PosAbility – Apr / May 2021

Apr/May 2021

MAGAZINE STAYCATIONS

ADAPTIVE FASHION

COMPETITION TIME

Discover some of the UK’s top accessible staycation venues

Discover the new stylish and inclusive brand Unhidden

Help us celebrate 10 years of PosAbility with amazing prizes

THE FIAT FAMILY AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME*

To arrange a test drive please visit www.fiat.co.uk/motability

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Fiat range (including mild hybrid) in mpg (l/100km): Combined 34 (8.3) – 53.3 (5.3). CO2 emissions 192 – 119 g/km. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range (if applicable) figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. PHEV vehicle figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. BEV vehicle figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. Both PHEV and BEV vehicles require mains electricity for charging. The values of CO2, electric range (if applicable) and fuel consumption may not reflect real life driving results.

Motability Terms & Conditions: Vehicles only available through Motability accredited participating Fiat retailers and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Advance Payments are correct at time of publishing and are subject to orders being placed between 1st April and 30th June 2021. Terms & Conditions apply.

Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time.

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER! We have started a free monthly newsletter to bring our wonderful readers a little bit more of our award-winning content every month! The newsletter will bring you a mix of stories and information, from the top social media accounts and bloggers to follow, to where to buy the best vegan-friendly Easter eggs and where to find the best accessible staycation destinations this summer.

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Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writers: Katie Campbell Designer: Fionnlagh Ballantine Sales: Danny McGonigle

Welcome

CONTRIBUTORS

Sam Renke, Mik Scarlet, Dan White, Jane Hatton, Ian Taverner, Shona Louise, Sophie Buck

APR/MAY 2021

producing magazines under the strangest of circumstances, and at the end of last year we were rewarded with the accolade of Specialist Magazine of the Year at the PPA Scottish Magazine Awards – an event we celebrated over Zoom!

Ros EDITOR

I

n this issue, we are celebrating ten years of publishing PosAbility! It has been an incredible ten years, but I have to say that none have been more challenging or eventful than this last year. Being plunged into a pandemic last year that saw us flee our office for the safety of home working – assuming we would be back to normal by May, surely. How foolish we were. However, we figured out a way to make it work, to keep Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

DISCLAIMER

PosAbility Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited.

The views expressed in PosAbility Magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our loyal readers and followers, and our amazing columnists and freelancers for supporting us over the last ten years, and especially over the last year. Without you, we would not exist.

Copyright 2021 ©2A Publishing Limited.

All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2049-2251

As a small token of our appreciation, we have pulled together some great prizes to give away this issue, from a fully insured mobility scooter on page 27 to some amazing accessories and vouchers on page 42.

Tel: 0141 465 2960 Fax: 0141 258 7783

Contact Details: 2A Publishing Ltd, 20- 23 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QL

enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk posabilitymagazine.co.uk Apr/May 2021

This issue also looks at adaptive fashion, mental health, disabled Tik Tok influencers, staycations and we hear all about the Academy of Disabled Journalists.

MAGAZINE STAYCATIONS

ADAPTIVE FASHION

COMPETITION TIME

Discover some of the UK’s top accessible staycation venues

Discover the new stylish and inclusive brand Unhidden

Help us celebrate 10 years of PosAbility with amazing prizes

Until next time, stay safe.

Follow us on Twitter @ PosAbilityMag

SUBSCRIBE TODAY...

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To find out more about subscribing to PosAbility Magazine turn to p65

Cover image courtesy of Unhidden Clothing Model: Bonnie Ong - @geneticallyclumsy Photographer: Christian Dyson

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AZINE AG

09 FYI News, stories and updates

15 EQUALITY VS EQUITY Sam Renke examines the importance of remembering an individual’s barriers

16 REWARDING INAUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION Sophie Buck explains the controversy behind Sia’s ableist debut film, Music

20 WARM DAY, COOL FOOD There’s nothing better than a lovely light meal on a hot summer’s day

38 THE SUMMER OF STAYCATIONS Who needs Magaluf when you have the Firth of Forth?

40 HOT STUFF The latest must-have products on the market

42 COMPETITION TIME We’re celebrating ten years of PosAbility Magazine with some awesome competitions!

44 THE ACADEMY OF DISABLED JOURNALISTS Find out how you can become the next big thing in journalism

23 COOKFULNESS Cook up a storm with a recipe from Cookfulness author Ian Taverner

46 THE CURLING ROAD TO VICTORY Euan’s Guide speaks to Paralympic curler Gary Smith

25 PLAYING TO OUR STRENGTHS Why aren’t the disabled community helping to plot a path out of lockdown, asks Mik Scarlet

27 WIN A MOBILITY SCOOTER! Insurance provider Surewise are giving away a fully insured mobility scooter

29 TAKING OVER TIKTOK Shona Louise introduces us to the disabled influencers taking over TikTok

32 STEP INTO SPRING Brighten up your living space in time for the warmer weather

34 CONSCIOUS FASHION Meet Victoria Jenkins’ new adaptive fashion brand, Unhidden

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48 A FRIENDLY EAR How to support someone experiencing mental ill health

51 KIDS’ CORNER What to expect for summer, the latest products for kids, a column from Dan White and another fantastic Future Voices

60 DISABILITY UNION Dan White explains the power of the Disability Union

63 DREAM JOB Jane Hatton lets you know where you can find careers support

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FOR YOUR TOMMY HILFIGER I N F O R M A T I O N ADAPTIVE LAUNCHES News and stories from around the world

SCENT KITS BRING THE GRUFFALO TO LIFE

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uide Dogs has developed scent kits for the renowned children’s book, the Gruffalo, to allow children with visual impairments to enjoy an immersive experience of the popular book.

Children will now be able to discover what each animal in the story smells like, giving them a greater experience of the book.

There are five scent inhalers that represent the five characters in the story and each has its own individual smell: The quick-witted mouse smells like cupcakes The silly old fox smells of cut grass The owl smells like a freshly poured

cup of tea The sneaky, slithering snake has a smoky scent The Gruffalo himself, oozes a stinky leathery barnyard smell that permeates from the depths of the deep, dark wood.

Bringing these characters to life will help include children with visual impairments at story time with the whole family and help develop their love for stories.

Guide Dogs’ specialist Education Support Team have created a bank of resources that includes bringing many other popular children’s books to life using items and games. Check out their resources at guidedogs.org.uk.

SPRING COLLECTION

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he fashion giant Tommy Hilfiger has launched an extensive Spring 2021 collection of its adaptive clothing range for men, women and kids.

The clear focus on creating stylish pieces that combine functionality has enabled them to produce a hugely attractive adaptive range.

The modifications made to the clothes include one-handed zippers on jackets, magnetic buttons on shirts, hook-andloop closures, seated-wear solutions and fits for prosthetics. The stretch fabrics used have also been chosen to provide ease of movement, and adjustability has been taken into account to ensure comfort throughout. The collection draws on the trademark red, white and blue synonymous with the brand, and adds fresh pastel colours throughout.

Tommy Hilfiger himself commented: “Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive is about creating fashion that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability.

Getting dressed should be a joy – an experience that empowers you to look good and feel good in what you are wearing. Our adaptive collections have revolutionised everyday dressing for people with disabilities, giving them the independence and confidence to express their individuality through style.”

The brand has even created a more accessible shopping journey, with the online experience allowing you to search by the modification you require ie. magnetic buttons. It also guides you through each of the modifications and if you order an item it will arrive in accessible, user-friendly packaging.

The adaptive range was launched in 2017 and their commitment to developing this range is refreshing to see in the often inaccessible world of fashion. Let’s hope other brands follow suit.

You can shop the adaptive collection at uk.tommy.com.

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CHARITY HOSTS SENSORY VACCINATION CLINIC

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hare Community is a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, based in Wandsworth. Recognising the stress and anxiety that going for the COVID vaccination was causing for many of their members, they decided to host a vaccination clinic in their immersive learning space, in partnership with local GPs and NHS Wandsworth.

The room is a special interactive space that allowed them to create a tranquil atmosphere using projected images while playing restful music. It removed the traditional clinical environment and replaced it with a familiar, soothing and calming space to help attendees relax and receive their injection in a less stressful manner.

One attendee commented: “Amazing, I just can’t believe it! After all these years of my son being terrified of needles and tests, this has worked! I am so thankful to Share and the NHS. Due to this wonderful vaccination clinic set up in soothing surroundings he had his jab with no problem and I am so relieved and grateful. I am so happy knowing he has protection. I am going to have it [the jab] now too.”

Annie McDowall, CEO of Share Community said: “Our first sensory vaccination clinic was such a success we are planning to hold another one. For people with learning disabilities the surroundings are so important to ensure it minimises any stress. Together with the NHS we set up virtual projections with wonderful distractions such as swimming turtles and calm music. This was a very happy day for us.”

NEURODIVERSE COLLECTIVE RELEASES ARTS SURVEY RESULTS

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euk Collective, a Scottish collective of neurodivergent artists, published the results of a survey that investigated the experiences of neurodiverse artists in the country and found that they face significant additional barriers to working in the arts.

Collating the results of two surveys and a discussion group, the collective published their findings, noting that neurodiverse artists struggle with financial insecurity that comes as a specific result of their neurodivergence, difficulties with the administrative tasks that are associated with a career in the arts, and challenges in social settings

considered the largest issues that are holding neurodiverse creatives back in the arts.

Additionally, multiple respondents independently cited their anxiety over selling art or receiving funding while on disability benefits, asking for clarification on how they can go about this above board, and the frustration with being pigeonholed into the “disability art” category, which is treated with less respect than mainstream art. The information will be used to inform the group’s manifesto, which is expected later this year.

To read the full report, visit neukcollective.co.uk.

MAYOR OF LONDON ANNOUNCES DISABLED ARTISTS GRANT

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adiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has today announced a brand new fund available for the city’s D/deaf and disabled artists and organisations, with the intention of including their output in the opening of Lewisham’s London Borough of Culture next year.

The £70,000 investment – part of the Mayor’s ongoing commitment to support and celebrate d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists – will support both artists and organisations, and City Hall will also be offering grants of between £3000 and £10,000, with those successful in bidding also being included in the opening of Lewisham’s London Borough of Culture programme in January 2022.

The Liberty festival has been presented by the Mayor of London since 2003 and aims to showcase the work of D/deaf and disabled artists. Having been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the festival will run alongside the London

Borough of Culture event in 2022; the latter initiative was launched by the Mayor in June 2017 and aims to shine a light on the character and diversity of the city’s boroughs.

“Our disability arts sector is made up of outstanding talents and organisations committed to redefining access and inclusivity,” said Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

“Unfortunately, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have placed additional challenges on our D/ deaf, neurodiverse and disabled arts. That’s why I am investing in our artists to help unleash their creativity and give them the platform to showcase their skills in next year’s London Borough of Culture in Lewisham.”

LATEST

TWEETS

Cortney Gensemer @CortDoesScience ...Is disability imposter syndrome a thing? I think I have that

Gregory Mansfield @GHMansfield If a disabled person says a building, program, website or entity is inaccessible, it’s inaccessible. Believe disabled people.

Sailor pluto | crip gossip girl @tee_spoonie I hate that when disabled people point out ableism, there’s always this goofy ass nondisabled person going “um actually it’s ableist of you to assume disabled people can’t do anything.” Respectfully, shut the hell up.

