20 years with a Disability- 10 things I’ve learnt!!!

I've learnt a lot through my life, but my disabilities have made me realise we still have a long way to go to be equally treated. These are just some of my thoughts concerns and things I miss as a result of my disabilities.

1. just because it’s the law,….. Don’t think everywhere is accessible

The Equally Act makes it law that changes should be in place wether it’s physical or process driven to allow access Unfortunately it seems this doesn’t mean anything as there is no enforcement behind it! Yes it’s the law, but to do anything YOU have to take them to court. It does really feel like people don’t care.

2. Public Authorities can’t cope with disabilities.

To the NHS if you can’t be fixed then it’s all shrugs and platitudes. The majority of doctors if it’s not a common illness see you as a burden. Local authorities are so process driven, even savings under their noses are tied up in red tape. There are so many things that could be fixed so simply, yet …….

3. Holidays are a nightmare.

Yes there are many sights and agencies out there trying to make it easy, but even seasoned travelers go on a prayer, hoping they can get on a plane, and there equipment arrives in one piece. Even holidays in the same country are a nightmare, getting reliable information as to accessibility is fraught with issues.

4. Direct Payments are the future.

Having a budget from your local authority or NHS gives you so much choose and control over your life, you really do get to be in charge. That is if your authority can get you the budget in a reasonable time and allow you the flexibility- back to the red tape I’m afraid.

5. Swimming. 

 I used to love Swimming, that floating sensation, nothing beats it. Unfortunately once your disabilities get to the stage when you need hoists to transfer it becomes nigh impossible. Yes changing room places have come a long way but are very few in between. Pools with hoists that you can transfer in to in the changing rooms are also sparse. Why can’t people invent pools with wheel in ramps and why isn’t there plastic cheap reusable wheelchairs similar to garden furniture……… 

 6. Fashionable Clothes. 

 Ok I’m getting on a bit and apart from some really comfortable fashionable jeans ( thanks Rollitex). I still like to think I’m fashionable. So why do clothes equipment etc for disabled people have to be made in old fashioned styles or materials - these include slippers and shoes. Why can’t we have some in just plain colours designed for general use. 

 7. Why is disabled equipment so expensive? 

 Yeh I understand the economics and the specialist market, but seriously, how can a semi decent wheelchair cost the same as a mid range car! How can I buy the same thing from a normal shoe say long shoe horn for £5 yet go to a specialist shop and its £10….. Someone making a lot of money.

 8. Give us a job? 

 Innovator, years of experience as an investigator, talented manager, recognised for bringing savings to the local authority, but people will still see the wheelchair and think nah he can’t do it or what does he know. See past the physical there is so much more disabled people can do. I have traveled and seen things inside my head that are so simple, elegant yet practical, you really are missing out.

 9. You can call me names! 

 Yes you can, I have a sense of humor, and will laugh with you. But do it in a derogatory way and I will know and I have a certain set of skills….. Enough said. 

 10. Cuddles!!!!! 

 My one big hate, it’s not easy to cuddle someone in a wheelchair it’s awkward and a bit like trying to play twister, but don’t stop. Everyone loves a cuddle. :-)