Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories

Community Focus Inclusive Arts
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Welcome to Dis-labled, where disabled voices take centre stage. Created and presented by people with disabilities, learning disabilities, autism and long-term health conditions, this is a space to share experiences, challenge stereotypes, and talk about the things that matter to us.Dis-labled is produced by Community Focus Inclusive Arts, a North London charity supporting adults and young people with additional needs through creativity, friendship and opportunity. Also broadcast on Resonance 104.4FM.

  1. 1d ago

    Feeling Too Much: Autism, Hyper-Empathy and Emotions

    Send us Fan Mail In our last episode we began exploring the relationship between autism and empathy.  Today we're continuing that conversation as our ARTiculate Skills Club students talk about what empathy actually feels like, why it can sometimes be overwhelming, and why every autistic person's experience is different. These are real conversations, real experiences and real opinions from autistic people themselves. 00:00 Feeling Too Much: Autism, Hyper-Empathy and Emotions 00:19 Autism & Empathy: Can Autistic People Feel Too Much? 01:32 Catching Up With the Dis-labled Team 04:17 Yasmine on Acting, Self-Expression & Chickenshed Theatre 06:40 What Does Empathy Actually Feel Like? 08:43 Hyper-Empathy: Feeling Other People's Emotions Intensely 09:40 When Someone Else's Pain Becomes Overwhelming 11:00 Why Empathy Can Sometimes Look Cold 12:30 Walking Away Doesn't Always Mean You Don't Care 14:13 "Autistic People Don't Have Empathy": Challenging the Myth 15:16 How the Autism Empathy Stereotype Makes Us Feel 15:26 Do You Need Empathy to Be a Good Person? 16:54 Rain Man, The Good Doctor & Autism Stereotypes 18:55 Sophia's Experience: Sometimes More Empathy, Sometimes Less 20:40 Do Autistic People Sometimes Feel Emotions Too Much? 21:00 Trust, Family & Finding It Difficult to Open Up 22:05 Managing Strong Emotions & Finding Ways to Calm Down 23:18 Autistic Meltdowns, Sensory Overload & Self-Regulation 24:01 Emotional Dysregulation: Feeling Things Intensely 25:00 Feeling Emotions Without Showing Them 26:17 Is Empathy a Spectrum for Everyone? 27:42 Final Thoughts From the Dis-labled Team Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    Feeling Too Much: Autism, Hyper-Empathy and Emotions

  2. Sep 29

    Do Autistic People Lack Empathy? Challenging the Biggest Myth

    Send us Fan Mail Today we're exploring a stereotype that many autistic people have heard for years: that autistic people don't have empathy. Is it true? Or is it one of the biggest misunderstandings about autism? Our ARTiculate Skills Club students share their own experiences, challenge common myths and explain why empathy isn't always expressed in the way people expect. To find out more about Skills Club please contact Flo Alfrey on 020 3743 2326, or email flo@communityfocus.co.uk 00:00 Do Autistic People Lack Empathy? Challenging the Biggest Myth 00:18 Autism, Empathy & Challenging the Stereotype 02:05 What Is Empathy & How Do People Show It? 02:59 Sensory Overload: When Caring Can Look Like You Don't Care 03:53 Caring for Someone When You Struggle to Show It 04:21 Grief, Autism & Not Knowing How to React 07:46 Different Ways of Experiencing Grief 09:53 Jordan Remembers His Sister Leah 11:49 Understanding Emotions Later: When Feelings Are Hard to Identify 14:43 Autism, Social Misunderstandings & Awkward Moments 17:03 A Funny Misunderstanding About Magic: The Gathering 19:00 What Do Autistic People Bring to Friendships & Relationships? 20:00 Challenging the Autistic Genius Stereotype 20:31 Different Perspectives, Friendship & Breaking Down Stereotypes 22:27 Honesty, Trust, Kindness & Caring for Other People 23:31 What Do We Wish People Understood About Autism & Empathy? 24:00 "We're All People": Dave Strings on Being Singled Out 24:41 Feeling Differently Doesn't Mean We Don't Care 25:50 Build a Connection With the Person, Not the Condition 26:38 Empathy vs Compassion: Why They Aren't the Same Thing 27:08 Final Thoughts: Understanding Each Other 28:31 About Community Focus Inclusive Arts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    Do Autistic People Lack Empathy? Challenging the Biggest Myth

