The View from Where I Sit

Author: Daniella-Jade Lowe

  • The Purple Vote Campaign

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    The Legacy International Group has launched The Purple Vote Campaign. This group was started by Sara Flay and Leighton Morris who lead a team of 15 people with various disabilities.

    The Purple Vote Campaign was launched in February. This campaign was created to raise awareness about what concerns disabled people and how they can represent their constituents and to ensure that the disabled community have a voice in the democratic process which includes encouraging disabled people to vote in public committees and groups as well as communicating with their local assembly members and MPs. Purple is the colour of disability.

    Elections are being held next year. This should see more disabled people in Parliament. This campaign endorses more inclusion in Politics. Welsh Government and Parliament want to champion disability inclusion. It’s about making politics accessible and influencing policy.

    They also encourage people to pursue Access to Work. Hopefully this will expand to local and central government positions.

    I like and approve of this initiative because it will cause society to reimagine law enforcement and legislation. This will also test how well MPs understand disability. For more information log on to http://www.legacyig.org.

  • ‘ACCESS CONSULTANCY’

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Access consultants provide professional advice on how to develop inclusive environments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. They help to reinforce this law.

    Wheelchair accessibility and mobility issues are just some of the problems that access consultants look at and try to solve. Businesses are required by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments to allow anyone to use a building or a facility, including those who, to pick just one example use wheelchairs.

    A prime example of what access consultants do is Access Rating.

    WHAT IS ACCESS RATING?

    Access Rating is an idea established by and for the community of disabled people based in the UK.  Inclusion is the concept. Nowadays, there is an app for it too. This app helps access consultants do their job efficiently: it is available for Android and IOS and is called, appropriately, “Access Rating”

    This app is the brainchild of Mark Esho, Rich Copson and Jignesh Vaidya. It allows customers and access consultants to critique businesses’ compliance with the access criteria set out in the Equality Act.

    Mark Esho and Martyn Sibley recently assessed the disabled community’s opinion of the app during The Daily Sib Show via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxtiRAMiSSA

    This app shows to business owners and operators that the disabled community can add value to their business: most businesspersons do not see the physically impaired as customers – but they spend money and contribute to the economy just like anyone else. Neglecting wheelchair accessibility is also a good example of bad customer service.

    HOW DOES IT WORK?

    • you can submit a review in 30 seconds
    • upvote and downvote reviews
    • over 240,000 venues are included
    • you can suggest new venues to add

    BENEFITS OF THIS APP

    • Free to download and use
    • broad scope of wheelchair accessible venues in the UK
    • makes event planning easy
    • accurate
    • plans to make it international

    It works as a digital travel directory for the physically challenged. This app also exposes discrimination and promotes inclusion. It revolutionises the way wheelchair users socialise and is extremely useful for access consultants in their research. For more information, feel free to browse the website at https://www.accessrating.com/app/, or email them at info@accessrating.com.

  • Dealing with Disability on the Job: First edition of series

    Dealing with Disability on the Job: First edition of series

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    This is the first segment of my article series ‘Dealing with Disability’. In this article, I will cover Dealing with Disability on the Job, using examples from my personal experiences.

    Lived Experience

    How does one handle disability in the workplace?

    While living in Bermuda, I’ve had sporadic summer jobs and work experience. One paid job was working as a Junior Counselor at an inclusive Summer camp for disabled and non-disabled children.

    Another paid summer job included representing Bermuda at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a reporter. That was fun and unforgettable.

    However, after graduating from university in 2017, my real career development and job searching began. My personal experience with job searching has been very tough.

    Job hunting can be quite frustrating for the disabled community. We have special skill sets based on level of ability.

    The problem is, we need a job to get work experience, and we need work experience to get a job. Going from interview to interview without any success can be quite discouraging.

    Nowadays, there are an increasing number of disabled people starting businesses because the job searching and interview process is proving to be difficult.

    If you desire to apply for benefits, you must be eligible for it. Before one is eligible, they must have a financial assessment. The unemployed who are actively seeking work can apply for the Jobseekers’ Allowance which is paid into their bank accounts from their local Jobcentre, fortnightly.

    There is also the Employment Support Allowance and Universal Credit that one can apply for.

    Business owners are entitled to the Income Support Scheme. All of this is provided at the local Jobcentre Plus through the Department of Works and Pensions.

    Purple Tuesday is an accessibility initiative for businesses and I am proud to know that Bermuda has joined this community. This initiative promotes inclusive marketing for the disabled shopper.(www.purpletuesday.org.uk)

    All employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments, especially for wheelchair users. They’re also expected to conduct risks assessments for health and safety reasons. They should also provide a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan in case of any emergencies like fires or flooding.

    From personal experience, I know that, the Park Place Jobcentre in Leeds, England, definitely prioritises and values the disabled community because they take precautionary measures first.

