First holiday with a sto a first baby or first w ee air disabled people share t eir bi est firsts’
From her live tour to founding a charity, comedian Rosie Jones is in full bloom
COVER PRICE £3.00
PUBLISHER
Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk
EDITOR
Melissa Holmes melissa.holmes@dcpublishing.co.uk
STAFF WRITER
Kate Stevenson kate.stevenson@dcpublishing.co.uk
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Jane Hatton
Samantha Renke
Tim Rushby-Smith Alisdair Suttie
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk
SALES
Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk
ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk
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Tel: 0844 249 9007
alfway through making this issue, I posed a question to our Instagram followers: ‘Who would you love to see on the front cover of Enable?’ We received countless responses, but one person’s name kept reappearing in the requests: Rosie Jones. By that point, I’d already spoken to Rosie for our lead feature, so I felt pretty chuffed I was writing something I knew our readers would love. As you’d expect, Rosie is great to chat with. Down to earth, friendly, and hilarious – I hope you enjoy reading the article as much as I enjoyed writing it
Rosie isn’t the only brilliant interviewee in this issue, of course. I had the pleasure of speaking to Jordan JarrettBryan about working in the media as a black, disabled man, while our writer Kate caught up with social media sensation olly Burke. olly shares her journey from losing her sight to becoming one of the world’s most recognisable influencers. We love amplifying the voices of our readers too – discover their experiences in the articles For the First Time, Loving Through Limits, High Hopes, and Annoyingly Fabulous.
I’m always amazed at the range of subjects we cover each issue. This edition is no exception – from medical cannabis to life as a disabled carer, volunteering to employment support. It’s important that we resonate with and reflect our readers, and I love hearing your ideas of what you’d like to read about. Thanks for keeping us so busy Till next issue –
Holmes | Editor editor@dcpublishing.co.uk
18 HIGH HOPES, REAL HELP
Cannabis-based medicine can be controversial. But it’s life-saving for some disabled people. We spoke to a campaigning parent, and a patient, to help clear the air.
32 FOR THE FIRST TIME Readers tell us their firsts fro a i d’s first w ee air to a first o iday abroad with a stoma.
What's inside
8
Interview
08 EVERYTHING’S CO ING ROSIE
The comedian, writer, actor and charity founder speaks to Editor elissa Holmes to reflect on her busy year so far.
0 NSEEN
olly Burke chats candidly with Kate Stevenson about her journey from sight loss to becoming one of the world’s most visible disability advocates.
30 NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES hlo uller shares how her fourlegged friends have helped her rebuild her life.
59 PUTTING BRAILLE ON THE MENU Brandon Hulcoop, founder of All Things otty, is working hard to make Braille more mainstream.
66 MY WORDS HAVE IMPACT
Sports journalist, podcaster, broadcaster, and all-round cool guy Jordan Jarrett-Bryan chats to our Editor.
Health
15 WHEN WORRIES TAKE OVER
Anxiety that disrupts your life is more than just a few worries. Kate Stevenson speaks to anxiety experts Joshua letcher and Alison Seponara to find out more.
18 HIGH HOPES, REAL HELP
annabis-based medicine can be controversial. But it’s also life-saving for some disabled people. Speaking to a campaigner and a patient, we help clear the air.
41 MENTAL HEALTH AND ME
With World ental Health ay taking place on 1 ctober, two Enable readers share their experiences around mental wellbeing.
45 LISTEN UP
We learn more about hearing health, and speak to an expert from RNI . 66
56
Life
22 ANNOYINGLY FABULOUS
October is ADHD Awareness onth. We discover how it impacts lives, and the support available.
32 FOR THE FIRST TIME
Readers tell us their “firsts” –from a child’s first wheelchair to a first magical holiday abroad with a stoma.
48 BE THE CHANGE
olunteering can be life-changing – both for the person doing the volunteering, and the people, animals or organisations supported by it.
50 FIT FOR ALL
It’s been described as the most inclusive sport on the planet. But many people have never heard of boccia – a sport that’s a great fit for all.
53 THE DIARY
rom comedy to a car show, lifea rming dance to BSL art, we highlight unmissable, accessible events for your diary.
Voices
20 I WALK THE LINE
Tim Rushby-Smith shares his thoughts on the best metaphor to describe his life as a paraplegic.
34 CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS Samantha Renke reflects on the silence she’s experienced from others when it comes to standing up against discrimination.
Care
12 LOVING THROUGH LIMITS
rom personal care to a listening ear, disabled carers share their stories.
Housing
37 A PLACE TO CALL HOME
Having a roof over your head is a basic need. But if you re disabled, finding a suitable place to live is far from simple. We look at the options, brick by brick.
Finance
25 FOR THEIR FUTURE
We take a closer look at how Wills and Trusts work. How can your loved ones be taken care of when you’re no longer there?
Motoring
56 MINI COUNTRYMAN
It’s bigger and roomier than ever, but is the latest INI ountryman a better SU than its many rivals? ur reviewer takes it for a spin.
Employment
61 STICKING TO BOUNDARIES
areers expert Jane Hatton discusses how to maintain boundaries as a disabled woman in the workplace.
63 THE ILLUSION OF INCLUSION
isabled professionals are still being overlooked, underestimated, and pushed to the sidelines. Kate Stevenson uncovers the realities of inclusive – or not – hiring.
Education
42 THE AUTISTIC ATTENDANCE CRISIS
Thousands of autistic children are missing school as the education system fails to provide much-needed support. Kate Stevenson investigates.
ELLIE GOLDSTEIN, A MODEL and CBBC actress, will be a contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing – the show’s first ever contestant with own’s syndrome to take part in a regular series. Ellie told the BB : “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros this year. I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter
and glamour, and make some magic on that dancefloor.”
James Watson- ’Neill of national disability charity Sense, said: “We look forward to watching Ellie smashing her dance routines – and demolishing the barriers that have stopped disabled people taking centre stage in life for far too long.”
The new series launches on 2 September on the BBC.
Star with Down’s syndrome takes to Strictly dance oor LIMBMATCH LAUNCH
WHAT IF THE NEXT REVOLUTION in prosthetics wasn’t engineered in a lab, but born from lived experience? That’s the mission behind LimbMatch, a new community-led platform built by and for people who wear prosthetics – and now backed by Virgin StartUp funding to accelerate its journey from concept to reality.
Founded by ParaTaekwondo athlete Nicole Brennan, who began wearing prosthetics to fill her baby grows and “blend in” at six months old, LimbMatch lets people with limb differences find trusted, unbiased reviews of prosthetics and clinics.
“This is for the 1 -year-old me who walked out of a clinic feeling broken,” Nicole said. “And for everyone who deserves to walk in with power.” She urges anyone with limb difference to sign up now and get involved at limbmatch.com
AVIATION REPORT CALLS FOR URGENT IMPROVEMENTS
THE AVIATION ACCESSIBILITY TASK and Finish Group Report, led by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, has set out 19 actions to address barriers faced by disabled air passengers. The Baroness stated: “The experience of flying for Disabled people can be inconsistent and sometimes catastrophic. One poor experience can create obstacles for future travel or stop someone flying altogether.” The recommended actions focus on staff training, accessibility of information, hidden or unseen disabilities, mobility aids, and provision of support. There are also recommendations around giving the Civil Aviation Authority more power to ensure airline operators and airports are following legislation when it comes to transporting disabled passengers.
Autism assessment wait times ‘crisis’
THE LATEST NHS FIGURES show the average waiting time for an autism assessment in England is now a staggering 1 months, with more than 2 , people waiting for an assessment. Tim Nicholls from the National Autistic Society said: “The problem isn’t that more people are seeking an assessment, but rather the e ciency and capacity at a local level. Getting an assessment shouldn’t be this hard.”
The charity is calling on the government to provide urgent funding for diagnosis, to ensure autistic people and families get the support they need when they need it.
Are you receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance?
It’s not automatic, so look out for your letter telling you what to do. Visit gov.uk/ucmove for more information.
EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSIE
The comedian, writer, actor and charity founder speaks to Editor Melissa Holmes to re ect on her busy year so far
Our online interview starts with a technical glitch: Rosie’s camera isn’t working. “Well, if you want to imagine me naked…” she starts. We both erupt into laughter. That one liner sets the tone for an hour of chat about everything from growing up with Cerebral Palsy in a small Yorkshire coastal town, to benefit cuts, the importance of therapy, the joy of live comedy, and gravy.
2025 is nowhere near over, and Rosie has had one of her busiest years yet. What’s been the standout part for her? “Oh no!” she exclaims. “You can’t make me choose my favourite out of all my babies. They’ve all been incredibly special for different reasons.”
Rosie describes the screening of her sitcom, Pushers, as a milestone moment. “When I became a comedian, it was always my dream to have my own sitcom,” she reveals. “I grew up watching Dinnerladies, The Royle Family, The Vicar of Dibley – all helmed by these amazing female writers and comedians.”
Then there’s the upcoming tour. In 28 venues across the UK, Rosie will perform the stand-up she’s become known for. “I love my job,” she grins. “I love writing. I love acting. I love doing panel shows. But stand-up comedy is my first and the one true love of my life. There’s nothing like seeing the joy when one of your jokes that you spent hours perfecting and altering works in front of a live crowd.”
SEEING IS BELIEVING
“The main theme I focus on in this tour is representation and how that affects how I see myself,” Rosie outlines. “A big thing for me is I’m now 35, and I’ve never truly been in a relationship because I grew up in a world where I never saw a healthy representation of a disabled person in a loving, happy, healthy, romantic relationship. If you
never see it, how can you believe it could ever happen for you?” she ponders.
That ‘If you don’t see it, how can you be it?’ approach is one of Rosie’s main drivers for touring, especially since she does after-show meet and greets. “It really feels special to me that a high percentage of my audience is disabled and/or queer,” she tells me. “If, at 16, I’d seen a stand-up with the same disability as me, or a queer comic I could relate to, that would’ve been such a gamechanger.”
SOMETHING BIGGER
Rosie’s standout moment so far in 2025 has been launching The Rosie Jones Foundation. “I’ve always been passionate about promoting other disabled people and lifting their voices,” she reveals. “I love my job, I love telling jokes, but I always wanted to do more – something bigger than me, to make the world a better place for everyone, but in particular for people with Cerebral Palsy [CP].” That ‘something bigger’ turned into The Rosie Jones Foundation.
“You’re much more likely to suffer from depression if you’ve got a physical disability, so our first aim is to help people with CP have better opportunities when it comes to mental health,” she explains. “We’re working with an amazing company called Disability Plus. It matches people to a counsellor or therapist with the same disability, which is huge.”
As someone who’s been through therapy with non-disabled counsellors, Rosie recognises it’s “incredibly di cult to get across how it feels to step outside every day into a world that isn’t set up for you.” By seeing a therapist with whom you share common ground, sessions can be more therapeutic, and Rosie is on a fundraising mission to support that. “For every £6,000 we raise, we can
fund 100 counselling sessions for people with CP to see counsellors with CP,” she says, purposefully.
MORE PALATABLE
Why is this such a passion project for Rosie? Growing up, she explains, the world wasn’t switched on to ableism and mental health like it is now. She reflects: “It was a coping mechanism and almost a badge of pride that I would say to people ‘Hello, I’ve got CP but don’t worry, it’s only a physical disability, it doesn’t affect my brain. I’m really happy, I wouldn’t have it any other way’. In hindsight, that was a lie. I didn’t say that for myself. I said it to make my disability more palatable for other people.”
After five years of therapy, she’s “Still that happy, positive, funny person – it’s in my DNA, I cannot help that. But like every human being, I will fall over, or I will get abuse online or in the street. I’m a victim of ableism. And now, instead of apologising for making something awkward, I feel strong enough and I like myself enough to say ‘No – I don’t deserve that, that is ableist. I’m angry and sad. Here’s what you need to do in this situation to make it better’.”