Alex Dacy | WheelchairRapunzel @dacy_alex Disabled people who have to navigate the healthcare system deserve an award.

Applications are open from now until 30 June 2021. For more information (available in a number of accessible formats), visit london.gov.uk.

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DISABLED WORKERS RETURN TO ARLINGTON FACTORY

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rlington Automotive Factory has welcomed back disabled workers to their factory, following their closure after going into administration due to COVID-19 in May, and subsequent buyout for an “undisclosed eightfigure sum” by Swiss automotive firm Evtec.

30% of the factory’s workers are disabled, owing to a takeover of Remploy factories after the former lost funding in 2013. 182 employees have been brought back to Arlington, where they supply parts for large carmakers like Ford and Nissan.

Employee Dean Philips, who

lives with a learning disability, has worked at the factory for 24 years, told the BBC that he was “shocked” upon learning he was being made redundant, and worried that his disability would prevent him from finding another job, but was relieved to have his job back at Arlington. Fellow employee Scott Harwood, who had worked for the company for seven years, agreed, telling the BBC that he was worried about how he would pay his bills, and jumped at the chance to return to his old job.

Head of HR Jane Billson, told the national broadcaster: “Since the Evtec acquisition we have been working hard to stabilise the business whilst providing meaningful opportunities not only for ex-employees who were made redundant under the administration... but also offer employment to some of our temporary workers who had stuck with the business throughout the past 10 months.”

LOTTERY FUNDING FOR PARALYMPICSGB

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amelot has announced support for the Olympic and Paralympic teams as we approach the countdown to the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.

As an official partner of ParalympicsGB and an official supporter of Team GB, Camelot will play a vital role in ensuring the teams make it to the coveted sporting event this year. It will also be ensuring all the athletes are arriving in COVID-secure environments to prepare for the Games.

The investment from Camelot will ensure ParalympicsGB benefit from safeguards, including lateral flow testing across all prep camps, the Athlete Village and out-of-village locations, as well as COVID-secure transport and dining at athletes’ preGames camps in Tokyo.

British Paralympic Association CEO, Mike Sharrock, said: “Like so many organisations the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the British Paralympic Association and this partnership with Camelot will help ensure we can deliver world class preparation and Games time environments to empower our athletes to achieve their goals this summer.

“Tokyo 2020 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and we are confident ParalympicsGB can help unite and inspire the nation once again.”

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The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Now available with no advance payment.

You’ve waited long enough to get back out there. And with a year of family days out, visits with friends and weekends away to catch up on, your bank balance should be the last thing stopping you.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Reduces your outgoings, not your going out.

Motability Stock Available Visit mitsubishi-motors.co.uk to find your nearest dealer.

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Verve & Dynamic 2WD / MPG (l/100km) (combined): 34.4 (8.2) to 37.7 (7.5) / CO₂ emissions: 185 - 170 g/km.

The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. No advance payment on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Verve and Dynamic 2WD variants. Subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st April and 30th June 2021. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO₂ figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

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harder to pre-empt my needs? is this too much to ask? If not, how do we accomplish this?

Then my anger turned to guilt.

Perhaps I’m being too harsh on people? How are they really to know what day to day life is like with a disability? I stopped myself - Samantha, that’s your internalised ableism talking, where you see your disability as your problem to solve alone, not a problem for society.

SAM RENKE COLUMNIST

I truly believe a lot of what I described comes down to society’s relationship with achieving equality rather than equity.

Our favourite teacher-turnedactress, Sam Renke, brings you her take on life and the colourful experiences it throws her way.

EQUALITY VS EQUITY

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ccording to Mama Renke, I never had any inclination to walk. “You were a lazy baby,” she joked when retelling the story of my childhood.

She says lazy, I say smart!

I’ve always known what’s best for me, and I even knew way back when that walking simply wasn’t for me.

I never think about what my life would be like if I wasn’t a full-time wheelchair user. I never feel like I’m missing out or feel cheated out of anything.

Nevertheless, the other day I had the overwhelming urge to run; run to clear my head, run away from everything and everyone, to a remote part of the world and just scream until my lungs burst and my throat became red raw.

This is after months of shielding at my family’s home, which is anything but wheelchair-friendly. My poor mother, acting as my temporary personal assistant, becoming so unwell intermittently with migraines and finding herself confined to her bed, left me feeling the most vulnerable, frustrated and restricted I have in years. Combine this with one of my busiest weeks at work since the New Year, and I felt completely overwhelmed.

The emails continued to litter my inbox, almost in a relentless manner with requests for this and that. My mobile phone chirping: “I don’t mean to push but you still haven’t sent me XYZ!” Of course, I was grateful for the work given our current climate, regardless I snapped. I yelled “f**k off” in my mind, don’t they know what I’m dealing with right now? Everyone needed to be a little more patient and give me a little more time.

I replied to some colleagues and disclosed extremely intimate details of my current situation. “The reason I still haven’t sent you over a quote or replied to your email is because my mum is sick and I cannot even shower myself. Oh, and my mobile fell on the floor, and it’s taken be best part of an hour to reach it.”

For a split second, I felt relief that they all knew why I’d fallen behind on my work commitments and for the most part I was met with a sympathetic ear.

Yet, as quickly as I felt the relief, I also felt anger. Why should I have to be so transparent with everyone and divulge all my daily battles? It always feels like disabled people have to educate others. Why can’t people try a little

Of course, we should all strive to ensure every member of society, irrespective of disability, sexual orientation, race, gender, age, be treated with the same respect and have access to the same basic civil rights, as well as ensuring equal pay, equal job opportunities, and equal access to housing and social care.

Most policies, laws, and legislations are founded on a universal approach, but does this ‘one shoe fits all’ approach actually benefit the most marginalised members of our society, and is our focus on equality actually stifling our chance of a truly inclusive society?

The question is, should we concentrate on equity which recognises individual barriers and acknowledges that we are not all on the same playing field? To be more inclusive, we need to recognise these barriers, such as systemic ableism, the disability price tag, negative stereotypes, unconscious biases, and in my case, being in an environment that’s not accessible.

All of these things are preventing minority groups from reaching equality.

On reflection, I could have handled my experience with a much calmer and softer approach, perhaps simply by saying, “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now” and leaving it at that. I guess I overshared because being disabled and facing daily barriers can be lonely and draining. I think in my rage all I wanted people to hear was that I am tired of facing things alone and need others to pre-empt, acknowledge and perhaps shoulder my daily barriers with me. posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Rewarding INAUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION

BY SOPHIE BUCK Sophie Buck explains the multitude of problems with Sia’s debut film Music, and why the autistic community needs and deserves better

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ia’s debut film Music has caused controversy in the autistic community because of its stereotyped, dehumanising and misinformed portrayal of autistic people, the latest in a long list of non-disabled actors “cripping up” for disabled roles.

Far from the intended “love letter to the autistic community,” Music falls into an exploitative inspiration porn narrative. The story isn’t told from the perspective of Music, the teenage non-speaking autistic title character played by Maddie Ziegler, but her older half-sister and new guardian, the recovering addict Zu (Kate Hudson). Other than getting an augmented and alternative communication device and a service dog (basic access adjustments) Music isn’t afforded any meaningful character development or contributions. Her lines given via her tablet are limited onebutton emotional reactions and her could-be love interest, wannabe-dancer Felix, played by Beto Calvillo, dies a brutal yet relatively insignificant death. They only get a dream romantic dance, with undertones there that Music could only be desirable and lovable if she weren’t autistic. These imagined dance sequences, which are fun but infantile and ironically too sensory overloading for many autistic people

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to watch, intersperse Sia’s songs throughout the film and celebrate Music as “freed” from “her autism,” rather than embraced as a whole. Ultimately, Music functions to inspire Zu - who likely represents Sia’s own struggles with addiction - to become sober, and to connect her to Zu’s love interest Ebo (Leslie Odom Jr.). Instead, Sia could have centred and deepened understanding of Music’s perspective, developed her relationships with others and explored commonly co-occurring conditions or identities with autism.

Missing an opportunity for meaningful representation, Sia exploits autism for feel-good abled entertainment and her self-serving plot.

The film also reinforces harmful misunderstandings about and stigma surrounding autistic people. Ebo laments how his “cursed” autistic brother was killed in his Ghanian village, and Zu jokes about giving Music away - and almost does. While likely unintentional, Maddie also caricatures stims (self-stimulatory behaviours) and disconnects them from their self-regulating purpose. Headphones become mere hairstyles. Ebo’s robot-esque faux-explanation of Music’s sensory processing - taking “a snapshot,” “filing it away” to be “returned to her main system three weeks later” - also reinforce dehumanising robot-like autism

stereotypes: we’re different but human. What’s more, Sia also fuels the myth that not speaking indicates not thinking, agreeing with a Vanity Fair interviewer who compared non-speaking autistics to “an inanimate object like a wig” and under-representing non-speaking communication capabilities, which Hari Srinivasan’s Disability Visibility Project article and Communication First’s short film Listen discuss further. Importantly, the film presents itself as teaching its audience about autism, but the lack of meaningful autistic involvement means it’s just promoting misconceptions.

and attempts to develop Ebo, for example, him living with AIDS, “feel more exploitive than anything serious” - an opportunity for Zu’s white savourism. He adds that other characters of Colour, including Felix and his family, are also reductively written; their native language conversations are un-subtitled, and Felix dies prematurely. This is particularly important because a Black autistic fan and athlete, Stevie, inspired Music: Sia could have elevated Black non-speaking autistic peoples’ perspectives, but didn’t, instead co-opting and reducing identities.

The film is especially dangerously uninformed regarding meltdowns. Zu misleadingly equates Music’s meltdowns with her dog’s seizures and implies Music can “get out” of her (seemingly incomprehensible) meltdowns on demand, as if they’re inherent, internal and a choice. In reality, meltdowns are usually triggered by a build-up of intense and/or unpredictable stimuli, which autistic people find harder to regulate. Most harmfully, the film encourages using restraint - Ebo tells Zu to “hold [Music] tight, squeeze her like a bear,” as if she’s a dangerous animal - which is not only escalatory but also traumatising, and even deadly. Restraint isn’t the same as consensual deep pressure therapy, and freezing is different from relaxing - touching disabled people requires consent. While Sia eventually apologised for this deeply distressing scene, she hasn’t yet fulfilled her promises to remove it and provide warnings. Moving forward, the focus needs to shift to seeing meltdowns as understandable but not inherent to being autistic, providing safe, non-judgemental spaces to de-escalate, and identifying, preventing and removing or reducing meltdown triggers.

Music hasn’t just received criticism for its representation of autistic people, but also People of Colour, which is especially harmful to the already under-represented autistic People of Colour. In particular, actor Timothy Boykin (@BlackAutisticKing on TikTok) discusses the cultural appropriation, racial tropes and white savourism in the film. Timothy highlights the “Blackfishing tease” of Music’s opening look - darkened skin and cornrow buns - which capitalises off co-opting the same features and looks Black women and girls face discrimination for, as Wanna Thompson discusses in Paper Mag. Timothy also highlights that Ebo follows “the ‘Magical Mystical Negro’ film trope, where a Black character helps the white protagonist in their journey, while often not being developed themselves”,

It’s not just the film itself but also how Sia dismissively responded to criticism from autistic people. She insulted autistic actors who said they’d been available for Music’s part: “Maybe you’re just a bad actor,” read her nowdeleted tweet. Defending her choices, she relayed that the non-speaking autistic actor she’d hired found filming “too stressful”. Instead of making the set more accessible, collaboratively re-writing the plot and amending the demanding and unrealistic dance scenes, or casting a different autistic actor, Sia decided this was “cruel, not kind” and “nepotistically” encouraged Maddie, who felt reluctant, to play the role. While it’s valid that some autistic people, especially those non-speaking who especially need more representation, consider this depiction better.