    For example, during a placement that I completed under the Department of Works and Pensions at the Park Place Jobcentre, I had to complete a risk assessment for them to make reasonable adjustments in order for me to start the placement. This included checking the accessibility of escape routes for fire drills.

    All employers have some level of a duty of care and can be held liable for accidents.

    Employers must look at job design. Job design should play to people’s strengths. Talents and skills are important.

    Employers should not give disabled people jobs out of sympathy. Problem solving skills make disabled people good candidates because they always have to overcome barriers which could make one employable.

    Inclusive Workplaces

    Channel 4 is a Disability Confident employer and they judge job applicants on their abilities against job descriptions. They try their best to recruit from groups in society that are underrepresented.

    Job Agencies for the disabled include Remploy, Evenbreak and Scope. Remploy helps get our disabled community into cleaning jobs unless they have alternative career goals.

    There’s a consultation agency called Inclusive Employers which also does this. Inclusive Employers is an organisation created to help employers develop an inclusive workplace, avoid the pitfalls of discrimination and get more from their workforce.

    Inclusive Employers provides knowledge and networks to help build workplaces where people feel valued, and can add value. Their employer members are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, maximising the potential of all employees. They strive to lead the way in breaking barriers and building success.

    Delsion Ltd. is another inclusive employer known as the People & Development Consultancy. They’re the award winning specialists in Learning & Development, Diversity & Inclusion and all things that help people and organisations reach their true potential.

    Why should organisations employ disabled people? Why not? Political correctness is the enemy of inclusion. Political correctness is the avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.

    The alternative is working from home but it doesn’t necessarily promote inclusion or diversity neither does it clamp down on discrimination.

    Another interesting aspect is blind interviews vs physical interviews. Blind interviews are better than physical interviews because candidates are judged on skills not memory or tests.

    Using technology and specialist equipment can make workplaces more inclusive for people with disabilities too.

    Wheelchair Accessibility and mobility issues are just some of the problems that wheelchair users and the physically challenged face daily. Access alleviates the amount of limitations and restrictions on wheelchair users. Failing to ensure wheelchair accessibility is neglecting to provide reasonable adjustments. It is like functioning in dysfunction.

    According to the British Government, the British can apply for dropped kerbs. However, I get really annoyed with drivers who park across dropped kerbs. Dropped kerbs are meant to make it easy for wheelchairs to enter and exit sidewalks. The Government needs to clamp down on these drivers with a fine. The same should happen in Bermuda.

    AccessAdvisr helps to monitor wheelchair access. Disabled people going places. AccessAdvisr Board members are Rob Trent and Martyn Sibley.(https://accessadvisr.net)

    The AccessAdvisr website allows disabled people to rate and find first-hand accessibility information. Photographs can also be uploaded alongside reviews. This helps to tackle wheelchair accessibility issues. It also encourages accountability and inclusion.

    So, in ‘Dealing with Disability on the Job’, we must work towards inclusion, equality and diversity in the workplace by creating inclusion in the workplace, and inclusive workplaces. This could possibly help to improve the economy on a global scale. All jobs should be Disability Confident. I think Bermuda should also adopt this scheme to work on a better future for Bermudians.

  • “Sammy Sets the Record Straight”

    “Sammy Sets the Record Straight”

    Sammy is Awesome.

    He may not have the use of his legs, but he can do amazing things.

    Sammy is Strong.

    Sammy is Fast.

    Sammy is Awesome.

    What is so Awesome about Sammy?

    Well, Sammy is a short, black, 5 year old boy Para-superhero.

    He had a ready smile that would light up any room.

    When he giggled, it was contagious and you couldn’t help but giggle with him, even if you didn’t know what he was giggling about!

    One thing everyone knew about Sammy, you couldn’t be around him for too long before, you too, had a smile on your face. That is just how he was, “Smiling little Sammy”.

    Super Sammy loved to have fun and explore, just like any other 5 year old. He loved to laugh and when he was in the company of people he loved, you would hear shrieks of laughter and when curiosity got the better of you, you would find that Sammy was smack bang in the centre of it all.

    It was during one such family occasion with his two friends Jamar and Johnny, when everyone was laughing and having fun, that Sammy made an amazing discovery. He realised that he had something that was a bit out of the ordinary. Nobody had told him about his self-discovery, and he kept it a secret.

    Sammy loved to be of help to others, but not only that, he found himself dreaming about helping others. He dreamt he had an extra special ability to help others, but never imagined, for one moment, that it was a power that was to be used in reality.

    This dream happened regularly and would often occur just before he awoke from his sleep. He would dream that he was helping people who were in need in different types of ways.

