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Brooke reconnects with former guest, Jess for a heartfelt conversation about the evolving landscape of disability pride in the UK and the US. Jess shares her personal journey of moving from London to Chicago, navigating a divorce, and re-entering the dating scene as a disabled woman.
The duo explores the stark differences in societal attitudes towards disability in both countries, touching on the impact of media representation and accessibility. They delve into the challenges of dating, particularly the unique experiences faced by disabled individuals, and emphasise the importance of self-love and setting boundaries.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"Disability Pride really began in the U.S. ... but it's not. Disability is very much seen in the U.S. as something that still needs to be overcome."
"It's okay to take up space. ... You should take it up as loudly and as proudly as possible."
"The dating scene is hell right now. Let's not mince words because it is."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 talks with Nana, who shares his unique perspective on living with a disability. Nana discusses his childhood experiences, including the moment he learned about his tracheostomy and how it shaped his understanding of himself.
The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating school systems that often lack proper support for disabled students, as well as the impact of societal perceptions on career choices. Nana emphasises the importance of resilience and self-advocacy, encouraging listeners to ask questions and challenge uncomfortable norms.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"I think if I was to be in that era again, I would be very forthcoming and wanting to know why am I like this?"
"I don't allow someone's negativity towards how I look or how I sound to determine how I walk through life."
"I think now, because the buzzword of EDI is being flung around, we're being put in a position where, okay, we have to take this box."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 sits down with Terri, a passionate advocate for disability representation and the founder of a charity focused on supporting individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Terri shares her journey of navigating life with an invisible disability, discussing the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis and the misconceptions surrounding disabilities.
The conversation highlights the importance of community, representation, and the power of embracing one's disability as a catalyst for personal growth and change.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"I feel like it's almost pushed me to do things that I might not have done if I was quote unquote well."
"I didn't want to stay in a space where I was unhappy and it was causing me more stress."
"I feel like people also forget that I have the same diagnosis that the charity is based around."
"You can't choose how people feel towards a situation."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 talks to Ahbid Choudry, a passionate advocate for disability rights and the founder of Cabability, a service dedicated to providing wheelchair-accessible transportation.
Ahbid shares his personal journey of living with a disability, emphasising the importance of dignity over equality and the need for compassion in the treatment of disabled individuals. He reflects on his challenging childhood, the misdiagnoses he faced, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on life and work. The discussion delves into the significance of education, the power of acceptance, and the three key steps to achieving personal goals: taking ownership of one's life, recognising individual abilities, and striving for achievement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"I am disabled, but I don’t feel disabled... I don’t have the time to dwell on my disability because I’m working and trying to provide for myself and my family."
"It’s not equality that we need as disabled people. Equality is just a big word that sounds good. As a person with a disability, I want dignity."
"When you put your life in the hands of facilitators, you lose ownership. Take ownership of your life; no one else will."
"I think there's a lot to be said in almost not having that time to ruminate on anything and just cracking on."
"Disabled people are probably the most ignored in society. This needs to be highlighted."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 joined by the marvellous Adam Fare, who shares his journey of living with multiple disabilities, including autism, ADHD, chronic bowel issues, and an eating disorder. He reflects on his childhood, struggling with undiagnosed conditions and the challenges he faced in school.
Despite facing burnout and difficult medical decisions, Adam emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and being true to oneself. He discusses the impact of his disabilities on his relationships with family and friends, highlighting the value of empathy and support. Adam also touches on the misconceptions and odd questions he has encountered regarding his colostomy bag, emphasising the need for understanding and respect towards individuals with disabilities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"I use identity first language personally for my disability, so I class myself as a disabled person."
"I think people just need to judge less, to be honest with you."
"It's almost like in a cycle. for me. So I go through cycles where I think I can manage it and I just burn out, burn out, burn out, burn out, crisis."
"I think people are naturally very curious, which is great. Curiosity is actually really interesting."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 welcomes Kirsty and Xander from Our Chaotic Adventure, a couple who met while playing wheelchair basketball. They talk about their personal experiences with disability, including Kirsty's journey from childhood with a disability to becoming an amputee, and Xander's sudden spinal injury that led to paralysis.
They discuss their perspectives on disability, the medicalisation of disabilities, and the importance of representation in the medical field. Xander, a medical student, shares his efforts to advocate for disability inclusion in medical education. The couple also reflects on their relationship, long-distance challenges, and their upcoming wedding.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"I see disabled people now and I'm like, come on, just do it. I would definitely not give sound medical advice to a disabled person. Buy the book, don't do that."
