On my way to my
#pip
assessment to prove my disability so I thought it’s apt to re post my
@MetroUK
column on the shambles that is the UK
#benefitsystem
@DWP
wish me luck - hopefully my independence won’t be taken from me.
As I’m shielding in Lancashire away from my home in London I had to temporary register at a GP up North, within 24hrs of registering I was sent for my
#AstraZenecaVaccine
! Today as a high risk person I feel blessed. Hope those shielding get the same treatment as I did.
Something that hasn’t happened for a while. Lovely meal out with a dear friend, then on our way home a group of drunken fools mostly men, turned to point and laugh at me tapping each other on the shoulder so they all have a good look! I forget how rife disability hate still is.
I get a 9k power chair so I can live my live as independently as possible yet
@uber
jump bikes are blocking the pavements and drop curbs which meant I struggled to get home. This is against the equality act.. you are discriminating against disabled & blind people
@DontWantOurCash
10 years ago today I packed up my life to start a new chapter and live my dream. I silenced my internal voice and external negativity that said I couldn’t or wouldn’t achieve. Wow they were wrong! Today I celebrate my success !!
#DareToDream
Some people contesting wearing masks over the winter months when disabled people in the UK still can’t leave their homes without experiencing discrimination, their civil rights being dismissed or hate crime. Bit of perspective. As a high risk person I’d appreciate it so much.
This is the look of someone who has now been approved for Access to Work after being told initially I don’t qualify. The system is corrupt and only through the support I received was I able to get what I’m entitled to....
I always used to have a twang of jealousy when I’d she a lady with legs up to her armpits wearing her partners white shirt & nothing else. I never thought I’d achieve this iconic sexy look but hey I’ve nailed it.. even with a granny tank top
#DisabledAndSexyAF
Q?
@SadiqKhan
what are the disabled & elderly supposed to do on this ‘no car’ day? Have you made provisions? How do I go to work / hospital? Are blue badge or accessible black cabs exempt?! You are isolating the most vulnerable in society!
@londontaxi_pr
Today I turn 38 the same age my dad lost his life. It’s a bitter sweet day. In many ways I feel old and wise and really proud of the person I’ve become yet also know how much more I want to achieve, see the world, make memories and be content.
Never stop celebrating life 🎂🎈🍾
Just got my
#pip
appointment through for Friday! Upon opening the letter I was physically sick! I don’t think the
@DWP
realises the effect
#pip
has on those with disabilities & mental health conditions. I can assure you I won’t sleep until this is over! Send positive vibes pls.
Hey lovely people thanks for sticking around even when I’ve been MIA. Needed some Twitter away time. I’m back in London and full steam ahead. Still adjusting and a few health bits and bobs to sort but I’m at your disposal one again 😂😉 missed you all!
#DisabilityTwitter
I’m overwhelmed and blessed by the positive response & support from people after my appearance yesterday on
@loosewomen
. A great day for the disabled community. Clearly society is ready for more disabled representation on their screens! Honoured to be part of this change.
This is such an important topic.. some equipment I have to maintain my independence and mobility is so basic yet costs the moon! Prime example grab rails costing over £300 something doesn’t add up!
I had a physiotherapy appointment today and I actually stood for the first time in six years! Pretty chuffed feel exhausted but I did buy one of these little gadgets to help with my muscle density.
#fitness
Well done to the caller Michelle on
@thismorning
who asked for Models in wheelchairs to appear more on the show and also highlighted the very important issues that not all shielding are senior members of society we are young too!! I applaud you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
If you share one thing today please let it be my latest
@MetroUK
column. I often get hostile remarks asking what more does the disabled community want? More benefits? Preferential treatment? Flying unicorn?🦄 No! Just to be treated equally & use the loo!
To those who feel anxious about the restrictions being lifted please know you aren’t alone. You focus on what you feel comfortable with & don’t let anyone intimidate you into doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable! I will certainly be wearing a mask until I see fit 😷
I never understood the whole look and laugh because I’m disabled or to any visibly disabled person. I’ve not had it in a while but two young men just did at Liverpool Street station. These moments, a reminder we still have work to do !
#inclusionMatters
Wore this gorgeous classic polka dot dress today from Zara kids, yes kids I’m rather petite but kids clothes seldom make room for my lady lumps so you may cop an eyeful when you catch me on the tele next.
That’s how you make good TV 😂
Super honoured to have made the cut and to be in the shortlist with so many other fantastic individuals thank you everyone who voted for me, it for me means a lot especially in these uncertain times right now to have some light & love ! 🙏🏻💓
@ndawards
#RepresentationMatters
It saddens me to say I’ve had a surge of online trolling and abuse since the lock down. I’m so concerned I’m not the only one. Please at a time like this we need to
#bekind
- bullying is never acceptable and more so In times like this. Here’s one example on Instagram from 2day
Wrote this for my many Friends who have received online abuse since the pandemic. I hope this article creates some awareness of how media portrayal of disabled people impacts our daily life.
Twitter: I’m proud to be named on the 2019
@ShawTrust
#DisabilityPowerList100
list which is helping to inspire the next generation for a more
#inclusiveworld
. Share this if you believe in equality for disabled people. See who else is on the list:
The Mayer of London
@SadiqKhan
discussing low emission zone on
@GMB
“its easier to walk or cycle” - once again the disabled community being left out of the discussion. It’s not easier for me to walk or cycle as a wheelchair user. Please think about the 13.9 million disabled ppl!