    In his dream, Sammy was doing all sorts of things that he was unable to do in real life. Sammy was in a wheelchair and had little use of his legs but, in this dream, his legs were not bound. He was not in a wheelchair. There was nothing he couldn’t do. The disability became invisible. He would think about these dreams often, wondering what they meant, as they happened a lot.

    In this dream, he had been given super powers. These super powers aren’t genetic or hereditary. They help him to fight off bullies. He could also fly in his dreams, which meant that he has the ability to rise above his problems in reality.

    As a disabled superhero, Sammy has grown to dislike bullying. He also doesn’t like the drama that comes with it. As a victim, he has been called all sorts of names like, ‘chocolate-cripple’.

    ‘See me first, not my wheelchair,’ he cried.

    He even has advocates and tactics to help him overcome them. These advocates include Johnny, who has been teased because of his race, and Jamar has been bullied because of his hair. They eventually formed an anti-bullying gang alongside Sammy. He also wears blue to help ‘stand against’ bullying, in support of anti-bullying day.

    Johnny and Jamar, helped Sammy come up with five solutions to overcome bullying. Johnny and Jamar were Sammy’s sidekicks.

    These tactics include speaking to a caring teacher, trusted adult, parent, calling a helpline or get a personal emergency alarm. Johnny and Jamar teach Sammy that bullies are not born bullies. Bullying is learned behaviour.

    So Sammy tried to get to know his bullies and understand why they behave the way they do. Once the bullies realised the error of their ways, Sammy and the bullies worked together to remove the negativity.

    Johnny and Jamar also taught Sammy what to do if conflict doesn’t stop.

    Conflict 101

    • Have the right attitude.
    • Speak up for yourself.
    • Be direct- Don’t let people boss you around.
    • Pick your fights.

    Even today, Sammy continues to use the superpowers from his dreams and uses them in reality to help others.

  • I CAN, I WILL PROGRAMME

    I CAN, I WILL PROGRAMME

    For the past month, I’ve been enrolled on a disability empowerment programme called the ‘I CAN, I WILL PROGRAMME’. This programme was structured to help me:

    • Scale new mountains!
    • Develop self-confidence
    • Focus on the things you can change
    • Enable me to plan for a more fulfilling and active lifestyle, and work potential
    • Support me to be more resilient and to cope with setbacks

    I had 90 minute workshops each week for 3 weeks:

    1. Session 1- “Doing what’s normal”
    2. Session 2- “Developing my resilience and self-confidence”
    3. Session 3- “Looking at work”
    4. 1 to 1 Empowerment Coaching Support

    In the first session, I’ve learned that our experience of living with disability is formative and character building. Disability is always represented by a wheelchair, when only 1.5% of the world are wheelchair users. We also discussed the difference between mindset vs skillset. Mindset is predetermined whereas skillset can be obtained.

    Then we talked about the different models of disability. The Social Model of Disability includes people’s views, opinions and attitudes. It has been the prominent approach to disability over the last 30+ years. It was developed by disabled people based on real life experience of discrimination and inclusion and challenging disabling barriers. It is outward looking and focused on the things in society that can be changed or improved, like, the environment, information, communications and people’s attitudes. It’s a problem solving approach which gives disabled people greater control over vital, even basic decisions, like, from what time to get out of bed on a morning to employability and education choices.

    This approach enables you to better understand how reasonable adjustments can be implemented, focuses on the things you can influence or change and promotes valued skills.

    The Individual Model of Disability is the medical aspect of disability. I also looked at, ‘what makes me ‘stand out’. The qualities that make me stand out are that I’m a good communicator, guidance and resilience.

    During the second session, we talked about developing resilience and self confidence. Other subjects included were, daily strategies for enhancing resilience and optimism.

    Then we took a SWOT assessment. During this assessment we looked at our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

    We also discussed Google Mapping. In order to carry this out successfully, one must put their postal code on Google Maps. Then draw an inch to the set scale 2 miles and print. Then put the saucer onto draw round from your house. Finally, plot every business within radius to you. We also briefly discussed ‘Elevator Pitching’. Elevator Pitching is promoting your unique selling point. This method is used for CVs and Cover Letters.

    The course facilitator, Simon Cox, also suggested that Video CVs may be the best way to showcase a disabled jobseeker’s skills, qualities and work experience because in some cases, employers may only skim read or check the beginning of a CV, not the whole thing. Video CVs may help disabled candidates to stand a better chance at the application/ interview stage.

    In the third session, we talked about developing our ‘elevator pitch’ in five easy steps.

    1. Figure out what is unique about what you do.
    2. Make it exciting.
    3. Keep it simple.
    4. Write it down.
    5. Practice, practice, then practice some more.

    In the job application process:

    1. Be familiar
    2. Work your network
    3. Hone your pitch- Remember some 70% of jobs don’t go to advert but are filled through networks and word of mouth recommendations.

