PosAbility – Dec / Jan 2020/21

Dec/Jan 2020/21

MAGAZINE A YEAR IN REVIEW

C HR IST M AS

ECO-GUILT

A lighthearted look back on the disastrous events of 2020

Virtual Santa visits, festive treats and inclusive gift giving

The struggle of balancing sustainability and reality

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

Welcome

CONTRIBUTORS

Sam Renke, Mik Scarlet, Dan White, Jane Hatton, Chloe Tear, Caroline Butterwick, Faith Martin, Jenna Farmer, Shona Louise, Carrie-Ann Lightley

DEC/JAN 20/21

longing to be able to hold loved ones we have not seen this year.

However, it is Christmas and this time of year, with all its twinkling lights, festive food and cheesy Christmas movies, will hopefully bring some joy, and some feelings of hope for what 2021 will bring.

Ros EDITOR

O

k, so somehow we managed to make it through 2020. It is suddenly December and it is probably fair to say no one is quite sure how we got here, but we have made it none the less.

Who would have thought that back in March we would still be enduring the effects of a global pandemic, preparing for Christmas in a way we have never had to before; organising virtual calls with Santa, arranging Christmas parties on Zoom and still

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This issue is full of ways to try and bring some Christmas joy to each other’s lives, from the art of gift giving and supporting disabled creators, to virtual fun for the whole family and a look at the positives we can take away from this year. If you would like a lighter look at 2020, check out our satirical review of the year on page 58.

We hope that even under these strange circumstances you will all be able to find a little joy this Christmas, it is certainly a year where the little things count so don’t waste any time on showing your loved ones how much they mean to you. From everyone at PosAbility, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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 2020 ©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 Dec/Jan 2020/21

MAGAZINE A YEAR IN REVIEW

C HRIS TMA S

ECO-GUILT

A lighthearted look back on the disastrous events of 2020

Virutal Santa visits, festive treats and inclusive gift giving

The struggle of balancing sustainability and reality

Until next year, stay safe.

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12 SLEIGHING CHRISTMAS Making the most of the festive period despite the pandemic

19 INCLUSIVE GIFTING Sam Renke discusses inclusive and ethical gift giving this year

20 FESTIVE TREATS Those who have special dietary requirements need not miss out this Christmas

23 GETTING CREATIVE Caroline Butterwick shares her experience of getting involved in the arts

27 2020, GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE Mik Scarlet looks forward to more progress in 2021

28 GIFT GIVING Your essential guide to some of the best Christmas presents online

30 COMMIT TO ACCESS Faith Martin highlights the need for more accessible music venues

33 DISABILITY HISTORY MONTH We look at the contributions of disabled architect Selwyn Goldsmith to the world around us

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News, stories, and updates

34 DITCH THE ECO-GUILT

O GO D RI

07 FYI

DBYE AN O

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0, 202 GO

DEC/JAN 2020/21 | ISSUE 58

Jenna Farmer highlights the guilt felt by many disabled people who can’t always be sustainable

36 HOT STUFF The latest must-have products to aid independent living

38 HOW I TURNED MY DISABILITY INTO A CAREER Shona Louise credits her career and happiness to her disability

41 A FRESH START Some positive take aways from the disaster that has been 2020

44 EUAN’S GUIDE Euan’s Guide have some great ideas to keep you entertained this winter

46 A WINTER ESCAPE Carrie-Ann Lightley escapes to the country for a luxurious weekend

49 KIDS’ CORNER Virtual adventures and home baking will get the kids into the Christmas spirit, plus we hear from Chloe Tear in our Future Voices column and Dan White laments the care crisis

58 2020 A YEAR IN REVIEW We run down the almost comical list of events that have taken place this year – you literally couldn’t write this

63 DREAM JOB Jane Hatton implores you to shout about your talents

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION News and stories from around the world

ACCESSIBLE TV GUIDE

F

reeview has announced the first roll out of its award-winning Accessible TV Guide, now available at Channel 555 on supported Freeview Play devices.

Freeview’s Accessible TV Guide will make it simpler for viewers with accessibility needs, such as visual impairments or hearing loss, to discover and find content more easily.

It has been designed to be easy to navigate for viewers with a visual impairment with a high contrast UI, screen magnification, and a text-tospeech functionality.

Developed with insight from viewers, advocacy groups, and accessibility research agencies, including the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Scope and the Digital

Accessibility Centre, the Accessible TV Guide won Gold at this year’s Connected TV Awards for Advancing the User Experience.

The first dedicated accessibility solution to launch on a UK TV platform, the guide is easy to find via Channel 555 on Freeview Play TVs and offers viewers a seamless experience which is uniform across devices and works straight out of the box.

John Paton, innovation and technology officer at RNIB, said: “This new guide is a truly innovative step forward in TV accessibility for blind and partially sighted people. Once the roll out is complete the guide will be available to anyone with a Freeview Play television or set-top box, and the channel number 555 is easy to find due to the tactile dot on the five button. This will make a huge difference in TV viewing for millions of people with sight loss across the UK.”

NAIDEX VIRTUAL

A

s we await the physical exhibition taking place, Naidex has forged ahead with some free virtual taster sessions to provide visitors with information, advice and solutions.

The first session, ‘Room to Improve: Independence in the Home’, will take place on 3 February 2021 at 2pm and will focus on the need for increased accessibility in the home. It will cover home adaptations, accessibility standards, technology-enabled solutions and will include additional support and resources.

All the webisodes will be free of charge and Naidex are looking for input from the disabled community to guide these sessions, so if you want to let them know what you would like to hear about you can get in touch at naidex.co.uk.

Don’t forget to register for Naidex Virtual to get unlimited free access to all webinars, webisodes and product showcases.

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BBC LAUNCHES CREATIVE ALLIES TOOL

T

he BBC’s Creative Diversity Unit, led

by June Sarpong, have announced the creation of their Creative Allies Initiative, having partnered up with global leaders from sectors including business, fashion, and the arts, to help develop the next generation of creative leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in their areas, focusing on BAME talent, disabled talent, and talent from low-income backgrounds.

The organisation has committed to pledge the promotion of allyship at any level, encouraging staff to support and raise up their colleagues, while also examining how their own privileges have allowed them to get to where they are within the BBC. Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, says: “Changing the culture at an organisation needs to start at the top. I am proud that we are helping to bring together people from across our industry who have the power to promote

diversity and inclusion - we all want to find new ways of working that help build a truly inclusive and diverse culture in our organisations. I am delighted that so many of our partners have already signed up as Creative Allies - we hope that many more will join us.”

June Sarpong, director of creative diversity at the BBC, says: “I am delighted that so many leaders have come on board to support our Creative Allies initiative, throughout my own career I have been lucky to find support from allies within my industry - it’s important that those with the most agency use that position to help level the playing field for diverse talent, we look forward to more organisations joining us.”

SIA UNDER FIRE FOR PROBLEMATIC CASTING

A

ustralian singer Sia has faced significant backlash for the casting of an autistic character in her upcoming film Music.

Frequent Sia collaborator Maddie Ziegler, who is neurotypical, will play the character Music in the 2021 film, who is autistic and is non-verbal.

The singer claimed that she’d spent three years doing significant research on autism before casting the role, despite this research leading her to partner with Autism Speaks for the film; the American charity are often called out by autistic people for multiple views they hold, including the view of autism as a disease, and their refusal to distance themselves with the often debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.

Autistic people have criticised Sia for failing to cast an autistic actor in the role, but the singer doubled down on Twitter, claiming that she’d tried to work with an autistic, non-verbal actor, but she found it “unpleasant and stressful,” leading to Sia casting Ziegler. When another user, who is an autistic actor, informed her that this was just an excuse and showed the star’s lack of commitment to include autistic people, she responded: “Maybe you’re just a bad actor.”

She also noted, through tweets, that she has “never referred” to the character of Music as “disabled,” but prefers to say that she has “special abilities.” Founder of Media Disabled Kristen Parisi called this response “ableist” and “some serious abled saviour b*******”.

Instead of apologising, Sia opted to ask on Twitter: “why don’t you watch my film before you judge it?

FURY.”

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ONE-FIFTH OF DISABLED PEOPLE’S WORK REQUESTS REFUSED

S

cope has found that one in five disabled people have had their requests to work from home, be furloughed, or redeployed during the pandemic rejected, per the BBC.

The charity are pushing for the government to ensure that people who are considered “vulnerable” due to their disability or health condition are automatically given the right to furlough.

Scope surveyed 1004 disabled adults, and found that 18% of the people they had spoken to had their request to work from home rejected, while 11% had their request to be furloughed denied, and another 11% were told they could not be redeployed within their own company. Over half of the people interviewed said they felt disabled people had been forgotten by the government in the creation of its economic recovery plan.

James Taylor, executive director of strategy at Scope, told the BBC: “Furlough is a vital safety net for disabled people who don’t feel safe in the workplace, but whose jobs cannot be done from home.”

He added that as furlough is provided at the discretion of the employer, there is “no guarantee” that disabled employees will have their health protected.

THE CROWN PRAISED FOR DISABLED CAST

C

EO of charity Mencap Edel Harris has praised the latest series of blockbuster Netflix drama The Crown for its casting of disabled actors in disabled roles, noting that they have taken “huge steps forward” in ensuring better representation of disabled people onscreen.

Writing in the Radio Times, Edel praised the latest series of The Crown for including the Queen’s two cousins, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon - both of whom lived with a learning disability - in the show, and casting actors living with learning disabilities in the roles.

“Watching episode seven of The Crown, he wrote, “I was incredibly moved by the performances of the fabulous actors with a learning disability. Pauline Hendrikson and Trudie Emery take the lead roles as Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, while Tina Byrne, who is supported by Worthing Mencap and lived at Royal Earlswood Hospital where the story is set as a young girl, played a key role as their fellow resident.

Edel added that he hoped this would pave the way for not only more disabled people in the media, but more roles filled by disabled people who are able to portray these roles with the authenticity of their lived experiences.

LATEST

TWEETS

Sinéad Burke @TheSineadBurke Hot water bottles don’t get enough credit.

Rosie Jones @josierones I’ve never taken an hallucinogenic drug but last night I did watch Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square which I feel is pretty much the same thing.

Gregory Mansfield @GHMansfield Business:”Your wheelchair is why you can’t get in.”

Me:”No. The stairs are why I can’t get in.”

Noor (he/him) @SnoringDoggo Sometimes, I just really wish that we taught everyone from childhood that disabled people are in fact a human kind of people

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LEONARD CHESHIRE LAUNCH #ISEEPURPLE CAMPAIGN

C

harity Leonard Cheshire are asking the public to start wearing purple on social media to help get people connected with their loved ones at Christmas.

The charity discovered through a survey that one in two disabled people are experiencing loneliness during the pandemic, while one in five are not connected to the internet, which prevents them from easily keeping in touch with their family and friends. To rectify that, the charity are asking for donations in order to raise money which will

help connect disabled people to their families via the internet.

Celebrities like TV presenter Mark Lane, Paralympian Olivia Breen, and influencer Emma Davidson have already shown their support online for the campaign, which asks the public to post a picture of themselves wearing purple, tag four friends, and make a donation.

The purple aspect of the image can be anything, from make-up, to clothing, and furniture.

Hugh Fenn, managing director of UK services at Leonard Cheshire said: “It’s been a tough, and lonely, time for us all. No one has felt the impact of this pandemic more than disabled people.

