I have Cerebral Palsy but it doesn't have me!
There are extra challenges attached to being a disabled parent and there is very little specialist information and support out there for those in my position. I hope by sharing my stories, other disabled parents might not feel alone.
This year I’ve decided to offer four schools a free Disability Awareness Assembly during March
Thirteen years ago, I was working full-time for a small charity in Reading and relying on an electric wheelchair provided by the NHS Wheelchair Services. I remember the day I got the chair – it was one they just had in the department and wasn’t customised to me even though I regularly suffered with backContinue reading Wheelchair Services are still failing disabled people
As part of my #QuestionMarkWhereYouPark Campaign, I recently wrote to my MP, Nicola Richards, to ask her to support the campaign and consider raising it in Parliament. Though it took her a little while to respond, Nicola seemed sympathetic and supportive of the issues I had raised. Nicola made me aware of the Traffic RegulationContinue reading #QuestionMarkWhereYouPark Update
When my eldest was a baby, I only took him out alone if I was going to visit my parents or close friends, who could offer support if I needed it. I took Jack to a local playgroup but only if my friend was going too. Although there’s very little I’ve been unable to doContinue reading Diary of a Disabled Mum: Experience builds Confidence (slowly)
Last week, as I took my sons on the school run, I was almost toppled out of my wheelchair as I attempted to pass a car parked inconsiderately on the pavement. There was a grass embankment on the other side of me and the chair got stuck on that and almost toppled over. It wasContinue reading New Campaign to make obstructing pavements illegal – #QuestionMarkWhereYouPark
A few months ago, I wrote about how inaccessible the Blue Badge Application process is – ironic as it’s target audience is disabled people. As a result of such experiences, I find myself putting such things on the long finger, dreading the inevitable hassle and stress. However, my Irish passport needed renewing and hopeful ofContinue reading If only everything were this accessible. . .
Despite having a speech impediment as a result of having Cerebral Palsy, I love talking! Much to the annoyance of my hubby, I’ll talk to anyone, anywhere! Give me a smile and I’ll start chatting as hubby rolls his eyes once again! Eradicating Stigma Yes, I worry constantly that people won’t understand me due toContinue reading Why I love to talk . . . despite my speech impediment
Following the complaint I made to Sandwell Council about my Blue Badge Application, a few days ago I received a response. My main complaint had been them requesting a copy of my full PIP Award which I argue had been a breach of my privacy. Due to the nature of the mobility element of myContinue reading Blue Badge Application: Apology from Sandwell Council
Following my last blog post, today I received a phone call from Sandwell Council. They apologised for how long the application for my Blue Badge had taken but in relation to requesting all of my PIP information, they said they were only following Department of Transport procedure. I dispute this for two reasons. Firstly, whenContinue reading Update on Blue Badge Application Process