#QuestionMarkWhereYouPark Update
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 Regulation […]
Open Letter to Uber: Your failure of a Disabled Customer
Last weekend was rare for me. I was really looking forward to a short break in London, visiting one of my oldest friends and my sister. I have Cerebral Palsy and a four year old son, so taking a break is a real treat. We’d arranged a night out and as a wheelchair user, this […]
Cerebral Palsy: The good, the bad and everything in between
This is my life, my feelings, my achievements and frustrations of living with Cerebral Palsy Campaigning – I’ve spent the last ten years supporting and campaigning for the rights of Disabled People. I ran a campaign to improve the accessibility of my local area – taking it as far as No. 10 Downing Street. Find […]
Guest Blog: Thomas Talbot – My Racerunning Story
Thomas Talbot is 13 years old and has Cerebral Palsy – it hasn’t stopped him from becoming a successful international Racerunner. Here’s his story. . . My story Hi – my name is Thomas. I’m 13 years old and I live near Lincoln. I am an International RaceRunner and I have cerebral palsy. I have […]
Challenges of a Disabled Mum: The School Run
How the time flies! It doesn’t seem five minutes since I was breastfeeding and watching my little boy learning to walk. Now, he’s just started school and I’m just like any other mum doing the school run every day. Well, not quite. The school run can be stressful enough but add a wheelchair to the […]
Open Letter to All Bus Drivers – from a Wheelchair User Passenger
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, wondering […]
My “PIP” journey: Please don’t treat me as a number
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 far […]
Disability Etiquette equals good manners & common sense
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 for […]
Please offer me a seat – improving travel for disabled people?
Whilst browsing through my twitter account yesterday, I became aware of a new scheme which Transport for London are trialling, which encourages passengers to give up their seat for someone who needs it more, particularly disabled passengers. Participating passengers will have a card and wear a badge, saying “Please offer me a seat.” As […]
Disability Awareness for Kids – Its not weird, just different.
I was on a train recently, travelling home from visiting my sister and best friend in London. After a good night out the evening before, I was feeling quite tired and hoped to pass the journey quietly with my Kindle for company. At one of the stops, a mother with her young daughter got on […]