    In order to plan to move forward:

    • Read and highlight the information you like.
    • Keep learning and improving but be clear and focused on what.
    • Work on your goals and plans.
    • Share your goals and plans with others, especially the people close to you, those who can support you.
    • Engage your Work Coach in your plans, they can help.
    • No excuses|No procrastination|DO IT!

    “Do the productive and creative things you love to do- it is more likely to get done!”

    -Simon Cox

    We also looked at the subject of having a disability/health condition and finding work.

    How to apply ways that can support you in making a faster way to work and how to manage your disability or health condition better include the following:

    Get the doctor on your side

    • Clarify and confirm a diagnosis. Be sure to get a full and understandable diagnosis for your condition.
    • Ask questions to explore treatment options and what would be right for you. Write down your questions and take them with you.
    • What further information do you need- specialist services, self help groups.
    • What exercise and stretching does your GP recommend you do?
    • Have you reviewed the best medications to support you?
    • Ensure you have a personal treatment plan.

    The right work is good for you

    • Have you shared with your Work Coach what you have done in the past and what you are good at?
    • How does your daily and weekly routine’s inform and shape what you can do to return to work or just get more active?
    • Think widely about the kinds of work you can do now or in the future. When your personal health situation changes, then so too might your work goals and abilities but remember to think how you can use your knowledge and skills in different ways.
    • Keep up to date on your area of work/interests or sector use contacts, news and specialist journals.

    Effective condition self-management and control

    • Remember you are the expert on your health or disability.
    • Your Work Coach can support you towards, or into work or help you improve your quality of life helping you to get more active.
    • Why not make a plan of the things in life you want to improve or do better? Maybe it’s what you choose to eat, how you exercise your daily routine and activities and how you manage your available time.
    • A plan will give you a focus and purpose with some clear goals.
    • Seeing yourself achieve and progress your plan will make you more confident and feel good about yourself.
    • Discuss with your Work Coach what you think you need to help you keep moving forward.

    “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up someplace else.”

    –Yogi Berry

    Support for improving mental health

    • Firstly, it’s very common to feel down and worried about things when you are also experiencing other health challenges.
    • By discussing your mental health with your GP or a specialist adviser or counsellor you can get the right support to help you manage your situation.
    • Ask about counselling or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and if they would help you?

    Physical activity-exercise and stretching

    • By getting more active not only will you feel better about yourself, it will also help you to improve your health and feel better.
    • Start with gentle exercise and build it up such as a walk in the park, cycling or dancing. Be aware of your limitations, so don’t over do it.
    • Cardio-vascular exercise- Your heart pumping and a little out of breath- is known to be good for your physical and mental health.

    Ergonomic Solutions-adjusting the way work is done

    • Technological advances mean almost all jobs and how they are done has changed.
    • Research the way jobs are done and how you might do it with your disability, condition or limitations.
    • An employer has a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to a job if due to a disability you experience a disadvantage. This means looking at how the job might be done differently to accommodate your needs as with equipment, aids, adaptations or changes to processes or procedures.
    • With the right adjustments disabled people are productive and effective employees.
    • Explore ‘Access to Work’ for help that’s available.

    Another topic we discussed are the core employment skills for success which are:

    • BASIC SKILLS
    • PERSONAL SKILLS
    • JOB ATTAINMENT

    At the end of the programme, I had a one to one interview with course facilitator Simon Cox. During the interview, we discussed my future career plans and goals. Even though I have a degree in History and Politics, I’ve decided to explore Accessibility Consultancy as a career option. I’ve carried out some research on the career field and gained some contacts as well. I’m looking at doing a qualification for it in order to gain more knowledge experience.

    This course has really helped me focus on my career and get organised in planning for my future. I am happy that I completed it. As a disabled jobseeker, I would really recommend this course to other disabled jobseekers who are trying to start or change careers.

  • Mythbusters!!!