Now able to recognise her worth, Rosie knows her disability isn’t her fault: “I am done apologising for it,” she states. “It’s up to non-disabled people to educate themselves, to be allies and to stand with us. Never talk for us, but to stand with us, support us, and make the world a better place for disabled people. We’ve all got voices. Stand up – we can all make a difference.”
FOR
MORE INFORMATION
Rosie will be appearing at venues across the UK from 9 September as part of her tour I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying. Visit rosiejonescomedy.com for tickets. Follow Rosie: instagram.com/josierones The Rosie Jones Foundation: rosiejonesfoundation.com
I love my job, I love telling jokes, but I always wanted to do more – something bigger than me
Unseen
In her new memoir, Unseen, Molly Burke takes fans behind the scenes to reveal what her YouTube channel never aired. In a candid conversation with Kate Stevenson, she re ects on her ourney
At the age of 14, Molly Burke lost her vision. But that wasn’t the hard part. That came after: the friends who disappeared, the pitying looks from strangers, and the hurtful feeling of being left behind.
“The only thing that changed was how I did things,” explains Molly. “But the rest of society stopped seeing me. They just saw my blindness.”
UNI AGINABLE
Today, Molly is anything but unseen. With more than five million social media followers, she’s spoken on global stages like the UN, worked with brands including Dove, Samsung, and Google, and become one of the world’s most visible disability advocates.
More than that, Molly’s become the role model she needed when she was younger: “I grew up watching pristine beauty vloggers on YouTube,” she recalls. “Meanwhile, I was losing my sight, dealing with suicidal ideation, and feeling completely alone.”
So Molly built something that didn’t exist: “I didn’t have a blueprint because there were no big disabled influencers when I started. I was just trying to be myself,” she admits. “But suddenly, I was representing disability.”
That pressure hit hard at first: from praise and expectations to a backlash. “Some people want independence and strength. Others want vulnerability and openness. I can’t be both at once,” she points out.
The only thing that changed was how I did things. But the rest of society stopped seeing me
UN TOPPABLE
olly’s influence goes beyond what you see online. Her advocacy has impacted everything from product packaging to inclusive hiring practices. “If I preach inclusion, I have to embody it,” she adds, revealing that every creative hired for the cover shoot of her book Unseen was disabled. “That wasn’t a publicity stunt. That should be the standard.”
It’s the same for the online content she creates: “If I can’t consume it, I don’t post it,” she says. “My content has to start with my community.” Molly prioritises audio storytelling and ensures captions, alt text, and design choices are accessible to her blind and low-vision audience.
She’s carried that same ethos into the physical edition of Unseen, which features Braille, metallic foil, highcontrast design, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and tactile elements. “I hope it feels like a love letter to the disabled reader,” she smiles. “So often, accessibility is seen as boring or secondary. I wanted to prove it can be intentional, elevated, and beautiful.”
NOT INVISIBLE
She hopes this approach reaches her younger audience, who may feel scared or invisible, like she did. “Growing up, I had no representation. There was no one like me. Feeling that alone is something I don’t want anybody to ever feel,” she reflects.
Above all, Molly wants to inspire readers to challenge themselves. “If you never see a representation of yourself, you don’t know how to succeed. No one’s shown you it’s possible. But, whatever your dream is, you can find a way to make it happen.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Follow Molly: instagram.com/mollyburkeofficial
Pre-order Unseen fro a ood boo se ers
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Loving through limits
We learn more about the UK’s disabled carers, from the help they provide to the support that’s available
Being an unpaid carer is challenging – from helping with medication and aiding mobility, to providing personal care. Whether it’s round-theclock care for a spouse, child or sibling, or popping by to help a friend with their weekly shop, care takes all forms.
Anyone can become a carer, at any life stage. The 2021 census found that there are . million unpaid carers in the UK. They save the NHS £162 billion per year in England and Wales alone. Without the support of unpaid carers, the healthcare system would likely collapse. But many unpaid
carers have health needs themselves, meaning they’re experiencing a double burden of supporting someone else while having to take care of their own conditions too. In fact, 2 . of carers in England are disabled.
Tammy and Rich met 12 years ago. As a couple, they also care for each other to help them with their disabilities. “I look after Tammy on a daily basis,” explains Rich. “When we’re out I make sure her medication is available so I can administer it safely.” Tammy adds: “Both of our disabilities can be quite debilitating – I have a rare disease that’s genetic, and suffer anxiety and
depression which stem from my physical health. Rich is autistic, and has fibromyalgia, a lung di culty, and other mental health issues, as well as suspected epilepsy.”
SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER
The couple must plan their days very carefully, as Tammy describes: “If I don’t plan things, it can lead to pain, panic attacks, fatigue and unpredictable symptoms, both mentally and physically. This can lead to burnout from basic tasks, like cooking, going out, and showering.”
27.5% of unpaid carers in England are disabled, according to the 2021 census
Tammy and Rich support each other in many ways. rom allocating medication to budgeting, helpful reminders, and meal planning, they’re there for one another. “I’ve suffered hair loss due to my rare disease and medication,” explains Tammy. “When I wear wigs, Rich helps me style them; it really boosts my self-esteem and confidence.”
Rich is unable to go out alone due to his seizures, so Tammy accompanies him to most places. “Once, when he had a seizure, people around wouldn’t let him get up,” she reveals. “ nce the seizure calmed down, I had to say: ‘Rich knows he needs to go to the toilet’. I have to speak up on his behalf because he can’t always communicate with people.”
MONEY MATTERS
Rich and Tammy are unable to work due to their health. “I can no longer do my role,” reflects Tammy. “It’s taken a lot of years to accept this is the way my body is; the way my life is.”
When you’re committed to caring for someone else, holding down a job can be a challenge. 4 of unpaid carers not just disabled carers receive a wage through employment, but those providing more than hours of unpaid care a week tend to rely more on benefits 2 , the state pension 1 and Universal redit 1 . arers can also claim arers Allowance arer Support ayment in Scotland . This is currently . per week (after deductions like tax and National Insurance . However, you mustn’t earn more than 1 per week or you’ll lose the full benefit or be forced to repay overpayments, due to what’s become known as the ‘cliff edge penalty’. If you’re a disabled carer, you
can claim arers Allowance alongside I and other benefits – it’s best to check on a site like entitledto.co.uk to discover what you could receive.
CARING FOR CARERS
Being a disabled carer can challenge even the strongest relationships, so it’s vital to seek respite and support where you can. Your local carers centre will offer in-person and online support groups covering different areas, such as young carers, parent carers of neurodivergent individuals, male carers, and mental health for carers.
Groups like this offer a relaxed, non-judgemental setting, where carers can meet and chat with supportive peers. As a disabled carer, Tammy understands the importance of protecting her headspace, and admits: “Sometimes I need time alone in a different room in the house. We both do, to collect our thoughts. It’s important we have space.”
A GOOD TEAM
“We’re a good team,” says Rich. “When we’re supporting each other, we have to be very patient, calm, kind, and do things in stages,” adds Tammy. But the situation can be draining. A chat with the social care or adult services department at your local authority can get the ball rolling on helping you find support.
Occupational Therapy assessments and arer’s Assessments will highlight e uipment, strategies and services that could be of benefit, like practical help with housework, training in moving and handling, specialist equipment or home alterations, and respite care to help support you practically and emotionally with your caring role.
Tammy wants people to recognise that the support disabled carers need: “is not one size fits all. We want to be treated as individuals. We want you to see the person, not just our disability.” With that approach, society will value the efforts of all carers, and more carers will get the support they really need.
When worries take over
Anxiety that disrupts your life is more than just a few worries. Kate
Stevenson speaks to anxiety experts
Joshua Fletcher and Alison Seponara
When Josh realised his anxiety had crossed the line from being di cult to manage to becoming potentially debilitating, it wasn’t a dramatic moment. Instead, one day it dawned on him that the social event he’d skipped on a bad day had snowballed into skipping every social event. The meeting that he didn’t feel like attending in person? Now, they were all online. Slowly, Josh’s anxiety had taken over, and he’d withdrawn from his life.
“ y anxiety got so bad I developed agoraphobia,” admits Josh. “I couldn’t leave the house for six months. y world got smaller and smaller, until everything I was doing was about avoiding the anxious feelings.”
Now, years later, Josh is a soughtafter therapist specialising in anxiety disorders. While he’s evidently an expert practitioner, his patients trust him because he’s been there himself. “I know what it’s like when anxiety is running your life,” he adds. “But I also know how to turn it around.”
BREAKING POINT
So, at what point does anxiety become serious? The UK’s E uality Act 2 1
defines a disability as a condition that has a substantial, long-term effect on daily life. or many people with chronic anxiety, this definition applies. Yet the idea of anxiety as a disability still surprises people.
“You don’t choose to be anxious,” clarifies Josh. “The amygdala, the part of your brain that triggers fear, isn’t part of your thinking brain. You can’t just switch it off because you’ve decided to stop worrying.” He believes: “If your priority becomes about not feeling anxious instead of actually living your life, that’s when you know something’s wrong.”
Alison Seponara, therapist and cohost of The Anxiety Chicks podcast, agrees: “If your anxiety is affecting your sleep, eating, relationships, or work, then it’s more than everyday stress. That’s when you’re looking at something potentially debilitating.”
DOOM SCROLLING
ore than two million people are currently waiting for mental health treatment in England alone. There’s also been a rise in disability benefit claims for mental health conditions since the pandemic. n paper, it looks like the UK is suffering from an anxiety epidemic,
I know what it’s like when anxiety is running your life
Josh
Josh
but Josh says it’s probably always been this bad: “We’re just more willing to talk about it now.”
So why does it seem to grip us now more than ever? Josh thinks the “24/7 world” we live in plays a big role: “We’re bombarded with information – on our phones, the news, social media – it’s impossible to switch off. You can’t spend your life in fifth gear without consequences.”
Research shows that people spending two to four hours a day online are more likely to experience anxiety
You can’t control the waves, but you can learn to surf them
and depression. Alison has noticed this in her clients and believes that social media has aggravated their conditions. “If you have health anxiety and your feed is full of medical scare stories, it’s going to make things seem worse,” she explains. “The digital world can be amazing, but you need boundaries, or it will consume you.”
FEAR VS FACT
Unfortunately, not all the information you consume online is true, and a lot of the videos and photos may be doctored using Artificial Intelligence AI . any of the people on the internet also lie: “We’ve all met that person who says: ‘I don’t get anxious because I don’t worry about things I can’t control’.” Josh rolls his eyes. “But anxiety isn’t a choice.” He also stresses the chasm between normal nerves and a clinical disorder. “Being nervous before a driving test is not the same as having disordered anxiety,” Josh states. “The difference is night and day.”
“Anxiety has become a buzzword,” continues Alison. “But when the term is used loosely, we downplay what it’s like to live with an actual anxiety disorder.”
If you do have anxiety disorder, finding the right therapist is key which, for the record, should not be an AI chatbot . “I’ve had people come see me who’ve told ChatGPT all their symptoms at 3am, and they’re told they’ve got half a dozen different disorders.”
Josh throws up his hands, saying: “Look, AI can be brilliant if you use it the right way: for learning about treatment approaches, or for getting ideas to take
to your therapist. But it’s not an actual therapist. You can’t outsource empathy to an algorithm.”
If you have an anxiety disorder, you need someone trained to treat it, whether that be in third-wave BT behavioural interventions that incorporate concepts like mindfulness and personal values , or in a specific treatment. Alison encourages you to keep trying, even if it doesn’t seem to work at first. “ inding the right therapist is like dating – you might have to try a few before you find the right match.”
ACCEPTANCE
At the end of the day, both Josh and Alison know how loud anxiety can feel, but admit that recovery is really about learning to tolerate the noise.
“When you’re anxious, your instinct is to fix it: avoid, seek reassurance, distract yourself. But every time you do that, you teach your brain that anxiety is dangerous,” explains Josh. “If you live your life while feeling uncomfortable, you’re showing your brain it’s not a threat. That’s how you turn the volume down.”