Technology can help the people we support keep connected and feel less lonely in these challenging times, which is why our #ISeePurple campaign is raising funds ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd.”

“ALWAYS SUNNY” STAR MAKES LIFECHANGING DONATION TO DISABLED FAN

F

ollowing the incredible news that actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds had purchased Wrexham Football Club in Wales last month, the Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor showed his support of the supporters by contributing to a fan’s Go Fund Me account.

McElhenny donated the entire target of £6000 to lifelong Wrexham AFC fan Aiden Scott’s fundraiser, which he set up to fund the installation of an adaptive bath in his new flat. Aiden lives with cerebral palsy, and having just moved to Manchester to be closer to his family, he was struggling to use the facilities in his home.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Scott said he couldn’t believe it when his sister, who had started the fundraiser, told him that the actor had donated the massive sum. It had been brought to McElhenney’s attention by the Wrexham AFC Disabled Supporters’ Association, who shared the Go Fund Me on Twitter, tagging McElhenny in the post.

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SLEIGHING CHRISTMAS

BY KATIE CAMPBELL It might be the most difficult Christmas many of us have ever had, but we’ve got some ideas to help you step into Christmas.

T

he closer we get to Christmas, the more up-in-theair everything seems. For many people, nothing will change; for those who have been holed up since March, defending themselves from the invisible enemy of COVID-19, there will be no second lockdown, because the first never ended.

We know that Christmas is going to be difficult this year and that it might be one of the hardest we’ve ever faced.

That’s why we’ve collected some of our favourite things for over the festive period that will - hopefully - help take your mind off what’s happening outside the four walls of your home.

Whether you’re doing them alone or with your loved ones, take care of yourself this Christmas. Practice good self-care, eat some good food, and remember, nothing is forever, least of all bad Christmas telly.

A LETTER TO SANTA

Everyone loves a nice surprise in the post (emphasis on nice), whether it’s a forgotten-about online purchase or a lovely letter from an old friend. People love getting a Christmas card or two; for some people, decorating their homes in Christmas cards is the highlight of their year. If you have a family member or friend that you’re not able to get to this year, sending them a card reminding them how much you love them can be therapeutic for both of you, and even better if that card supports a charitable cause.

Don’t worry about getting to the postbox either - Royal Mail has now started a collection service, which is handy for people who are shielding.

UNICEF ASSORTED CHRISTMAS CARDS (PACK OF 10) UNICEF has been providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children in almost 200 countries around the world since 1946. market.unicef.org.uk

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SHELTER HOLOGRAPHIC SKYLINE CHRISTMAS CARDS (PACK OF 10) All of the profits from these beautiful cards will be used by Shelter to help people who are struggling with homelessness or bad housing through advice and support. cardshop.shelter.org.uk

RDA ROCKING HORSE CHRISTMAS CARDS (PACK OF 10) Riding for the Disabled helps thousands of disabled children and adults to get back in the saddle - or in for the first time - every year. rdashop.org.uk

RHND MARY & JOSEPH CHRISTMAS CARDS (PACK OF 10) Working closely alongside the NHS, the Royal Hospital for NeuroDisability aims to provide the best possible care for people living with neuro-disability. charitycardsonline.com

R SP B ST AR R Y N IG HT C HR IST M AS C AR D S (P AC K OF 1 0 ) Since 1889, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has worked to promote the conservation of birds and the wider environment around the UK. shopping.rspb.org.uk

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

Remember the good old days where if a film or TV show wasn’t in the Radio Times TV guide or available in Blockbuster, you couldn’t watch it? Ah, to have so little choice. Now we all have Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ subscriptions, and probably more we got for free with a phone contract but have forgotten about. If you’re trying to pick something to watch at Christmastime, we have a few suggestions to keep you going.

NETFLIX THE HOLIDAY (2006)

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Christmas is a holiday of many things to many people, but what we all share is the tradition of gift-giving. If you’re able to this year, why not support an independent disabled creator by grabbing a few gifts for your friends and family?

SPOONIE BIRTHSTONE NECKLACE

Unstigma @ Etsy etsy.com/uk/shop/Unstigma

This is a modern classic. Please don’t come for us. It stars Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as Iris and Amanda, both of whom have been spurned by love, and swap homes across the Atlantic for the Christmas holidays. Diaz falls for the ever-charming Jude Law, a copyeditor and single father, while Winslet finds love with the adorable Jack Black in Hollywood. It’s got a wee bit of something for everyone: it’s sweet, funny, romantic, and it’s a feel-good Christmas movie, which is what we all need right now.

EMBROIDERED MAKE-UP BAG

AMAZON PRIME CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRANKS (2004)

Velvet Volcano velvetvolcano.co.uk

This one might ring true with a few families this year.

Starring the incredible Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen, and Dan Aykroyd (among others), Luther and Nora Krank (Curtis and Allen) decide to skip Christmas altogether, going on a Caribbean cruise instead, but they’re made pariahs by their town as a result. Alongside the all-star cast, it’s based on a John Grisham book and was written and produced by Chris Columbus of Home Alone fame.

DISNEY+ THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL (1992)

There are many things you can say about this film. Many of those are “this is the greatest Christmas film ever made, bar none.” Any Dickens adaption which does not include Gonzo is not trying hard enough. Sir Michael Caine, in all his myriad boldness as Scrooge, is perfect, electing to play the role as if he were surrounded by actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company, and not fuzzy puppets from the Jim Henson Company.

Chr0nicallycuteshop @ Etsy etsy.com/uk/shop/chr0nicallycuteshop

CHUNKY POM POM BEANIE

GREEN RAINBOW CHROME PRESS-ON NAILS

ManicuresByKirsty @ Etsy etsy.com/uk/shop/ManicuresByKirsty

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT TOTE Doodlepeople @ Etsy etsy.com/uk/shop/Doodlepeople

BRAIN FOG BADGE ChronicallyDivine @ Etsy etsy.com/shop/ChronicallyDivine

BRITBOX BRITMAS (2020)

FIGHTING INVISIBLE BATTLES STICKER

Every good TV show has at least one good Christmas special, and that’s what you’ll find over on BritBox. The streaming service is offering its subscribers a collection of Christmassy treats for the festive season, including relevant episodes of shows like Allo ‘Allo!, Absolutely Fabulous, Blackadder, French and Saunders, Gavin and Stacey, Call the Midwife, and more. You’ll also be able to stream many classic ITV pantos, including Paul Merton in Jack and the Beanstock.

Soft Punk sofftpunk.com

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CHRISTMAS IN A BOX

Where usually we might nip to the shop to procure a few nibbles and bits in advance of the festive period, that might not be something those of us who are shielding can do. If you feel like you’re missing out on some good Christmas treats this year, fear not - these boxes full of Christmas joy should do the job.

LE MINI MACARON’S CHRISTMAS LUXURY BOX Macarons. They’re gorgeous, indulgent, and notoriously difficult to make yourself. That’s why you should let the beautiful angels at Le Mini Macaron make them for you. This box of ten festive flavours will be posted directly to you, and can be pre-ordered until the 21st of December. leminimacaron.co.uk

SCENTSATIONAL WAX CO’S CHRISTMAS WAX MELTS SELECTION BOX

Even if your home is full of the sights and sounds of Christmas, you’re still missing something: the scents. These wax melts are handmade, crafted using vegan ingredients and the environment in mind. Scents include cinnamon, cranberry and orange, mulled wine, and roast chestnuts. etsy.com/uk/shop/ScentsationalWaxCo

DOGHOUSE’S NATURAL SELECTION BOX If it’s Christmas for you, it’s Christmas for your four-legged friend.

Perhaps you have a guide dog who deserves a treat, or a trusted companion who you think deserves something a little special for Christmas. This box will make a dog’s day and includes chicken feet, goat ears, and venison tendon. It might not sound like your idea of a good time, but your dog? Oh, they’ll love it. doghouseboa.co.uk

HOTEL CHOCOLAT’S LARGE CHOCOLATE DIPPING ADVENTURE As a general rule of thumb, you should never go on an adventure unless it contains chocolate in absolute abundance, hence this box perhaps the greatest adventure to be undertaken since time immemorial. It contains four pots of chocolate and an assortment of items to dip in, including florentines, almond biscuits, and marshmallows. “Decadence” springs to mind. hotelchocolat.com/uk

SNAK PACK’S VEGAN LUXURY HAMPER Christmas comes but once a year, and vegans also deserve to enjoy a little festive cheer outside of the traditional fare of pigs in blankets and turkey. This beautiful hamper contains a wide assortment of fancy nut butters, dried fruit, and sweet treats, all without eggs or dairy. You also have the option to add in a little bottle (or two) of gin, brandy or whisky, which really rounds out the opulence. notonthehighstreet.com/snakpack

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CHRISTMAS ON SHUFFLE

Is it really Christmas if you haven’t listened to Last Christmas by Wham! 1,100 times before the tree is even up? Add in a few other songs to your rotation, just so you don’t get sick of Wham! - that would be devastating.

CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST

PLAY

+

Do They Know It’s Christmas (1984)

Band Aid

+

Driving Home for Christmas

Chris Rea

+

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Frank Sinatra

+

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Perry Como

+

Santa Baby

Eartha Kitt

+

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Brenda Lee

+

Jingle Bell Rock

Bobby Helms

+

Last Christmas

Wham!

+

A Holly Jolly Christmas

Burl Ives

+

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Jackson 5

+

Wonderful Christmastime

Paul McCartney

+

Merry Xmas Everybody

Slade

+

Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday

Wizzard

+

Step Into Christmas

Elton John

+

Merry Christmas Everyone

Shakin’ Stevens

+

Mistletoe and Wine

Cliff Richard

+

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Dean Martin

+

Thank God It’s Christmas

Queen

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL, PART 4 While Ian Dury had the Bolshoi Ballet and a cure for smallpox, we have to find our own reasons to be cheerful just now. This might not feel great right now, but hope is important, and here are some of the things we have to look forward to in 2021.

Queen of Queens Dolly Parton donated $1 million to a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial, making her one of the main funders. We now have multiple successful COVID-19 vaccines which should be made available in 2021 - thank you, Dolly.

Eurovision will be held, all going well, between 18-22 May, giving us all a few days to marinate in the powerful oddness of Europop.

The Summer Olympics and Paralympics will finally be held in Tokyo at the end of July, meaning we finally get to see all of our incredible Olympians and Paralympians do their thing.

Joe Biden will be inaugurated for his term as President of the United States, so we’ll hopefully see a massive decrease in all things related to Trump in 2021.

The BBC has commissioned more disability-related programmes for 2021, so there will be a rise in disabled people on our TV screens - finally.

We’ll finally be able to see the new James Bond movie, No Time To Die, amongst others - like the sequel to Top Gun! posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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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 125PS mild Hybrid, Manual, Petrol. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 54.3 (5.2). 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 125PS mild 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 October and 31st December 2020. 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

1) Disability icon and badass woman Frida Kahlo is a personal favourite of mine and I am ashamed to say that before my first visit to Mexico City in 2012 I actually didn’t know who she was, now however I’m a little bit of a fangirl. There are so many wonderful books on Frida but two that I have sourced that are perfect as gifts are My First Frida Kahlo, Little People Big Dreams for our very young aspiring activists (2-5 years). The second book is What Would Frida Do? A Guide To Living Boldly by Arianna Davis.