    “Myths and Misconceptions“

    People make silly assumptions about people with disabilities. Many people form preconceived ideas about the disabled community at large. From personal experience, here are just a few: MYTH 1. DISABILITY IS A DEVASTATING PERSONAL TRAGEDY WITH NO CURE.
    • The Truth- The lives of disabled people are not tragic. The solution to disability is to remove the environmental and attitudinal barriers which are the real causes of the disabling process.
    MYTH 2. SOMEONE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION IS LESS INTELLIGENT.
    • The Truth- There is no connection between mental health and intellectual ability. A quarter of people in the UK will have a mental health condition at some time in their lifetime regardless of their IQ score.
    MYTH 3. BLIND PEOPLE ACQUIRE A SIXTH SENSE.
    • The Truth- Other senses may be used to gain accurate information but there is no such thing as a sixth sense.
    MYTH 4. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT ASK PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR DISABILITIES.
    • The Truth- Some adults find the natural, uninhibited curiosity of children embarrassing. Reprimanding children for asking questions may cause them to think there is something ‘bad’ about disability. Most disabled people will not mind answering a child’s question.
    MYTH 5. DISABILITY AND ILLNESS ARE INTERRELATED.
    • The Truth- Disabled people are not necessarily sick but are subject to the same illnesses as any other person.
    MYTH 6. DISABLED PEOPLE ALWAYS NEED HELP AND MAY BE DEPENDENT.
    • The Truth- Being physically unable to do something does not cause dependency-not being able to drive is solved by using the services of a bus or train company. Disabled people may require different services and it is only when choice over those services is removed that dependency occurs.
    MYTH 7. MOST DISABLED PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS.
    • The Truth- People with disabilities, like other people, are sexual beings. They can have relationships and children.
    MYTH 8. DISABLED PEOPLE ARE BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS.
    • The Truth- The experience of disability requires an adaptation of lifestyle rather than bravery and courage. It should be viewed, in many ways, as similar to any other significant life event.
    MYTH 9. WHEELCHAIR USE IS CONFINING- USERS ARE LITERALLY ‘BOUND’.
    • The Truth- A wheelchair, like a shoe or a car, is a mobility aid that enables a person to get around. Wheelchair users are restricted by an environment that has been designed for able-bodied living.
    MYTH 10. THE EXPECTATIONS OF DISABLED PEOPLE DIFFER FROM OTHERS.
    • The Truth- Disabled people go to school, work, form relationships, do their laundry, eat, get angry, pay taxes, laugh, have prejudices, vote, plan and dream like anyone else.
    So now that I’ve exposed these myths, this article should bring awareness and end the stigma of disablism and ableism.
  • ‘EMPOWER YOURSELF’

    ‘EMPOWER YOURSELF’

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    ‘Making a plan to improve your life’

    ‘When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.’

    Empowering oneself requires independence, and choosing the way you respond to each challenge you face in life. Displaying self-control in negative situations, is another way to access your inner power in order to empower yourself. Planning ahead is another way of maintaining control and empowering yourself, especially in the ‘disabling world.’ It helps you to stay in control of your life and your future.

    The Disability Experiential Cycle

    Everyone with a disability goes through, what is considered, the Disability Experiential Cycle. This cycle consists of the time span of your life, quality of life and well-being behaviour in the ‘disabling world’. During this cycle, we experience all sorts of feelings like denial, shock, blame, confusion, frustration and adjustment. While experiencing these feelings, there are things that we can do to improve our lives.

    What is it like living with a disability or a long- term health condition?

    You must be a problem solver, resourceful, determined and attentive to detail. You also need good communication skills, as well as empathy with the businesses and customers. We also must be creative, adaptable and flexible. Developing my own independence causes me to empower myself.

    How is this relevant to the kind of work you want?

    All advocates and Politicians should have these qualities. Journalists also need these skills.

    Do you share customer characteristics then say how?

    Yes. The customer characteristics that I share are:

    • I’m always connected
    • I can be opinionated
    • I’m value conscious
    • I trust
    • I seek authenticity
    • I require immediacy
    • I follow rituals

    Within the Individual Model of Disability there is no cure, whereas, within the Social Model of Disability, there is a cure.

    In relation to the Social Model of Disability, there is the ‘Disabling World’ which brings multiple discrimination. There are also issues of isolation, lack of financial independence, segregated or poor education, language, charity model, attitudes, fear, lack of inclusion, charging for services, lack of accessible transport, lack of accessible loop, steps, BSL interpreters, overprotective families, access to information, poor job prospects, negative media, poverty, stereotyping, ignorance, building design, prejudiced attitudes, charities’ offensive images of disabled people and housing.

    In reference to the Individual Model, there’s also stereotyping. Most times when people mention disability, they always use the wheelchair symbol which can be demeaning and is misleading as not all disabilities are physical.

    What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

    I am an aspiring Politician and Disability Advocate.

    What is it that limits your opportunities or holds you back?

    I am a wheelchair using, unemployed, university graduate with very little work experience.

    What do you want to do about this, what actions will make a difference?

    I’m actively job-searching and improving my skills. I’ve elevated myself through having a blog, CV, Cover Letter, Reference Letter and good educational background.

    What is in our power to change?

    The power is in managing our well-being. We should always consider what we truly have to offer an employer. We have the power to choose who we connect with. There’s power in what we choose to learn and get better at. There’s also power in self-motivation, self-confidence and how resilient we are.

    Identify Life and Work Aspirations

    My Life goals include Journalism and Politics. Journalism and Politics are my passion. This is a short term life goal. Life skills are required such as good IT skills, good reading skills, good writing skills and good communication skills.

