The View from Where I Sit

Tag: wheelchair

  • Waterproof vs Splash Resistant Wheelchairs

    Splash-resistant wheelchairs can handle light exposure to water such as rain, while waterproof wheelchairs are designed to prevent water ingress even during full submersion, offering much higher protection for both manual and electric models.


    Splash-Resistant Wheelchairs
    Splash-resistant (or water-resistant) wheelchairs are built to withstand minor, incidental contact with water. For electric wheelchairs, this typically means they have an IP rating around IPX4, which protects the device from water splashes coming from any direction but does not protect against full immersion in water.


    Features include:
    Sealed or partially sealed motors and batteries to resist light rain or accidental splashes.
    Suitable for use on damp streets or light showers for short periods.
    Requires immediate drying if exposed to significant water to prevent corrosion, rust, or electrical failure.

    Accessories like rain covers, joystick guards, and waterproof ponchos are often recommended for additional protection.


    Manual splash-resistant wheelchairs may be made from water-resistant materials or have coated frames, but they still rely on careful avoidance of deep puddles or prolonged water exposure.


    Waterproof Wheelchairs
    Waterproof wheelchairs offer a much higher level of protection. In this context, waterproof implies the device is impervious to water, capable of being fully submerged without damage.

    Key points:
    Waterproof wheelchairs are often manual models specifically designed for aquatic or beach use, made of corrosion-resistant materials such as marine-grade aluminum or PVC.


    They may include buoyant or floating components, allowing safe use in pools, lakes, or on wet sand.
    Electric waterproof wheelchairs are extremely rare due to the complexity of sealing electrical and battery components, but innovations like air-powered PneuChairs exist to allow waterproof operation.


    Fully waterproof designs prevent any water from reaching sensitive parts, making them suitable for prolonged exposure in pools or wet outdoor environments.


    Practical Implications
    Intended use: Splash-resistant models are suitable for everyday activities with occasional rain or splashes, while waterproof models are for aquatic therapy, beach, or pool access.

    Maintenance: Splash-resistant wheelchairs require drying and care after exposure to water, whereas waterproof wheelchairs can tolerate repeated submersion without corroding or short-circuiting.

    Material choice: Waterproof models use corrosion-resistant materials and sealed components, spanning manual, lightweight, or specialized designs; splash-resistant models prioritize partial water protection while retaining comfort and mobility.


    Legal and warranty considerations: Exposure beyond splash resistance (e.g., heavy rain or puddle submersion) may void warranties on electric wheelchairs.

    In summary, splashes versus submersion is the key difference: splash-resistant wheelchairs handle light water exposure safely, while waterproof wheelchairs are designed to be impervious to water, capable of safe use in fully wet environments. Choosing between them depends on how and where the wheelchair will be used.

  • Access Granted or Access Denied?

    Access Granted or Access Denied?

    There is a very big difference wheelchair accessible and wheelchair welcome. People with disabilities are often more disabled by societal aspects like inaccessibility and ableism than we are by our own conditions.

    In 2026, navigating the world as a wheelchair user continues to feel like a constant struggle, despite the fact that there are approximately 80 million of us globally. And what’s even more frustrating is that all of the barriers we face are entirely avoidable/preventable.

    People may not want to hear it, but inaccessibility is just another form of segregation, and we cannot continue to sit and watch idly as 80 million people (approximately 1% of the global population) are still completely unable to access so many things. From shops, to medical facilities, to restaurants, holidays and leisure activities, wheelchair users are continuing to face unnecessary barriers everywhere. It needs to stop.

    Are there any other access barriers you can think of that we may not have included here?

    Web Accessibility
    When websites aren’t designed with screen readers, color contrast, keyboard navigation or font size & style in mind, millions for users, including those of us who are blind, we are excluded from accessing vital information.
    • Resource: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
    • Learn More: Accessibility features such as alt text for images, proper heading structures, and accessible forms can make all the difference. Capitalizing the first letter of every word after a # allows our screen readers the ability to read the hashtag #MakingADifference instead of #makingadifference.

    Physical Accessibility

    When we can’t access your building, you create a barrier for us. Buildings without ramps, automatic doors, tactile paving, or proper signage prevent people with disabilities from accessing public spaces. Physical barriers can prevent participation in social, professional, or personal activities.
    • Resource: Rick Hansen Foundation. Standards for Accessible Design
    • Learn More: Simple design changes like adding ramps, elevators, or accessible restrooms can foster inclusion.

