The View from Where I Sit

Tag: advocate

  • Disabled People’s Action Group

    Disabled People’s Action Group

    Equality Together Bradford is a local user-led organisation for disabled people, their carers and families. Their services are currently available to people who live in the Bradford Metropolitan District. Some of their services include Self and Group Advocacy.

    Non Statutory Self & Group Advocacy is about taking control of decisions about yourself and telling others what you want.

    At Equality Together, their aim is to help you speak up and have your voice heard. They have a few ways of doing this.

    One way of doing this is through the Disabled People’s Action Group. The Disabled People’s Action Group (DPAG) is a new group of people with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health issues, learning disabilities and long-term illness. 

    Their aim is to build on the work done by the Disabled People’s Forum, focusing on campaigning and highlighting issues concerning people with disabilities.

    The logo is a dark grey square with ‘Disabled People’s Action Group’ in white text down the left side. A large orange arrow symbol is on the right, pointing right. Bradford and District is in dark grey text on an orange rectangle at the bottom.

    https://www.facebook.com/DisabledPeoplesActionGroup

    Twitter – @BradfordDPAG

    http://www.equalitytogether.org.uk

  • Self-Defence and P.E.E.Ps for People with Disabilities

    In light of the recent events in Uvalde, and after seeing a post on Instagram on the subject, I was compelled to write my thoughts about it, because it made me really think.

    Imagine being an amputee, running for your life, trying to escape from a gunman?

    What about the blind?

    What if the blind had a guide dog and the guide dog got shot?

    What if the venue is no where near wheelchair accessible?

    Do we need to manufacture bulletproof wheelchairs nowadays?

    When I was in high school, in Bermuda, we had lockdowns in the midst of school fights. But according to my research, Bermuda has nothing in place.

    As a wheelchair user, I was given a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (P.E.E.P) in University for fire drills, in the UK. I’ve also had an evacuation plan while on a job placement in England, which was successful.

    https://fb.watch/dfEbtVVhVo/

    It looks like America has something in place, but is this effective? Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law. No one shall be deprived of his life intentionally save in the execution of a sentence of a court following his conviction of a crime for which the penalty is provided by law.

    Neglecting to make reasonable adjustments goes against ones’ ‘right to life’. Not much seems to be in place by way of safety legislation. However, as an alternative, there is Martial Arts and carrying a gun for self-defence.

    Does this help?

    Don’t our lives matter too?

    FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

    https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2017/03/06/keeping-students-with-disabilities-safe-in-lockdowns-evacuations-and-other-school-crises/

    Disability Martial Arts Association: http://www.disabilitymartialartsassociation.co.uk/introducing_you_to_the_disabilit.htm

    Wheelchair Self-Defence: https://www.combat-academy.co.uk/wheelchair-self-defence/

    Human Rights Act 1998: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/human-rights-act/article-2-right-life#:~:text=1.,penalty%20is%20provided%20by%20law.

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/05/25/executive-order-on-advancing-effective-accountable-policing-and-criminal-justice-practices-to-enhance-public-trust-and-public-safety/

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-strict-gun-laws-strengthened-with-new-medical-arrangements

    https://www.gov.uk/reasonable-force-against-intruders

    https://www.wheelpower.org.uk/sports/karate?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-daUBhCIARIsALbkjSYPWFTZb2CUmXRiwQx6fj62zYLEdMVGMUDvn7reTNdeWG1cCgANbyUaAiClEALw_wcB

  • Disabled People’s Forum in Bradford

    The Disabled People’s Forum in Bradford has officially relaunched. This is a forum which allows disabled people to have their voices heard. The forum also has a Steering Group, which I am a member of. The forum and Steering Group exist in conjunction with the Equality Together Bradford organisation. This comes after the government released its Disability Strategy, and the Bradford and District Disabled People’s Forum wants disabled people to have their say on the governments priorities, what they have missed out and any concerns they have.