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than none, if Sia wanted to tell our stories, she could and should have done a better job working with autistic people to represent us authentically in our depth, complexity and diversity - else stick to her expertise. By ignoring our feedback, she highlights her priority is not to represent us, but savouristically speak for us, advance her career, and to profit from our experiences. While she did eventually apologise and admit she “listened to the wrong people” - for example, Autism Speaks - before fleeing Twitter. This was only after the film was commercially released and had received award nominations. A lesson needs to be learned from this.

Sia’s Music doesn’t exist in a vacuum: it is propped up by an ableist society and is the latest in a long-line of reductive autistic representations. Sia’s actions were protected and even praised by her supportive fans and the film “experts” who nominated the film for two Golden Globes, which thanks to an autistic-led campaign garnering over 150,000 signatures, Music didn’t win. For industry change in the representation of autistic - and all disabled and otherwise marginalised people - in TV and film, we need a societal paradigm shift: identities society already oppresses should not be extracted into inauthentic portrayals that further discriminate against them for profit, social capital and entertainment value. Media needs to be consumed actively rather than passively - ask: is this portrayal authentic or stereotyped, is the actor disabled or ‘cripping up’, whose perspective is centred? Film and TV decision-makers also need to transform its accessibility and recognise the importance, not burden, of disabled involvement: it’s our right to be included and, while we may need adaptions, we also bring expertise. Reductively co-opting marginalised identities is neither the pinnacle of - nor ‘just’ - acting; when this is a public portrayal, power dynamics are at play.

...if Sia wanted to tell our stories, she could and should have done a better job working with autistic people to represent us authentically in our depth, complexity and diversity This is why it’s important to support media created by and with autistic and otherwise disabled people. While not faultless, a learning example is Pixar’s animated short film Loop, which hired Disney’s first non-speaking autistic actor, Madison Bandy, whose lines they recorded in her home after she struggled with the intensity of the set, and consulted with Autistic Self-Advocacy Network representatives. Authentic representation is important and we want to tell our own stories.

Pixar’s Loop

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WARM DAY, COOL FOOD It’s universal of the British cultural experience that sometimes, in the summer, our parents would make us a cold meat dinner, consisting of salad, cold sandwich meat, boiled eggs, and whatever else that could be eaten cold from the fridge. It was the perfect light summertime meal - so it’s time to bring back the cool, light dinners that feel right at home during the two weeks that constitute British summertime.

CH EES E P LA TTER A charcuterie board has a little something for everyone; you fill them up with the things that you love, and can be made to cater to just about any dietary restriction, from a spread of vegan cheeses and light nibbles, to a glutenfree board loaded to the nines with delicious cured meats and fruit. Sharing a large board of food, like tapas or a Chinese-style hot pot, is a very social dining experience.

It’s designed to be eaten with friends, or at the very

least company, so it’s a lovely way to have a few friends around to the garden if you’re able to through lockdown restrictions or outwith sheltering.

If you love the idea but you’re not sure where to start, there are a few elements which tend to make up most charcuterie boards: cured meats, good cheeses, fruit, veggies, and vessels upon which to eat these delicacies. Think a good few hard and soft cheeses like cheddar and brie, prosciutto, salami, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, grapes, red peppers, cucumber, bread, oil and balsamic for dipping, crackers…

FUN WITH PASTA Pasta is, not to be too dramatic, probably the finest thing that Italy has ever given to the world. In the winter, a big bowl of pasta slathered in ragu and covered in parmesan is perhaps the most comforting thing in the world. In the summer, it’s the turn of the light, delicately flavoured pastas to shine. Pasta is filling, and relatively simple to make, so it’s a favourite of many people who might find themselves low on spoons around dinnertime and needing something tasty and wholesome.

Lemon pasta is a fun summertime dish that adds a sharp spin on the standard pastaplus-sauce formula. Easy to make vegan or gluten free by subbing in a pasta of your choice, all it requires is tossing cooked pasta into a warm pot with simmering olive oil mixed with lemon juice. If you want to get extra fancy, you can add in some toasted pine nuts and broccoli to get a little extra goodness.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF COLD SOUP If anywhere knows how to make a delicious cool meal for a hot day, it’s the denizens of Andalusia in Spain, where temperatures can reach up to 36°C, which is really quite hot when the UK doesn’t regularly exceed room temperature, and when it does, we panic. Gazpacho is a cold soup that originates from Andalusia, and is made from blended vegetables - like tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and cucumbers - and bread.

There’s also vichyssoise, a thick soup, served cold, and made from puréed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock. It’s made by sautéing all of the ingredients, adding in the mashed potato and cream, and whisking while being brought to a boil. Once it’s been boiled, the soup is chilled and served.

LO AD ED FLA TBREA DS Bread is an incredible vessel for other foods: the almighty burger, the humble sandwich, literally just toast - how good is toast? One of the most bitterly overlooked families of bread is flatbread, specifically the Greek varieties and khubz, which itself is a kind of catch-all term for Arabic breads. These thinner breads, like pitta and naan breads, are perfect for loading up with a whole host of different toppings (or stuffings), or for dipping, and make great light lunches and dinners. They can be loaded on to charcuterie boards and used to mop up hummus, served with falafel, turned into gyros, or filled with schwarma.

A lovely summer dinner of grilled chicken, salad, pomegranate seeds, and yoghurt, all spread on a Lebanese-style flatbread makes for a filling meal without being too heavy or too hot. It’s good when you don’t have the energy to cook something because, if you already have grilled chicken in the fridge, it can be assembled quickly.

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Cookfulness

BY IAN TAVERNER

Ian Taverner is the author of Cookfulness, the cookbook designed for people living with chronic illness and pain. Every issue Ian will be contributing a delicious new recipe, complete with his unique cooking format and hints and tips to allow everyone to make tasty, nutritious meals in their own kitchen, and in their own time.

POTATO, BROCCOLI AND TOMATO HARISSA TRAY BAKE Give Yourself Time - take extra time to take a step back, breathe and re-Cookfulness yourself Key – steps are marked for when something really important is needed Hints & Tips – these will help you throughout and after

HINTS & TIPS

1

Don’t overcook the potatoes or broccoli – at the initial stage undercooked is better

2

When laying into the dish, try to keep the broccoli under the cream cheese/milk mixture to prevent burning

3

If you are struggling with your hands, use a large slotted spoon to lift out the potatoes and broccoli from the boiling water into the baking dish, leave the water to cool to move later.

Crushing tortillas can be hard, so you can put in a bag

4 (slightly opened) and gently press down if easier WAYS TO CHANGE Add cooked chicken strips to the potato mix before pouring the sauce over.

Use different flavoured tortillas (but remember the harissa has punch so be careful!)

Cookfulness Playlists – get your best tracks going!

METHOD Difficulty rating: *** Serves: 4-6 Cooking time: 40 mins Preparation time: 15 mins Give yourself time: 70 mins

YOU WILL NEED Measuring jug Cup Knife Chopping board Large sauce pan Colander/sieve Large mixing bowl Large shallow cooking/ baking dish Mixing spoon Your cookfulness music playlist!

INGREDIENTS 1 small bag new potatoes 1 packet tender stem broccoli 1 cup cherry or plum tomatoes (2 good handfuls) 2 packets plain cream cheese (vegan perfect too) ½ pint milk (coconut works great too) 1 packet unsmoked bacon (leave out if vegan) 1 heaped teaspoon Harissa paste Salt & pepper Tortilla chips – flavour of your choice!

Grated cheese for the topping (mozzarella ideal but any soft cheese – vegan mozzarella works great)

KEY Preheat oven to 200c (180c fan) Boil the potatoes in their skins until just cooked (firm) For the last 5 mins of boiling, add the broccoli Drain potato and broccoli mix and set aside Cook the bacon how you wish (fry or oven but crispy) Cut the bacon into small bite sized pieces and set aside Lay the potatoes and broccoli into the cooking dish, spread evenly Scatter the bacon pieces evenly over Scatter the tomatoes evenly over Season with salt and pepper In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, milk and harissa paste and mix thoroughly Pour the mixture over the potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes and bacon into the dish In your hands, crush tortilla chips over the top of the mixture to create a crumble type topping Sprinkle over grated cheese KEY Set timer for 40 minutes Bake in the oven for 40 minutes

Follow Cookfulness on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @Cookfulness.

You can purchase the Cookfulness book in hard copy and e-book from Amazon and Waterstones.

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MIK SCARLET COLUMNIST

Follow Mik on Twitter

PLAYING TO OUR STRENGTHS

A

s I write this, we are hopefully entering the last few months of the COVID crisis.

Society hasn’t come out of a year of lockdowns, death, and an economic crash very well, and as we begin to talk about a return to normal, I wonder if this is the time for disabled people to help lead the world into a new kind of normal. A normal that works for us all and that allows all of humanity to develop and grow.

For my family, it hasn’t been a great time. My wonderful wife has worked solidly through it all, as she works in web development and as every business has gone online in a bid to survive, so she’s been rushed off

“Within the disabled community, not being able to live as you choose is part of what gives us a shared experience, almost a shared culture”

@MikScarlet

her feet. The stress of all this work combined with the lack of escape from work and meeting with friends has had an impact on her. My brother, still recovering from the loss of our mother just before all this happened, lost his job and found the isolation too much to bear. He became unwell and I was happy to be his support as he struggled to make it through a year of dealing with his life falling apart.

This experience has been mirrored by people all over the UK and the wider world. Yet I have to admit I found the lockdowns far easier to deal with.

I’d spent so many periods of my life unable to venture out due to something outside my control. Illness or recovery from surgery would often lead to my being not only confined to my home but to my bed. I spent more than a year stuck in a world of bed, with everything I needed within arm’s reach. I spent a year in a hospital bed aged 15; three years getting well enough to return to normal life - it was a new life as a wheelchair user, and I have had prolonged periods like this ever since. I’m not alone.

Within the disabled community, not being able to live as you choose is part of what gives us a shared experience, almost a shared culture. Every day in the life of a disabled person, they will be faced with the impact of not being able to do as they wish due to circumstances out of their control. I know many of you have not only been in lockdown but have been shielding for more than a year. Yet most of you have managed to make it through far less mentally and physically impacted than the non-disabled community. If disabled people are so much more skilled at coping when things go against us, why aren’t we given more of a role in shaping our society?

Especially as it comes out of this grim

time unsure of how to rebuild. Let’s face it, rebuilding is another shared experience of the disabled community, so why not get the experts in?

For too long the skills and strengths of disabled people have been ignored, usually because of the stereotypes of us being broken and weak. We know this is rubbish: even when we are floored by illness or the impacts of our impairments, we shine through and keep on going. We rarely see this as a skill, but that’s another thing most disabled people share. A lack of realisation of how amazing we are.

No more. Let’s embrace the skills that being who we are have given us. Not only should we admit this, but society needs to too. If we get involved in building the new normal, it will lead everyone to a better normal, a more accepting normal and a normal that means if something like this crisis should ever happen again, we’ll all be better equipped to cope and get through it with less damage.

