PosAbility – Aug / Sep 2021

Aug/Sep 2021

MAGAZINE LOVE ISLAND

T OKY O 2 0 2 0

ISLAND HOPPING

Sophie Buck explores tokenism versus progress on the show

It’s finally time for ParalympicsGB to go for gold

Discover Scotland’s hidden gems on your next staycation

Welcome AUG/SEP 2021

Ros EDITOR

A

s you will see from our cover image, this issue has a bit of a Paralympic theme. From a heads-up on the ones to watch, an interview with the golden girl Hannah Cockroft, and the ultimate guide in how to throw a Paralympic party.

There’s no excuse now not to get behind our athletes and embrace the Paralympic spirit.

It’s not all about sport this issue though, we have some great articles from our freelance team. Sophie

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Buck delves into the inclusion of a disabled contestant on hit ITV show Love Island, exploring the theme of tokenism versus progress on the show. Lydia Wilkins looks at the realities of self-employment for autistic people and the challenges this brings.

The rise of the staycation is strong this year, and we hope it stays that way to support local tourism after a difficult 18 months. If you are looking for somewhere magical to explore, Scotland has so much to offer, the white, sandy beaches of the Hebridean Islands will make you feel like you are in Barbados and the friendly welcome will be extended no matter where you go. Access can be tricky in the more remote places but a bit of research and planning will ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.

You will find all the usual words from our passionate columnists, and Ian Taverner shares another exclusive recipe created for our readers. As well as products, our kids section and advice from job specialists Evenbreak.

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Sam Renke, Mik Scarlet, Dan White, Ian Taverner, Sophie Buck, Lydia Wilkins, Rhys Porter, Tammy Harman

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.

Copyright 2021 ©2A Publishing Limited.

All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2049-2251

Contact Details: 2A Publishing Ltd, 20- 23 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QL Tel: 0141 465 2960 Fax: 0141 258 7783 enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk posabilitymagazine.co.uk Aug/Sep 2021

MAGAZINE LOVE ISLAND

T O K YO 2 0 2 0

ISLAND HOPPING

Sophie Buck explores tokenism versus progress on the show

It’s finally time for ParalympicsGB to go for gold

Discover Scotland’s hidden gems on your next staycation

We hope you enjoy the latest issue and, as always, stay safe.

Follow us on Twitter @ PosAbilityMag

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ANDS Sophie Buck explores if Hugo’s inclusion in Love Island is progress or performance

15 THE DARKER SIDE OF DISABILITY Regular columnist Sam Renke explains why it’s important to raise other disabled people up

16 WORKING WITH AUTISM Lydia Wilkins investigates why so many autistic adults are moving into self-employment

19 A HOSTILE ARRANGEMENT Defensive architecture often has offensive consequences for disabled people

20 LOW AND SLOW If you’re not already in love with slow cooking, you soon will be

23 COOKFULNESS Ian Taverner walks us through his recipe for a sweet summer salsa

25 FORGET SPORT, GIVE ME ART! Mik Scarlet explains why he’d pick the arts over sports any day

26 SUMMER OF SPORT All the essentials you need to host a brilliant Paralympic watch party

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12 TROUBLE IN PARADISE

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News, stories, and updates

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07 CONTENTS

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AUG/SEP 2021 | ISSUE 62

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28 TOKYO 2020: GOING FOR GOLD The rundown on the delayed Paralympic Games that will go ahead at the end of August

32 THE GOLD STANDARD We speak to Hannah Cockroft as she sets her sights on gold in Tokyo

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

38 A SCOTTISH ADVENTURE Take a staycation in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

46 THE POWER OF THE REVIEW Euan’s Guide explains the power of leaving reviews about access and inclusivity

49 KIDS’ CORNER Yoga for young people, all the latest products, and contributions from Dan White and this month’s Future Voices writer, Rhys Porter

58 PROJECT LIMITLESS Meet the organisation who are reimagining prosthetics

63 STARTING UNI What will higher education look like for those taking classes in 2021?

65 WORKPLACE CULTURE MATTERS Tammy Harman of Evenbreak explains why researching organisations before taking jobs is important

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HERE’S TO EVERYWHERE

FORD FIESTA ST-LINE EDITION FROM ONLY £195 ADVANCE PAYMENT. TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT FORD.CO.UK/MOTABILITY OR CALL 0345 60 40 019.

Use qualifying allowance to choose from a wide range of Ford vehicles at our network of participating Ford dealers across the UK. Dedicated specialists will listen to your needs and help you through every step of the process to find your perfect Ford vehicle. To find out more, visit ford.co.uk/motability

ford.co.uk

Available on selected dealer stock only. Please contact a participating Ford dealer for more information. Model shown is a Fiesta ST-Line Edition, 5 Door, 1.0 EcoBoost 155PS Hybrid, Manual, Petrol with ‘Race Red’ Standard Body Paint. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km), (Combined): 52.3 (5.4). CO2 emissions: 117g/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, variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. £195 Advance Payment available only on Fiesta ST-Line Edition 5 Door 1.0 EcoBoost 155PS Hybrid Petrol Manual.

This programme is subject to the standard conditions of the Motability Scheme hire agreement. Full written details and quotations available on request from a Ford Authorised participating Dealer of Motability Operations Limited. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers by Motability Operations. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 735390. To qualify, you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 1st July and 30th September 2021. Prices are correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may change. For more information and most up-to-date data, please see the price list at www.ford.co.uk/motability

FOR YOUR INFORMATION News and stories from around the world

BAYWATCH 2021 very year the disabled motoring charity DMUK, runs its Baywatch campaign to research opinions about disabled parking abuse. The major complaint from disabled motorists is that disabled bays are often occupied with cars not displaying a Blue Badge.

The Baywatch campaign aims to collect data on this and use it to minimise the current disabled parking bay abuse that happens on a daily basis across the country. A simple survey will be launched for the month of August and it can be filled in online at disabledmotoring.org. The survey will ask you to think back over the last 12 months to consider your general parking experience and ask you to answer some questions about this experience at supermarkets and at other car parks. DMUK will then use

this data to tackle the supermarkets and other parking providers over their disabled parking policies.

Graham Footer CEO, Disabled Motoring UK, said: “As disabled bay abuse is still one of the main concerns expressed to us by our members and the public, we feel the Baywatch campaign needs to continue in order to push the message that these bays need to be enforced. We have decided to use the same survey format as 2020 because unfortunately the pandemic is still not fully behind us, and we would like everyone to feel safe when taking part. With the results of this survey, we hope to continue informing the parking sector of these common experiences of disabled bay abuse, making them aware of the significant impact it can have on Blue Badge holders when they are not able to access services the way they should due to the inconsiderate parking of others.”

Fill out the survey now at disabledmotoring.org.

PERMOBIL ADDS POWERCHAIRS TO MOTABILITY SCHEME ermobil, the global leader in trusted healthcare solutions, has joined the Motability Scheme. This means that there is now a wider range of premium, high-quality power wheelchair options available to anyone who is on the Scheme.

Permobil will start by offering three comprehensive power wheelchair models, designed to meet the needs of various conditions, ranging from the valuable M1, to the versatile M3 Corpus and the high-performing M5 Corpus. Each model is an intuitive mid-wheel drive, equipped with smooth suspension for dependable comfort and stability, and all are compatible with Permobil’s entire range of seating and positioning aids.

“Providing our innovative power wheelchairs on the Motability Scheme allows us to pursue our shared mission with Motability, to provide greater independence for every individual. We completely support the idea behind the Motability Scheme and are proud to be a selected partner,” said Gordon Cunningham, Permobil country manager, UK. Linda Nilsson, product manager at Permobil, said: “As a product manager I feel very passionate about the impact we are able to create for each individual.

By offering our well-designed power wheelchairs on the Motability Scheme we are able to aid more people to increase their freedom and independence. For me that is a true driving force.”

Permobil power wheelchairs are now available for order on the Motability Scheme. Interested users can contact a Permobil selected dealer in their area or contact Permobil to explore the range and customise their power wheelchair. permobil.com posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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MAYOR APPOINTS ADVISORY GROUP FOR LIBERTY FESTIVAL he Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has appointed a new panel to oversee the Liberty Festival celebrating D/deaf and disabled artists and disabled-led arts.

The panel of experts, the Liberty Advisory Group, will meet every two months with representatives from the Greater London Authority and London Borough of Lewisham and will advise on best practise for D/deaf and disabled-led commissions, engagement and communication with D/deaf and disabled audiences and communities, and offer general support and guidance on the future evolution of Liberty. Their wealth of experience and expertise will help Liberty to grow talent and increase opportunities for the D/deaf and disabled-led creative community.

Nine experts from a range of backgrounds will make up the panel. They are: Cllr Fleur Donnelly-Jackson – Brent Council, Chair of Brent Council Disability Forum Graeae - Theatre Company supporting D/deaf and disabled artists since 1980 Cllr Aisling Gallagher - Lewisham Council Julie Jaye Charles - Founder and Chief Executive of Equalities National Council of Disabled People and Carers from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities Simon Mckeown - Artist and Professor at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art School of Art and Design

Paul Morrow - Lead Practitioner of the Creative Arts at Westminster Special Schools.

Founder of The West London Inclusive Arts Festival and author of The Cultural Inclusion Manifesto Maria Oshodi - Artistic Director and CEO of Extant Eleanor Thoe Lisney - Founder and CoDirector of Sisters of Frida and Culture Access Lennie Varvarides - Writer, Director and Founder of DYSPLA Earlier this year the Mayor also announced £70,000 of new investment to support artists and organisations working with D/deaf and disabled artists through Liberty Open Call.

Linda Rocco, Liberty Creative Producer, said: “The lived experience of D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists and creatives is a lesson in adaptability and resilience. I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of shared leadership for Liberty, and by the diversity of perspectives and skills that Liberty Advisory Group members will bring to the festival and beyond.”

BRIT GLORY AT WIMBLEDON he return of Wimbledon was a welcome event for athletes and spectators this year, and the British wheelchair tennis athletes did not disappoint.

Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid strode to glory as they won their fourth Wimbledon men’s wheelchair doubles title against Tom Egberink and Belgium’s Joachim Gerard: 7-5 6-2.

This was their 12th Grand Slam title as a doubles partnership, as they took strong early leads in both sets and dominated the court playing to each other’s strengths as a formidable duo.

Britain’s Jordanne Whiley and Japan’s Yui Kamiji took their fifth Wimbledon wheelchair women’s doubles title in a fight against fellow Brit Lucy Shuker and South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane.

This was also their 12th title as a doubles partnership.

Scotland’s Gordon Reid reached the finals of the men’s wheelchair singles to play Belgium’s Joachim Gerard, but following an impressive comeback in the second set, Reid had to settle for second place as Gerard finished the match at 6-2, 7-6 (7-2).

You will be able to watch more tennis action as the ParalympicGB team perform in Tokyo this month.

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LTA LAUNCH CAMPAIGN FOR WHEELCHAIR TENNIS he LTA Wheelchair Tennis Initiative has been launched to attract, inspire and engage people living with physical impairments to try wheelchair tennis, by offering taster days that will include activities to cater for every skill level.

Following each event, the LTA will direct each participant towards opportunities to continue playing that are most appropriate for their skill level.

LTA Wheelchair Talent Initiative Taster Days Sunday 29 August: Scotstoun Leisure & Tennis Centre - Glasgow Saturday 4 September: Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre - London Sunday 26 September: Bolton Arena – Bolton Saturday 9 October: Colwyn Bay Tennis Centre – Wales

Each of the days will run for approximately three hours, and will include fun and engaging content for players of all standards, levels of experience, ages and abilities. All sessions are free to take part in, and will be delivered by experienced LTA Performance Wheelchair Tennis coaches.

To sign up for one of the days, simply complete the registration form at bit.ly/3BTB0BU and select which day you would like to attend.

