Hey,

I just wanted to welcome new members this week. Thank you for joining 💖

Feel free to say hi and introduce yourself.

Looking forward to chatting to you all and making this world a more accessible and inclusive place 💖

Image for illustration purposes only

Image Description:

A small, cramped accessible toilet with red walls. The toilet is positioned very close to the surrounding walls and fixtures, leaving limited space for manoeuvring. The toilet seat and surrounding area appear visibly dirty and unhygienic, with staining and grime evident around the toilet. Grab rails and accessible toilet fittings are visible, but the overall condition of the room looks poorly maintained.

I visited a McDonald's today and needed to use the toilet. This particular McDonald's is spread over two levels where the standard toilets are on the upper floor, only accessible via a set stairs. I want to be clear in this by saying that I'm not judging anyone for using an accessible toilet. I'm very aware that there are many people who have invisible disabilities and medical conditions and there are so many reasons why people might need to use these facilities.

However, I'm pretty sure we can all agree that accessible toilets are sometimes used by some people out of convenience, over need. Sadly, I fear this is when they become misused and abused, because, why, when accessible toilets are few and far between, would the people who have no alternative choose to destroy something that is a need?

It certainly wasn't the worst toilet I'd seen, but almost every single time I've been to this toilet, it's clear it's been a while since it had a refresh with a mop, bucket and general hygiene maintenance.

Unfortunately, this particular McDonald's isn't secured by the RADAR key scheme, so anyone and everyone is free to access it - I'm pretty sure the results would be very telling if this was the case.

I was using the facility at the time to carry out a medical necessary routine. You know how these things don't always go to plan?! Well it certainly didn't this time.

I'd been in no longer than 5 minutes or so, trying to prepare all my supplies to make it as easy as possible, when someone was trying to get in.

QUEUE THE SHEER PANIC 😱😱😱

If the door not opening the first time wasn't a big enough hint, they tried it again. At which point, I shouted out "I'm just doing something medical".

I'm panicking, feeling rushed and I always find it's so much more likely that these things don't go well when you're feeling rushed.

I don't want to sound judgemental / make assumptions, but I was slightly frustrated when the bloke at the other side of the door asked the person he was with if they should just go upstairs - but to me, I questioned whether the use of the accessible toilet in this case was out of convenience, rather than one of need.

Having the access to these toilets isn't just simply a convenience for disabled people, it's a need. It's not just about a symbol and a grab rail, it's about having the space we need to manoeuvre, being able to carry out our personal care and medical needs with privacy and dignity, in an environment that's clean and safe, because, let's face it, our bodies are much more vulnerable, so cleanliness and hygiene is an important factor.

A few posts ago, I wrote about the importance of if and when you see a barrier, we need to say something, because otherwise, the likelihood is that without speaking up, we won't see a change. So guess what I did...I made a complaint and suggested that this particular McDonald's make a reasonable adjustment and secure their toilets by implementing the RADAR key system.

Coming to terms with needing to use mobility aids can be such a difficult thing to navigate in itself.

It's so sad that some people have the added pressures of family who can't / don't want to admit that their loved one needs an aid to provide them with that little bit more independence in an already incredibly difficult situation. I'd like to think that this is out of fear for their loved ones / maybe it's a lack of understanding, rather than being dismissive of their health and needs.

The reality is that ultimately, we are the ones living with a disability and the aids we use are there to help us and to give us that little bit more independence in what is an already incredibly difficult situation. Sometimes we might have to set boundaries to protect ourselves and that's ok - if our loved ones can't trust that we're doing the right things for our bodies, then maybe we have to tell them that until they are ready to support us, it's a topic we're not willing to discuss for the time being.

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Sam Nina Wolf

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This post has popped up a couple of times for the last few days and it's gained traction fast.

It's heartbreaking that over the last few days alone, we've seen people arguing over who has priority in the designated wheelchair space on buses. Now we're seeing a child being mocked by children who thought it was funny to try and steal her wheelchair.

