blogging for profit – The View from Where I Sit

Beyond the Ballot: Building a Disabled People’s Charter

Disabled people are too often excluded from the political conversations and decisions that shape our everyday lives. From transport and housing to social care, employment, healthcare and accessibility.
That’s why I’m really pleased to be part of this upcoming online conversation hosted by the Purple Collective and Our House.

We’ll discuss building a Disabled People’s Charter shaped by lived experience, collective discussion and practical ideas for change.
If you’re disabled, working in disability inclusion, interested in policy and systems change, or simply want to contribute to a better future, we’d love you to join us.

Reimagining a society and democracy that works for disabled people.

Our House is proud to partner with the Purple Collective to host this one-hour online workshop bringing disabled people together to help shape a new Disabled People’s Charter.

This session is about more than individual policies or political parties. It’s about asking a bigger question:

What would society look like if disabled people were genuinely heard, valued, and included in decisions that affect our lives?

Together, we’ll explore the changes disabled people want to see across areas such as:

Transport
Housing
Healthcare
Employment
Education
Social care
Participation in public life

The ideas and outcomes from this session will help feed into Our House’s wider People’s Charter initiative, which seeks to build a fairer and more inclusive future for everyone.

Who Is This For?
Any disabled person who wants to see their voice at the heart of power and their experiences and ideas used to help shape a better future. You do not need any political experience or expertise to participate. Just your lived experience, ideas, and willingness to contribute.

Too often, disabled people are consulted after decisions have already been made. This session is an opportunity to come together earlier, share experiences openly, and help shape a collective vision for what disabled people need from society and from those in power. Bringing together Our House’s expertise in people-powered democratic methodology and Purple Collective’s dedication to authentic disability representation and inclusion, we will draft a Disabled People’s Charter.

You’ll be invited to decide the next steps and build on what we cover in the session. So, if you’re passionate about disabled people’s rights, disability justice, or just want a better political system, come along and help shape the beginning of the Purple Chartist movement!

We hope this will be the beginning of an ongoing conversation that grows into a community focused on building lasting change together.

29th May 2026

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities vs Americans with Disabilities Act

Did you know the difference between the CRPD and the ADA?

The CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) is a global human rights treaty that tells countries how disabled people’s rights should be protected.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is a U.S. civil rights law that bans disability discrimination and gives us concrete rights we can enforce here at home.

Knowing about both matters because the ADA is what we can use right now to ask for access, push back on discrimination, and file complaints or lawsuits.

The CRPD gives us a global standard and language to say, “Disabled people everywhere deserve more than the bare minimum” and to hold governments accountable.

Together, they help us see when what we’re getting is just compliance with the law vs. what true disability justice and human rights should look like.

When we understand these tools, we’re better equipped to advocate for ourselves, support each other, and push for systemic change, not just small accommodations.

23rd December 2025

Disability Pride vs. Healing: Are We Falling into Ableism?

The relationship between Disability Pride and healing is complex and multifaceted. While Disability Pride can be a powerful tool for self-acceptance and empowerment, it is essential to balance it with the importance of healing and recovery.

What is disability pride?
Disability pride is the acceptance and honoring of each person’s uniqueness, viewing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. It celebrates the disabled identity and promotes self-determination, combating stigma and shame associated with disabilities.

What is healing?

Healing is the act or process of curing or of restoring to health. It is the process of becoming well again, especially after a cut or other injury, or of making someone well again. Wounds should be covered with a gauze dressing while healing occurs. Healing can also refer to the process in which a bad situation or painful emotion ends or improves.

Here are some key points to consider:

Disability Pride as a Source of Healing: Pride can foster a sense of community and connection among individuals with disabilities, which can be therapeutic. It can also serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience that come with living with a disability.

Balancing Pride with Healing: It is important to recognize that pride and healing are not mutually exclusive. Individuals with disabilities can benefit from both aspects of the Disability Pride movement and personal healing processes.

Addressing Ableism: The movement for Disability Pride is also a response to ableism, which can be a barrier to healing and personal growth. By challenging and countering ableism, individuals with disabilities can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for themselves and their communities.

Seeking Professional Help: For those struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues related to their disability, seeking therapy from a professional trained in disability issues can be beneficial.

Fostering a Culture of Healing: It is crucial to create a culture that values the healing process and recognizes the importance of personal growth and recovery alongside Disability Pride. This can involve advocating for accessible healthcare, educational resources, and legal protections that support the needs of individuals with disabilities.

