The View from Where I Sit

Category: Dealing with Disability series

  • Death with Dignity

    In the United States, assisted suicide, more formally known as “Death with Dignity,” is legal in several states.

    Three Types of Assisted Suicide:

    • TLS (Termination of Life Support) – Involves stopping medical procedures that keep a critically ill person alive.
    • PAS (Physician-Assisted Suicide) – When a doctor provides a patient with the means to end their own life, typically by prescribing a lethal dose of medication.
    • Euthanasia (mercy killing) – The act of intentionally ending someone’s life to relieve them from suffering.

    What Does the Bible Say?

    • Human life is made in God’s image. Human life is a sacred gift and a basic and intrinsic good.

    Death is an enemy and normal part of life. Death was not a part of God’s plan. It came into the world as a result of the entrance of sin (Rom. 5v12; 1 Cor. 15v21–22)

    • Taking an innocent life is a sin. (Ex 20v13)
    • God is the only one who can end life. (Heb 9v27)
    • Take care of the dying. We are obligated to care for the most vulnerable, which throughout the biblical period clearly included the dying.
    • Suffering has redemptive value.

    Arguments for Assisted Suicide:

    • Autonomy Argument: Individuals should have the right to choose the timing and manner of their death.
    • Compassion Argument: Assisting in the death of a suffering individual can be seen as an act of mercy, relieving them from unbearable pain and suffering.
    • Quality of Life Argument: Some argue that when a person’s quality of life is irreversibly diminished due to illness or suffering, they should have the option to end their life.
    • Death with Dignity Argument: The desire to die with dignity, rather than endure a prolonged process of dying, is cited as a reason for PAS/euthanasia.
    • Reducing the Burden Argument: Some believe that choosing death can be a way to avoid becoming a burden on families or the healthcare system.

    Sample advance directive from Melinda Penner of Stand to Reason: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar…

  • Swimming for People with Special Needs

    Walking onto the beach, feeling the sand between your toes and as you step into the ocean you can see your feet through the clear blue water. What a wonderful experience for many, but for some of us who can’t walk, going to the beach may not be such a joyous occasion.

    First of all when it comes to accessibility, there are the barriers to get into the beach and in order for a wheelchair to get through it takes two or three people to lift it over.

    Also, sometimes because of various disabilities, some of us have no sensation in our feet, the waist down or even the neck down. So consequently, we don’t have the luxury of feeling the sand between our toes or the ocean on our feet, which makes it even harder to enjoy.

    But aside from that, there are many swimming tools that we can use to enhance our swimming experience like rubber rings, life jackets, and other devices. There are also beach chairs available for wheelchair users to sit in while in the water.

    One summer I worked as a junior counselor at an inclusive camp at Wind Reach Recreational Village. While working there, there was one little boy named Dylan who needed to use a trachea and I remember when the camp had Water Day every Friday he was not able to participate with everyone else because if he got his trachea wet it would be harmful to him.

    There was also a girl there who had a problem where she had to be constantly monitored in the water and all counselors had to make sure that she didn’t fall asleep because if she did she could end up having a seizure in her sleep which is life threatening for her. Working at the camp was such an eye opener to the vast range of disabilities that are in Bermuda.

  • ACCESSIBILITY VS DISABILITY INCLUSION

    The CDC defines Disability Inclusion as “understanding the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society, and making sure everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires.”

    Accessibility is most commonly defined as the practice of making information, activities, and/or environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible.

    The difference between these two is subtle, but important. Disability inclusion is about normalizing the experiences of people with disabilities and working to ensure they are afforded equitable opportunities to do anything that any other member of our society is able to do.

    Accessibility is the practical application of removing barriers that exist specifically in physical and digital environments. Both have a goal to ensure people with disabilities are able to participate as efficiently and effectively as everyone else. Both are extremely important to the changes we want to see in the world around us. And both come with considerable complexity.

    I see so many people trying to be an expert in both of them. Doing that will burn you out. We still have too much to do to fully realize the potential and impact of both of these things to let each other burn out. So here is my advice: choose one, become an expert in that, and surround yourself with others whose expertise offsets your own so that you can collectively make progress.

    No matter which you choose to focus on, invest in gaining a deep understanding of people with disabilities and the various barriers they face. Think about the types of barriers you’re going to focus on removing. If you lean more towards wanting to address topics like representation, equal education and employment opportunities, or societal biases related to disability, a focus on broader disability inclusion topics will likely resonate with you more. If you want to dive deeper into specific functional or technical barriers people face within their environments, the technologies they use, and how to better enable them, I suspect accessibility will be more of what you’re looking for.

  • Territories Talk!

    Territories Talk!

    Territories Talk is a unique online forum with host from around the Overseas Territories, discussing social, economic and political issues pertinent to the people of the Overseas Territories. Today we will be speaking with Daniella Jade Lowe about life in the UK and her advocacy on several issues.