All equipment, including sports wheelchairs, tennis rackets and balls will be provided on the days.

For all enquiries related to the Wheelchair Tennis Initiative, email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk.

Sunday 10 October: Swansea Tennis Centre – Wales Sunday 17 October: White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre - Abingdon

LATEST

TWEETS

Dr Amy Kavanagh @BlondeHistorian The new Disability Strategy is all talk & no action. A list of promises to “encourage, explore & examine” instead of urgently tackling the inequalities disabled people face in the UK. Disabled people have little trust in the promises of this Govt.

Jenn Carson @8675309Carson My boss asked if we needed any accessibility items. We wrote a list. 2 days later, a white noise machine & rear view mirror were descretely installed on my desk for my #PTSD startle response. This needs to be the norm. Celebrate progress but keep fighting. #DisabilityPrideMonth

Inclusion London @InclusionLondon Disabled people have been ignored yet again by this government. We know Disabled people have been disproportionately hit by austerity, by cuts to public services, cuts to benefits, by a broken social care system and by the governments on-going failure #NationalDisabilityStrategy

Lucille Bluth Grown Adult Woman @BluthCoEqLLC I keep thinking about Paralympic swimmer Becca Meyers being denied a Personal Care Assistant… yet all of the Olympic horses have their own groom.

If that’s not some ableist sh*t, I don’t know what is.

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FASHION STUDENT CREATES INCLUSIVE COLLECTION emma Tyte is 22 and studying Fashion Knitwear Design at Nottingham Trent University. She lives with mild cerebral palsy and believes that today’s high street brands need to “think outside the box” when it comes to offering inclusive fashion.

She has created an inclusive and stylish collection called Bermudaful Adaptations, and it has been thoughtfully designed to cater for wheelchair users and people living with other impairments, as well as larger sizes to increase inclusivity.

Focusing on womenswear, Gemma’s knitwear designs feature bold colours and styles that will appeal to a young fashionconscious individual.

Her garments include: A cotton top for wheelchair users that is cut out at the front and features a high back curve – meaning less excess fabric.

Shorts and a top as undergarments made from comfortable merino wool, with elastic waistbands. The top features strong magnets sewn

into the material to fasten the straps. Seams have been omitted from areas that a person sits on to increase comfort.

A beach dress with a low back that is oversized to make it easy to put on, which is designed for people with a hidden disability.

A poncho-like cape with a hood that fastens with magnets. There are straps around the waist to secure it down.

A textured dress, with adjustable back.

A skort – shorts which look like a skirt – to provide modesty when seated, designed with a higher back to front, magnetic seams and an elasticated waist.

A zero-waste skirt that wraps around and has poppers and ties.

Gemma’s work will feature in Nottingham Trent University’s art and design Summer Show, which will see graduating artists and designers displaying their work as part of an online public exhibition on wearecreativesntu.art.

RHIANNA’S LINGERIE BRAND PRAISED FOR USING DISABLED MODEL avage X Fenty, singer Rhianna’s lingerie brand, was recently praised for using a model with a limb difference to model items on their website.

Images of the model, Lyric Mariah, went viral on Twitter as users picked up on the representation, leading to some great positive press for the brand.

Journalist and author Kim Kelly tweeted screenshots of Lyric modelling for the brand, saying how good it felt to see people like her being represented on the website, and thanked Rihanna for the model’s inclusion on her website. She tweeted: “Obviously representation only goes so far, but when your disability is on the rare side and you’re used to never seeing anyone else who looks like you, stuff like this feels really nice.

Thaaks for hiring models with limb differences, @rihanna”.

Kelly’s tweet prompted others to express their joy in seeing themselves or their family represented in the Savage X Fenty website.

Victoria White wrote that she “loved” seeing Lyric modelling, adding: “My kid has a limb difference and his eyes absolutely light up when he sees someone with a limb difference.”

Diversity is something that is clearly important to Rihanna as a brand owner, as she has been praised a number of times in the past for the inclusivity she shows across her brands, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.

TROUBLE in

PARADISE

BY SOPHIE BUCK

The inclusion of a disabled contestant on Love Island might seem groundbreaking on the surface, but is it a commitment to inclusion or a token gesture from the smash-hit show?

ove Island, where ‘hot’ singles ‘couple up’ to compete for a cash prize, is back on our screens for a seventh season, with their “first” disabled contestant, Hugo Hammond. The 24-year-old PE teacher and member of England’s ‘Physical Disability’ cricket team was born with a club foot. Affecting around one in every 1,000 babies, this mobility-impacting disability is caused by a short Achilles tendon and led him to have over 20 operations before he was eight.

On-screen disability representation is vital for breaking down stereotypes and stigma, and places like the Love Island villa are microcosms of society where we could see how disability inclusion could be possible. While disability isn’t rare, disabled people continue to be othered and objectified, via both desexualisation and fetishising, in the realm of dating. When you Google disability and dating, the top-recommended search is “is it OK to date a disabled person?” While other dating shows like First Dates and The Undateables inclusion of disabled singles has helped to raise awareness of different disabled people’s experiences, they make disability the centre of the narrative: will anyone date this person, given they are disabled? A disability reveal is followed by a pause for whether or not it’s accepted, and, particularly in The Undateables, an aren’t-they-so-awkward comedy angle is accentuated by bumbling music. It’s good to see Hugo as a well-liked and desirable contestant whose disability isn’t the focus, but the potential impact of his involvement for disability acceptance is held back by tokenism, inspiration porn and inaccessibility.

As soon as his involvement was announced, the veiled ableism began. Social media and the press began dubbing him “inspirational” - an almost automatic response to seeing someone who lives with a disability. While playing for England is a huge achievement for any athlete, this wasn’t the focus of conversations. Instead, he was branded “inspirational” without sufficient qualification - just for being a disabled athlete who has “overcome” his disability, or even just for existing as a disabled person in an ableist society.

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...the potential impact of his involvement for disability acceptance is held back by tokenism, inspiration porn and inaccessibility

In her TED talk “I am not your inspiration, thank you very much,” disability activist and educator Stella Young calls the act of treating disabled people as objects of inspiration rather than real people “inspiration porn” - “porn” because it objectifies one group of people (disabled) for the benefit of another (non-disabled). Since inspiration porn makes non-disabled people feel good and lucky, and it is usually intended as a compliment; they often miss the harmfully superior, patronising tone. This can make this form of ‘nice’ ableism particularly hard to challenge.

This doesn’t mean that disabled people aren’t worthy of compliments or don’t do brilliant things. Rather, it’s a call for specificity - who are they inspiring and to do what? - and highlighting genuine achievement, without making it conditional for acceptance. Disabled people shouldn’t be an inspiration solely for “overcoming” their disability or “not letting it hold them back”, a narrative promoted by non-disabled people (and often internalised by disabled people too) that suggests disability is a mental barrier requiring a change of attitude. Disabled bodies and minds are not inherently the problem, but rather the harassment, financial insecurity and inaccessibility they’re met with. While I admire the efforts of disabled people who “succeed” against the odds, doing so - achieving, being productive, and minimising one’s disability (at whatever cost) - shouldn’t be required for our acceptance.

Given the previous criticisms about the show’s diversity, Hugo’s involvement seems tokenistic, and a disability quota tick rather than a meaningful attempt at disability inclusion and acceptance. Creative director of ITV Studios Entertainment Richard Cowles previously said: “We try to be as representative and diverse as possible… but we also want them to be attracted to one another,” implying disability is antithetical to being attractive. Indeed, while a given disabled person shouldn’t have to represent a whole marginalised community, Hugo is a particularly palatable disabled person. He describes his disability as “barely noticeable” which means that it has minimal impact on hosts, who don’t need to provide reasonable adjustments, and fellow islanders aren’t made to feel “uncomfortable” interrogating their internalised ableism. In contrast, the villa isn’t accessible for wheelchair users - ITV bosses told The Mirror in 2019 that it wasn’t possible due to “insurance costs and budget constraints”, a poor excuse for one of the most high-income shows on British TV who could simply readjust their budget to prioritise accessibility.

While disabilities don’t have to be obvious, Hugo notably blends in seamlessly with the other Barbie-and-Ken-like contestants, can distance himself from his disability and, unlike the majority of the disability community, doesn’t experience any compounding marginalisations. Love Island producers appear to have cashed in the credit for disability involvement without substantially altering the narrow ideal of attractiveness their show is based upon or improving its accessibility, which limits the widespread impact of his involvement.

For disability inclusion to be meaningful, it must be followed through with access. A dig into Love Island history reveals that Hugo was not the first disabled contestant, and there have been invisibly disabled contestants erased: Olivia Attwood from season 3 lives with ADHD and Niall Aslam from season 4 is autistic. Niall had to leave the show after just a week due to feeling “overwhelmed” and developing stress-induced psychosis because he wasn’t afforded the alone-time he required to de-compress. Niall says he felt like “a performing monkey”. In an Instagram post in July 2021, Niall said: “the Show [was] fully aware of my disability when they cast me, perhaps this lack of appreciation of [hidden disabilities] led me to leaving the show early and ending up in a psychiatric hospital.” While 70% of disabilities are invisible, they are still unreasonably treated by society as less valid than more visible, easily evidenced disabilities. The producers could have constructed a quiet sensory room to help Niall, but they didn’t. The Love Island villa, like society, is constructed, and needs to flexibly include disabled people and our varying needs.

It’s vital for popular culture to include disabled people, both so disabled people like myself can see ourselves and feel represented, and to break down assumptions. While I’ve been pleased to see Love Island recognising its need for greater diversity, I feel the disability community has been “mugged” off by producers and I need to “pull them for a chat”: disabled people are hot, disabled people need access requirements, and disabled people aren’t your inspiring tokens.

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Now it’s true Get your Permobil on the Motability Scheme today For more information: T. +44 (0)1484 722 888 customer_support_uk@permobil.com permobil.com

of us are simply nasty pieces of work who lack sympathy or compassion for others.

I say all this, not to point fingers, not to be all “holier-than-thou,” because I can be an absolute mare when I want to be, and I have in the past behaved in a way I now regret. I think that’s just part and parcel of growing up, but I have myself experienced and have heard from others, an increase of disabled people treating other disabled people appallingly, notably during the pandemic. Bullying one another, making fun of, or simply being darn right unhelpful and publicly shaming each other on social media. There seems to be a culture of “who’s the most disabled”, who has it the “worst” emerging, and it’s absolutely the dark side of disability.

SAM RENKE COLUMNIST

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

THE DARKER SIDE OF DISABILITY

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have to confess, I toyed with the idea of writing this column for some time as I was fearful that some may not take so kindly to what I’m about to say. However, in everything I do I make sure I come from an authentic place and I always think that if I’m going through something, then sure as heck someone else will be experiencing the same.

They may however, not have a voice like me, or a platform, or a column in PosAbility Magazine. On that note, I’m going to drop some truth bombs.

I want to talk honestly and openly about the disability community. Now I use the term disability community for a specific reason. With July celebrating Disability Pride and the term becoming more common place, I appreciate not everyone likes the term, but for me I use it because a community denotes a group of individuals who share common life experiences, often rooted in oppression and marginalisation.

The community is a place of support, advocacy and should be a place to empower one another. A community is somewhere where we can feel unapologetic, unashamed, and proud of our identity. We welcome allies and push for social change, but I’m

not going to get too bogged down with the semantics: what I do want to discuss is that a community that should be a safe haven, can at times be the worst perpetrator for marginalisation, prejudice, bullying and “othering,” yet we rarely talk about it.

This is perhaps because d/Deaf and disabled people are often seen as fluffy soft, pacifists who fart rainbows and are sinless. I’m often told by non-disabled individuals how surprised they are when the lady in the wheelchair or the blind dude got hoitytoity with them or were rude. Heaven forbid, right?

We are put on a pedestal by many and it’s often forgotten that, at the end of the day, we are just human beings too.