SAM RENKE COLUMNIST

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

2) I’m a sucker for a good book so here’s another one for the whole family to enjoy, I Am Not A Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists from past and present, by Carrie Burnell.

INCLUSIVE GIFTING

B

eing an auntie is wonderful, my three nieces are the only ones allowed to call me Sammy. I love watching the little rascals grow into amazing strong young women. However, one thing I’m not so keen on is the amount of blinking money these girls cost me.

It’s three lots of Christmas presents then we have birthdays in November, January and February which all means auntie Sammy ends up very skint in the winter months. It’s not just being out of pocket that concerns me, I want to be a more conscientious and ethical consumer.

Not one to blow my own trumpet but I’m a fab gift giver. I really observe what people enjoy and would cherish in a gift, I’m not a grab and go kind of gal and I’ve become more aware of inclusive gift giving.

I want my nieces to be exposed to all kinds of people and learn to be tolerant, educated and informed of the world around them including being more aware of disabled people, more so as my middle niece has recently started wearing a hearing aid. With this I did my due diligence and went on the hunt for inclusive gifts.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the range of designs and brands that have increasingly thought of the disability consumer and the Purple Pound. The penny seems to slowly be dropping as brands are using a targeted universal approach, which sees the value of being more inclusive with the outcome that the whole of society will benefit.

Here are my top inclusive finds, inclusive gifts for any occasion (to be honest I actually based this list on what I would like in my own shopping basket to keep for myself):

3) Kintsugi clothing and its feisty sister brand K, Babe are accessible fashion brands with fantastic t-shirts which highlight that diversity and representation are important and stock a whole range of inclusive clothing. Check out kintsugiclothing. com, they even named a gorgeous blue blouse after yours truly… what’s not to love?

4) FFORA – I am obsessed with this lifestyle and accessories brand primarily for the disabled community.

Their attachments fit more than 180 brands of wheelchair and you can then add accessories such as bags and cupholders. Check out liveffora.com.

5) I’d be a fool if I didn’t mention my own collaboration with handbag range Mia Tui and my Samantha bag which is a fully inclusive handbag and can be bought with mobility clips for wheelchair users. Visit miatui.com.

6) The Mia doll from the Lottie range is a wildlife photographer, and she is the cutest little doll who also wears a cochlear implant, find her at lottie.com.

7) I always think subscription boxes are a fantastic gift idea because they are the gift that keeps on giving, well every month at least. Spoonie Box is an uplifting box for people living with chronic illness. The fun thing is you don’t have to commit to a subscription, you can simply buy a box as a one off. Order your box here spoonie-box.com.

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Treats FESTIVE

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

Christmas can be difficult enough for people who live with special dietary requirements, so if you are having any family or friends over this year, why not ask them about any special dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances they may have. This way, when Christmas does roll around, you will be prepped like the perfect host who has taken everyone’s needs into account. Christmas is synonymous with many traditional desserts and treats, and these will be different in every household as families all have their own unique traditions and quirks.

However, many of these delectable goodies are not suitable for strict diets, so we have scoured the internet searching for some amazing and delicious gluten-free, dairy-free and veganfriendly options to show you that everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of Christmas.

GINGERBREAD CHRISTMAS TREE Elaborately stacked to impersonate a Christmas tree, this gingery tree is a real show stopper for the festive period.

Created with warm spices and lashings of lovely ginger, this is a treat that can be enjoyed by all as it is also veganfriendly. Great to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee curled up on the sofa watching a Christmas movie. Produced by a healthy lifestyle bakery called Arapina, they offer many free-from or low-in options. boroughbox.com

LUXURY VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE CHRISTMAS PUDDING No one should miss out on the chance to indulge in a delicious Christmas pudding. That’s why this awardwinning vegan and gluten-free Christmas pudding should be on everyone’s shopping list. It is made to a modified traditional recipe and is packed with the finest vine fruits, apples, apricots, almonds and ginger, and combined with vegan/gluten-free ale and brandy to create an authentic and delicious Christmas dinner finale. ecovibe.co.uk

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GLUTEN-FREE CHRISTMAS CAKE Waitrose do a lot of things right when it comes to Christmas goodies, and their gluten-free Christmas cake is one of them. Packed with sultanas, raisins, glacé cherries, dates, almonds and nuts, and topped with a marzipan star, this cake will not disappoint. Created in a traditional style adorned with almonds and nuts, this cake is perfect for one of those many indulgent moments over the Christmas period enjoyed with a cup of tea or perhaps a little tipple, it is Christmas after all. waitrose.com

BOOJA-BOOJA CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES You know that moment when you have eaten so much Christmas dinner that all you can do is make your way to the sofa and lie there complaining about how much you have eaten and vowing not to eat another thing until the new year? Then someone appears with after dinner coffee and truffles. Well, it would be rude not to. These carefully crafted heavenly chocolate truffles are dairy-free, glutenfree, soya-free, suitable for vegans and are also organic. boojabooja.com

VEGAN-FRIENDLY CHOCOLATE BISCUIT CAKE WREATH This stunning centrepiece wreath cake is a great alternative to a traditional Christmas cake. Made with rich tea biscuits, dried Morello cherries and raisins to give it that crunchy sweet texture and covered with dark chocolate and veganfriendly Cashew Milc chocolate snow, what’s not to like?

It is completely dairy-free and is suitable for vegan diets, and it allows everyone to enjoy a really chocolatey treat at Christmas, so you don’t need to fight over the last purple one in the tin of Quality Street.

MINCE PIES

chococo.co.uk

The Marks and Spencer Made Without Mince Pies have been rated highly on many tried and tested lists for the last couple of years. Described as “buttery and delicious”, they are a fantastic version of the traditional mince pie. Packed with the classic M&S mincemeat, the all butter shortcrust pastry is mourish and the pastry star on top is festive and enticing. Warm them up in the oven to enjoy at any time over the holidays as a festive treat. marksandspencer.com

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Creative GETTING

Caroline Butterwick explores the support available to disabled artists

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hether performance poetry or interpretive dance, art is a way we can express ourselves and share an experience with others.

I’ve always loved writing, and I’m drawn to exploring my experience of disability in my work. But in my mid-twenties, I struggled with mental ill health, and my creative career stalled. Even as I recovered, my confidence was incredibly low. I also felt disconnected from the creative world – the idea of navigating artist networking events with my anxiety and visual impairment made me feel perhaps it wasn’t for me.

At the start of 2019, acknowledging I still cared about writing, I resolved to make another push. I applied to disabled arts organisation DaDaFest’s Artist Development Programme for young artists, and was thrilled when they took me on. I met with Sam, a lovely member of the DaDaFest team, at their Liverpool office. We chatted about my creative career: What had I done so far? Where did I see myself? What would help?

They offered me ten hours of mentoring with an established artist, and a grant I used to fund a professional critique of my writing. A few weeks later, I nervously sipped coffee as I waited in a café to meet my mentor, author Kate Mallinder.

I had no need to worry; we clicked immediately, with her passion for writing and to help me develop shining through.

At this point, I’d had some interest from literary agents for a novel I’d started sending out, but felt I’d hit a wall.

One agent had requested changes to my manuscript before considering representation, so between mentoring sessions, Kate read samples of my novel. We’d then talk about the agent’s feedback, bouncing ideas around and giving me the confidence to tackle the rewrite. My writing

– that thing I’d nearly given up on – suddenly felt so full of potential.

So how can you get involved in the arts? Maybe you enjoy photography and want to share your work, or love performing but need support finding opportunities.

Alongside DaDaFest, Shape Arts is another key disabled arts organisation. “A positive place to start is through connecting with other disabled creatives,” Elinor Hayes, Shape’s communications and programme officer, tells me.

“The disability arts community is thriving online and can be an incredibly supportive and uplifting space.”

This rings true to my experience, having connected with both disabled and non-disabled artists online. I’ve joined Zoom meet-ups for creatives, and a virtual networking event run by Writing West Midlands, my regional literature development organisation. Connecting with others helps me feel part of a community, where we share ideas, resources, and encouragement. Elinor recommends interacting with organisations like Shape on social media and joining artist Facebook groups, such as the Disabled Contemporary Art Network.

Whether it’s our confidence or inaccessible events, we sometimes lack the connections other artists forge, making organisations like DaDaFest and Shape so valuable. “In many ways, we’re like a jigsaw piece at the centre of the puzzle, linking organisations and individuals through a process of removing barriers and supporting the creation of new artistic content,” says Elinor. Whatever stage you’re at, get in touch with a disability arts organisation. They understand the barriers faced by disabled artists and give valuable guidance, as well as potentially offering funding, mentoring, training, networking, or other support.

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Look local, too. One organisation near me let me shadow their community arts group to build my skills before running my own writing workshops. Try Googling for local arts organisations, research what they offer, then drop them a message introducing yourself. Elinor recommends creating an access document – an “access rider” – which outlines your needs and can be shown to any organisations you work with. Of course, the arts have been impacted by the pandemic, but many organisations have adapted, such as moving events online.

Another consideration is how you view yourself as a disabled artist – a big topic itself. You may find, as I do, that art is a wonderful way of expressing and exploring your experiences, but it’s okay if you decide not to go down that route. You can still get support.

Mentoring was a turning point in my artistic career. Kate helped me understand the daunting world of publishing, develop my writing, and have the confidence to keep going. In March, after submitting my revised manuscript, I signed with my wonderful agent at The Good Literary Agency (TGLA). TGLA specifically represent diverse authors and have also been hugely supportive of my development.

I was unsure about applying for support from DaDaFest, but I’m so glad I did. They helped me progress, feel part of a community, and most of all, cemented my belief in myself as a writer.

The disability arts community is thriving online and can be an incredibly supportive and uplifting space

ARTS ORGANISATIONS There are so many great disability arts organisations out there, I have highlighted a few here.

DADAFEST A disability and D/deaf arts organisation, using the arts to nurture creative talent and challenge attitudes. They offer highly individualised packages of support to artists to nurture their professional and creative development, including mentorships, commissions, coaching, showcase opportunities and training programmes. dadafest.co.uk

DASH

They helped me progress, feel part of a community, and most of all, cemented my belief in myself as a writer

A disabled-led visual arts charity that creates opportunities for disabled artists to develop their creative practice, from high quality commissions to community-based workshops. dasharts.org

DISABILITY ARTS CYMRU They work to make sure disabled people are at the heart of the arts scene in Wales. Disabled people can join them for free to access advice and support to promote their work to a wider audience. disabilityartscymru.co.uk

DISABILITY ARTS ONLINE A disabled-led arts organisation with a website, commissioning and artist development programmes, and a vibrant community of disabled creatives. It provides free one-to-one support sessions for emerging artists via phone or video meeting. The website provides a platform for discussion about arts and culture from a disability perspective, and a popular listings service for disabled artists and audiences. disabilityarts.online

SHAPE ARTS They offer opportunities for disabled artists at all levels. They collaborate with new partners on projects, commission new work, and forge mentoring relationships with artists looking to develop their careers. Their website has a great range of resources. shapearts.org.uk

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MIK SCARLET COLUMNIST

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2020, GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE

S

o this is Christmas, and what have we done? Er, well not much. Thanks COVID. Thanks 2020.

