The Way We Roll Simon Minty and Phil Friend

Admitting shame is a tough thing to do. Perhaps as complex as the shameful experience itself? Clearly, it is not unique to disabled people. Is there something more with us? An additional new perceived weakness, or from internalised ableism, it is hard to ignore but easier to deny. Stigma and societal attitudes can mean we have it thrust upon us if a person, on finding out we are disabled, says, ‘What a shame.’ 
Two people inspired the topic of shame in our latest show. Natalie Illsey, a disabled creative in the US, emailed us to ask how we feel about people saying, ‘What a shame’. Damon Rose, a BBC journalist, said to Simon that we should discuss how we feel about shame.

We hope you enjoy our thoughts, which were influenced by Natalie and Damon. We’d love to get your feedback on this most difficult topic, so email us at mintyandfriend@gmail.com or find us on social media, The Way We Roll.

Links
Counselling for Disabled People SpokzPeople 
Natalie Illsey LinkedIn
Damon Rose 

Bristol City Council recently reversed their planned cost-cutting strategy, which would have impacted independent living for disabled people. The UK government recently reversed the proposed closure of ticket offices at railway stations, which would have had an impact on disabled people. Sophie Morgan, the Rights on Flights campaigner, appears to be close to getting legal rights for disabled people on flights. Is campaigning stronger than ever? We talk through the possible renaissance and ask, is it all it seems?
At the end of February this year, the UK Government’s Health Select Committee published findings on Assisted Dying / Suicide. Phil picks through its findings and gives an update on the Not Dead Yet campaign. 
We finish with good news from Europe, with Mar Galcerán making history as Spain’s first parliamentarian with Down’s syndrome. Another barrier knocked down. 
Links:
Bristol City care plans
Transport for All - Ticket offices
Rights on Flights
Health Select Committee report on Assisted Dying / Suicide
Mar Galcerán in Spanish parliament

How would you feel if your local authority suggested you move from your home of 30 years to a residential care home because they need to save money? It's something Bristol City Council were proposing for disabled people as they try to reduce their deficit. Although this proposal has been shelved, it might not be the last time we see it. We explore the reasoning, impact and resistance.

Becoming disabled can bring a complete change of outlook, and you might reflect on who you once were. The author, Hanif Kureishi (My Beautiful Launderette, The Buddha of Suburbia), lost the use of his arms and legs in late 2022. He makes headlines with his newfound frustrations and doesn't hold back, but is he, a year later, finally adjusting? We discuss how people adapt, how long it takes and how non-disabled people might ignore disability until it impacts them.

Phil and Simon are passionate about these subjects. You will hear us disagree agreeably, with added swearing and raised voices.

Links:
Hanif Kureishi: I've become a reluctant dictator
Hanif Kureishi on the 'hell' of life after his accident
The Kureishi Chronicles - Hanif's blog
Francis Ryan in the Guardian 
Think of this: a plan to 'warehouse' disabled people. What kind of nation is Britain becoming? "

‘Know your audience and communicate to as many people as you can, including disabled people’, says Sarah Brown Fraser on effective, accessible communication. That Sarah can whittle information down to valuable nuggets might be a consequence of her role as Head of Communications and Policy at the Activity Alliance. 
As our guest, Sarah is timely, with accessible and inclusive communications being a hot topic. How do we communicate effectively with a diverse audience via various methods: print, website, social media, video, web links, in-person and even emojis? Is there such a thing as a fully accessible comms? Sarah helps us with what we need to think about initially and how to adjust as we go along.
From Liverpool with aspirations to be a TV Presenter, Sarah has found her niche in communication. Before starting work, Sarah moved from Merseyside to London to study for a BA in Media Studies at the University of East London. It was the mid-90s, but she was the first student with a disability to do her course. She is also an Everton supporter.

Links
Activity Alliance
Sarah Brown Fraser LinkedIn
Business Disability Forum Inclusive Communications toolkit
Activity Alliance Effective Engagement Factsheets
UK Government Accessible Formats

Our guest is Andrew Miller, the Chief Executive Officer of Motability Operations (MO). Many of you will know of this unique organisation. Indeed, some of you will be customers. 

The Motability Scheme leases cars, powered wheelchairs and scooters to more than 700,000 disabled people in the UK. It is the largest car fleet in the UK. Andrew heads up the scheme's delivery, ensuring customers have a range of affordable options to stay mobile and ensuring the company stays on the right financial road.  

It’s not an easy job with many challenges. The switch to electric vehicles is well underway, and it disproportionately impacts disabled people in terms of access, charging accessibility and price. As MO buys and sells 200,000 cars a year, small price fluctuations can significantly impact the financial model. Still, they must also maintain a consistent offering to their customers. Stakeholders aren’t just scheme customers; there’s the oversight from the Motability Foundation, successive governments, and the press, which often take an interest. 

In an open conversation, we explore with Andrew the biggest challenges in the recent past and what the future looks like. Although he may be highly experienced in finance and business, he’s new to disability, and we check in with him to see how he is getting on.


Links:


Andrew Miller background 


Motability Scheme website 


How the scheme works 


Motability Operations corporate website


Motability Foundation 

Simon was at the airport recently. He was on his mobility scooter, and his mum was using an airport wheelchair. Looking at the long line in the disabled passport queue, his walkie-talkie sister and cousin decided to move to the non-disabled line. We explore what happened and how it made Simon feel. 
The Business Disability Forum has produced a second adjustments in the workplace piece of research. Both managers and individuals who are Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent responded. Phil picks through the key findings. 
History is littered with new businesses created to serve disabled consumers that weren’t viable. It feels different now. Simon asks, with the growth in service providers, including bespoke clothes makers, the hotel and leisure industry and accessible car and van hire, has the Purple Pound finally landed, and how do you cater to the diversity of disabled people? 
Oh, and Bake Off want to hear from you. 


Links
Business Disability Forum has produced another piece of research on adjustments in the workplace
Blue Badge Awards Leisure Industry
Proximo accessible vehicle hire
Able2Wear clothing 
WAVs. Motability and Callum
UnHidden clothing
Apply for Bake Off UK
Pic Credit
A wheelchair user in the airport https://spintheglobe.net