It’s a principle Alison echoes in her work: “You can’t control the waves, but you can learn to surf them. Recovery is about patience, self-compassion, and facing discomfort – instead of running from it.”
Alison
HIGH HOPES, REAL HELP
Cannabis-based medicine can be controversial. But it’s also life-saving for some disabled people. Editor Melissa Holmes speaks to a campaigner and a patient to help clear the air
In 2018, Billy Caldwell lost access to the cannabis oil that had been improving his epilepsy symptoms. At the time, he was the only patient in the UK receiving an NHS prescription for whole plant medical cannabis. Billy’s mother, Charlotte, explains: “I had just landed at London Heathrow with Billy’s medicine [cannabis-based medicine brought over from Canada, obtained using a prescription issued in Canada, after his GP was ordered to stop prescribing]. The medicine was keeping him alive, keeping his seizures at bay. It was confiscated by customs right there in front of me. I knew what that meant – without that medicine, Billy was going to die.”
What started as Charlotte doing what any parent would do – fighting for their child – became a national conversation and media furore. As Billy lay in a hospital bed, enduring back-to-back seizures, his medical team and Charlotte battled with the Home ce to retrieve the drugs that would save his life, leading
to a change in law, and a chance of hope for Billy and his family.
ANCIENT MEDICINE
Cannabis has been in use medically for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using the drug for pain relief and wounds. But recreational use of the drug has been causing controversy since the last century, and this has carried into concerns around the use of prescribed medicinal cannabis.
The two main chemicals in cannabis are THC and CBD. THC can cause changes in mood, thoughts, and behaviour: it’s the chemical that gets you high. It also increases the likelihood of psychotic illness. CBD alters how the brain works, but without causing the high of THC.
Cannabis-based medicine can be prescribed in the UK to treat a variety of conditions. Through the NHS, patients can access three drugs (used for Multiple Sclerosis, certain forms of epilepsy, and those going through cancer treatment). Those three cannabis-based drugs have been rigorously tested and granted licenses in the UK for use with specific conditions, and are therefore available funded via the NHS.
LIFE-CHANGING
Sabrina has primary progressive MS, and has been a wheelchair user since 2020. “I was prescribed Sativex in 2022, after a long time of trying every other muscle relaxant,” she explains. Sativex is one of the three licensed cannabis-based medications available and funded through the NHS.
Sabrina struggled with violent leg spasms, which have eased since she started taking Sativex. As a result, her sleep has improved, and her carers are
better able to support the twice-daily physiotherapy she needs. “With the spasticity in my legs being quite bad, my legs were very heavy,” she says. “After I’ve taken a dose, my carers find it easier to complete the exercises –they don’t have as much tension or tone to contend with.”
“Sativex has been a really positive medication for me,” reveals Sabrina, who’s also found that her anxiety has decreased. She’s played a part in The MS Society’s Approved but Denied
Cannabis has been used medically for pain relief for thousands of years
Charlo e and Billy
campaign, to help improve people’s access to Sativex across the country. She suggests people speak to their MS nurse or neurologist about treatment pathways, and use online forums to speak to others going through similar experiences.
COMPLEX SITUATION
In addition to the three NHS-funded medicines available, specialist consultants and private clinics can prescribe other plant-based medicines to treat a range of conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, Crohn’s disease, and insomnia.
Charlotte outlines the complexity of the situation: “Right now in the UK’s private sector there are approximately different medical cannabis products being prescribed, with numerous methods of administration. For example, flower is prescribed, administered via vaping; edibles are prescribed, which you eat; and oils and tinctures are
prescribed, which you take like normal medicine.” These private prescriptions must be paid for by the patient – often costing hundreds of pounds per month.
There are ongoing research trials into the effectiveness of medical cannabis – like a major study by King’s College London, funded by Parkinson’s UK, which is looking at CBD’s potential for treating psychosis in people with Parkinson’s.
With research always unfolding and attitudes towards medical cannabis starting to change – thanks in part to the drug’s legalisation in more parts of the world – more disabled people should get to experience the benefits of these plantbased drugs in future.
But that won’t happen fully until drug manufacturers run clinical trials, testing each specific drug’s impact on individual conditions. “That’s what will get these medicines licensed, and that’s what will open up the door to real access,” explains Charlotte, who has set up a
charity – I AM Billy – to work towards creating a world where patients and the NHS come first together, supported by the private sector.
“We need leadership from the government, from regulators and from the NHS to support patients that are caught in the middle of this,” she a rms. “No patient should be crowdfunding for their medicine, and that’s happening quite a lot throughout the UK.”
In the meantime, Charlotte recommends people can: “Find others walking the same path. Support each other, share knowledge. That way, we can build strength together – you don’t have to shout to be heard. The change often starts with one voice, but your voice matters.”
Tim Rushby-Smith
riginally from London, writer, artist and paraplegic Tim Rushby-Smith is based in Australia. He is the author of two books: Looking Up and Beyond the Break
Follow Tim on X @trushbys
I walk the line
Tim Rushby-Smith shares his thoughts on the best metaphor to describe his life as a paraplegic
I’ve been thinking about which analogy best describes my life with a disability, particularly as it comes with a number of bonus extras. reviously I have used the ‘duck gliding on the surface while the legs frantically paddle beneath’ analogy but, as a paraplegic, the very idea of using it makes me smile too much, and people miss the point.
So – ‘walking the line’? E ually absurd, but it’ll do.
TIGHTROPE
The line in uestion is more of a tightrope, where the smallest thing can throw you completely off balance. This may not be apparent to those around you, as some of the challenges remain hidden from view. or example, having a stomach upset in a wheelchair is no fun, and certainly doesn’t make for a fun spectacle, so staying put becomes a necessity. ne or two days down. Then there is living with chronic pain. This week, I have managed barely any sleep over the last four nights, due to
pain. The knock-on effect of this is to make my pain levels during the day increase, so life becomes even more challenging.
CONSTANT COMPANION
The pain thing is undoubtedly the worst conse uence of my spinal cord injury. In 2 years, I haven’t found anything approaching a cure or solution, nor even something that makes life more bearable. ain is my constant companion. Unfortunately, my pain loves nothing more than highlighting anything else that’s wrong.
Urinary tract infection? I’ll make sure he’s aware by giving him a series of
Some days I am hanging on by a few ngers... But that’s ok. I will be back
electric shocks
12 hours on a plane? I’d better alert my dear host by setting fire to his legs and lower back
Sitting in the theatre with nothing amiss? I’ll bet he’s missing me. I’d better remind him that I’m still here, his faithful companion
UNSEEN
All of this goes unseen. And I’ve learned that it’s hard for people to cope with, so I tend to gloss over it. I’d much prefer people ignore it, rather than respond to my grimaces by saying: “Is that your pain? Are you in pain right now? Is it really bad? Is there anything I can do?” So I walk the line. I try to keep myself balanced. I don’t seek applause when I stay up there, but nor do I want to hear howls of anguish when I fall. I just want people to get used to the fact that on some days I am hanging on by a few fingers, and on other days you may look up to see me absent, but that’s ok. Sure, I’ll always welcome a phone call, but I will be back. It’s just that sometimes the climb takes a bit longer.
4.8
ANNOYINGLY FABULOUS
October is ADHD Awareness Month. Editor elissa Holmes nds out more about how the neurodivergent condition impacts lives, and the support available
Once believed to be the preserve of ‘naughty’ boys who couldn’t sit still in class, in recent years there’s been greater understanding and an increase in diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – or A H as it’s widely known. A H can be challenging to live with, as well as hugely disabling.
NOT NAUGHTY
Being so overwhelmed with things to do and how to prioritise that you experience task paralysis (and do absolutely nothing), never being able
to switch off from the busyness of your brain, or finding it hard to focus on important tasks, feeling like a failure because you can’t keep your life organised and you’re late for everything, being devastated by the smallest criticism, getting into debt because you have low impulse control… Those are just a few of the things I experience as a woman with A H . Symptoms vary between people, but common challenges include restlessness, trouble multitasking, social di culties, forgetfulness, anger management problems, excessive talking or interrupting, struggling to
be organised, inattention, and low self-esteem. ADHD can impact on every aspect of life, from education to employment and relationships.
OUTSIDE THE BOX
But many people with ADHD are living proof that it’s far from a disorder or deficit. Energy, resilience, strong intuition, the ability to ‘think outside the box’, periods of intense hyperfocus, and a strong empathic nature are just some of the positives that come with having ADHD.
“I’m highly imaginative and an original thinker; I’m creative,” explains Amber, who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. “During hyperfocus, I can be extremely productive when working on areas I’m passionate about. And I’m resilient – navigating a world not built for ADHD has made me adaptable and determined. Some people focus on the negatives where there are so many positives that come with an ADHD brain, but it can be hard to always have to champion those positives yourself.”
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though. Before her diagnosis, Amber was experiencing very low moods and found she was really struggling after moving to London for dance school. She recalls: “I thought it was depression. I said to my GP: ‘If this is what the waiting list for ADHD assessment is, I don’t think I’ll be here to make it to the end of that waiting list’.” Fortunately, Amber was able to undergo assessment privately.
UNDERDIAGNOSED
With improving awareness around ADHD and how it can “show up” at different life stages – perimenopausal women, for example, often experience a challenging increase in ADHD symptoms at this life stage – waiting lists for assessment can be long. And the condition is very underdiagnosed: according to The British Journal of Psychiatry, just one in nine people with ADHD in the UK actually have a diagnosis of ADHD.
Some people diagnosed with ADHD find that taking medication helps them to manage their symptoms. Since her diagnosis, Amber receives a prescription via the NHS. “It helps regulate my mood,” she explains. “The first day I took it, I was like: ‘ h my gosh, this is what a normal person’s brain feels like’.” She continues: “If I want a day where I want to be me and a bit more wacky and wild I won’t take it. But if I want a day where I need to focus, or I know it’s going to be especially overwhelming – where I’ll be around a lot of people or loud music – then I can take my medication and, for 12 hours, I’ve got some sort of management of regularity.”
Amber has also worked with an ADHD coach, which has been helpful in helping her recognise her patterns of behaviour and take small steps towards accepting herself – “The more you start doing things and achieving things, the better you’re going to start feeling about yourself,” says Amber, who’s had a tendency to become “immobilised” when faced with tasks, while also spending a lot of time masking who she really was in order to placate people.
ANNOYINGLY FABULOUS
“We know there’s something awry that means we’re not the same as everyone else, so we almost overcompensate to try and be this perfect person,” Amber suggests. “I was always too scared to do another thing wrong, because me being who I am is already so wrong:
Understanding yourself and giving yourself grace will truly help
talking over people, not being able to sit with my feet down at the dinner table ” She drifts off, deep in thought, before reflecting on how she’s always been labelled as “annoying”. She’s even written a story, called Annoyingly Fabulous, to help herself and a young friend with self-acceptance of their neurodivergence.
If you think you may have ADHD, speak to your GP. You’ll be asked screening questions and put forward for assessment. Waiting lists are long – I personally have been awaiting assessment since September 2023, and was advised to ‘act like I already have ADHD’. Amber agrees: “Learn as much as you can about it and how it presents in you, and start to accept it and align your life with what works for you. Yes, medication is great; it’s helped me so much. However, work and progress can happen without it. Understanding yourself and giving yourself grace will truly help.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ADHD Awareness Month: adhdawarenessmonth.org
ADHD Foundation: adhdfoundation.org.uk
ADHD UK: adhduk.co.uk
Follow Amber: instagram.com/amberjayhulme
Young Minds: youngminds.org.uk
Amber
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FOR THEIR FUTURE
We highlight the importance of Wills and Trusts, so your loved ones can be taken care of when you’re no longer there
When you have a disabled child, financial planning is easy to put on the back burner as there are so many other things to manage in everyday life.
