The First Bit

In my post for Blogging Against Disablism Day (BADD) 2012 I addressed some of the myths surrounding disabled drivers using the Motability Scheme.

A comment by The Goldfish reminded me of an advert I’d seen on TV a couple of months ago.

That lead to me remembering an incident that I witnessed about a month ago.

Then, after reading my original article, a neighbour told me of some scenes that she’d witnessed involving disabled drivers and reserved parking spaces.

One of the categories for BADD 2012 was ‘The Language of Disablism’. The title is expanded as:

“Posts about the language which surrounds disability and the way that it may empower or disempower us.”

I encourage you to read at least two or three of the eight articles submitted under this category. The use of words such as: Nutter, psycho, mental, fruitcake and – the worst of all – retard, do nothing to enhance a person’s view of anyone with a physical and/or mental disability.

‘Images of the Disabled or Disabling Images?’ continued

[Note: This post is my contribution to Blogging Against Disablism Day (BADD) 2012. I first took part in BADD in 2009 when I wrote about accessibility and keyboard users. I missed BADD 2010 & BADD 2011 because of medical problems of my own. Now it's time for BADD 2012 and I'm writing about my own experiences of being disabled. Now there's irony for you.]

Introduction

I’m disabled.

I drive a car.

The car I drive is leased from an organisation called Motability.

Over the last year or so I’ve read, and experienced for myself, negative & ludicrous comments from people around me, the media and politicians.

It seems that if you have a disability you should stay at home, in hospital or in care.

How dare we – the disabled – show ourselves in public and drive around in our free cars?

Well, I’m fed up with it. I’m sure everyone who drives a Motability vehicle is fed up with it as well.

I’ve decided that it’s time to educate the ignorant about the facts behind the Motability Scheme and to blow some myths right out of the water as well.

Interested?

‘BADD 2012: Driven Round The Bend By Motability Myths’ continued

Introduction

Last September I should have been on a trip to a local brewery with some friends. I say ‘should have’ because I withdrew from the event. The reason I withdrew?

Just six letters, one forward slash and a space.

Let me try and explain…

‘Disablism, disability hate or just petty malice?’ continued

Introduction.

Friends, relatives & colleagues will be aware of the difficulties I’ve faced since September 2009. Basically, a routine hip replacement turned into 10 operations due to repetitive wound and joint infections. My last operation was just over a year ago and things are going well. I’m left with a certain amount of physical disability but, all things considered, I’m in a far better state than other people I know or have read about.

‘My experiences with Atos, WCA, ESA & ESA50′ continued