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. From Community Focus to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: Laurent's Journey

    9h ago

    From Community Focus to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: Laurent's Journey

    Send us Fan Mail Community Focus artist Laurent Barsotti  has achieved something extraordinary. In this special episode of Dis-labled, we follow Laurent’s journey from Community Focus to exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions. We begin at Royal Academy varnishing day, where Royal Academician Humphrey Ocean explains why Laurent’s London bus painting stood out from thousands of entries and earned a place in his room. We also hear from comedian Harry Hill, an admirer and collector of Laurent’s artwork. In the second half of the programme, Laurent and his mum Chantal share the story behind this remarkable achievement. From developing confidence through art at Community Focus to seeing his work displayed on the walls of the Royal Academy, it’s an inspiring story of creativity, perseverance and passion. Community Focus is an Arts Centre for children and adults with disabilities. We are based in the borough of Barnet, North London and offer a selection of creative and well-being activities for all ages. 00:00:16 - Intro 00:01:06 - Live from the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026: Varnishing Day 00:03:04 - We speak to Humphrey Ocean RA 00:04:12 - We speak to comedian and fellow artist, Harry Hill 00:05:07 - Reflections on the day 00:05:53 - In the room we have... 00:06:12 - Laurent and his mum, Chantal join us in the studio 00:06:22 - Laurent answers questions from the Dis-labled crew 00:13:44 - Chantal answers questions from the Dis-labled crew 00:21:15 - What were the highlights of the day? 00:25:53 - Final Thoughts 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

    29 min
  2. Dating With a Disability: Confidence, Safety and Taking the First Step

    Jun 9

    Dating With a Disability: Confidence, Safety and Taking the First Step

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re returning to the topic of relationships and connection - from friendships and family, to dating. We discuss what makes us like someone, the things that might give us the ick, and having additional needs, the importance of independence in relationships. We also share advice for anyone who might feel nervous about dating or making new friends, especially when living with a disability. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:14 - Intro 00:01:44 - The Good News 00:02:43 - The Good News: Laurent's Royal Academy Summer Show Journey 00:05:42 - Discussion: Putting Yourself Out There: Dating & Disability part 1 00:10:01 - Pavement Guest by Alistair Scriven 00:14:27 - Discussion: Putting Yourself Out There: Dating & Disability part 2 00:27:11 - 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

    29 min
  3. What Makes a Real Friend? Disability, Trust and Connection

    Jun 2

    What Makes a Real Friend? Disability, Trust and Connection

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re talking all about relationships and connection – from friendships and family to dating, online connections, and everything in between. Plus, we hear part three of Alistair’s new series, “Pavement Guest,” where he talks about temperature control and global warming in his own unique style. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:16 - Intro 00:01:42 - Good news 00:09:15 - Relationships discussion - The Different Ways We Connect part 1 00:13:21 - Pavement Guest by Alistair Scriven 00:18:52 - Relationships discussion - The Different Ways We Connect part 2 00:27:05 - 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

    29 min
  4. Trying Something New: Hobbies, Confidence and Future Dreams

    May 26

    Trying Something New: Hobbies, Confidence and Future Dreams

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we return to the topic of hobbies, creativity, and the little things that make life interesting. We had so much to talk about that we had to make two episodes, so today we discuss the hobbies we’d like to try in the future. We also hear part two of Alistair’s new series, “Pavement Guest”, in which his discusses whether being positive is recommendable, in his own unique style! 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

    29 min
  5. Why Hobbies Matter: Creativity, Confidence and Having Fun

    May 19

    Why Hobbies Matter: Creativity, Confidence and Having Fun

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we explore hobbies, creativity, and the little things that make life interesting. From arts and crafts, gaming, and poetry to baking, bird-watching, and even quirky guilty pleasures, we share the passions that recharge us, make us laugh, and reveal a bit about who we are. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:12 - Intro 00:02:11 - The Good News 00:06:40 - Pavement Guest by Alistair Scriven 00:09:12 - Discussion: What is a hobby? 00:22:13 - What do you do to recharge your batteries? 00:23:12 - Pointless discussion 00:26:41 - 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

    29 min
  6. BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee: Inclusive Casting and Application Advice

    May 12

    BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee: Inclusive Casting and Application Advice

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alexia Barrett from The BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee. We’ll be talking about inclusivity, life behind the scenes of the show, and why she is encouraging more diverse casting. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:11 - Intro 00:02:35 - We Meet Alexia Barrett from The Great British Sewing Bee 00:06:17 - Alexia's message for disabled sewists 00:07:43 - Why is the BBC interested in inclusion now? 00:08:47 - Support for contestants 00:13:47 - How do people apply for The Great British Sewing Bee? 00:18:18 - One thing all applicants should know before applying 00:25:18 - What is the prize? 00:27:55 - Final Thoughts The Great British Sewing Bee is currently looking for the UK’s best amateur sewers for Series 13 - and they are especially encouraging applications from disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who have a passion for sewing and creating their own clothes. The aim is to make the process as inclusive and accessible as possible, so a wide range of voices and experiences are represented in the sewing room. If you, or someone you know, would like to apply, you can do so at www.applyforsewingbee.co.uk, email , or call 0117 450 8530 to request an application form. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 13th May 2026 at 8pm. 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

    29 min
  7. Confidence, Self-image & Looking Good

    May 5

    Confidence, Self-image & Looking Good

    Send us Fan Mail Today we’re talking about confidence, self-image, and the idea of “looking good". Does looking good make us feel good? We’ll look at how appearance affects confidence, from bad hair days to clothes, weight, and all the messages we pick up from social media, TV, school, and the people around us. We’ll also talk about why accepting ourselves can be so hard, and what confidence really means - on our own terms! 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:12 - Intro 00:01:50 - Does looking good, make you feel good? 00:13:37 - Spots 00:16:56 - What influences the way we look? 00:22:19 - Why can't we accept ourselves for who we are? 00:26:33 - What advice have we got to help with confidence? 00:27:34 - 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

    29 min
  8. Living With OCD, Pet Peeves & Personal Passions

    Apr 28

    Living With OCD, Pet Peeves & Personal Passions

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dis-labled, we explore the everyday frustrations that can have a big impact on our lives. Hasel talks openly about living with OCD, how it affects her daily routines, and the challenge of finding a balance between staying organised and looking after her wellbeing. Amy shares her frustration when people talk about her instead of speaking directly to her, leading to an honest discussion about disability, communication and feeling heard.  The team also discusses their biggest pet peeves, from losing things and people-pleasing to untidiness and being misunderstood. In the second half of the show, we turn to the things that bring us joy, including art, nature, music, local history and Laurent's lifelong passion for London buses. 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

    29 min
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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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