The View from Where I Sit

Tag: disability empowerment

  • 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

  • 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.

  • The Purple Vote Campaign

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

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

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

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

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

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

  • I CAN, I WILL PROGRAMME

    I CAN, I WILL PROGRAMME

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

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

    I had 90 minute workshops each week for 3 weeks:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    In the job application process:

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

    In order to plan to move forward:

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

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

    -Simon Cox

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

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

    Get the doctor on your side

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

    The right work is good for you

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

    Effective condition self-management and control

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

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

    –Yogi Berry

    Support for improving mental health

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

    Physical activity-exercise and stretching

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

    Ergonomic Solutions-adjusting the way work is done

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

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

    • BASIC SKILLS
    • PERSONAL SKILLS
    • JOB ATTAINMENT

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

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