Why would anyone voluntarily say they have a disability, impairment or long term health condition? Might a reason be when there’s a global pandemic and you feel you’re susceptible? Or bluntly, if you need your supermarket shopping delivered?Trainer, consultant and former lawyer Joanna Wootten asks if more older people are coming out of the ‘disability closet’ acknowledging they have a condition. When the Basic needs in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html) like food, warmth, a roof become important, this changes things. If you’re a medical professional who has until now had an underlying (but irrelevant) condition, what’s it like to now tell your colleagues? Looking to the future, what happens when the pandemic passes though? Will the same people slip back in to the closet and close the door? Might they have to if things turn dark and society views them as a burden or restriction? More brightly, might we now all find community with others and reject stereotyping? Could older people and disabled people unite and get society to change? Can the stigma of using a walking stick, a hearing aid, a mobility scooter or alarm pendant finally be overcome?In this one-off special, Joanna speaks with Phil and Simon about these issues. Phil and Simon then continue to mull over the question, recognising the societal and self-imposed barriers they had to overcome to try and reach a better acceptance of themselves. This second part is also a YouTube video on our channel. Transcript (https://www.dropbox.com/s/zf1fprcnxq7wnqa/Transcript%20Phil%20%26%20Simon%20Show%20Special-%20What%E2%80%99s%20in%20it%20for%20me%3F.pdf?dl=0)LinksVideo of Phil and Simon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQD4xYl3W30&t=105s) discuss acknowledging their impairment, and saying they are disabled. Joanna Wootten   https://www.joannawootten.co.uk    @JoannaSolutions

The comedy path for stand ups who have a disability has gotten easier in the last few years. That’s what Rosie Jones thinks. We think you also need a bundle of talent, skill and confidence and that’s what she has. She tells us about life back with her family, what she’s eating and what exercise she’s doing as well as her writing in her conference centre aka conservatory.

Some say becoming a comedian is a calling, something you can’t resist. Being a gardener is clearly  John Wallace’s calling. He oozes excitement and knowledge, well he is a Horticultural Lecturer and a Landscape Gardener. He answers our listeners questions, gives some ideas of what plants to look for now. He has some ideas for how you can enjoy green fingers if you don’t have a garden or are on a limited budget.

Since we started the news around Covid 19 and disability has been such a mixed bag. Geoff this week tells us of a form disabled people can fill in to give a hospital notice about their wishes. It’s both great and terrifying. There’s news from the US about an accessible format legal case which the UK government need to listen to, if their new track and trace app isn’t accessible to all.

Track & Trace

Landmark agreement on accessible online materials from US educational establishments

GMCDP Covid form

Rosie Jones Twitter  @josierones
Rosie's website
John Wallace - get in contact with us if you want to contact John. 

For the next few weeks, our show will be weekly, shorter and have guests. At last, we hear you cry! We decided we wanted to hear the voice of disabled people during the Covid-19 crisis, hear news and policy as it affects us, and some humour to spread some light. 

Former BBC journalist Geoff Adams-Spink gives us the latest news, about the new legislation and where disabled people fit. He talks about the concerns for those who use PAs/carers. There are some top tips about maintaining good mental health too.

Broadcaster, disability campaigner and all-round glam person, Sam Renke tells us about her first two weeks in self-isolation. She talks about keeping busy, being creative, eating and maintaining some sort of routine.

Top stand up and occasional Abnormally Funny person, Steve Day, finishes the show with his topical humour and funny observations. Let us know what you think. Any ideas you’d like to hear?

Contact us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])If you’d like a transcript for access, drop us a line.

Links from Geoff’s news pieceCommunity Care https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2020/03/22/coronavirus-bill-allow-ministers-suspend-key-care-act-duties-event-pandemic-emergency/

Guardian article by Frances Ryan https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/11/coronavirus-ill-disabled-people?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Guests Twitter     @GAdams_Spink      @samrenke      @TheRealSteveDay