    Feel free to watch the video below:

    https://www.youtube.com/live/dWXc9ucgV4Uhttps://www.youtube.com/live/dWXc9ucgV4U.

  • Bills and Benefits

    Money problems always arise while unemployed. You need a job to get work experience and you need work experience to get a job. It doesn’t make sense. Financial plans and budgeting can help you manage your money especially when in debt.

    If you are a wheelchair user facing court, The Skipton County Court is wheelchair accessible for wheelchair users. If you fall into debt while jobless and jobseeking, you can apply for benefits like:

    • Jobseekers Allowance- they help you apply for jobs too.
    • Universal Credit- you also receive assistance in applying for jobs.
    • Council Tax Reduction
    • Housing Benefit and housing advice from Horton Housing
    • Personal Independence Payment

    Organisations that give debt cancellation and Legal Advice

    • National Debtline
    • Citizens Advice Bureau
    • GOV.UK
    • Money Advice Service
    • Turn 2 Us
    • Civil Legal Aid
    • Community Legal Service Fund
    • Shelter

    These organisations can be contacted if you struggle with rent arrears or run the risk of eviction. Many folks think taking out a loan automatically tarnishes your creditworthiness. This isn’t necessarily true. If managed properly, having a loan can actually Improve Your Credit History. By showing that you can responsibly pay off debt, you’re proving to lenders that you’re a safe bet.

    https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=1d00c4ad539dad18b68ea5b991db7212f3dd345eba71a0ee9f86c2cc3b88f509JmltdHM9MTczNjAzNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=30a9b117-ac51-6ec2-2315-a595ad9a6fc2&psq=does+taking+out+a+loan+help+pay+debts+or+make+it+worse%3f&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubW9ydGdhZ2Vjb25uZWN0b3IuY28udWsvYmxvZy9kb2VzLXRha2luZy1vdXQtYS1sb2FuLWxvb2stYmFkIzp-OnRleHQ9TWFueSUyMGZvbGtzJTIwdGhpbmslMjB0YWtpbmclMjBvdXQlMjBhJTIwbG9hbiUyMGF1dG9tYXRpY2FsbHkscHJvdmluZyUyMHRvJTIwbGVuZGVycyUyMHRoYXQlMjB5b3UlMjdyZSUyMGElMjBzYWZlJTIwYmV0Lg&ntb=1

    https://purposefulplanning.co.uk/product/budget-planner-notebook/

    https://www.lloydsbank.com/legal/financial-services-compensation-scheme.html

    https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim

    https://news.sky.com/story/cost-of-living-payment-households-to-start-receiving-second-grant-ahead-of-winter-12996979

    https://www.hft.org.uk/benefits-and-support/pips/

  • The Highway Code

    I just recently found out that it is illegal for wheelchair users to roam the streets without lights.

    The Highway Code is a set of information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom. Its objective is to promote road safety and applies to all road users including pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, as well as motorcyclists and drivers. It gives information on road signs, road markings, vehicle markings, and road safety. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone and aims to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system.

    I knew that it was unsafe but I didn’t realise it was illegal. How can it be illegal if wheelchairs are not licensed vehicles? What if wheelchair users don’t have access to lights? What if they are expensive and unaffordable?

    Lights or reflectors can be purchased online through Amazon. They can also be found at any cycling store. So now that we know, let’s abide by the rules!

    https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/

  • The Ugly Laws

    The Ugly Laws were a series of laws passed in the United States from the 1860s to the 1970s that prohibited people with disabilities or other perceived “unattractiveness” from appearing in public.

    They continue to influence policy today, and the lives of millions of disabled Americans. The intersection between ableism, classism, & race is inseparable, and learning more about disability rights issues / history equips you to better understand social justice issues occurring globally. This is why disability pride is important.

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-ugly-laws-america-disability?fbclid=IwY2xjawHUT6dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHT-H0_Y1H6DppDzMZIwA6mTxAgMhfFy7rYqoVVpquCzlv1dhCBtaZuj2Xg_aem_lOtDEhvTvCjNM1-QDCsAJA

    https://www.moderndisability.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHUVDtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHctwTw_O0DVGiF4SyEUqh2JjrC8VLulp6Ujdo6lZKQpa9y7sLdL1rlyIuA_aem_rY0LAzwS64i8IIKLby2L8A

  • Who decides when I die?

    ASSISTED DYING BILL 2024 UK

    I am against this assisted dying . It’s legalised murder. I am completely behind Tani Grey Thompson and her views. Life is to be valued. The Bill is ungodly.

    Murder, in criminal law, is defined as the killing of one person by another that is not legally justified or excusable, usually distinguished from the crime of manslaughter by the element of malice premeditated.

    The penalty for illegal murder is capital punishment.