    Constitution

    AIMS/OBJECTS
    1. To link disabled people and disability groups together to ensure that they have a stronger voice in the district.
    2. The forum is led by disabled people, of disabled people, for disabled people.
    3. To establish an inclusive partnership of groups bringing together representation from the widest definition of disability including people who are physically disabled, have a sensory impairment, a learning disability, who have experienced a mental health problem and people who have a long-term illness and/or limiting condition.
    4. To publicise the Forum and establish accessible ways of communicating, including a website, that will allow groups to share and exchange information and ideas.
    5. To seek to ensure that disabled people are represented on a wide range of strategic, ‘decision making’ bodies across the district.
    6. To ensure that disabled people who are ‘experts by personal experience’ are able to have a say in the
    development of services.
    7. To create a district where all disabled people can participate fully as equal citizens.

    POWERS
    1. To raise and hold funds.
    2. To obtain or lease equipment and premises.
    3. To employ staff and recruit voluntary workers.
    4. To work with other organisations.
    5. To do any other such lawful things as are necessary to achieve the aims.

    MEMBERSHIP
    Membership is open to:

    All groups of disabled people and individual disabled people who live or are based in the Bradford District and who support the aims of the Forum.

    Who have paid any annual subscription laid down from time to time by the Management Committee. Membership is currently free.
    Additionally:

    • Applications shall be made in to the Management Committee
    • Groups will nominate a named person to be their representative in all dealings with the Organisation
    • Every member shall have one vote
    • Attendees shall declare at the beginning of the meeting whether they are attending as an individual or a representative.
    • It may be that groups will have more than one representative at forum meetings – should a vote be taken groups will have only one vote,
    • The Secretary shall keep an up-to-date record of both individual and group membership

    Termination of Membership

    Membership may be terminated by the Management Committee on the grounds of a member or group acting against the objects of the Organisation or bringing the Organisation into disrepute.

    Annual General Meeting

    An annual general meeting shall be held within 15 months of the previous Annual General Meeting, the date, time and place to be determined by the committee.

    Each annual general meeting shall be convened by the Secretary who shall notify all members in writing at least 21 days before the date of that meeting.

    Any motion for consideration at the annual general meeting must be in the Secretary’s hands no later than 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.

    The business of the annual general meeting shall include:

    • adoption of annual report and accounts
    • election of the committee and its officers
    • appointment of an independent examiner

    Nominations for the committee should be submitted to the Secretary 24 hours before the annual general meeting. If there are more nominations than there are vacancies to be filled, an election will be held.

    • Every member shall be entitled to one vote.
    • Members unable to attend the Annual General Meeting

    https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19647850.disabled-peoples-forum-bradford-re-launch/

  • Stop the Pressure: Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management Virtual Conference

    I learned alot at this year’s Healthcare UK Conference. It started at 10:00 with the Chair’s Welcome and Introduction. Then at 10:20, I learned about The New National Pressure Ulcer Surveillance System. At 11:00, they discussed Supporting Learning with frontline staff in pressure ulcer prevention. By 11:30, I had a Comfort Break and Virtual Networking. By 11:45, I was learning about Pressure Ulcer Assessment, Reporting & Management. At 12:15, there was a presentation about Case studies in Small Breakout Groups. During the 12:35 session, I was Addressing Diversity in Pressure Ulcer Prevention.

    At midday by 13:00, I had a Lunch Break and Virtual Networking. Again, at 15:30, I had another Comfort Break and Virtual Networking. At 15:45, I learned about Nutritional Assessment and Pressure Ulcers. And to end the conference at 16:15, there were Question and answers. This included a survey to grade each session.

    During this conference, I also learned about Erythema and how it contributes to pressure ulcers. http://www.healthcareconferencesuk.com.

    Erythema

    Erythema is a type of skin rash caused by injured or inflamed blood capillaries. It usually occurs in response to a drug, disease or infection. Rash severity ranges from mild to life threatening. https://www.drugwatch.com/health/rash-and-skin-disorders/erythema/#:~:text=Erythema%20is%20a%20type%20of,from%20mild%20to%20life%20threatening.

    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)- They provide national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. https://www.nice.org.uk/.

    National Wound Care Strategy Programme- The National Wound Care Strategy programme (NWCSP) seeks to improve care for people with wounds. http://www.nationalwoundcarestrategy.net.