We can be full of anguish, internalised ableism, frustration, even anger caused by systemic ableism, we have our bad days and our good days. We feel grief, loss and jealousy, and some

“...disabled people are often seen as fluffy soft, pacifists who fart rainbows and are sinless”

I shared a very personal experience on Twitter using the hashtag #DisabiltyTwitter to seek advice, empathy and an ear from those I knew would know exactly what I was going through. I was shocked and disappointed to have experienced some of the worst judgment and “victim competing” ever. Instead of compassion and helpful advice, I was told to get over it and reminded how “bad” others have it.

I’m here to say to anyone who has experienced any of the above, that your experience is valid, you should not feel like you aren’t disabled enough or that any experience you’ve had of ableism isn’t to be taken seriously.

To anyone reading this, who perhaps hasn’t been sympathetic, or who has purposely made another d/Deaf or disabled person feel belittled, all I can say is that you need to think back to the times when you felt despair and felt alone and discriminated against.

Who picked you up? Who was there for you? If the answer is sadly no one, then ask yourself, “do I want to be the person that breaks that cycle? Do I want to be the person that feels that if they are suffering, others need to also suffer?” Or do you want to be a role model, a mentor and a cheerleader to others within a community that should be strong, not fragmented from within?

Be kind, always. posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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WORKING WITH

BY LYDIA WILKINS What is the cost of self-employment for autistic people? Three autistic people explain their experiences with self-employment utism is a lifelong neurological condition that is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act. It can impact facets of life such as communication, taking longer to understand information, and more.

Research such as that by Hidden Disabilities suggests that autistic people are the least employed disability demographic, and the National Autistic Society suggests that just 16% of autistic adults are in full-time employment.

What then is the cost of self-employment to those on the spectrum?

MEGAN RHIANNON

Megan Rhiannon, 24, is an illustrator and was diagnosed with autism at 19. After university, she decided to become immediately self-employed: “I’d worked a number of part-time jobs in the past and knew that I couldn’t thrive in those kinds of environments or with those kinds of hours. I needed (and still do need) more adjustments and accommodations than most entry-level workplaces are willing to offer, so working for myself (or trying to) seemed like my only option.”

Traditional employment had been tiring for Megan, with burnout following quickly. She elaborated: “I struggled a lot with masking, communication, sensory overload, and coping with working multiple days back-to-back. Trying to explain the nuances of autism and how it affects my ability to function and perform was exhausting, and both colleagues and employers grew tired of my ’excuses’ quickly.”

Being self-employed means being responsible for all business aspects including invoicing and contract negotiation. Managing this may be difficult if, for example, an autistic person experiences difficulties with executive functioning. “When faced with a new experience,” she said, “there’s no one to help or offer advice, it’s just me. It’s a lot to manage, and my income fluctuates dramatically as a result.”

Megan said that the main advantage was having control over her schedule, instead of working the traditional 9 to 5, as well as the environment to manage sensory needs on her terms. “Music, ear defenders, in my pyjamas, under a weighted blanket - all of the work happens however I need, however I’m comfiest,” she said.

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ROBYN STEWARD

Freelancers are sometimes described as multi-hyphenates for the multiple roles they inhabit. Robyn Steward, 34, is self-employed and has a variety of roles - including autism training and consultancy. She is also familiar with the world of broadcasting, is the author of the recently released The Autism Friendly Guide To Self Employment. She is also a musician and the co-host of 1800 Seconds On Autism.

Robyn was diagnosed at the age of 11.

“I decided to become self employed because I found traditional employment inaccessible from a sensory, executive functioning and energy point of view,” said Robyn. A common theme seems to be that autistic individuals decided to become self-employed having found traditional employment inaccessible. Robyn also found traditional employment difficult owing to other conditions.

When asked about the advantages of self-employment, she said: “I think the advantages are being able to choose the kind of work you do, having a very flexible schedule which can be beneficial in times of tiredness or overwhelm, being able to avoid environments for the most part that are not suitable for you, and being able to work to your own standards. I really enjoy being self employed and I don’t think I’d ever want a ‘job job’. I appreciate always being able to walk away from something if it is having a negative effect to my health.”

LUCINDA HERBERT

Lucinda Herbert, 36, became self-employed last February.

She is a journalist, copywriter, and fine artist specialising in dog portraits. She was diagnosed at the age of 13. After being fired from a job in January, she decided to make the switch to journalism.

Conventional employment, like with Megan and Robyn, had been emotionally and physically draining. A request to work from home before the pandemic, owing to physical health issues, had also been refused: “It was infuriating when the pandemic happened and all of a sudden everyone was able to work from home.”

The subject of reasonable adjustments often crops up when discussing autism and traditional employment; anecdotally a recurring theme is that adjustments are often not granted, or take a lot of justification. Lucinda expressed that she felt she was made to feel like she was asking for “special treatment” when asking for adjustments.

Self-employment can mean that an income will fluctuate, sometimes even dramatically so. Autism is a spectrum - and some individuals may not like change, for example. Lucinda said: “I don’t like the financial uncertainty. A regular wage makes planning for things so much easier. It’s always at the back of my mind that I need to be careful with my money as next month I may not get any work.”

Asked about advantages, she said: “I own my successes - I work hard for them and I am super proud when I get those little wins. I like that I can work the hours that suit me - I know the times that I am most productive and also if I’m having a bad day with my health then I am able to take the morning off while I clear my head and make up the time when I’m feeling better. Working from home also really suits me as I have complete control of my environment, my desk is set up by the window, there are no fluorescent lights, no radio in the background to distract me.”

Emerging research suggests that autistic women are more likely to face expectations relating to gender roles within the workplace - for example, taking on additional emotional labour - and are also held to a higher standard than their autistic male counterparts. It has been suggested that autistic people often have problems with retaining employment - so is it any wonder that more autistic women are choosing to become self-employed?

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A HOSTILE ARRANGEMENT

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

Bristol Council has installed skate stoppers to prevent young people skating near its cenotaph, but a side effect of this kind of hostile architecture regularly impacts disabled people In June, Bristol Council installed a number of skate stoppers around its cenotaph to prevent skateboarders from using the area. The Centre, the area of the city in which the cenotaph resides, was remodelled in 2017 and soon after, skateboarders began utilising the flat paving for their sport. The council responded by installing skate strips.

When the skateboarders moved up closer to the cenotaph, the council installed more skate strips. According to Bristol Live, the council did this to protect the street furniture in the area, which they say is damaged by the skateboarders.

A skate stopper is a long, thin strip of metal put between paving slabs or on concrete that prevents skating. However, they’re also a trip hazard. For people who may live with mobility issues, visual impairment or blindness, or those who use mobility aids, the skate stoppers prevent them from accessing the area, too. A campaign has been started on 38 Degrees by Jen Smith to have them removed, citing the hazardous nature of the skate stoppers to disabled people. As signatory Pernilla said: “Skate stops present a real trip hazard not only for skateboarders but also the general populous, especially people with mobility issues.

Their introduction is dangerous, comes with a significant risk of injury, and makes the city a less disability friendly place. I can’t see how wanting to discourage people from partaking in a physical activity is a valid justification for introducing them when the potential cost to people’s health and wellbeing is so high.”

The people prevented from sleeping or resting on these benches, which are available for all in public spaces, would likely deem this hostile architecture. Hostile architecture is designed to restrict behaviour, but it often comes at the behest of people who need the environment to function as they expect it, which therefore comes at the cost of disabled people. If a person living with chronic fatigue needs to rest in a public area when they’re out, how can they do so on a bench which is designed to make sitting uncomfortable? Other times, hostile architecture uses accessibility as an excuse to be exclusionary: the late journalist Dawn Foster once noted that a number of wheelchair-accessible seats that were to be installed in Galway (where the “seat” portion of the centre chair in a group of three was missing to allow a wheelchair user to pop themselves in the centre space) were not accessible so much as they were using accessibility as an excuse to reduce rough sleeping.

Hostile architecture may be designed to prevent “unwanted” behaviours, and while its success is debatable, what it also does is prevent people from using public spaces to their fullest potential. For a space like The Centre in Bristol, where people meet, gather and hang out, to be made inaccessible, that can affect entire communities. And all for the sake of keeping skateboarders away.

This is not an isolated incident. You may have noticed that benches in the city near you have suddenly acquired a series of armrests that bisect its seating; or that the vacant concrete under motorway overpasses have been covered in tiny spikes. Maybe your local bus stop’s bench where you normally sit and wait on your bus has been replaced by an uncomfortable sloping bar that you have to perch on.

City planners might call this defensive architecture. In bus shelters across Glasgow, benches are replaced with leaning bars that prevent you from sitting and resting. Removing benches means people who are sleeping rough can’t use them as a bed, and as we all know that if the problem can’t be seen, it doesn’t exist. In London, the well-known Camden bench is a block of concrete that can, due to its shape, be used only as a bench, but it’s still not designed to be comfortable; the designer, Factory Furniture, claims its heavily contoured shape prevents littering, sleeping, drug dealing, graffiti, theft and skateboarding.

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Low Slow AND

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

ooking can be so much fun. There’s nothing that feels better than preparing a beautiful meal, cooked with your whole heart, for someone that you love, and getting to watch as they enjoy every second of it. Cooking is a language of love. Sometimes, however, cooking is an absolute chore, and you just cannot be bothered at all. There’s nothing worse than trying to work out what to cook for your family day in and day out. Slow cookers are a great way to change things up with minimal effort: you can dump all of your ingredients in, switch it on and walk away, then once you get back, you’ve got a delicious and fulfilling meal. If you’re still working from home, or if you have a few hours to spare before dinner, you’re in the perfect position to get into the slow cooking lifestyle. There’s a slow-cooked meal for every course really.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast and slow cooking seem kind of at odds - in the morning, most of us are just looking for a quick meal, and we don’t have a huge amount of time for breakfast.

But if you’re the sort that gets up really early then waits a little while to have breakfast (because who can eat first thing in the morning), then slow cooker breakfasts are a wonderful treat. One of the best things about slow cooking is that it slowly infuses flavours into food, so you get lovely, warming, flavourful food - with that in mind, slow cooker porridge is a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys a wholesome, filling breakfast. It can be made in the slow cooker with fresh fruit, so you can make your own cinnamon and apple porridge, for example, by simply popping all of your ingredients into the pot and walking away. You can also make an entire fry up in a slow cooker.

This sounds like sacrilege, yes, but it could not be easier: all you need is mugs for your “wet” items (like beans) and you can place your meats around it inside the slow cooker.

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LUNCH

Lunch and dinner are the points where slow cookers really come into their own: the bad thing about slow cooking is that it’s, well, it’s a slow method. You need a little bit of time on your hands to get things going, and for some people, this might outweigh the convenience of just being able to fling everything inside the slow cooker and walking away. If you’re one of these people who likes to get things done in the morning so you’re not running around like a headless chicken in the evening trying to get your life together, a slow-cooked lunch might be something you can get behind. Maybe, you’re someone who, when lunchtime rolls around, simply cannot bring yourself to be bothered actually making something, so you resort to eating something that’s unfulfilling and joyless, like a toast sandwich (seriously, that is a thing. It’s from the war). You might find more joy in transitioning to hot lunches from the slow cooker that you can - and say it with me now - just fling all the ingredients into and walk away for a few hours.

Warm and filling soups and flavourful pasta dishes are the best friends of the slow cooker, and they’re perfect midday meals to keep you full until dinnertime.

