When I was due to go on work experience at school, I missed out because of my spinal fusion surgery. Not to be deterred, a year later I found my own placement in the school holidays. It took a bit of research and rejection. I found something in the end. I helped run the leisure… Continue Reading
Inclusion Campaign Launches
I’ve been fighting hard to keep positive lately. I know it’s only my view, but the world has seemed more fearful. More divisive. More hateful. In the social justice world there’s been horrifying accounts. In the disability world there’s been government cuts and hate crime. People are losing care funding, Motability cars and their independence…. Continue Reading
Making a House an Accessible Home
Most of my recent experiential posts have been about work, leisure and inclusion for disabled people. I’m all too familiar with the need for accessible housing, care support, and enabling equipment. However once it’s in place, it’s less of a concern. Recently I moved house. The 1 bed flat was great for a while. Having… Continue Reading
How to be a Kick-Ass Disabled Person
I’m a professional disabled person. I’ve been doing this barrier breaking, rights fighting thing for a while now. Trust me I’ve learned the ropes. So I decided to share my top 10 tips for being a kick-ass disabled person. Be sure to share your ideas too in the comments section and on my @martynsibley social… Continue Reading
Ruth Owen – Transport and Individual Responsibility
“All I was doing was trying to get home from work” (Quote from Rosa Parks on the civil rights struggle for inclusive transport.) Last week I MCd an event run by Open Inclusion on inclusive transport. We had seven speakers in total. Four disabled people with a range of impairments. Three industry people from Virgin… Continue Reading
Tony Heaton – Activism Through Art
Buckle up guys. Episode 3 with Tony Heaton is a long one. The stories told by the CEO of Shape Arts were too good to cut them short. Plus Tony’s lust for life shines the whole way through our interview. I first met Tony when I was looking to leave Scope after 5 years there…. Continue Reading
Sunny Rehabilitation at VinterSol
For regular readers of my blog, you’ll know about my love affair with Tenerife. On my recent trip I obviously experienced the old favourites. The warm sun, the sea views, the vibrant surroundings. However I also experienced something completely new. You’re going to be as surprised and delighted as I was! Vintersol rehabilitation clinic is… Continue Reading
Phil Friend – Difference Is Your Asset
Over the years I’ve met a lot of people working for accessibility, equality, and inclusion. Most are either disabled or have a close connection to disability. To say that everyone is so friendly and nice sounds insincere sometimes. But it’s so true in this community. Even when funding or market share matters, everyone still helps… Continue Reading