  3. Sep 22

    Disability Festival in the Park: More Than Just a Festival

    Send us Fan Mail What makes a festival truly inclusive? In this special episode of the Dis-labled Podcast, our team heads to Disability Festival in the Park in Wanstead, Redbridge, to meet the people, charities and community organisations helping to make one of London's most accessible festivals a reality. Join Marcus, Andrea, Milan, Carol, Remy and the team as they speak to organisers, exhibitors and festival-goers about why this unique event is so important. Discover how accessible festivals can build confidence, reduce isolation, celebrate disabled talent and bring communities together. You'll hear from organisations supporting disabled people across London, alongside reflections from our own presenters after a memorable day filled with music, creativity, information and community spirit.  Featured organisations and guests include: Disability Festival in the Park – A fully accessible annual festival celebrating disability, inclusion and community in Redbridge. More information: www.disabilityfestival.co.ukOne Place East – Supporting disabled people and people with health conditions across Redbridge and East London through advocacy, activities and peer support. Tel: 020 8925 2435. CFDN (Community Fellowship for Disability Network) – Providing activities, holidays, social groups and community support for disabled people and their families across Essex and East London. Uniting Friends – A community art group showcasing artwork created by neurodivergent artists through printmaking and creative workshops. Medipro Care – A domiciliary care provider based in Ilford, introduced during the festival. PUYORG CIC – A community interest company supporting women and young children through community activities and support services. Whether you attended the festival or are discovering it for the first time, this episode celebrates what's possible when disabled people are at the heart of designing inclusive communities. 00:00 Disability Festival in the Park: More Than Just a Festival 00:16 What Is Disability Festival in the Park? Community, Accessibility & Belonging 02:46 Milan & the Community Focus Team Arrive at Disability Festival in the Park 03:15 Pardib from Redbridge: How Disability Festival in the Park Is Growing 04:26 Dan from CFTN: Friendship, Social Activities & Disability Support Across East London 06:09 Tracy from Uniting Friends: Neurodivergent Artists, Printmaking & All We Need Is Love 07:25 Josephine Raj: Medipro Care & PUYORG Supporting Adults, Women & Young People 08:18 Remy Reviews the Festival: Accessibility, Wheelchair Services & Disability Inclusion 09:47 Andy Murphy from One Place East: Disability Support, Activities & Community in Redbridge 10:23 One Place East Gaming Group: Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Social Connection 12:23 How Disability Festival in the Park Grew into a Pan-Disability Event 13:38 Remy & Andy: Making Disability Services Accessible Across More of London 15:29 Music, Performance & Hidden Talents: Building Confidence Through the Festival Stage 17:02 One Place East Comedy Workshops: Confidence, Mental Health & Performing Live 19:22 Milan Meets Ben: Why an Accessible Festival Matters 19:58 Andrea Reports from the Festival: Music, Dancing & an Amazing Atmosphere 20:34 Milan Asks the Community Focus Team for Their Festival Highlights 21:05 Flo, Ella, Remy, Corrie & Dean Share Their Final Thoughts 22:56 Heading Home: Community Focus Says Goodbye to Disability Festival in the Park 23:23 Milan Signs Off from Disability Festival in the Park 23:52 Community Focus Extra: Phillip on Joining an Interview Panel 25:03 What Phillip Learnt About Interviewing & Putting People at Ease 25:52 25 Years at Community Focus: Phillip on Becoming a Trustee 27:11 Jokes, Interviews & No Spoilers: Phillip Reflects on the Experience 28:11 A Cheer for Phillip & Closing the Episode Find out more about the Dis-labled Podcast: Community Focus Inclusive Arts – www.communityfocus.co.uk Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    Disability Festival in the Park: More Than Just a Festival