If nothing else, let’s come out of this period strong in the knowledge that we deserve better. We’ve seen disabled people at the bottom of the list of priorities throughout the last year, and let’s face it, well before. Yet we still go on, fighting, struggling, pushing forward day in, day out. Be proud of yourself. No matter how you feel and how you see what you “achieve” as a disabled person, you are amazing. You cope with a life that we now know most people couldn’t do without much more support than we get. Let’s go into the “new normal” with pride, with confidence and with the knowledge that we could do a much better job of running things than the mob we currently have to put up with.

Yes, this could be a manifesto…

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A

s we come out of lockdown, we all hope to get out and about more and together with Surewise, we would like to help one of our readers do just that with an amazing new scooter and comprehensive insurance package.

Surewise is an insurance provider dedicated to helping people live their lives as independently as possible, and to highlight this they are giving away this amazing Drive DeVilbiss ST1 Scooter complete with an annual mobility scooter insurance policy to keep you covered for a full year.

The Scooter The ST1 is the lightest scooter in the ST range, it is incredibly compact and breaks down easily for storage or to fit in your car boot when travelling.

It has a top speed of 4mph and a maximum range of six miles on a full battery charge. It is ideal for nipping to the shops and taking on day trips or holidays, giving you independence wherever you go.

To be in with the chance of winning this amazing prize simply email your name, address and telephone to posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com, visit posabilitymagazine.co.uk to enter online or fill in your details and post this form to the address below:

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Surewise have included their Annual Mobility Scooter Insurance policy as part of the prize with this scooter to give you peace of mind. The policy includes:

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No excess payments, no hidden fees and no age limit on the age of the rider They cover the scooter, not the rider so multiple drivers are covered Also included in these policies are elements of their Wheelchair Insurance, providing additional cover for your manual wheelchair too.

Find out more about Surewise’s comprehensive range of Mobility Scooter, Wheelchair and Carers Insurance policies, at surewise.com or by calling 01268 200 020.

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I would like to receive updates, offers and information from PosAbility Magazine

Terms and conditions The prize is one Drive DeVilbiss ST1 Scooter including one year of the Surewise Annual Mobility Scooter Insurance policy. The annual insurance policy awarded will be within the terms and conditions of the Mobility Scooter Insurance policy from Sure Wise Ltd. The prize will be delivered to the winner. The prize is not transferable nor can any cash alternative be offered. One entry per household. Entrants must be over 18. The prize is available to UK residents only and will only be delivered to a mainland UK address. Closing date for entries is 31 May 2021.

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TAKING OVER TIKTOK

BY SHONA LOUISE

Meet the disabled influencers who are taking the social media platform TikTok by storm

O

ver the past year, everything from Zoom quizzes to surprise post from friends has helped us through these strange times. But there’s one app that has slowly become part of our daily lives, and if you’ve managed not to download it then I’m impressed. TikTok has provided us with an escape from lockdown; we’ve learnt dances in our kitchens, cooked new recipes and watched countless puppy videos. But there’s also another side to TikTok. Countless disabled people have taken to the app over this past year to share their lives and educate others. As a disability blogger myself, I’ve seen the growth of disabled people using social media, but nothing has grown quite as quickly as TikTok. There are d/Deaf creators teaching British Sign Language, amputees sharing their prosthetics journeys and wheelchair users putting their twist on the famous TikTok dances. The platform is allowing disabled people to educate and inform people in a monumental way. Just by showing what our everyday lives actually look like we are breaking down those stigmas that have existed in society for so long, one video at a time.

KATE STANFORTH Kate Stanforth is a dancer and model signed with Zebedee Management, a talent agency that specialises in diverse models, including disabled models and influencers. Having recently set up her own inclusive dance school, Kate has amassed over 50,000 followers on TikTok, sharing

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snippets of her life and inclusive dances. Kate has proudly used her platform to share that she is an ambulatory wheelchair user, helping to break down the myth that all wheelchair users are unable to walk. Her TikTok is a great balance of fun and reality. She honestly shares her experience of having Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and ME, amongst other conditions, as well as sharing her adapted versions of the well-known TikTok dances that seem to have slowly become part of our everyday lives! Kate is truly taking the world by storm having recently worked on huge ad campaigns with Asda, and now she’s taking her adapted dances to more via her own dance school, showing the world that dance is for everyone.

SHELBY

Shelby is a model also signed with Zebedee Management who has gained over 235,000 followers on the platform.

Shelby campaigns for more disability representation in the fashion industry, having worked with brands such as Kurt Geiger. She lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and uses a powerchair and a ventilator as a result, all of which she shares honestly, with a touch of humour! Her hair and makeup are always fabulous, proving that disabled people enjoy glam just as much as the next person. Shelby’s TikTok really normalises elements of disabled people’s lives such as needing to use a hoist and having personal assistants and carers, not only does this help other disabled people feel less alone but it also breaks down the stigmas that surround needing such help.

LUCY EDWARDS

Lucy Edwards is a blind broadcaster, YouTuber and disability activist who has grown an incredible following of 1,500,000 million followers on TikTok. Her “how does a blind girl?” videos have gained enormous attention on the platform as she shares how she navigates the world.

She’s covered everything from how she makes a hot drink to using FaceTime. She also shares helpful tips, such as how to walk past someone using a white cane and how to describe images to someone who is blind. Her peppy personality and open attitude have created an amazing environment where people can ask those questions that they’ve always wondered about. One video at a time Lucy is educating everyone on what her life is really like: a lot of fun!

As someone who has been a blogger for almost ten years, covering disability for six years, I’ve seen how the disability community has grown across Twitter and Instagram, but the opportunities that TikTok offer are something I’ve never seen before. Disabled people are taking back the power and telling their stories in the way they want. As disabled people, we often deal with a lot of unwanted questions from strangers about our disabilities, and for me, the best thing about platforms like TikTok is that it gives you the control to decide what you want to share and answer.

If you’ve not already downloaded TikTok then take a look, there are plenty of dog and food videos on there, but there’s also a lot of creators using their platform to educate and inform people. You might roll your eyes when someone says “I saw it on TikTok,” but there are many sides to the platform and personally, I’ve learnt a lot from it.

Follow these creators on TikTok: Kate Stanforth - tiktok.com/@katestanforth Shelby - tiktok.com/@shelbykinsxo Lucy Edwards - tiktok.com/@lucyedwardsblind Follow Shona Louise on Twitter at @ShonaLouiseBlog

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STEP INTO

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

Let’s brighten up our living spaces indoor and out.

As we emerge from the dark months of lockdown, we could all use a little light in our lives and spring is the perfect time to embrace some colour and breathe some new life into our surroundings.

Flowers, greenery, lights and scents are all great ways of introducing joy and calm into your living space so why not get creative with some of our simple, effective ideas.

1

Porto Solar Lanterns

An ideal way to spruce up your patio, these solar-powered lanterns look luxurious and give off a beautiful glow in the evening after soaking up the sun’s rays during the day.

The perspex pillar candles sit in the middle of the bronze lantern case and have a small LED that gives off the light.

They look stylish and avoid the hassle of lighting candles outdoors.

Lights 4 Fun | £49.99

2

4

Luxury Faux Flower Bouquet

Fresh flowers can be a bit pricy and they don’t always last that long. Why not opt for some faux flowers (it sounds better than fake)? This delightful arrangement of peach and orange roses and lilies come complete with a clear vase and will be the perfect addition to brighten up any room.

Dunelm | £40

5

Chronic Illness Art

Looking for something bright, beautiful and poignant to put on your wall? Look no further than these amazing colourful prints designed to raise awareness of ME and other chronic illnesses. Featuring phrases like ‘But You Don’t Look Sick’, ‘Not Just Tired’ and ‘Take Your Medication’ these prints highlight misconceptions and serve as a useful reminder to take your meds.

Kitty Strand Designs on Etsy | £40

6

Decorative solar lights

Transform your outdoor space into a romantic escape of twinkling lights, without having to worry about your electricity bill. These decorative wishing ball lights can be hung around your garden creating a special ambience in the evenings, all powered by our friend, the sun.

Liftad | £22.21

Cocktail Time

After this long hard year, I think we have all earned the right to enjoy some cocktails. It can be a hassle and an expense buying all the ingredients and then trying to emulate Tom Cruise in Cocktail. Let Pirates Grog Rum take the effort away and deliver you some readymade cocktails so you can simply open, pour, sit back and enjoy.

Pirates Grog Rum | £22.50

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Electric blanket

It may be sunny outside, but in true British style it is still rather chilly. You don’t want a little cold spell spoiling your outdoor socialising, so why not invest in a heated blanket that will keep you cosy through any fresh spring evenings in your garden? This Aldi heated throw has a pocket to keep your legs cosy just like a sleeping bag and three different temperature settings too.

Aldi | £34.99

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Raised Planter

Gardening can be a therapeutic exercise, and if you have an outdoor space that you can utilise, you should definitely take advantage of it. Create an outdoor haven of peace and tranquillity with this raised height wooden trough, it is ideal for planting some bright, colourful flowers in and can be accessed perfectly from a seated height.

Wonkee Donkee Forest Garden | £110

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Animal Print Dress

As the sun comes out it is time to ditch the winter wardrobe and get some sun on your skin. You will soon be allowed to attend small social outdoor gatherings, so why not treat yourself to this sassy little animal print number from Kintsugi. It features Velcro fastenings for easy dressing, is 100% cotton and has no internal labels.

Kintsugi | £35

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Justyn Bird And Flower Motif Jug

This beautiful aluminium bird and flower jug will be perfect for serving some iced water, juice or summer cocktails in when you have a friend or two over to hang out in your garden. It is quaint and pretty and will also look perfect on your table with some fresh flowers in it.

Wayfair | £14.99

10

Grow Your Own Gin Herbs

What is your windowsill missing? Perhaps some fresh herbs to add to your gin? We don’t believe there is any better use for a windowsill really. This Grow Your Own set features three different pots for your herbs sitting in a decorative wire basket. Plant rosemary, mint, basil or thyme and watch it flourish before picking a few sprigs to elevate your gin and tonic.

Dibor on Not On The High Street | £32

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Conscious FASHION

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

Meet Unhidden, the new adaptive clothing brand created by Victoria Jenkins to offer disabled people classic, timeless pieces for stylish everyday living

T

he fashion industry is not well-known for its inclusive ethos, but it seems that the world is slowly starting to take notice of the fact that we do not live in a “one size fits all” society as more and more brands are considering adaptive ranges and creative independents are starting up to cater for the disabled community.

Victoria Jenkins is just one of the latest trailblazers to tackle the inequality of the fashion industry and provide the disabled community with what she describes as a “basic human right”. Her designs have been thoughtfully created for people living with a wide range of impairments and needs; from living with a stoma to catheter users, wheelchair users and individuals going through chemotherapy to those living with dexterity issues. The fastenings, openings and fabrics have all been chosen to create a functional, comfortable and stylish range.

We caught up with Victoria to find out more about her adaptive clothing brand, Unhidden.

What inspired you to start an adaptive fashion brand?

Despite studying fashion design and spending my entire career as a garment technologist, it wasn’t even my own journey into disability that sparked Unhidden, it was a fellow patient in 2016.

