Disabled and Proud Brooke Millhouse

Brooke meets David, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy who shares his journey and experiences with disability. David discusses his childhood surgeries, the impact of his disability on his education, and the challenges he faced in the workplace. He also talks about the creation of Buddies For All, a social isolation tackling initiative born out of the pandemic. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


David created a platform called Buddies For All to tackle social isolation among disabled individuals, providing opportunities for social and leisure activities.
There are challenges in navigating the university experience as a mature student, highlighting issues of ableism and social integration.
David shares experiences of ableism in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of addressing uncomfortable conversations around disability.
We require nuanced conversations and discomfort in addressing misconceptions.
We need to take a nuanced view on being disabled and proud, acknowledging that it depends on the day and circumstances, reflecting the complexity of disability identity.

BEST MOMENTS

"The trouble with me is I can't see, my good points tend to focus on the bad stuff, so I tend to feed that to other people too." 

"I suppose that I never give up, I keep trying. So it's a never say die attitude." 

"I do think that point is really quite key is that sometimes it is a yes or no answer, and it completely depends upon the person."

"Kids being curious around disability is a good thing because it's almost like it gives you a moment to be like, do you know what, like being disabled, like it happens, it's fine."

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 talks to Kelly, the CEO and co-founder of With Not For, a dynamic and disruptive content and talent agency, to look at topics related to disability, acceptance, and their work experiences. They delve into Kelly's personal journey of acceptance as a wheelchair user and reflect on the complexities of navigating disability in different environments. The conversation also looks at their collaboration with Guinness on a project involving accessibility and inclusion at Twickenham Stadium, showcasing their commitment to creating positive change in the industry. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


The proudest moment for Kelly was when they said no to someone for the first time, realising the power and responsibility they have in shaping their company's values and working with the right people.
The experience of working on the Guinness project, especially the pitch-side moment during the England versus Ireland match, was a significant achievement and a memorable experience.
Kelly and her team provided training and consultation to England Rugby and Scotland Rugby, focusing on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for disabled fans during match days.
Building a strong community of like-minded individuals within With Not For, where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued, was emphasised as a key achievement and source of pride.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think honestly, my proudest moment, I think that the Guinness pitch side moment was up there, you know, when you're up there, especially as well when Rag and Bone Man came on."

"The first time we said no to someone... that is huge and I don't want to sound negative in any way but I think that that was the moment where it really clicked for me

"That might have been the best day of my life!"

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 talks to Martin Sibley, a guest who shares his experiences as a person with spinal muscular atrophy. The discussion delves into various aspects of Martin's life, including his childhood, schooling experiences, career journey, and the development of his marketing agency, Purple Goat.

Martin reflects on the challenges and triumphs he has faced, highlighting the importance of disability inclusion in the business world. The conversation also touches on the concept of internalised ableism, the need for representation of disabled individuals in media, and the positive changes observed in disability awareness over the years. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Martin reflects on developing resilience during challenging times and acknowledges the importance of not giving up and having patience.

Martin highlights the significant lack of disability representation in media and marketing, emphasising the need for more inclusive campaigns.

Embracing contradictions and paradoxes, such as recognising personal traits while also striving for improvement, is seen as a valuable aspect of self-awareness.

In professional settings, there is a noted wariness among others to avoid saying anything potentially judgmental or offensive regarding disability.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think it's fascinating the the DUI strands, there's so many parallels and similarities that the more we can connect, the more we all have an even more powerful voice against oppressive forces." 

"0.06% of adverts feature disabled people and as we know there's like 20% of any given population has a disability so really Purple Goat is just looking to close that gap and then the benefits come off the back of that." 

"Two things can be true at once. And I was like, in my state of being like, we're very much deep into the woo-woo chat, like we're talking about life." 

"I once or twice, I got bluntly asked, can you have sex? And it was just like, hello stranger in a pub." 

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, Chronically Jenni, to talk about about her journey with disability and chronic illness. Jenni shares insights on self-identification as disabled, navigating awareness of their conditions, and the importance of setting boundaries around sharing personal medical information.

