How often do you hear, ‘what do the young people want?’ Perhaps not often enough. Certainly not as often as ‘how things have changed since my day!’ Phil and Simon wanted to hear from the next generation so we invited the multi-talented Abbi Brown on to our show. She works for the ad agency behind the now infamous Malteser adverts on Channel 4. With Abbi we explore whether you can make more of a difference from the inside or out, who her (disabled) role models were when she was growing up and does she think there’s a disability movement these days. Indeed, what is activism these days, what are the next generation ‘fighting for’ if anything and does social media help or hinder? We also talk about using the bus and not thinking twice about it. Abbi has personal experience of disability with OI (brittle bones) deafness and mental health problems. [Click this for transcript of the show](https://www.dropbox.com/s/gm0ly6djnlrnipx/Phil%20%26%20Simon%20Show%20No%2029%20w%20Abbi%20Brown?dl=0)You can follow Abbi on -Twitter [@AbbiSigns](https://twitter.com/AbbiSigns)Instagram [abbisigns](https://www.instagram.com/abbisigns/) YouTube [Ithinkmynameismoose](https://www.youtube.com/user/ithinkmynameismoose)

In this edition of our podcast, we talk to the renowned influencer and campaigner Liz Sayce about her exceptional career and her passion for equality and human rights.Liz shares her personal experience of managing a mental health condition and the insight that this has provided in her role as a campaigner.Liz reflects on the seven years she spent working for the mental health charity MIND and the knowledge she gained from her trip to the US where she examined the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA)We reflect on her time as Director of Policy and Communications at the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and subsequently her role as the CEO of RADAR and Disability Rights UK.In addition to her "day jobs," she is a prolific writer and her books, papers and articles have examined mental health issues and more recently focused on the thorny problems relating to employment and career development challenges for disabled people. She is currently based at the London School of Economics (LSE) and discusses her recently published report "Switching Focus" which describes a four-point plan designed to improve disabled people's employment and pay.Find the time to take a listen you will not be disappointed.A full transcript of our conversation is available [here.](http://bit.ly/2TNoKw6)We’d love to hear from you, email us [email protected] or send a message via Facebook or Twitter. If you’d like to review us on iTunes or Audioboom that would be amazing.

Simon turned up to Phil’s studio (house) and said ‘I have nothing to say this month.’ Phil replied ‘I’ve not got much either’. Fifty minutes later, an enjoyable, personal, broad themed show was recorded!We ask if the Guaranteed Interview Scheme is still needed? Is it fit for purpose? After some great Christmas TV with various disabled actors popping up we wonder if the same is happening in theatre?David Isaac, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission recently was quoted in the Sunday Times asking ‘Where’s the #metoo movement on disability?’ Simon wonders out loud if he’s a listener to our show, as we asked the same question in show 25 “All That Jazz Hands”.Phil talks of someone he greatly admired when he was in a former role. It made him wonder about who are the people that have an impact in our lives and we explore what it is about them that draws us to them.We’d love to hear from you, email us [email protected] or send a message via Facebook or Twitter. If you’d like to review us on iTunes or Audioboom that would be amazing.[Link to transcript](https://www.dropbox.com/s/rw2fyr9w1nuxrdb/Phil%20%26%20Simon%20Show%20No%2027.rtf?dl=0)

Our guest this month is Susan Scott-Parker OBE. Susan has over 30 years of experience working with business on disability as Founder of the [Business Disability Forum](https://businessdisabilityforum.org.uk) (BDF) and now as an [international consultant](https://www.businessdisabilityinternational.org) advising organisations, NGOs and governments on disability issues.As CEO of the BDF, she signalled to colleagues, customers, and government that disability is a business and a societal priority. Susan pioneered the world’s first leadership programme for people with disabilities, in partnership with the Coverdale Organisation.Among other things, Phil and Simon ask Susan what lay behind her decision to settle in the UK and what her proudest moments have been. They then focus on what concerns Susan in terms of disability equality and fairness today and what is on the horizon.Phil and Simon are long-standing [Associates](https://businessdisabilityforum.org.uk/about-us/associates/) of the Business Disability Forum and as result have a unique view of working with the organisation and with Susan over the many years she was at the helm.A full transcript of this podcast is available, click on this link to [Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/s/2hc49j2hokt1fpp/Phil%20%26%20Simon%20Show%20no.%2026%20Susan%20Scott-Parker?dl=0)

We kick off the show with a discussion around the emerging use of Jazz Hands at live performances. Jazz Hands what does that mean? Is it just a gimmick or is it more serious than that?Another favourite of ours is the use of language. The latest manifestation is the expression "Diffability". Is this just another attempt to sanitise or remove the stigma from the word "Disability". What do you think?Simon reflects on his recent conversation with someone who wondered why there isn't more anger and outrage regarding the treatment of disabled people in society.This leads to a further discussion about why it still appears to be so difficult to share personal information about disability in the workplace. Surely we’ve moved on?  Phil's recent experience of illness prompts a discussion about the difficulties disabled people can encounter when trying to access NHS treatment. Caring staff are to often let down by the physical environment. Whatever happened to inclusive design?  Finally, we wrap up with a roundup of comments from our listeners.We hope you enjoy this potpourri and it is always good to get your comments.You can download a full transcript here [http://bit.ly/2OmBeHy](http://bit.ly/2OmBeHy)  The transcript is also available on our Audioboom page, Twitter feed and Facebook page. Click here for the Itunes link https://apple.co/2AvKoe8 or here http://bit.ly/2sfwuLG for the Audioboom versionIf you have any comments, feedback or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]. If you know someone who might enjoy our podcasts share the links and spread the word.You can visit the Phil and Simon Show Facebook page [http://bit.ly/1t8tS0d](http://bit.ly/1t8tS0d) or follow us on Twitter [@PhilSimonShow](@PhilSimonShow)