    Euthanasia

    Euthanasia means “a gentle and easy death.” Not a painful and screaming death.
    What is the reality in hospitals?
    • Doctors offer support systems to help patients live as active as possible until death.
    • Most doctors carry out euthanasia yet still don’t do anything for it to be legalized.

    Voluntary euthanasia sometimes called assisted suicide is where the patients have made it clear that he/she wishes to die and requests help to bring this about. There are many alternative approaches and options.

    For example:
    • People refusing medical treatment even if that treatment is required to save their life.
    • Advanced decision such as stopping the life support machine.
    • The patients refuse the attempting of resuscitation orders (CPR).

    Arguments For
    • The right of the individual to choose should be paramount. So long as the patient is articulate, and his or her intent is clear beyond doubt, there need be no further questions.
    • Many people think that each person has the right to control his or her body and life and so should be able to determine at what time, in what way and by whose hand he or she will die.
    • Human beings should be as free as possible. Unnecessary restraints on human rights are a bad thing.
    • Human beings are independent biological entities, with the right to take and carry out decisions about themselves, providing the greater good of society doesn’t prohibit this. Related to this is a firm belief that death is the end.
    • The right to life is not a right simply to exist.
    • The right to life is a right to life with minimum quality and value.
    • Death is the opposite of life, but the process of dying is part of life.
    • Dying is one of the most important events in human life.
    • Dying can be good or bad.
    • People have the right to try and make the events in their lives as good as possible, so they have the right to try to make their dying as good as possible.
    • If the dying process is hostile, people should have the right to shorten it, and reduce the excruciating discomfort.
    • If an animal had a life threatening illness, the vet thinks the kindest way to treat the animal would be to put it to sleep. Therefore if Euthanasia happens with animals then it should happen with humans too.
    • Six out of ten adults (60%) would only want comfort care at the end of their lives, although just 3% had made their treatment wishes clear in an advanced decision.
    • Fewer than two in ten people (14%) would want medical intervention- with less than one in ten (8%) people wanting full medical intervention at the end of life.
    • A survey found that a large majority (75%) of the British population think that legislation on Euthanasia should be amended to allow some degree of assisted suicide. Just over two thirds (67%) think that doctors in particular should have the legal power to end the life of a terminally ill patient who has personally given a clear indication of wanting to die.
    • This argument goes that since euthanasia will continue to take place, even though it’s illegal, it would surely be better to make it legal and regulate it to minimize abuse.
    • A Medix survey in the UK in 2004 found that 45% of doctors understood that their colleagues actively helped their patients die.
    • Vulnerable patients might be better protected than they are at present if there were set procedures and rules that had to be followed for euthanasia.
    • A patient who feared that they were under pressure to decide in favour of euthanasia would be able to gain help and support by initiating the formal procedures involved in regulated euthanasia – something that they cannot do now.
    • People have an explicit right to die.
    • A separate right to die is not necessary, because our other human rights imply the right to die
    • Death is a private matter and if there is no harm to others, the state and other people have no right to interfere
    • It is possible to regulate euthanasia.
    • Allowing people to die may free up scarce health resources.
    • Euthanasia happens anyway.
    • Euthanasia satisfies the standard that moral rules must be universal.
    • Euthanasia happens anyway.
    • Is death a bad thing?

    Arguments Against
    • Euthanasia would not only be for people who are “terminally ill.”
    • Euthanasia can become a means of health care cost containment.
    • Euthanasia will become non-voluntary.
    • Euthanasia is a rejection of the importance and value of human life.
    Dignity in Dying is a campaign that supports Euthanasia. They also have famous patrons who share their views of supporting this campaign. These patrons include Jo Brand who is a comedian, Sir Patrick Stewart who is a famous British actor.

    • Euthanasia has already been legalised in these countries:

    Oregon- 2001

    Belgium- May 2002

    Luxembourg- February 2008

    The Netherlands- 2002

    This bill contradicts the Equality Act 2010, which gives everyone the right to life. It’s all about affirming and defending human dignity, and the right to life of every human being.

    Hi, MPs voted on 29 November on an extreme Bill that, if successful, will introduce a dangerous assisted suicide law. This Bill is being rushed through Parliament. It was only published at 10pm on 11 November, giving MPs and the public barely two and half weeks to scrutinise the Bill before it goes to a vote. It’s vital that MPs hear from us now, showing that there are many who oppose this extreme and harmful change from being rushed into law – a change that would put countless vulnerable lives at risk. You can help stop this from happening by contacting your MP now using this simple tool: https://righttolife.org.uk/9ly4.

    I just emailed my MP, and it took less than 30 seconds!