    My Work goals include disability advocacy. Disability Advocacy is a long-term life goal that I have. I already have a university degree in BA History and Politics to help me achieve this goal. I could potentially complete a Masters Degree in Journalism or Social Work to help me accomplish my goal. I’ve also contemplated becoming a Disability Consultant.

    Employment skills needed are interpersonal skills, communication skills, time-management, money-management.

    What holds me back?

    A Lack of opportunities. A Lack of work experience. A Lack of training. For some of us, discrimination. I need to improve my interview skills.

    What limits my opportunities and choices?

    Wheelchair accessibility and lack of work experience.

    What are the barriers that get in my way?

    Barriers that get in my way include Disability, lack of training and lack of work experience.

    What can I do about the things that block me?

    Find ways to overcome obstacles or improvise. Ask for help. Create a personal accountability network.

    What should we have in a plan?

    Identify the problem and come up with a solution. Then set deadlines. Create small, manageable, attainable and reachable tasks to meet each deadline. Encourage yourself along the way with personal declarations, quotes and affirmations. Create a personal inventory and set goals. Get a personal counsellor, work coach or therapist to help you.

    What do we want in our Improvement Plan?

    I need to work on self-confidence, work on developing resilience like managing stress. I can also work on marketing for jobs, job search skills and tactics, as well as, how to explain the gap in my CV, personal presence, real work experience, introductions with employers and more.

    What are our top priorities for action?

    Top priorities for action are Job-searching, career-mapping, blogging, interviews, and improving skills. Starting your own business is another plan of action that can be used as a source of income.

    Future Collaborations

    Now we have some great ideas to work on, how will we do it?

    We can collaborate through group meetings, phone calls and emails.

    How often should we do this?

    This could be done either daily, annually, monthly, or quarterly.

    Who do we want to involve?

    I would involve employers. I’d involve my Work Coach. I would include support organisations like Reed in Partnership, Leeds Job-centre, and University Careers Office. I would include other Individuals. This could include family members and friends for accountability. I may also want to involve sponsors for additional financial support. I may even get some legal advice.

    These are some of the ways that you can empower yourself especially if you have a disability. These are some of my recommendations that I would make to the ‘disabling world’ at large!

  • ‘What it takes to be ME’

    Independence

    A typical day in my life, requires lots of motivation, dedication and can be time-consuming. Being independent while having a disability, requires one, like me, to be assertive and diligent. It also requires me to be an independent thinker and show personal initiative and interest in my personal affairs.

    Practising independence helps me to empower myself. Having a life of independence through disability, forces me to prioritise, manage time and advocate for myself by any means necessary. This means that I have a lot to think about. Independence, to me, is a combination of freedom and maturity at a high level. The good thing about independence for me is that it allows me to learn, mature and try new things. It means taking control of my life. Exercising independence, also causes me to be more resourceful and creative. The bad thing about independence for me is that it exposes my strengths, weaknesses, insecurities and worries.

    However, independence for a person like me living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, creates more worries and fears for my friends and family, than me. For example, as a student, I remember meeting with the International Office at the Bradford College, and during this meeting they seemed more concerned about me getting homesick, than they were about me completing my A-Levels. Despite this, I overcame and finished. The truth about this matter called independence is that my parents and guardians won’t always be around to help me. This is ultimately the main motivator. Everyone likes independence, but I think those who are physically challenged value their independence more than the average able-bodied person because they experienced a limited level of it.

    Statistically, patients with Spina Bifida frequently experience social isolation with limited employment opportunities and restriction of independent living, neurological and intellectual impairment, and orthopaedic and urological consequences of their condition, unlike the average able-bodied person. This is why living independently is a big deal for me.

    As I reflect on my college and university years, I’ve learned that my diet was critical. As a freshman in college, I neglected myself in the area of nutrition and diet while studying. As a result, I lost weight and experienced skin break down which subsequently resulted in pressure sores and hospitalisation. Ever since then, I have started and maintained a high protein diet. This is so important for me because a non-wheelchair user, doesn’t have to worry about pressure sores, if they neglect themselves and lose weight. Pressure sores can also be life threatening if ignored or mistreated. I also attend the annual Spina Bifida Clinic in London where I get a general check-up to make sure everything is okay and to focus on what I need to improve. Unfortunately, the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London is the only hospital in all of England that provides these clinics twice a year. These clinics have helped me to improve my health.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition is also critical in my daily routine because it helps with general health, skin repair and maintenance. As part of my dietary needs, I’m expected to maintain a high protein diet. In relation to being born with Spina Bifida, nutrition is pivotal because, according to research, Spina Bifida occurs due to a lack of Folic Acid in a pregnant woman’s diet. Research also suggests that Spina Bifida and other congenital disabilities are the result of obesity. So nutrition is an important factor for me. All of this cost money.