We’re two years old! Thank you for being our listener. Phil and Simon talk about disability on television, more specifically the pleasant surprise when someone on television happens to have a disability but it’s incidental to why they’re on. We contrast this with inspirational shows and wonder if such shows help.Finally, there are enforceable web accessibility standards…but hang on, haven’t they been around for years? We explain more.There’s new money from the Government to fund innovative programs to help retain disabled people in employment. We discuss if peer support would help ‘turn the tap off’ of lost talent, i.e. those who leave their job because of disability or health but could have stayed with the right adjustments.In the news round up, Belgium has reported on the authorised assisted deaths of two children aged nine and eleven, who had asked to die. There’s an update on the extension of the blue badge disabled parking scheme and Simon tells of his recent parking difficulties.**Links**BBC Four [The Prosecutors](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b072130s)BBC Two [Horizon Spina Bifida and Me](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bcmjht)[](http://bit.ly/2CbDxwt)[New Web Standards](http://bit.ly/2CbDxwt)[New money to keep disabled people in work](http://bit.ly/2LrbpoW)[Belgium reports on authorised euthanasia](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/07/belgium-authorised-euthanasia-terminally-nine-11-year-old-youngest/)[TRANSCRIPT](https://www.dropbox.com/s/mio8rr7vf7nw34z/Transcript%20Phil%20%26%20Simon%20Show%20No%2024%20-%20Aug%202018.pdf?dl=0)

We kick off with some thoughts about Noel Conway and his attempts to change the law on assisted suicide.Labelling, mental Illness so what is a disability and what isn't. Simon continues the search for an accurate and meaningful definition.After the reaction to our previous podcast, we focus on our embarrassing or vulnerable bits and pieces arising from our disability. Phil's describes his aversion to swimming pools and being seen undressed. Simon shares his thoughts regarding people's reaction to his size and the embarrassment or anger this can invoke.We finish with a roundup of listeners feedback. Thank you and keep it coming. [Clear for the transcript](http://bit.ly/2LxbyXX) Here are links relating to the Noel Conway discussion.Tony Bland [http://bit.ly/2MDzR6Y](http://bit.ly/2MDzR6Y)Noel Conway [https://bbc.in/2KaMUQk](https://bbc.in/2KaMUQk)Gosport hospital deaths [https://bbc.in/2JByP9p](https://bbc.in/2JByP9p)Not Dead Yet UK [http://bit.ly/2vcVBOV](http://bit.ly/2vcVBOV)

On this months show, Phil and Simon grapple with some morally complex news topics. How do you decide who should get legal aid? Does this lead to more injustice? Then the heartbreaking case of the little boy Alfie and how medics, the law and parents all have a say in a disabled person's life when the individual can't speak for themselves?The business case for accessibility is updated with new research from Euan's Guide and are we seeing a lot more disabled people on television, particularly Britains Got Talent.Legal aid link for more information [http://bit.ly/2EKdQyN](http://bit.ly/2EKdQyN)Euan’s Guide research link [http://bit.ly/2IgBq9d](http://bit.ly/2IgBq9d)[Transcript for Show 21 Justice and Rights](https://www.dropbox.com/s/kueo56n7lzmg224/Phil%20%26%20Simon%20PodcastNo%2021%20%20May%202018rtf.rtf?dl=0)

It’s just Phil and Simon this month and we return to our format of debate, news and humour about issues relating to disability and beyond.Are we looking at the great divide? Does the traditional concept of disability exclude many people - those seen as not disabled enough and those whose needs are greater, they weren’t included? Is identifying individual impairment groups, developing new words for this, helpful? Will it lead to better inclusion, greater tolerance or just split us in to factions?In the news, there’s discussion of the passing of Professor Stephen Hawking, a legal update on wheelchair spaces on buses plus news about potential changes to the Americans With Disabilities Act asking, is it going backwards? Did you understand what the Motability Operations story in the press was about? Phil and Simon delve deep.For those listeners who like it when we disagree, you’ll enjoy our debate on whether the Phil & Simon Show should be on YouTube. We’d love to hear your thoughts.Transcript - [https://www.dropbox.com/s/zaxje7nxh33qr2i/Transcript%20Phil%20%26%20Simon%20Show%20No%2020%20March%202018.pdf?dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/s/zaxje7nxh33qr2i/Transcript%20Phil%20%26%20Simon%20Show%20No%2020%20March%202018.pdf?dl=0 "Transcript to the Show 20")