Disabled and Proud Brooke Millhouse

Brooke talks to special guest, LeMondre Pough, who shares his journey of being born with spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive neurological disorder, and how his disability has evolved over time. He discusses his childhood experiences, the challenges he faced in the educational system, and the importance of advocating for oneself. LeMondre emphasises the concept of disability as a part of one's identity and the need for individuals to stand up for their needs, and delves into the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


LeMondre shares his experience of being born with a progressive neurological disorder, emphasising the evolution and changes he has experienced over time.
LeMondre co-founded Billion Strong, a global identity organisation focused on uniting and empowering the global community of people with disabilities to amplify their voices and create positive change.
There is great importance in providing individuals with what is best for them to empower and elevate their contributions.
We need to be an accomplice rather than just an ally. There's a growing need for individuals to actively engage and support marginalised communities in their fight for rights and equality.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always look at it as it is not the defining point of who I am, but it's certainly a defining point." 

"I often say that the arts gave me my voice." 

"I think it's important that we show up not only as allies, but as accomplices." 

"I love the harmony piece of it. I love the harmony piece of it." 

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

In this very special edition of thew show, Brooke takes you through a compilation of discussions from various disabled individuals sharing their personal experiences and perspectives on disability. The guests talk about their journeys to diagnosis, the challenges they faced, and the societal perceptions of disability. They touch on topics such as identity, ableism, intersectionality, and the pressure to be extraordinary as a disabled person.

The conversations highlight the importance of self-acceptance, challenging ableist norms, and the need for diverse representation within the disabled community. Through candid and introspective dialogues, the episode sheds light on the complexities and nuances of living with a disability, emphasising the value of individual stories and the diversity of experiences within the disabled community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


The importance of normalising the term "disabled" and rejecting labels like "differently abled" or "less abled" is crucial.
The need to confront ableism both within oneself and in society is a crucial step towards understanding and acceptance.
The pressure on disabled individuals to be extraordinary or inspirational is discussed, emphasising the value of simply existing as a disabled person.
Recognise the value of personal stories and experiences of disability, regardless of whether they fit into traditional narratives of success or inspiration.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think ADHD, especially is like, the name of it just doesn't even kind of, it's not even accurate, really at all, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." 

"I think for me, and especially like in the last couple of years, just like reaching out to more people in the community and like, finding literature and books written by us, this community, I started to realise, okay, a lot of the language that I had that was such negative self-talk, so bad and down on myself, is not something that exists just naturally." 

"I love the fact that actually for you coming to terms with disability meant that you realised ableism was so embedded in society because I think a lot of people don't seem to realise that the vast majority of our views or our notions surrounding disability all actually boil down to ableism." 

"I think that, especially as Again, like I started to see that representation, like I'd see people on the Ellen show and like, you know, all these like talk shows and I'm like, okay, this is amazing."

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 Gavin Neate, the founder of WelcoMe, and who has been working in the disability sector, to discuss his passion for supporting disabled individuals.

Gavin shares his experiences working with Guide Dogs for the Blind and the inspiration behind his innovative tool, aimed at improving accessibility for disabled people in various businesses. They delve into the importance of equity in experiences for disabled individuals, the impact of Welcome on both disabled people and businesses, and the challenge of proving the existence of the Purple Pound in the business world. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Gavin highlights the importance of promoting disability awareness in businesses and the community to create a more inclusive environment.
The introduction of WelcoMe, a digital platform that allows disabled individuals to inform businesses about their needs before arriving, has been well-received and has the potential to revolutionise customer service for disabled individuals.
There is a great need for disabled individuals to be seen as business partners and consumers rather than solely recipients of charity.
Collaborations with major companies like Levi's and Curry's demonstrate efforts to prove the economic power of disabled consumers, known as the Purple Pound, by providing tailored services and training for staff to cater to their needs.
By actively participating in initiatives like using Welcome in businesses, disabled individuals can contribute to proving the economic value of the disabled community and advocate for more inclusive practices in society.

BEST MOMENTS

"It's almost like this whole hub. And it's crazy. And it's intense. You get to speak to people and meet people and something someone said to me at nadex was this idea of referring to people as pre-disabled."

"I just want to remove the barriers, which is what WelcoMe does"

"We need to get strength from other people. And I totally understand that, but until we get past that and start welcoming other people into our groups, we're not, all we're going to be seeing is a minority promoting our minority need."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878

ABOUT THE GUEST

Gavin Neate developed WelcoMe whilst working for Guide Dogs for the Blind as Mobility Instructor, in answer to the question, "Wouldn't it be easier if staff had access to disability awareness training immediately prior to a disabled person arriving?". In 2015 he left Guide Dogs and started his own technology company in order to come up with a solution. Although Gavin is currently non disabled he is acutely aware that one day he and others who who don't engage with disability issues will be, and is on a mission to engage them, and raise universal awareness of disability and the lives of disabled people. 