    Model Health System- The Model Health System is a data-driven improvement tool that supports health and care systems to improve patient outcomes and population health. It provides benchmarked insights across the quality of care, productivity and organisational culture to identify opportunities for improvement. The Model Health System incorporates the Model Hospital, which provides hospital provider-level benchmarking. Access to the Model Health System is currently available for all NHS commissioners and providers in England. http://www.model.nhs.uk

    My Improvement Network are committed to investing in education for health care professionals and are proud supporters of RCN Projects. http://myimprovementnetwork.com.

    Pressure-Ulcer-March-2022Download

  • Pressure Ulcers, Transferring Equipment and Techniques

    Now that I’m a PURSUN Researcher, I’ve been studying pressure ulcers, prevention and cures. During my research, I’ve noticed we’ve discussed pressure points, mattresses, dieting, hygiene and PICOs, but nobody said anything about transferring techniques and equipment.

    Ever since my journey to fight against pressure ulcers has started, my transferring techniques have changed. While living in Bermuda, I was taught to ‘bum shuffle’ from, let’s say, my wheelchair to the bed or a chair. However, I was told that this is wrong. Climbing in and out of bed can also be risky, especially when barefoot. As a result, my transferring techniques have changed since then.

    Nowadays to prevent pressure ulcers, it has been suggested that I use a banana board or a sliding sheet from BACES in Bradford.

    The Bradford and Airedale Community Equipment Service (BACES) is a partnership between Bradford Social Services and the NHS in Bradford and Airedale.

    This service has been set up to provide you and your family with a wide range of equipment, to help you live more independently.

    Banana Transfer Board

    This Banana Transfer Board is designed to assist in the seated transfer of a patient between two surfaces.

    Transfers from Bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to Chair, wheelchair to toilet and the like, are just some of the uses the board can be put to. It was made from an extremely durable and hard-wearing materials, the transfer board is curved to facilitate positioning and features anti-slip pads on the underside for safer location and a convenient carrying handle. The board has a maximum user weight of 200 kgs (over 30 Stone) and can be easily cleaned with soapy water/alcohol/disinfectant and a non-abrasive cloth. I’ve tried this but it’s too hard on the buttocks and doesn’t help with shearing pressure.

    Hoists
    Hoists provide support for lifting and moving those in need from one place to another without causing undue stress or discomfort. They are used for moving from bed into a wheelchair, or vice versa, the range can carry a variety of weights and are good for the bathroom, bedroom, and all points in between. Part of the medical supplies and aids range, they also offer battery monitors, chargers, and slings for your hoist so you can be fully prepared to face the day. There are also travel cases available if you need to go somewhere and take your hoist with you, and specialist hoists for wet environments like the bathroom.

    Lateral Transfer Slide Board

    This is designed for use with the Transfer Glide Sheet, this Lateral Transfer Slide enables easy transfers between beds, trolleys, tables and treatment couches.

    It works by creating a stable, slip-resistant platform between the two points and by providing a smooth top surface over which the patient can easily be moved without the need for lifting. User comfort is enhanced by the slide’s tapered edges, which pass easily under the body, whilst the handles around the perimeter provide plenty of convenient places to grip and hold it steady. I’ve tried this but it’s risky and slightly flimsy.

    All our equipment is clean and maintained to the highest standards.

    What equipment do we offer?

    Equipment to help with:

    • moving, handling and walking 
    • bathing, showering and toileting 
    • household and kitchen tasks 
    • nursing tasks

    Commodes can also be used for pressure relief.

    Proper Transfer Techniques

    • The push-up – Use the wheelchair armrests (or wheels if you don’t have any) to push up out of the seat with your arms. You should straighten your arms fully so that your elbows are locked. Then ensure that the buttocks and lower back are fully out of the seat.
    • The forward lean – Lean forward as far as you can – imagine that you are trying to rest your chest on your knees! This movement is particularly good for relieving pressure on the coccyx.
    • Leaning side-to-side – Whilst seated, shift your body weight onto your left side to lift your right side out of your seat. Then repeat on the other side. Like the push-up, this movement relieves pressure from the buttocks and the lower back. However, because this is a more subtle movement it’s great to perform whilst you’re out and about!