Yes, for our Christmas/New Year issue, there isn’t much for me to look back on. This year I have mostly been sat on the sofa, eating chocolate and watching box sets. The year started packed with things that were going to happen, as my wife had decided last Christmas that 2020 was going to be a year of doing things, but by March we were sadly crossing the myriad gigs, theatre trips and nights dancing in clubs off the calendar.

The only thing left to do was hunker down and get through one of the worst years in living memory. I tried to be constructive, using a phone app to teach myself Spanish, but other than that all my plans of turning an enforced period of rest into something creative and useful fell by the way side, swamped by aforementioned chocolate and box sets.

At the start of all this, I was on the radio and TV giving my guidance on coping with being unable to do what you want to. As a disabled person this isn’t a new experience for me. I’ve been stuck inside for years recovering from ill health or surgery. I face the daily grind of being excluded from activities by an inaccessible society. I went into lockdown hoping that non-

“My first venture out I was verbally attacked for being out, “people like me should be inside””

@MikScarlet

disabled people facing this experience might come out of it all with a greater insight into what being disabled really feels like. How naïve I was.

I realised that this wasn’t going to be the case as soon as we were allowed out to exercise. I’m lucky as I am not clinically “vulnerable” so wasn’t expected to live in isolation but that meant I saw the way the wind was blowing early on. My first venture out I was verbally attacked for being out, “people like me should be inside” as if I was Typhoid Mary. Isolated people weren’t locked away for the public’s good, they did so to avoid the disease-carrying public! Yet time after time I faced this hostility. Or the awful attitude of “why should we lockdown, it’s only killing the old and disabled… oh not you, but you know, the weaker disabled people.” Argh!

Then just as we returned to lockdown in England, the BBC began marking the 25th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act. Again, I was on, alongside many other amazing disabled people, talking about the impact of the bill on our lives. I was there as an older states-person of the community (which felt nice… not!) and so could talk about my experiences before the law came into force. What struck me was how much the younger generation thought before the DDA we were all stuck under rocks. I had a successful TV and music career before an equality law and can state it wasn’t as bad as many think it was. I attended a mainstream school, sixth form and art college.

It was only my dreams of university that were squashed by inaccessibility.

I went out most nights of the week, DJed in clubs, played gigs all over Europe and became an internationally well-known media personality. All before 1995. That’s not to say things

haven’t got better, it just hasn’t been as monumental as younger people might imagine.

Which brings me to the cheerful end of this article, as the events and discussions unfolded it became clear to me that younger disabled people had really had enough of how slowly things had improved. They really seemed fuelled up by the footage and reports of the direct action from the 80s and 90s, which together I could see was driving a passion for action in them. At the same time I learned of the Disability Union, a new union for disabled people. As well as campaigning for equality and rights and working with the legal profession to take Equality Act cases to court, the aim is to allow disabled people to support each other and create connections. If the passion for change is met with the ability to organise with the support of a union, I really think that 2021 might be the beginning of something special. If we’ve been forced to stay in for a whole year, I think expecting us to go back to being unable to go out as we wish in future is an ask too far.

I think once the vaccine has been rolled out, 2021 will be like the 60s, an explosion of joy, creativity and free expression. People will want to party after so long being unable to and disabled people want to be invited to that party. If we find ourselves not being let in because we’re a “fire hazard” there will be real anger. This time, we can work together and use that anger constructively. Ironically as I write this I’m listening to the PiL track Rise. As John Lydon said, “anger is an energy” and disabled people have enough righteous anger to fly us to the moon.

So enjoy your Christmas and get yourselves ready for next year.

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO

Gift Giving

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

The festive season definitely started earlier this year, as we all communally agreed that 2020 had been such a terrible year it was understood that Christmas would be brought forward and would last longer. Quite rightly so. However, festive planning and Christmas shopping of ye olde times (by that we mean 2019) have gone quite out of the window. Another change we see this year is people looking to buy more ethically and also wanting to support more local and independent creators. We have tracked down some wonderful Christmas gift ideas that will hopefully bring a smile to the cheeks of your loved ones this Christmas.

1

‘Don’t be a Dick’ cross stitch

If you have a friend or family member that you know will appreciate a bit of rude cross stitching, then we have the gift for you to give them. Cross stitching can be soothing and therapeutic, so why not make it funny and a bit cheeky too? The kit comes with everything you need to make your poignant cross stitch statement.

Not on the High Street | £10.50

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Spoonie Christmas Box

Any friend who lives with a chronic illness will love the thought behind this carefully crafted gift box. A gorgeous selection of Christmas treats awaits the lucky person gifted this box, all designed to make those with a chronic illness feel included with the festivities. They will find everything from handmade gluten-free mince pies and a scented candle to an adorable little jar with an extra spoon in it – to show just how understood they are.

Spoonie Box | £37

3

Sneaky Scarf

This genius little scarf is both stylish and practical. It may just look like a standard snood-style scarf, but it has a hidden zip pocket to store your phone, credit cards, lipstick, face mask or cash. It negates the need to carry a handbag, which let’s face it just gets in the way and is probably filled with things you don’t really need. Treat a loved one this Christmas or just treat yourself, you deserve it.

Kintsugi | £10

5

Pause Box

If you know someone who has been struggling with their mental health lately, why not treat them to a subscription to the Pause box produced by mental health charity, Mind?

Sometimes we all need a little reminder that someone is thinking of us, and what better way than to arrange a thoughtful and regular reminder. The best thing about this subscription is that all the proceeds go toward funding the charity Mind.

Pause For Mind | £7.50 per month

6

Harry Specters

If you have a chocolate enthusiast in your midst, you will not disappoint by introducing them to the mouthwatering wonders of Harry Specters. They are dedicated to creating luxury chocolates from natural, ethically-sourced ingredients, and offering young autistic adults employment opportunities within their company. Show someone how much you love them with a luxury gift box this Christmas – and pray they share them with you.

Harry Specters | £20

2

Inspirational Women Trivia Quiz Game

A perfect little stocking filler. These trivia cards will test your knowledge of some of the most empowering and game-changing women from around the world. A great alternative to charades, or an enjoyable little game to play between courses to keep the family entertained, and you may all learn a little something about some powerful women.

Truffle Shuffle | £7.99

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Warrior necklace

This tasteful and powerful statement necklace is the perfect gift for anyone you know who has used their incredible inner strength to battle whatever life has thrown at them. It comes in gold or silver and will complement any outfit. Created by Unstigma on Etsy, you will find a whole range of beautiful items related to chronic illness, so you may want to treat yourself this year too.

Unstigma on Etsy | £13.50

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Frida Kahlo Hip Flask Key Ring

Imbibing in a little tipple over the festive period is almost expected – please note that PosAbility is not condoning drunkenness, always drink responsibly. However, meeting friends at the pub for a festive toast is not as simple this year. If you decide to arrange a meet up indoors or outdoors – depending on restrictions – this miniature hip flask may be just the thing that everyone needs. What a thoughtful little gift it would make.

George Whitstable | £4

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Magazine Subscription

The gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. It would be remiss of us not to promote buying a one year subscription to PosAbility for only £15 as a gift for a loved one (yes, it is only £15 for six issues), but enough about us. There is literally a magazine for every interest, so if you need a gift for someone who is passionate about fly fishing, vegan cooking, photography, knitting or feminism, simply take to google and you will be sure to find something that fits their interest.

PosAbility Magazine | £15

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Personalised BSL Christmas Card

A beautiful way to show someone you care using British Sign Language (BSL). These handcrafted A5 cards can be personalised to include a name signed out in BSL. The action images sign I Love You and the card pictured here has ‘Grandma’ signed underneath. Guaranteed to make someone smile this Christmas.

Monochrome Mementos on Etsy | £4

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Access COMMIT TO

BY FAITH MARTIN

Music lover and freelance journalist Faith Martin, is calling on artists and venues to take action and commit to making venues more accessible for disabled music fans

A

s a freelance journalist I’m often required to attend concerts and live music events in order to create content for various press outlets, but it all becomes complicated with the uttering of one small sentence: “I’m a wheelchair user do you have access?” Hundreds of venues and events across the UK still don’t have suitable access and provisions for those with disabilities, which is why I’m calling on artists and venues to take a pledge of accessibility with my new campaign, Commit To Access.

Commit To Access is a social media campaign I founded in order to encourage and educate venues and artists to do more for their disabled fans, particularly now the live music industry is set to return next year.

But just how bad is accessibility in the UK right now, and what needs to change in order for music to be open to everyone?

...in the worst case scenario the box office is closed on ticket release day

Firstly, getting accessible tickets to shows is hard enough with big ticket vendors not allowing accessible tickets to be sold online, meaning you have to phone the box office and there’s a number of reasons why this causes problems. Those who have trouble speaking or have a visual impairment may have to rely on someone else for assistance, meaning they would have to give over their bank details resulting in zero privacy. There’s a limited number of tickets at the box office so the phone queues mean you have a much smaller chance of securing anything, and in the worst case scenario the box office is closed on ticket release day so you’ll miss out altogether. Recently, I tried booking tickets for a show but the accessible ticketing line was closed and with no option to book online, I was left disappointed and without a fair chance of ever gaining entry.

However, it’s not just buying tickets that causes problems: many fans have visited venues with accessible tickets in hand only to realise the venue itself isn’t even accessible. Whether there are stairs or no Changing Places toilet available these issues affect many concert goers every year.

I spoke to one lady who informed me that, even though she informed the venue that she categorically could not climb stairs, she was made to walk two flights of stairs to get to her seat. she said: “They were told that I don’t do stairs and still I had to climb up and down them. If l’d have fallen it would have been myself to blame… they just don’t listen.”

Live music is a lifeline for many people in the disabled community, including myself; these events are a chance to share common interests with others and feel included when all too often those of us with disabilities face discrimination and loneliness. Live music provides comfort and joy to all communities, so why are some venues and artists still isolating 25% of the UK population?

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COMMITTING TO CHANGE

Commit To Access aims to change this by implementing positive change through discussions and direct action. Asking artists and venues to think about access and actively take action, whether that means to play fully accessible venues wherever possible, or change or add certain features within a venue to make it as accessible to disabled fans as possible. Whilst I acknowledge that smaller venues may find this harder due to a smaller funding pot or being in a listed building, there are still small changes all venues can put in place to make a great difference. For example, using a portable ramp if there’s a small step, or installing a hoist into a disabled bathroom would mean that wheelchair users with all types of chairs would be able to access the venue and those with more complex physical disabilities would be able to use the bathroom, a basic human need and right. Personally, I’ve had to go as long as eight hours without using the bathroom to attend a concert. Usually there are no facilities on the way to the venue or in the venue that would be suitable for me to use as I cannot transfer from my wheelchair without a hoist. This means I’m also unable to drink that day in order to ensure that I wouldn’t need to use the bathroom.

Small changes really can make a big difference. They help to open up a whole world of possibility for disabled people whilst also encouraging us to build confidence, independence and better mental wellbeing which is a fundamental rule of happiness. So, whilst we are thinking about new social distancing measures to ensure live music can return as soon as possible, we absolutely should not lose sight of accessibility needs because inclusion and togetherness is needed now more than ever.

Follow the campaign on Instagram @committoaccess

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UK DISABILITY HISTORY MONTH 2020

BY KATIE CAMPBELL To celebrate the theme of access, we look at the contributions of disabled architect Selwyn Goldsmith to the world around us

F

rom 18 November to 20 December, we celebrate UK Disability History Month, an annual event which highlights the constant struggle that disabled people face in cementing their rights to access, fair treatment, and so much more within society. This year’s theme is “Access: How far have we come? How far have we to go?” It focuses attention on how disabled people have fought to make changes to the physical and information environment to allow equal participation and access to their non-disabled peers.

