The View from Where I Sit

Tag: inclusion

  • 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

  • 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!

  • Legislation surrounding Access Consultancy

    Access consultancy is a service that provides advice on how to make buildings and environments more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities and other protected characteristics. Access Consultancy covers a wide range of areas like:

    • Wheelchair Accessibility
    • Digital Accessibility
    • Web Accessibility

    Welcome to The view from where I sit versus The view from where you sit!

    DISABILITY RIGHTS:

    There are different pieces of legislation that relate to access consultancy, such as: The Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers, employers, education providers and others to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people and to avoid discrimination based on protected characteristics.

    Article 54 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 requires that a person with a disability to have: access and facilitation in educational institutions, reasonable access to all places, and access to device material. Additionally, at least 5% of elective and appointive positions are to be for PWDs.

    I just recently found out that March 1st is International Wheelchair Day! International Wheelchair Day, is a global celebration of the profound impact wheelchairs have on the lives of millions around the world.

    International Wheelchair Day 2024 promotes mobility, access, and inclusion. This is very important for access consultancy.

    Key takeaways

    • International Wheelchair Day was celebrated on March 1, 2024, to raise awareness of the challenges faced by wheelchair users and promote inclusion.
    • The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Mobility, access and inclusion: Empowering independence’.
    • United Spinal Association urged people to recognize the day and support disability inclusion.

    The National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC), which is an independent accreditation service for individuals who provide access consultancy and access auditor services in the UK. The Information and Consultation Regulations, which require employers to establish arrangements for informing and consulting their employees on certain matters.

    Kenya has not been able to meet the standards of this article due lack of political goodwill, ignorance of the law, and general and intentional overlook of the plight of PWD. Persons with Disabilities are still considered as people who should sit somewhere and wait for help and care.

    In the few employment opportunities, is the work environment disability friendly to enable PWD thrive? The answer is NO!

    1. What is the level of representation for PWD?
    2. What is the level of accessibility?
    3. What is the level of access to development and personal growth,
    4. Are PWD considered for promotional opportunities?
    5. What is the level of inclusivity in the organization or integration is the order of the day?

    We must seek to answer these insightful questions to help us in identifying the gaps.

    The Constitution under the Bill of Rights recognizes in Article 54 that persons with disabilities are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect and not to be referred to in a manner that is demeaning, to access educational institutions and facilities, to reasonable access to all places, public transport and information, to use sign language, Braille or other appropriate means of communication and to access materials and devices.

    You can find more information about these and other relevant legislation on the websites of the sources I have referenced.
    https://globaldisability.org/2016/04/01/review-kenya-persons-disabilities-act-2003-overdue#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20under%20the%20Bill%20of%20Rights%20recognizes,of%20communication%20and%20to%20access%20materials%20and%20devices.

    https://www.assurityconsulting.co.uk/assets/Guide-PDFs-2023/Equality-Act-and-Access-Audits-Guide-23.pdf

    https://www.evansjones.co.uk/services/access/access-audits.php

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2010362#:~:text=Posted%20On%3A%2029%20FEB%202024%207%3A46PM%20by%20PIB,on%20the%20lives%20of%20millions%20around%20the%20world.https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2010362

  • ‘Overthrow the Status Quo’

    “I’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.” —Niccolo Machiavelli

    This quote is often interpreted as a call to action for change and innovation. Machiavelli was known for his political writings, which were often controversial and challenged the traditional norms of his time. He believed that change was necessary for progress and that those in power should be willing to take risks and make bold decisions to achieve their goals.

    This quote can be interpreted in many ways, but it is often used to encourage people to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. It is a reminder that change is necessary for growth and that we should not be afraid to take risks and try new things. Whether it’s in politics, business, or our personal lives, we should always be looking for ways to improve and make a positive impact on the world around us.

    Don’t fit in! It won’t address the challenges to success that you will face. Use new questions, people, information, and points-of-view to re-examine situation, goals, processes, and ways of thinking. It’s a new world, one in which the environment you are operating in is changing fast. If you want to keep up, overthrow the status quo.

    To overthrow the status quo, try surrounding yourself with new people, the right people who can help you see through your biases. Build new relationships and get other people involved. Build yourself a team of subject matter experts and then learn to rely on their expert advice.

    You can also overthrow the status quo by standing out and thinking outside of the box. It includes going beyond the norm. It involves challenging legislation and rules, especially the ones that discriminate against people with disabilities.

    https://www.stincelliadvisors.com/four-ways-to-overthrow-the-status-quo/#:~:text=To%20overthrow%20the%20status%20quo%2C%20try%20surrounding%20yourself,then%20learn%20to%20rely%20on%20their%20expert%20advice.