She’d survived ovarian cancer but had a stoma, lines in her arm and was being fitted for one in her chest. She’d been through so much, and yet she still had to undress to access her body, or when the doctors usually a team of them - came to see her. I started looking into it from my own hospital bed, and what I saw just wasn’t inspiring, and it wasn’t aimed at young people who were working. It took hold of me and I registered Unhidden in 2017, and quit my dream job at Victoria Beckham to work freelance and started developing and researching.

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Due to my own health and energy levels I didn’t get very far, which is why lockdown has actually been a gift for me. I had the time and the energy given to me to push it forward.

Can you tell me more about the madeto-order format for customers?

This was a decision I made after having the first shoot. I thought this way I am not fronting costs for production, as that is literally thousands of pounds as well as a gamble, not everyone is going to buy every size and choosing which sizes to make is difficult. It was also a way to launch and test the waters, to see whether people even liked the designs.

Being sustainable in this way means my impact can really be measured and that is something I will commit to for life. I am currently crowdfunding to allow me to produce a small production run of some of the samples and pay for new design development. I then may have to consider

I am also trialing an adaptive alteration service so people can send their existing clothing to be upcycled into the adaptive wear they need. This keeps their well-loved pieces out of landfill and breathes new life in to them. I’ll also be filming a series of workshops in the next few months showing how to adapt your clothes. This will be available for free so that adaptive clothing is truly accessible for all. I don’t want money to be a barrier for people, I truly want to help.

As a small and ethical brand Unhidden is of course at a higher price point than mass produced fashion but this is the reality of what clothing should actually cost when you pay your entire supply chain properly and you are not mass producing. Our shirts cost just over £60 to make and thanks to my experience and the factory I work with, they are made to the highest standard with the best construction methods. I am safe in the knowledge that neither the planet nor people have been exploited to make this possible.

Can you provide information on the Kickstarter you have running?

The Kickstarter is running until 11 April at 5pm. There are a number of rewards and I have collaborated with some women-owned small businesses to bring supporters some gorgeous items! pitching for investment which scares me, but I believe in my mission.

How important was it for you to stay away from producing ‘fast fashion’, and how have you done this?

It was paramount. I could not in good conscious be a part of the problem. Fast fashion, climate change, they negatively impact marginalised communities first, and through my work as a freelancer I knew of multiple ways to lower my impact so I am dedicated to using them.

It means not over producing stock by either made-to-order or small runs, using dead stock fabric so I am only using up fabric and trims that have already been made, sadly this is not possible with magnets at this time, and being transparent at all times with my customers; showing where things have come from, who made it, all these details will become available on the website once I have a bit more funding to do this.

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I am also releasing a book in hardback and eBook format (and I am looking at how to make it audible and in Braille too) called The Little Book of Ableism. It is designed to explain why certain words, phrases and behaviours are ableist, and how to change them so that you are a better ally to the community. There will also be a glossary of commonly used terms and slang that will be explained. We hit our modest target so quickly which was just amazing and now I am hoping to hit our stretch goals. This will also allow me to hire a bit of help, running all of this solo is brilliant but also very tiring and until the day we see profit I need to free up my time so I can work on paid projects too.

The Kickstarter can be found at http://kck. st/2OKFgzw.

What are the future plans for Unhidden?

This year the focus is on getting the word out about what we are doing, we are at a pop-up shop on Oxford Street, London on 20 May, and we have a space at The Essex Beauty Show in August which means people will see Unhidden in real life, on real people.

I want to expand the range as best I can to include outerwear and more fashion pieces.

My long-term goal is to see Unhidden in concessions in existing stores, as well as having a stand-alone store where the staff are medically trained, the changing rooms and layout fully accessible, and a luxury experience is offered to any and all customers when they step in.

We are also partnering with some other platforms which I have to keep under wraps for now, but it’s very exciting and it feels like real change is coming. Adaptive and inclusive design must become mainstream, it is a basic human right and it is also future proofing fashion. I truly hope bigger brands also wake up to this sooner rather than later. unhiddenclothing.com

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Staycations THE SUMMER OF

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

With holidays abroad still not the safest of ideas, staycations might be the best way to get some rest and relaxation this summer

SANDPIPERS

National charity Revitalise offer respite care in holiday settings for both disabled people and their carers something they’ve been doing for over 50 years. They have three beautiful locations across England which offer both essential care to their disabled guests, and a fun, relaxing environment where disabled people and their carers can take some time to just get away from it all, relax, and have a break. At the time of writing, Revitalise are currently only offering breaks at their gorgeous Sandpipers centre, which is employing a number of additional safety measures to make sure that any guests staying with them have an additional peace of mind regarding their safety.

Sandpipers is located in the North West of England, and looks onto the stunning sandbanks surrounding Southport Pier. Depending on when you stay, you may be able to take an excursion to Liverpool, Manchester or Chester, and could even venture out to Blackpool for a day at the famous Pleasure Beach. Inside, you can enjoy a heated hydrotherapy pool, Zumba classes, bingo, and much more.

Or, you can just chill - it’s your holiday! revitalise.org.uk

CHESTERSTONE FARM

Located near Upper Largo, this beautiful house overlooks the Firth of Forth, and is just ten minutes away from the historic town of St Andrews, which is home to the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world, as well as the apparent home of golf! Chesterstone Farm is an accessible getaway: it’s wheelchair accessible, and either features level entry or ramp access around the premises. There’s an accessible bedroom on the ground floor, as well as a wet floor shower which features a manual shower chair. This property is ideal for a large family getaway, and it’s perfect not only for relaxing, but getting active in the Scottish countryside: you can arrange clay target practice, or get out on the quad bike trail. Perhaps the best selling point outside of everything mentioned is the property’s hot tub, which lets you take relaxation to a whole new level. sharedcarescotland.org.uk/directory/6595/chesterstone-farm/

WARREN HOUSE

The absolute luxury of Warren House can’t be understated - located in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, the country house hotel is within the grounds of the Coombe Estate, and everything has been carefully designed to blend in with its idyllic surroundings without compromising on luxury or comfort. Within the estate is a gorgeous restaurant and leisure facilities.

The suite is located on a single floor, and features an open plan living space, two bedrooms, and a bathroom that sports a walk-in shower. Warren House isn’t far from a host of amenities: within a mile of it are a pub, a shop, and a restaurant. The town centre also isn’t far, and there are an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops there, should you get too bored of relaxing. mulberrycottages.com

DAISYBANK CABIN, HOE GRANGE

Accessibility is at the forefront in Daisybank Cabin, and the attention really is in the details here, down to the paint on the walls and doors, which are designed to be highly contrasting. Daisybank Cabin is rated by the National Accessible Scheme as suitable for part-time wheelchair users, guests living with hearing loss, and visually impaired guests. All staff are available for guests 24 hours a day, and have awareness training. The cabin sports two large bedrooms, so it’s ideal for families looking for a relaxing getaway - the beds in the cabins are zip and link, and can be made into single or superking double beds as required.

It has an accessible ensuite wet room, and hoists are available for any guests who might need them. Daisybank Cabin is located in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, not far from the Peak District, and the staff are more than happy to give you the lowdown on all the best local beauty spots and attractions to visit. If you don’t fancy exploring, however, you can see the best of the countryside from the absolute comfort of your very own hot tub - so long as you’ve booked in advance! hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

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We bring you a mix of the most innovative and helpful products on the market today

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ETHOS Enjoy a smooth and stable ride with the Ethos from Ki Mobility. Patent-pending Isolation Technology decreases vibrations, helping reduce users back pain and fatigue while providing supreme comfort over uneven surfaces. The attractive frame design is already optimised and can be further fine-tuned for increased stability and performance.

Prices available on request sales@kimobility.com kimobility.com

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PERSONALISED LAP TRAY

BEAUTIFUL PRINTS

Cushioned lap trays are great for comfort and for practicality at mealtimes. These handmade wooden framed lap trays also offer the opportunity to be personalised with a family photograph or memorable scene. A great idea for a gift for an older relative or friend.

If you are looking for something beautiful, empowering and colourful to hang on your wall then you need to know about the prints created by Ananya Rao-Middleton, an illustrator who lives with MS and postconcussion syndrome. Brighten up your room with one of her amazing designs.

Prices from £39.95 bluebadge.co.uk

Prices from £7.50 Search ‘ananyapaints’ on Etsy

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ANTI-SPILL MUG This anti-spill mug comes with a clever suction design on the bottom to keep it solid and stable on any flat, non-porous surface. The suction design stops the cup from being easily knocked over, avoiding spillages and mess. It comes in four stylish colours and holds 470ml.

Prices from £15.50 0808 281 2492 manageathome.co.uk

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WELLNESS JOURNAL Sometimes writing down your thoughts, feelings, goals, achievements and the things that make you happy, can really make a difference to your mindset. This beautiful journal is designed to help you track your daily wellbeing, set yourself goals and help you appreciate the good things in your life.

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Prices from £7.95 Search for ‘CherryPrinters’ on Etsy

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SMALL ITEM GRIPPING AID Active Hands have created a special gripping aid for smaller items like make-up brushes, pens, paint brushes and many more. It allows users to hold items at any angle required as the grip pad can be moved easily to accommodate. It consists of a neoprene glove and Velcro-on pad and gives users more independence.

Prices from £49.95 01564 702 255 activehands.com

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COMPETITION

TIME SWEET CURES EVOUCHERS

We have a huge £100 voucher and ten £25 vouchers to give away to spend online at sweet-cures.com!

Sweet Cures is one of the world’s leading experts in natural health supplements, driven to provide the highest quality products and customer service experience.

For over 18 years, Sweet Cures has specialised in using healthy and essential sugars as an effective and safe approach to maintaining good health across a range of areas, from bladder health and friendly bacteria, to digestive health and energy levels. Sweet Cures boasts a wide product range of natural health supplements using monosaccharides, such as Waterfall D-Mannose®, High Energy D-Ribose™, L-Arabinose Plus™ and Xylotene®.

The Sweet Cures team are experts in their field, ensuring the purity of products is always ahead of competitors, made from the finest ingredients at the optimal dosage, without unwanted excipients, binders and fillers.

The team also prides itself as being one of the few natural supplement manufacturers you can contact directly for product information, and they have helped customers from across the globe.

Find out more at sweet-cures.com or call 01904 789559.

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We are celebrating 10 years of publishing PosAbility Magazine!

To thank our loyal and wonderful readers we want to give away lots of prizes as our way of saying thank you for your support.

We hope we can continue to provide you with a wonderfully interesting and enjoyable read for many more years!

MENTAL HEALTH BLUES BOX

Created by The Blues Box on Etsy, we have two of these wonderful self-care boxes to give away!

Designed to give you a boost and make things feel brighter on darker days, this box contains an “I am worthy” pencil, a thoughts and feelings notepad, a lovely message card, a Pukka teabag, a thoughts and feelings pot, a srunchie, a heartshaped stressball, and under eye masks.

Search for ‘TheBluesBoxes’ on Etsy or follow them on Instagram @the_blues_box.

SPOONIE WARRIOR BRACELETS

We have ten of these delightful spoonie bracelets to give away!

These handmade bracelets are made with blue string to represent chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and they feature a tiny silver plated spoon charm, the perfect representation for a spoonie warrior. The bracelets are one size fits all and can be easily adjusted with the sliding knot on the back. The creator Emma, is also a sponnie and all of these bracelets are handmade by her.

Search for ‘SpoonieWarriorShop’ on Etsy or follow her on Instagram @spooniewarriorshop.

PUNKY PINS

We have 12 of these pins to give away to some lucky winners!