  4. Sep 15

    Living with Autism & Muscular Dystrophy: Gila's Story

    Send us Fan Mail What is it like living with autism, muscular dystrophy and speech and language difficulties? In this episode of Dis-labled, Gila shares an honest and emotional account of her daily life. She talks about work, friendships, independence, anxiety, using a wheelchair, and the challenges of navigating a world that doesn't always understand disability. Gila also opens up about masking, hiding her true feelings, and the pressure to appear happy when things are difficult. Along the way, she reflects on how far she has come, the obstacles she has overcome, and why learning to accept herself has been such an important journey. This is a powerful conversation about disability, identity, resilience and being yourself. 00:00 Living with Autism & Muscular Dystrophy: Gila's Story 01:00 Meet Gila: Autism, Muscular Dystrophy & Speech and Language Difficulties 02:35 Managing Tiredness, Energy & Everyday Life with Muscular Dystrophy 03:26 Physical Disability: The Things Other People Take for Granted 04:12 Wheelchairs, Stairlifts & Conserving Energy to Stay Independent 05:01 Using a Wheelchair: Staring, Accessibility & Asking for Help 05:38 Physiotherapy, Muscle Tightness & Managing a Physical Disability 06:37 "Why Is She in a Wheelchair if She Can Walk?" Challenging Disability Assumptions 07:33 Everyday Accessibility: Walking, Wheelchairs & Card Payment Machines 08:54 Why Asking for Help Can Be Difficult When You Have a Disability 10:09 Autism & Masking: "You See Me Happy, But Inside I'm Not Okay" 12:12 Trust, Emotions & the Difficulty of Letting People See the Real You 13:17 "I Feel Like I'm Masking With You": An Emotional Moment 14:31 Unmasking, Insecurity & Learning to Be Yourself 15:29 Falling, Mobility & Learning to Live Life on Your Own Terms 16:25 Friendship, Baking, Meditation & Finding Ways to Switch Off 19:22 Carol's Poem "Mind": Feeling Different, Isolated & Wanting to Be Heard 22:19 What Gila Wishes People Understood About Her Disability 23:49 Overcoming Obstacles: "I'm Still Going With My Disability" 25:12 From Masking to "I'm Amazing": Gila Reflects on How Far She's Come 26:30 Self-Acceptance, Positivity & Learning to Love Yourself 28:24 Closing Thoughts | Dis-labled Podcast Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    Living with Autism & Muscular Dystrophy: Gila's Story

  5. Sep 8

    What Happens When Inclusion Works? | Live Dis-labled Forum

    Send us Fan Mail What becomes possible when disabled and neurodivergent people are genuinely listened to, supported and included? Recorded live at the Community Focus Summer Festival, this special Dis-labled forum brings together students, speakers, artists, parents, carers and community leaders to share powerful stories of confidence, creativity, employment and belonging. Hear how opportunities like podcasting, art, creative writing and inclusive workplaces have helped people find their voice, build confidence and become active members of their communities. Featuring Carol's moving poem Unmasking, Marcus sharing his experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis, Gila from CJ's Bakery, author Vicky Martin, audience contributions, and more. If you're passionate about disability, inclusion and hearing real stories from real people, this is an episode not to miss. 00:00 Introduction | Community Focus Inclusive Arts, Disability Podcast & Live Forum 01:19 How the Dis-labled Podcast Began | National Lottery Funding, Giving Disabled People a Voice, 70 Episodes of Inclusion 02:39 The Purpose of the Forum | Disability Inclusion, Neurodiversity, Listening to Disabled People, Success Stories 03:11 Meet the Panel | Artists, Authors, Community Leaders, Inclusive Employment & Lived Experience 04:04 Building Self Confidence | Autism, Body Image, Fashion, Self Acceptance, Positive Mindset & Unmasking 07:49 Carol's Powerful Poem 'Unmasking' | Masking, Autism, Mental Health, Identity, Disability Acceptance & Self Worth 09:48 Writing Authentic Autistic Characters | Vicky Martin, Oak Lodge School, Creative Writing, Drama & Neurodivergent Voices 13:00 CJ's Bakery | Meaningful Employment for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Supported Work & Inclusive Business 15:37 From Oak Lodge School Shop to Finches Café | Community Inclusion, Barista Training, Supported Employment & Independent Living 19:17 Marcus's Story | Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Hidden Disability, Art, Confidence & Finding Your Voice 21:02 Audience Discussion | Why Having a Voice Matters, Disability Advocacy, Representation & Being Heard 23:04 Cory on Community Focus | Art, Creativity, Confidence, Belonging & Inclusive Communities 24:24 Parents' Perspective | Equal Opportunities, Disability Equality, Creative Expression & Supporting Disabled Adults 25:04 A Parent Reflects | Autism Then and Now, Bullying, Asperger's, Community Support & How Things Have Changed 26:34 Looking Ahead | Building Stronger Disability Communities, Parent Support Groups, Inclusive Choir & Future Podcast Projects Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    What Happens When Inclusion Works? | Live Dis-labled Forum

