Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories

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In our last episode we began exploring the relationship between autism and empathy. 

Today we're continuing that conversation as our ARTiculate Skills Club students talk about what empathy actually feels like, why it can sometimes be overwhelming, and why every autistic person's experience is different.

These are real conversations, real experiences and real opinions from autistic people themselves.

00:00 Feeling Too Much: Autism, Hyper-Empathy and Emotions
00:19 Autism & Empathy: Can Autistic People Feel Too Much?
01:32 Catching Up With the Dis-labled Team
04:17 Yasmine on Acting, Self-Expression & Chickenshed Theatre
06:40 What Does Empathy Actually Feel Like?
08:43 Hyper-Empathy: Feeling Other People's Emotions Intensely
09:40 When Someone Else's Pain Becomes Overwhelming
11:00 Why Empathy Can Sometimes Look Cold
12:30 Walking Away Doesn't Always Mean You Don't Care
14:13 "Autistic People Don't Have Empathy": Challenging the Myth
15:16 How the Autism Empathy Stereotype Makes Us Feel
15:26 Do You Need Empathy to Be a Good Person?
16:54 Rain Man, The Good Doctor & Autism Stereotypes
18:55 Sophia's Experience: Sometimes More Empathy, Sometimes Less
20:40 Do Autistic People Sometimes Feel Emotions Too Much?
21:00 Trust, Family & Finding It Difficult to Open Up
22:05 Managing Strong Emotions & Finding Ways to Calm Down
23:18 Autistic Meltdowns, Sensory Overload & Self-Regulation
24:01 Emotional Dysregulation: Feeling Things Intensely
25:00 Feeling Emotions Without Showing Them
26:17 Is Empathy a Spectrum for Everyone?
27:42 Final Thoughts From the Dis-labled Team

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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Today we're exploring a stereotype that many autistic people have heard for years: that autistic people don't have empathy. Is it true? Or is it one of the biggest misunderstandings about autism?

Our ARTiculate Skills Club students share their own experiences, challenge common myths and explain why empathy isn't always expressed in the way people expect.

To find out more about Skills Club please contact Flo Alfrey on 020 3743 2326, or email [email protected]

00:00 Do Autistic People Lack Empathy? Challenging the Biggest Myth
00:18 Autism, Empathy & Challenging the Stereotype
02:05 What Is Empathy & How Do People Show It?
02:59 Sensory Overload: When Caring Can Look Like You Don't Care
03:53 Caring for Someone When You Struggle to Show It
04:21 Grief, Autism & Not Knowing How to React
07:46 Different Ways of Experiencing Grief
09:53 Jordan Remembers His Sister Leah
11:49 Understanding Emotions Later: When Feelings Are Hard to Identify
14:43 Autism, Social Misunderstandings & Awkward Moments
17:03 A Funny Misunderstanding About Magic: The Gathering
19:00 What Do Autistic People Bring to Friendships & Relationships?
20:00 Challenging the Autistic Genius Stereotype
20:31 Different Perspectives, Friendship & Breaking Down Stereotypes
22:27 Honesty, Trust, Kindness & Caring for Other People
23:31 What Do We Wish People Understood About Autism & Empathy?
24:00 "We're All People": Dave Strings on Being Singled Out
24:41 Feeling Differently Doesn't Mean We Don't Care
25:50 Build a Connection With the Person, Not the Condition
26:38 Empathy vs Compassion: Why They Aren't the Same Thing
27:08 Final Thoughts: Understanding Each Other
28:31 About Community Focus Inclusive Arts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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What makes a festival truly inclusive?

In this special episode of the Dis-labled Podcast, our team heads to Disability Festival in the Park in Wanstead, Redbridge, to meet the people, charities and community organisations helping to make one of London's most accessible festivals a reality.

Join Marcus, Andrea, Milan, Carol, Remy and the team as they speak to organisers, exhibitors and festival-goers about why this unique event is so important. Discover how accessible festivals can build confidence, reduce isolation, celebrate disabled talent and bring communities together.

You'll hear from organisations supporting disabled people across London, alongside reflections from our own presenters after a memorable day filled with music, creativity, information and community spirit. 