These fun and quirky enamel pins have been created for “all the babes who are conquering life’s extra complications with grace and positivity!” Each pin has a great message, is wonderfully colourful, and simply oozes positivity and style.

Any one of these pins would look great on your jacket or make a fabulous accessory on your handbag.

INVISIBLE ILLNESS CLUB BADGES

Search for ‘Punkypins’ on Etsy or follow them on Instagram @punkypins.

We have six of these Invisible Illness Club pins to give away!

Created by Sarah Frances on Etsy, these beautifully detailed pins have been designed to help people living with invisible disabilities to recognise fellow warriors, to start conversations and to hopefully educate others on what it is like to live with an invisible disability. They come in three gorgeous colours; purple, teal and coral, so they will complement any outfit or accessory.

Search for ‘Sarahfrancesart’ on Etsy or follow her on Instagram @sarahfrancesart.

TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning any of these fabulous prizes, simply email posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com with your name, telephone and address, and state the competition you wish to enter in the subject line, or state ALL and we will enter you into all the competitions!

Alternatively, you can visit posabilitymagazine.co.uk/ competitions to enter online. Good luck!

Closing date for entries is 31 May 2021. Read full T&Cs on posabilitymagazine.co.uk/competitions. posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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THE

ACADEMY F O R

DISABLED JOURNALISTS

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

Do you have a burning passion to write and report on topical events, to uncover truths and pursue stories to share with the world? Then perhaps a career in journalism is what you seek, and the Academy for Disabled Journalists could be just the course you are looking for.

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bility Today launched the Academy of Disabled Journalists (ADJ) last year in conjunction with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). The success of the course has seen the first graduate of the ADJ and the second year is now open for applications for aspiring disabled journalists, to begin the course on 5 May. Grant Logan is the founder of the social enterprise Ability Today, and the force behind the creation of the Academy of Disabled Journalists. He wanted to create a course that disabled students could access fully, no matter what their requirements. The course is tailored to each individual’s specific needs, taking into account any additional time they may need to finish the qualification, meaning the course can be completed in anything between six and 24 months.

This flexibility of time allows students to complete the course in a time scale that reflects their needs.

The course was originally to be run as any other typical journalism course with physical classes and tutorials taking place. However, the arrival of the pandemic last year steered the course to become a solely interactive online course, and this has opened it up to students across the UK. This is how the course will continue, ensuring as many aspiring disabled journalists can access it as possible.

Last year saw 13 disabled students embark on the course

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Grant Logan (left) with Khaleel Chima (right)

and March 2021 saw the first student pass the NCTJ Certificate in Foundation Journalism. Victoria Scholes passed all of her assessments first time and was naturally delighted at her achievement, as she told the NCTJ: “I am really happy to have passed, it feels like a great achievement and to know I did it first time means that it can be done.

“I might be disabled, and my body may let me down but that does not mean my brain does not work. It takes a lot more than that of an average person to get where I am, and lots of hard work and I need a lot of assistance, but it shows that just because you are disabled you can still achieve things.

“Ability Today have been so supportive of my needs and studying in a group of people who understood me helped me to succeed. If you too are interested in journalism and have a disability, contact Ability Today, they will give you the tools and support to achieve your goals.”

The clear success of this course has been recognised and as a result the National Lottery have granted more funding

to subsidise courses and allow them to deliver the higher diploma level in journalism this year. Grant commented: “Considering the year we have all had, I’m really proud that we got our first academy off the ground in 2020, and we now have students in Scotland, Manchester and all across the UK. We’re providing an inclusive and accessible environment for students to study with their peers, and support them with the tools they need to succeed.

“With funding from the National Lottery Community Fund we’re able to subsidise the cost of the courses, and this year we’re expanding to deliver the diploma level in journalism. COVID-19 has made working from home acceptable and possible, I want to help our community take full advantage of this and create new pathways to getting in to work.

“The next phase is to offer training in other fields so we can really capitalise on the ‘work from home’ potential that this has for us all.”

THE COURSE

The qualification is to study for a Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Journalism (CFJ), and it is open to all disabled candidates aged 18 and over and in receipt of either DLA or PIP. This course is an A-level equivalent qualification, providing an introduction to journalism. It may be used as a first step for candidates considering a career in journalism or by those wishing to develop their journalistic skills for a specific purpose.

It will be delivered by NCTJ-accredited teaching staff and will be a mix of webinar-based tutorials and coursework.

The course will be run over a six month period with an extension up to two years if required.

Grant Logan and the Mayor of Surrey Heath

The structure of the online and webinar-based course includes 150 guided learning hours (which includes 40 hours of weekly webinars) and 100 hours of self-study (includes revision/assessments). You will be required to complete assignments throughout the course, that will be externally assessed at a pace dictated by each individual. In addition to the weekly lessons and webinars there will be one-to-one tutorials at the end of each module. All webinars will be filmed and made available online for anyone that misses a session. Access will be available for the period of the course.

FIND OUT MORE

The ADJ is succeeding in providing disabled people the chance to study in a unique online environment, surrounded by their peers and given the support to thrive.

Victoria Scholes

The next course begins on 5 May 2021, so if this sounds like something you could be interested in, contact the team by emailing info@abilitytoday. com or visit abilitytoday.com/academy-for-disabledjournalists to find out how to apply.

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Left to right: Gary Smith and David Melrose

Curling THE

ROAD TO VICTORY

Euan’s Guide, the charity which runs the disabled access review website EuansGuide.com, interviewed Gary Smith, a long time Euan’s Guide reviewer and an Ambassador for the charity. Gary is also a member of the British Curling Paralympic wheelchair curling squad and he provides a glimpse of what the last year has been like for professional athletes.

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t the age of 51, Gary might not seem like your stereotypical Paralympic hopeful, but Gary’s been training for this most of his life. Talking to Gary you quickly discover his love of sports. In fact, Gary was first introduced to Euan’s Guide when he met Paul Ralph, access and inclusion director at Euan’s Guide, at a football match watching their favourite team play.

Gary shares his journey to becoming a professional curler: “I only started curling six years ago, but I’ve been involved in team sports for as long as I can remember. I played wheelchair basketball for around 20 years. I went from playing locally to playing in tournaments as far west as Texas, USA, to as far east as Japan. I took on coaching roles but continued to play competitively until an injury forced me to retire.

“My introduction to curling came from Tom Killin, my first basketball coach who I’d always kept in contact with. Tom was part of the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team that won a silver medal at the first Paralympic wheelchair curling event in 2006. When Tom was asked to help coach at the wheelchair curling club set up at my local ice rink, Murrayfield in Edinburgh, I went along to give it a try and instantly loved it.

“Determined to master the sport I became a member of Lothian Wheelchair Curling Club and also South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club and curled whenever I could. Then, in 2019, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to compete and train at the highest level when I was selected to join the British Curling Programme Squad.

I couldn’t believe it! I really had to pinch myself to realise I had been given this opportunity.

“Last year started with me representing Scotland at the 2020 World championships in Wetzikon, Switzerland. It was the most amazing feeling putting on that top and hearing your national anthem being played. But then within a matter of weeks we were in lockdown trying to find ways to train and keep fit at home.

“While it was strange to be off the ice, I know I’m in a

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Always at the back of my mind is my ultimate goal of winning a gold medal as part of the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team

very fortunate position as I have the help of coaching and support staff from British Curling and Scottish Institute of Sport. People often don’t realise that it is a massive team effort behind the scenes to enable athletes to perform at their best and focus on the job we have to do and that hasn’t changed.”

“Our coach Shelia Swan was in touch daily which was great, it provided a routine and support as well as giving us a chance to flag anything up. I also had regular catch-ups with other coaches, the sports psychologist, nutritionist, physio, and performance lifestyle adviser.”

This support was there to help athletes maintain their health and fitness at home. Gary shares how he maintained his fitness level through a mix of cardiovascular and strength exercises at home: “One of the first challenges I faced was trying to get equipment to be able to do strength sessions on my own at home. It turned out toilet rolls weren’t the only thing in high demand, there was a shortage of gym equipment too.

I eventually sourced dumbbells, resistance bands and battle ropes to keep me going. The strength and conditioning coach helped create a plan for me to follow and we had video calls together and with other players.

“We’re expected to do some form of cardiovascular exercise every day, and usually that means pushes in your wheelchair, either outdoors or using a treadmill. Luckily, my coaching and basketball experience came in handy here and helped me beat the boredom of training at home and doing the same thing day after day. I incorporated other exercises, like doing outdoor circuit training with my basketball, to help mix up my cardiovascular sessions.”

Exercising daily on your own can take its toll, Gary shares how his competitive side helped him stay focused: “Keeping motivated has been quite easy for me as I have a clear goal I’m working towards. I need to stay fit and focused as I’m still competing for a place in the World Championships team. Always at the back of my mind is my ultimate goal of winning a gold medal as part of the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling team at the 2022 Winter Paralympics.

“There were still times when it was tough. I missed sessions with teammates and being able to have a bit of a laugh together amongst the seriousness of training.”

Gary shared that the British Curling Programme Squad has been able to resume some of their training together on the ice and in the gym in recent months. This is largely thanks to the hard work of British Curling, SportScotland and the Scottish Government working together to put in place strict protocols and procedures to keep the athletes and staff safe.

Touching on some of the changes and being able to train together, Gary said: “These sessions follow strict hygiene measures and we all have our temperatures checked before we even get in the door, but it does feel brilliant to be back together again.”

“The pressure is on now to perform at our best, improve our game and earn our spot to represent our country at future competitions.”

You can read more individuals’ experiences of life during the pandemic in the Voices of COVID blog series, visit EuansGuide.com/voices-of-covid.

GARY’S TIPS FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH IN 2021: Try to keep a healthy balanced diet eating a good amount of fruit and veg each day balanced with proteins and carbohydrates.

Look for good, reliable sources of information. Keep well hydrated and stay away from fried foods as much as possible.

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Know that being in the gym is not for everyone. Whatever you do, start slowly and work your way up. Get medical advice before starting any kind of exercise regime. Try to find things that you enjoy doing. The more you enjoy it, the more you will want to keep doing it and stick with it.

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All images by PPA Graeme Hart

Left to right: Hugh Nibloe, Meggan Dawson-Farrell, David Melrose, Gary Smith, Charlotte McKenna and Gregor Ewan

A Friendly Ear

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

It’s difficult to know how to support someone when they experience mental ill-health, but you can do more than you might think

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n a groundbreaking interview, Meghan Markle told Oprah earlier this year how she had experienced a mental health crisis in her time as a member of the Royal family, adding that she felt she lacked support outside of her husband when she tried to reach out. She added that she had worked up the courage to talk to Harry about it, and thankfully, with his support, was able to work through her feelings.

Her courageous admittance has sparked conversation some more valid than others - about mental health, and the importance of speaking up about mental health, and the importance of listening and believing people when they talk about their mental health.

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If you haven’t experienced mental ill health, to this degree or otherwise, it may be hard to comprehend exactly what people are feeling. Even if you have experienced it, it may still be difficult as everyone’s experience of mental illhealth is different. There’s no set path or “standard”, so to speak, so your experience may not completely line up with someone else’s, which can be confusing or difficult.

How can you help someone if they’re going through something similar to what Meghan Markle experienced?

You may feel like you’re not trained for this, but there are some simple and effective ways to help someone who is experiencing mental ill-health, the most important aspect of which is to provide companionship, compassion, and care.

