A couple of days ago, I found myself in quite an unusual situation. As a candidate for May's local elections, I was campaigning in my ward's town centre when someone flung their arms around me and gave me a great hug.
This morning has been interesting. I have been asked if I could write something about how the British Welfare Benefits system does not take into account the needs and difficulties experienced by disabled people with a medical condition where the effects of the condition fluctuate, so, here goes!
One mum's line of dolls with disabilities makes clear just how few toys like this there are. [Photo: Caters]
One of the things I have seen online today that has made me think is an article about one of the 7/7 survivors who is having to go through the humiliating experience of applying for Employment Support Allowance. This man is a double amputee who has lost an eye and his spleen and is now a wheelchair user. The article is concerned with how awful it is that someone, who was so severely injured due to a terrorist act, and whose injuries are a matter of record, has to prove he is disabled in order to receive support.
The Guide Dog Association is calling on the police in Essex to take attacks on guide dogs more seriously.
Our Radio is a community orientated online radio station. I support people with a learning disability to run it and it is one of the best things I have ever been involved with. The station came about in 2014 when, inspired by a course we were doing at Resonance FM, the group I was working with decided they would like to set up and run their own station. Together with the amazing fundraising team from Mencap I helped raise some money for the group and we haven't looked back since then. I have been involved in radio for 20 years now and Our Radio beats all other stations hands down.