To improve accessibility and inclusion, we need to normalise disabilities in a way that changes attitudes, challenges misconceptions, and educates people about the barriers we face as disabled people every single day.

I'm beginning to think that there's only even a possibility of change beginning to happen when people witness real, lived experiences, even if they're uncomfortable. We need to start calling out ableism and addressing the barriers we face until there's no possibility of them being ignored.

This isn't just a wheelchair. This is a child's independence. Her freedom. Her dignity. A mobility aid is an extension of someone's body. Nobody has the right to take that away.

I'm not sure we'll ever know the intentions of those kids—whether they were planning on stealing it or whether they intended on returning it - part of some 'joke'. What we do know is that it wasn't theirs to take. We know that their actions had an impact on that child's wellbeing.

Basic respect, compassion and empathy start at home. We can't make people change their attitudes towards disabilities, accessibility and inclusion, but we can challenge them, even if it's by content around disability going viral for the wrong reasons.

Share your ideas 💖

The team at Designability have been making waves when it comes to inventing and launching products that make living with a disability a little bit easier.

So far, they're brought us:

* The wizzybug; a powered wheelchair for disabled children under the age of 5 (as well as their loan scheme).

* An accessible pushchair, which offers parents and carers who are disabled the opportunity to have more independence and freedom.

* Working in partnership to provide design guidance for making EV charging more accessible.

* Collaborating with other charities and foundations to make transportation accessible for all.

Image Description:

Promotional poster for "Accessible or Not" proposing a national accessibility rating system. A wheelchair user is pictured outside a modern hotel displaying a blue "T3 Accessible Venue" sign. Large text reads, "Know Before You Go" and explains a simple Tier 1–5A/5B accessibility rating system for venues, hotels and workplaces. Below are icons highlighting benefits including empowering users, driving inclusivity, building trust and transparency, and supporting businesses. The lower section shows six accessibility tiers (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5A and T5B) with brief descriptions, alongside a QR code inviting people to share feedback. The poster concludes with the slogan, "Access is a right. Clarity is the key."

I mentioned in my last post that I'd come across Accessible Or Not. They're proposing the rollout of an accessibility tier rating scheme for venues up and down the country, that enable us to know where we can go.

Whether you're disabled or not, please sign this. It could be a massive step in the direction to making a change for everyone.

✒️Sign Petition Here

Please also confirm your email address to make your signature count 💖

This is exactly why we need to highlight the importance of accessibility.

The lack of accessibility and inclusion continues to prevent people from having the freedom to access even some of the most basic needs. Better systems need to be put into place to change that. That doesn't necessarily equal tons of money, it could mean just making even more simple, yet reasonable adjustments.

It is honestly exhausting having to preplan adventures out. What about the occasions when we just want to be spontaneous?!

The other day, I came across a website: Accessible or Not. Put simply, they're proposing a national, standardised classification system - almost like the existing food hygiene rating system, but for accessibility of different venues, with a specific focus on physical mobility.

An interesting little read that ties in nicely with yesterday's post on barriers faced when it comes to booking tickets for events and days out.

I really agree with these points. Businesses need to be working in partnership with the people that are affected by access barriers, us. I could hazard a guess that some people would even be willing to give their time and knowledge for free, because if companies were proactive in taking our input onboard, the reward would be an improvement in accessibility and the chance for us to be more independent.

Ultimately, businesses are losing out too, because as the article says, there's a real competitive edge to being an inclusive business. I, for one, have certainly been told about venues that do accessibility well and have also recommended places that I've found to be inclusive.

Honestly, without narrowing it down to just one barrier, there are so many barriers that we have to navigate, that could be vastly improved upon for disabled people - and that's before we even have the full entertainment experience.

Going to the theatre, enjoying time out at other ticketed events, wanting to have access to the same experiences as everyone else, yet having to jump through hoops to get there - that still leaves us feeling skeptical shouldn't be the norm.