    Why is proper transfer technique so important?

    Correct technique should minimise risk of skin injuries. Incorrect technique can increase your risk of falls during transfers. Managing the injuries which result from poor technique can be difficult and lengthy. Prevention is far superior to cure!

    https://www.bradford.gov.uk/adult-social-care/living-independently/bradford-and-airedale-community-equipment-service/

    https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/medical-supplies-aids

    https://www.yorkshirecareequipment.com/advice-tips/pressure-relief-techniques-for-wheelchair-users/

    Click to access the-role-of-the-physiotherapist-in-the-prevention-and-management-of-pressure-ulcer-cathy-quinn-201119.pdf

  • Stop the Pressure Campaign

    “Stop the Pressure” is an initiative from NHS Midlands and East, which has been rolled out across the NHS. The campaign used data collected by NHS Safety Thermometer and worked to raise awareness and improve monitoring and management of patients at risk of damage.

    They found that the number of new pressure ulcers was reduced by 50% in one year.

    A key part of the success of the campaign was attributed to a preventive strategy with a number of elements, referred to as the SSKIN bundle, which was communicated with great clarity.

    The acronym SSKIN contains five key steps:

    • Surface – make sure patients have the right support
    • Skin inspection – early inspection means early detection
    • Keep patients moving
    • Incontinence/moisture – patients need to be kept clean and dry
    • Nutrition/hydration – make sure patients have the right diet and plenty of fluids

    As part of a worldwide effort to reduce the prevalence of pressure damage, November 19th, 2020, saw the international Stop Pressure Ulcer Day. This year it will be celebrated on March 24, 2022, through a Virtual Conference.

    https://www.independentliving.co.uk/advice/prevent-pressure-ulcers/#stop

    www.healthcareconferencesuk.co.uk

    www.socialcareconferences.co.uk

    www.facebook.com/HealthcareConferencesUK

    https://www.healthcareconferencesuk.co.uk/conferences-masterclasses/pressure-ulcer-prevention

    Pressure-Ulcer-March-2022Download

  • Inclusive Communication at the Paralympic Games

    Inclusive communication is about how to produce publications that include, accurately portray, and are accessible to disabled people.

    This guidance aims to help you to:

    • communicate using inclusive language and know which words to use and avoid when writing about disability
    • include disabled people in your communications and campaigns and make sure that they’re portrayed positively and realistically
    • make sure your communications are accessible
    • choose and use appropriate communication channels to reach disabled people
    • There are over 11 million people with a long term illness, impairment or disability in Great Britain. Communicators must be confident their messages will reach everyone, including disabled people. This can be done by ensuring all communications are inclusive and accessible.

    The Office for Disability Issues wrote this guidance for government communicators but it may also be useful to others. This is predominantly used in employment, but has also been used in disability sport like the Paralympic Games.

    For example, when I represented Bermuda at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a reporter, we were expected to use inclusive communication. We we’re expected to indicate the difference between a Paralympian and a Para-athlete.

    As per the official IPC website and catalogue on terminologies for para sportspersons, the Preferred term is Para Athlete. If however a person does compete in the Paralympics, then they become a Paralympian. If a person competes in the Paralympics once, then they will always be called a Paralympian.

    We weren’t allowed to use the term ‘disabled’, especially when writing articles and headlines. We say ‘person with disabilities’ instead of ‘disabled person’.

    This is in place to target labelling and stereotyping. It also gets rid of the stigma centred around disability.

    https://www.facebook.com/bdaparaassoc

    http://www.paralympic.org

    /https://thebridge.in/tokyo-2020-paralympics/paralympians-paralympics-tokyo-term-olympian-24595

    https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign#become-a-disability-confident-employer

  • What does Independence mean to me?

    All throughout life, I’ve been encouraged and trained to be independent despite being diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus at birth. Independence is important to me. This pandemic has actually caused me to live at a higher level of independence, especially, in relation to self care and health care.