DINNER

This is it: slow-cooked dinners. There is truly nothing more enjoyable, especially for the omnivores among us. Slow cooking limits the evaporation of liquids in food, so slow cooking meats results in the most tender, succulent dishes you can think of, and the best thing is that you don’t need to buy expensive cuts of meat to make amazing slowcooked meals. That means you can buy cheap cuts of meat - for example, brisket or skirt beef - and cook them low and slow, ensuring they’re super tender and moist by dinner time. Slow cooking meat allows you to bring out the very best in it. It’s worth noting that it may well be the opposite for vegetables: studies show slow cooking veg results in more nutrients being lost than in faster cooking methods, so it’s worth remembering that. The king of slow cooked dinners is the almighty BBQ pulled pork: make it Texas, Kansas City or Memphis style based on different preparation methods, but regardless, you are on to a winner. Roasts also taste incredible in the slow cooker, and it’s a great way to make succulent chicken dishes like orange chicken, or even tonkotsu ramen made with pork belly if you’re feeling up to the challenge!

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Cookfulness

BY IAN TAVERNER

Ian Taverner is the author of Cookfulness, the cookbook designed for those living with chronic illness and pain. Every issue Ian will be contributing an exclusive 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.

ROASTED SWEETCORN, TOMATO & ONION SALSA A wonderful summer side for the BBQ or grill, or as part of a beautiful, fresh salad main.

HINTS & TIPS

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Great with different flavoured tortilla chips

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Start with less chilli and work your way up until you are happy with the heat. Don’t go mad straight up!

If using frozen sweetcorn or onion, give yourself that extra time to ensure they are defrosted before you begin

WAYS TO CHANGE Add mixed peppers to the sweetcorn mix to roast Add crumbled feta to the final dish (but do so before seasoning as feta is salty) Change the smoked paprika to medium curry powder or garam masala Mix with your favourite salad leaves for a full on meal

Give Yourself Time - take extra time to take a step back, breathe and re-Cookfulness yourself Key – this appears when something really important is needed Hints & Tips – to help you throughout and after Cookfulness Playlists – get your best tracks going in the kitchen!

Difficulty rating: *** Serves: 4 as side / 2 as main Cooking time: 15 -20 mins Preparation time: 15 mins Give yourself time: 40 mins

YOU WILL NEED Baking Tray Knife Chopping board Medium mixing bowl Tablespoon Teaspoon Zester Weighing scales Your Cookfulness music playlist!

METHOD KEY Preheat oven to 200°C Add the sweetcorn, onion and tomatoes to the mixing bowl Add the olive oil and smoked paprika then mix gently to ensure all combined and covered Spread the mix onto your baking tray into one layer Put into the oven for 15 mins KEY set timer for 15 mins Meanwhile, using the same bowl, add the avocado, chilli, lime juice and zest and coriander Mix gently to combine Take out the sweetcorn mix and leave to cool until warm to the touch (5 mins) Add the sweetcorn mix to the avocado mix in the bowl Combine gently Season with salt to taste Serve. You did it!

Follow my Cookfulness journey on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @Cookfulness Cookfulness available in hard copy and e-book on Amazon/BookshopUK/Waterstones

INGREDIENTS 180g frozen sweetcorn (give time to defrost) 180g plum tomatoes – halved 80g red onion chopped 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ lime – zest and juice ½ fresh red chilli chopped or 1 teaspoon jar chilli/paste 1 ripe avocado, roughly chopped Salt Handful of fresh coriander roughly chopped posabilitymagazine.co.uk

23

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MIK SCARLET COLUMNIST

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FORGET SPORT, GIVE ME ART!

A

fter a year of lockdown, this year has been a seemingly never-ending flood of sport.

The Euros, Wimbledon, rugby, cricket, and then the Olympics and Paralympics. The country has been gripped by a sporting passion that has left people like me cold and dreaming of the good old days of lockdown. I know it’s almost like blasphemy now, but I loathe sport. All sport. When I was told at age 15 that I would never walk again, I genuinely thought: “yes, no more PE!” I haven’t exactly been caught up in the national sporting frenzy recently. Luckily, I have been focusing on my real love: the arts.

I was hired to produce an amazing arts event to be held at the Barbican later this year called the CRIPtic Showcase. I attended the original showcase in 2019 and was blown away at the performances, from new and up-and-coming disabled performers and creatives. When I saw an ad for a producer role to help the creative genius behind the show - the one and only writer, performer, director and artistic powerhouse Jamie Hale - put on a new showcase in 2021, I had to apply. And I got the gig! I have been honoured to help the brilliant Jamie, and their equally brilliant PA Caitlin Richards, in choosing the artists to appear at the Pit Theatre in November, arrange leading disabled creatives to mentor the artists and help arrange workshops to upskill and broaden the creative knowledge of the CRIPtic team.

We’re about halfway through the development stage and have an early work-sharing event at the start of August. To see these new disabled artists grow and blossom has been

@MikScarlet

a joy that has led me to consider a career change and become a producer full-time. I truly can’t wait for November so we can show the world the brilliant works being created for the showcase. There’s everything from d/Deaf rap, gothic horror and video installations, to challenging short plays around society’s negative attitudes towards disabled people, and sweet pieces around the heartache of a relationship break-up. It’s going to be an unmissable show, and I know that each artist will go on to have the most amazing career. I remember how much I loved creating art, whether that be through music, fashion, painting, or writing, I have always found real joy in creativity.

With art, you find joy through the process; through developing your skills and in the moments of inspiration that leads to something you weren’t expecting you could achieve. If others like your work, that’s wonderful, but art isn’t about success. It’s about letting your inner wonder out. If you love sport, great, but I never really understand why our nation isn’t as obsessed with art in the same way. The UK has always excelled at pushing the

“If you love sport, great, but I never really understand why our nation isn’t as obsessed with art in the same way”

arts, and yet it’s seen as elitist. I have never understood why, especially now a ticket to a football game can cost more than a ticket to the Royal Opera House!

For disabled people, arts have an important place in our history.

We keep hearing how the 2012 Paralympics promoted equality for disabled people, but they did nothing compared to the work of the disability arts movement of the 1980s and 1990s. From a group of disabled creatives came a campaign for equality that led to the Disability Discrimination Act, which gave us access to sporting venues, public transport, work, independent living and so much more. All of it was championed by the campaigning work of disabled artists who led the disability rights movement back then. They used their creativity to shape campaigns that grabbed the public’s attention and shaped opinions. Suddenly the non-disabled public asked, “why haven’t you got rights” after witnessing the protests fronted by disabled artists. With the public behind us, the government had to follow. In 1995 we got our first real equality legislation.

Time to get off my high horse. I know many of you love sport and have been glued to the coverage all year. I will say that if you haven’t found that art is your thing, give it a try. Get out of your comfort zone; go to the theatre, try the ballet, go to a poetry reading, visit a gallery, even come along to the CRIPtic Showcase at the Barbican on 19-29 November. Even better, try art yourself. Be creative, let the joy of art flow through you and see what the result is. You might be shocked at a hidden talent. You might find you could be part of the CRIPtic showcase 2022! cripticarts.org

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SUMMER

OF

SPORT

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

Get ready for the sportiest summer you have ever had. We have had Wimbledon, the Euros, and now we await the Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in Tokyo at the end of August. It seems only right that you would want to get your friends around and watch some of the live action on Channel 4, who will be broadcasting over 300 hours of the Games. It’s time to get ready to cheer on our athletes after a painfully uncertain year, and what better way to do this than by rounding up your pals and getting into the Paralympic party spirit.

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Sporting Chance

Brush up on the history of the Paralympic Games with this book by Lori Alexander. This book honours the life of Ludwig Guttmann, founder of the Paralympic Games, through archival photos, full-colour illustrations and a riveting narrative. Show off to your friends with all your Paralympic history knowledge.

World of Books | £11.49

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YO! Sushi Platters

Throwing a party can be a lot of hard work and stress, and it is important to conserve your energy for enjoying yourself. Why not treat your guests to some Japanese cuisine in honour of the host nation, you can now order YO! Sushi platters from Sainsbury’s to cater for your hungry crowd, they even do a vegan platter.

Sainsbury’s | £18

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LEXI

The classification system used for the Paralympic athletes is complex to say the least. Luckily, we have the LEXI decoder system to help us out and explain succinctly and visually what races each athlete competes in. Unisex figures use traffic light colours to illustrate areas of reduced coordination, movement or vision. It would probably be best to have this guide to hand during your viewing.

LEXI | Free

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Shima Sake and Soda Cocktail

Serve these refreshing sake and soda cocktails to offer a taste of Japan. Serve straight from the can or class it up with ice and a glass if you are feeling fancy. These drinks are gluten-free, vegan and low in calories, but remember to drink responsibly.

London Sake | £18

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Retro Visor

Everything comes back in fashion again, and we feel strongly that visors are sitting in that category right now.

Like tie dye, bum bags and jigsaw puzzles, visors are making a comeback. You will not only look awesome, but you will also protect your face from the sun. No more wrinkles for you.

Zazzle | £26.30

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Someity Mascot Keyring

A perfect keepsake to remember the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games by. Aside from being the cutest keyring you will most likely ever own, as Someity is adorable in a way only the Japanese could create, but she is also a very practical little companion that will help you find your keys in the bottom of your bag.

Wish | £2.99

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8 ParalympicsGB T-shirt

Struggling with what to wear when you are shouting at your TV and cheering on our athletes? Look, no further, we have found the perfect ParalympicsGB t-shirt for you to adorn, so no one is in doubt of who you are supporting.

SP12 | £12.99

Union Jack Flags

No Paralympic Games party would be complete without you all having a mini Union Jack flag to wave in support.

If you are fed up of waving them, then you can also use them to decorate the room, or play some childish “hide the flag on the person” games – you know just to keep you amused during the breaks.

Amazon | £2.49

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Cupcake Toppers

If you feel up to baking some sweet treats for your party, why not whip up some delicious cupcakes to give everyone a sugar boost when needed. Alternatively, you can just buy some readymade cupcakes and add these effective little Paralympic toppers to them. You don’t even need to tell anyone if you didn’t bake them!

Ebay | £2.49

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Nike GO Flyease

Watching the sporting action on TV may just spark a burning desire in you to take up some form of exercise yourself. It’s important to have the top equipment for your feet and Nike have produced the most accessible trainers in the form of the GO FlyEase. They have easy step-in entry and a lacing mechanism you can adjust with one hand.

Nike | £179.95

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Tokyo 2020 GOING FOR GOLD

BY KATIE CAMPBELL Delayed, postponed, and otherwise uncertain, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are finally set to begin on 24 August before drawing to a close on 5 September. What can we expect from the Games that, for the first time since its inception in 1960, was the closest we’ve come to cancellation?

ONES TO WATCH

Keep an eye out for these ParalympicGB athletes who’ll be looking to take a place on the podium in these longawaited Games:

FRAN BROWN Triathlon (PTS2) Fran has previously impressed as a multiple para climbing world champion, but her desire to net a Paralympic medal has prompted her to switch to triathlon, where she’s making waves and racking up podium spaces in triathlon events.

Outside of sport, she’s a physiotherapist and accomplished percussionist - because being a talented sportsperson was simply not enough!

JACK SHEPHARD Badminton (SH6) Voted BWF Male Para Badminton player of the year in 2018, Jack is currently number one in the SH6 world rankings. He’s one of four para-athletes who are representing Great Britain in the brand-new badminton event. Jack has previously won two gold medals at the European Championships, making him a force to be reckoned with.

AMY TRUESDALE Taekwondo (K44) Described by the International Paralympic Committee as “one of the pioneers of para taekwondo,” Amy took up the sport at the age of seven and has never looked back. She’s medalled at almost every World Championships since the sport started, and took her first gold on home turf in 2017.

Amy is ranked number one and is the favourite to take the gold in the women’s +58kg.

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WILL BAYLEY Table Tennis (Class 7) Who could forget the moment that Will won gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, when he triumphantly stood on the table celebrating his victory? The world number three is back to defend his gold medal after an eventful few years, including a stint on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and recognition in the 2017 New Year’s Honours.