Featured organisations and guests include:

• Disability Festival in the Park – A fully accessible annual festival celebrating disability, inclusion and community in Redbridge. More information: www.disabilityfestival.co.uk
• One Place East – Supporting disabled people and people with health conditions across Redbridge and East London through advocacy, activities and peer support. Tel: 020 8925 2435. 
• CFDN (Community Fellowship for Disability Network) – Providing activities, holidays, social groups and community support for disabled people and their families across Essex and East London. 
• Uniting Friends – A community art group showcasing artwork created by neurodivergent artists through printmaking and creative workshops. 
• Medipro Care – A domiciliary care provider based in Ilford, introduced during the festival. 
• PUYORG CIC – A community interest company supporting women and young children through community activities and support services. 

Whether you attended the festival or are discovering it for the first time, this episode celebrates what's possible when disabled people are at the heart of designing inclusive communities.

00:00 Disability Festival in the Park: More Than Just a Festival
00:16 What Is Disability Festival in the Park? Community, Accessibility & Belonging
02:46 Milan & the Community Focus Team Arrive at Disability Festival in the Park
03:15 Pardib from Redbridge: How Disability Festival in the Park Is Growing
04:26 Dan from CFTN: Friendship, Social Activities & Disability Support Across East London
06:09 Tracy from Uniting Friends: Neurodivergent Artists, Printmaking & All We Need Is Love
07:25 Josephine Raj: Medipro Care & PUYORG Supporting Adults, Women & Young People
08:18 Remy Reviews the Festival: Accessibility, Wheelchair Services & Disability Inclusion
09:47 Andy Murphy from One Place East: Disability Support, Activities & Community in Redbridge
10:23 One Place East Gaming Group: Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Social Connection
12:23 How Disability Festival in the Park Grew into a Pan-Disability Event
13:38 Remy & Andy: Making Disability Services Accessible Across More of London
15:29 Music, Performance & Hidden Talents: Building Confidence Through the Festival Stage
17:02 One Place East Comedy Workshops: Confidence, Mental Health & Performing Live
19:22 Milan Meets Ben: Why an Accessible Festival Matters
19:58 Andrea Reports from the Festival: Music, Dancing & an Amazing Atmosphere
20:34 Milan Asks the Community Focus Team for Their Festival Highlights
21:05 Flo, Ella, Remy, Corrie & Dean Share Their Final Thoughts
22:56 Heading Home: Community Focus Says Goodbye to Disability Festival in the Park
23:23 Milan Signs Off from Disability Festival in the Park
23:52 Community Focus Extra: Phillip on Joining an Interview Panel
25:03 What Phillip Learnt About Interviewing & Putting People at Ease
25:52 25 Years at Community Focus: Phillip on Becoming a Trustee
27:11 Jokes, Interviews & No Spoilers: Phillip Reflects on the Experience
28:11 A Cheer for Phillip & Closing the Episode

Find out more about the Dis-labled Podcast:
Community Focus Inclusive Arts – www.communityfocus.co.uk

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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What is it like living with autism, muscular dystrophy and speech and language difficulties?

In this episode of Dis-labled, Gila shares an honest and emotional account of her daily life. She talks about work, friendships, independence, anxiety, using a wheelchair, and the challenges of navigating a world that doesn't always understand disability.

Gila also opens up about masking, hiding her true feelings, and the pressure to appear happy when things are difficult. Along the way, she reflects on how far she has come, the obstacles she has overcome, and why learning to accept herself has been such an important journey.

This is a powerful conversation about disability, identity, resilience and being yourself.