Of the many thousands of campaigners who have fought to ensure equal participation for disabled people, few have had such a subtle yet bold influence on the architecture of the United Kingdom - and the wider world - than Selwyn Goldsmith.

Selwyn was born in Newark, Nottinghamshire, on 11 December 1932, in a time where designing buildings for disabled people was not on the forefront of many people’s minds. For Selwyn, 1956 was one of the most important years of his life: he not only graduated university with his degree in architecture, but he also contracted polio, which caused him to become paralysed down the right-hand side of his body. It was then that he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to overcoming what he called “architectural disability” - he had become acutely aware that buildings placed barriers in front of disabled people that hindered their ability to access them, and set about correcting this.

In 1963, he worked with Gordon Ricketts, the secretary of the Royal Institute of British Architects, to create the revolutionary text Designing for the Disabled, a book of guidance for architects and local planners on how to create buildings and environments which were accessible to all.

Selwyn knew that access had to be for everyone, and he emphasised that in the book, which took the social model

of disability and applied it to the physical and cultural aspects of the wider world.

Selwyn was commissioned to produce an expanded edition of the book in 1967, and so he selected the city of Norwich as his “typical” English city, where he could research how to produce effective change. It was here that he interviewed 284 disabled people, asking them how they felt change would be best effected. From this, he created the concept of the dropped kerb - 15 were installed in Norwich, and it’s now a standard design feature of pavements across the world.

After tireless campaigning from disability rights groups like the Direct Action Network, the Disability Discrimination Act came into force in 1995, which decreed that all public buildings needed to be accessible, a cultural shift began.

No longer were architects required to add “special” facilities into “normal” buildings; this was Selwyn’s concept of universal design in action.

In his book of the same name, he wrote: “The architect who takes the bottom-up route to universal design works on the premise that the building users he or she is serving, including those with disabilities, are all people who can be treated as normal people. The architect does not start with the presumption that people with disabilities are abnormal, are peculiar and different, and that, in order to make buildings accessible to them, they should be packaged together and then, with a set of special-for-the-disabled accessibility standards, have their requirements presented in topdown mode as add-ons to unspecified normal provision.”

Selwyn Goldsmith died on 3 April 2011. He left behind a legacy set in brick and mortar, which helped ensure that the world around us is accessible to more people than the world he entered in 1932.

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Eco-guilt DITCH THE

BY JENNA FARMER

Jenna Farmer explores the challenges that many disabled people face when trying to balance sustainability with accessibility

Lots of us unfortunately struggle to strike a balance between affordability and sustainability

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ver the last few years, we’ve all become a lot more aware of the impact our actions have on the environment. Whether that’s recoiling in horror at how many wet wipes we get through or the shock at realising just how much single use plastic is affecting our planet.

These realisations have caused many of us to make changes, and the government has taken action too, with things like cotton buds and plastic straws banned (much to the outrage of those with disabilities who rely on them).

Others have called for measures to go even further and stop the use of things like plastic-packaged, pre-prepared vegetables.

There’s no doubt the planet needs our help and that eco-guilt is on the rise. To clarify, eco-guilt is the feeling of shame and worry around not doing enough to help our planet. For those of us with disabilities, it can be exacerbated by the conversations we have and the fact that being eco-friendly isn’t always as achievable when compared to people who are non-disabled.

ECO-FRIENDLY BARRIERS

There are some barriers around being sustainable and ecofriendly that exist when it comes to living with a disability or chronic condition.

Firstly, eco-friendly alternatives can be just too expensive.

To give an example, as someone with inflammatory bowel disease, I’m aware I use more toilet paper than most. I’ve eyed up sustainable bamboo toilet paper but not only is it more expensive in the first place, I’m likely to need to spend even more given how much I get through! Lots of us unfortunately struggle to strike a balance between affordability and sustainability.

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Unfortunately, single-use plastic solutions are a way of life for lots of us: post-surgery everything single-use; from my wound dressings to sterile solutions bottles. I dread to think of how many wet wipes I used on keeping my wound clean when out and about. Medication can add to this too.

“I hate the pile of plastic I have from so much medication each month,” explains Rachael Mole, founder of Sick in the City, who lives with a multitude of chronic conditions including Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Our guilt is also worsened by the judgements we receive from others.

For example, pre-packaged, pre-chopped vegetables and ready meals have been slammed on social media as lazy, but these are the only way some of us get to eat three meals a day. This could be due to mobility issues, arthritis preventing us chopping up our veg, or relying on carers and families to heat meals up for us in the microwave.

“I struggle with chopping vegetables; I always feel guilty if I have a flare and have to buy pre-packaged ones,” explains Katy Stevens, who runs money saving blog Katy Kicker, and lives with fibromyalgia.

Batch cooking is all well and good but some of us can’t spend hours over a stove. “Sometimes I go for readymade food that isn’t eco-friendly just because I am in so much pain!” explains Shannon Hempel who is under investigation for Crohn’s Disease. If buying pre-chopped pineapple slices in a plastic container is the only way to get enough vitamin C, should we be made to feel guilty for doing so?

What many non-disabled people don’t recognise is the luxury of having choices. Choices can become limited with chronic conditions and disabilities and only you will know what is workable for you. For example, I have no issues with my joints so rarely buy pre-chopped veg and try to shop organically. However, I’m well aware I use far more water (sometimes needing to bath several times a day) and toilet roll than the average person!

If you are looking to make some sustainable swaps, the following tips may be useful:

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There are a few kitchen gadgets that are specifically designed for those who may have mobility issues, such as a quick finger slide peeler to avoid strain and a string-pull blender that does the chopping for you.

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Try period pants. These are more expensive upfront but are especially useful for those who suffer with heavy or irregular periods, conditions such as endometriosis, those recovering from surgery or have incontinence issues. Modibodi have a detachable period pant designed to be much easier to get on and off for those who have mobility issues.

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If you’re a parent and would like to try reusable nappies with your child, many councils have incentive schemes for you to access these for free.

No. ~

No. ~

No. ~

No. ~

...these are the only way some of us get to eat three meals a day

Use food sharing apps like Olio and Too Good to Go. These apps help you connect with local residents and restaurants who are giving away free unwanted food and meals.

They’re designed to help cut down on food waste, but can also help you save money and avoid food prep.

Whilst these tips might be useful, it’s important to remember that, like all aspects of life with a disability, you can only do your best. It’s really important to try not to compare your journey to somebody else’s so focus on what you can do to help the environment, instead of feeling guilty about what you can’t.

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HOW I TURNED MY DISABILITY INTO A CAREER

BY SHONA LOUISE Blogger-turned-freelance writer and all-round renaissance woman Shona Louise explains how she turned her disability into a career that works for her t’s 2020, yet a high proportion of the people I meet on a day to day basis still see my disability as this devastating, tragic set of events that simply must be the worst thing that could happen to a person. A glance at my social media or the camera roll on my phone will tell you otherwise. I’m a blogger, freelance writer, photographer, published author and activist; none of that is in spite of my disability, it’s because of my disability. I am 99% certain that if I didn’t have my genetic condition I would be on a completely different path to one I’m on now. When strangers pity me in the street I try and make them see that I owe my success and happiness to my disability. I turned my disability into my career and I want to tell you how.

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It started when I was 14 years old. My genetic condition wasn’t affecting me massively at this point, but it contributed to me feeling isolated at school and like I didn’t quite fit in. This was around the time that YouTube and blogging were taking off, and it helped me find the community I was looking for. I originally started as a beauty blogger, with it being one of the first communities I stumbled upon but when I was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, and put on the waiting list for corrective surgery, I began to use my blog in a different way.

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Photo: Kaye Ford

As a 15-year-old teenager, I had a lot of questions about the surgery; I was curious about what having a catheter post-op would be like, and when the physios would want me up and walking, but I just could not find the answers. The help wasn’t there for me, so I wanted to make sure it was there for others. With the help of my Mum, we kept a diary of my time in hospital after surgery. We documented everything, from having my catheter removed to the first time I stood up. I continued this throughout my recovery and a subsequent complication that led to a second surgery. I found that not only were my posts helping people but they were also helping me to express my feelings and come to terms with my deteriorating health.

My blog led to me getting involved with a few charities who were interested in the power of me sharing my personal story and in 2015 at 18 years old I had my first piece of writing published in a charity’s magazine.

I can vividly remember the excitement of seeing my words published on a page and it ignited something in me - perhaps I could do this more?

I started talking to journalists about my story to raise awareness of my condition, Marfan Syndrome, and I continued writing pieces for charities, whilst also spending a lot of time on my blog. I started to find my voice. I involved myself in disability rights activism and found publications and journalists were coming to me to get my opinion on disability news stories. At the time, I still felt like 14-year-old Shona writing in her bedroom, but I was building myself a career.

The pride I felt when I did my first paid piece of writing is indescribable. I loved writing and reading at school but not for one moment did I ever imagine it could be my career; for so long I planned to go into medicine, but my health put me on a different path. I know now that this was a better path. For me, one of the most memorable moments was when I was asked to write an essay about my experience as a young disabled person to be published in a book. Being a published author had always been one of my biggest goals, but it felt so unattainable so I never let myself believe it could happen. It was my disability and my voice in the community that got me that opportunity, I can say for sure that I would not be sat here as a published author today if I wasn’t disabled.

My disability has also given me confidence that I’ve never had before, confidence to reach for goals that seem impossible. To me writing always seemed like something more of a hobby than a job, so to be able to sit here today and say that being a writer is my job gives me immense pride.

Not only that, it’s my job because of my disability.

Whenever I receive messages and emails from other disabled people wanting to follow a similar path I always tell them to let their passion shine and to embrace their differences and niches. We need more disabled voices out there telling our stories and raising awareness of the issues that affect us. We need to change the narrative in society, to show people that disability does not need to be negative or tragic.

Disability can create conversations, open doors, reveal passions, and for people like me, it can start careers.

Follow Shona on Twitter @shonalouiseblog

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Refugee Astronaut III by Yinka Shonibare CBE © Yinka Shonibare CBE, 2019 Photographer Angela Moore. Wellcome Collection is part of the Wellcome Trust. The Wellcome Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales, no. 210183. MP-7162.53/-2019/BS

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A FRESH START

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

2021 has a lot to make up for

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k, we are going to level with you, in case you haven’t heard 2020 has not been a great year. However, to remain in keeping with the positive tone and style of PosAbility we are determined to bring you some positive take aways from this last year, and look at how we can use them to make the world a bit of a better place in 2021.

They are sort of like New Year’s resolutions, but we don’t like the pressure implied by those, nor do we want to feel like we have failed by 10 January. These are simply observations from a sh***y year that we are using as guidance to make next year more tolerable.

SHOP LOCAL This feels like a bit of a buzzword at the moment, but we hope it sticks. For many of us our local communities were the ones who went over and above to deliver food, supplies and medication to those who were shielding.

These small independent grocers, butchers, cheese shops, pharmacies, cafes and general stores had to rethink their normal way of trading overnight to ensure they kept their customers safe and well-stocked, but they also had the added pressure of keeping their small businesses going and safeguarding their staff. New delivery options were put in place and various forms of online and telephone ordering were introduced. As we look at coming out of the other side of this pandemic, don’t forget those local retailers, cafes and restaurants, try to consciously keep giving them your business, they will thank you for it in a way the big chains will not.

