Disabled and Proud

Celia Hensman talks with Brooke about her work at the disability policy centre, the first think tank of its kind in the UK, which is dedicated to developing and advancing policy for disabled people

They discuss how policy and legislation are part of all our lives and how disabled people being consulted fully on everything is the missing piece of the jigsaw along with the many powerful and unique attributes that disabled people bring

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There is an entrenched stereotype of what disabled looks like
• Disability is infinitely diverse with a beautiful variety of disabilities and yet we use one umbrella of words
• We are so diverse and our experiences are all different and unique
• Five people do not represent the diversity of disabilities, if you are going to consult you have to do it properly
• For disability rights to progress, there needs to be legislation in place
• Don’t be scared of being yourself and saying and doing what you want to do
• Disabled people have a unique set of attributes and your difference is your power so use it

BEST MOMENTS

‘Every little decision in our lives actually stems from policy and politics’

‘Society should be utilising the talents and abilities we have not out-casting us’

‘Being consulted about everything is the missing part of the jigsaw for disability’

RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE

https://thedisabilitypolicycentre.org/

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Isaac talks with Brooke about how it’s the world that’s disabling its people and how it’s always the journey that’s the most important, not reaching an end destination

He shares how when his mindset changed he was able to see that his disability is his strength and always had been even though he didn’t realise it

Brooke and Isaac also talk about the magic and creativity in disability and how sharing your journey honestly can help others

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Challenges can be overcome in any circumstance
• I wanted to do my own thing and be creative
• Spirituality is important to me and my mental health
• It’s telling people about my journey and helping them to understand that it’s something anyone can do
• It’s a journey, not an end destination, it’s not just positivity all the time it’s about being realistic
• Be honest with yourself and understand that you need to look after yourself and your needs
• All the experiences I’ve been through have been a chance for learning, no situation is either positive or negative

BEST MOMENTS

‘My disability has always been my strength but I didn’t realise until I got to this point with my mindset’

‘I like to use my energy in a positive way, responding not reacting to things’

‘Being your true authentic self is what’s really important

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Ali shares her experiences and explains why when something is wrong you have to stand up and shout not only for yourself but for everyone else

She discusses with Brooke the reality of discrimination in everyday life and how what businesses and brands say across social media isn’t always the reality of what’s happening in the workplace day to day and explains how her community are the coolest people she knows

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We need to be screaming and shouting about disability because discrimination still happens every day
• The hard times are when you find that place in yourself about not giving up
• It’s the bigger perspective picture and understanding it’s not just about you
• With a disability, you have to be good at planning because of everything going on
• You need to understand the importance of rest and looking after yourself, it makes anything more possible
• Connecting with a community and sharing with people who are like you really makes a huge difference in your life
• You internalise it and think it’s just you but it's not and you are not alone

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s the reality of what we are dealing with everyday’

‘If I don’t speak about this what is going to change’

‘We are the coolest bunch of people I know’

  VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is talking with Asta Philpot, Campaigner, Actor and Presenter about the importance of celebrating and promoting disabled people and why acceptance of who you are is the key to being confident and achieving your dreams

When you shine who you are the whole world will shine with you and the possibilities are endless

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Being a kid was tricky but as I’ve grown older I’ve learnt to embrace myself
• My career is media based and I’m out there because I want to help people
• It was cathartic and incredible making the documentary and that other people were interested in my story
• If you have a dream you can make it happen and once you have the confidence anything is achievable
• Shine who you are, and the world will shine with you
• Live for the moment and don’t project forward, be who you are and the rest will just flow
• The dark times have made me a stronger person ad helped me to realise what other people are going through

BEST MOMENTS

‘I was born with a skill to help other people’

‘Be yourself and shine who you are and the word will shine with you’

‘Every moment in our lives is meant to be’

RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE

https://www.astaphilpot.com/home

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Clara who has EDS and is a wheelchair user talks to Brooke about the journey to getting diagnosed and why her disability is a part of who she is but not what defines her as an individual

She chats about modelling, disabled representation and being part of the change for inclusivity, seeing people like yourself in a positive space and being seen

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It’s a management process, pacing your time and activities along with managing expectations
• The process of diagnosis can be very difficult and there were missed opportunities. It was a game changer when a doctor really listened to what I had to say
• After the diagnosis, there was the realisation and mourning that I wasn’t going to get better
• Society thinks that if you are disabled they are entitled to your medical history
• Modelling was a great catalyst for other things and my way is to show them what I can do
• You can shout and make a lot of noise but sometimes just doing is a better avenue as you look outwards
• I’ve had to create boundaries for my own well-being
• Know what works for you and that you will have an amazing life and if you can’t see it, be it, the possibilities are endless
• Manifest what you want in your life and aim for the universe

BEST MOMENTS

‘There are many different levels of things that you have to factor in for your life’

‘It was learning and mourning at the same time’

‘It’s become part of who I am, but it’s not who I am’

‘I’m a ‘busting the door down’ type of girl’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is talking with Toby Addison about how he has exploded onto TikTok, and why he wants to use his platform to share his life and educate others

Toby discusses the importance of having a Plan ‘A’ and a plan ‘B’ and why being prepared is the key to avoiding the unnecessary hassle and shares great advice on how to pursue what you really want in life

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• My mindset now is about doing everything I can to prepare for situations
• Being disabled is a rollercoaster so you will have experienced every emotion and become very emotionally mature
• One day you can do something you never thought you could do and be euphoric and on other days can be frustrated with everything
• If you have a plan ‘A’ strive for it but always have a plan ‘B’ for backup
• It’s a societal issue that disabled people feel they need to keep up
• It’s a hard step to admit you are different and that it’s ok
• A lot of disabled people are tenacious because they go through so much and face so many challenges
• As a blind person it's more about people’s actions, it really f#cks me off when people drag me across the road
• There is a lot of stereotyping of people and their disabilities

