I have Cerebral Palsy but it doesn't have me!
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
I know I’ve written about this before but Christmas is a particularly difficult time to be a wheelchair user. From mid-November, I begin to notice the aisles in shops starting to narrow as retailers seek to cram as much as they can in to attract festive shoppers. It becomes almost impossible to get around withoutContinue reading Christmas shouldn’t compromise disability access
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 roles his eyes once again! Yes, I worry constantly that people won’t understand what I’m saying. But IContinue 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
Back in October, I started the process of reapplying for my Blue Badge – for those that might not know, this allows disabled people to park in disabled spaces, often making shopping trips and appointments much easier. My previous badge expired during lockdown and I delayed renewing it because we weren’t really going anywhere. BeforeContinue reading Inaccessibility of Blue Badge Application
Just before half-term, I visited my son’s school to do some assemblies for them about disability. I was apprehensive about for two reasons. Firstly, I hadn’t done any public speaking since well before the pandemic and I was out of practice. I always get nervous but I was really worried about making myself understood andContinue reading Diary of a Disabled Mum: Disability Assembly at Jack’s School