HANNAH COCKROFT Wheelchair racing 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m (T34) Hannah won two gold medals at London 2012, three golds at Rio in 2016, and there’s no reason she can’t win four in Tokyo, to be frank. She holds the world records for four events in her classification, and Paralympic records in all four events she competes in. The gold medals really are Hurricane Hannah’s to lose.

UNDERSTANDING THE LEXICON

If this is your first time watching the Paralympic Games, you might feel a little overwhelmed by the classification system that’s used with the athletes in the Games. After you watch the Olympics, you think it’s just going to be classified by distance or weight or something like that, right? In the Paralympics, it’s important to make sure that people who live with similar impairments are able to compete against each other, which keeps everyone on more of an equal footing.

To the layperson, it might seem quite confusing, but it makes sense if you break it down. Here’s a hypothetical example: Samantha Kinghorn and Hannah Cockroft are both wheelchair racers who compete in the Women’s 100m events, but they don’t compete together unless it’s a mixed class event, because Samantha is in the T53 class and Hannah is in the T34 class.

Using LEXI, the class lexicon decoder, we can make a bit more sense of why they’re in different classes. T53, LEXI explains, is a classification in track sports for athletes whose impairment affects their trunk (lower body) and legs to a high degree. Samantha is in this class because, when she competes, she’s generating power exclusively using her arms and shoulders, and has to stop pushing when she wants to use the compensator to steer. T34 class athletes, like Hannah, are classified as such because their movement is affected to a low or moderate degree in their trunk or arms, but their impairment affects their legs to a high degree - they therefore have to compensate for a reduction in coordination of their muscle movements.

LEXI is an ideal framework for us non-athletes to understand the classification system. It was invented by Giles Long, a three-time Paralympic gold medal winning swimmer, for the express purpose of visually explaining the classification system to TV audiences. It was first used in Channel 4’s coverage of the London 2021 Paralympic Games, and has now become the gold standard for explaining the multitude of classes that para-athletes can compete within.

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HOW TO WATCH?

Fancy watching the Games? Fear not, you don’t need subscriptions to 400 different streaming services: Channel 4 will be broadcasting over 300 hours of round-the-clock para-sporting action straight from the Land of the Rising Sun directly into your TV, phone or computer. For the first time, they’ll also be using More 4 as a dedicated channel for team matches featuring the ParalympicsGB team as they compete in wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball; in another first, they’ll also broadcast 16 different live streams with over 1,000 hours of content from their Paralympics microsite.

The channel’s coverage of the Games will see what they claim will be the largest number of disabled TV presenters ever seen on UK televisions, with over 70% of the presenters, pundits and commentators involved in the coverage living with a disability. Among the presenters helping Ade Adepitan report from Tokyo will be Sophie Morgan, JJ Chalmers, Ed Jackson, Clair Balding, and Steph McGovern among others. In the run-up to the Games, Channel 4 also has a number of Paralympic-inspired shows to get us in the mood, including a special episode of Come Dine With Me, and Jonnie’s Blade Camp, which will see the Paralympian help five young amputees reach their sporting potential.

COVID: BIG IN JAPAN These Games are going to be unusual in a number of ways, but the most visually striking is perhaps how empty they might look to those of us observing from the sidelines. As we’re writing this, the Olympic Games are well underway, and spectators are not allowed in any of the venues that are hosting events. Despite the lack of crowds, there’s still a great atmosphere, and it’s phenomenal to see the athletes finally get to do what they’ve trained for after such a long and stressful wait. It’s looking like the Paralympics will also be played out without spectators, but some official sources are claiming a decision will be made on that closer to the beginning of the Games at the end of August, but we’re working on the assumption that the Paralympic Games will operate like their Olympic brethren.

Japan’s not having the best time when it comes to dealing with the global pandemic. The day after the Olympics started, they hit their record high in COVID cases - it’s worth noting, however, that the figures in Japan still pale in comparison to the confirmed case numbers in both the US and the UK. A majority of the Japanese public have questioned whether it’s safe to hold both Games as the country has entered its fourth wave, and the country has been (comparatively speaking) slower to begin its vaccination rollout, with the BBC reporting at the end of July that only 22% of the population of around 126 million being fully vaccinated.

Both Paralympic and Olympic committees are committed to making their Games as safe as is possible for the athletes who are taking part, however. At both Games, they’re limiting the number of people who can be in both the athletes’ villages and the stadia, which means the athletes’ families and friends can’t attend, as well as a hugely reduced media presence at the Games. The IOC and IPC have jointly issued a number of playbooks for athletes, officials, and media, which detail what is in place to keep the athletes safe.

Athletes will have to undergo a rigorous testing protocol, and are assigned a CLO - COVID-19 liaison officer - who will be responsible for them even before they travel to Japan. The CLO will have athletes write up activity plans, which they’ll ensure are carried out safely, and be in charge of the regular COVID testing that athletes will have to perform. The Games will operate test, trace, and isolate just like the athletes would have to do back home in the UK - and have been asked to maintain good social distancing, hygiene, and are asked to keep wearing their face masks. At events, they won’t be able to sit in the ticketed spectator areas, but will instead sit in the Same Discipline Athlete seating, where they’re encouraged to not shout or cheer on their teammates, but instead perform a respectful and COVID-safe clap.

If athletes don’t follow the rules - but let’s face it, who’s throwing away the chance of Paralympic gold after this long a wait - they could be issued warnings, have their accreditation removed, be made temporarily or permanently ineligible from the Paralympics, disqualification, or financial sanctions.

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Gold STANDARD THE

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH Hannah Cockroft has not let lockdown hold her back from going for gold at her third Paralympic Games

H ...I have literally pushed every road in Cheshire trying to find a flat road to do some sprints on!

annah Cockroft is probably one of the most well-known Paralympians, not just in the UK, but around the globe. The fivetime Paralympic champion is a formidable force on the track in her T34 classification, and it would seem she has no intentions of slowing down as she sets her sights on success at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

At 28 years old and about to embark on her third Paralympic Games, Hannah laughs that she is “a bit past it,” with young up and comers like fellow Brit Kare Adenegan competing for her titles, but her recent world-record breaking performances at the British Wheelchair Athletic Association Grand Prix at Stoke Mandeville in September 2020 say otherwise.

We caught up with Hannah earlier this year to find out how her year in lockdown has impacted her training and what she hopes for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and the subsequent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.

How has the last year been for you?

It’s been a very odd, it’s almost 18 months now really. We have had to get very creative with training. When tracks shut we built a gym in the garage, and I have literally pushed every road in Cheshire trying to find a flat road to do some sprints on! I have spent a lot more time

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on the rollers than I would have liked but ultimately, I haven’t found it terrible. It gave me time to step back and just enjoy training again with no pressure. It’s always a constant trail of training plans and all sorts, so when all that stopped and you just had to do what you could, it gave you the chance to just go back to what you know and back to the bits of the sport that you love. It took all that pressure away and now it feels like a treat when we get to go out and race. It makes you appreciate what you have.

Did you have to train on your own?

Luckily, I live with my boyfriend Nathan Maguire who is also a wheelchair racer, so we trained together. If I hadn’t had him, the last year would have been very, very different. We had each other on those days when you wake up and think what’s the point, I can’t be bothered, we had each other to say, “come on now, we have a year to really make the most of it and see how quick we can get with this year.” We really pushed each other on. Obviously, I didn’t see my coach, we were missing our training group as well, but we did Zoom training sessions and we did what we could with that like most people. So yeah, it was what it was. I’ve come out the other side and I am still smiling so it wasn’t that bad!

How difficult was it dealing with the uncertainty around the Paralympics?

When the Games were first postponed, I was the one in the house that cried. It wasn’t unexpected, it was just very sudden.

We kind of thought we would get some prior warning, that we would get told before everyone else and then we can get our emotions in check and work out what we want to do. However, there was just a news bulletin and then we got told after it.

It was on the news and then my phone was just ringing off the hook with journalists and people wanting to know how do you feel? I was like, “I don’t know how I feel yet because I have only just seen the news too, so give me a second!”

That was hard and I had a few days where I was just like “ugh”. I feel like athletes went one of two ways; they either went “I am just going to have a year off, I’m going to relax, I’m going to rest, I’m not going to put any pressure on myself” – and there is no problem with that decision - but myself

and Nathan went the complete opposite way and said, right there is nothing better to do, so we are just going to train all the time and just be at home and it worked for us. It worked really well, but it took a few days to get to that decision – we had a few days and in the middle where we just thought, order a pizza we don’t want to do this!

How do you feel about going to Tokyo?

I am excited, it’s a Paralympic Games, it’s what I have trained for the last five years for now. I am a little apprehensive of just how it’s going ahead - the rules are going to be very different, it’s going to be a very different atmosphere and a very different environment from anything we have done before. Ultimately, I just want to get there and do what I do. We have to remember that it’s our job, we have got to go in there and compete, that’s what we do for a living.

Ultimately, I just want to get there and do what I do

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I am interested to see how it goes, how they run it, but I am more excited than anything just to get out there and compete for Britain.

Do you feel quite safe with the level of testing and precautions they have in place?

I suppose so. I just got back from Switzerland so I feel like that was my test of how Tokyo is going to be. It was my first international, and we had no cases of COVID through the whole two weeks we were there, which is amazing. There were over 20 countries in attendance, so it shows that it can work on a smaller scale. Let’s hope it can work on a bigger scale. I think testing will add a bit of extra stress to race day and race situations, you’ve just got to be so organised to get it all done. They are doing the best they can and that’s all we can ask.

Will it affect your performance not having a home crowd there?

I am a para-athlete so I am used to competing in front of no crowd. I mean the best part of a Paralympics is the crowd, let’s not ignore that fact. It’s why we are there, we love showing people what we can do, so it will be sad if there are no Japanese residents in attendance, but like I said we are used to competing in front of nobody which is the sad reality of parasport. We don’t get crowds, so it will be a shame to lose our one opportunity every four years to get a crowd, but we are used to it, so I am used to just getting in my own head and doing my race. Along as people are watching on telly!

Tell us about the volunteer programme you are helping to launch for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Birmingham 2022 are looking for 13,000 volunteers.

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply, whether you are old, young, disabled, non-disabled; whoever you are there is a job for you. You don’t have to have any training or qualifications or anything like that. You could be a kit

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carrier, a bus driver, there are so many things you could end up doing there, we just want everyone to apply.

Is this the first Commonwealth Games you have competed in?

Yes, my event has never been included in the Commonwealth Games before, so Birmingham will be my first one! They emailed me before they announced it and I cried when I got the email! I couldn’t believe it. Everyone talks about holding all four titles, Hollie Arnold holds all four titles and I have always looked at it and thought I would love to do that but I just can’t, I would love to represent Team England – and they have finally given me a go! It’s a home Games so it only makes it better, 10 years from London and I can get my family and all my friends down. For a long time, I wasn’t sure if Tokyo would be my last, you know at 28, a bit past it, I’ll bow out at Tokyo, it’s my third Games. Then this opportunity came up and I was like well, I guess I have to carry on then!

Do you think Tokyo will be your last Paralympic Games?

No, Paris is definitely in my sights now. I mean I’ve got Birmingham, then I’ve only got two years, two years is nothing is it?

Who do you have your sights on as your biggest competition for the Paralympic Games?

Kare [Adenegan] will definitely be up there, we haven’t really seen each other this year so we don’t really know how each other are doing. There’s Robyn Lambird over in Australia, I haven’t seen a thing of what she is doing, and she was flying last time I saw her - she’s got so much progress that she can make, so who knows what work she has done. Alexa Halko, the silver and bronze medallist, she’s very quiet, she is a hard one to track so it’s going to be interesting getting out there.

For every athlete, we haven’t seen our main competition and have no idea what they are doing, it’s going to be a Games where you know the athletes that trained during the lockdown and the athletes that didn’t!