Stop referring to access needs as ‘special’ needs they should simply be as standard and not an add on, not something that needs to be thought about, just there.. end off
What do we think? My dear friend Ruth Herring knitted this jumper for me... her other clients are Dualipa and Harry Styles.. feeling very blessed haha if it’s good enough for them......!. You can find her on Instagram
@confessions_of_a_yarnaholic
💓
Well done
@piersmorgan
challenging
@MayorofLondon
- road restrictions to cars in London haven’t considered disabled people, those shielding, elderly who can’t walk or ride a bike? No consultations with disabled people like me, how do we get food or go to work?
those who simply sew this as a misunderstanding I can assure you as a wheelchair user my inability to access buildings / public services / transport is a daily occurrence. The equality act reasonable adjustments is NOT fit for purpose.
One would expect having a disability and complex medical needs my health is my number
#1
but sometimes I procrastinate when it comes to seeing my Dr and getting things sorted. Anyone else in the d-community the same?
Went to
@Selfridges
today and pretended I had money. Was fun! Went back home to my two cats and realised I already have everything I need! Although if someone wanted to buy me this bag I’d happily oblige 😂
Having one of those days where I am finding it overwhelmingly difficult to live in a disabling world. I want more disabled ppl to be able to say they are frustrated, angry or let down without others assuming a life with a disability is tragic. We are humans we have bad days too!
Today I am really struggling with disability specific barriers I am facing and being able to articulate them to my non disabled peers without having to disclose my entire life story or intimate details.
I really hope this becomes as standard or at the very least in hospitals and schools - we need to recognise that disability comes in many guides we aren’t all spinning on wheels - recognise Invisable disabilities too
#inclusion
#deafawareness
Just a tweet to my fellow friends who have been shielding , please take care in the coming months. Now I’m slowly going out & about I’ve got the worst cold that’s gone to my chest.. our immune systems have less than usual antibodies. Stay safe. 💜
I’m not one to use my impairment to make others feel guilty about their own life but today is an exception. If I can as a wheelchair user who struggles to get from A to B & who arranged her PA to work on her day off to take me to vote, you have zero excuse! Bloody
#Vote
1.2 Whereby nondisabled people did not see the daily barriers disabled people face so just a reminder that disabled people face hate on the street daily.
I am disgusted and disappointed. This show has the potential to damage the disability community with its ignorance and shock tactics… once again fuelling the fire that disability is a BAD thing.
If I could reach I would!
@Topshop
#oxfordstreet
#accessmatters
#purplepound
- it’s not just enough 4 brands to hire models with disabilities , stores need to be accessible and staff need to be trained in inclusive shopping.
Just been told by
@DWP
advisor that I’m not entitled to Access to work as I’m not earning enough through my company as self employed but they went onto tell me they have millionaires claiming for land rovers - how can I earn more without adequate support?
#DisabilityTwitter
Visited the accessible loo today at the
@bbcsml
and to my surprise it had a feminine hygiene dispenser.. I can’t remember the last time I saw this in any accessible loo because of course as well as not having sex disabled women don’t need such provisions! Well done BBC 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Be more cat! I’ve teamed up with
@CatsProtection
to raise awareness of all the hard work they do and to show you their new amazing cat merchandise like this fantastic Mum Hoody. You can see the full range by clicking on the link and treat yourself! 😻
I have to say I’m rather tired and angry at having to sacrifice and choose between my career and a successful life and my daily wellbeing and support - disabled people deserve so much better than what support is currently offered to them.
I’ve joined
@gettyimages
on their Disability Collection which sets out to create awareness & to overcome harmful stereotypes of disabled people within the media & advertising industries by sharing more authentic images of the disabled community
Although the
@DWP
has done its best over the past few months to drain me both physically and mentally during the
#pip
process I have to say that out of this shambles I’ve had the best support from my twitter followers & disabled community. Thank you for keeping me afloat.
I have this one male disabled follower who no matter what I post always has something negative or combative to say about me. Sometimes the lack of empathy from my own community baffles me. We don’t all have to agree but basic compassion won’t go amiss !
Interviewing for a new PA today. The process is never easy and anxiety inducing. I need to remind myself that I deserve the best support there is and not to lower my standards just because of a broken ableist system that doesn’t value disabled people or those who support them!
To those who sent lovely messages thank you and please continue to support marginalised groups and listen to their stories! Become an advocate! Thank you! ❤️🙏🏻
Broadcasters please stop sharing inspiration porn, I’ve noticed a surge during the pandemic. We are much more than objects of inspiration!
* I’m an educator
* I’m a friend
* I’m a business woman
* I’m a fashionista
* I’m an intellectual
* and some days I’m a bit of a d*ck!
Finally after a few years of waiting and finding the right consultant I’ve had my leg op. Back home recovering and surrounded by cats. Have to thank the staff
@SheffieldHosp
for taking such great care of me. Being heard in hospital is everything. 👩🏼⚕️🏥
This is why we need more disabled gatekeepers watching
@GMB
talking about hate speech / trolling, fantastic! But the term registered disabled being used, no such thing as a register for disabled people and the term for hate towards disability is ableism. Language matters.
Thought I’d share with you this super cute 3 piece lounge wear from
@zarakids
- as a petite lady I sometimes find clothes a challenge & would never consider kids clothes but if you keep it neutral you can turn kids into sophisticated!
#inclusivefashion