But making sure your loved ones are looked after in the event of your death is one of the kindest things you can do. Not only does it relieve stress for them – no one wants to be worrying about what to do with a now-empty family home, or how to manage investments you made years ago when they’re trying to handle grief – it also gives you peace of mind that your loved ones
will be taken care of after you’re gone. Ensuring that your child is provided for – financially, emotionally and practically – is essential. And that’s where Wills and Trusts come in.
CUT THE JARGON
Legal and financial planning can seem daunting, but Heledd Wyn, irector at The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, cuts through the confusion to explain: “A Will sets out how your assets should be shared after your death. It allows you to name guardians for minor children and leave specific gifts or money to chosen beneficiaries.”
Heledd continues: “A Trust, on the other hand, is a legal arrangement that allows a group of people (called trustees) to manage money or assets for someone else the beneficiary . A Trust can be included in your Will, or you can set one up at another point during your lifetime.”
Trusts are particularly useful when the person set to inherit may not be able to manage their finances independently – they may have a learning disability, for example. Trusts can also protect the person from financial exploitation or help them maintain eligibility for means-tested benefits. “ or many families, a Trust offers a way to give long-term financial support to a disabled child, without risking their benefit entitlements or exposing them to money worries,” says Heledd.
Emma, Wills and Trusts manager at learning disability charity Mencap explains this issue further: “A direct inheritance of £16,000 or more left to a person with a learning disability could stop their means-tested benefits and support packages. It could also leave them susceptible to financial abuse. So it’s crucial that families of a loved one with a learning disability protect their financial future by writing a Will and setting up a Trust.”
WHERE TO START
So how do you get started? Many people are unsure what to consider when writing a Will, and it’s completely normal to feel torn between wanting to
Every family’s situation is di erent. The right Trust can be tailored to suit your child’s needs
Heledd Wyn
support your disabled child as fully as possible, while also being fair to your other children. This can be a tricky balance to get right, and it’s something lots of parents worry about. Heledd shares that there’s no one “right” way to divide things up, and what feels fair will look different for every family: “Every family’s situation is different, and the right Trust can be tailored to suit your child’s specific needs. What matters most is making choices that reflect your child’s needs, your values, and what you feel is best for your family as a whole.”
Making sure your child’s care needs are met in the future – bearing in mind their needs may change over time – is essential. Think about what financial resources will be necessary to meet their care requirements, and who will take responsibility for managing their finances and welfare. hoosing trustees is a key part of this planning.
You might choose family members to oversee things, but it might be more appropriate to appoint professional trustees. Either way, they must be trustworthy, capable and willing to act in the child’s best interests.
inding the right lawyer is another crucial step in the process.
“Parents should look for a lawyer who specialises in Wills and Trusts involving disabled beneficiaries,” explains Heledd. “ embership of professional bodies such as The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is a good sign of expertise in this field.” It’s also worth asking any lawyer you’re considering about their experience working with families in similar situations, and whether they regularly advise on Trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries.
GET THE KNOWLEDGE
Some charities also provide support to help you learn more about Wills and Trusts, as Mencap’s Emma explains: “Mencap’s Wills and Trusts service offers guidance and support by providing free online webinars about Wills and Trusts, free Wills and Trusts guides, and a list of STEP ualified legal professionals who have experience of writing a Will and setting up a Trust for a person with a learning disability.” As well as its Planning for the Future webinars, Mencap also has downloadable resources that will help you get your ideas on paper and empower you to take steps towards setting up a Will or Trust.
You can also consider leaving a gift to charity in your Will, whether that’s an amount of money or an item. oing this may reduce your Inheritance Tax liability and is a wonderful way to support an organisation that has supported you.
Planning for the future can feel daunting, especially when your child has additional needs. But taking the time to put proper structures in place now will give you peace of mind – and give your child the best chance of a secure, supported future. NOTE:
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MAGIC FOR EVERYONE
Fancy a day filled with filmmaking magic, spellbinding special effects and more behind-the-scenes secrets than you can shake a wand at? Warner Bros. Studio Tour
London – The Making of Harry Potter is the perfect treat.
Hannah and Becky Cheetham share their experiences
For Hannah Cheetham, who has always been a big Harry PotterTM fan, a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London makes for an “incredible” day out. “Seeing all the magic come to life!” she enthuses. Hannah loves adventures and trying new things but, as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, she finds some places aren’t as accessible as they could be. That wasn’t the case with the Studio Tour though. Hannah was joined by her sister Becky, who has ADHD, to explore the attraction.
“We had great first impressions in terms of accessibility,” Hannah says, via her communication device. “There was a smaller and quieter queue. The entrance is spacious and they have a big Changing Places bathroom, which has a hoist and changing bed if you need it. It was a great start!”
Becky agrees, saying: “In terms of accessibility, it was very good. They had headphones I could borrow, and the staff were on hand if needed.”
LOSE YOURSELF IN MAGIC
And what about the filmmaking magic? “Oh, it’s all incredible!” enthuses Hannah. “If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, you’ll absolutely lose yourself in this world. We went during the Triwizard Tournament feature, and the first dragon chase is projected onto the Hogwarts model. Amazing!” The sisters got to see the real sets used in the films up close, and Hannah explains: “There are so many props, sets, wigs, costumes and behind-thescenes videos, all explaining how Harry Potter was brought to life – like the
secrets of how the flying broomsticks worked, and how the QuidditchTM scenes were filmed. It was so magical to see.”
They visited Gringotts Wizarding BankTM and boarded a wheelchair accessible viewing carriage to experience a green screen Hogwarts ExpressTM photo opportunity. Because they’re original set pieces, some areas – like the Knight BusTM and the Hogwarts BridgeTM – aren’t accessible to wheelchair users, but some innovative solutions have been developed to open up the Studio Tour experience.
ACCESS
Hannah shares one of her highlights: “There’s a bit where you can fly on a broomstick in front of a green screen, and the staff take your photos and a video. But what was really cool was that they have an accessible broomstick. I stayed in my chair, and they put half the broomstick behind me and half in front, so I could have the same opportunity as everybody else – that definitely exceeded my expectations.”
The sisters also enjoyed another photo opportunity at the green screen on the accessible carriage near the Hogwarts Express. “The staff took videos and photos as many times as we wanted to make sure we were happy with them,” says Hannah. “I think it’s fun that they bring it to life for you,” adds Becky.
Before their trip, Hannah and Becky downloaded the accessibility guide from the website: “It’s very detailed and pretty much answers everything you need to know,” reveals Hannah. The guide highlights what’s available
for people with accessibility needs – from digital guides that bring the Studio Tour to life for people with hearing impairments, to Tactile Tours developed with Guide Dogs, for people who are visually impaired.
The Studio Tour offers sensory rooms and sensory support bags, plus Relaxed Tours which allow fans to enjoy the experience with reduced visitor numbers, changes to lighting, and quieter sound levels.
If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, you’ll lose yourself in this world
Hannah
The Hub Café, Food Hall and Frog Café, along with the Backlot Café offer a range of options for people with food sensitivities and allergies, and you can even try ButterbeerTM, which is vegan, and made without gluten, wheat and nuts. Assistance dogs are welcome, and one free carer can be admitted (with proof of entitlement) for each paying disabled visitor.
Becky adds that there are plenty of staff on hand too: “The staff were lovely, and always around to help. There was a queue to get into the first part, so we asked if there was an alternative way round, and the staff member took us through a side door.”
MAGIC AWAITS
There’s always lots going on at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. From 12 September to 9 November, visitors can enjoy a Dark Arts experience, with more than 100
pumpkins floating above a sweet feast in the Great Hall, processions of Death EatersTM, and iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series in a spookier setting. Between 15 November and 18 January visitors can enjoy Hogwarts in the Snow, with the Great Hall stage transformed for the Yule Ball, and the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Castle model both dusted with filmmaking snow, using the same techniques from the Harry Potter film series.
If you want to enjoy the magical experiences on offer, Hannah and Becky recommend choosing a quieter time to visit – the first and last tours of the day are usually the quietest. “Check out the website beforehand because it is very detailed for every different access need,” advises Becky.
“Seeing the films come to life was just incredible,” smiles Becky. “It’s just a magical place.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Book your tickets in advance at wbstudiotour.co.uk
Learn more about accessibility at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: wbstudiotour.co.uk/additional-needs
Follow Hannah and Becky on Instagram and TikTok: @cheethamswithdreams
Not all heroes wear capes…
One day, teenager Chloé Fuller was running around with boundless energy; the next, her body was shutting down. She explains to Kate Stevenson how her four-legged friends helped her heal and rebuild her life
When Chloé Fuller was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), she felt like she was losing control of her body, her independence, and the future she thought she’d have.
Then came Ted.
A five-month-old Springer Spaniel with big ears and an even bigger heart, Ted would go on to change her life. Over the years, Chloé has trained Ted in more than 100 commands – everything from waking her up from the night terrors she used to have, to loading and unloading her washing machine. “He even undresses me. A lot of people find it hard to wrap their heads around that,” she laughs. Ted became her shadow and, more importantly, her friend. “He didn’t just change my life,” she admits. “He gave it back to me.”
For years, Chloé was scared to leave the house and only ventured outside for the occasional hospital appointment. Training Ted gave her a reason to leave the safety of her room to socialise with him: one walk, one agility event and one tail wag at a time. Now in his golden years, Ted’s legacy lives on in Cinna, Chloé’s younger Spaniel. Chloé is training Cinna to follow in Ted’s footsteps.
Cinna’s the cheeky one – “a bit of a show-off,” grins hlo – but just as clever. Together, they’re the ‘Super Spaniels’, and Chloé’s own superheroes. While she admits the name might be a tad twee, it sends a message that connects with viewers of all ages, including children who recognise their superhero costumes.
PAW POWER
Through their performances at DogFest events across the UK, Chloé’s dogs are helping shift how people – especially kids – understand disability. Her dogs aren’t
just opening doors (literally); they’re kicking them down, and showing others what’s possible.
“I don’t stand on a stage and give a lecture,” explains Chloé. “I let the dogs do the talking. A child might not understand what a disability is, but they’ll never forget the dog who helped someone get undressed.
“Children are always taught not to ask questions, or not to stare at a disabled person,” she continues. “My show takes them through 24 hours in my life and normalises it. It allows them to be curious, while teaching them
about disability in a way that’s relatable to them.”
But more than anything, Chloé hopes her audience sees the love. “My dogs saved me in every way that matters. They make life easier, but they also make it brighter.”
And for Chloé, that’s their real superpower.
Follow Chloé, Ted and Cinna: instagram.com/thesuperspaniels
Buy tickets to watch The Super Spaniels live: dogfest.co.uk
FOR THE FIRST TIME
‘My rst trip abroad with a stoma’
“My trip to Disneyland Paris in June was my first journey abroad since having my stoma surgery. I’d never been to isney before – I was so excited. I travelled with my husband, Cameron, plus friends Jenni (instagram.com/ chronicallyjenni and Ian, and Felix and Lauren, as well as their dog Fliss (instagram.com/ accessyourlifeltd , and a carer called Beth.
“My anxiety and excitement manifested in excessive planning – getting medication stocked up, making sure I had all my supplies and documentation ready, and ensuring I had enough supplies for when I got home.
“The biggest challenge while in the park came when my stoma bags would not stick. I think it was because of the
humidity, plus I was getting up and down a lot to go on rides. y bags kept peeling off – I kept having leaks with my mucus fistula and a couple with my main stoma. I wish I’d asked my stoma nurses before I left if they had any tips; afterwards, they mentioned banana strip stickers, which go around the outside of your bag to elongate the adhesive patch – and would’ve saved my bacon while I was away!
“When I revealed my stoma bag in front of the castle for a photo, I felt very empowered and confident. When I was in hospital for my surgery, if you’d told me I’d be able to go to Disneyland, I would never have believed you.”
Follow Imali: instagram.com/mali.and.m.e
Enable readers share the life-changing impact of their rsts from a rst holiday with a stoma, to a rst pregnancy
‘I’ll love my rst baby with everything I have’
“As I write this, I’m 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby. The stage where your bump seems to grow by the day, where you struggle to tie your laces, and your walk is more of a waddle. On top of all this, I’m a below knee amputee.