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/dis

To celebrate 100 episodes of the podcast Brooke is here with a solo episode reflecting on the origins of the podcast and the importance of disability representation.

Brooke shares her personal journey of growing up as the only physically disabled person in her family and the challenges she faced in society's perception of disability. She discusses the impact of social media on changing the narrative around disability and highlights the diverse conversations she has had with guests on the podcast. Brooke also answers questions from listeners, revealing her surprise at the positive reception of the podcast and the impactful conversations that have challenged her own views on disability.

Finally, there's a big giveaway to celebrate the milestone, showcasing items from disabled business owners. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


The 100th episode of the podcast includes a big giveaway with epic prizes from disabled business owners and allies.
The idea for Disabled and Proud stemmed from the lack of representation of disabled individuals in media and the desire to hear conversations between disabled people that weren't the typical extremes portrayed.
Social media has played a significant role in changing the narrative around disability by providing representation and community for individuals with disabilities.
The most impactful conversations on Disabled and Proud are those that challenge the host's own thoughts and perceptions about disability, particularly when guests are at different stages of acceptance.
Guests for Disabled and Proud are chosen based on their background, past work, success, failure, openness to conversations, and ability to bring a unique perspective to the table.

BEST MOMENTS

"I knew from a really young age that I had to be okay with my disability, because if I wasn't okay with my disability, other people were going to find it a bit difficult."

"No two people in the disabled world are the same. No two people in the world are the same." 

"I think having those conversations with people who might be right at the very beginning of their journey or who have been in this journey for years and years and years and just still aren't necessarily there is always really interesting." 

"I think they're the most impactful conversations when it's completely different to my point of view." 

"I'm always really surprised when people open up to these conversations with open arms and listen and I'm always like I love it so much when people send messages in saying that this podcast has impacted them like powerfully." 

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 amazing Jason, a disabled artist, who shares his journey of acquiring a disability and how it transformed his life. Jason discusses his experiences growing up in a working-class family, becoming disabled at a young age, and the challenges he faced in the care system.

Despite the difficulties, Jason's resilience and sense of humour shine through as he navigates the art world and advocates for disability rights. The conversation delves into the importance of kindness, humour, and activism in the face of adversity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Jason uses art as a form of activism, creating pieces that convey powerful messages about disability rights and societal issues.
You cannot overemphasise the importance of humour and kindness in navigating difficult situations and advocating for change.
Jason highlights ongoing challenges with accessibility, including inaccessible venues and the need for reasonable adjustments.
Jason draws inspiration from artists like Philip Guston and Frida Kahlo, using art as a medium to express personal experiences and societal commentary.

BEST MOMENTS

"I became disabled as well in 1980, which was apparent. I was told as well that it was the best year to become disabled because it was the international year of disability."

"There's so much to be said from creating art, particularly from pain points in our life. And I think that it's really laudable for you to almost put that on display, because even though it might not look exactly how it was, you know, it's not like it's realism."

"I always say, when I became disabled, it was a transformative experience. So very working class background, like I said, not much money, but I was introduced to education in a big way." 

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 special guest, Lydia, to discuss her journey as an autistic individual and author, shedding light on the challenges faced by disabled individuals in society.

She talks about her experience with multiple disabilities, including autism and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her health. Lydia shares insights on the lack of understanding and support for hidden disabilities, emphasising the need for inclusive and accessible resources. She delves into the creation of her Autism Friendly Cookbook, highlighting the importance of making cooking accessible for individuals with diverse needs, and touches on the complexities of inclusivity and the limitations of trying to cater to every aspect of neurodiversity. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Everything has an opposite, and the opposite of inclusion is exclusion. Despite efforts to be inclusive, there will always be someone left out.
The cookbook "Autism Friendly Cookbook" addresses the lack of accessibility in traditional cookbooks for individuals with hidden disabilities, making cooking more accessible.
The decision to focus on autism in the cookbook rather than a broader neurodiversity approach was influenced by commercial viability and the need for a cohesive and targeted message.
Acknowledging the limitations of inclusivity and the need for targeted solutions rather than trying to cater to every possible individual, recognising that not everyone will fit the bill.

BEST MOMENTS

"Disabled people are not your free resource. we don't it's just this idea of I still have people who come up to me complete strangers who go oh what happened to you because they don't they don't have the language to talk with nuance." 

"Everything has an opposite. So the opposite of inclusion is exclusion." 

"It was published in November 2022. It's since won two awards at the Gore, I think it's pronounced the Gorman Awards. It's gone viral on TikTok. It's now a pilot course that I'm teaching down in Sussex." 

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