The View from Where I Sit

Tag: disability blogger

  • Why do you think so many people associate mobility aids with weakness and incompetence?

    Some people see mobility aids as a sign of weakness, that people have given up. Well these people are wrong. I know for me my mobility aids are in fact aids of freedom. Just look at what I have achieved this last year and continue to do. I have and I still am exploring places I never thought possible.

    However, it may indicate dependence not independence.
    Unfortunately because they haven’t been taught better.

    I remember when I was against using an electric wheelchair in college, because it didn’t require me to use my upper body strength. I felt that the college was underestimating my strength. I thought it would make me lazy too. I absolutely love them now!

    It’s been great to have the ability to do so much more now than my body would allow.
    Unfortunately because it’s been the “norm,” and there hasn’t been a lot of awareness to prove otherwise. I always try to change people’s perspectives but there are still people who still don’t understand until it’s explained to them or they see it for themselves.

    This is the one reason I would like to start posting more, but, social media is sometimes not used for the greater good, rather than people just wanting to be “influencers.”
    It’s on because you could technically count glasses as a mobility aid.

    Alternatively, aid and glasses are usually associated with competence or being smart. In other cases, it’s a sign of high intelligence.


    Let’s flip the script and start telling able bodied peole that their legs (or other parts) must be such an obstacle for living a meaningful life.

  • Why do we need to celebrate disability twice a year?

    Disability History Month is observed in October, while Disability Pride Month takes place in July. Let’s explore the reasons behind each:

    Disability History Month (October):

    • Purpose: Disability History Month aims to raise awareness about the historical context, achievements, and challenges faced by people with disabilities.
    • Origins: It began in the United Kingdom in 2010 and has since spread to other countries. The choice of October is significant because it includes World Mental Health Day (October 10) and International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3).
    • Focus: During this month, educational institutions and organizations highlight disability-related history, activism, and advocacy. It’s an opportunity to learn about disability rights movements, legislation, and the contributions of disabled individuals.

    Disability Pride Month (July):

    • Purpose: Disability Pride Month celebrates the identity, resilience, and achievements of people with disabilities. It’s a time to embrace pride and self-acceptance.
    • Origins: Disability Pride was initially celebrated for a day in 1990 in Boston, USA, coinciding with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It gained recognition as a month in 2015.
    • Symbolism: The Disability Pride Flag features vibrant colors representing various disability experiences and needs. For instance:
      • Red: Physical disabilities
      • Gold: Neurodiversity
      • White: Non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities
      • Blue: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities
      • Green: Sensory disabilities
      • Charcoal background: Protests against ableism
    • Importance: Disability Pride Month promotes visibility, counters ableism, and encourages celebration within the disabled community. Allies also play a crucial role in raising awareness.

    Pride in general is in July for the LGBTQ+ community. There are different pride celebrations for different sectors within the community also which include those with disabilities. Like there’s also black pride in August for people of colour.

    Is a flag needed?

    Do you think this is patronising?

    Both months are important. Both months contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society, recognizing the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. Both months show a level of intersectionality.

     https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk/about-us/news-and-events/disability-pride-month

  • Disability Awareness and Educational Curriculum

    Do you think disability awareness should be more commonly taught in schools?

    Here are five reasons why I believe it should be part of the educational curriculum:

    1. Promotes Inclusion and Acceptance: Teaching disability awareness helps students understand and appreciate the diversity of abilities and experiences among their peers. This promotes an inclusive environment where everyone feels accepted and valued.
    2. Reduces Stigma and Prejudice: Education about disabilities can challenge and change negative stereotypes and misconceptions. By demystifying disabilities, students are less likely to develop prejudiced attitudes and are more likely to treat everyone with respect.
    3. Fosters Empathy and Compassion: Learning about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities can cultivate empathy and compassion in students. This can lead to more supportive and understanding peer relationships.
    4. Prepares Students for Real-World Diversity: The world outside of school is diverse, and students will inevitably encounter individuals with disabilities in various contexts throughout their lives. Understanding disability helps prepare students to interact positively and effectively with people of all abilities.
    5. Encourages Advocacy and Allyship: When students are educated about disability issues, they are more likely to become advocates for disability rights and allies to people with disabilities. This can lead to broader societal changes and improvements in accessibility and equality.

    This is the View from Where I Sit!!!

  • Siblings and families of disabled children

    In light of Disability Pride Month, I felt that this topic was important to share. I have found this subject to be true in my personal life and family. There are always complaints about personal hygiene and wheelchair maintenance on a daily basis. This is also challenging for the parents.

    Many disabled children have a close relationship with their siblings, but spending extra time together over the holidays can sometimes lead to difficulties between them.