    Some wheelchair users prefer their own independence because receiving help makes them feel more disabled than they already are. It’s partly about dignity and respect. Other times it can be about disability pride. Their disability pride can be fuelled by entitlement, and identity. Wheelchair accessibility is one right that wheelchair users are entitled to.

    Wheelchair inaccessibility causes one to be co-dependent. I experienced this in Bermuda. I also cannot claim benefits at all in addition to relying on family. Fortunately, wheelchair accessibility enhanced my Independent Living. I experienced this in England. Wheelchair accessibility causes one to be independent because you can access things without relying on someone. I also cannot claim benefits while living with family.

    For example, when I was eight years old, I got my first manual wheelchair. From that age, I was always encouraged to push myself instead of allowing anyone to push me. This reinforced my independence.

    Another level of independence that I’ve experienced was high school. During my first year of high school, the building was nowhere near wheelchair accessible so I required hands on support. However, while in my second year of high school, it was taken away from me. I did everything on my own without a Paraeducator, because, when I transferred to the new wheelchair accessible building, it was assumed that I no longer needed support. This wasn’t a smart move because I struggled under pressure, failed two subjects and had to do Summer School to catch up on credits. This also affected my G.P.A when I graduated. This was quite stressful and frustrating for me. I cried and complained to my parents so they met with the school to sort it it out.

    However, it made me more self aware and helped me improve time management. Having an extra pair of hands helped me to navigate the school faster.

    The next example was during the first semester of my first year in college. I took classes without learning support for fear that I’d have to pay for it, because I was being treated as an international student instead of a home student. Before my January exams, lecturers raised concerns about my grades and overall progress. When this was realised, I was given assistance from learning support without paying for it. But I must admit, that it made me more organised and it improved my study skills and habit.

    Another aspect of independence that I learned, especially in college, is speaking up for myself while living independently. I had to move to another country to further my studies due to wheelchair accessibility issues.

    During my first year of college, meeting with the learning support department was very frustrating. Communication between my lecturers and the learning support department always seemed disconnected. The week or day before my exams, lecturers always asked me what was the learning support plan for my exams. This stressed me out because after every meeting, they assured me that they would share our discussion with the staff members. This almost never happened and I found myself repeating all of the information just to ensure my needs were met. This took away from my personal study time.

    However, all of these experiences taught me how to advocate for myself and cultivated the desire to advocate for others with disabilities.

    Unfortunately, due to struggling to balance studies, personal care and health I got help from disability services. This came in the form of a social worker, carers, district nurses, and a GP, after my first year of college. I received these services because I started losing weight and getting pressure ulcers. This means I had to rely on people more to help me cope with the demands of life. They helped me with cooking, cleaning, laundry and sometimes shopping. It helped me to set my priorities straight and enhanced my independence.

    Independence means taking ownership, taking responsibility, and taking action. It’s all part of maturity and putting on my ‘big girl panties.’ This is what independence means to me!

  • Disability Representation

    Disability Representation

    Disability has a negative connotation that extends beyond its definition, which includes impairments, activity limits, and participation restrictions. Disabled people’s attitudes and the degree of social exclusion they experience are manifested in actions that vary greatly depending on the kind of impairment and various social, community, and familial factors. The impact of an individual’s position, as well as the type and degree of his or her handicap, and, in particular, his or her gender, can be tremendous.

    People with Disabilities have been fighting for their right to be heard, both in their own lives, as well as in the greater community. This fight continues to this day, and I want to bring their voices and needs to the forefront. Having direct input in one’s life has a clear effect on overall health, well-being, and quality of life.

    People don’t come with labels.

    ‘You don’t look ill’! Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. A diagnosis should never define anyone.

    The skills of handicapped individuals are generally undervalued in society.

    Why is the wheelchair the only emblem used to represent disability?

    This gives a distorted view of disability. We need self respect and mutual respect.

    Wheelchair Privilege

    It is hard to acknowledge our own privilege because privilege is the other side of oppression. Some people are against talking about privilege because they don’t want to be framed as the aggressors or complicit in a system that gives them an advantage at the expense of others. Other critics of the word ‘privilege’ mistake it for a blanket term that suggests that, if you have a privilege, your whole life has been easy.

