The View from Where I Sit

Tag: empowerment

  • When Advocacy Becomes a Risk—And Systems Stay Silent

    In many parts of the world, disability advocacy is celebrated as participation, empowerment, and progress.
    But in others, it carries a heavy price.
    Speaking up about inaccessibility.
    Challenging powerful institutions.
    Demanding real enforcement of rights.
    These are not neutral acts everywhere.

    In some contexts, they trigger professional backlash, social exclusion, loss of opportunities, and at times, genuine personal risk.
    The global conversation often fails to acknowledge this reality.
    We champion the slogan “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
    We urge disabled people to raise their voices and lead the change.

    Yet we rarely ask the harder questions:
    At what cost?
    And who is protected when they speak?
    Advocacy without protection is not empowerment; it is exposure.
    Systems that depend on individuals to carry personal risk, while offering no structural safeguards, are not inclusive.
    They are fragile, and they are unjust.

    If we are serious about global disability inclusion, protection must be built into systems, not left to individuals:

    • Secure and anonymous reporting mechanisms
    • Enforceable legal protections for advocates and whistleblowers
    • Enforced institutional accountability when retaliation occurs
    • Sustained international solidarity that does not abandon local advocates

    The burden of change cannot continue to fall on those already most at risk.

    “Nothing About Us Without Us” must also mean:
    Nothing at the expense of our safety.
    Inclusion is not only about access.

    It is about protection, dignity, and the freedom to speak without fear.

  • 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.

  • Voting with a Disability in the UK

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Voting with a disability can be quite a tedious but rewarding experience. We often suffer marginalised politics for a marginalised people.

    The Electoral Voting Commission in the UK offers Accessible Voting for all. They endorse voting through accessibility videos: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessible-voting-for-all.

    First of all, you must register to vote, but only once you’re 18 years old or older on the day of the election. In Scotland and Wales you can vote at age 16 or over.

    You can register online or by post. However, you cannot vote online in any elections.

    Physically challenged voters and wheelchair users can vote in person because all polling stations are wheelchair accessible. They also have the option of voting by post. As a wheelchair user, while living in Bradford as a student, I voted in person. I’ve also voted in person at the St. John’s Anglican church in Ilkley.

    Vision Impaired Voters

    Vision Impaired voters can vote through Tactile Audio Device Voting. The TAD is easy to use and utilize your hearing and touch senses to vote without assistance: https://bernews.com/2020/09/tad-voting-demonstration-on-saturday/?fbclid=IwAR0i7UY4PXPDUJ1uF95-w_F3QBogRtqDwOWq8jDPpgJqHn_ZmBiWyA8wF4k.

    There’s also Proxy Voting in Wales. You can do this by asking someone to vote for you. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/898774/Apply-to-vote-by-proxy-due-to-a-disability-Welsh.pdf.

    Hearing Impaired Voters

    Unfortunately, according to my research, the hearing impaired want to be included in voting at the European Parliamentary Elections, through subtitles and sign language but are still fighting for recognition. https://www.eud.eu/news/real-rights-persons-disabilities-vote-european-parliament-elections/.

    Deaf voters are demanding improvements. ‘No captions, no vote’, they say! https://inews.co.uk/opinion/no-captions-no-vote-why-deaf-voters-are-calling-for-more-accessible-campaigning-this-general-election-368084. This indicates that there is more work, by way of advocacy, to be done.

    According to statistics, one in five British voters are disabled. So why does politics ignore us?

    Austerity has been bruttal for disabled people. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/13/disabled-people-politics-brexit-election. This is why we need elections and voting.

    Most politicians like to say ‘don’t vote, don’t complain.’

    However the disabled community has every right to complain if they’ve asked for reasonable adjustments but get ignored every time.

    Voting is about getting your voice heard. Voting is the starting point for political action. It’s about sharing political concerns, expectations and solutions. Disability voting is about tackling and dismantling oppressive systems of injustice. It is also about holding our politicians accountable. Voting should reimagine law enforcement, as well as reinforce disability justice, disability rights and disability advocacy.

    The next step after campaigning and voting would be debating disability related issues. Canvassing is about relationship building. Canvassing will most likely highlight voters concerns. It is very difficult to debate sensitive subjects that you are passionate about like Euthanasia, without letting your emotions run high.

    During my high school years, I had the privilege of participating in a political group called ‘Youth Parliament Bermuda.’ While on this team, I got a chance to debate various topics in the House of Assembly with other students. http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20070517/NEWS/305179917.

    The Disability Union is also good at doing this for legal support (https://disabilityunion.co.uk/).

    Netflix even has a disability revolution movie entitled, ‘Crip Camp’, which is a documentary about a groundbreaking summer camp which galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities, to help build a movement forging a new path towards greater equality. It also shows great impacts on disability rights and advocacy.

    Also, voting and elections is about power. Purple is also associated with royalty. The reason why the colour purple is used to represent disability is because it’s about identity : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-25767082. As a member of the Purple Vote Campaign, this is important to know.

    Disability representation is important for inclusion, equality and identity. ‘DISABILITY VOTE MATTERS!’

    Voting might be more difficult this year than at any other point in history due to global pandemic and lack of access to voting options. This is why we are raising awareness about voting resources, rights, and the importance of the disability vote. We need everyone involved to make positive change in our communities.