    Accessible Recruitment Processes

    When your recruitment process isn’t accessible, you create a barrier for us. When job applications and interviews aren’t accessible, companies lose out on valuable talent. Recruitment should accommodate everyone, including candidates living with disabilities, by offering alternatives like online interviews, accessible application forms, and inclusive onboarding processes. One way does not work for everyone, being welcoming and open to working with individuals to find solutions leads to productivity.
    • Resource: Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Recruitment and Hiring

    Inclusive Company Culture

    When your company culture isn’t accessible, you create a barrier for us. It’s not just about getting people through the door; it’s about creating a work environment where everyone can succeed. This includes providing assistive technologies, offering flexible work hours, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. This is not an expensive process. In fact there are Grants available to make spaces more inclusive and accessible.
    • Resource: Disability:IN – Inclusive Culture Guide

    Accessible Content
    Content, whether it’s a video, a document, or social media, needs to be accessible to everyone. Captioned videos, transcriptions for audio content, and using accessible fonts and color contrasts are key to reaching a broader audience.
    • Resource: W3C Accessibility Resources

    Together, we can break through barriers. Accessibility is about equity and inclusion. By making conscious efforts to improve accessibility in all areas, we create barrier free spaces.

    Let’s challenge the status quo and make a commitment to creating a world where everyone can fully participate. Being mindful we will all be 80 years old one day and everyone of us will need some accommodation or assistance. Lets all age knowing life will be easier for us when we need the accessibility for ourself or loved ones.

    This is the View from Where I Sit!

  • International Wheelchair Day


    International Wheelchair Day reminds us that mobility isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that wheels deserve far more appreciation than they get. For many people, a wheelchair isn’t a symbol of limitation but freedom, independence, and the ability to move through the world on their own terms (and occasionally overtake slow walkers without meaning to).

    The day celebrates wheelchair users worldwide while recognising the innovation and advocacy that continue to improve accessibility. It’s about real visibility — everyday disabled lives, not inspirational clichés.

    Wheelchairs also have a fascinating history. Here are ten facts you might not know:

    1. The first recorded wheelchair dates to the 1500s and was built for a Spanish king — accessibility started when royalty demanded convenience.
    2. Many modern chairs use aerospace-grade metals like aluminium or titanium. Yes, some wheelchairs are basically engineering show-offs.
    3. Wheelchair sports helped drive better everyday chair design through demands for performance and durability.
    4. Chairs are customised down to millimetres because fit directly affects health and comfort.
    5. Manual wheelchair use can burn energy similar to light cycling — wheeling absolutely counts as cardio.
    6. Power chairs can cost as much as a small car yet rarely include cup holders, which feels like a missed opportunity.
    7. Many users personalise their chairs with colours and accessories, turning mobility aids into self-expression.
    8. Front wheels, called casters, mysteriously detect every bump in existence.
    9. Ramps and curb cuts benefit everyone, from parents with prams to travellers with luggage.
    10. Mobility isn’t fixed — many users switch aids depending on fatigue, pain, or environment.

    International Wheelchair Day ultimately celebrates autonomy and the reality that mobility looks different for everyone. A wheelchair doesn’t restrict life; it helps people live it fully — ideally on smoother pavements everywhere.

    Happy Wheeling!

  • 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

  • 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

  • Navigating College and University Life

    It’s been six years since I graduated from University. As I reminisce on this milestone, navigating College and University Life independently, as a disabled student, was tricky. The British education system is quite competitive compared to Bermuda. Essex and London was my original goal and preference but it didn’t work out. Therefore, Bradford became my stomping ground.

    My High School G.P.A wasn’t good enough to go straight to University, so after I moved to England I went to College first then University. I never completed G.C.S.E’s. I attempted A Levels but failed. This can be discouraging for an Audio-visual Learner.

    As soon as I got here, the Bradford College International Office insisted on meeting me just to make sure that this was something I wanted to do. They expressed concerns about me getting homesick. They seemed more nervous than me.

    Before I officially pursued Higher Education, the Bradford College told me that I needed an electric wheelchair because Bradford is very hilly. I was also notified that if I wished to receive any help from Learning Support, I would have to pay for it, because I was seen as an International Student and not a Home Student. Later on I found out that this wasn’t true and I was able to receive Learning Support without the extra charge.

    While advocating for myself, I felt that I was talking a lot more to get what I needed. I tried not to be vocal and vulgar, but it was frustrating. This didn’t help with my organisational skills either. After the first four months I wanted to quit, but my parents wouldn’t let me.

    By January, the head of A Levels Department and head of Learning Support met with me to discuss and express concerns about my academic progress within the first four months. They predicted that I would fail the course before the year was out. A Levels required loads of self study and unstructured study skills. I even got personal online tutorials in addition to College lectures.