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PERSONALISED WALKING STICK

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Picture it: Sicily, 1922. Your friend asks you where you got that amazing Golden Girls walking stick you’re using, and you explain that it’s a custom creation from Cool Crutches. They can make custom walking sticks of any colour, pattern or monogram. Everyone at Shady Pines will want one of their own!

Designed specifically for people who live with low vision, the RNIB’s digital radio is a DAB+ and FM radio that is incredibly easy to use.

It features an extra-large display with highcontrast characters, is compatible with USB sticks from the RNIB’s Talking Book Service, and has quality of life features like a low room temperature alert and alarm clock function.

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Made from a light twill fabric, they’re stylish and functional. The trousers are available in a wide range of sizes, from sizes 6 to 26, and can be adapted to suit the wearer’s needs. unhiddenclothing.com £70

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KENEVO KNEE JOINT Kenevo is the world’s first technologically advanced microprocessor knee joint designed specifically to meet the complex safety needs of people with reduced mobility levels. This revolutionary microprocessor knee can be adapted to evolve with the wearer as they progress through the early stages of rehabilitation, right through to full mobilisation.

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WEIGHTED ROBE Love the feeling of your weighted blanket, but hate having to leave its lovely, heavy warmth to go and answer the door or get another cup of tea? Do we have great news for you: the Gravity weighted robe combines the usefulness of a dressing gown with weighted relaxation. It’s available in three weights, and four different colours. gravityblankets.co.uk £129

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Scottish Adventure A

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

Discover the rugged beauty, unrivalled scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that Scotland has to offer cotland, for many, is an undiscovered jewel that sits right on your doorstep inviting you to travel around it’s unrivalled scenery, beaches and history.

With the era of the staycation well and truly on the rise, many visitors are now wondering why they travelled anywhere else on holiday. The white, sandy beaches and crystal clear, turquoise waters of the islands and the west coast will have you questioning if you have in fact been transported to a Caribbean island, and the opportunity to spot dolphins, otters, eagles and other wildlife is captivating for visitors of all ages.

The rugged landscape of Scotland often means that some places are not accessible for wheelchair users, but with a little research you will discover many places that are accessible and many organisations offering excursions and boat trips are equipped for wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility. Most places will ask that you contact them to discuss any specific requirements to ensure they can accommodate.

FOOD Scotland is renowned for its fresh local seafood. Lobsters, langoustines, oysters and salmon grace most menus around the Scottish coast, showing off the best of local produce. The beauty of enjoying this incredible fresh, local seafood, is that you will find you do not have to be sitting in a fancy city restaurant to be indulging in this. You will discover roadside shacks serving fresh langoustines or lobster rolls for lunch, hot smoked salmon sandwiches and boxes of fresh oysters are not uncommon to be eaten at a picnic bench overlooking a stunning beach and sea view.

Supporting the local eateries and shops when travelling around Scotland is extremely important to the local communities. Following a difficult year with the pandemic, many small Scottish communities have suffered severely and the re-opening of tourism has been a welcome transition. Supporting the local shops and businesses is of utmost importance at the moment to ensure these businesses can survive, so keep this in mind if you do embark on a journey around Scotland.

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NC500

The North Coast 500 is an incredible road trip that covers 516 miles around Scotland’s coastline. It can be done by car, motorbike, campervan, motorhome or bicycle (for anyone feeling super fit). If you are doing the full road trip it is recommended that you spend approximately two weeks, to give yourself enough time to enjoy all the places you discover.

The NC500 route is unlike anywhere else in the world.

There are many highlights on this route, but you may not want to stop at them all. It is certainly recommended to plan ahead to ensure you can map out your journey and ensure it covers everywhere you want to see. In saying that, you don’t want to stick too rigidly to your plan, you may want to factor in some extra time to allow you to stay longer in places that you love or to go off the beaten track on the advice of some locals to discover some hidden gems.

As well as the NC500, you also have the amazing Scottish Islands off the west coast to discover. Home to tropical beaches, amazing wildlife, and whisky and gin distilleries, they should be high on your list to visit. We take a look at some of the unmissable places to visit on your tour around Scotland.

APPLECROSS PENINSULA The Applecross community is made up of various crofting townships based along the peninsula. This secluded area is inhabited by an estimated 200 people and it can be accessed by only two roads. The most impressive road to drive over to reach the Applecross bay is the Bealach na Ba, a narrow winding pass that climbs up through the mountains, offering you breathtaking views and treacherous vertical drops; it is not for the faint-hearted. The drive will all be worth it though, as you descend down to the shore and are welcomed by the Applecross Inn, be sure to book a table so you are not disappointed. Once you have arrived, you can settle in and enjoy some delights off their menu, from Applecross Bay prawns, king scallops, and “posh” fish and chips using monkfish – you won’t want to leave. The main bar and restaurant are wheelchair accessible and the Inn does offer a ground floor room, but it doesn’t note any specific accessibility facilities so best to call and discuss any access requirements.

Keep your eyes peeled for deer on the hills on your drive over, you may even be greeted by a stag outside the Applecross Inn as they tend to casually wander through.

Best to keep your distance though.

DOLPHIN SPOTTING IN CHANONRY POINT

Dolphins jumping and frolicking close to the shore, not a sight you see every day, unless you live on the Black Isle.

The Moray Firth is home to a pod of dolphins that offer tourists and locals alike a spectacular sight. Chanonry Point is situated between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, and is the best place to witness bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. It is popular with the Moray Firth dolphins because it is a great feeding ground for them, and these sightings are influenced by tidal conditions. They are generally spotted about one hour after low tide when the tide begins to rise again. The tide times can usually be downloaded from moraydolphins.co.uk, but due to the pandemic they are not currently available. They will be posting them again in due course so keep checking back.

There are other good spots on the Black Isle to sight these majestic creatures, just a short drive away you will find North Kessock, Fort George and Spey Bey which is also home to the wheelchair accessible Scottish Dolphin Centre.

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Scottish Islands ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebridean islands and it has a lot to offer visitors. Wildlife is in abundance, stunning scenery is at every turn and the friendly locals are always on hand to offer advice and knowledge on the island. Whisky lovers can indulge at the Talisker Distillery and take a tour of the establishment, the tour isn’t fully wheelchair accessible but you can get access to the main distillery building via a platform lift and there is ground level entry to the visitor centre and shop.

Travel to the south of the island and visit the beautiful Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum. Discover the history of the Highlands and Islands in the award-winning museum and take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, enjoy a picnic or take advantage of the onsite bistro.

ISLE OF HARRIS This is one of the islands that you have probably mistaken for a Caribbean paradise at one point. Encompassed by idyllic beaches and crystal clear waters, you could find yourself alone on vast stretches of paradise or simply getting lost in the views over the mesmerising sea.

Accessibility is tricky for most of these beaches as they tend to require a walk to get to them from your car, however there are several access points and some with car parks very close by to get you as close to the beach as possible.

Gin lovers will not be disappointed as this is home to the award-winning Isle of Harris gin (a personal favourite) and the distillery, which is fully accessible for tours and tastings.

ISLE OF GIGHA A hidden jewel tucked away below Islay, this tiny island is home to only 160 inhabitants or so. It is small, yet perfectly formed. A short ferry ride from Tayinloan brings you to the shores of Gigha where you can disembark and wander up to the main street where you will find the local shop and Post Office. A short stroll from here brings you to the Gigha Hotel and down by the shore is the Boathouse restaurant, where you can indulge in the freshest seafood and sample local gins from the nearby Hebridean Islands. The north end of the island boasts the Twin Beaches – two horseshoe inlets that sit back to back offering a perfect day out with the family to play on the beach and picnic in the sun.

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Evolve with Kenevo Kenevo is the world’s first technologically advanced microprocessor knee joint designed specifically to meet the complex safety needs of people with reduced mobility levels. This revolutionary microprocessor knee can be adapted to grow and evolve with the wearer as they progress through the early stages of rehabilitation, right through to full mobilisation.

Ottobock will be attending Naidex on the 15th and 16th of September at the NEC in Birmingham. Bring this advert with you to our stand H33 to receive a free gift (whilst stocks last) whilst getting an opportunity to speak to our helpful team.

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Naidex RETURNS FOR At Naidex, anything is possible

ace to face events are back and the eagerly-anticipated Naidex is first up on the list. An unmissable day out, Naidex is the place to be to discover new passions, experience the future of mobility, browse the latest technology and make new friends.

Running on the 15 - 16 September at NEC, Birmingham, we have spent the last 18 months fine-tuning and curating our most exciting event yet! Packed with buzz and excitement, there will be opportunities for you to try new sports, test drive the future of mobility and much more.

This year Naidex is focusing on bringing the community back together and with fun activities, workshops, and demonstrations, you will leave both inspired and motivated to unlock your full potential.

LIVE SPORTS ARENA Participating in adaptive sports and activities is a fun and exciting way to stay fit and exercise. The Naidex Live Sports Arena focuses on promoting interactivity and as a tool for inclusion, provides opportunities to meet similar people and make new friends.

The Live Sports Arena offers the opportunity to experience adaptive sports within a safe and purposely built environment. Through expert interactive workshops, activity sessions and demonstrations, find new hobbies and future passions!

Working closely with some of the biggest adaptive sports associations, we have curated our most diverse range of activities yet. Whether it is learning martial arts and self-defence or discovering the benefits of snow sports, this is the most action packed and exciting feature of the show. Awash with buzz and excitement, discover your next passion and unlock hidden talents in the Live Sports Arena

INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS After experiencing the thrill of adaptive sports, why not head over to one of our

nine distinct seminar theatres including lifestyle, mobility, and the highly anticipated keynote theatre.

The keynote theatre will welcome some of the most inspiring people to share their empowering and uplifting stories, which will leave you motivated to start breaking down barriers and achieve your full potential! Discover how Paralympic gold medallist adaptive rower Naomi Riches MBE became the world champion she is.

The Naidex keynote theatre will also play host to several panel sessions including one titled ‘Race and Disability,’ held by disability campaigners Shani Dhanda and Julie Jaye Charles. Both incredible women have devoted their careers to campaigning for disabled rights and are responsible for massive steps forward in the realms of disability, diversity, equality and inclusion.

Expect a wonderfully insightful session from two experts on race and disability in the UK. There are plenty more keynote speakers yet to be announced, but if Julie, Shani and Naomi are anything to go by, these sessions really cannot be missed!

WORLD CLASS EXHIBITORS With a list of 200+ specialist exhibitors, you are sure to find innovative solutions to the challenges you face. Showcasing the latest technology and innovations which have been in development over the past 18 months, exhibitors will be hosting interactive product demonstrations across the two days. Discover how the latest tech and equipment can empower you and those you care for to live as independently as possible.

The comprehensive list of exhibitors at Naidex spans a diverse range of fields and caters to an even wider range of wants and needs. From revolutionary mobility aid manufacturers to accessible travel and holiday providers. No matter what your challenges are, you will find the perfect solution at Naidex.

Register now at naidex.co.uk.

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QEF

MOBILITY SERVICES Helping you to be more mobile

isability charity Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) provides a range of expert services that enable almost 10,000 people a year to increase their independence and live the life they choose. Their Mobility Services are based in Carshalton, South London and offer a wide variety of mobility-focused assessments for people of all ages. From learning to drive to driving assessments after an acquired impairment, mobility equipment assessments and even helping people to travel by air with confidence through their Tryb4uFly service.

As society starts to fully reopen again, their Transport Hub has never been more important – helping people who can’t drive to find out what suitable transport options are available to them, as well as helping people manage any associated anxiety and better connect with their community. Find out more at qef.org.uk/transporthub.

QEF’s Transport Hub is one of seven hubs across the country which are all part of a pilot project funded by the Department for Transport aiming to reduce social isolation.

To find your local transport hub visit drivingmobility.org. uk/alternatives-to-driving/hubs-centres.

