I have Cerebral Palsy but it doesn't have me!
Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term for a number of neurological conditions which usually impacts a person’s movement and co-ordination. It normally occurs as a result of an accident at birth or in early childhood.
You see me waiting at the bus stop and I try to search your face for a clue as to which camp you fit into. You see, you fit into two camps and sometimes I can’t tell until you pull up and open the doors. All the time, I’m filled with dread and anxiousness, wonderingContinue reading Open Letter to All Bus Drivers – from a Wheelchair User Passenger
Tomorrow is my PIP assessment and for those who are not familiar, PIP stands for “Personal Independence Payment” and is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA). I’m nervous for two reasons: a) I’ve heard and read about many people who have had a bad experience of the PIP assessment process and b) my experience thus farContinue reading My “PIP” journey: Please don’t treat me as a number
It’s something most parents don’t even think about. Quickly grabbing the camera to capture your child’s first of something is what every parent has done at some point. Indeed, my hubby has thousands of pictures capturing everything from Jack’s first taste of sweet potatoes to his first attempt at writing his own name. Each areContinue reading Challenges of a Disabled Mum: Capturing Memories
Before I became pregnant with Jack, I wanted to see a medical professional who would be able to advise me on the impact that pregnancy might have on my condition, Cerebral Palsy. I wasn’t naive, I knew it would be physically tough but I wanted reassurance I suppose, that it was possible and I wantedContinue reading Challenges of a Disabled Mum: Finding support & information
Last week’s blog talked about the challenges I’ve faced getting my little boy from A to B as a disabled mum. With some creative thinking, we’ve managed to get out and about locally, visiting friends and family. However, going any further has presented bigger challenges which aren’t so easily resolved. Since the age of 13,Continue reading Challenges of a Disabled Mum: A to B and beyond
I knew when I fell pregnant with my son that motherhood would present more challenges to me than most and the thoughts about how I would cope gave me a few sleepless nights. I knew that I wouldn’t be the same as other mums, that I’d have to think creatively to overcome my disability inContinue reading Challenges of a Disabled Mum: A to B
I love writing and always have. I remember being in the final year of primary school and winning a writing competition for a short story. My last book, “Does it wet the bed?”, had been in my head for years before I finally began putting it on paper. For those of you that might notContinue reading Writing is lonely but feedback helps!
My little boy is now three and a half and he really is the apple of my eye. To Jack, I’ve always been just Mummy. It doesn’t matter that my speech is a bit funny or that I walk differently to everyone else. My wheelchair is just part of me and Jack doesn’t care aboutContinue reading I’m just Mummy, despite my disability
My latest book, “A disability Etiquette Guide” is something I’ve been wanting to write for a while now and last week, I was reminded why it’s so important for me to write it. I was on my way to Nottingham, to the Charity CP Sport, of which I am a proud trustee. I asked forContinue reading Disability Etiquette equals good manners & common sense
It’s 2016 and I’ve now been living with Cerebral Palsy for 33 years. Attitudes towards disability have changed and largely improved over that time. Yet, it still amazes me how ignorant some people can be and resist being educated. Yesterday, I was out and about with my mum who has always insisted that she willContinue reading Yes, I’m Disabled but don’t think I’m stupid