    A Level Lecturers were allowed to pick, choose and refuse to put students forward for a mock or final exam, regardless of academic progress and results.

    Exams were answered in essay format and not one line answers. For A-Levels, answers were marked based on quantity. They did word and line count. University lecturers didn’t do that.

    However, my degree was heavily coursework based and essays were marked based on quality of answer. They were also written in essay format and not one line answers. Spelling, grammar and punctuation also contributed to your exam results.

    Learning support provided specialist equipment, extra exam time, essay structuring and preparation, as well as exam scribes or lecture scribes.

    I found referencing and bibliographies confusing at times, especially when writing my dissertation. In University, I had to use the Harvard Referencing System for essays and the Numeric Referencing System showing footnotes for my dissertation.

    To make matters worse, referencing a book is different to referencing an e-book and the list goes on. Then I submitted my coursework through Turnitin, a plagiarism detector. If Turnitin processed your coursework and found 50% of it was copied from other sources and not written in your own words, then you automatically failed without the teacher marking it.

    Freshers Fair vs. Student Orientation

    In the UK, the first couple of weeks of university are referred to as “freshers week” or “welcome week”. This is because the first-year students are fresh to the university. It’s a great time to make new friends, get started on your classes, join clubs and societies and find your way around your campus and local area. Most universities start freshers week around the end of September when the students arrive for the new academic year.

    Some universities may have two weeks of “freshers” and so may start a little earlier in the middle of September.  Throughout the week (or two) your university will offer activities, meet and greets, and other events to allow students to socialise and get to know their university. This is also the time when students can sign up to the local health centre, register for their library card and apply for their student cards. 

    Halls of residence will host events to help you settle into your living space and meet other students living in the building. The local off-campus restaurants, pubs and nightclubs often offer discounts, deals and themed nights to help students settle into the area. 

    Even though Bermuda doesn’t have Universities, the rest of the school system provides Student Orientation at the beginning of the year. I feel that Student Orientation in Bermuda’s schools actually prepared you for your course. England, on the other hand, gives you a list of school supplies needed for each subject and then you are left to figure it out on your own.

    Student Finance and Benefits

    I feel that students who claim disability are well funded. This helped me, especially since I chose not to work while studying. You can apply for:

    Disabled Student’s Allowance

    Disabled Living Allowance

    This also makes things a little easier while living independently, studying, managing my health and finding the time to have a social life. All of these experiences taught me to believe in myself, encourage myself and not give up even when it seemed like the lecturers doubted me. Even though navigating the education system was tricky, I am proud of myself for pursuing and persevering.

    https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/what-can-i-expect-during-my-first-week-university#Canada

    http://www.as-levels.com

    https://www.turnitinuk.com/login_page.asp

  • THE PROS AND CONS OF USING MOTORISED WHEELCHAIRS!

    When buying a new wheelchair, there are many types to consider. Wheelchair assessments can be quite stressful when applying for a new wheelchair as frequent as every four years. It makes it worse when able bodied assessors are trying to tell what you need and don’t need. In fact the only reason why I got one in the first place is because the college I attended, made it mandatory for me to have one in order to study there. I was told that Bradford was too hilly so I got a motorised wheelchair to get through college. This is one of the many times that a wheelchair user has to advocate for themselves.

    One of the most popular varieties is an electric wheelchair. Before you commit to this purchase, make sure it is the right option for you. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

    PROS

    Pro: They are more comfortable

    One of the top reasons people choose an electric wheelchair over a manual one is that they tend to be more comfortable. These chairs are often custom-made to fit the person’s size and body shape. You will find that the seat of the chair is cushioned to provide extra support and has a headrest at just the right height. It might also have additional back support. Also, the pads of the seat sit more securely than manual wheelchair seat pads. In general, electric wheelchairs will have more custom options for comfort than the manual wheelchairs have.

    Pro: There are a lot of great features

    You also have a wider range of features when you choose an electric wheelchair. Not only is the wheelchair motorized so you can go farther faster, but you can go in reverse without too much effort. You can also add a lot of different features since the larger wheelchairs provide ample space for extras. For example, if you don’t have good use of your arms and hands, you can get an electric wheelchair that moves when you change your head positions or get a voice-controlled wheelchair. Some models also add built-in heat just in case you are out on a cold day. You can get one with a seat that rises to help you get items on a higher shelf. This feature encourages pressure relief and independence. The newer models even have extra security features to prevent it from being stolen.