In conclusion, while Disability Pride is a vital aspect of the journey towards healing and personal growth, it is essential to maintain a balance between the two. By embracing both aspects, individuals with disabilities can work towards a more fulfilling and empowered life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ywYUJ8ORxI&list=PL9lUmHuFTiytByr_ZlUySjdkgUkpGojtP

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJm0ALnNEdJ/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/disability-is-diversity/202008/how-disability-pride-fights-ableism?msockid=30a9b117ac516ec22315a595ad9a6fc2

http://heartsc.org

13th November 2025

Fanny J. Crosby, a renowned American hymn writer played a significant role in the realm of disability history.

Born on March 24, 1820, in Putnam County, New York, Fanny lost her sight when she was only six weeks old. Yet, she did not allow this disability to dampen her spirit or ambition.

Crosby’s contribution to American hymnology is immense, with over 8,000 hymns attributed to her name. Despite her blindness, she became the most prolific hymn writer in history, penning classic favorites such as “Blessed Assurance,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” and one of my personal favorites “To God Be the Glory.”

Apart from her musical prowess, Fanny Crosby was an active advocate for people with disabilities. She supported efforts to improve education and opportunities for those who were visually impaired.

Attending the New York Institution for the Blind as a student, she later returned as a teacher and was deeply involved in advocating for the rights and education of visually impaired individuals.

Crosby engaged in social causes, often speaking and organizing support for various charities aimed at alleviating the struggles of the disabled.

Fanny J. Crosby’s legacy is a testament to resilience and faith.

31st July 2025

The only disability in life is a bad attitude

We have ALL heard the quote “the only disability in life is a bad attitude”.

This quote is profoundly stupid, misleading, and harmful because it oversimplifies the complex nature of disabilities and dismisses the real challenges faced by disabled individuals.

What we need is a change in societal attitudes, not a dismissal of the lived experiences of those with disabilities.

People with disabilities deal with pain, fatigue, accessibility issues, medical costs, and social discrimination.

Does having a bad attitude often hinder your life and personal growth?

In my opinion absolutely.

But suggesting that a bad attitude is the only real disability is nonsense.

Why are people still using this quote?

My name is Daniella Jade Lowe and this is The View from Where I Sit!!!

15th August 2024

Fitting In vs Belonging

Disability, belonging, fitting in, and inclusion are all important concepts that relate to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. While they are related, they each have distinct meanings.

Disability refers to a physical or mental impairment that limits a person’s ability to perform certain tasks or activities. It is important to recognize that disability is not a personal failing, but rather a natural part of human diversity. This usually makes people ‘stand out’ by default.

Belonging, fitting in, and inclusion are all important aspects of creating a positive and productive work environment. According to a report by Bain & Company, building inclusive teams improves performance and is the right thing to do. It also pays off in recruitment, retention, and better teamwork. People describe what being included looks and feels like in remarkably similar ways. Helping everyone feel included is deceptively difficult, but organizations can navigate the complexities by marrying systemic change with more inclusive behaviours.

In summary:

Fitting in means conforming to group norms.
It can lead to suppressing one’s true identity to gain acceptance.
People may prioritize conformity over individuality.
Being included celebrates diversity and uniqueness.
It promotes a sense of belonging based on shared values of respect and empathy.
Allows individuals to feel valued for their authentic selves.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/08/08/inclusion-vs-belonging-how-to-foster-true-diversity-in-the-workplace/

https://www.bain.com/insights/the-fabric-of-belonging-how-to-weave-an-inclusive-culture/

Belonging vs. Inclusion: What’s the difference, and why is it important? – Peter Barron Stark Companies (peterstark.com)

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging | DEIB Culture (inclusiveleadership.com)

15th February 2024

Reflections and Key Messages from Luke Chapter 5

Paralysed Man

We don’t know if the man had always been paralysed – for some people disability is life-long, for others it happens through illness or accident or later in life.
Being paralysed, he wouldn’t have been able to move around by himself, leave the house or earn a living – he would be completely dependent on others for everything.
It is likely that the only way of him being able to get his basic needs to survive would be to be carried outside into the town square to beg.
This same situation happens today in many developing countries where disabled people are still treated as outcasts.
Through the Roof ‘Wheels for the World’ mission trips constantly meet people who are in this situation. The trips take refurbished wheelchairs and mobility aids, along with Bibles, for people just
like the paralysed man in Luke 5.
What did the paralysed man need – he needed to know Jesus.
What do our Wheels for the World recipients need – the need is still exactly the same – they need to know Jesus – demonstrated through the love of Christians providing a wheelchair and a Bible.

2. The Four Friends
These men were true friends – they saw past the man’s disability. They saw the man himself as a friend and responded to what he needed. They treated him with love, respect and compassion.