Disabled children are also supported with their mobility requirements through the free Bugzi loan scheme. This is operated by MERU, part of the QEF Group, and assessments are available at 11 partner centres across the UK. Bugzi is a mini powered wheelchair that’s enables a child to experience independent mobility - often for the first time, so children can go where they want and play with their friends. Importantly it also gives some children the time they need to safely develop the skills to control a powered wheelchair, giving them a much better chance of accessing a powered wheelchair on the NHS when they are old enough to be assessed.

You can watch children experience Bugzi for the first time at qef.org.uk/bugziassessments and find out more about the free Bugzi loan scheme at merushop.org/bugzi.

QEF provide a wide range of expert services that help people to increase their independence and they can be life-transforming for disabled people of all ages. Find out how they can help you at qef.org.uk.

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Power THE

O F T H E REVIEW

he first review is a momentous occasion for any Euan’s Guide reviewer. Their feedback about disabled access will be viewed by thousands of disabled people, their families and friends and carers, across the country and sometimes even further afield. This autumn, many disabled people will be discovering new places and rediscovering the places they love in the post-pandemic world – and Euan’s Guide is just the platform for you to share that experience.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A REVIEW At Euan’s Guide, we want to make sure information about disabled access is easy to find and share. Reviewers will explain how positive or negative their experience was, and rate and comment on disabled access in many ways – including what getting around the venue was like, how accessible the toilets were or what they thought about the parking. Others might detail how they felt about the place and how welcoming they felt their visit was – and in recent times it might be how COVID Confident they felt at the venue.

No journey is too long or too short, but that first review starts off the Euan’s Guide reviewing journey and the result can be rewarding and impactful – however often you review. Words and photos are equally helpful. Reviewers tell us they feel proud when they discover how somebody else has become inspired by their review – and even visiting that place themselves because of the review. Their journey is continued by interacting with the fun element of Euan’s Guide – as more reviews are written, people are rewarded with badges when they upload more pictures and visit more places locally and distantly.

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A REVIEWER JOURNEY 2019 Reviewer of the Year, Jon Watkins, has been integral to delivering many great reviews in his local area of Tillicoultry and beyond. Jon is also an Ambassador for Euan’s Guide, with his dedication of sharing the good word about the charity, while pointing businesses in the direction of Euan’s Guide to improve accessibility in their venues and toilets. His reviewing efforts have earned him 38 badges – including rewarding him for reviews in other countries – and over time his reviews have become more detailed, from words to photography.

Jon’s first review dates back to 2015, at the Pfingstegg Rodelbahn in Switzerland. Awarding the “disabled-friendly” venue five stars, he said: “While you may need a little assistance getting on and off, this is a brilliant toboggan run. You sit on a plastic trolley with a handle you pull back to brake or push forward to go. I just pushed it forward the whole time and leaned into the corners as though on a bike. The run twists and turns down the hillside for about three minutes and when you get to the bottom a rope tow tows you back to the top, ready for another go! One of the best adrenalin rushes a wheelchair user can have.”

Fast forward five years and 76 reviews later, Jon has explored all types of venues. A keen traveller and fan of culture and the arts, he has given accessibility feedback on overnight stays in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – as well as reviewing local retailers. He has even been skydiving!

GET STARTED TODAY Many people are yet to submit their first review and tell their story – reviewing is an uplifting and incredibly powerful activity, and not to mention fun. Once that journey starts, it can become delightful knowing disabled people, their family, friends and carers, might use a review to inform their decision on where to go and plan their day.

That one review can change everything – Euan’s Guide saves trawling through the web for hours on end. It’s useful, makes life easier and you can explore many great, new places you’re yet to experience.

Access has changed in and around venues and nothing is the same anymore coming out of the post-pandemic world.

We all have to relearn the landscape of our villages and towns. Reviewing reinvigorates the excitement of visiting places, as discovery and exploration become more familiar again. It doesn’t matter where the venue is – your review can help so many other people and help venues improve their accessibility.

Leave your first review with Euan’s Guide today, visit EuansGuide.com/write-a-review.

REFLECTING ON THE REVIEWING JOURNEY Jon Watkins said: “I wrote my first review after returning from a holiday in Switzerland. It was my first holiday as a wheelchair user and having hiked and cycled in the same area in the past, my view of the things I could do was dramatically changed. As I was with others who could help and no fixed agenda in an area I knew, the holiday was good but I became aware that if I had been a first time visitor I wouldn’t know where I could visit in my chair.

“Since that first review, I’ve tried to vary my reviews from local coffee shops to tourist attractions in France and America where there were no Euan’s Guide reviews available.

“It’s very encouraging to see comments and likes on my reviews when I know they have helped others enjoy somewhere I’ve been – and this encourages me to continue.”

More recently, Jon has reviewed the Tillicoultry Baptist Church – which he describes as “accessible worship in a venue for the community.” This is one that sums up the reviewer journey perfectly: Jon’s comprehensive review of the church covers every aspect of a visit, from details on how to book to uploading photos and videos on accessibility and protective measures.

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MAXIMISE YOUR INDEPENDENCE WITH QEF

queen elizabeth’s foundation for disabled people

Do you have reduced mobility or a disability?

Are you recovering from a stroke or an operation?

QEF’s expert services can support you. From mobility equipment hire to driving assessments, bespoke children’s equipment to neuro rehabilitation and specialist residential care. Our friendly team of experts can support you to live your life to the full.

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Kids’

CORNER

PRODUCTS

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he world is opening back up after the pandemic, and there is much that we can do now that a year ago might have seemed unthinkable. Despite this - or perhaps in spite of it - there are still people who need to be protected, and people who may be worried about the world and the state we now find ourselves in. As much as we’d like to think that’s not something young people would have to worry about, their wisdom far exceeds them. Yoga is a perfect way to de-stress, take stock, and reevaluate the things happening around us, and that extends to young people, too! If yoga is something you and your kids might like to try, we’ve got a few poses to get you started on page 50.

As ever, we have our regular column from Dan White, and this issue’s Future Voices features a contribution from 13-year-old Rhys Porter. On page 56, you’ll find more of our favourite products for younger people. If there’s anything you’d like to see included in our Kids’ Corner, you can email us at ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

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Bending BODIES

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

Yoga is a fun, relaxing activity for adults and young people alike that teaches mindfulness, flexibility, and so much more e live in a busy, hectic world, and despite thinking that children get to escape that by virtue of their lack of responsibilities, the world can weigh heavily on their young minds at times. Everything is relative: adults have worries, and so do younger people, and those worries are just as valid. A lot of adults find the practice of yoga can help them find peace and tranquility, and the practice gives them an opportunity to create little pockets of relaxation in their day that help them improve their mental health and fulfilment - so why can’t this apply to young people?

Yoga is a great activity for young people who might need to take some time in their day to practice mindfulness, as well as those who need to develop a sense of awareness of how their body moves and bends. It’s a great activity for helping improve flexibility, strength, and coordination, too.

While it might be difficult to comprehend how the energy of children can align with the slow, relaxed pace of yoga, it’s not as far removed as you might think. There’s an aspect of yoga which relies on the imagination, which children have in abundance: the tree pose asks you to imagine you are a strong and sturdy tree, with roots holding fast in the earth below. The mountain pose has you imagine yourself as an unbending, unflinching, immovable and immutable object, held fast and strong against whatever the elements may throw at it; many poses also take inspiration from animals, like the cat, dog and butterfly poses, which are lots of fun for younger people.

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If this has inspired you or a young person in your life to bring a little relaxation into your life through yoga, here are some poses to get you started:

TREE POSE

Also called vriksansana, the tree pose is a popular aspect of yoga as exercise as it strengthens the legs and core while improving posture and balance.

STEPS: Start by standing with feet hip width apart, Stretch out your arms as if they’re large branches, Slowly and carefully move the sole of your foot to the inside of your thigh so you’re balancing on one foot with your other resting on your standing leg, Bring your arms up to the sky like a big tree reaching for the sun and hold the pose for as long as you can.

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WARRIOR 1 POSE

Called virabhadrasana in Sanskrit, this is one of the three variations of the Warrior pose, and has been called one of the most iconic poses in yoga.

STEPS:

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Start in the mountain pose: stand upright and tall with your feet a little bit apart, Using one foot, take a great big step forward. Keep the knee of your front foot bent a little, and your back leg as straight as you can manage, Turn your back foot so that it points off to the side of your body, Hold the pose for a few breaths, then return to the mountain pose, Repeat on the opposite side.

BUTTERFLY POSE

A variation of the popular Bound Angle pose that is taught in yoga classes for exercise and mindfulness, the butterfly pose can help to improve sitting balance and posture.

STEPS: Gently plop yourself down on the floor, preferably on a comfy mat or blanket, Slowly and carefully bring the soles of your feet together as close in to your body as you can, Hold on to your ankles and try to sit up as straight as you can manage, Imagine your legs are butterfly wings and hold the pose for as long as you are comfortable.

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SLEEPING POSE

Savasana is usually the last step in any yoga practice. It might look easy (or a little strange, depending on who’s looking), but it’s an integral part of winding down and finding calm after a session.

STEPS: Lay something soft and comfy on the floor, like a yoga mat or blanket, Lie down on the mat with your hands out to your sides, Take some time to breathe, relax and clear your head of all your worries or concerns.

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DAN WHITE

positions of health and care filled by people who could instil confidence.

This would benefit everyone, not just us, and better still, these individuals should not be party affiliated. This pandemic is too important to be partyowned, too devastating to be a oneparty, one-sided exercise in ownership.

COLUMNIST

“What about Liam Fox! He was a doctor,” I hear from Twitter. Yes, what about him? Doctor he may be in title, but he is a politician first and an ex-GP second. I would better be comforted by non-politicised, agenda-free health and disability experts being front and centre. Public health should be dictating politics, not the other way around. I don’t take my child into surgery and let the politicians operate, I let the surgeon do that.

Follow Dan on Twitter @Danwhite1972 Dan White, creator of the amazing Department of Ability superheroes and dad to Emily, who is 15 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.

A CHILD’S VIEW side from the fun parentand-child bonding that my daughter and I do together, perhaps our biggest interactions (apart from her care, of course) have been our lengthy discussions about the pandemic, and our mutual favourite topic: politics. Yes, our kids are as interested in politics as much as anyone else!

Young people have been listening and sighing along with the rest of us at daily political briefings, watching

“Public health should be dictating politics, not the other way around. I don’t take my child into surgery and let the politicians operate, I let the surgeon do that”

the endless conveyor belt of drab, monosyllabic politicians wheeled out in front of us while showing absolutely no emotion or experience whatsoever.

That word “experience” was the one jumped upon by my daughter, who rightly asked the questions that have irked me for years. “Why isn’t the health secretary a doctor? Someone with medical experience? Why doesn’t the disability minister have a disabled dad?” I replied: “Good point, especially in the times we live. Why don’t they, to boost public confidence, put that into practice?”

She’s right. I know politics is a game of ever-changing faces and everstatic job positions; ever-changing inexperienced people being dropped into front-line political jobs that they are not trained for (for example, Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, is an ex-fireplace salesman). I know this is very much the way Westminster has always worked, but we live in different times; the population of the country and our community (which has been dealt the most tragic cards since this pandemic began) would feel better informed and comforted to see these

Look at the current briefing lineup.

SAGE members stand beside the PM looking as if they are desperate to tell it how it is, give the orders, take over the platform and explain what should be done without the economydriven gag of government keeping their words in check. My daughter, as evolution dictates, looks to me for advice and comfort. Me, I look to the state, and together we just make our own way as the information given is erratic or mostly nonsensical. Not a big help if you live with a learning disability, or indeed if someone’s life depends on what you hear and are suggested to implement.

A child’s view of the world is just as important as any adult’s, if not more so.