“Looking towards motherhood as a disabled person, there’s a swirl of complex emotions. I’m excited, of course, but also filled with trepidation. Being in labour with a prosthetic leg is something few medical professionals seem able to advise on. In some ways, my amputation nine years ago has set me up well – I have a high pain threshold. But I can’t shake the traumatic memories of lying in a hospital bed at night, the isolation and fear. I remind myself that this time it’s different. I’m going into that
medical setting for a wonderful reason.
“Having support as a disabled parent is crucial. I’m lucky that my husband, my family, friends and neighbours have all offered help, which I’ll readily accept. There are certainly challenges ahead, but I know the positives will outweigh every di culty. That first smile, first laugh, and hours of cuddles will be magical. My disability will always be part of me, but it won’t stop me from loving my baby with everything I have.”
Ella Dove’s children’s novel How to Rollerskate with One Leg Hachette hildren’s is available from all good booksellers. Follow Ella: instagram.com/ ellarosedove
‘My
rst assistance dog opened up my world’
“I was nine when we got Archie – he was a family pet, but it became very clear he would help me. At that point I wasn’t diagnosed, but whenever I was dysregulated, he was the first to come to me and see if I was ok.
“As I’ve got older, dogs have become my special interest. I task trained Archie – he can sense when I’m overwhelmed and does deep pressure therapy by lying on me to calm me.
“After a mental health crisis in 2 2 , Archie started coming to school and now comes to college with me. He changed everything, and opened my world up, helping me talk to people.
“Archie is nine, so he’s retiring soon. I’m going to get a larger dog who’s
more able to support my mobility as I have Ehlersanlos Syndrome and am undergoing assessment for oTS. y next dog will be my ticket to freedom. Archie’s helped me get better, to become a young adult and go out by myself. But the next dog will help me to become an adult.
“He’s my everything. He turns me into a person who makes sense – I feel like I belong in society when I’m with him. I used to have a hard time accepting I was autistic and that I’ve got A H , but thanks to Archie I feel more open about it and more proud of who I am.”
ollow Archie and Steph: instagram.com/archie.the. dapper.doodle
I feel like I belong in society when I’m with Archie
‘Oliver’s rst wheelchair: when his life really started’
“ y husband John and I have three kids: Jacob, liver and earne. liver is six and uses a wheelchair as he has a form of muscular dystrophy. When liver was younger, I hated anyone saying he’s disabled. I didn’t want him to be in a wheelchair. It was my problem – I needed to get over myself. He used a Scuttlebug small ride-on toy scooter and I attached rope and pulled him along behind me everywhere.
“Three years ago, liver got his first wheelchair and life changed immediately. As he wheeled himself down the corridor for the first time, I realised he’s never been ahead of me.
When Oliver got his rst wheelchair, life changed immediately
I felt kind of like a piece of me had gone, but I was so excited he was in front. It was a lovely moment – I thought ‘His life is beginning now’. And it really has.
“He’s in mainstream school, and they’ve been amazing. liver goes in the same door and comes out of the same door as his classmates, goes for lunch at the same time, uses the toilet independently.
“It’s been incredible. He’s such a confident, independent wheelchair user for a six-year-old – he just happens to be sitting down when everybody else is standing.”
Samantha is a broadcaster, actress, disability activist and the author of ‘You Are the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread’. Follow Samantha on Instagram @samantharenke
Samantha enke re ects on the troubling silence she s e perienced from those outside the disability community when it comes to being an ally and standing up against discrimination
Challenging conversations
The past 12 months have been incredibly challenging for the Disabled community.
Community: a word that feels more poignant now than ever. In times like these, we need allies and friends by our side. Sadly, those allies can seem few and far between. We often rely solely on one another for true support. That reality has been weighing heavily on my mind lately.
We are a community. We come together, putting aside our differences for the greater good. In doing so, many of us have stepped into roles as advocates and activists. My activism has taken shape through television interviews, writing, and amplifying others’ voices on social media.
Some have gone further – writing to MPs, organising meetings, and even protesting outside Parliament, boldly wearing slogans like ‘Taking the PIP’ across their chests.
SHINE A LIGHT
No matter our circumstances, or physical or mental ability, we have each found a way to shine a light on the systemic discrimination faced by Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent people. I’m proud to stand as part of this community.
Yet alongside this pride is a quiet sadness.
I’m grateful to be surrounded by people
who’ll fight for our rights. But in an ableist world, our efforts can only go so far. We need others – those who aren’t Disabled – to speak up and stand with us. Where are they?
APATHY
Lately, I’ve noticed a troubling apathy from those in my life who don’t identify as Disabled. This isn’t meant as a criticism, but rather an honest observation that’s begun to challenge me deeply.
I haven’t seen my closest friends, family, or many online supporters ask how they can help. They haven’t shared or created disability-related content on their platforms. I haven’t been offered words of solidarity – or even a simple ‘How are you holding up?’ – while our government actively undermines our rights.
It cuts deep. And it’s made me wonder: if you truly care about me, why aren’t you helping protect my future, and the future of my community?
Over the years, I’ve proudly supported
causes that matter to my friends from other marginalised communities. But now, when Disabled people desperately need visible, vocal support, it feels like that effort isn’t being reciprocated.
Should I be angry? Should I call it out? Or do I simply accept that some people will always stay silent?
Recently, I decided to ask people close to me why they haven’t been more vocal. The answer was simple: “It just didn’t occur to me.” No malice, just a lack of awareness.
A HEAVY WEIGHT
And I get it. We all carry burdens. We all have our emotional limits. No one can be everything to everyone all the time.
But we can be honest. We can speak up when we feel let down. And, if ignorance is the issue, let’s challenge that ignorance.
Because this isn’t just about politics or policy. It’s about lives – our lives.
I’m ready to have some uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations. Are you?
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Having a roof over your head is a basic need. But for many disabled people, nding a suitable place to live is far from simple. We look at the options, brick by brick
In the UK, 1.8 million people need an accessible home – that’s according to social landlord Habinteg, which champions inclusion by providing and promoting accessible homes and neighbourhoods. However, only 9% of homes in England currently provide the four main features for the lowest level of accessibility – a home that is ‘visitable’. That means having a flush threshold, level access to the main entrance, wide doorways and circulation space, and a toilet at entrance level.
The situation is di cult, and there’s a chronic shortage of accessible housing. Living in a home that doesn’t work for your needs can impact your physical and mental health, as well as your independence and ability to access society.
HOUSING OPTIONS
Whether you’re looking to adapt your current home, move into a more accessible property, or explore supported living, the process of finding a home that fits your needs can be challenging. But there are options. Understanding what’s available can make the process a lot easier.
Beyond the basics like level access and wide doorways, there are many more elements that go towards making a building truly accessible for the disabled person calling it home. There’s a lot to consider – from mid-height electric sockets and light switches, to roll-in showers, bed hoists and smart home technology that aids independent living, such as fall detection sensors and smartphonecontrolled heating systems.
Asking for an assessment from your local occupational therapy team is a good start, as they can make recommendations based on your needs, and get you on the journey to making adaptations.
ADAPTING YOUR HOME
For some people, the best option is to make adaptations to the home they already live in. This might mean simple changes like grab rails and stairlifts, or larger projects such as installing a through-floor lift or carrying out a bathroom to wet room conversion. You may get help through the Disabled Facilities Grant (or Scheme of Assistance in Scotland), which is a means-tested (except for children’s applications) scheme administered by local councils.
The Disabled Facilities Grant can
be a lifeline, but it can also be a long process. From the initial application through your local housing department or social services, the law says your local authority must make a decision on your application within six months, and payment should be made within 12 months.
You may also be expected to contribute to the funds – you can use the calculator at foundations.uk.com to find out how much. It’s also worth noting that you won’t get funding if you commence building work before the grant is allocated.
enable housing
Only 9% of homes in England currently provide the four main features for the lowest level of accessibility
MOVING HOME
Adapting your existing home might not be possible if it’s a listed building or lacks the space you need to make the changes required. In that case, you might need to move home.
Selling your current home, and searching for and buying a new one that’s suitable for you via the open market can be di cult. However, once you’ve found your dream home that has the space for the adaptations you require, you’ll hopefully be in it for life.
The other alternative is to apply to housing associations and your local authority housing section. They’ll often have accessible properties in their housing stock – just make sure you clearly note your specific access needs on your application forms.
Unfortunately, waiting lists are long, with an estimated 20,000 people on English local authority waiting lists for a fully wheelchair-accessible home, according to Habinteg. All the same, it’s important to get your applications in so you at least have a chance of being offered suitable accommodation.
GOING PRIVATE
The private rental sector is buoyant in the UK, and getting on the ladder here is often di cult. But if you’re already in a privately rented home, your landlord must make reasonable adjustments if you’re disabled, under the Equality Act 2010. This might include allowing you to install an access ramp at the front and back doors, or change door handles. It’s worth remembering that your landlord isn’t required to fund the changes.
Some people find success by working with specialist estate agents or services. AccessiblePRS was founded by Guy Harris, who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2 . His company matches disabled renters and buyers with suitable properties, while also working with landlords and developers to counter the failures in accessible housing design.
TAKING CARE
Some disabled people need regular care or support, so supported living can be a valuable option. In supported housing, tenants live independently with on-site staff support, while residential
care homes offer full-time care but less independence. In the middle of these two options, you’ll find Shared Lives schemes, which provide a unique type of care where vulnerable adults with support needs live as part of a carer’s family.
Funding for these options may come through social care budgets or through housing benefit – speak to your local authority about the options for supported living.
The journey to finding your perfect accessible home can be a long one. Start by contacting those in the know, ask for an occupational therapy assessment, and seek advice from disability charities. The system isn’t perfect, but there are some positive developments, and everyone deserves a home that works for them.
habinteg.org.uk / 0300 365 3100
Lives Plus: sharedlivesplus.org.uk / 0151 2273499
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Mental health and me
SIMRAN’S STORY
I live with multiple conditions –chronic illness, mental illness, neurodivergence and menstrual issues. y disabilities affect my energy levels, how I move through spaces, my communication style, and my work and social life.
I struggle with anxiety and depression, not because of my disability, but because of the constant fight to be included and respected. It’s exhausting to navigate systems that weren’t designed with me in mind. I’m also part of another marginalised group, so those challenges can multiply. What I need isn’t just access and understanding, but a cultural shift that sees me as equal.
I manage my mental health through a combination of boundaries, rest, community and honesty. I try to check in with myself regularly and honour what my body
I’m a ected by the horrible comments people have made about my facial palsy
With World Mental Health Day taking place on 10 October, two Enable readers share their experiences around mental wellbeing We
and mind are telling me. I’ve learned the power of saying ‘no’ without guilt, and asking for help without apology. I also lean on routines that ground me, like my Sikh faith, nature walks, journaling or therapy when I can access it. We don’t need pity; we need respect, flexibility and genuine inclusion. Your wellbeing is not a luxury, it’s a right. And taking care of your mind is just as important as caring for your body. Whether or not you’re disabled, we all benefit from compassion, from slowing down, and from creating spaces that honour difference.
Follow Simran: instagram.com/chronically_ simran
BETH’S STORY
don’t
need pity; we need respect, exibility and inclusion
I’ve had a facial palsy since I was a young child. When I was 16 I got diagnosed with FSHD muscular dystrophy which causes progressive muscle weakness over most of my body.
I’m affected by the horrible comments people have made about my facial palsy. The way they’ve treated me has been terrible. The way others respond to my SH is mixed – some people are kind. I wish people understood we are human too and we need kindness.
When my physical disability wasn’t bad, my mental health was terrible, and I couldn’t handle anything. Now my mental health is great, but my disability is awful! However, I can handle the effects of my disability now because I finally got the mental health support I needed.