"I think it's opened up a lot of different avenues that I didn't expect in different sports. And also as well, I've just actually heard today that I received a place on a master's program for physiotherapy."
"I think it's one of those things that actually it's really important to prove that. So that's why I'm quite amped about trying to improve that. Because I think it's an awesome job and I want more disabled people to do it."
"I've spoken to a lot of people, I genuinely have spoken to a lot of people that have said to me that I would love to do medicine but I'm in a wheelchair."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 talks to Pippa, a guest with ME, about her journey so far, including the challenges of managing symptoms like fatigue and chronic pain. She highlights the importance of trusting one's intuition and seeking answers when dealing with a chronic illness.
The conversation also delves into the impact of Pippa's diagnosis on her life, from being a dancer to transitioning to a writer. Pippa also touches on the unsolicited advice and bizarre questions she receives in public about her disability, emphasising the need for understanding and respect.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Despite challenges, Pippa expresses gratitude for her abilities and newfound ambition, driven by her chronic illness experience.
We often receive unsolicited advice and questions about our disabilities, emphasising the need for better understanding and respect.
Through blogging and writing a book, Pippa finds a platform to share her experiences and advocate for those with chronic illnesses.
There is a level of absurdity of ableism in society, which requires listening and understanding rather than offering unsolicited advice.
BEST MOMENTS
"I tailor my answer depending on who's asking a lot of the time, but in a nutshell I say I have a chronic illness called ME."
"I think the fact that people see a younger wheelchair user, and I'm also aware that I look a lot younger than I actually am, I think people have this desire to help but don't realise that their interpretation of helping just makes things so much worse."
"I'm more ambitious now, even though I have so much less usable energy per day, I feel as though I've got a stronger desire to do what I can and figure out what I can do with that level of ambition."
"I do think it's important not to do things purely for other people because I've fallen into that trap in the past but if you're able to do something that fulfils you on a personal level but It also provides support or entertainment or just something of substance for other people."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 takes a solo approach to highlight the powerful messages shared by the audience about Disability Pride Month. Through reading and discussing four standout responses, she delves into the importance of embracing disability pride, breaking societal molds, promoting visibility, and advocating for representation in various spheres of life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"Disability pride is almost the... the cure is not the right word, because I don't like the word cure, but I think it's the thing that really tackles ableism the most, is being able to have pride in who you are as a disabled person."
"Without disability, there's no ingenuity."
"Disability pride is about breaking out of the box so that we can fit to us."
"Disability pride offers me the chance to reflect on my self-acceptance journey over the years."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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 welcomes special guests Nick and Isaac, to discuss the concept of Disability Pride and share their personal journeys towards embracing their disabilities. They emphasise the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself, highlighting the power of sharing personal stories and experiences.
They also reflect on the impact of being open and honest about their disabilities, both online and in their daily lives, expressing their hopes for future Disability Pride Months, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive society that values and respects individuals with disabilities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"Be you. Find out who you are, what you are. Accept the fact that you need to adapt, figure out who you are, who you want to be, who you want people to see you be, and focus on being you."
"I would love to see a disability pride march around the world. People being out and going through the streets of London or wherever, just being themselves and showing the world, 'Yeah, we're here.'"
"I would like to see Disability Pride Month become an actual movement and a whole celebration. For it to be done not just by people with disabilities or disability charities, but for other businesses and organisations to get involved."
"I think it's being your authentic self. People can tell when you are not being you, when you're trying overly hard. Sometimes those kinds of things of not being trying to be overly polished and just being me means more."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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
This week, Brooke welcomes Jamie and Celia on Disabled and Proud's Disability Pride Month special. They discuss their personal experiences with disability pride, unlearning ableism, and the challenges faced by the disabled community.
Jamie shares a journey of overcoming internalised ableism and finding empowerment through meaningful employment, while Celia emphasises the importance of corporate responsibility in promoting disability inclusion. They highlight the need for tangible action, accountability, and ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive society.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
"Disability pride is about celebrating the work that's going on. So actually, I'm not celebrating Pride to the fullest, not because of my own fault, but because again, society isn't taking it on board."
"I think for me that is the pride because I think if I didn't get into this role, I probably wouldn't be sitting here today. Like I probably would have out alive myself a long time ago."
"It's not my accountability and responsibility. It's your burden of accountability and responsibility. And I think the natural tendency to applaud someone halfway through, you know they've done the bare minimum."
"It's not about tokenism, flying a flag. Great, it's a starting point. As I said to Jamie the other day, I'm not going to applaud you until you've finished."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878
HOST BIO
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 the 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
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