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so many people struggle to talk about how they’re feeling REMEMBER YOU’RE NOT A DOCTOR TALK AND LISTEN

This seems so strange to say, but so many people struggle to talk about how they’re feeling. This can be due to social stigma, shame, or a host of other things, but how you feel concerning your mental health is important and deserves discussion. Men are at particular risk of being shamed about this: the phrases “man up” and “grow a pair [of balls]” simply serve to stigmatise the one in eight men who experience mental ill-health, and shame them for speaking out about their feelings. Sharing your feelings, if you’re comfortable, may help and encourage someone who is experiencing mental ill-health to open up with you, and just encouraging them by letting them know that you’ve gone through something similar can be helpful and comforting in its own way.

Using open-ended questions can be helpful too as it’s a non-judgemental, non-leading way of asking someone to open up to you. “How are you feeling” works better than “I see you’re depressed” because it’s a neutral statement that can be interpreted as the person sees fit. It’s a kind of softer, gentler way of asking someone to tell you how they’re feeling without putting too much on them.

Even if you don’t know what to say, you can always just listen. Giving someone your time away from distractions makes them feel valued and important, and gives them time to speak to you in a space that feels safe and comforting. When someone finally speaks about their mental ill-health, it can be a serious weight off their mind, but at the same time, they might be worried about the effect the discussion has on the other person, who might worry about them or not react helpfully. Giving someone space and permission to speak openly and without judgement is a powerful and brilliant gift.

It’s not your job or your place to decide what’s “wrong” with someone who speaks to you about their mental ill-health. Unless you’re their GP or they’re talking to you in a capacity as a therapist, it’s not appropriate for you to make diagnoses concerning how they feel. If you have experience of mental illness, it’s appropriate to share your understanding, but you shouldn’t just slap a big sticker on them with your armchair diagnosis, because that doesn’t help. If you have ideas or guidance, it’s important to put it across in a way that constitutes a suggestion, not a solution.

Something that has come to the forefront of the discussion in the aftermath of Meghan Markle’s openness about her struggles with mental ill-health is the fear of not being believed. That can be utterly paralysing for someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental illness isn’t like a broken bone: you can’t see it, even with fancy machinery.

If someone tells you they are experiencing a mental health crisis, it is not your place to question the validity of that. Do not ask if they’re “just sad” or anything to this effect: it is demeaning, condescending, and not constructive.

BE THERE

Mental health waiting lists in the UK are, to put it mildly, unfathomably long. Some people might wait up to two years for treatment, despite the NHS stating that most people should not have to wait longer than 18 weeks after referral. Therein lies a problem: you need to be referred, and that takes time, too. You can’t be everything for someone experiencing mental ill-health, but you can try to support them as much as they need while they wait for help, and even after then if they find they need additional support.

Remember your limits, though. You need to look after yourself, so taking time for yourself is vitally important, too.

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Kids’

CORNER T

PRODUCTS

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he Easter holidays are upon us and while there is still nothing open, there are still plenty of things to do. After a long year of coming up with creative ideas to keep the kids amused, you will be used to finding imaginative ways to entertain your little ones. It feels like we are on the home stretch, so just imagine the feeling of having your kids make a mess somewhere other than your house and that should get you through!

Once the world opens up again, there are so many things that your children will want to do and experience. As a family it will be joyous to be able to go out for lunch to a local café, or take a day trip outside your local area.

Kids will rejoice at getting back to their groups and classes, playing with friends and being part of a team again will be transformational for everyone.

We have made a list of all the things we are looking forward to on page 52, why not sit down with your kids and make a plan of all the things you want to do when restrictions are lifted.

It will be great to finally make plans and have things to look forward to as a family.

Enjoy the next few weeks and hopefully next issue we will be talking about more positive future plans.

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SUMMER

2021

Summer is on its way, restrictions are being lifted, it is time to get excited about all the things that we can do with our kids this summer! Following a tough year, our kids deserve to have a fantastic summer of fun, take a look at just some of the things we can look forward to enjoying as a family.

PLAYING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

It has been too long since our kids have been allowed to have play dates, meet ups and regular unhindered contact.

Children thrive on social experiences and this last year has seen them all deprived of this. The excitement of allowing our children to freely play and socialise with other kids in gardens, parks or our homes seems the simplest of dreams, but it is one of the most important this year.

RETURN TO GROUPS AND CLASSES Whether it be a baby massage group with fellow mums, a drama class for little ones or a sensory play group, these group settings have been missing off our calendars for far too long now. The anticipated return of these classes will be welcomed by so many families who rely on classes like these for social interaction and development for their children. These classes can be just as important for the parents as for the child.

RETURN OF SPORTS

From football training and tennis lessons, to sporty holiday camps and martial arts classes, the sporting community has been missed by many. It can be hard for kids and adults to get motivated to be active on their own, but having a sports club to go to where they can run around with friends, keep fit, boost their endorphins and experience the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team can make all the difference.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Children with SEND have been put at a huge disadvantage through these lockdowns and have missed out on vital education. A return to regular school days for all years cannot come soon enough. Missing out on the education and the routine that school offers has affected our children’s mental health immeasurably, let’s hope a safe return to normal will bring renewed joy and relieve some of their anguish.

HUGS

Is there anything more heartbreaking than hearing your child say “I miss hugging grandma”? Hugs and kisses are the most natural form of affection, and to have had to deprive our children of this feels almost criminal. Sending virtual hugs over Zoom or through a window is certainly not the same. Bring on the day where we can hug everyone we love without fear of contracting or passing on a virus.

SUMMER BBQS

The sunshine has already been teasing us with its happy rays and warmth, preparing us for some long, hot summer days that we can spend in the garden or on the beach.

With good weather comes the prospect of firing up the BBQ, inviting over some friends and enjoying water fights, paddling pools, picnics and some cocktails for the parents.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Birthday parties and celebrations with friends have all been put on hold and replaced with virtual Zoom parties or drive-bys with balloons and waves from a car. Party bags, big birthday cakes and the wonderful chaos of lots of kids racing around high on sugar has been sorely missed by our little ones. It will be amazing when we get the chance to let them celebrate their birthdays with all of their friends in true kid party style!

HOLIDAYS

As travel restrictions are lifted and the country opens up, where will be the first place you go? The excitement of leaving our local area and visiting somewhere other than the supermarket may be too much for us, but I am sure we will manage. Start planning your staycation now, check out some of our top accessible UK destinations on page 38.

BEACH TRIPS

The UK is home to some stunning coastal towns and beaches, and summer time is the perfect time to visit.

Whether it is a day trip or a longer visit, the beach is the epitome of summer and fun for all the family. There are many beaches that offer beach wheelchairs, accessible ramp access and some even host accessible watersports.

Make sure the beach you choose has a good fish and chip shop and an ice cream van to top off the day.

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Kids’ PRODUCTS

BRAVERY BUTTON These rainbow themed bravery buttons are ideal for kids to carry with them when they are heading off to school. This generation of kids have been through a tough year and it is important to remind them of just how brave they are. Made from sustainable wood they fit perfectly in a pocket.

Vellamaes on Etsy

Prices from

£2.99

RAINBOW BUBBLE POPPER The perfect fidget toy to keep little fingers busy when they are feeling anxious or worried. These rainbow bubble poppers are available in unicorn, hexagon or circle shapes and are a great toy to keep your child focused and at ease.

BiBiGifts UK on Etsy

Prices from

£4

JETTMOBILE A safe and fun way for kids to play and explore by using their hands and arms to propel themselves along. The Jettmobile allows children to lie comfortably supported and helps develop strength, balance and coordination. A Velcro hook and loop wedge keeps legs secure too.

01273 719889 essentialaids.com

Prices from

£479.99

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TRACE AND BALANCE WOBBLE BOARD This wobble board is designed to help kids develop gross motor skills and balance. The child places their feet at either side of the board and wobbles the balls to move them along the trails, using concentration, focus and skill.

GLITTER LAMP This mesmerising glitter lamp is the perfect addition for your child’s bedroom or a sensory room. As the light is switched on the glitter swirls around creating an amazing glow that reflects off the walls and creates a beautiful and calming ambience that you can’t help but gaze at. dunelm.com

01827 767 120 tinknstink.co.uk

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TOUCH AND MATCH BOARD The board features 12 wooden counters that each have a different surface texture, simply remove the counters from the board to reveal their matching textures below.

Allow your child then to use their hands to match up the counters to the board by feeling their way around the surfaces.

Great for sensory use, motor skills and language development. goodlittleegg.com

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Automatic Pill Dispensers and Medication Reminders Our products are widely used by Health and Social Care professionals for vulnerable older people and those with learning difficulties who need to be reminded of essential daily tasks such as taking their medication.

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Medpage Limited to the rescue During the COVID-19 Pandemic Medpage has provided over 8000 items of Assistive Technology to Hospitals, Care Homes and vulnerable people living independently at home. An accomplishment we are very proud of.

Despite difficulties faced by businesses caused by the Pandemic, Medpage has introduced new products to assist carers, professional and domestic.

With trade shows and exhibitions cancelled for the year and the prospect of face to face demonstrations ruled out for the foreseeable future, keeping up to speed with new products is a challenge.

We have added a section to our website containing detailed videos explaining the uses and features of our popular products. Head to our website and look in the Professionals menu.

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level. I feel pain in a different way. If you brush against my skin its painful. I broke my arm in a horse riding accident and didn’t feel it and didn’t cry so my mom didn’t know it was broken until she rolled up my sleeve.

FUTURE VOICES Each issue we will be shining a light on a young disabled person who is blazing their own trail. Whether that be campaigning for access, giving up their time to help their community, achieving success in the sporting or arts arena, or educating their peers on disability.

LUKE Luke lives with Aspergers, sensory processing disorder and PTSD. He’s been home educated for around three years, and loves to keep busy learning multiple languages, is a keen photographer, skateboarder, and enjoys playing on his laptop and talking to his friends at autism club. He loves his dog Cody most of all, and is obsessed with pugs!

M

My brain can’t filter out noises, so sometimes it feels like my head will explode or I can’t wake up my fingers and toes and have to keep touching things. I find it hard to keep still. I have to move and seek out touch. I use ear defenders, a weighted jacket, fiddle toys, stress dough and a gym ball to bounce on. If things get too much and I have a meltdown. I respond to pressure so my mom uses different pressure methods to help calm me, like the hot dog using cushions or just giving me a bear hug. My dog Cody can also lie on me, and his weight and his curly fur help to calm me.

The best things that keep me calm is my headphones, laptop, PlayStation and trampoline. I can shut out everything.

My mom and dad have always been honest with me, and told me when I was five that I have autism. This is how I introduce myself to people: “Hello my name is Luke and I have autism.” It’s not always received well. I have heard different things said about me, nice and not so nice. My gran thinks because I have Aspergers I am going to be a professor one day. Maybe not a professor, I will just settle for being me: Luke with autism.

y name is Luke. I am 10. I have Aspergers, sensory processing disorder and PTSD. Sadly, I came up with nothing.

I have always felt different. I remember being sad because all the children in my class at school would get praise and rewards and I would get nothing. I remember my mom always going in to the school and talking to the teachers asking them to stop. The teachers used to hold me down and say horrible things and would put me in isolation. I started to think I am a bad person because the teachers said so. My mom and dad took me out of school because school teachers can’t keep me safe.

