Hi PAPH,

Yes the Forum is quite quiet, even though we have 40+ professionals signed up, I’m not sure everyone remembers it’s here or logs on enough to make use of it. Will send a reminder email round, see if that encourages members to respond to your post as well.

Unfortunately you are not alone in your experience. Over the years we’ve talked to…[Read more]

I agree this is horrible Julie and upsetting. Sometimes it can help to take the sting out of these situations to remind ourselves what is going on for them. Often it is the person’s fear of impairment and what they think our lives are like that makes them use this language. Sometimes they just don’t know and are copying what they’ve heard in the m…[Read more]

I think it is natural when we first ‘fall in love’ with someone to think of them often, especially when they are giving signals back that they like us too. It’s hard to know what to read into this message…does the person like you back or is it unrequited? What is your current relationship like? If they don’t know how you feel or you know they…[Read more]

We are in the Midlands, but I’m pretty sure it’s the same everywhere, advocacy as other services have been cut. I think if there is learning disability involved there is more support because the government legally has to offer this, but for physical disability it is even more challenging.

I would recommend suggesting our client platform to her as…[Read more]

Hey Julie, this is indeed very very common unfortunately, focussing only on the negatives. You may find 9.1 on shame, and especially shame rage helpful. There are so many negative messages around disability and being different. Do discuss it in our next informal meet when you get the chance. Something that helps is preparing for this negativity by…[Read more]

Yes it was great fun 😊 and I hope everyone uses this to keep talking in a safe space….I’ve messaged everyone who was there each others user names…see you soon Julie

Have a look at our sister company Spokz Julie in the sex aids area, you may find some useful things there, there used to be cushions and also a ceiling sling for extra support.

I know people if they have them have also used their hoist or walking frames or sometimes people have straps from the ceiling to help then sit up in bed…

Also check…[Read more]

Lucy has used these guys and it looks as if they offer support with benefits? https://disabilityunion.co.uk/casework/
Let us know how you get on

It is indeed a common issue that comes up for many people living with disability. As human beings we naturally incline to struggle with change and certainly dealing with continuous change is something that comes up a lot in our group. Researching how humans develop resilience can be helpful, as well reading stories about people who had to deal…[Read more]

We keep trying to have this conversation, mainly with BACP as they’re the biggest… At the same time their largeness means progress is slow because b of all their different departments and staff turnover. We have put forward some disability books which they were going to advise be put on the accredited training list but so far that’s the only…[Read more]

That sounds great Astrid, sometimes the fear of getting it wrong or upsetting the client makes it hard to be authentic about any discomfort we’re experiencing internally around disability. I use ‘template statements’ that act as an anchor that I then draw on to help me discuss my own discomfort with clients and suggest this in our therapist…[Read more]

A common question is around the fear of getting it wrong and a client leaving – this does indeed happen, but often just the simple act of owning your discomfort or fear can prevent this happening. How do you do this?

If you hear of any others, do email them to be added…

Is it a language thing? Hearing issue? You persevered through 4 attempts though!

Ashley raises a great point about disability products being hugely expensive. Partly this is cashing in on a market that doesn’t always have a choice and partly because things are made in small numbers. But asking around you can sometimes find alternative in the non disabled world which might work. For example in our kitchen we have a moveable…[Read more]

Hi Paul, of course we agree that training is essential until such a time as it’s included properly in generic training. Ashley Cox is trying to set up a directory for disabled client to access therapists who understand disability and have undergone some training, we’re considering maybe a badge or certificate on completion but we only have modules…[Read more]

Thanks Chloe! All about what you can’t do!