    Source of income

    I receive my income through benefits. I also have a Go Fund Me account. This is how I support myself financially. I am currently an unemployed university graduate with a BA degree in History and Politics, actively job searching just to get extra work experience to start my career. Even though I have the ability to work, I never had a job as a student. Journalism and Politics are my passion.

    I aspire to be a Disability Advocate through politics. As a Disability Advocate in Politics, I will always endeavour to be an advocate for people with special needs. I will teach them to empower themselves. I will also hold disability forums to discuss the topic series, ‘Dealing with Disability’. I will discuss themes like, Dealing with Disability in the Church, Dealing with Disability in the Home, Dealing with Disability in the Workplace, Dealing with Disability in the Education System and Wheelchair Accessibility.

    I will use these forums to come up with solutions to improve the lives of people with disabilities and to help them empower themselves. I have contemplated starting a business but I’m not sure what type of business to start. I have also contemplated being an Accessibility Consultant.

    Wheelchair accessibility
    Compared to Bermuda, wheelchair accessibility is great in England. I’m currently living in a housing complex, under a housing scheme focused on those living with disabilities. It is wheelchair accessible for wheelchair users like me. All residents meet with the landlord on a quarterly basis, to express their living needs and concerns. We discuss rent issues, Housing benefit, communal laundry issues and maintenance. We also have annual Christmas parties and summer Barbecues.

    The college and university that I attended were fully wheelchair accessible. This is positive compared to Bermuda. All throughout my education in Bermuda, it was hard to find a school that was fully accessible for a wheelchair user. England’s education system in general is quite progressive and conducive for students with disabilities.

    My only analysis of the British system is that they have a dictatorial way of doing things. In my opinion, they tell you what they think you need, instead of you telling them what you need. I know this from personal experiences because when I moved to England from Bermuda after being accepted into the Bradford College, I was instructed to invest in an electric wheelchair without an official assessment. I disagreed with this decision because, according to Wheelchair Services, people who cannot self-propel, only, qualify for an electric wheelchair. But I am thankful, because it makes mobility faster. My electric wheelchair is also height adjustable which makes it easier to reach high objects and counters. The downside to using an electric wheelchair is that the traction of the wheels makes it harder and more dangerous to move through snow and rain. Mud is also bad for the wheels.

    Transportation : Bermuda versus UK

    Transportation is great in England. I can catch the trains, buses and taxis. Taxis and trains are equipped with portable ramps. However, when ordering taxis, I must specifically ask for a wheelchair taxi. Wheelchair taxis are usually equipped with either portable or remote -controlled ramps. The only problem that I have with using taxis is that the prices that they charge a wheelchair user aren’t always consistent. In other words, they tend to take advantage and overcharge wheelchair users. I only tend to catch taxis if there’s inclement weather or if I’m running late and I don’t know where a certain venue is. Trains and buses are very reliable from prices and assistance to accessibility. Wheelchair users are always urged to book assistance by phone before travelling on the train. Unfortunately, Bermuda has been a different experience. Not many wheelchair users take public transportation due to inaccessibility. This causes the disabled community to be more dependant on family and friends, which stifles independence.

    Personal Care

    I am responsible for my own personal care, but I do have carers to help me with domestic tasks twice a week through an agency called Dignicare. They were assigned to me through my Social Worker. I also receive additional support from a disability service, called the Shine Charity who are dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they face challenges arising from Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. I am also seen by District Nurses on a quarterly basis. The bathroom in my house is equipped with rails to make transfers easier.

    Using public bathrooms can be uncomfortable and in-conducive at times. For example, I don’t like using the airport bathrooms in England, while travelling, because I have to wait for the security guard to bring the key to unlock the bathroom door, instead of having the luxury to go in and out as I please. But at least they’re wheelchair accessible.

    Since graduation, I’ve found this part of my life interesting and quite stressful, but overall, I look forward to starting my career doing what I love. This is what it takes to be me. That’s how I roll!!!

  • CAMPAIGN AGAINST CABBY CORRUPTION


    By: Daniella Jade Lowe


    Wheelchair users in the UK are being overcharged indiscriminately by various taxi firms. According to previous articles printed by the Telegraph and Argus newspaper, this is a situation that has been recurring for over three years. Despite previous campaigns to end this madness, it has relentlessly continued.


    As a disabled citizen, I personally have experienced this discrimination first hand. I lived in Bradford for 5 years, and ever since my first year, I’ve been charged from £5-£10, by taxi firms that I’ve used. So far, I’ve travelled with Girlington, Bradford Central and Douglas taxi firms. Girlington taxis charges me £7 each time, Douglas charges me £5 consistently and Bradford Central fluctuates between £5 and £7 depending on if it’s a weekday or weekend. Before receiving my electric wheelchair, I used to spend £14.28 a week on taxis.