  6. Jul 21

    Big News! The National Lottery Community Fund Is Backing Dis-labled

    Send us Fan Mail Hello and welcome to another episode of the Dis-labled Podcast. We're really pleased you've joined us because today is a very special episode. Over the past three years, we've shared our stories, talked honestly about disability and neurodiversity, had lots of laughs, met some incredible guests and, most importantly, created a place where people can speak openly and be listened to. Today we're celebrating everything we've achieved together, because we've got some exciting news to share. We'll be looking back at some of our favourite moments, talking about what being part of the podcast has meant to us, and saying a very special thank you to the people who have helped make it all possible. So, let's get started! 00:00 Welcome to the Dis-labled Podcast 00:18 Meet the Team: Weekly Catch-up & Why We Love Podcasting 04:45 Big News! National Lottery Community Fund Awards Three Years of Funding 07:05 From Lunch Pod to Dis-labled: How the Podcast Began 09:20 What's Next? Choir, Parent Groups, Schools & Community Projects 12:30 Building Confidence Through Podcasting: What Dis-labled Means to Us 16:36 Favourite Episodes: Self-Confidence, Masking, Poetry & Living with Multiple Sclerosis 25:00 Final Reflections: Thank You, Future Plans & Why Disabled Voices Matter 28:27 Thanks for Listening Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    Big News! The National Lottery Community Fund Is Backing Dis-labled

  7. Jul 14

    Can Laughter & Positivity Help You Live Longer?

    Send us Fan Mail Dick Van Dyke (of Mary Poppins fame) is now 100 years old, says that staying positive and not holding onto anger is the secret to staying young - and science seems to agree. Studies show that optimistic people can live around 11 to 15 percent longer, and in some cases even up to 10 years more. So today, we’re diving into the power of humour, joy, and a positive mindset. We’re asking: what genuinely makes you laugh no matter your mood? Who are the people that always lift your spirits? And just how important is humour when you’re having a tough day? We’ll explore whether laughter can really improve your wellbeing, share the jokes and moments that have stuck with us for years, and talk about our go-to ways to cheer ourselves up. 00:01:22 - Intro 00:02:02 - The Good News: Gila's new electric wheelchair 00:06:54 - What makes us laugh every time, no matter the mood? 00:14:14 - Who makes us laugh? 00:18:38 - How important is humour when we're having a tough day? 00:22:14 - Can humour make us laugh and cry at the same time? 00:27:37 - Final Thoughts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    Can Laughter & Positivity Help You Live Longer?

  8. Jul 7

    Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Marcus's Story of Positivity and Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail What is it really like to live with Multiple Sclerosis? In this episode of Dis-labled, Marcus shares his experience of living with MS, how it affects his daily life, and the challenges he faces along the way. He also talks about the things that keep him motivated, including his love of Marvel, staying positive, and finding purpose through difficult times. Marcus's message is simple but powerful: don't let a diagnosis define your future. 00:00:16 - Intro 00:01:06 - The Good News 00:03:54 - Marcus explanation of Multiple Sclerosis 00:06:01 - How MS effects Marcus 00:09:16 - Routines with MS 00:14:04 - Can you learn to make things easier? 00:15:05 - Masking Multiple Sclerosis 00:17:00 - Friends with MS and Stages of MS 00:18:30 - What does Marcus do for fun? 00:21:50 - What Marcus wishes people knew about MS 00:24:44 - Marcus' biggest achievements 00:27:35 - Final Thoughts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

    Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Marcus's Story of Positivity and Purpose
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About

Welcome to Dis-labled, where disabled voices take centre stage. Created and presented by people with disabilities, learning disabilities, autism and long-term health conditions, this is a space to share experiences, challenge stereotypes, and talk about the things that matter to us.Dis-labled is produced by Community Focus Inclusive Arts, a North London charity supporting adults and young people with additional needs through creativity, friendship and opportunity. Also broadcast on Resonance 104.4FM.

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