace situation, unfortunately. Case study-type material featuring staff and students (and me), so it's not really sharable, sorry. I did create a quiz that could be shared?
Totally understand... Yes defo share the quiz if it is ok xx"
I don't have Telegram - shall I copy/paste the questions and PM them here? Or is there a better way to share? |
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No time to read all the thread but my stance on disability is that we need to do a lot more in this country for disabled prople and be more inclusive. From better access and support to understanding and respect and appreciation that some disabilities are not visable . We also need to stop encouraging sensasionalist journalism who seem to thrive in labeling disable people as scroungers. Those assessments they introduced and their inhumane approach was disgraceful. Sadly some of that still goes on despite how they were discredited. I really have never cared for the tiny minority that might abuse the system as seems to be the obsession with some people. I want a society that is compassionate and understanding and supportive of those in need. Also the patronising behaviour of some towards disabled people can be off the scale sometimes. It does not take a lot to adjust that behaviour, just willingness. And if you don't know how, just ask.I hope it all makes sense. I just feel passionate about it. |
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"One of my closest friends is wheelchair bound. Another ex work colleague who I met during Covid describes themselves as Neurodiverse.
The pandemic was a real wake up call with regards to disability and supporting individuals to flourish and not a moment too soon
How does your friend feel about the term "wheelchair bound", as it's one that a lot of people aren't very keen on. Just curious.
It's really good that you were able to see how a flexible approach to working could support people with disabilities to be in the workforce. It's something that's going backwards at the moment, with many jobs no longer proactively advertising flexible arrangements or changing previous customs to being 100% back in a physical workplace. It might still be possible to request flexible/hybrid/home working as a reasonable adjustment, but having to ask for it/negotiate is much harder than businesses being proactive. "
That’s probably the nicest thing I’ve ever said about him tbf |
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"One of my closest friends is wheelchair bound. Another ex work colleague who I met during Covid describes themselves as Neurodiverse.
The pandemic was a real wake up call with regards to disability and supporting individuals to flourish and not a moment too soon
How does your friend feel about the term "wheelchair bound", as it's one that a lot of people aren't very keen on. Just curious.
It's really good that you were able to see how a flexible approach to working could support people with disabilities to be in the workforce. It's something that's going backwards at the moment, with many jobs no longer proactively advertising flexible arrangements or changing previous customs to being 100% back in a physical workplace. It might still be possible to request flexible/hybrid/home working as a reasonable adjustment, but having to ask for it/negotiate is much harder than businesses being proactive.
That’s probably the nicest thing I’ve ever said about him tbf "
I'm only wheelchair bound in very kinky moments  |
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"Thanks OP the response from this post is amazing"
No worries! Hopefully, we can continue to get traction and engagement.
I don't think people really understand what the "disability tax" is, something that's really bitten me on the arse today. When I first acquired my disability, I'd not long since bought a nearly new, manual car and had a loan to pay for it over several years. Suddenly, I was no longer able to use the clutch with my left foot but I also couldn't afford to buy an automatic car and pay off the loan. The solution was to have my car adapted to have a "duck clutch", which means the clutch can be operated by hand. This morning, my duck clutch broke. There's now only 1 company repairing these, as the need to adapt manual cars is disappearing with more autos being on the market. They can't even look at my car until next week and if they can get parts, it won't be this side of Christmas.
I can't function without a car. Mr KC will be away for work for 5 days in the next fortnight and I will be on my own in getting our daughter to/from school, I still have to work etc. So, I looked to hire a car, at least for the next fortnight. The minute you filter for automatic hire cars, the minimum cost goes up by over £100 for 2 weeks hire. I have to have a big enough boot for my wheelchair, so that excluded all the cars in the lowest price bracket. I chose a "Peugeot 308 or similar, auto" and it's costing £312 for the two weeks. A small manual car would have been £120-150.
Upon arrival after work to collect this car, I found that I'd been allocated a Corsa. The boot was far too small, even with the wheels off, my chair did not fit at all. The staff were very helpful but they simply had no other cars in auto to offer me. They lent me an Audi Q5 (which I could NOT afford to hire for two weeks!) and I then had to drive to the airport to the same provider and they offered me a Vauxhall Mokka. Same problem, too small in the boot. They've finally found me a really crap Golf that smells of cigarette smoke. My chair will fit with the split rear seats down. It took me over 2hrs to collect the car, but my original booking was for a rental office 10mins from work.
I'm paying through the nose for a crap hire car (but functional) that I've had zero choice about having. It was that or nothing. I've invested far more of my time than anyone able bodied would likely have done to collect a car.
I'm likely going to have to find myself my own automatic car with large boot, because the parts for duck clutches are becoming scarce but finding a decent automatic estate type car will not be cheap either. My current car is perfectly fine if run as a manual, that's the kicker. It's a perfectly good car but I'll have to spend money I can't afford for a new one purely because of my disability.
The hire car obviously doesn't have a hoist in the boot like my own car and so I'll be lifting it in/out every time I need to get in/out and that is something I really struggle to do and this will cause me immense pain. |
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"KC!! I logged on this morning at work to loads of lovely links to celebrate disability day /week "
Hurrah!! I launched our week of disability spam in between looking for hire cars
I'll send you stuff later or maybe tomorrow, today just ran away with me! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"KC!! I logged on this morning at work to loads of lovely links to celebrate disability day /week
Hurrah!! I launched our week of disability spam in between looking for hire cars
I'll send you stuff later or maybe tomorrow, today just ran away with me! "
Don't worry x |
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