    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/belonging-versus-fitting-context-disability-inclusion-cassie-day/

  • 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)

  • Mobility Aids

    Prescription glasses are just as much of a mobility aid as a wheelchair is.

    Why is one so stigmatized and the other isn’t?

    In my opinion, both prescription glasses and wheelchairs are mobility aids that help people with different types of disabilities.

    However, the stigma attached to wheelchairs is more than that of glasses. According to an article on Nautilus, the stigma attached to wheelchairs is due to the cultural understanding of disability and the way it is portrayed in the media. Disability can be deemed as a cultural construct not a social construct.

    It all started with a street art campaign by Sara Hendren and Brian Glenney, who redesigned the commonly accepted symbol for disability, called the International Symbol of Access, to change the way people perceive wheelchairs.

    On the other hand, there is no stigma attached to wearing glasses, and people who wear eyeglasses do not feel any shame in walking out of the door. 

    However, studies show that there is plenty of stigma attached to hearing aids. It is important to note that the stigma attached to mobility aids is not only a result of cultural understanding but also a result of the lack of accessibility and inclusivity in our society. We need to work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities.

    https://nautil.us/why-are-wheelchairs-more-stigmatized-than-glasses-235841/

    The Accessible Icon Project

  • Beautiful Blackpool Illuminations

    On November 11th, 2023, I went on a day trip with the Community Through Inclusion 2000 Group to Blackpool Illuminations. There were three charities dedicated to disabilities that were booked to travel there in the month of November, including Holibreaks, which means it is high in demand.

    It all started at 11:45am. We travelled together on the Ilkley Community Transport bus. Our journey started at the Ashland’s Primary School in Ilkley. We drove on the coach from Ilkley to Fleetwood for lunch. We ate fish and chips at Fleetwood. We aimed to get to Blackpool by 5pm to go through the Illumination lights and returned to Ilkley at around 9pm to go home. I look forward to our next Sausage Sizzle to commemorate the moment.

    https://www.visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/blackpool-illuminations-and-lightpool/25-blackpool-illuminations-facts/

    www.ilkleycommunitytransport.org.uk

  • People’s History Museum Manchester

    People’s History Museum Manchester

    The People’s History Museum is hosting an exhibition on disability rights, history and advocacy. The theme of the exhibition is Nothing About Us Without Us! The most accessible exhibition that has ever taken place at PHM, #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs showcases an extensive collection of protest material brought together for the first time. On display until Monday 16 October 2023.

    The Disabled Person’s Action Group attended the event in Manchester to support the national museum of democracy. The exhibition interests me because I have a BA degree in History and Politics. Journalism and Politics are also my passion. I learned a lot during this exhibition. There was a wealth of information shared about activism, intersectionality, disability pride and politics.

    Does the Vulcan salute have any meaning in the American sign language?

    The Vulcan salute is a hand gesture popularized by the Star Trek franchise, which is intended to represent the “Live Long and Prosper” phrase used by the characters from the planet Vulcan. The gesture is made by raising the hand, with the fingers separated into a “V” shape and the thumb extended. In American Sign Language (ASL), there is no specific sign for the Vulcan salute.

    However, the signs for “live” and “long” are often used together to convey the sentiment “Live long and prosper.” The sign for “live” is made by holding the hand in the shape of an L, and the sign for “long” is made by extending the fingers of one hand and moving it away from the body. It’s worth noting that the Vulcan salute is not a widely recognized symbol within the Deaf community, so it may not be widely understood as a reference to Star Trek or the phrase “Live Long and Prosper.”

    Secret Societies

    Did you know trade unions originated from secret societies?

    In the early 18th and 19th centuries, skilled working men formed trade societies to improve working conditions. Trade unions originated from these societies. These societies were illegal and had to meet in secret.

    This exhibition would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of the entire PHM team, the Community Curators (Alison Wilde, Anis Akhtar, Hannah Ross and Ruth Malkin), the steering group and all those who have contributed their stories and experiences. Check out the accompanying programme of accessible events and activities at the link in their bio.

    Explore #IdeasWorthFightingFor, past, present and future at People’s History Museum, the UK’s national museum of democracy. Open every day (except Tues) from 10am-5pm, FREE ENTRY. Thank you!

    Full statement: https://phm.org.uk/phm-story/statements-and-responses/.

    https://phm.org.uk/blog/

    https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinkin.bio%2Fphmmcr&e=AT26SOZArkaUdsyGjCSjU4X8LSLJl6hMgyS6jAMV84ajXNYJfZs8JVaP-mbQNiIBdT13lRyYgvDI7PbsDg027P3dO6oZVCQ-PbW16g

    https://www.tuc.org.uk/ProtectRightToStrike

    Michael Marek: Spock’s Character Arc (mimarek1.blogspot.com)

  • Reflections and Key Messages from Luke Chapter 5

    1. 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!