    On Tuesday, February 25, 2015, I was involved in a Student Union meeting at the University of Bradford and at this meeting; this cab discrimination issue was raised. During this meeting, everyone signed a petition against this display of exploitation. In this petition, everyone signed their name and what taxi firms they use in solidarity against this corruption.


    The university’s student union planned a campaign in hopes to effect change against this malarkey. To highlight this issue, we created a presence at an event hosted by Turning Point (a disability group in Bradford) on Friday, 29 May, 2015 from 10:00 at Cottingley Cornerstones Centre, Littlelands, Cottingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AL. Transport was provided from UBU leaving at 10am from the University of Bradford and returning for 2pm (https://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/12965951.keighley-group-takes-taxi-overcharging-campaign-district-wide/.)

    The day went really well. I think it was clear that this is a real issue locally and something we can move forward with. There is still a lot of work to be done. The event also included speakers and a couple of presentations on why the law should be different on how taxi fares of several taxi firms are affecting the lives of disabled people. Also, there were workshops on why the law should be different, followed by provided lunch.


    For Hackney Carriages (White taxi labelled cabs), there is legislation that all their cars are adapted and can take wheelchairs. There is also a ruling that says prices are fixed and cannot be changed for a wheelchair user.


    However, a brilliant initiative was introduced during the meeting called iTaxis which is an app and an innovative solution revolutionising the method they book private hire taxis. It is not a ride sharing service like Uber. It works with licensed private hire operators.

    A customer enters their journey details and iTaxis search their records of local private hire operators. They display the fares set by those operators for the journey. The customer can then pick an operator and pay by cash or card.

    The address for the company is iTaxi247 Ltd, Town Hall, St George’s St., Hebden Bridge, HX7 7BY. It is registered in England. The Company Reg No is: 8849416. Find private hire vehicles (taxis) in your local area.

    For more information about this app, you can download the app from Google Play Store onto your phone.

    This is also in compliance with the Equality Act 2010- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/163.

    Again, if this happens, disabled citizens have been encouraged to report it. There is a lot to be done and we will now be moving forward with further action, but I feel the event represents a positive move forward.

  • “WHAT IS DISABILITY???”

    “WHAT IS DISABILITY???”

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    When we think of disability we so often think of wheelchairs (understandable when you consider the disability symbol that is used everywhere), yet only 5% of disabled people actually use a wheelchair. People also tend to confuse a disability with a sickness.

    Disability vs Illness

    An illness is a sickness. Some illnesses are acute, which means they come on quickly and are over quickly (like a cold or the flu). Other illnesses are chronic, which means they last a long time and perhaps a lifetime (like asthma or diabetes). However, a disability is a physical or mental problem that makes it harder to do normal daily activities. You can be born with a disability or get it from an illness or an injury.

    Let’s break this down into simple terms:

    Physical impairments

    Well, this could include anything from a loss of a limb to an agility or sensory impairment, such as visual or hearing. It would also consist of health conditions with fluctuating effects such as Diabetes, Cancer, Osteoporosis, MS, ME, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Arthritis. Also involved would be progressive conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy and Motor Neurone Disease, and respiratory conditions such as Asthma, and Cardiovascular diseases, including Thrombosis, Stroke and Heart Disease.

    Mental impairments

    Well, this would include learning disabilities such as Downs Syndrome. It would also comprise of developmental disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Also covered under mental impairments are mental health issues. This could include anything from severe Depression, Nervous Breakdown, OCD, Eating Disorders, Dementia, Bi-polar Disorder, Schizophrenia, as well as some personality disorders and self-harming behaviour.

    Long-term

    This is where the effect of the impairment has lasted or is likely to last for at least twelve months. There are also special rules for recurring or fluctuating conditions.

    Normal day-to-day activities

    Well, this would include everyday things that everyone does, like cooking a meal, having a bath or wash, or walking to the shop.

    What does disability not include?

    Definitely not included in the definition are conditions such as hay fever, alcoholism, addiction, exhibitionism, voyeurism or a tendency to steal abuse or set fires.

    Screening disability can be very difficult, especially since it’s challenging to distinguish between disability and impairment. In regards to disability, one must first measure the level of ones’ ability before they can determine disability. Also when dealing with disability, many of these individuals are stereotyped, ostracized and treated as less of a person based on the stigma that comes from ones’ opinion or idea of ‘normal’.

    Well, what is normal?

    Regarding one’s general health, the term is explained as, physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. There is no exhaustive checklist which defines disability. What’s most important is the impact and effect of the condition on someone’s day to day activities. It is also important that you don’t make judgements about how impairment is caused.

    For example, liver disease caused by alcoholism would still be considered a disability, although alcoholism itself would not. The most important thing is to never make assumptions. Someone with a disability can be very, physically, fit and strong, highly intelligent and articulate.

    “No disability or dictionary out there, is capable of clearly defining who we are as a person.”

    Robert M. Hensel