SUPPORT DISABLED CREATORS The disabled community is a powerful one, and the online communities are some of the most supportive in the world. Strength comes in numbers, and there are so many talented disabled creators out there that need our support. As a community of disabled people and allies it would be great to see a surge in support for disabled creators and artists. Etsy is filled with amazing creations from the disabled community, from jewellery and candles, to handmade rude cards and slogan clothing, you are guaranteed to find the perfect gift for a friend or for yourself. You can then pat yourself on the back for doing your bit in supporting a disabled creator, and don’t forget to share their products through social media so more people can do the same.

EDUCATE PEOPLE We may have all known this already, but I believe we collectively all became more acutely aware of the ignorance of people during the pandemic. The rise of the face mask brought with it a new wave of hostility towards those who were exempt from wearing one, with accusations fired in shopping aisles and judgemental stares the order of the day. Anyone who used lipreading or facial cues to communicate were left feeling even more isolated during these dark times as they became mandatory throughout the country. These issues were all highlighted and discussed and many were educated (many are still ignorant), let’s hope we can continue their education. Employers have also been educated, to the fact that working from home can be done and working flexibly is also very feasible. When companies and organisations across the country had to switch to home working overnight, you heard the disabled community collectively swear under their breath and mutter “we have literally been telling you this for years and you didn’t believe us”. There is every right to be p***ed off, but let’s hope it opens up opportunities for employment as employers open their minds.

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SPEND MORE TIME WITH LOVED ONES You may be thinking “are you kidding me? Was lockdown and lockdown 2.0 not enough?” The fact is, although being stuck in the house with your entire family for months on end was not an ideal situation, it was a necessary evil and they were the ones that were there for you when you needed them most through this uncertain and terrifying climate. They may drive you crazy, but unanimously the country came to an agreement that as long as we could see our family, we would be alright. Bubbles were created so families could safely spend time together, grandparents were reunited with grandkids and those closest were able to hold each other once again. It would be nice to think we won’t take our families for granted again and make more effort to spend quality time with them.

SUPPORT THE NHS This seems an obvious one, considering the insurmountable amount of work all NHS staff endured this year, often without suitable PPE and always in the highest of risk situations. The clap for carers that took place every Thursday night was a great symbol of recognition and gratitude from the general public. We all know the NHS has been under enormous pressure even before the pandemic, and it is an incredible institution that we all covet dearly, perhaps the pandemic highlighted this more acutely – for where would we be without it? Short of injecting a few billion pounds (if anyone has that lying around), one thing we can do to alleviate the pressure on the NHS is to actively try to lead more healthy lives. Now we will always need the NHS to treat our various needs relating to our disabilities and health conditions, that is what they are there for and those things are outwith our control.

However, there are many things that are within our control that can contribute to our overall health and wellbeing, so let’s up our intake of fruit and veg, quit smoking, increase our exercise (if your disability will allow it) and most importantly look after your mental health and keep an eye on others who may be struggling with theirs.

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WINTER ADVENTURES Euan’s Guide take a look at how you can still safely have some winter fun close to home

What better way to kick off the festive season than by watching the magic of the Christmas lights being switched on? Why not plan a festive evening and watch the ‘Swansea Virtual Christmas Parade 2020’ on YouTube?

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s 2020 comes to a close we wanted to share some different ways to enjoy the festive season.

We take a look at some of the fun festivities happening across the country, from virtual events, to planning your own virtual Christmas party, as well as some magical outdoor Christmas events.

JOIN IN VIRTUALLY Many of us look forward to our annual pantomime performance. Thankfully that’s still the case this year, you’ll just be enjoying it from the comfort of your own home. So, put on your Christmas jumper, grab some popcorn and get warmed up to shout “he’s behind you!” at your TV. Here are a few ways you can enjoy the pantomime this year: you can buy tickets to watch Cinderella on pantolive. com or pay to watch a show on live production streaming service Showcatcher (showcatcher.com). If you are looking for an option that won’t cost you a penny then check out The Roses Theatre in Gloucestershire, they’ve shared recordings of their 2017, 2018 and 2019 pantomimes on YouTube. Simply search ‘The Roses Theatre Pantomime’ on youtube.com to watch Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty or Dick Whittington.

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If you love live music, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Islington Assembly Hall is offering a prize draw for 50 free livestreams to each show in their Cultural Recovery Fund programme. To enter the prize draw you must meet their criteria, which includes people who have been shielding or who have a Blue Badge. Visit islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk/50-freestreams for more information.

Or get involved and warm up those vocal chords to spread some Christmas cheer and join a virtual choir. Loads of virtual Choirs formed in Easter 2020 and it is great to see some of them still going, like The Sofa Singers (thesofasingers.com) who offer twice-weekly singing events!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY IDEAS It can be hard to think of new ways to spruce up video calls to bring friends, family or co-workers together to celebrate Christmas and New Year. If you are planning a virtual get together here are some ideas to help your event spark joy: Send your guests a Christmas card with an invite inside. E-card invites can work just as well. This will help to make the event feel special and sets it apart from other virtual calls.

Get dressed up! Have a suggested dress code or a fun competition – maybe give a prize for the ugliest Christmas jumper or the most festive frock.

Plan a musical interlude. Everyone loves a bit of Christmas music, but it is hard to have it playing without disrupting the conversation. That’s why we suggest turning the music into a game, like having a round of Christmas music in a quiz or creating a Christmas music bingo!

That way you get to have some fun while showing off your cracking Christmas playlist.

On the topic of games, play a classic on your video call with a few rounds of charades. Send your guests a private message with individual charades and watch the hilarity unfold on your video call.

If you want to keep it Christmas-themed you could ask people to act out building a snowman, carving a turkey or decorating a Christmas tree.

“If you fancy more of a challenge then add a descriptive word to the charade. For example if the charade is ‘Carol Singers’ you could add ‘Angry Carol Singers’ or ‘Sleepy Carol Singers’ for a bit of a laugh.”

Suggests Laura, our unofficial party planner.

We think it is fair to say that many of us have found a new appreciation of the outdoors. Certainly, within the team here at Euan’s Guide, those of us who have been able to venture outside have taken great pleasure from finding new accessible routes to wheel or walk around in our local area. And your reviews suggest we are not alone. Many reviewers have taken to sharing reviews of outdoor walking routes they’ve tried in recent months. And it is great to see Euan’s Guide used to help us build a collaborative map of walking routes across the county.

Winter can feel particularly charming, with illuminated trails to walk around. We should know, last year team Euan’s Guide headed off to explore ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ in Edinburgh.

Speaking of the event, Zoe said: “It was the perfect setting for us to enjoy a great evening together. The gardens are beautiful and the illuminations around the Christmas trail added an extra touch of magic!”

This year it is great to see lots of these events going ahead across the UK. From Kew Gardens’ ‘Christmas at Kew’ returning for its eighth year, to the brand new ‘Land of Light’ at Longleat Safari Park.

The National Trust has a number of exciting light installations at their properties this winter. Like ‘Ignite: fire and fantasy’ at Polesden Lacey, taking place in February which looks great for anyone based in the Surrey area. For updates and to see if there are any events near you visit nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas.

Of course, if you’re planning a trip anywhere right now make sure you check travel restrictions for where you live and check for up to date information wherever you are planning on visiting. Take precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. We hope that our suggestions help you find ways to have fun and connect with those you care about. *All events mentioned in this article were scheduled to go ahead at the time of writing. These events may be cancelled or postponed. Please check before visiting.

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Country ESCAPE A

BY CARRIE-ANN LIGHTLEY Carrie-Ann Lightley tells us all about the most accessible cottage in Yorkshire, as she cosied up in the luxurious accessible setting for a tranquil weekend

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ravel is a strange thing to write about at the moment, isn’t it? As I write this it’s early November, and England is in its second lockdown. Nonessential travel is advised against. My hope is that, by the time you read this, restrictions will have been eased, and you may be able and inspired to look forward to a trip in 2021.

As with everything this year, the way we travel has had to adapt; something very familiar to disabled people. We’re resilient and resourceful, and we’re used to changing the way that we live to fit in with the world around us. This spirit of

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adaptability was what helped me to proceed with a trip that I’d had planned for a little while, as restrictions allowed.

I had been invited by the owners of Cottage in the Dales, a luxury self-catering holiday provider in the Yorkshire Dales, to review their accessible cottage, The Dairy, near Hawes and Leyburn, Wensleydale. My husband Darren and my dog Poppy joined me for the trip – but it’s important to note that, usually, only assistance dogs are allowed.

LUXIROUS, TRANQUIL AND ACCESSIBLE

Cottage in the Dales is the only Yorkshire accommodation providing mobility, hearing and visual support to the VisitEngland National Accessibility Scheme standards, and for guests with differing needs, often hidden, The Dairy is dementia and autism-friendly.

If you don’t need these facilities, most disappear.

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The Dairy demolishes the clinical accessible accommodation perception, providing a luxurious stay that is appealing, practical, and enjoyable by guests irrespective of their age or disability.

Cottage in the Dales’ inclusive pre-arrival procedures include confirming in detail their guest’s accessibility needs, because as we know, disability means something different to everyone. I was asked to choose from a comprehensive list of equipment and aids – including shower chairs, bed rails, portable hoists and grab rails – all free of charge in the cottage ready for arrival.

As this would be a weekend of hibernation, To quote The Dairy’s owners, we knew we needed who live on site: “A red supplies. Amazingly, carpet awaits, not a red instead of having to emergency cord. Accessible battle for a much-coveted luxury, a premium hospitality supermarket delivery slot, experience, accessible to all.” the owners will collect your shopping from their Keeping in mind COVID local independent grocers, restrictions, we decided to sending an order form have a ‘home from home’ to be completed, so the weekend, simply enjoying cottage is fully stocked with everything the cottage has everything you need when to offer, and I don’t think we you arrive. could have picked a better place to do that. A file of accessible places to visit, walks and toilets are also provided to explore the area.

EXCELLENT SERVICE Accessibility in the cottage itself is, obviously, very important. But as I often tell hospitality businesses, accessible customer service is just as important – the feeling of having been looked after exceptionally well is one that you won’t forget, and it’s what keeps guests returning repeatedly to Cottage in the Dales.

HALLWAY CUPBOARD Pull-down coat hanging space Pull-out drawers

THROUGHOUT All sockets/switches/handles at accessible level Visual/hearing smoke/fire/ carbon monoxide alarms No steps throughout the cottage, courtyard, patio and garden - all on one level Level thresholds throughout

COVID SAFETY BATHROOM/ WETROOM

ACCESSIBLE LUXURY I think the Dairy is the bestequipped accessible cottage I’ve ever stayed in; and as a travel writer, I’ve stayed in an awful lot! It often felt as if we were staying in a luxury hotel, with the additional freedom and space of a cottage.

Here’s a detailed list of all of the integrated accessible facilities – and additionally, as mentioned earlier, there’s lots of portable accessible equipment available too.

