In depth: My experiences with disability
"Care in the community doesn't happen unless people have connections to disability or carers themselves. It's been like this for decades. But also the stigma that disability carries in the community prevents people from assisting those in need. "
"[As carers], we don't get recognition or value in terms of what we do on a day-to day basis, when it comes to managing the care package of our loved one. So I think that's another thing that needs to change for me. They need to value, respect...and not necessarily pay us, but certainly...read more
"I didn't plan to get emotional. But I have felt for years that I have had to become the medical professional that my son needs, in order to go and request things... It hasn't been the case, it has very much been me going and educating myself in order to support my son."
"The main communication we got was our letter about Community Care charges. Rather than a text or a call or a letter saying, 'How are you?' there was no 'How are you?' Or 'Are you?' even. 'Are you alive or dead?' You know, there was no compassion shown. It's very disappointing to...read more
"My general experience of social care is misunderstandings. They're trying to put me into a box which I don't fit in, or they can't fit me in a box because there isn't one."
"I'm going back to a few years ago. I was like 'Well, I can't manage. What am I going to do?' And I was like, 'Refer yourself to social services.' Well, you have to understand that someone who is dyslexic and autistic having to refer themselves to social services is not an easy...read more
"She's got a really good plan where she's done some volunteer work, she has a social life, gym, swim, you know. A lot of that is free. So she's got a really well planned week, she's very happy. But I find with reviews, they're always sort of threatening. Instead of saying, 'Well done...she's not...read more
"I've now got something that works for me social care wise, but they wanted to charge me £200 a week for a basic wash. And then I've got a PA who helps me in the house and garden to keep me out of hospital, really. And they're trying to reduce his...read more