Tag Archives: changing attitudes
The creativity of disability
Back in the early 90s, my advertising agency made a film for a disability charity (that sadly never saw the light of day). I just unearthed it. It demonstrates wonderfully the creativity that so many disabled people are capable of, because … Continue reading
A “black power” moment for disability?
At a medal ceremony at the main Olympic stadium in London during the Paralympics, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, was roundly booed by many of the 80,000 crowd. A British social commentator later said that maybe this … Continue reading
Too many stereotypes & too much tokenism
The number of disabled characters in film, TV and radio is growing every day, as more and more producers become aware of the issue of representation. A growing number of disabled lobby groups are making themselves heard amongst the correct … Continue reading
The third sex
I went to a new GP today. The appointment was a long one, as I recounted my not inconsiderable medical history. The conversation was a bit stilted. As a result, the thirty minutes seemed like sixty. It surprised me that … Continue reading
Why I harp on about parking
Like many disabled people, I may sound like a stuck record, going on and on about parking. The reason I do is because not being able to park near where you’re going has a huge direct, and often indirect, impact … Continue reading
Is this the only time you put yourself in our place?
Yes, maybe it is a controversial question. It clearly isn’t true of the majority. But I pose it, in order to make a serious point. Wherever you are on this planet, as a disabled person, your quality of life is … Continue reading
Disabled people – cheats, scroungers and skivers
Here is an article that appeared in the UK’s Observer newspaper on 4th December, the day after the annual International Day of People with Disability http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/dec/04/ian-birrell-prejudice-against-disabled It talks about the depressingly widespread “demonization” of disabled people – and a climate … Continue reading
“The lucky country” ….or is it?
I haven’t written this blog for a few months, because in July I moved to Australia. I won’t go into detail here about the enormous logistical task it was for my wife, myself (and our cat) to relocate to the … Continue reading
The cost of bureaucracy
As I said in my last blog entry, I was due to contest a parking ticket that I was disputing, and which I expected to win. My date with the adjudicator was last week. I came out of the hearing … Continue reading