  • ‘EMPOWER YOURSELF’

    ‘EMPOWER YOURSELF’

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    ‘Making a plan to improve your life’

    ‘When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.’

    Empowering oneself requires independence, and choosing the way you respond to each challenge you face in life. Displaying self-control in negative situations, is another way to access your inner power in order to empower yourself. Planning ahead is another way of maintaining control and empowering yourself, especially in the ‘disabling world.’ It helps you to stay in control of your life and your future.

    The Disability Experiential Cycle

    Everyone with a disability goes through, what is considered, the Disability Experiential Cycle. This cycle consists of the time span of your life, quality of life and well-being behaviour in the ‘disabling world’. During this cycle, we experience all sorts of feelings like denial, shock, blame, confusion, frustration and adjustment. While experiencing these feelings, there are things that we can do to improve our lives.

    What is it like living with a disability or a long- term health condition?

    You must be a problem solver, resourceful, determined and attentive to detail. You also need good communication skills, as well as empathy with the businesses and customers. We also must be creative, adaptable and flexible. Developing my own independence causes me to empower myself.

    How is this relevant to the kind of work you want?

    All advocates and Politicians should have these qualities. Journalists also need these skills.

    Do you share customer characteristics then say how?

    Yes. The customer characteristics that I share are:

    • I’m always connected
    • I can be opinionated
    • I’m value conscious
    • I trust
    • I seek authenticity
    • I require immediacy
    • I follow rituals

    Within the Individual Model of Disability there is no cure, whereas, within the Social Model of Disability, there is a cure.

    In relation to the Social Model of Disability, there is the ‘Disabling World’ which brings multiple discrimination. There are also issues of isolation, lack of financial independence, segregated or poor education, language, charity model, attitudes, fear, lack of inclusion, charging for services, lack of accessible transport, lack of accessible loop, steps, BSL interpreters, overprotective families, access to information, poor job prospects, negative media, poverty, stereotyping, ignorance, building design, prejudiced attitudes, charities’ offensive images of disabled people and housing.

    In reference to the Individual Model, there’s also stereotyping. Most times when people mention disability, they always use the wheelchair symbol which can be demeaning and is misleading as not all disabilities are physical.

    What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

    I am an aspiring Politician and Disability Advocate.

    What is it that limits your opportunities or holds you back?

    I am a wheelchair using, unemployed, university graduate with very little work experience.

    What do you want to do about this, what actions will make a difference?

    I’m actively job-searching and improving my skills. I’ve elevated myself through having a blog, CV, Cover Letter, Reference Letter and good educational background.

    What is in our power to change?

    The power is in managing our well-being. We should always consider what we truly have to offer an employer. We have the power to choose who we connect with. There’s power in what we choose to learn and get better at. There’s also power in self-motivation, self-confidence and how resilient we are.

    Identify Life and Work Aspirations

    My Life goals include Journalism and Politics. Journalism and Politics are my passion. This is a short term life goal. Life skills are required such as good IT skills, good reading skills, good writing skills and good communication skills.

    My Work goals include disability advocacy. Disability Advocacy is a long-term life goal that I have. I already have a university degree in BA History and Politics to help me achieve this goal. I could potentially complete a Masters Degree in Journalism or Social Work to help me accomplish my goal. I’ve also contemplated becoming a Disability Consultant.

    Employment skills needed are interpersonal skills, communication skills, time-management, money-management.

    What holds me back?

    A Lack of opportunities. A Lack of work experience. A Lack of training. For some of us, discrimination. I need to improve my interview skills.

    What limits my opportunities and choices?

    Wheelchair accessibility and lack of work experience.

    What are the barriers that get in my way?

    Barriers that get in my way include Disability, lack of training and lack of work experience.

    What can I do about the things that block me?

    Find ways to overcome obstacles or improvise. Ask for help. Create a personal accountability network.

    What should we have in a plan?

    Identify the problem and come up with a solution. Then set deadlines. Create small, manageable, attainable and reachable tasks to meet each deadline. Encourage yourself along the way with personal declarations, quotes and affirmations. Create a personal inventory and set goals. Get a personal counsellor, work coach or therapist to help you.

    What do we want in our Improvement Plan?

    I need to work on self-confidence, work on developing resilience like managing stress. I can also work on marketing for jobs, job search skills and tactics, as well as, how to explain the gap in my CV, personal presence, real work experience, introductions with employers and more.

    What are our top priorities for action?

    Top priorities for action are Job-searching, career-mapping, blogging, interviews, and improving skills. Starting your own business is another plan of action that can be used as a source of income.

    Future Collaborations

    Now we have some great ideas to work on, how will we do it?

    We can collaborate through group meetings, phone calls and emails.

    How often should we do this?

    This could be done either daily, annually, monthly, or quarterly.

    Who do we want to involve?

    I would involve employers. I’d involve my Work Coach. I would include support organisations like Reed in Partnership, Leeds Job-centre, and University Careers Office. I would include other Individuals. This could include family members and friends for accountability. I may also want to involve sponsors for additional financial support. I may even get some legal advice.

    These are some of the ways that you can empower yourself especially if you have a disability. These are some of my recommendations that I would make to the ‘disabling world’ at large!