It probably wasn’t easy carrying the man on the stretcher.
We don’t know how far they had to carry him.
They worked together and they were determined, because they knew how important this was for the paralysed man.
When they arrived and couldn’t get into the house, they must have felt they were never going to succeed in getting their friend to Jesus.
It was a brave idea to break through the roof – what would the owner of the house say, or do to them?
They put their friend’s needs before their own safety or reputation. They knew how important it was for him to meet Jesus.
The situation is exactly the same today – it is just as important for disabled people to meet Jesus today as it was then
Through the Roof’s ‘Roofbreaker’ project is exactly this – to break down the barriers that might prevent disabled people from meeting Jesus.
It goes further than that too… once someone meets Jesus, they will want to serve Him and tell others about Him too – so barriers need to be removed so that disabled people can not only come to faith, but grow in faith and share that faith in the same way as everyone.

3. The Crowd
The Bible account says that those who were present when the man was lowered through the roof were ‘amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe’.

The Pharisees and teachers of the law who were present didn’t recognise who Jesus was. Jesus chose a disabled man to demonstrate exactly who He was.
Jesus could have just healed the man, but He didn’t. Jesus chose this moment to demonstrate that He was indeed the Son of Man and that He did indeed have authority to forgive sins.
What an honour for the paralysed man to be chosen to display Jesus’ authority in this way.
How much more important it is to meet Jesus, to know who He is, and to have your sins forgiven than just to be physically healed?
Physical healing can only be temporary – our earthly bodies will one day die – but when Jesus forgives our sins, He is giving the gift of eternal life.
So, what impact did it have on the lives of those who witnessed this?
Imagine you were one of the people in that crowd. That moment would be a transforming point in your life because of what you had witnessed. That’s why it’s important today to hear about how God still works in and through the lives of disabled people.
The personal stories of disabled people whose lives have been changed by Jesus are incredibly powerful. We need to hear more of them, so that Jesus can work through those to transform other lives too.

4. Our Response
How does the account of the paralysed man affect us even today as we hear it and respond to its message?
What do we learn from the paralysed man – are we seeking our own encounter with Jesus that will transform our lives completely?
Jesus can take our weakness, transform it, and glorify God. Like the paralysed man, our lives will never be the same again once we have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. And of course, then we need to respond and make sure others can come to know Jesus too.
What do we learn from the four friends?
God can use us if we have faith in Him. We may not need to break through roofs, but there are still barriers today that prevent disabled people from coming to Jesus – what can we do?
Let’s dig through that roof!
Let’s break down the barriers!
The barriers might not always be what we would think. The barriers in our churches are not always
to do with the building, there can be other barriers too – we need to ask disabled people themselves so that we can break through those barriers as the four friends did.
And what do we learn from the ‘others’ in the story?
Are we people who are amazed and give praise to God?
Are we ‘filled with awe’ by observing Jesus in action as they were?
Or are we like the Pharisees and teachers of the law clinging on to our traditionalism and not being willing to change?
If we see Jesus for who He really is, all this will be turned on its head. How will we respond?
It’s time for churches to make sure there aren’t any barriers for disabled people coming to Jesus. Take an honest look, but most importantly ask disabled people if there are any barriers they are facing. And remember there’s lots of help available – Through the Roof will be delighted to help.
We all need to be transformed by Jesus and that’s exactly what Through the Roof is aiming for.
Through the Roof’s mission is: ‘Transforming lives through Jesus with disabled people’. That is exactly what we see in the account of the paralysed man. It is Jesus doing the transforming, but Jesus not only transforms the life of a disabled person, Jesus also works through this person to transform the lives of others too.

Stay tuned for our next Disability Awareness Sunday Service on the 17th of September 2023!

29th July 2023

‘Pressure Ulcer Prevention in a Pandemic’

“Pressure ulcer prevention and management is an art as well as a science.

Different people with similar conditions need different care and that care should be holistic and tailored to the individual.”
Linda Nazarko OBE Consultant Nurse West London NHS Trust

Before the pandemic, I never got home visits, because I’m not bed-ridden. Previously, only people who are bed-ridden got home visits. Nowadays, I’ve been getting home visits from carers and district nurses, since the pandemic. I even received my Covid-19 vaccination, Astra Zeneca, by way of home visits.

“Pressure ulcers remain a concerning and mainly avoidable harm associated with healthcare delivery.”
National Pressure Ulcer Prevalence and Quality of Care Audit, November 2020

I became a PURSUN researcher during the pandemic in 2020. I used to attend annual Spina Bifida Clinics before the pandemic from 2013. However, since the pandemic, I’ve had no success in booking Spina Bifida Clinics, due to the surge and resurge of Covid-19 cases. In addition to the PURSUN research, the Spina Bifida Clinics also help me to improve the way that I take care of myself.