    In preparation for the Summer holidays, here are some suggested ways of responding to common issues that siblings may experience — but you’ll find much more advice in our Siblings Guide. https://ow.ly/iVyW50SrMiP

    Our guide also has information about what it’s like to have a disabled sibling, sources of support for siblings who are struggling to cope, and helpful tips from parent carers who have “been there” before.

    Read more here: https://ow.ly/QM7n50SrMiO

    https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/listening-ear/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1QnM45ArHisbgKILRn3q7bTyP4sxIufj6dpe5fOvPlVrOBfwFvjLs5_JU_aem_tkMigjz5IowHOtqQxaMcRQ

  • July is Disability Pride Month

    Did you know July is disability pride month?

    Here are eight reasons why Disability Pride Month is important and worth sharing:

    1. Celebration of Diversity: Disability Pride Month celebrates the diversity within the disabled community. It emphasizes that people with disabilities are an integral part of the community and society, contributing in varied and meaningful ways.
    2. Awareness and Education: This month raises awareness about the challenges and discrimination faced by people with disabilities. It provides an opportunity to educate others about disability rights and the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in all areas of life.
    3. Empowerment: Disability Pride Month empowers individuals with disabilities to take pride in their identity. It encourages self-acceptance and dismantles internalized ableism, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
    4. Advocacy and Change: Celebrating Disability Pride Month helps to promote advocacy and drive change. It draws attention to the need for policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities and access to resources.
    5. Visibility and Representation: The month serves to increase the visibility and representation of people with disabilities in media, politics, and public spaces. This visibility helps to dismantle stereotypes and stigmas associated with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive society.
    6. Most of all, it makes us feel seen and heard.
    7. It boosts self esteem.
    8. I just see it as another way to amplify our voices!

    This is The View from Where I Sit!!!

  • Disability Pride Month: 10 Perks Of Being A Disabled Person

    Even though having a disability has its pressure, it isn’t all that bad. There are some benefits that come with having a disability.

    Being disabled does come with many challenges and barriers but on many occasions. It does have its benefits and advantages. This Disability Pride Month, I’m going to share 10 perks of being a disabled person.

    1. Free parking
    2. Free and discounted carer tickets
    3. Theatre touch tours
    4. Assistive technology
    5. Extra time in exams
    6. VAT exemption
    7. Free prescriptions and dental treatment
    8. Discount on TV licence
    9. Not witnessing gruesome scenes in TV/films
    10. Carrying bags on my wheelchair

    This is The View from Where I Sit!!!

  • Outside the Box Cafe

    It’s Learning Disability Week at Outside the Box Cafe in Ilkley. They’re celebrating inclusivity with their OTB Print Group’s fantastic artwork!

    The talented members created beautiful postcards based on the theme of Passage for the Ilkley Arts Secret Postcard Auction, which took place over the weekend of 7th – 9th June.

    Outside the Box cafe is run by a local charity, Ilkley Community Enterprise Ltd, who are dedicated to community action, supporting people who have a learning disability and to re-investing any profits they make back into our local community.

    Outside the Box is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

    They offer a range of services designed to support and uplift those with learning disabilities:

    • Skill-building workshops to enhance confidence and independence
    • Inclusive employment opportunities, fostering a supportive workplace
    • Community engagement activities to build connections and friendships

    Supporting individuals with learning disabilities isn’t just about meeting needs—it’s about recognising and nurturing their potential. Join them in making a difference and help them to create a more inclusive world!

    https://www.outsidetheboxcafe.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2zIUGZZEZzY86rqhB5wS-MAEeIcTqST4pVKvn2w03uMiHaQhEwbYkjk0k_aem_jDNktFDz4Kmsy0XjGxXesA

  • SEND

    SEND is an award winning Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Consultancy, based in England and Wales.

    The key principles of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice are centred around ensuring that children and young people with SEND are supported to achieve the best possible educational and other outcomes. These principles include:

    Inclusive Practice: The focus is on removing barriers to learning and participation in all aspects of school life.
    Participation: Children, young people, and their parents should be involved in decision-making about their support.
    Collaboration: There should be close cooperation between education, health, and social care services to provide high-quality support.
    Support: The system should enable children, young people, and their parents to participate fully in decisions and help them achieve their potential.
    Preparation for Adulthood: Support should help young people to prepare for adulthood, including independent living, employment, and further education.
    Outcomes: There should be a greater focus on the outcomes that will make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
    These principles are designed to ensure that the SEND provision, respects the views, wishes, and feelings of the child or young person and their parents, and emphasizes the importance of them getting involved in the decision making process, as much as possible. The aim is to support them to achieve the best possible educational and other outcomes, preparing them effectively for adulthood.