    Pro: You have more independence

    Perhaps most of all, you have more independence with an electric wheelchair. As someone who is a wheelchair user, it can be hard requiring someone to move the wheelchair for you, even when you do not have the energy to use your arms for turning the wheels of a manual chair. If you want to be able to get around freely without someone else’s help, an electric wheelchair is your best option.

    CONS

    Con: The wheelchair is large and heavy

    On the downside, electric wheelchairs are large and bulky, not to mention heavy. Nobody will be able to lift this chair on their own to get it into a vehicle or into your home. You must have a proper ramp or a wheelchair-friendly vehicle. Manual wheelchairs are light enough to lift and fold to fit just about anywhere.

    Con: They are more expensive

    Naturally, electric wheelchairs are considerably more expensive. You are paying for all those extra features, the motorized function, and the overall size of the new chair. It is possible that your insurance policy will cover some of the costs, so you should check with them before you decide not to get this type of wheelchair. Charities, government and personal fundraisers may help but there’s no guarantee they will cover the costs.

    Con: It impedes on your cardiovascular strength.

    Upper body strength is important for a wheelchair user, especially when you have little to no use of your lower extremities.

    Con: It is hazardous to use them in rain, ice, mud, sand and snow.

    The traction from the wheels gets stuck in ice, mud, sand and snow. It can also be slippery when it rains. It is also tricky to charge them in a power cut.

    http://theresumexpert.com/2015/06/01/pros-and-cons-of-electric-wheelchairs/#:~:text=Pro%3A%20There%20are%20a%20lot%20of%20great%20features,the%20larger%20wheelchairs%20provide%20ample%20space%20for%20extras.

  • What does Independence mean to me?

    All throughout life, I’ve been encouraged and trained to be independent despite being diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus at birth. Independence is important to me. This pandemic has actually caused me to live at a higher level of independence, especially, in relation to self care and health care.

    Some wheelchair users prefer their own independence because receiving help makes them feel more disabled than they already are. It’s partly about dignity and respect. Other times it can be about disability pride. Their disability pride can be fuelled by entitlement, and identity. Wheelchair accessibility is one right that wheelchair users are entitled to.

    Wheelchair inaccessibility causes one to be co-dependent. I experienced this in Bermuda. I also cannot claim benefits at all in addition to relying on family. Fortunately, wheelchair accessibility enhanced my Independent Living. I experienced this in England. Wheelchair accessibility causes one to be independent because you can access things without relying on someone. I also cannot claim benefits while living with family.

    For example, when I was eight years old, I got my first manual wheelchair. From that age, I was always encouraged to push myself instead of allowing anyone to push me. This reinforced my independence.

    Another level of independence that I’ve experienced was high school. During my first year of high school, the building was nowhere near wheelchair accessible so I required hands on support. However, while in my second year of high school, it was taken away from me. I did everything on my own without a Paraeducator, because, when I transferred to the new wheelchair accessible building, it was assumed that I no longer needed support. This wasn’t a smart move because I struggled under pressure, failed two subjects and had to do Summer School to catch up on credits. This also affected my G.P.A when I graduated. This was quite stressful and frustrating for me. I cried and complained to my parents so they met with the school to sort it it out.

    However, it made me more self aware and helped me improve time management. Having an extra pair of hands helped me to navigate the school faster.

    The next example was during the first semester of my first year in college. I took classes without learning support for fear that I’d have to pay for it, because I was being treated as an international student instead of a home student. Before my January exams, lecturers raised concerns about my grades and overall progress. When this was realised, I was given assistance from learning support without paying for it. But I must admit, that it made me more organised and it improved my study skills and habit.

    Another aspect of independence that I learned, especially in college, is speaking up for myself while living independently. I had to move to another country to further my studies due to wheelchair accessibility issues.

    During my first year of college, meeting with the learning support department was very frustrating. Communication between my lecturers and the learning support department always seemed disconnected. The week or day before my exams, lecturers always asked me what was the learning support plan for my exams. This stressed me out because after every meeting, they assured me that they would share our discussion with the staff members. This almost never happened and I found myself repeating all of the information just to ensure my needs were met. This took away from my personal study time.

    However, all of these experiences taught me how to advocate for myself and cultivated the desire to advocate for others with disabilities.

    Unfortunately, due to struggling to balance studies, personal care and health I got help from disability services. This came in the form of a social worker, carers, district nurses, and a GP, after my first year of college. I received these services because I started losing weight and getting pressure ulcers. This means I had to rely on people more to help me cope with the demands of life. They helped me with cooking, cleaning, laundry and sometimes shopping. It helped me to set my priorities straight and enhanced my independence.

