We often hear about valuing disabled people, amplifying lived experience, and driving empowerment. National strategies promise collaboration and human rights at the core. But why does turning these ideals into reality feel so hard? The truth is, good intentions alone doesn't create change. Trip wires, hurdles, and barriers are everywhere—hidden under layers of processes and “how [...]
Today I was at the Labour Party Conference with the incredible Hayley Charlesworth of Harry’s Pals, speaking about Every Parent’s Worst Nightmare. This isn’t about disability.It’s about the mental health of parents and carers who are told their child has a life-limiting condition. No parent ever holds their newborn and imagines being told their child may [...]
CONTENT WARNING: This blog contains ableist slurs with the purpose of understanding and challenging how our ableist attitudes shape and form our language. For ableist slurs not to evolve attitudes need to change. We give words their power. The negativity of our words depends on our attitudes not the letters it contains. Words surrounding disability [...]
Hmm, this feels a bit unusual: Advice for Healthcare Professionals When Dealing With Something Rare By Jo Holmes Once again it’s ‘Rare Disease Day’. While I don't love identifying Lucy’s genetic diagnosis as a disease, I do find belonging in the rare community that builds up around the 28th February each year. You may gather from [...]