    Ultimately, privilege is not a concept designed to make people feel guilty or to diminish their achievements. Instead, waking up to how you may have certain privileges is an essential first step towards being able to decisively act, in small and large ways, to use your privilege and make the systems we were born into fairer. One example of this is wheelchair privilege.

    For example, some taxis are only equipped for manual wheelchairs, not electric ones. The physically impaired may be entitled to more benefits than any other disability group.

    In order to use your own privilege for good and to be a good ally you have to be aware, listen and speak up. Focus on equity instead of equality so that everyone is given what they need to be successful. https://www.hivelearning.com/site/resource/diversity-inclusion/5-main-types-of-privileges/

    What about the speech impaired?

    Just because you can’t speak doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to say. The Purple Vote Campaign in Wales is good at doing this. Advocating for yourself is important. Speak with me, not for me!

    Freedom of speech

    Article 21 – Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information

    People with disabilities should be able to exercise the same rights to freedom of expression and information as other people and through all forms of communication of their choice. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) also protects freedom of expression and the right to information. https://www.article19.org/resources/disability-and-information-what-are-your-rights/#:~:text=People%20with%20disabilities%20should%20be,and%20the%20right%20to%20information..

    States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice, as defined in article 2 of the present Convention, including by:

    a) Providing information intended for the general public to persons with disabilities in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different kinds of disabilities in a timely manner and without additional cost;

    b) Accepting and facilitating the use of sign languages, Braille, augmentative and alternative communication, and all other accessible means, modes and formats of communication of their choice by persons with disabilities in official interactions;

    c) Urging private entities that provide services to the general public, including through the Internet, to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities;

    d) Encouraging the mass media, including providers of information through the Internet, to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities;

    e) Recognizing and promoting the use of sign languages. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/article-21-freedom-of-expression-and-opinion-and-access-to-information.html.

    The colour purple is used to represent the disabled community because it means royalty, status and importance.

    Purple Tuesday and the Purple Pound are business initiatives to improve customer service for people with disabilities.

    Paralympic Games is a global sports competition for people with disabilities. It is a modified version of the Olympics for people with disabilities. Highlighting abilities and maximising potential.

    International Day of People with Disabilities showcases wheelchair access, history of disability in education, disabled icons, disabled political figures and celebrates diversity. Celebrated on 3rd December every year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. Each year the day focuses on a different issue.

    Advocacy

    Advocacy includes speaking up on other people’s behalf. This could also cover unemployment amongst people with disabilities.

    ‘Disability equals diversity not disadvantage.’

    We should be accepted without having to ‘fit in’.


    Tips for Advocacy

    • Be Persistent
    • Build Effective Coalitions

    Self-Advocacy Skills

    • Be assertive vs Aggressive
    • Be direct
    • Be intentional
    • Be accurate
    • Healthcare
    • Relocating
    • Emotional Needs- Social Isolation

    Advocacy usually includes petitions, protests, lobbying, placards, propaganda, elections, party politics, and pressure groups. Being an advocate makes you an agent of change.

    The importance of rejecting society’s toxic value system

    It’s about dignity. This is important especially when fighting microaggressions. https://www.bustle.com/articles/186060-13-microaggressions-people-with-disabilities-face-on-a-daily-basis.

    At the heart of it, representation matters because people matter. Disabled persons exist in every nation and community across the world. It is essential that we respect human rights for all humans no matter their abilities or disabilities.

  • Encouraging Advocacy!

    People with Disabilities have been fighting for their right to be heard, both in their own lives, as well as in the greater community. This fight continues to this day and I want to bring their voices and needs to the forefront. Having direct input in one’s life has a clear effect on overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Learn how you can have an impact on the enhancement of individual lives, and the community, as a whole.

    What does being an ally and reducing ableism look like?

    Being an ally looks like fighting against bullies, creating awareness, being assertive, and getting your point across effectively. It’s one way of ‘amplifying community voices’. State their case like it is your case.

