Germander Speedwell

Disabled Ceramic Artist, campaigning for a fairer society, improved accessibility and better support for those in need. Bit of Wonky Donkey... (She/Her)

[Joe Hardy 🇺🇦 🇪🇺♿️🐟 #RightToLove 💙 @BlokeOnWheels]

I originally posted this in FB earlier this evening, but I think it is equally relevant in here given how toxic some people on here can be. I know I should just ignore all this shit, but when it's been dominating the news cycle for weeks, that's not exactly an easy thing to do.

On the bright side, yes, dad and I did enjoy our swim this morning.

Not been on here at all today, went swimming this morning and used up a very significant amount of energy, so I spent the afternoon recharging a bit. What do I see with my own eyes as the FIRST thing when I come on here? The Tories and Helen pissing Whately complaining about disabled people AGAIN! At what point does it become reportable as harassment on the basis of disability? They keep pushing this 'mild' and 'low level' line in regard to people with mental health conditions, but the truth is they are really after all of us. Speaking personally, I'm probably the type of person who they would say should continue to receive the support I get, because I have clearly visible physical disabilities. But, 2 things still apply, the first is that I will always fight for ALL disabled people and our rights, including those with the mental health conditions currently being demonised by the media and our politicians. Secondly, even though my disability is clearly visible, I still feel as though I'm being constantly attacked for something I didn't choose. Because after all, none of us chose this life, and none of us would we were given the option, but people with loud voices and access to the media continue to push these disgusting, harmful and completely false narratives. I've had enough!
Solidarity to anyone out there who is feeling anything like this, sending supportive virtual cuddles to you all.

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@BlokeOnWheels I'll give you an "Amen!" for that one Joe. Possibly even a "Halleluyah".

[Joe Hardy 🇺🇦 🇪🇺♿️🐟 #RightToLove 💙 @BlokeOnWheels]

Alan Milburn: Pip does nothing to help young claimants into work.

Me: yes Alan that's correct, for the same reason my telly doesn't keep me warm at night.
In other words, That's not the fucking purpose of PIP

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@AngieBeatDown Sending you both my get well soons- it's not nice being poorly when the sun is out. Xx

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@flowergirl_lon @simonlightwood ...which i believe are uniquely positioned per w/c / user?! not a universal system like the adjustable straps are. Those require an able bodied person to tie the chair down before and after travel!

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@flowergirl_lon @simonlightwood Absolutely. Even if they created WAV versions of these vehicles you wouldn't be able to travel in them independently because they require secure tie downs- you need specialist fittings to be able to just drive up and lock in to a fitting without using hand applied tie downs...

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@mister_rai_ous @theBrianaMills and that is with 24hr 1 to 1 care support around me! I miss work so much. I miss being a functioning member of society. But there is literally no way i can work and support myself in any reliable way.

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@mister_rai_ous @theBrianaMills ...and i don't know if it's going to last me 15 minutes or 4 hours. Again, more often on the 15 minutes these days. I make the most of these windows... try to use them to advocate for disabled people's rights etc. But there's no consistency or regularity to my ability to function

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@james_xond Many companies now have perfume and smoking/clean air policies for this reason. As someone who has severe brittle asthma which can be triggered by someone else's perfume or just standing near a chronic smoker, this can be a matter of life & death for some people.

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@MikScarlet So sorry Mik :( i hope you are able to get comfortable in some way. I will recommend some large ice gel pads from Amazon as a way to keep cool in a heat wave if you dont have access to aircon/a dyson fan. So sorry that advocating for good access has caused this!

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

In Vinnytsia, Ukraine, a female stork was widowed when her mate died. She is incubating her eggs and is unable to feed herself.

Local residents have started feeding her.

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@AngieBeatDown Sounds like you've got it all in hand ❤️ one day she'll be so chatty you'll long for the time when she didn't have many things to say 😉 😆 no matter which communication route she ends up using! Xx

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@MikScarlet ...positive support from local stakeholders wanting to improve accessibility too which makes a huge difference. Hoping that the multiple projects afoot down here will snowball in to something bigger and perhaps impact wider afield in the longer term.

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@MikScarlet This is something i'm working towards down here in Dorset and we have some really exciting things happening. Would be really interested to hear what projects you are involved with and to fill you in on what is afoot down here if you ever want to chat privately. There's a lot...

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@AngieBeatDown ...in to my friend's life. <3

[Germander Speedwell @selfheal]

@AngieBeatDown ...particular friend who's communication is very limited. This week we realised we didnt know the sign for money so looked it up and added it to our vocab. Slowly picking up more signs each week as things naturally come up in conversation. Love that it has opened up a window...