My mom got a home education budget so I could be home schooled. I have been home schooled for a while.

Now I like learning!

I have good tutors and have lessons suited to my needs with learning breaks. I still struggle as my fine motor skills are poor, but I have support and tools to help me. My reading and writing have improved. I now speak Mandarin and want to go to China one day. I have started learning French and Spanish. I also love photography and am learning to play piano, but I still hate maths!

The sensory processing disorder invades every day for me.

I am hyper- and hypo-sensitive depending on my anxiety

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SUPPORTING SERVING AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE RAF AND THEIR FAMILIES

WE CAN HELP WITH INDEPENDENT LIVING FREE CALL 0300 102 1919 rafbf.org/independent The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109)

SCAN ME WITH YOUR CAMERA

DAN WHITE

himself. In fact, I have cried myself hoarse on this subject throughout all the media airtime I have worked since the first time the pale rider of COVID-19 raced across the land.

We were first told children were not vulnerable, they were carriers if anything, little transmitters, then the stories of children with and without disabilities who were seriously ill in hospital silently crept in. I called for him to show solidarity and to just give us the facts from a disability community perspective, to do his job in the disability public eye. What is the reality, the truth of childhood infection? A series of conflicting letters and tabloid prevarication are emotionally unhelpful. Answers on a postcard apparently, please.

COLUMNIST

Follow Dan on Twitter @DeptOfAbility Dan White, creator of the amazing Department of Ability superheroes and dad to Emily, who is 12 years old and has spina bifida, is a regular face in PosAbility, as he shares his experiences of life as a family with a disabled child.

LEFT IN THE DARK

I

n a time of pandemic crisis, where the “vulnerable” of all ages are at high risk of a virus, communities should be able to rely on their elected representatives for support and guidance.

Those deemed responsible for the lives and laws for said communities should be vocal and visual, especially when the country is at war with an invisible enemy that is especially targeting and decimating that representative’s charges. However, since COVID-19 arrived unimpeded on these shores, the disabled communities’ sole representative has not been seen in the public eye. Justin Tomlinson has been missing, failing in his responsibilities to lead and inform us all; disabled adults, children, and parents like me and you.

I am not writing this column as a parent of a disabled child intending to castigate Mr. Tomlinson for being in the post, for simply being conservative, far from it. I would just like our representative to step up, to appear and exchange words of support, guidance, and information to

not only the 14million strong disabled community, but to the anxious parents of the countries 750,000 disabled children. The silence is deafening from Westminster and as long as the horror stories of infection abound, we are left crawling around the internet for answers, trying to make sense of the mixed media messages when all we want is clarity from the man whose job it is to represent us all.

All parents are worried about their children, it’s an evolutionary trait, but when your child has complex needs and is first told through a government letter that they are vulnerable, then they are not, then they are, and finally are not, you see the confusion and fear build in all of us. We have had that stream of letters through our door, and many of the parents we know have also experienced this, and it is now we would expect to look to a leader, a person in the heart of the system that has all the information at hand to halt the confusion.

This is not the first time I have called for Justin Tomlinson to show

We have seemingly heard from everyone else, from Helen Whatley (the ironically named care minister) to even the minister for culture, Oliver Dowden, but not the man responsible for a community desperately looking for answers and help in a crisis.

Disabled leaders, charities, and parents like myself are being left with the distinct impression that, as usual, disability, even in the grip of a horrific pandemic, is playing second fiddle to theatres, football fans, and holidaymakers. In short, it was and is looking like disability is collateral and expendable in the eyes of a system obsessed with productivity and profit before people.

It’s simple. We as parents would like to believe that we are being led and fed with knowledge and support that will enable us to make the best decisions, to either shield or not. This is not happening. The whole community has been left in the dark. We need Mr. Tomlinson and his department to show some strength, visibility, compassion, and presence.

“...as usual, disability, even in the grip of a horrific pandemic, is playing second fiddle to theatres, football fans, and holidaymakers”

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THE DISABILITY UNION P

BY DAN WHITE

Dan White has discovered an outlet for his political voice, a union that exists to affect change for the disabled community

olitical silence: the one thing you would not expect in the disabled community, but it is there. In 2016, new conditions were put into place for charities.

Grants from central government departments came with a price. The price being that charities were not able to use the grants for “activity intended to influence - or attempt to influence - parliament, government or political parties”. This amounted to a virtual gagging clause for charities who applied, desperate for funds to survive and assist. The only silver lining was that charities who used privately-raised funds to campaign could be as political as they like, however, these were often smaller charities with little voice.

I am fiercely political in my work. As a parent with a hidden disability who is caring for a 14-year-old child with a physical disability, I fail to see how anyone in a similar situation cannot be politically driven. I see both sides of the spectrum as a carer and a disabled person.

To see charities locked into this impasse of frustrated silence infuriates me and no doubt the hard-working and caring people within. Having a political voice is imperative to me; working deep within the disabled and care community it is the zeal running through my veins as I witness the apparent state-sanctioned desperation of many. In these times I often turn people to the charity sector, but the charity will is blunted, and so help is not as effective as it should be. I needed to find something that lets these frustrated people vent their fury and let it go. Something that would fight for what is right for both groups collectively.

I needed to find a union, one that would be unafraid to ask the questions and rattle the locks for disabled people and carers, a rare beast indeed

What was needed was to have someone fighting back at the equipment manufacturers’ horrendous prices and the cruel legislators of unfair laws, a counterpoint to the great but limited charities’ spirit. For me, I needed to channel my political frustration into something other than a wellmeaning charity. I needed to find a union, one that would be unafraid to ask the questions and rattle the locks for disabled people and carers, a rare beast indeed. I needed, for my own mental health’s sake, to be able to unload my angst at the ableism of the system and have someone tell me to channel it productively with like-minded disabled people and carers.

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...this union simply wants to change the status quo through words and positive and peaceful activism

Unions can be the channels of your frustrations where you can meet like-minded people and talk to the teams about wider issues

This is not me playing charity off against unions. Both are needed, but only one can kick back. There are similar groups online, but the division is seemingly rife with care and disabled groups separate, sniping at each other, which is odd considering we are all looking for the same thing. If we are not united we fall apart, we get nowhere.

So please, support your charity: they are needed, staffed by passionate and probably equally frustrated people. However, don’t think they can rattle the locks of government and demand the changes, that’s where a unity of people comes in. Unions can be the channels of your frustrations where you can meet like-minded people and talk to the teams about wider issues. Charities are vital, we could not manage our lives without them, but it is grossly unfair that their voices should be blunted for political gain.

In an ideal world, we would not need charity, but capitalism decrees that we must. There has to be a pecking order of equality apparently, so until equality is an established precedent, unions must always be there, being the counterpoint, the angry sibling of the charity. We all need help but we also have rights: the right to demand as well as to have support. We all must work together politically, carers and disabled people, it just makes progressive sense.

If you are left with anything from this piece, I hope it’s a desire to seek out a union like the Disability Union, so that your burning frustration finds kinship and release. How do I know this? I asked George: “There are lots of people who speak for us, but no real living community of us and by us. That’s what The Disability Union is for. We’re here for the disability community and their carers. Together we will be much harder to ignore. By working together we will win the rights, support, and inclusion we deserve. We’d be honoured if you’d join us. We’ll support you every step of the way.”

When people think of unions they assume they’re all about strikes, but no. Union means “the action of joining together or the fact of being joined together, especially in a political context,” and this is exactly what I found in the Disability Union. Formed last year by activist and wheelchair-user George Baker, this union simply wants to change the status quo through words and positive and peaceful activism.

This is not just an advert for George and his dream of mass unity, this is me finding my place as a known influencer, finding that much-needed outlet for the pain and frustration that I have held in my burning hand for 14 years as a carer and a father. I needed a home that championed a political view and would let you cathartically run with it, unimpeded, unprejudiced, and amplify it through a collective voice.

For more information visit disabilityunion.co.uk.

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WORDS BY JANE HATTON

WHERE TO FIND CAREERS SUPPORT?

W

e know that disabled people face additional barriers when looking for work. Inaccessible recruitment processes. Recruiters and employers who somehow think that disabled candidates aren’t as good as non-disabled candidates, or will be expensive, risky or problematic. Not knowing which of the employers who say they are inclusive really are, when it comes to disability.

There are many places that offer careers support.

But at Evenbreak, a specialist job board run by and for disabled people, our candidates were telling us that often the general careers support available wasn’t suitable or available to them. Either it wasn’t accessible, or relevant to disabled candidates, and was perhaps delivered by careers coaches with little understanding of the disabling barriers we face. Or the provision had restrictive eligibility criteria – dependent on which postcode you live in, which benefit you’re on, how old you are, or you’d be ‘too disabled’ or ‘not disabled enough’ or have the ‘wrong’ impairment.

We really wanted to fill this huge gap in existing provision, and at the end of last year, we received a grant from Nesta to enable us to do just that. We developed the Career Hive, which offers relevant and accessible careers support specifically for disabled people looking for new or better work. It is developed and delivered by disabled careers professionals with lived experience of the barriers we face.

There is signposting to other organisations, which may be able to offer specific support, and a whole load of online resources, including videos, checklists, guides and so on. There are regular events and workshops, including ‘Meet the Employer’ events, where particular employers tell you about the kinds of roles they offer, what the recruitment process looks like, how to ask for adjustments and what they are looking for in candidates.

You can also ask them questions.

There is, of course, access to the Evenbreak job board, where employers who are specifically looking to attract more disabled candidates advertise their vacancies.

Employers like Channel 4, John Lewis, Unilever, Tesco, Facebook and many more.

Most importantly, there is access to a team of qualified careers professionals with lived experience of disability, who offer individual support, whether help with a CV or preparation for an interview, or confidencebuilding or identifying transferable skills.

This may be a one-off coaching session on a specific issue, or a series of sessions looking at a range of issues. All aimed at meeting your needs.

This new service was co-produced by the Evenbreak team (all of whom are disabled) and a focus group of Evenbreak candidates, as we wanted to ensure that the service met the real needs of disabled candidates.

The service will be continuously improved through responding to feedback from people using the service. Other services planned for the future include offering peer support from successful candidates who can mentor and support other candidates.

If you feel you would benefit from careers support offered by and for disabled people, come and have a look around.

To find jobs from inclusive employers who are looking to attract more disabled candidates, have a look on the Evenbreak website at evenbreak.co.uk. To find relevant and accessible careers support for disabled candidates have a look on Evenbreak’s Career Hive at hive.evenbreak.co.uk.

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APR/MAY 2021

LEGENDS AREN’T BORN. THEY’RE MADE.

JEEP RANGE AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME FROM £195 ADVANCE PAYMENT* For more information or to book a test drive visit www.jeep.co.uk/motability or visit your nearest Jeep Retailer.

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Jeep® range mpg (l/100km) combined: 25.7 (11.0) - 48.7 (5.8).

CO2 emissions: 259 - 148 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *Jeep Compass and Renegade available on the Motability scheme. Models shown: Jeep Compass 1.4 MultiAir II 140hp Night Eagle (with additional bi-colour paint @£400). Available on the Motability Scheme from £1,295 advanced payment. Jeep Renegade 1.0 GSE T3 120hp MT 4x2 Limited (with additional bi-colour paint @£400). Available on the Motability Scheme from £995 advance payment. Vehicles only available through Motability accredited participating Jeep retailers and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. These offers are valid for orders placed from 1st April and 30th June 2021.Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time.