    While interviewing a disabled substitute teacher she said, ‘I think it is important to be able to speak up and explain our physical challenges to co-workers and others around us. As a substitute teacher, I just talk to my students and co-workers about my challenges and explain what my life is like as someone who uses crutches. I have found that people are much less likely to have “ableist” opinions if I share my story first.’

    That is what reducing ableism looks like.

    How do we get there?

    Don’t be a sceptic!

    Ask questions. Never assume.

    Think before you speak.

    Don’t judge by appearances.

    Be friendly.

    Get social workers, carers, nurses, doctors and family involved.

    http://linktr.ee/disabilityreframed

    Your Self Advocacy Toolkit

    Self Advocacy is helping you to speak up for yourself and your rights. Sometimes you just have to make them listen! http://www.advonet.org.uk/.

    In part, this is about listening to the voices of those with Disability & Chronic Illness, as they are the experts of their experiences. https://linktr.ee/ashleekelly_iammeblog?fbclid=IwAR0K_licUZMa4YuRqfTXOinH4Dn6UhBspGseLR8X1ftMd_ZUCEEKwkbHBcQ

    Self Advocacy in Goal Setting

    Effectively address self advocacy in learning or therapy programmes. Self advocacy is a learned skill.

    Unintentional Ways to Discourage Advocacy

    Bribing is one way to discourage self advocacy in childhood. Masking is another way to discourage self advocacy in adolescents. This includes:

    • Loss of identity
    • Suicidal thoughts
    • Stress and Anxiety
    • Hand controlling techniques. This makes them feel helpless. This raises concerns about consent. According to statistics, persons with disabilities are more vulnerable to victimisation than people without disabilities. Self Advocacy is a Life Saving Skill.
    • Don’t Panic

    How can we support self advocacy?

    • No means No!- Respect the No.
    • Pulling their hand away.
    • Shaking their head. Non verbal cues.
    • Communication is key. Sign language also works.
    • Follow their passions.
    • Strengths based approach. Instead of asking, ‘What’s Wrong’ ask ‘What’s working Already?’
    • Make space for them to be a decision maker.

    Include goals focussed on:

    • Boundaries
    • Emotional Regulation
    • Preferences

    Set up meetings for accountability when promises are made. This includes the education system. This includes integration in the mainstream education system instead of special schools. Special schools still have their place in society but integration is better for the sake of fairness and inclusion.

    It’s all about Empowering Yourself. I remember as a College student complaining to the directorate of college about discrimination. The learning support department didn’t seem very efficient to me. IEP meetings can also be a pain. This also encourages disability representation.

    Speak with Me Not for Me!

    I agree with this video because some people think we’re irrelevant and treat us like we’re invisible. Especially us wheelchair users. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGxVz2jijK8.

    Support Self Advocacy for Loved Ones.

    Individuals with intellectual disabilities deserve a seat at the table! Just because someone can’t talk doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to say. Freedom of speech or expression shouldn’t be a challenge. Advocacy includes speaking up on other people’s behalf. This could also cover unemployment amongst people with disabilities.

    This may include:

    • Behavioural Support Plans
    • Person Centred Passports

    The service that supports you

    This should include a Recruitment Policy, Culture and Structure of an Organisation, and Consultation Process.

    There should also be a Partnership Board co-chaired by someone with a disability. It helps to change policy.

    Seniors and Self Advocacy

    Encouraging seniors to think about their needs and wants to advocate! This includes refugees.

    It raises consciousness and helps to organise seniors and local communities. Goals of advocacy should effect change in attitudes, policies, services and actions.

    Their needs may include welfare, they may want to work beyond retirement age or become an entrepreneur. Access to healthcare.

    Seniors can be or feel marginalised.

    Self Advocacy Skills

    • Be assertive vs Aggressive
    • Be direct
    • Be intentional
    • Be accurate
    • Healthcare

    Relocating

    Emotional Needs- Social Isolation

    Tips for Advocacy

    • Be Persistent
    • Build Effective Coalitions

    Advocacy also includes petitions, protests, lobbying, placards, propaganda, elections, party politics, and pressure groups. Being an advocate makes you an agent of change.