The discussion delves into the challenges of being undiagnosed, facing medical negligence, and the impact of societal perceptions on using mobility aids. Jenni reflects on the importance of seeking help, accepting support, and prioritising mental health, highlighting the significance of self-care and self-advocacy in the journey of disability acceptance. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Jenni emphasises the importance of accepting and using mobility aids without feeling ashamed or judged, highlighting the need to prioritise personal health and well-being over societal perceptions.

We need to challenge and overcome ingrained beliefs to embrace necessary support.

By referencing the Equality Act's definition of disability, Jenni clarifies that disability encompasses a wide range of impairments and challenges, encouraging individuals to recognise and accept their disabilities without fear or hesitation.

Jenni shares her journey of seeking and accepting help for mental health issues, underscoring the importance of prioritising self-care, seeking support, and acknowledging the value of mental health assistance.

BEST MOMENTS

"I do a lot of work around awareness of my conditions. But I don't casually share my conditions with random people on the street." 

"I think it's such a tricky line and I think it's for every individual to kind of decide where they feel. I don't know, it's a tricky one because I know people who are just disabled, like they just use a wheelchair and that's the only disability they have."

"I needed the help. I needed the support desperately." 

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 meets Matt, a wheelchair user who shares his experiences of living with a spinal cord injury since the age of 15. The episode delves into Matt's journey of self-discovery and resilience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he faced during his formative years.

Matt candidly discusses the impact of his disability on his career choices and the founding of his disability tech company, Sociability, an app that allows wheelchair users /disabled people to find out and rate whether a place is accessible.

The conversation touches on the misconceptions and barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of pushing boundaries and expectations within the disability space. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Matt stresses the fact that it's important to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding disability, emphasising the need for more positive and diverse narratives.

The discussion sheds light on the barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs, particularly in the disability space, where there is a prevalent assumption that disability-related work is charity-based rather than profit-driven.

The growth of the business, Sociability, has not only provided a valuable service for disabled individuals but has also instilled confidence and opened up opportunities for users, showcasing the positive impact of accessibility solutions.

Matt's journey as an entrepreneur reflects the resilience and persistence required to navigate the ups and downs of running a business, especially during challenging times like the onset of the pandemic.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think having a spinal cord injury, you know, becoming disabled and then having to learn and live with that through that period has very much shaped like who I am today and how I think about things." 

"I think the disability space particularly is one that has a lot of barriers around it." 

"I love hearing other people talk about what they're really passionate about." - Host

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 joins a heartfelt and engaging conversation with members of People First, Keeley, Craven, Luke, Shannon, and others. The discussion delves into their experiences living with disabilities, highlighting their resilience, achievements, and the importance of support systems like People First.

The guests share personal stories, discuss misconceptions about disabilities, and express their pride in the work they do, including advocacy, podcasting, and community initiatives. They also demonstrate the strong bonds and sense of family within the group, emphasising the value of friendship and support in navigating life with disabilities. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


The members of People First are proud of their work and accomplishments, emphasising the importance of positivity and self-confidence.
People First provides a supportive and inclusive environment for adults with learning disabilities, offering various activities and services such as advocacy, social nights, and podcasting.
The podcasting activities at People First have been impactful, featuring interviews with notable guests and providing a platform for self-expression and empowerment.
The organisation values professional boundaries and social connections, creating a sense of family and support among its members.
The members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their stories and experiences, highlighting the positive impact of collaboration and mutual support within the community.

BEST MOMENTS

"I find some new things quite difficult to learn, but sometimes I find it very useful. Most times I find it very useful and not too difficult." 

"It's important because everything for adults who come with learning disabilities Sometimes, there are those, I mean, I'm really good with hearing, and there are some that might not feel comfy about working in a big noisy establishment." 

"I like being in the broadcast room with the guys themselves. But for me, I like sitting behind the desk knowing I can make a change for other people and go home and tell other people what I've actually done day by day." 

"My motto is, always think positive." 

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