    Independence means taking ownership, taking responsibility, and taking action. It’s all part of maturity and putting on my ‘big girl panties.’ This is what independence means to me!

  • Disability Representation

    Disability Representation

    Disability has a negative connotation that extends beyond its definition, which includes impairments, activity limits, and participation restrictions. Disabled people’s attitudes and the degree of social exclusion they experience are manifested in actions that vary greatly depending on the kind of impairment and various social, community, and familial factors. The impact of an individual’s position, as well as the type and degree of his or her handicap, and, in particular, his or her gender, can be tremendous.

    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.

    People don’t come with labels.

    ‘You don’t look ill’! Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. A diagnosis should never define anyone.

    The skills of handicapped individuals are generally undervalued in society.

    Why is the wheelchair the only emblem used to represent disability?

    This gives a distorted view of disability. We need self respect and mutual respect.

    Wheelchair Privilege

    It is hard to acknowledge our own privilege because privilege is the other side of oppression. Some people are against talking about privilege because they don’t want to be framed as the aggressors or complicit in a system that gives them an advantage at the expense of others. Other critics of the word ‘privilege’ mistake it for a blanket term that suggests that, if you have a privilege, your whole life has been easy.

    Ultimately, privilege is not a concept designed to make people feel guilty or to diminish their achievements. Instead, waking up to how you may have certain privileges is an essential first step towards being able to decisively act, in small and large ways, to use your privilege and make the systems we were born into fairer. One example of this is wheelchair privilege.

    For example, some taxis are only equipped for manual wheelchairs, not electric ones. The physically impaired may be entitled to more benefits than any other disability group.

    In order to use your own privilege for good and to be a good ally you have to be aware, listen and speak up. Focus on equity instead of equality so that everyone is given what they need to be successful. https://www.hivelearning.com/site/resource/diversity-inclusion/5-main-types-of-privileges/

    What about the speech impaired?

    Just because you can’t speak doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to say. The Purple Vote Campaign in Wales is good at doing this. Advocating for yourself is important. Speak with me, not for me!

    Freedom of speech

    Article 21 – Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information

    People with disabilities should be able to exercise the same rights to freedom of expression and information as other people and through all forms of communication of their choice. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) also protects freedom of expression and the right to information. https://www.article19.org/resources/disability-and-information-what-are-your-rights/#:~:text=People%20with%20disabilities%20should%20be,and%20the%20right%20to%20information..

    States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice, as defined in article 2 of the present Convention, including by:

    a) Providing information intended for the general public to persons with disabilities in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different kinds of disabilities in a timely manner and without additional cost;

    b) Accepting and facilitating the use of sign languages, Braille, augmentative and alternative communication, and all other accessible means, modes and formats of communication of their choice by persons with disabilities in official interactions;

    c) Urging private entities that provide services to the general public, including through the Internet, to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities;

    d) Encouraging the mass media, including providers of information through the Internet, to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities;

    e) Recognizing and promoting the use of sign languages. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/article-21-freedom-of-expression-and-opinion-and-access-to-information.html.

    The colour purple is used to represent the disabled community because it means royalty, status and importance.

    Purple Tuesday and the Purple Pound are business initiatives to improve customer service for people with disabilities.

    Paralympic Games is a global sports competition for people with disabilities. It is a modified version of the Olympics for people with disabilities. Highlighting abilities and maximising potential.

    International Day of People with Disabilities showcases wheelchair access, history of disability in education, disabled icons, disabled political figures and celebrates diversity. Celebrated on 3rd December every year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. Each year the day focuses on a different issue.

    Advocacy

    Advocacy includes speaking up on other people’s behalf. This could also cover unemployment amongst people with disabilities.

    ‘Disability equals diversity not disadvantage.’

    We should be accepted without having to ‘fit in’.


    Tips for Advocacy

    • Be Persistent
    • Build Effective Coalitions

    Self-Advocacy Skills

    • Be assertive vs Aggressive
    • Be direct
    • Be intentional
    • Be accurate
    • Healthcare
    • Relocating
    • Emotional Needs- Social Isolation

    Advocacy usually includes petitions, protests, lobbying, placards, propaganda, elections, party politics, and pressure groups. Being an advocate makes you an agent of change.

    The importance of rejecting society’s toxic value system

    It’s about dignity. This is important especially when fighting microaggressions. https://www.bustle.com/articles/186060-13-microaggressions-people-with-disabilities-face-on-a-daily-basis.

    At the heart of it, representation matters because people matter. Disabled persons exist in every nation and community across the world. It is essential that we respect human rights for all humans no matter their abilities or disabilities.