Getting therapy and the correct medication has completely changed my life. I know I can’t work for another company now [Beth works for herself as an artist], but I can work from home. I’m hoping to do well in the art industry while I can still move. ainting can be therapeutic for me – I love it so much. If you’re struggling, go and get the help now. Reach out, go to the doctors, contact a charity, use your spare cash (if you have some) for online therapy. The help is there: speak out.
Follow Beth: instagram.com/beth.lynch.artist
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mental Health Foundation: mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind: mind.org.uk
Samaritans: samaritans.org / 116 123
The Autistic Attendance Crisis
Thousands of autistic children are missing months of school each year as England’s education system fails to provide the support they need. Kate Stevenson nds out more
Every morning, Callum would get up with determination.
He was like any other teenager getting ready for the school day but, when he stood at the front door, something caused him to freeze. Each time he tried to step out, panic clawed at his chest, forcing him back inside.
Kirsti Hadley and her 14-year-old son would follow the same routine each day: get up at six, dress for school, pack Callum’s bag and eat breakfast. But, by the time they reached the front door, everything would fall apart.
Even though Callum had thrived in primary school, everything changed when he transitioned to secondary school. The jump to a big, noisy setting was overwhelming, which Kirsti believes triggered his first panic attacks: “It’s loud, people are pushing, and you’ve got to navigate a place you don’t recognise,” she explains.
It was all too much for Callum to cope with. Between November 2022 and July 2023, Callum, who is autistic, and also has ADHD and OCD, managed just
three full weeks of school. This was not because he didn’t want to go, but because he couldn’t.
FORGOTTEN
He’s one of thousands of autistic students – 11,200 to be exact – who were classed as severely absent in 2023/24, meaning they missed more than half the school year. That’s the equivalent of being out of class for four months or more. In other words, nearly a third of autistic pupils were persistently absent, and missed at least 10% of the school year.
Behind these rising numbers are children eager to learn, but overwhelmed by an environment that doesn’t fit their needs.
To them, school is a daily assault on the senses: from the buzzing lights, to the echoing noises, and crowded corridors – it’s just too much. Add in the pressure to follow rigid routines and unspoken social rules, and school becomes less about learning and more about surviving.
Gabi, now 21, still lives with the scars
of an education system that didn’t work for her. She received no meaningful support in either primary or secondary school and, as her distress grew, she started refusing to attend altogether.
Over four years, Gabi estimates she attended around 20% of the school year. The long-term consequences have been devastating: “I missed out on a lot of things that neurotypical kids didn’t, and I still really struggle a lot,” she admits. “I struggle with maths, I can’t spell, I can’t tell the time unless it’s a
The education system is failing autistic children and young people
12-hour digital clock.” In a way, she feels the system abandoned her.
ALONE
As a parent, watching your child get left behind can feel helpless. For Kirsti, trying to hold it all together came at a cost. She was forced to give up her brand consultancy business, and pushed onto benefits so she could care for Callum full-time: “Once your child stops attending, everything snowballs. The less they go, the less support they get. And, when there’s no support, things get worse.”
Like others, she encountered delays in securing help. Despite clear signs of distress, Callum’s school only applied for an Education, Health and Care Plan – the legal document meant to secure additional support – this year. And that was despite knowing the entire process can take months, sometimes years. “There’s a culture of ‘fail first’,” adds Kirsti. “Children have to fall apart before anyone steps in. But every time they fail,
their needs get greater.”
She believes it’s a system that punishes struggling children, instead of helping families before things start to spiral.
A survey by Ambitious about Autism found that nearly 90% of parents said school absence had negatively impacted their work or wellbeing, and one in ten had lost a job. More than half had to take significant time off to care for their child, just like Kirsti. Now, after two years away from work, she’s behind on her mortgage payments. “Something has to give,” she reflects. “In this system, it’s always the family.”
DESPERATE
It shouldn’t be this hard. “These figures are further proof that the education system is failing autistic children and young people,” condemns Jolanta Lasota, the Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism.
She points out what autistic pupils and parents have been saying for
years: mainstream schools are often ill-equipped to support neurodivergent students. Teachers lack autism-specific training, classrooms aren’t designed with sensory needs in mind, and support plans arrive too late… if they arrive at all.
Jolanta and others are calling for urgent reforms, including mandatory autism training for school staff, earlier intervention, and properly funded SEND support. “Autistic young people have hopes and ambitions,” she adds. “They deserve a chance to achieve them, just like every other pupil.”
Kirsti feels that support is still too far away. At the time she spoke to us, Callum’s attendance had improved to around 69%, but she didn’t expect it to last. “By the end of term, it’ll have dropped,” she predicts, lamentably.
LISTEN UP
It might seem like hearing loss is something that only impacts older people, but one in three adults in the UK are deaf, or have hearing loss or tinnitus. We learn more about protecting hearing health, and speak to an expert from the RNID
Asking people to repeat themselves during work meetings? inding it di cult to understand conversations while out for dinner? Having your TV or radio turned up high? These could be signs of hearing loss, which is something 1 million people in the UK struggle with. “Hearing loss can cause people to become lonely and isolated and is linked to conditions like depression,” explains Franki Oliver, Audiology Manager at RNID, the national charity supporting people who are deaf, or have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Franki goes on to say that hearing health is important, because research has shown there could be a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. In a study that tracked 639 adults for almost 12 years, Johns Hopkins experts found that mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia. It’s even been linked with walking problems and falls.
GET TESTED
That’s why it’s really important to take action quickly if you think you could be losing your hearing. A great first step is to take an online hearing test at rnid.org.uk/check. You can also speak to your GP about getting a referral for a free hearing assessment. This involves a discussion about your lifestyle, understanding what situations you want to hear better in, a brief medical history, an examination of your ears, and a hearing test.
During a hearing test, you sit in a soundproof room, wear headphones and press a button every time you hear a sound. The painless test normally lasts around 1 minutes. “If the results show hearing loss, your audiologist may suggest hearing aids,” explains ranki. “If you decide to try hearing aids, they’ll explain what’s available and the next steps.”
For disabled people already managing other health needs,
Research has shown there could be a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline
dealing with hearing loss may cause worries around barriers to access. But ranki reassures: “We understand that developing hearing loss can be particularly worrying for anyone with an existing health condition or disability, as it can make communicating and accessing services that little bit harder.”
Franki points out there’s plenty of useful information on the RNID website, covering things like accessible technology including Relay UK and hearing loops, along with information on employment rights and support at work like Access to Work , and benefits. “RNI ’s It Does Matter campaign also has helpful resources you can share with family and friends to help them learn how they can communicate with you better,” explains Franki. She also highlights: “If you have any specific uestions, such as what accessible services are available in your local area, you can reach out to Contact RNID.”
LIFE-CHANGING
In the USA, hearing aid users wait an average of 10 years before getting help for hearing loss – in that time, you can become isolated, have di culties communicating with loved ones, and increase risks to your health. But, says ranki: “Getting hearing aids can have a massive positive effect on your wellbeing. We constantly hear from people who’ve got hearing aids after waiting maybe a bit longer than they should have, about how life changing they are – people suddenly being able to hear their kids properly, hear birdsong, hear mates in the pub more easily and be part of the conversation. We know when people get them, they often wish they’d done it much earlier.”
And, far from being unattractive and clunky, modern hearing aids are amazing pieces of tech. “All hearing aids today are digital, meaning they can be prescription fitted to the results of your hearing test,” says Franki. “They can make softer sounds easier to hear, reduce background noise, and make conversations easier.”
Many hearing aids also have Bluetooth capabilities, so they can connect to your phone and stream music or phone calls, while some can even act as general health trackers, collecting information about cognitive health, step count and heart rate.
PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE
Of course, prevention is always better than cure, so it’s vital to protect your hearing health as much as possible. “ any people think hearing loss is a normal part of getting older, or that it can only happen to older people,” reveals ranki. “The truth is that hearing loss can happen at any age and for different reasons, such as noise exposure, infections, certain medications, and genetic factors. The good news is that there are lots of options to manage it successfully.”
One of the main causes of hearing loss is entirely preventable – exposure to loud noise. You can protect your hearing at live events by taking earplugs, standing away from speakers, and taking a break somewhere uieter for at least five minutes every hour. Franki advises: “If you’re listening to music through headphones, aim for 50% of the maximum volume, follow safety prompts on your phone, and take regular breaks to help your ears recover. Make sure as well that you’re not turning the sound up above background noise.”
The RNID wants hearing tests to become as everyday as dental checkups and eye tests. Maintaining your hearing health is an important part of your overall wellbeing, so perhaps it’s time to listen up and start taking better care of this important sense.
rnid.org.uk
Franki Oliver
Be the change
Volunteering can be life-changing – both for the person doing the volunteering, and the people, animals or organisations supported by it. We learn more
Be the change you want to see in the world. Those famous words from Gandhi seem a fitting way to open up a conversation about volunteering. Because volunteering can – and does – change the world. From causes on your doorstep that will benefit from your skills and time, to global fundraising campaigns that can save lives, getting involved in volunteering is an amazing way for you to ‘be the change’.
olunteers may find themselves helping at a local food bank,
mentoring a young refugee, caring for abandoned animals, or supporting an environmental or heritage charity. There are thousands of opportunities across hundreds of different sectors, from retail to finance and media.
In 2 2 -24, of adults in England (approximately 15.1 million people had taken part in either formal or informal volunteering at least once a month, according to the government’s Community Life survey. It also found that the rates of volunteering among disabled people were at a similar level to non-disabled people.
ACCESSIBLE
Many organisations in the third sector are attuned to inclusivity issues, so finding accessible volunteering opportunities may be easier than you expect. There are even remote volunteering options available in areas like designing leaflets, fundraising, and telephone support.
And when opportunities are inclusive, organisations and communities being supported find the involvement of disabled people brings diverse experiences, fresh perspectives, and untapped talent.
HELP YOURSELF
Giving your time, knowledge and experience to a cause you care about doesn’t just benefit your community and the wider world – it can help you too. It’s a powerful way to boost your confidence, improve your mental and physical health, combat isolation, build skills, develop a new social circle, and give you a sense of purpose.
The stats back it up too: in the most recent Time Well Spent survey by the N , of volunteers uestioned reported that volunteering improved their mental health and wellbeing, while 53% said they’d enjoyed physical health benefits. Happily, almost everyone who took part (93%) said they enjoyed volunteering, and of survey respondents said they felt they were making a difference through their volunteering.
GET INVOLVED
A uick search online can bring up a whole host of opportunities – you could become a community befriender to help combat loneliness, or a mentor supporting a family going through a tough time; you might help maintain Commonwealth War Graves in your local area, or make a difference as a tour guide at a stately home. Think about your interests and strengths and what sort of role you’d enjoy, and take it from there
You can search for your local S ouncil for oluntary Service or look via a site like harityJobs to find opportunities. Then it’s a case of applying for a voluntary role – you may need a to do this, or to fill out an application form online or chat over the phone. If you need help, you
can directly contact the organisation recruiting volunteers.
RECOGNISING YOUR IMPACT
People who volunteer are usually driven by the desire to make a difference, but the additional recognition and ualifications you can enjoy thanks to volunteering are definitely a bonus.
If you’re in the UK and aged between 14 and 24 years of age, you could consider doing the uke of Edinburgh’s Award. With activities including helping the community or environment, and completing an expedition, the Award is personalised, non-competitive and open to all, plus it’s highly regarded by colleges, universities and employers.
In Scotland, young people can also receive Saltire Awards, which are the Scottish Government’s way of celebrating, recognising and rewarding the commitment, contribution and achievements of young volunteers.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
Anyone can volunteer, although the role may re uire a BS or isclosure G check. This ensures unsuitable people don’t work with vulnerable groups, including children. The cost of this is waived for volunteering roles. Some people worry about the impact volunteering may have on their benefits. The W says you won’t need a Work apability Assessment because you start volunteering, and you don’t need to provide evidence from your doctor. If you’re paid reasonable expenses by the organisation you’re volunteering with for travel costs, for example , this shouldn’t impact your benefits. But
RUSS’S STORY
Russ Johnson, a stroke survivor, volunteers with the Stroke Association stroke.org.uk . He has weekly phone chats with people who’ve recently had a stroke, which – over the course of eight weeks – helps build their confidence, making them feel more connected and supported.