00:00 Living with Autism & Muscular Dystrophy: Gila's Story
01:00 Meet Gila: Autism, Muscular Dystrophy & Speech and Language Difficulties
02:35 Managing Tiredness, Energy & Everyday Life with Muscular Dystrophy
03:26 Physical Disability: The Things Other People Take for Granted
04:12 Wheelchairs, Stairlifts & Conserving Energy to Stay Independent
05:01 Using a Wheelchair: Staring, Accessibility & Asking for Help
05:38 Physiotherapy, Muscle Tightness & Managing a Physical Disability
06:37 "Why Is She in a Wheelchair if She Can Walk?" Challenging Disability Assumptions
07:33 Everyday Accessibility: Walking, Wheelchairs & Card Payment Machines
08:54 Why Asking for Help Can Be Difficult When You Have a Disability
10:09 Autism & Masking: "You See Me Happy, But Inside I'm Not Okay"
12:12 Trust, Emotions & the Difficulty of Letting People See the Real You
13:17 "I Feel Like I'm Masking With You": An Emotional Moment
14:31 Unmasking, Insecurity & Learning to Be Yourself
15:29 Falling, Mobility & Learning to Live Life on Your Own Terms
16:25 Friendship, Baking, Meditation & Finding Ways to Switch Off
19:22 Carol's Poem "Mind": Feeling Different, Isolated & Wanting to Be Heard
22:19 What Gila Wishes People Understood About Her Disability
23:49 Overcoming Obstacles: "I'm Still Going With My Disability"
25:12 From Masking to "I'm Amazing": Gila Reflects on How Far She's Come
26:30 Self-Acceptance, Positivity & Learning to Love Yourself
28:24 Closing Thoughts | Dis-labled Podcast

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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What becomes possible when disabled and neurodivergent people are genuinely listened to, supported and included?

Recorded live at the Community Focus Summer Festival, this special Dis-labled forum brings together students, speakers, artists, parents, carers and community leaders to share powerful stories of confidence, creativity, employment and belonging.

Hear how opportunities like podcasting, art, creative writing and inclusive workplaces have helped people find their voice, build confidence and become active members of their communities.

Featuring Carol's moving poem Unmasking, Marcus sharing his experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis, Gila from CJ's Bakery, author Vicky Martin, audience contributions, and more.

If you're passionate about disability, inclusion and hearing real stories from real people, this is an episode not to miss.

00:00 Introduction | Community Focus Inclusive Arts, Disability Podcast & Live Forum

01:19 How the Dis-labled Podcast Began | National Lottery Funding, Giving Disabled People a Voice, 70 Episodes of Inclusion

02:39 The Purpose of the Forum | Disability Inclusion, Neurodiversity, Listening to Disabled People, Success Stories

03:11 Meet the Panel | Artists, Authors, Community Leaders, Inclusive Employment & Lived Experience

04:04 Building Self Confidence | Autism, Body Image, Fashion, Self Acceptance, Positive Mindset & Unmasking

07:49 Carol's Powerful Poem 'Unmasking' | Masking, Autism, Mental Health, Identity, Disability Acceptance & Self Worth

09:48 Writing Authentic Autistic Characters | Vicky Martin, Oak Lodge School, Creative Writing, Drama & Neurodivergent Voices

13:00 CJ's Bakery | Meaningful Employment for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Supported Work & Inclusive Business

15:37 From Oak Lodge School Shop to Finches Café | Community Inclusion, Barista Training, Supported Employment & Independent Living

19:17 Marcus's Story | Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Hidden Disability, Art, Confidence & Finding Your Voice

21:02 Audience Discussion | Why Having a Voice Matters, Disability Advocacy, Representation & Being Heard

23:04 Cory on Community Focus | Art, Creativity, Confidence, Belonging & Inclusive Communities

24:24 Parents' Perspective | Equal Opportunities, Disability Equality, Creative Expression & Supporting Disabled Adults

25:04 A Parent Reflects | Autism Then and Now, Bullying, Asperger's, Community Support & How Things Have Changed

26:34 Looking Ahead | Building Stronger Disability Communities, Parent Support Groups, Inclusive Choir & Future Podcast Projects

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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Hello and welcome to another episode of the Dis-labled Podcast.

We're really pleased you've joined us because today is a very special episode.

Over the past three years, we've shared our stories, talked honestly about disability and neurodiversity, had lots of laughs, met some incredible guests and, most importantly, created a place where people can speak openly and be listened to.

Today we're celebrating everything we've achieved together, because we've got some exciting news to share.

We'll be looking back at some of our favourite moments, talking about what being part of the podcast has meant to us, and saying a very special thank you to the people who have helped make it all possible.