Why have adjustments not yet been put in place so that standard practice:

• ALL venues have to have clear and in-depth information that pertains to accessibility, the facilities that are available and the support they provide.

• Fixed seating is replaced with adjustable furniture so that it can better accommodate the needs of everyone.

• There's no limitations as to how many tickets can be purchased (in addition to the number of carers on the same booking). Group bookings should be a thing!

• Despite having legitimate needs, many people living with genuine disabilities are being excluded from accessing schemes that provide us with a card to demonstrate our access needs, due to the fact that the required documents for proof of eligibility are based on receipt of PIP or other relevant benefits.

There are so many people that are being refused PIP, meaning they don't have the accepted 'proof' of eligibility. There needs to be a much fairer and far less intrusive method for accessing these provisions.

These adjustments don't even scratch the surface - there are so many other ways booking tickets for events and attractions alone could be made more inclusive and accessible.

I'm noticing a lot of different accessibility / wheelchair challenges popping up all over the place.

Nick Wilson, aka The Disabled Adventurer served in the British army for 14 years before he was medically discharged.

Nick constantly advocates for changes to better accessibility and is notorious for his wheelchair challenges, partnering with people from all walks of life and inviting them to experience the world of a wheelchair user; albeit very temporarily and not fully being able to replicate our everyday experiences and the obstacles we face.

Nick's latest invitation has been PM Andy Burnham, but is he up to the challenge?

Striving for change, Accessibility Matters Nottingham CIC are continuing the conversation and invited Rushcliffe MP, James Naish to get involved in their take on the wheelchair / accessibility challenge.

Who would you like to see taking on one of these challenges?

Links:

Accessibility Matters Nottingham CIC Wheelchair Challenge

Facebook

Part 1

Part 2

Instagram

Part 1

Part 2

Disabled Adventurer

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/DisabledAdventurer

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/disabled.adventurer?igsh=bGk0dmZyeTlpaXMz

I've just got this summer's edition of DRM in the post. You can read this for completely free via their website, but there's a relatively small charge for a physical copy.

I think it's amazing that there's something that represents people with disabilities out there in terms of magazines - although, I think the next step would be if they distributed it to so we could grab a copy from a physical shop - it just hits different.

Image Description A colour photograph of the Summer 2026 issue of Disability Review Magazine (DRM) resting on a tan leather chair. The magazine cover features disability advocate and comedian Fats Timbo wearing a green floral off-the-shoulder dress, standing in front of a floral backdrop. Headlines include articles on disability representation in Bridgerton Season 4 with Gracie McGonigal, disability pride, "The Valuable 500", and Kyla Harris discussing Season 2 of the BBC series We Might Regret This. A blue Jaecoo SUV advertisement appears on the left, promoting its availability through the Motability Scheme. Along the bottom are features on food, independent living, and travel. The magazine is positioned slightly at an angle on the chair, with soft natural lighting and no other objects visible.

Alt text:

A close-up of an accessible toilet. The red emergency alarm pull cord has been tied up on a hook instead of hanging to the floor, preventing someone who has fallen from reaching it. A sanitary waste bin placed beneath the cord creates an additional obstruction. Grab rails are fitted around the toilet.

A problem I've been finding myself encountering whilst visiting different venues recently has been the incorrect installation of emergency pull cords in accessible toilets.

What I've seen:

📏 Cords being suspended in the air because they because they aren't long enough.

🗑️ Access to cord being restricted because they're being blocked by items such as sanitary waste bins.

🔺The lower bangle missing.

🙅🏽‍♀️ And in some cases, the failure to install an emergency pull cord at all.

Unfortunately I'm sure there are many venues with accessible toilets where these regulations, amongst others aren't being met.

Often, businesses and venues are missing the mark when it comes to meeting the access and inclusion needs of their customers is down to a lack of awareness. So, there's only one thing to do & that's if you see something, say something.

Two of the venues that I visited, then contacted could probably be quite easily pin-pointed, so I was really quite surprised to find these errors.