KITCHEN Colour coded kitchen taps Pull-down shelves in wall cupboards Pull-out working surface Removable cupboard from under kitchen sink and kitchen hob Pull-out heat resistant tray under side-opening microwave oven and main oven Socket at the front of the kitchen units Ample cupboard space for kitchen crockery/glassware/ cutlery at accessible level

Quality chrome support bars (that are removable) Integrated shower seat Hand-held power shower High and low level wall recesses for storing personal shower items Shower remote control start/stop Controllable shower temperature with visual identification (red/blue)

BEDROOM Accessible space to side of single or superking bed Accessible space under integrated dressing table Wardrobe: pull-down hanging space and pullout drawers

Cottage in the Dales has the “We’re Good To Go” accreditation - the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, covering social distancing and a thorough cleaning/ disinfecting. Flexible terms and waitlist also available.

FIND OUT MORE A video and 3D tour showcasing The Dairy’s flexible accessibility are available on cottageinthedales. co.uk. To read my full in-depth review of my trip to Cottage in the Dales visit my blog at carrieannlightley.com.

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Kids’

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t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas - or is it? The festive season is not creeping up on us so much as it’s screaming towards us like Jonnie Peacock on the track.

With 2020 being a massive washout in terms of celebrating and having fun, many of us will be trying to make Christmas as special as possible for our children, while still ensuring they’re as safe as possible.

On page 50, you’ll find our rundown of how to create your own Christmas magic with careful distancing and planning. If your children are upset that they can’t visit Santa Claus in person this year, fear not, for we have found a solution, along with a whole heap of other things you can do to keep your family busy through the Christmas season.

Alongside this, we have our usual column from Dan White, and this issue’s Future Voices sees awardwinning blogger Chloe Tear explore the hurt that comments from the non-disabled public can cause. You can read these on pages 57 and 55, respectively.

If you happen to discover anything through the festive period that makes you think of us, please don’t hesitate to send an email and let us know - be it a fancy new product, or an event you’re putting together, we’d love to hear about it. Drop us an email at ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

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Creating Christmas Magic

You can still have a funfilled family Christmas with the kids

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

I

think we can all well and truly agree that 2020 has been a write off of a year, but there has been something particularly heartbreaking about hearing a three-year-old ask if Santa will make it this year because coronavirus is still here. Our kids have been troopers this year, dealing with more upset to their lives than we can even fathom, from losing out on care and education and missing their friends, to losing vital routines and managing their mental health. They deserve a bit of magic this year, and although many of the usual Christmas traditions and events have been put on hold, we can still find a way to bring some Christmas magic into our homes, so pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and take a look at some ideas for December.

YOUR VIRTUAL SANTA Visits to Santa’s grotto in garden centres and shopping centres throughout the country have been put on pause this year due to the pandemic. However, your little ones don’t need to miss out completely on a meeting with the big man himself. As with most things this year, Santa has gone virtual!

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Your Virtual Santa offers families an avenue to organise a one-on-one chat with Santa where children will have at least a ten minute chat with Santa and they will meet Mrs Clause, the Elves and they will even see the magical reindeer via a Reindeer Cam, a video recording of the meeting will be sent to you too. Alternatively, you can arrange a pre-recorded personalised message from Santa that will be sent to you as an HD-quality video message for your kids to watch as many times as they like.

Both encounters will be personalised to your children and Santa will talk about the things they like and their Christmas list.

A wonderfully accessible way to experience some Christmas magic in your own home. The only downfall we see is that there is no accessibility information relating to experiences for disabled children and it would appear they don’t offer a BSL interpreter or audio description.

Find out more and book your Santa experience today yourvirtualsanta.co.uk.

CHRISTMAS BAKING ONLINE PANTOMINE Getting in the kitchen with your kids is fun and messy, and slightly stressful at times! If you can let go of any need to keep some sort of order in the baking process then things will be far more relaxed and you will all hopefully have a jolly old time.

These easy Christmas orange shortbread stars are glutenfree and great for little hands to decorate, make sure you get lots of festive sprinkles in for the kids to get creative.

This recipe is adapted from bbcgoodfood.com.

INGREDIENTS

You will be pleased to know that the age old tradition of pantomime is being kept alive by many theatres and production teams across the land, as panto takes to our screens in all its hilarious, innuendo-filled glory. You may think that it will be hard to recreate the magic and hilarity of a pantomime in your own living room, without a crowd booing or shouting “he’s behind you”, but you would be wrong. We have listed a few of the virtual pantomimes taking place this year, but don’t forget to check out your local theatres and support them where you can, it has been a tough year for everyone.

Grated zest of ½ an orange

Ticket prices have been kept to a fairly reasonable price and many just ask you to purchase one ticket that will allow you to stream it on one device – you will also have access to most of these for longer, so the kids (and the adults) can watch it again and again, or until their voices grow hoarse from booing and hissing at the villain.

175g gluten-free flour

VIRTUAL PANTOS

Shortbread biscuits 100g unsalted butter, softened 50g golden caster sugar

½ tsp gluten-free baking powder

Cinderella - pantolive.com

Icing

Jack and the Beanstalk - pantoonline.co.uk

2 tblsp icing sugar

Goldilocks and the Three Bears – thegreatbritishpantomimecompany.com

Few drops of water Sprinkles for decoration

Snow White in the Seven Months of Lockdown – kingsheadtheatre.com

METHOD

Sleeping Beauty - theoriginalonlinepantocompany.com

1.

Heat oven to 170C(fan)/190C/gas 5.

Once Upon a Pantomime – antonbensonproductions.com

2.

Lightly oil a baking sheet.

3.

Beat the butter and cream in the sugar and the orange zest until light.

The Santa Show Online (sing-a-long show) – scunthorpetheatres.co.uk

4.

Stir in the flour and baking powder and mix together to form a dough.

5.

Lightly flour a clean worksurface and roll out the mixture to approximately 7.5mm thick.

6.

Use a Christmas-themed cutter (star, tree, reindeer etc) and cut out your shapes.

7.

Place each shape on the baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes.

8.

Transfer to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until light golden in colour.

9.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before carefully moving to a wire rack to cool.

10. Mix the icing sugar with a few drops of water in a bowl, add droplets of water until you have the right consistency.

11. Let your kids loose with the sticky icing and array of sprinkles to make a little Christmas magic.

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MAGNETIBOOK EDUCATIONAL TOY A great educational and fun toy, this sturdy all-in-one box features a magnetic lid and shapes to fuel creativity.

Made of sustainable wood, it’s also painted in waterbased paints, which means it’s safe for children to use, and can easily be wiped clean. kidly.co.uk

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MAGGY THE SNAKE SENSORY TOY Covered in rubbery scales and tactile hair, Maggy makes for a great companion and fidget toy, providing excellent sensory stimulation to children who require a distraction or stress relief. Made of food safe dyes and strong, naturally-sourced rubber, Maggy is totally safe to be chewed on, and she’s squeaky too! babipur.co.uk 01766 770644

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FLIP 3-IN-1 RIDE ON Scoot, see-saw and push with a super-cute, bug-like appearance, this toy from Wishbone will provide kids with hours of fun. It’s easy to assemble, can be wiped clean, and is made of sustainable birch wood, aluminium and steel, so it’s safe and environmentally friendly, in addition to being a great way to get kids moving. whizzkids-toys.co.uk 01395 741674

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JANOD ZIGOLOS BALANCING FLAMINGO GAME Made of ethically sourced wood and decorated in bright, water-based paint, this pink flamingo is waiting to have its ten pastel-coloured chicks balanced precariously on its wings. Children won’t know they’re developing fine motor and coordination skills as they’ll be having so much fun trying not to knock the chicks from their mother! preciouslittleone.com

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MAGNETIC FISHING GAME The classic children’s game of fishing with magnets sees kids try and catch little wooden fish with tiny fishing rods, thus eliminating the need to stand by a body of water for hours on end, freezing their bottoms off. The box that houses the pieces for this game doubles up as a pool for catching the fish. jaqueslondon.co.uk 01732 500 200

Prices from

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seen using my remaining vision.

How crazy is that?

I’m waiting to become registered blind, yet I feel like I’m going to get comments from the general public for using the remaining vision I have. It’s actually this residual vision that enables me to go about my day. Thanks to enlarged text, magnifiers and apps, I can use my vision to the best of my ability. There’s a misconception that if you use a cane, you have no sight at all.

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

CHLOE TEAR Chloe Tear is a 22-year-old award-winning blogger.

She has mild cerebral palsy and is registered blind. Over the last seven years she has written about education, public attitudes, life as a young disabled woman and losing her sight from the age of 18.

A

s a young woman, I love the chance to jump on a train, meet up with friends or go on a night out.

But here’s the catch: I’m disabled. I have mild cerebral palsy and I’m visually impaired. I’m fully aware that my disability affects how I’m perceived by others, even if I do my utmost to just get on with my day.

I appreciate where these people are coming from, as I was guilty of this before losing my sight. Yet, why does this give people a right to pass comment? It doesn’t. Did you know that 95% of blind and partially sighted people can see something? They might have light perception, close up vision, or peripheral.

What’s the difference between one malicious comment from someone you’ll never see again, and a disability hate crime? This has created a huge grey area. These stereotypes are so ingrained that it has become acceptable to make comments about how someone is functioning. This needs to stop.

I know I’m not talking about every member of the public.

It’s actually a minority. But it’s that minority that can make disabled people feel like they don’t belong.

You can follow Chloe on Twitter @chloeltear

Before you jump in, I’m completely okay with being disabled. It’s not a bad word and it’s firmly ingrained in who I am. However, it’s the public’s attitudes and stereotypes that can have a lasting impact.

If I’m sat on a train, chances are that I’ll sit down, fold up my long cane, and start reading on my kindle. I love reading and find trains the perfect place to get stuck into a good book. However, you’d think this was some kind of miracle! As someone who uses a long cane (and is on the waiting list for a guide dog) it’s seen as impossible for me to read. Unfortunately, this has led to various comments from members of the public - some even have accused me of faking my visual impairment and shouted at me!

“It’s only one comment!”

I fully understand that, but that one comment has been piled on top of all the other comments from the past few years. In isolation it might not seem like a big deal, especially if you aren’t disabled. However, these (often) well meaning comments can be harmful. I go outside expecting comments like this. One by one it has knocked my confidence and, at times, has made me anxious to be

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little regard as to who will live to the end of it. You can accuse me of being overdramatic, but seen from our point of view, my daughter was left to her own devices. Her external support structures shut, no integration of SEN children like her back into education and little done to financially or physically give us, the carers, provision to stop us becoming COVID care casualties, physically and mentally ruined. All we were given (as an afterthought) was the direction to a better-funded carers hotline, the opportunity to have medication delivered and a badge to remind us who we are. This, when you consider that young carers and unpaid carers are increasing countrywide, suggests the government departments have better things to do than worry about people it deems non-productive.

COLUMNIST

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

CARE CASUALTIES

A

s I’m writing this, the run-up to a COVID Christmas has begun; a second lockdown.

The experience of lockdown this year has been a double-edged sword - if you are a carer, you will understand this. Staying at home as a family has given us some wonderful closeness and even brought out my disabled daughter’s culinary skills.

Sadly, it has also given us time to collectively witness what it means to have a disabled family in a time of national crisis, where their needs have been coldly thrust to the back of the queue.

Lockdown has shown the negativity and the shortcomings of a society that values productivity and political preservation above the needs of communities already desperate for survival, mainly the care and the disabled communities. The ascent of COVID and its tragedies should have been the final prod to the government and media that both communities stand on the precipice of implosion.