Russ says: “I became a volunteer because I know how lonely stroke recovery can be. Our calls are their space to talk about what they want.
“ olunteering is incredibly rewarding. When I first speak to someone, they’re usually scared and shattered – just like I was. It’s a privilege to help them through.
“If you’re thinking of signing up to volunteer, do it. Just pick up the phone and say: ‘I want to help’. Lived experience carries weight.”
you should let Jobcentre lus know before you start any volunteering. Volunteering is an amazing way to support others and to help yourself, opening up new opportunities and enabling you to contribute to society. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a confidence boost, or a way to connect with others, volunteering could provide the perfect opportunity – and make a big difference.
It’s been described as the most inclusive sport on the planet. But many people have never heard of boccia a sport that s a great t for all
Rhyming with ‘gotcha’, boccia is a game of strategy and accuracy. It’s also a Paralympic sport, and Britain boasts some of the best players in the world.
David Smith OBE is Britain’s most successful boccia player ever, with five Paralympic medals to his name, while Stephen McGuire MBE won gold at the Paris Paralympics last year. And there’s a whole host of rising stars like European Champion Sally Kidson and teenage sensation Sophie Newnham.
HOW DO YOU PLAY?
You don’t have to be a Paralympian to enjoy boccia. Similar to boules, players must throw, roll or kick coloured balls as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the ‘jack’.
Stephen McGuire explains: “It’s inclusive in that you can throw or kick the ball, or you can use a ramp with the help of a ramp assistant and a pointer.”
The sport was originally created for people with Cerebral Palsy, but it’s
widened and evolved to include many other conditions.
Boccia tests muscle control, strategy and accuracy, and you can compete as an individual, a pair or as a team of three over a set number of ends. Each side has six balls (red or blue) each end to try and score points. Points are accumulated over the course of a match to find a winner.
WHO CAN PLAY?
Anyone can play boccia. When he’s not training or competing, David Smith runs a community club in Swansea, and says: “Boccia’s great because anyone can play! Non-disabled people can compete alongside disabled people, which makes it a great sport to play in schools, and as a family.”
THE BENEFITS
laying boccia has so many benefits. Those within the British squad – who have a range of conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular
Atrophy – encourage others to play as it improves strength and flexibility.
David reveals: “Boccia really helps with my posture, mental stimulation, shoulder range and my core strength –my condition would be much worse if I didn’t play.”
Talent spotting
Boccia UK is on the lookout for the next generation of Paralympians. They’re searching for people who are competitive, creative problemsolvers, and who are good at strategy games.
Physically, they’re looking for people who are quadriplegic as a result of impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis.
Find out more via boccia.uk.com/ athlete-recruitment or email potential@boccia.uk.com
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The diary
I Can't Tell What She's Saying
Nationwide venues / Ticket prices vary omedian, author, actor, advocate and Enable cover star Rosie Jones takes to the road this autumn with her highlyanticipated stand-up tour. Beginning in Taunton and ending in Edinburgh, the live show promises belly laughs, relatable tales and memorable moments.
BA TA-nominated Rosie will be talking about the big stuff: being single, the pressures of representing huge sections of the population, and gravy. Suitable for audiences aged 14 and up. rosiejonescomedy.com/live
an Accident / a Life
Sadler's Wells, London / Tickets from £15 Australian dance artist arc Brew and world-renowned choreographer Sidi Larbi herkaoui bring an Accident a Life to the London stage for the first time. Nominated for two National ance Awards in the UK, the work relates the aftermath of Brew’s momentous accident, which took him from being a ballet dancer to a paraplegic in a split second. andid, generous and ultimately life-a rming. Audio-described performance and touch tour available on the opening night sadlerswells.com
19 - 20 SEPTEMBER
Motability Scheme Live
Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, NI / free otability Scheme Live heads to Northern Ireland to showcase what the Scheme offers. n the day, you’ll find more than 4 cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptations, a range of scooters and powered wheelchairs, the opportunity to test drive adapted and standard production cars, an indoor scooter test drive area, and advisors on hand to answer your uestions. motabilityschemelive.co.uk
Parasport Festival
Across Scotland / free arasport estivals are designed to offer young people with physical disabilities, hearing loss and vision impairments an opportunity to try a wide range of sports in inclusive, safe and fun sessions delivered by local ualified coaches. Events are taking place in orth alley, Grampian and Highland, enabling young people to meet other children with similar impairments and learn new skills to increase confidence and self-esteem. scottishdisabilitysport.com
Finger Talk
Wellcome Collection, London / Free inger Talk is a British Sign Language artwork by athy ager that invites visitors to step out of a hearing-centred world and into a space shaped by deaf perspectives. The installation brings together archival films, contemporary performance, animation and sound, to foreground BSL as a living, evolving language with a rich cultural history. At the same venue, the 1 THAT exhibition explores sign language and the right to communicate, and runs until 1 November.
wellcomecollection.org
WIN
A GORGEOUS LUSH GIFT SET
This issue, one lucky Enable reader will win an indulgent And Breathe gift set from fresh handmade cosmetics makers Lush, worth £74
Be transported to a serene headspace with this beautiful prize from Lush. The And Breathe gift box features 10 divine treats for your bath, shower and body needs, including a Twilight bath bomb, Dream Time temple balm, Sleepy soap, body lotion and shower gel, Deep Sleep Epsom salt cube, and an indulgent Butterball bath bomb. Take a moment for yourself, relax and look forward to a restful night’s sleep with ingredients like magnesium and lavender, which aim to help you sleep better.
Fresh, innovative and a little bit anarchic, Lush has been at the forefront of planet-friendly toiletries and cosmetics for more than 25 years. This Vegan gift box, packed with products that aren’t tested on animals, will have you heading to the land of nod with clean skin and an even cleaner conscience.
We all know how important sleep is for rest, healing and good mental health, so enter now to give yourself the chance to win this gorgeous gift set. Start your self-care journey to sleepyland with Lush and Enable magazine.
HOW TO ENTER
Simply send us your name, contact details and where you picked up your copy of Enable magazine. All entries must be received by Monday 20 October 2025. Good luck!
BY
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All entries must be received by Monday 20 October 2025. The prize is a Lush And Breathe gift set, which will be sent to the winner. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, there is no cash alternative and it cannot be sold to another party. The contents of the prize may differ from the images and descriptions included here. One entry per household. The publisher’s decision is final. If you do not wish to receive further communications from Enable magazine, include ‘opt-out’ in your entry.
MINI Countryman
It’s bigger and roomier than ever, but is the latest MINI Countryman a better SUV than its many rivals?
INSIDE
The not-so-mini MINI Countryman might not please the purists with its size and SUV style, but there’s no denying these attributes make it a very practical car. The front doors open wide, and the seats are set at a height where you neither have to clamber up or slouch down into the car. There’s also a low dash line and raised driving position to give excellent vision forwards, though the thick rear pillars make it a little trickier when reversing, even with help from the parking aids.
It’s not all perfect, however, as the steering wheel is set slightly off-centre from the driver’s seat and doesn’t adjust quite enough to suit taller drivers. The large circular
dash display works well and looks fabulous, but the small gear selector switch in the central panel takes some getting used to. On the plus side, there’s plenty of storage and the seat is comfortable, even if adjustable lumbar support only comes with the Level 3 option pack. Those seated in the rear will find the ountryman offers more space than a Volvo XC40 or Lexus NX. Pick the Level 1 Pack and the rear bench also slides to vary passenger and load space. You might need this as the 460 litre boot is big on paper, but feels more cramped in use. It also has a high load sill to overcome when loading a wheelchair.
The Countryman places fun higher on the priority list than most of its competitors
EQUIPMENT
If MINI does one thing better than anyone, it’s the sheer number of options on offer. The lassic trim comes with all the necessities such as 18 inch alloy wheels, roof rails, automatic wipers, powered tailgate, 24 cm circular dash screen, infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, electric windows, parking aids, and a long list of safety equipment.
The Exclusive adds a heated steering wheel and slightly more upmarket feel to the cabin, while the Sport has 19 inch wheels, sporty body styling, adaptive suspension, Chili Red paint, and front sports seats. To this, you can add Level 1, 2 and 3 Packs that bring increasing amounts of equipment – we’d look to the Level 1 or 2 Packs for the best value.
The MINI Countryman is available in three different versions via Motability. The 1.5 C Exclusive 5dr Auto offers features including an electric boot/ tailgate and reverse parking aids. It requires an advance payment of £1,795, while the 1.5 C Sport 5dr Auto requires an advance payment of £3,395. Both options use the total mobility allowance of your weekly PIP. Find out more: motability.co.uk
DRIVING
Tall-sided SUVs are rarely the sharpest cars to drive, but the Countryman is a MINI and that means it places fun higher on the priority list than most of its competitors. It shows in how the MINI tackles corners with more verve than its rivals, so it’s certainly the car to pick if you’re a keen driver.
This nimbleness doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. True, the ountryman is a little firmer over more sudden ridges than a Kia Sportage, but it’s still supple and quiet whether in town or on the motorway.
The 168 bhp, 1.5 litre petrol engine available through Motability is a very good choice, as it has plenty of pep
for easy overtaking and cruising. It comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard, which is smooth but takes a fraction too long to get the car going when pulling out of junctions or on to a roundabout. That can be a little disconcerting, but you’ll be consoled by 47.9mpg combined economy.
Summary
The MINI Countryman’s style overcomes most of its shortcomings, but the gearbox needs to be uicker off the mark.
Putting Braille on the menu
Did you know that most UK restaurants don’t offer an accessible or Braille menu? Well, Brandon Hulcoop, founder of All Things Dotty, is working hard to change that. He shares his incredible story with Kate Stevenson
Imagine walking into a restaurant and asking for a menu, only to be told there isn’t one you can read. Someone lists a few dishes from memory, skipping the details. You make a quick choice, but it’s not really yours, because who knows what ingredients are in the dish you picked? For many blind and visually impaired people, that’s a typical meal out.
Brandon Hulcoop is far too familiar with this experience. “Every time it happens, I lose a bit of independence,” he shares. “Why should I have to rely on someone else to tell me what’s there?”
HIS OWN BOSS
Sick of the same old story, Brandon founded All Things Dotty, a business dedicated to producing Braille menus, tactile greetings cards, accessible board games, and public signage. The idea was born after years of frustration, and as the result of more than 1,000 failed job applications: “Nobody wanted me
to work for them, so I thought I’d work for myself,” he shrugs with a smile.
That sums up Brandon: relentlessly optimistic and determined to make a difference. It started small, with cards that included both visual and Braille messages, so birthday wishes could be kept, rather than just being heard once.
Then came restaurant menus, tactile diagrams for schools, and games designed so blind and sighted people could play together. Now, Brandon wants national restaurant and hotel chains to adopt Braille as standard. “The big chains are the worst,” he reveals. “But everyone should be able to read the menu themselves.”
ROYAL RECOGNITION
He’s not the only one who thinks so. This year, Brandon won the NatWest Thrive Enterprise Award, which he found out about through Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast. Soon after, he was invited to Buckingham Palace, where the King personally thanked him for his work. The Palace even sent Brandon a Braille invitation –the first in royal history.
Brandon says meeting His Majesty was both surreal and light-hearted. After checking that the Braille on Brandon’s one-of-a-kind invitation was correct – something Brandon found almost incredulous: “He was so
down to earth. We had such a genuine conversation about my business” –they stood for a group photo.
In another incredible titbit, Brandon revealed a alace o cial told guests: “If you can’t see the camera, the camera can’t see you,” to which he shot back: “Well, I can’t see the camera anyway!” The King laughed, replying: “Good point – well made. You tell him.”