“The overall prevalence of PUs recorded, in terms or proportion of patients with 1 or more PUs, was 9.04%…The audit sought to understand not just the number of pressure ulcers that were present, but the care that was being delivered to the patients to prevent pressure ulcers occurring….Findings regarding implementation of preventative actions vary considerably between organisations and even between sites within organisations. Identification of these areas is important to the individual organisations as it allows them to focus quality improvement efforts into the areas that may make a difference.”
Stop the Pressure: National Pressure Ulcer Prevalence and Quality of Care Audit 2020

By December 2020, concerns about foot amputation were being raised by District Nurses, Tissue Viability Nurse and Podiatry. Since then, I’ve been wearing splints and callipers to protect my feet from any further damage. My feet have been x-rayed and scanned. I’ve also been prescribed antibiotics for my infected heel bone. Before the pandemic, I used to order and pick up my prescriptions from the Lloyds Pharmacy but ever since the pandemic they’ve been delivered to my house.

I received assistance from my sister with groceries because online shopping was fully booked during the first three months of the pandemic.

She stayed with me for three months but then had to leave after that because I was at risk of losing my Housing Benefit under assisted living, if she stayed any longer. Carers have been restricted on admission. There is more chance of emergency admission to the hospital.

“A phased approach will be used to develop Pressure Ulcer surveillance in the NHS.. Clinicians with responsibility for Pressure Ulcer reporting (most likely tissue viability nurses) will need to ensure their organisations are aware of and prepared for the new surveillance system. As part of this, systems will need to understand the difference between surveillance reporting and clinical incident reporting. The purpose of surveillance reporting is to capture the full incidence and prevalence of Pressure Ulcers across a system to drive quality improvement at organisational level. The purpose of clinical incident reporting is to support learning from mistakes so action can be taken to keep patients safe.”
A new national Pressure Ulcer Surveillance system using The Model Hospital System, November 2021

Pressure ulcer prevention in a pandemic taught me how to:

network with colleagues who are working to improve the measurement, reporting and prevention of pressure ulcers and harm
Reflect on national developments and learning including learning from Stop the Pressure: National Pressure Ulcer Prevalence and Quality of Care Audit
Learn from outstanding practice in pressure ulcer reporting
Implementing the new national Pressure Ulcer Surveillance system and learning from pilot sites
Change the way you view pressure ulcers – eliminating the focus on a voidability
Developing effective training and education of frontline staff that will empower frontline teams to take ownership for improving care processes and preventing pressure ulcers
Understand how you can reduce pressure ulcers and harm from pressure ulcers
Improve sustainability in the reduction of pressure ulcers during Covid-19
Understand plans for a new national pressure ulcer data system to support quality improvement
Understand the factors that increase the risk of pressure ulcer development, and explore effective risk assessment tools
Develop a better understanding of pressure ulcer prevention at the end of life
Reflect on a case study in reducing pressure ulcers in Covid-19 patients
Improve Nutrition and Hydration
Learn from Clinical Negligence claims related to pressure ulcers
Ensure you are up to date with the latest evidence and definitions
Self assess and reflect on your own practice
Supports CPD professional development and acts as revalidation evidence.
group approval for revalidation purposes

“We continue to have a challenge with patients developing pressure ulcers, and also a challenge with having some standardisation and consistency of care. There is considerable variation of about what happens in practice, in particular, underuse of evidence based care and overuse of ineffective interventions.”
Jacqui Fletcher OBE Clinical Lead, The National Wound Care Strategy Programme, November 2021

http://www.healthcareconferencesuk.co.uk

22nd October 2022

NORTH AND WEST YORKSHIRE ASBAH COMMUNITY CONFERENCE

After 50 years of service, The North and West Yorkshire ASBAH had their first ever Community Conference. It was held on the 16th of October, at Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club in Bradford. This was a day planned especially for people in the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus communities to come together and celebrate. There was lots of information on continence care, PIP and DLA form advice, education, and pressure ulcer prevention and cure.

During the first workshop, I joined the PURSUN Group from Leeds, to do a presentation on Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Cure. It was very good to meet Delia Muir and share my experiences on the subject.

Heather Chapman was at the ASBAH Charity conference, talking to wheelchair users about nutritional therapy by Wheely Therapy. Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care.

Nutritional therapy practitioners use a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows them to work with individuals to address nutritional balance and help support the body towards maintaining health.

Nutritional therapy is recognised as a complementary medicine. It is relevant both for individuals looking to enhance their health and wellbeing and for those with chronic conditions wishing to work with or ‘consult’ a nutritional therapist in collaboration with other suitably qualified healthcare professionals.

I also learned about SEND. This presentation workshop was about guidance on the special educational needs and disability system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, which started on 1 September 2014. The questionnaire that the presenter gave out, was a very good teaching tool.

Additionally, there were stalls and activities for the children. There were free prizes and charity merchandise on display as well. One of our sponsors, Irwin Mitchell, provided bags with freebies inside too. They also support the SHINE Charity.