The pandemic exposed all the tragedies and the stories of incredible poverty and deprivation that both

carers and disabled people live under.

Now, in 2020, in a time of crisis there was the opportunity to right all the wrongs wrought upon us.

The opportunity to give a voice to the beaten and the disregarded, the wronged and the failed was there to be taken, to be grasped, but it was not. Lockdown has been dropped upon disability and care with little regard to how we will both survive it. A one size fits all policy was implemented with apparently

“The pandemic exposed all the tragedies and the stories of incredible poverty and deprivation that both carers and disabled people live under”

I really wanted to write a little Christmas cheer into this column, but I would be lying to my journalistic self if I did. The anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act and Carers Rights Day have just sailed past without a whisper from the media and our elected administration. These were two dates that in this bizarre year were made to be shouted about.

It’s 2020 and what will history from a disability perspective have to say about progression in this year? Very little, in fact, several steps backward in the terms of care, empathy, and inclusion. For other sources of fact, see Emmerdale’s promotion of eugenics and the continuation of outdated tropes of our children’s capabilities from Children in Need.

I am writing this column from a year’s experience, yours may differ, and I hope it has. I hope the positives have outweighed the negatives. The reality is, however, for many things have proven to have stagnated in the terms of supporting disability and care.

COVID has been unprecedented and tragic, but it also gave the system a chance to see what decades of cuts and ignorance have done. Sadly, even a global crisis involving every man, woman and child was seemingly unable to change this for us, for the better.

2021 we are counting on you.

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2020 A YEAR IN REVIEW

BY KATIE CAMPBELL You know what was missing from the song “It’s the End of the World as we Know It (And I Feel Fine)”? Coronavirus. Oh, and also the fact that absolutely none of us feel fine, like, at all.

FEBRUARY 1 - The cruise ship Diamond Princess, on board which are a number of British citizens, is quarantined after docking in Okinawa, Japan. Reports that come in from the cruise ship make it sound a lot like the film Contagion if it was set on a boat and featured a sad lack of Laurence Fishburne.

9 - Storm Ciara propels a Boeing 747 an unbelievable 825mph between JFK and Heathrow, making the flight in record time; despite being subsonic, it was not fast enough to outrun a year’s worth of stories about COVID-19 or Brexit, unfortunately for all aboard.

27 - A study is released linking increases in psychological distress and clinical depression to Universal Credit. Top scientific minds study it thoroughly before responding: “duh.”

JANUARY

7 - The Labour Party kick the year off with their own version of the X Factor as they look to replace leader Jeremy Corbyn, who stepped down last year. Unlike the X Factor, we did not get to see Keir Starmer go to the judges’ houses and sing “I’m Your Man” by Wham! to get his point across.

24 - The EU and UK sign the UK’s withdrawal agreement from the EU. What, did you think you’d get to avoid more Brexit chat after last year? No chance.

31 - The first two cases of COVID-19 in the UK are confirmed in York. On the same day, the UK officially leaves the EU. To say it was not a day of positive reporting for 24 hour news channels depends on your outlook on both Brexit and COVID-19.

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MARCH 2 - The government holds a COBRA meeting regarding COVID-19. Everyone moves collectively from the state of “it’s not a big deal” to “I coughed twice this morning and now I am in a constant state of unrelenting anxiety.”

6 - The Prime Minister informs us that there will be a “substantial period of disruption” while the UK fights COVID-19. Everyone assumes that means a month or two.

Oh, how naive we were; how full we were of hope.

14 - The government promotes “herd immunity” as their method of combating COVID-19. This was such a terrible idea that the World Health Organisation had to step in and say “people will literally die can you maybe work something else out.”

20 - All schools across the UK close. As parents add “home educator” to their list of talents; simultaneously, alcohol sales across the country increase as parents realise that trying to teach a 7-year-old their times tables is not as simple as they thought. On a very serious note, children living with SEND begin missing out on access to care, education, and activities.

APRIL

2 - The government advise that people should no longer visit relatives in care homes as COVID-19 is affecting residents at an appalling rate. The country makes an uneasy peace with the knowledge that they may have to say their last goodbyes to their loved ones over video calls.

3 - Hope no-one wanted pasta for the next four months, because the Pasta Famine of 2020 is now upon us. People continue stockpiling food (even though the shops aren’t closing), which stops a lot of people who really need it getting what they need.

23 - The lockdown is announced. From this moment on, the word “unprecedented” has been used so many times that it now lacks any meaning.

16 - 99-year-old veteran Tom Moore raises a grand total of £25 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garden. We collectively agreed that it should not be left to a 99-yearold veteran to do laps of his garden to allow the NHS to buy PPE, in spite of it ultimately being a lovely thing to do.

25 - The Great Bog Roll Shortage of 2020 begins. As loo roll flies off supermarket shelves, people struggling to get their hands on some start eyeing up their hand towels, sweating profusely.

22- MPs take part in the first virtual Prime Minister’s Questions via Zoom, marking the first time many of them have seen their laptops without a little bit of tape over the camera.

26 - On this day, the furlough scheme begins. In the evening, the very first Clap for Our Carers takes place.

While the public clapped in love and respect, the NHS were still without vital PPE.

30 - Boris Johnson informs us that the UK is “past the peak” of the COVID-19 outbreak, which looking back on it is both tragic and funny, as comedy equals tragedy plus time.

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MAY 4 - The ONS reports that almost half of over 16s in Britain consider their anxiety to be “high” due to the lockdown.

Presumably, the other half of Britons could not find a word that represented the magnitude of their anxiety levels.

23 - Dominic Cummings is caught having driven 260 miles from London to Durham, despite showing symptoms of COVID-19. This was fine, because he’d also driven 30 miles to Barnard Castle to check if he was able to drive, and he could, so he went ahead with his trip to Durham. This was widely regarded as a bad move.

31 - Protesters gather in major cities to protest the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. The only joke here is that it’s 2020 and people still have to protest against racial injustice, in the Year of Our Lord 2020.

JULY 4 - Things start to look up a bit as the lockdown is eased up. Hairdressers re-open to some of the most powerfully bad DIY haircuts known to man, and these scissor-baring angels take it all in their stride.

31 - We see our first-ever case of babesiosis, a malaria-like disease passed by ticks, in the UK, giving us even more to fear should we go down to the woods today (please don’t actually worry; just wear long socks or trousers in tall grass).

JUNE 15 - Face coverings are made mandatory on public transport in England. This means that those without exemptions have to wear a mask over their mouth and nose. Please. That also doesn’t mean we can bully people who are exempt from wearing face coverings, General Public.

25 - The hottest day of the year so far. Look, not many good things happened in June, and we have to keep this light and, overall, positive to fit the tone of the magazine.

Ultimately this has not been a great year for anyone, let alone the disabled community, so let’s take a break to remember when it was warm before I shoehorn more “jokes” into political commentary and sad facts about COVID-19.

AUGUST 1 - The BBC does away with the free license fee for over 75s. No-one liked this.

4 - Scotland does not do a great job of assessing students’ grades after they were unable to take exams due to the pandemic. You would think the other nations of the UK would look to this admitted failure and change their methods of assessing grades, but you would be extremely wrong.

NOVEMBER 7 - After what can only be described as three entire days of “squeaky bum time,” Joe Biden is announced as having defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential elections.

The world breathes a sigh of absolute relief, and tries to ignore the fact that Trump is saying it’s all lies. We really don’t need this right now, Donald.

9 - Biopharmaceutical firms Pfizer and BioNTech announce they have produced a strongly effective vaccine to COVID-19. With this news following so soon from that of the US elections, we collectively decide that 2020 is on the upswing, and not a moment too soon.

SEPTEMBER 11 - The R number starts rising again. People who have been forced to isolate since March are filled with the most righteous anger at others who have not been respecting the lockdown rules. These people should get an extra week off at Christmas as an apology for others’ behaviour. Just saying.

16 - A number of stolen artefacts are returned to India after 40 years in the UK, in the hope that this may appease some great cosmic force and give us a break from the pandemic.

Also, it was the right thing to do.

OCTOBER 1 - Margaret Ferrier, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, is suspended by the SNP after learning nothing from the outrage Dominic Cummings received in May, and traveling between London and Scotland after testing positive for COVID-19. Again, this was widely regarded as a bad move.

12 - Boris Johnson announces the three-tier alert system for England - medium (tier 1), high (tier 2), and very high (tier 3).

No-one has the heart to tell him that he missed out “low”.

DECEMBER 14 - COVID-19 mysteriously disappears from the universe, but in its wake employers become more understanding of the value of telecommunications, allowing more people to work from home and encouraging more disabled people to enter the workforce. Or at least that’s what we think has happened. We write this in November. Everything after October borders on speculation.

25 - Santa delivers love and joy into the hearts of all the world’s citizens, leaving the gift of understanding under each of our Christmas trees. Jackie Bird announces that she will return for Hogmanay on BBC Scotland, knowing that the pain our hearts have endured over the last year is too much to take without her. All is calm. All is bright.

23 - Scotland introduces a five-tier system, which features both bells and whistles, and starts on Level 0 - nearly normal. We’re not saying it’s better, we’re just saying it’s nice to have a baseline which doesn’t sound as ominous.

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Dream JOB GET THAT

WORDS BY JANE HATTON

DON’T BE MODEST!

I

f most candidates applying for the job you are applying for have the minimum criteria for the role, how can you make your application stand out?

Whilst the prospective employer needs to know what you can do, it is far more powerful to write about how well you can do it. The best way to do that is to give specific examples of results you have achieved. We are socialised not to be boastful, but in a job search it’s important to make sure the recruiter can immediately see how great you are!

Look at the job description (if you have it), or job advert (if not), and decide what specific qualities they are looking for. Focusing just on those qualities, consider how you can best demonstrate your excellence in each one.

Use real examples of where you have used these skills in practice. This does not necessarily have to be in a work context. If you have used the skill to great effect in, say, a voluntary capacity, or even as part of a hobby, still mention it if it is relevant to the role.

If the role requires experience of budgeting, for example, you could use a work example if you have one, if budgeting was part of a previous role. Or it may be that you volunteered as part of a management team for a charity which involved budgeting. Or it may be that you

are in receipt of Direct Payments and have to budget those. All these examples are valid in demonstrating your experience of budgeting.

Recruiting people is always a risk, so recruiters like to have proof that you can do the job rather than just saying you can (which every candidate will say).

In your CV, mention your top qualities for the role in the personal profile. Have a section on “skills”, and give brief examples of each of the skills they are looking for. In your work history, talk about results achieved rather than tasks undertaken.

Before an interview, prepare relevant examples of achievements for each of the skills they are likely to ask you questions about. If your impairment gives you a specific advantage, make that very clear. Examples include: My autism means I can spot errors in coding very easily Using dictation software (paid for by Access to Work) I work more quickly and accurately than my colleagues Being blind, I pick up on subtle voice changes in meetings, which help to understand the real meaning behind what people are saying I have discovered that my dyslexia enables me to be far more creative in finding solutions to problems than my colleagues The key is not to be modest about the qualities you have that will make you the best person for the role you are applying for.

Make sure the recruiter can easily see your full potential.

For further tips, and jobs from inclusive employers who are looking to attract more disabled candidates, have a look on the Evenbreak website: evenbreak.co.uk.

posabilitymagazine.co.uk

63

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