ENDING EXCLUSION
Brandon’s sense of humour runs alongside determination in everything he does. “Listen, exclusion is lonely and a lot of your readers will understand that,” he admits, thinking back to when he sat listening to other children play board games when he so desperately wanted to join in.
“It’s why we have to change people’s perceptions, and provide the right products for everyone.”
Brandon with his National King’s Trust Award
Brandon with HM The King and Fearne Co on
Where Care Meets Education: Growing with Kisimul
At Kisimul Schools and Children’s Homes, care and education go hand in hand. What’s learned in the classroom is lived at home, and what’s experienced at home strengthens classroom confidence. Every small moment, whether a word of encouragement or a smile helps children feel safe, supported, and understood.
We currently have a number of placements available. For enquiries or to find out more, please contact us today. When care meets education, children don’t just move forward - they flourish.
Our Adult Placement Services offer safe, supportive home environments where individuals can thrive. Using our Meaningful Life Model, we focus on what matters most to each personhelping them build skills, make connections, and enjoy a fulfilling daily life.
We take an integrated approach, working closely with our team, families, and professionals to provide consistent, person-centred support. Every placement is designed with the individual at the heart, ensuring their voice is heard and their goals are respected. We always apply the least restrictive measures, promoting independence and choice while ensuring wellbeing and safety.
Jane Hatton
Jane is the founder of Evenbreak, a social enterprise run by and for disabled people, with a specialist job board and a career hive.
Send your questions to editor@dcpublishing.co.uk
EMPLOYMENT Q&A
Q STICKING TO BOUNDARIES
I am a disabled woman and have a full-time job. I’m really struggling with maintaining my boundaries at work. I find it hard to say no to unreasonable requests from my manager – for example, being asked to do tasks which are outside the scope of my role, or which do fall into my role but can’t possibly be done within my paid hours. As a result, I end up doing lots of unpaid overtime, which is making my health worse. I haven’t said anything to my manager, because I’m worried they’ll think I’m not up to the job.
AThere are one of two things (or both) going on here. If your manager is aware they’re putting an unreasonable workload on you that is affecting your health, you need to raise it with them initially and, if things don’t improve, with HR. Keep a record of conversations,
workload and so on. If they’re not aware of the situation, again, they need to know. It’s very easy (although wrong) to give work to the person who is more likely to do it.
The key here, I think, is your reluctance to raise it. It’s very common: we somehow feel the pressure to ‘prove’ ourselves, by working harder and longer than our non-disabled – or male, or white – colleagues, to counter the negative stereotypes about women, disabled people and people of colour in the workplace. This is something we talk about a lot at Evenbreak, and it can be caused by internalised ableism (and maybe internalised sexism and/or racism, too).
We feel the pressure to ‘prove’ ourselves by working harder than our nondisabled colleagues
Our careers expert Jane Hatton, founder of disability employment service
Evenbreak, answers a reader’s question
PROVE YOURSELF?
I’ve recently noticed a culture of this happening with my colleagues too. We’re busy trying to prove our abilities to ourselves and everyone else – often to the detriment of our physical and mental health. We forget we have no need to prove ourselves, or work harder. And we should definitely not be making ourselves ill! We’ve agreed to gently challenge each other when we see this happening.
Think about your reluctance to raise this with your manager. If this was happening to a non-disabled white man, it would still be wrong, and you have equal rights. Make it clear you are willing to take on tasks that are within your role, and which can be completed within your paid hours. If additional tasks are given, ask which of the other tasks you should let go, as you’re working to capacity. Importantly, stand your ground if you feel pressured. If it becomes difficult, make a formal complaint. I hope your manager changes their approach before that becomes necessary.
Short Breaks offers adults with learning disabilities and autism the opportunity to enjoy an individually tailored stay at our specialist respite centre. Guests are encouraged to tailor their stay around what they enjoy.
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To find out more or to book on onto our next virtual open day, visit www.portland.ac.uk or call 01623 499111
THE ILLUSION OF INCLUSION
Disabled professionals are still being overlooked, underestimated, and pushed to the sidelines. The worst part? It’s often by workplaces that claim to be inclusive. Kate Stevenson uncovers the realities for employees
Job interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process. They’re meant to highlight your skills and potential, and shouldn’t be overshadowed by inaccurate assumptions.
Yet some hiring teams routinely pass over disabled talent because they believe disabled employees will be too slow, too high maintenance, or simply too risky.
This is the reality many disabled professionals face: shut down not because of a lack of talent, but by a
system that’s been built for non-disabled candidates. Even though employers love to shout from the rooftops about their diversity pledges, the realities of getting hired and being supported are dubious compared to these seemingly PC campaigns. Barriers in the workplace remain everywhere; not least in the attitudes, structure and culture of many organisations.
“There’s still this obsession with stamina over skill,” explains Keely Cat-Wells, founder of Making Space, an inclusive hiring consultancy. “A job
enable employment
will require someone to be able to lift 15 kilos or drive, even when the role has nothing to do with either of these things. That’s how people get filtered out – before they’ve even had a chance to apply.”
THAT’S NOT INCLUSION
Bella Roberts knows this first-hand. As an editor in the UK television industry, she spent months sending applications, doing trial shifts, and chasing call-backs. Nothing stuck: “I was showing up and working well,” remembers Bella. “It made me wonder if it was because someone else was better, or because of my disability. I felt like they took one look at me and put me at the bottom of their list.”
She wasn’t imagining it. The film and TV world, like many industries, prides itself on being fast-paced and physical. Entry-level jobs often revolve around physical tasks such as running gear across sets, which automatically excludes people with mobility needs like Bella. She has a rare form of lymphoedema called Hennekam Syndrome, which causes swelling throughout her entire body and limits her growth.
“I was always the one struggling to keep up,” explains Bella. Although she takes medicines to manage her condition and uses a mobility scooter, a day on a demanding set can be physically challenging: “But I didn’t want to be the one asking for help, or to be seen as a burden.”
MAKE ROOM OR MOVE OVER
Thankfully, things changed when she joined the BBC’s Access Scheme, designed specifically to support disabled talent in production. Suddenly, support wasn’t something she had to request: it was built in. “They asked if I needed anything upfront,” she laughs. “That was new!”
This is what Keely means by going beyond compliance. “You can have ramps and still have an inaccessible culture,” she explains. “If someone has to enter through the back door, it might be legal, but it doesn’t feel equal. Inclusion means a seamless experience, not a separate one.”
It’s why she believes most
workplaces are still confusing inclusion with compliance.
That’s despite figures that show it could be profitable for businesses to invest in accessibility. Research shows that by not investing, the exact opposite could happen: businesses may suffer revenue loss, legal risks, reputational damage, reduced market reach, and missed innovation opportunities.
Those losses themselves make quite a case to improve workplace accessibility, but the fact is that 15% of the global population is disabled. Keely argues that if you’re not supporting them, you’ll end up missing out on or losing talented employees.
Bella Roberts
“ isabled staff stay longer when they’re supported,” she adds, “and they bring adaptability, technical skills, and resourcefulness developed through navigating an inaccessible world every day.”
In the last year, Bella’s social media accounts have grown – partly due to her role in the successful Netflix programme Adolescence, but mainly because the BBC Access Scheme gave her the space to show what she could do.
Her Instagram reels chronicling a ‘day in the life’ on set have racked up millions of views, and offer a behindthe-scenes look at TV production from her point of view. “It’s allowed people to see that not only am I capable, but I’m good at my job.” She shakes her head. “It’s crazy because my disability hasn’t disappeared, but their doubt has.”
And even though Bella bounces from job to job – typical of a freelancer – the Access Scheme has proven to the rest of the world what she already knew: she’s an asset to any team.
AND BE PART OF THE CHANGE
That said, Bella rarely works alongside others with disabilities. “I’ve never shared a set with someone else who uses a wheelchair,” she reveals. “It’s not that there’s a shortage of disabled creators. The system just doesn’t
It’s not that there’s a shortage of disabled creators. The system just doesn’t make space for all of us
Bella
make space for all of us.”
That’s the gap Keely is aiming to close, although admittedly it won’t be easy. She’s pushing companies to hire disabled consultants, train all staff in disability inclusion, and shift the hiring power to disabled people. “Stop asking us to explain why we deserve to be here,” exclaims Keely. “Build the structure so we already are.”
Bella nods firmly in agreement, but adds that “an inclusive workplace is one where you don’t have to prove you belong. It shouldn’t be an afterthought.”
That’s the kind of future Keely and Bella are working towards: not one where access is added in later, but where inclusivity is part of the blueprint from the start.
We’ve equality at our core. We’ve been named as a disability confident employer by Jobcentre Plus and have a positive attitude towards job applications from disabled people.
As we progress, we’ll continue to improve the way that we support our staff, customers, and stakeholders, regardless of disability, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, or sexual orientation.
Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy is a priority at RoS. It’s not a one off or an event, it is an ongoing process, and we will work for our colleagues to feel safe, supported and included at work.
We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining the best and widest possible
Sports journalist, broadcaster, podcaster, media production business founder, and allround cool guy Jordan Jarrett-Bryan chats to Editor Melissa Holmes about his career and why he’s got to watch what he says
A MY WORDS HAVE IMPACT
fter almost 30 years in the industry, Jordan JarrettBryan has some simple advice for anyone wishing to break into the creative sector: “Just do it,” he says. “If you wanna be a singer, get your phone, put out your vocals. You wanna be a writer? Get a notepad, start writing.”
Thanks to social media and platforms like Substack and YouTube, people can get noticed – especially if they’re talking about things they’re passionate about.
Jordan’s love of writing began at a young age. In his early teens, he edited South London youth culture publication Live Magazine, giving him the opportunity to work with mentors from The Guardian and The BBC
“By the time I left at 21, I had a really fat portfolio of clippings – it was probably bigger than some people’s careers,” he smiles. At age 24, Jordan was playing professional
As a black man, as a disabled man, my words have some impact
wheelchair basketball in Italy. During an off-season visit back to the UK, a friend mentioned that Channel 4 were searching for presenting talent for the 2012 Paralympics. “My friend told me: ‘I mentioned your name. The deadline’s passed but, if you can get a showreel in, they’ll consider you.”
LOVED IT
Jordan was accepted to Channel 4’s three-year training programme. He comments: “The Games came and went. Huge success. Loved it.”
Jordan – who is an amputee – is now a regular correspondent for Channel 4 News and talkSport. Ten years ago, he founded Blakademik, his media production company. It employs a diverse team of talent, and has worked with clients like Netflix and LinkedIn.
He’s also launched several podcasts, one of which – The World’s Coolest Disabled – has a simple mission: “The main premise is to uplift stories of people doing amazing things; people who happen to have a disability,” Jordan explains.
“The narrative around disabled people often casts us as scroungers, as having crappy lives,” he continues. “And, for hundreds of thousands of people, things are hard. But not for everybody. There are some disabled people that are living fruitful, amazing, progressive lives, doing interesting
and cool things, and I don’t think we hear about that enough.”
Jordan has interviewed everyone from endurance runner Jonny Huntington to Enable columnist Samantha Renke. What’s more, the podcast has recently been picked up by Channel 4 and will be streamed across their platforms this Autumn, giving Jordan’s inclusive approach and fascinating guests a wider audience.
A MAN OF HIS WORD
As a black, disabled man, does Jordan feel pressure to represent more than one community at once? “I put a lot of pressure on myself,” he admits. Not a fan of the term ‘represent’, Jordan reflects: “I’m very aware that – as a black man, as a disabled man – my words have some impact. I’m careful with what I say, where I place myself, and the jobs I do.”
Jordan appreciates that young people watch his content and look up to his work, and says: “I want them to feel confident, cool and like they have value and something to offer.”
And, coming from one of the coolest guys in the business, that’s an uplifting message we can all take notice of.
Follow Jordan: instagram.com/jordanjarrettbryan
The World’s Coolest Disabled podcast: instagram.com/coolestdisabled
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Shetland
Orkney
Jarlshof, Shetland – A multi-period archaeological site which was occupied for 4,000 years.
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