Children of all abilities are not mired down with the weights of adulthood; their minds see things better, clearer, and more logically than anyone. My daughter asked a question that should rightly be asked. She has a disability, a physical one, while I have a hidden one. We are not alone in this as you all know, and as we are at the frontline of this COVID chaos. Anything that would reassure us would reassure everybody, yes? Then, when the winds of COVID have blown out, the politicians can return to their platforms and turn on the conveyer belt of monosyllabic and inexperienced ministers, getting back once more to the party line. But for now, let the experts dictate and implement.

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FUTURE VOICES

videos. This made me feel better, and I started to realise I shouldn’t have to hide my disability just to be included. I changed my online statuses to include the words “on wheels”. People in school even started to say, “alright wheels mate” and this to me was a level of acceptance. While I still find school hard, I’m making a few friends and it’s quality over quantity that counts, right?

I want to play football professionally and play in a local disabled team. I feel so happy and free when on the pitch. I recently posted a video of me saving a Each issue we will be shining a light on a young disabled goal that I was really proud of, but the next person who is blazing their own trail. Whether that be morning I saw hundreds of hateful, negative campaigning for access, giving up their time to help their comments: “vegetable Van de Sar,” community, achieving success in the sporting or arts arena, “cripples can’t jump,” “you’re disabled you or educating their peers on disability. shouldn’t be playing sports!” My family were upset and although I was shocked, for me, this was always how I believed people think of me anyway.

RHYS PORTER

Rhys Porter is a 13-year-old from West London who just finished Year 8 at Ruislip High School. He was born with cerebral palsy, and is now a full-time wheelchair user. His passion is sports, and he loves football - Rhys would love to one day play for England! hen I was younger, I found it a lot easier to be accepted. I grew up with lots of school friends from nursery and it was like my disability was just invisible to them. That made it invisible to me, too. I knew it was there, but it didn’t really matter.

I read each comment, but all it did was make me more determined to achieve my goals. Hate gave me a bigger purpose to succeed. Alongside the hate, I receive some amazing positive comments which inspire me to be the best person I can. These always make me smile.

I want to use the negatives to make me stronger, the positives to inspire me, and know that we can all achieve our dreams, but maybe kindness will make that a lot easier for us.

But as the years grew, it changed, and my disability has become more of a barrier even for those people who knew me from the start!

I’ve never been able to walk but I’ve always been able to talk and think at the exact same levels as anyone else.

This now makes no difference as I’m not treated the same.

It’s like my wheelchair is a barrier for people that stands between me and normality.

All I’ve ever wanted is to stay included socially and make new friends along the way. When I moved to high school, I felt so alone. That’s when I became anxious about how people were looking and judging me. I felt like not only do I have a physically disability, I now have a mental struggle too. My mind was so affected I didn’t want to do anything - including school.

Then COVID hit, and I felt this was almost an excuse for me. It kept me hidden away in my room helping me avoid school and social settings.

But the more I was alone, the more I thought, and I realised I wasn’t happy at all. I decided to help myself, using my football to get active. I used my TikTok to make

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PROJECT LIMITLESS Discover the organisation that is reimagining prosthetics

ast October a fundraising campaign called #ProjectLimitless was launched in association with The Douglas Bader Foundation, The Alex Lewis Trust and Koalaa. The aim of the campaign was to raise money to help children with below elbow limb differences gain access to prosthetics that could help improve their independence.

The campaign succeeded in raising over £500,000 which funded prosthetics for more than 500 children aged 3-9 years old. The incredible amount of money raised smashed their original fundraising target, and they have now decided to extend the fundraising project to provide prosthetics for all young people under the age of 18.

Koalaa is a charitable initiative that is aiming to provide people across the world with comfortable and affordable prosthetics, ensuring no barriers stand in the way of independence for people living with limb difference.

The unique design of the prosthetics they produced are unlike the prosthetics you would be used to seeing.

They are not hard or rigid, these soft shell prosthetics are designed to be flexible and easily slipped on and off, just like putting on your most comfortable trainers.

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Koalaa prosthetics are a world first, they have reimagined how a prosthetic should be and created a lightweight, flexible prosthetic that caters to children far more comfortably than a traditional prosthetic. The design sees wearers slipping on a sleeve that can be fitted with a multitude of different tool attachments for a wide variety of tasks. The attachments can be changed to accommodate holding a pen, using cutlery, chopping vegetables, drawing, painting, riding a bike, or even playing an instrument.

They have created solutions for tiny babies, through to adults, and the amazing thing is that you do not need to visit a consultant for an assessment, you can order these direct online with some basic measurements. They have a range of different solutions to fit wearers with below elbow limb difference, or partial hands or fingers.

The affordable nature of these prosthetics is opening up a world of independence for babies, children and adults across the globe. Due to the amazing fundraising efforts currently happening through #ProjectLimitless, if you live in the UK and have a child under 18 who requires a prosthetic, you can register to request a free prosthetic!

Anyone who receives a Koalaa prosthetic sleeve will also become part of the Koalaa Community and are provided with a ‘limb buddy’, who supports them every step of the way.

The Douglas Bader Foundation has been spearheading the fundraising efforts, along with quadruple amputee and adventurer, Alex Lewis. The project also has the support of leading limb difference charities including Reach, Limbo Foundation, Limb Power and I Am Possible Foundation.

David Bickers, CEO, The Douglas Bader Foundation, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the support that #ProjectLimitless continues to receive, and we’re absolutely thrilled to now be able to open it up to children of all ages.

It’s fantastic to hear the feedback from families and all the fun things the children are getting up to with their new prosthetics!”

Alex Lewis said: “Having access to a prosthetic can be life-changing for children with limb difference, empowering them to live life to the full and inspiring them to pursue their passions and interests. Prosthetics can aid inclusion and independence, while supporting play, fun, exploration and everything else a growing child may wish to do! I’m so proud to be involved with #ProjectLimitless and to see it opening up new opportunities for children across the UK.” If you’re based in the UK and have a child with a below elbow limb difference or partial hand, you can register for a free Koalaa prosthetic at: yourkoalaa.com/projectlimitless.

If you would like to support #ProjectLimitless please visit douglasbaderfoundation.enthuse.com/cf/limittlessproject to donate.

Photo: Joanie and Oliver with the Koalaa prosthetics they have been provided through #ProjectLimitless

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Class Pandemic THE

OF THE

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

How will learning at college or university look in 2021?

ollowing 18 months of disruption to education for students in all settings, we hope that 2021 will bring a less chaotic start to further education for the new cohort of young people embarking on their next chapter.

Starting college or university, can be an unnerving, anxious and exciting time. Starting further education during a global pandemic can be even more confusing.

With regulations changing, and each establishment figuring out their own ‘new normal’ for teaching, beginning your life as a student this year will have an added stress of uncertainty. Look on the bright side, it can’t be as bad as last year.

This time should still be filled with opportunity and hope for your future and you should be excited about experiencing life as a student and everything that comes with it, even if it is having to be done in a slightly different manner to the classes that came before you. The great thing about this new format of learning, is that it can be very beneficial to disabled students. If you live with a chronic illness and struggle with energy levels, the ability to study from home more is invaluable, or if transport poses a physical and financial barrier to you attending lectures, this could really benefit your experience.

Look on the bright side, it can’t be as bad as last year.

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Here’s a few areas you may be wondering about…

Specialist equipment, such as a voice-activated computer

WILL THERE BE IN-PERSON TEACHING?

Sign-language interpreters

It appears that most colleges and universities are incorporating a mix of face-to-face classes and online learning. Smaller classes, like workshops, seminars, lab time, and studio time are being prioritised and individual one-to-one time will be available for students to arrange with the lecturers when needed. In most cases, lectures that would be given to larger audiences in lecture halls will be done online as a pre-recorded lecture, allowing you to watch it at a time convenient to you.

Extra tutorial help

HOW WILL ONLINE LEARNING BE DELIVERED? Again, this will vary between colleges and universities, it will also vary between courses. Each course will have an individually tailored teaching plan to ensure you as a student will be offered the best possible education in these circumstances. Video conferencing tools, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams may be utilised for classes and modules that require discussion or group work, or for meetings with your tutor. Lectures will, in most cases, be pre-recorded by your lecturer and made available to you to watch at home, the great thing about this is that you will be able to dip back into a lecture whenever you need to for clarification on something that was discussed.

Tape or digital recorder for lectures and notes

Changing the height of desks Allowing you extra time to complete essays or exams Providing handouts on different coloured paper, or in a larger font Transport to and from college/university You can also apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance which can help with the extra costs you will incur related to studying. This allowance is not based on a household income, it is purely assessed based on what you need to study. This can be in addition to your standard student loan, that all students are entitled to as well.

Let’s hope any COVID restrictions in place when you start uni or college will be able to keep you safe as a new student, and still allow you to experience the fun, excitement and adventure of being a fresher! Remember to drink responsibly and know your limits.

WILL IT BE DIFFICULT TO SOCIALISE? It is all dependent on the COVID restrictions at the time.

Your first week at college or university, aka Freshers Week, is the time to get to know your fellow students, this is usually over some “responsible” drinking, attending some on-campus events, and getting to know the people you are living with in your halls of residence. Most universities are still planning all the usual welcome activities for new students, but these are still reliant on COVID restrictions and they will have to adhere to the government regulations – this may reduce numbers for some events, require face coverings to be worn (if not exempt) or require social distancing to be adhered to. It will not stop you having a great time though, it can be daunting making friends in a new environment, but remember everyone is in the same boat and probably finding it equally awkward, so get out of your comfort zone, think up a few ice breakers and just start up some conversations, you don’t know where they might take you.

WHAT SUPPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ME? All the usual support will still be available to disabled students, so make sure you apply for all the equipment or support you require for your time at university or college.

Support can include many different things, below are examples of what you can apply for:

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Matters WORKPLACE CULTURE

BY TAMMY HARMAN

magine you’ve been looking for a job for a while now (for some of you, this won’t be imaginary). You’ve been diligent in your job search, setting time aside every day to look for vacancies. You’ve assessed your skills, signed up to numerous job boards, updated your LinkedIn profile, refreshed your CV, contacted your referees – and then you find it. The job that matches all your favourite skills, that you have enough experience to get, and that will help you progress. You can almost see yourself in the role already.

However, even before you upload your CV or start drafting your application form, you should consider the culture at the organisation you’re applying to. You might need flexibility, a supportive manager, and collaborative working, but if the organisation has difficult shift patterns, one manager per forty staff, and a culture of competitiveness, you probably won’t be happy.

Here are some tools you can use to research your potential workplace in advance.

GLASSDOOR The review site glassdoor.co.uk is a place where employees can remain anonymous while sharing their experiences of an organisation. Employers aren’t allowed to remove reviews, and candidates share everything, from what they think of the CEO to their job interview questions.

if the contact would be willing to talk informally about their experiences of the organisation.

ACCREDITATIONS

The more you find out, the clearer the organisation will become in your mind. If anything makes you angry or nervous, your gut is trying to tell you something. Try to figure out what it is. Alternatively, if what you read makes you comfortable and energised, press ‘upload’ on that CV or application form before the deadline.

Badges can be helpful to identify organisations who meet certain standards. Accreditations of interest include Disability Confident (the ‘Leader’ badge is best), the Social Enterprise Disability Employment Mark, and the Living Wage Foundation mark, though there are others.

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

VALUES AND VISION Organisations often share their organisational values and vision online. Even if they’re not explicit, you might be able to draw information about working there from what’s on their website. What do they say, to whom, and how do they phrase it? What are their aims, and do they match with yours? Do they have any public-facing policies you can read, especially on equality, diversity, and inclusion?

ONLINE (AND OFFLINE) REPUTATION Follow the organisation’s social media to see what they say there. Look at what others say about them, and at how the organisation responds to dissenting voices. You can also glean information from places like Google and Trustpilot. If you know anyone who has a contact in the organisation, or if you can make one yourself (networking is valuable, and careers fairs and LinkedIn can be great places to start), ask

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