    Please make sure to share with a friend after emailing your MP – every share is crucial to help us defeat this Bill.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2l7m6r55do

    https://righttolife.org.uk/

    http://www.dignityindying.org.uk/assited-dying.html.

    https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/assisted-dying-bill-law-passed-mps-tanni-grey-thompson-b2656170.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawG4IglleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfpn6mIPKMva9cCa21z2w20Mm-nSiaOVg3P2wFYGhyoGX_gLvAP8gyb5Pg_aem_zRNkQNJ1C1NsVh5U4JuBoQ

    https://www.britannica.com/topic/murder-crime

  • SCOLIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

    What is Scoliosis?
    Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. In most cases, scoliosis develops in childhood or adolescence and can progress over time. It is often detected during routine physical exams, and early detection is important to prevent the condition from worsening.

    There are different types of scoliosis, including:

    Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common form of scoliosis and has no known cause.
    Congenital scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is present at birth and is caused by abnormal spinal development.
    Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by underlying conditions that affect the nervous system or muscles, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

    Symptoms of Scoliosis
    In many cases, scoliosis is not painful and may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the curvature of the spine worsens, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

    Uneven shoulders or hips
    A visible curve in the spine
    Back pain
    Difficulty breathing
    Fatigue

    Diagnosis and Treatment of Scoliosis
    If scoliosis is suspected, a doctor will perform a physical exam and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or an MRI. Treatment for scoliosis will depend on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient.

    In mild cases, scoliosis may not require any treatment. However, in more severe cases, treatment may be necessary to prevent the condition from worsening and causing health problems.

    Treatment options for scoliosis may include:

    Observation: In some cases, the doctor may recommend regular checkups to monitor the progression of the condition. It’s important to note that observation is not a treatment, and is only appropriate for very small curves which may not progress.
    Bracing: For moderate scoliosis, a brace may be worn to prevent the curvature from worsening.
    Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten the spine and prevent further health problems.

    Scoliosis Awareness Month
    Scoliosis Awareness Month is observed annually in June to raise awareness about scoliosis and promote early detection and treatment. During this month, organizations and individuals around the world work to educate the public about the condition and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

    One of the primary goals of Scoliosis Awareness Month is to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of screening for scoliosis in children. Early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and improve the long-term health outcomes for those affected. Since there is no national screening program in the UK, it’s down to the general population to screen for Scoliosis.

    Scoliosis Awareness Month also provides an opportunity to support those living with scoliosis and raise funds for research into new treatments and a better understanding of the condition.

    Spinal Fusion surgery has been recommended to me to fix scoliosis, where they cut the spine open and put metal rods in your back to fix the curvature of the spine.

    It can have respiratory complications.

    Spinal fusion surgery may lead to respiratory complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, atelectasis, and worsening of pre-existing chronic lung conditions. These issues could be more indicative of long-term mortality post-surgery than cardiac complications, particularly in elderly patients. The occurrence of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) may also elevate the risk of in-hospital mortality. It is crucial for patients to be informed about these risks before undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

    https://scoliosisclinic.co.uk/tag/scoliosis-awareness-month/

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6314350/

  • What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?

    Ever since I’ve embarked on my journey to marketing myself as an Access Consultant, I’ve had an increasing interest in legislation surrounding Access Consultancy. I believe my BA Degree in History and Politics has sparked this interest.

    Before then, I had never heard of Access Consultancy.

    Are WCAG guidelines law?
    Whilst the WCAG standards themselves do not function as law, they represent the internationally recognised standard for web content accessibility, and you will meet the legal requirements for accessibility by meeting the WCAG standard.

    Who is required to comply with WCAG?
    Ensuring your website is accessible is covered by the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, which protects all individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.

    There are equivalent laws in other countries, which encompass web accessibility law and legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) seeks to ensure equal access to digital products and services throughout Europe and becomes law in all EU member states in June 2025.

    The Public Sector Bodies (Website and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR 2018) apply to the UK public sector specifically and require public sector organisations to meet WCAG 2.2 guidelines at AA level of conformance, which from October 2024 will be monitored by the Government Digital Service (GDS).

    What happens if your website is not accessible?
    Not ignoring the threat of legal action, it’s very important to consider the barriers you might be creating for people if you are not ensuring your web content is accessible.

    There are an estimated 16 million disabled people in the UK, and in 2019 the ‘Click-Away Pound’, which measures the volume of people who abandon a retail website because of the barriers they found, grew to £17.1 billion.

    Good accessibility practices benefit everyone, not just disabled people. Consider a person using captions when watching a video on a noisy train, or a worker with a sprained wrist using speech-to-text to write an email. Many of us use accessibility features every day.

    The free guide to the Business Case for Accessibility will help you win hearts and minds inside and outside your organisation.


    To find out more about WCAG and digital accessibility join their mailing list or take a look at their free digital accessibility resources. If you’re ready to create meaningful change and achieve significant results, speak to their experts to learn how they can help you to achieve your accessibility goals.