    They empower and advocate for parents, carers and professionals who support children and young people with SEND.

    The legislation and guidance for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England are outlined in the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years. This statutory code contains details of legal requirements that must be followed without exception, as well as statutory guidance that must be followed by law unless there’s a good reason not to. It explains the duties of local authorities, health bodies, schools, and colleges to provide for those with special educational needs under Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

    The code is applicable to head teachers, principals, governing bodies, school and college staff, special educational needs (SEN) coordinators, early years providers, other education settings, local authorities, health, and social services staff. It was first published on 11 June 2014 and was last updated on 30 April 2020.

    For parents and carers, there’s a guide that explains how the system that supports children and young people with SEND works, covering the law and guidance on which the system is based, places to go for help and further information, and details about changes to the system from 1 September 2014.

    Additionally, the NHS England provides guidance to health and social care, education, and local authorities to ensure that children and young people with SEND are properly supported.

    For more detailed information, you can refer to the official documents and resources provided by the UK government and NHS England.

    https://fb.watch/rkQWop6XJA/

    https://sunshine-support.org/blog/

    https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffb.watch%2FrkJvkTdCwt%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1AMNr7pMG7YNj_sISVwZj3FDoDzhK0kut40ATEKcsiAJhBD_jXKVAQYlM_aem_AccCOp4R0QJQUEOF1aYsPeEawNw7tLITGy3Ja8Oc_W1d_AZSAl6mZLUDSOZ2cSEQddICva2psGBAmt3S-dk78NFV&h=AT2XFQ3bisSelTC4CmivAtF8z5-sOAIMmSK63TxkkAHNchTDWw-3AdjawRzZVQylb-oX507sSYmqNqYhss2Z480yQBfQYg7Omlyf53K5HcNX1OKf5-Wal2YGY7Yf3tjwbldESA&__tn__=R-R

    https://educationadvocacy.co.uk/send-code-of-practice/

  • Using Braille as an Accessibility Tool

    Did you know that braille can be used as an accessibility tool? I used to think that braille was only used to help the visually impaired.

    World Braille Day: Raising Awareness for an Important Communication Tool

    Since 2019, World Braille Day has been celebrated to create awareness of the importance of Braille; an access and communication tool that has played a key role in the realization of human rights for blind and partially sighted people.

    Its roots trace back to the 19th century, when in 1829, its blind inventor; Louis Braille created a tactile alphabet in order to be able to read and write, and eventually gain access to education, the news of this increasingly important tool receiving its own international day of recognition could not have arrived at a more relevant moment, as in its third year of celebration (2021). World Braille Day was reinvented by the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.

    Braille is the system of raised dots used for reading and writing by people who are blind or severely visually impaired. It is read with the fingertips, although with practice, people with sight can read it with their eyes. Letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and numerous other symbols can be written with Braille. Although not technically its own language, Braille is a form of code and can be learned by just about anyone.

    On World Braille Day 2022, Direct Access encouraged businesses to facilitate accessible formats as a means of communication as it is the right thing to do for customers and potentially valuable employees who might also be disabled people. Since our post-COVID world has forced much of society to utilise digital media and formats to facilitate communication, shopping, entertainment, and business; digital accessibility is now necessary to ensure the digital inclusion of all people. Braille is essential in the context of education, freedom of expression and opinion, as well as social inclusion, as reflected in article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

    Using the latest Index Embossers, Direct Access can produce Braille in A4 and A3 formats ranging from healthcare or financial letters to legal documents and company brochures. We also provide state-of-the-art tactile map boards that incorporate a multitude of formats including braille, BSL sign language video, and audio descriptions. They are bound according to preference and checked by our proof-readers. This is usually helpful for tactile learners.

    For more information regarding their access and communication services feel free to contact them. 

    Tactile Braille Map Boards – Direct Access (directaccessgp.com)

    https://www.biography.com/scholar/louis-braille

  • Accessibility Tools

    Manningham House has introduced powerful Accessibility Tools to ensure an inclusive experience for everyone!


    Colour Modes

    Grayscale for calm viewing.

    High Contrast to make things pop.

    Negative Contrast for cool clarity.


    Enhanced Readability

    Light Background for ease on the eyes.

    Links Underline for clear navigation.

    Readable Font for smooth reading.


    And the best part?

    If you ever need to go back to default, just hit Reset!

    Celebrate our launch with us and explore a website that adapts to YOUR needs. Let’s create a more accessible web together!
    Navigate and send us feedback!

    I am impressed with Manningham House. Accessibility Tools help to enhance Access Consultancy!