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How a Walking Stick Changed My Life with Chronic Illness
The author reflects on their journey with a walking stick, stemming from a past conversation about internalized ableism. Using the stick has improved mobility, reduced pain, and fostered support from others. They’ve encouraged others to consider mobility aids, highlighting the benefits of trying second-hand options while emphasizing a journey of self-acceptance and stress reduction.
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Challenging Illusions of Inclusivity in Workspaces
Through my deepening journey with social justice I feel I am finally opening my eyes. With this new found clarity I am no longer able to be in spaces where people don’t champion and validate diversity and prioritise the psychological safety of all within their space. This includes the psychological safety of Global Majority people,…
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The jewellery I never get to wear
This post delves into the challenges faced by a chronically ill, anxious Autistic individual in attending social events, due to physical and mental considerations. The author highlights the complexities of preparing for outings, the impact on relationships, and the need for understanding from others. Despite missed opportunities, the individual prioritizes self-care and hopes for future…
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Shedding my labels
The author reflects on their journey to understanding their neurodivergent identity and the impact of labels and diagnoses on their sense of self. They express frustration with how others perceive and react to their labels and seek connection beyond their specific identities. They acknowledge the importance of labels in some contexts but strive to move…
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One does not simply walk into the doctors
There are too many steps to take before Disabled people get through the door at doctors’ surgeries or hospitals. We must unravel our feelings and experiences from those of our usual symptoms of chronic illness. Then we must muster up the energy to book an appointment, if we use AAC this can be even more…
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The chaotic mind
I am Autistic, Attention Hyperactive (see Ditching the Disorder and Deficit) and OCD, that means there is a lot of chaos within me. As an Autistic person I love routine, I thrive when I go to the same places, eat the same food and wear the same clothes. It erases so much anxiety around the unknown.…
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Support needs are human needs
The use of special and additional needs when taking about Disabled people puts the burden of support on us. Special is not only infantalising, it also softens some serious support needs that so many of us have. Epilepsy medication and procedures are not special, they are life saving. So are many other of the medications…
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My reflections on our cancer service accessibility research
Earlier this week I did my first session with a disability group for our cancer services access study (find out more about that here). Although I cannot share any of the people’s really powerful insights here I would like to share how I felt about the session. The start of the session was very ADHD…
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Prisoner of the bodymind
Sharpened senses,mind wanders, skin crawls,Overwhelmed, understimulated,hyperactively stalled. Collapsed, burnt out, no sleep, joint pain,same food, medication, migraine again. Inertia, inhaler to breathe a bit,inactive, hysterical and still feel like shit. ‘lazy’, ‘crazy’, ‘stupid’, ‘mad’, just heat sensitive and seasonally sad. A jumble, a mess, a dumpster on fire.Living my truth whilst called a liar. Sharpened senses, mind wanders, skin…
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My experiences in a long-covid support group
Joining a Long-Covid online support group has definitely been an experience. Listening to people who were able-bodied experiencing disability for the first time definitely brings up some serious feelings for me, anger, frustration, annoyance, to name a few. I just want to shout through my computer screen “some of us live like this all the…