BEST MOMENTS

‘I’m a tenacious person so I’m always determined to keep going’

‘Making sure you are prepared avoids so much hassle’

‘Make sure Plan ‘B’ is bulletproof because Plan ‘A’ could crumble in front of you very fast’

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

In this episode, Nina Tame, counsellor and disability advocate talks about her experiences and why society is ableist on every level

Nina shares how the world perceives her differently with her wheelchair and discusses with Brooke why it isn’t the disability but everything and everyone else so learning to be kind to yourself is vital

Nina also explains why it’s a “privilege and treat to be a part of such a diverse and wonderful community” listen in and enjoy

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• I saw disability and my disability through a different lens and it changed things
• Everybody in society is ableist, we reward good health on all levels throughout education and work
• When access needs are met it benefits everyone
• There are really good people out there you just need to keep looking
• A good relationship is about interdependence, we all rely on each other for different things
• It can be a harsh world when you are disabled and it’s important to be kind to yourself
• There is no force like a disabled parent who is fighting to get their child’s needs met
• Often the impact of societal issues doesn’t become known until children are older
• Parents should have support and community but that should be built in a way that protects the child and privacy
• There is so little knowledge that the disabled person is teaching the experts
• I can hate my disability with a little ‘d’ but will always love being disabled with a big ‘D’

BEST MOMENTS

‘I care for him and he cares for me’

‘I’ve got better at being kind to myself’

‘It isn’t ever the disability that’s the difficult but it's everything else around it’

‘Always remember it’s not you, it’s ableism

RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE

https://www.instagram.com/nina_tame/?hl=en

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

In this episode hear about Physical Disability Rugby League from player Nick Kennedy
He explains how this sport, custom designed for disabled people changes lives bringing shared experiences and connections that last a lifetime
As someone who is passionate about the sport, Nick explains how he got into it and shares the positives it has brought for him, listen in and be inspired

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• PDRL has both contact and non-contact players, how the players are used is very tactical within a game
• Internationally the rules are slightly different to make it more competitive
• If you are interested in playing there is no categorisation in domestic PDRL
• The mental health side is amazing, it helped me to get out of my depression
• In PDRL everyone is different but it's very real and it gives the opportunity to be part of a shared experience
• The links you make tie you to people for the rest of your life
• Don’t accept ‘no’ and that what’s being offered is the best available, do your own research
• It's important to just get started with anything you think about doing, if its fitness just get out there
• Regardless of who you are and what you do take the opportunities
• Its life-changing and incredibly powerful as an experience

BEST MOMENTS
‘It’s life-changing for so many people’
‘It’s a sport custom-built for disabled people and we want everyone to know about it’
‘There is no try in rugby that isn’t the sum of everyone in the team’ 

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST
Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.
The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.
Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.
As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Sandie talks with Brooke about why she’s such a proud disabled human being and why disability brings a unique spectrum of colour to the world and prevents humanity from stagnating
She discusses how her disability has made her stronger and helped her to reflect and move forward on a journey of growth, and exploration to be the person she wants to be
Sandie and Brooke also talk about why it's so important that fashion representation includes all ages and sizes so that everyone is seen and heard, listen in and hear more

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• I was able to look at what my worth really was and begin the journey to being the person I wanted to be
• The positive response from other people set me on the path to being a brand ambassador and modelling
• My age is a hard age for any woman to be. As a sexual being, it's hugely important for me to be able to express myself
• Mid-life, mid-size disability is really underrepresented
• You are always the best person for your ideas, you have a unique perspective that is your alone
• I’m grateful for my disability it’s made me a better person, more empathetic, and kinder and it has forced me to grow and reflect on the areas about myself that I wanted to change
• I much prefer the person I am now and it’s made me hungry for more growth and exploration
• People will say things but you need always to remember that you are the expert on your body
• Being disabled brings so much to our lived experiences, it's unique in bringing a spectrum of colour to the world disability stops humanity from stagnating

BEST MOMENTS

‘I made a decision to love myself’

‘We want to feel stylish, we want to feel sexy, we want to feel relevant we want to be seen and heard

‘I’m grateful for my disability making me look at myself’

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en

Brooke is talking with Martin Dougan about his experiences growing up and in his career in broadcasting

They discuss diversity and representation and the need for change along with how successful it can be when the disabled person creates the blueprint around what they need and don’t need in the workplace

Martin also explains why being confident in your disability is what changes everything, listen in and hear more

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Your body can be doing something and your brain can think you are doing it in a completely different way
• Cerebral palsy has helped my career and also hindered my career 
• A lot more needs to be done about diversity and representation in broadcasting
• I don’t mind not getting a job because I’m not right for it but it questioned my integrity to say I expected to get it because I was disabled
• Disability representation in the BBC has dropped over the last ten years
• It works when the disabled person sets the boundaries, the blueprint of what they want and the help needed if the issue of disability comes up
• My biggest fear is of failing so I’m determined and relentless  about proving my point
• Getting comfortable with your disability and owning it means you can become your true self
• Being confident in your disability and yourself is what changes everything
• There are internal and external battles with yourself every day
• Always back yourself and look after yourself

BEST MOMENTS

‘If there’s a task at hand I can have tunnel vision about achieving it’

‘People naturally like to glamorise or give it a bit of a Disney twist

‘We are at a crossroads and things need to change now

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Disabled & Proud Podcast

ABOUT THE HOST

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!

INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en