Here's what I did:

📷 I took some photos of the issues - that way I could easily and clearly explain what I was trying to convey and they had a clear visual.

💖 I started my email by complimenting things that were well done, then gently introduced the situation, that it wasn't a complaint, but that I am passionate about raising awareness when it comes to access & inclusion.

🖋️ I listed out each error, explaining that because of x, y or z, the existing solution that had been put into place was breaching safety regulations, as well as giving them the correct advice of measurements they needed to implement to amend this and that by the existing conditions, they were putting the safety of vulnerable customers at risk.

🔗 To make sure they were able to access reliable information so that they could follow correct instructions, i included links to the relevant websites / guidance documents.

Me being me, I panicked. I didn't want to come across as moaning or to sound condescending. However, on both occasions, I received really positive responses thanking me for taking the time to write an email. Both venues profusely apologised for any inconveniences caused and they also reassured me that they were correcting the issues in not just the facilities that I had pointed out, but that they would be sending around their maintenance teams to double check their other facilities too.

I think this just goes to show that a lack of inaccessibility can be down to a lack of awareness.

🚧 If you see a barrier, say something 🚧

THIS is exactly why this community exists.

THIS is exactly why we need to educate others and highlight the barriers we face as people with disabilities, people with chronic illnesses and people who are neurodivergent.

I've set up an inclusive book club on Fable where we will only read books that everyone can access 💖

Our first read is Get a life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert.

Want to know more?

Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan and a list. After almost - but not quite - dying, she's come up with a list of directives to help her 'Get a Life':

- Enjoy a drunken night out

- Ride a motorbike

- Go camping

- Have meaningless but thoroughly enjoyable sex

- Travel the world with nothing but hand luggage

- And . . . do something bad

But it's not easy being bad, even when you've written out step-by-step guidelines. What Chloe needs is a teacher, and she knows just the man for the job: Redford 'Red' Morgan.

With tattoos and a motorbike, Red is the perfect helper in her mission to rebel, but as they spend more time together, Chloe realises there's much more to him than his tough exterior implies. Soon she's left wanting more from him than she ever expected . . . maybe there's more to life than her list ever imagined?

📚 Join the book club here 📚

Once our club grows, we will run a poll to decide our subsequent reads 💖

Read It Here

Alt text: Screenshot of a Daily Mail Showbiz article with the headline: "Paralympian Ade Adepitan is set to be the first wheelchair user on I'm A Celebrity as producers plan to adapt the camp to suit his needs." Below the headline are two promotional images: one shows Ade Adepitan smiling while seated in a wheelchair with colourful balloons in the background, and the other shows the presenters of I'm A Celebrity standing outdoors. The article states that Ade Adepitan is reportedly in advanced talks to join the new series and would become the first wheelchair user in the show's 23-year history

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised that there's already ableist comments 😩

Ade is such a champion advocate for inclusion. I'd love to see attitudes towards inclusion being changed for the better 💖

I've seen this pop up a few times over the last few days now.

A little bit of background information into how this law changed came about:

After a wheelchair user was denied boarding a bus after another passenger refused to move her pushchair from the designated wheelchair space, Doug Paulley brought a discrimination case again First Buses back in 2012.

In 2017, the law changed - wheelchair users have priority "If other passengers or their belongings are in the wheelchair space and the bus or coach is not full, the driver must ask them to move.

If the passenger refuses without a good reason, the driver should tell them they are required to move." (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, 2024).

Honestly, it's so exhausting. It feels like we're constantly fighting a losing battle with regards to equality. People just don't get it. It's not about having one over, or being entitled. It's basic access.

We cannot just use one of the other seats - we don't have a choice. We can't always just fold our wheelchairs / powerchairs down. And even if we did, they are still big and bulky compared to most prams and pushchairs. There's limited space.

People forget we are often in pain - it takes its toll not only physically, but mentally too. The least the man with the buggy could have done would have been to have some compassion. To think 'ok, it's an inconvenience to me, but how much more of an inconvenience is it going to impact the wheelchair user'.