So, let's get started!

00:00 Welcome to the Dis-labled Podcast
00:18 Meet the Team: Weekly Catch-up & Why We Love Podcasting
04:45 Big News! National Lottery Community Fund Awards Three Years of Funding
07:05 From Lunch Pod to Dis-labled: How the Podcast Began
09:20 What's Next? Choir, Parent Groups, Schools & Community Projects
12:30 Building Confidence Through Podcasting: What Dis-labled Means to Us
16:36 Favourite Episodes: Self-Confidence, Masking, Poetry & Living with Multiple Sclerosis
25:00 Final Reflections: Thank You, Future Plans & Why Disabled Voices Matter
28:27 Thanks for Listening

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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Dick Van Dyke (of Mary Poppins fame) is now 100 years old, says that staying positive and not holding onto anger is the secret to staying young - and science seems to agree.

Studies show that optimistic people can live around 11 to 15 percent longer, and in some cases even up to 10 years more.

So today, we’re diving into the power of humour, joy, and a positive mindset.

We’re asking: what genuinely makes you laugh no matter your mood? Who are the people that always lift your spirits? And just how important is humour when you’re having a tough day?

We’ll explore whether laughter can really improve your wellbeing, share the jokes and moments that have stuck with us for years, and talk about our go-to ways to cheer ourselves up.

00:01:22 - Intro
00:02:02 - The Good News: Gila's new electric wheelchair
00:06:54 - What makes us laugh every time, no matter the mood?
00:14:14 - Who makes us laugh?
00:18:38 - How important is humour when we're having a tough day?
00:22:14 - Can humour make us laugh and cry at the same time?
00:27:37 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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What is it really like to live with Multiple Sclerosis?

In this episode of Dis-labled, Marcus shares his experience of living with MS, how it affects his daily life, and the challenges he faces along the way. He also talks about the things that keep him motivated, including his love of Marvel, staying positive, and finding purpose through difficult times.

Marcus's message is simple but powerful: don't let a diagnosis define your future.

00:00:16 - Intro
00:01:06 - The Good News
00:03:54 - Marcus explanation of Multiple Sclerosis
00:06:01 - How MS effects Marcus
00:09:16 - Routines with MS
00:14:04 - Can you learn to make things easier?
00:15:05 - Masking Multiple Sclerosis
00:17:00 - Friends with MS and Stages of MS
00:18:30 - What does Marcus do for fun?
00:21:50 - What Marcus wishes people knew about MS
00:24:44 - Marcus' biggest achievements
00:27:35 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In today's episode we discuss Skills Club, a club within our ARTiculate programme for young people aged 24-30.

Join Tara, Sophia, Dave, Jordan, Stephanos and Flo as they share how Skills Club has helped them develop confidence, creativity, friendships and practical skills through art, volunteering and community projects.

From autism and social anxiety to employment, independence and finding a place to belong, this honest and uplifting conversation explores the real impact that a supportive and inclusive community can have on young disabled adults.

We also hear about the creative projects members have produced, including embroidery, ceramics, textiles and upcycling, and discover how Skills Club helps participants build skills for volunteering, work and everyday life.

To find out more about Skills Club please contact Flo Alfrey on 020 3743 2326, or email [email protected]

00:01:18 - Intro
00:02:00 - What's going on?
00:04:44 - What is Skills Club?
00:06:42 - Philanthropy
00:09:09 - What Skills club means to us
00:13:25 - Favourite projects
00:19:54 - What Community Focus means to us
00:22:19 - How to get involved
00:22:54 - Our passions
00:26:38 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In this episode of Dis-labled, Havva takes us through a day in her life and shares her experience of living with a brain injury.

With her trademark humour and honesty, Havva talks about family, friendships, daily routines, the things she enjoys most, and some of the challenges she faces. It's a warm, uplifting conversation that offers a genuine insight into her life and personality.

00:00:00 - Start
00:01:14 - Intro
00:01:59 - The Good News
00:06:35 - Pavement Guest by Alistair Scriven
00:07:54 - Discussion: A Day in My Life - Living with Brain Damage 
00:26:53 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot