AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE BUSY LIFE ETHOS; SUPPORTING A DIFFERENT WORTHY CAUSE EVERY MONTH! #inclusion #disABILITY

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The Inclusion Hour!

Did you know Busy Life runs an Inclusion Hour on Twitter every week? Anyone can join in with #thinkINC to tweet, retweet and like everything positive about disABILITY. It’s Mondays at 630pm. Just follow me on Twitter @busylifeandme #thinkINC #disABILITY

JOIN ME ON TWITTER! 630pm MONDAYS!

INCLUSION HOUR AUDIOS!

The Inclusion Hour is now available as an audio file. The one for the current week is available here. For others, please, visit my SoundCloud account; Busy Life. #thinkINC

Inclusion Hour Topics

Each week, I Tweet about a different topic. To date, we have covered issues including:


  • Autism
  • Special schools
  • Stammering
  • Therapy animals
  • Models of disABILITY
  • Train travel
  • Normalcy
  • Communication
  • Employment
  • Film & TV
  • Social barriers
  • Learning disABILITY
  • Depression


Any suggestions for topics please, DM & spread the word about this hour!

SUBMIT TOPIC SUGGESTIONS
New for 2020!

The Inclusive Question of the Week!

The Busy Life “Inclusive Question of the Week” runs from 730pm to midnight after the "Inclusion Hour." If there’s something you want to ask about #disABILITY , DM me on Twitter. I’ll pick one question to answer, anonymously.  I'll tweet the answer the following Tuesday & record it on this page too! Views my own!

2021 INCLUSIVE QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK cont

19th april 2021

19th april 2021

19th april 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, "How many people in the UK have Restricted Growth?" The figure I have found is 7,000. 1 in 25,000 births. Worldwide, 625,000 people are estimated to have Restricted Growth. #thinkINC 

12th april 2021

19th april 2021

19th april 2021

 The Inclusive Question of the Week is, "“do you have a favourite empowering quote?”  I have a few! Here’s one, “It doesn’t matter if you stammer!”  My mantra. #thinkINC

29th march 2021

19th april 2021

29th march 2021

 The Inclusive Question of the Week is, "Why do we need an Autism Awareness Week?" 1) There's over 700K people in the UK with a diagnosis. 2) There's many myths to be dispelled. 3) It will help to overcome social barriers & achieve a more inclusive society. #thinkINC

2021 INCLUSIVE QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

22nd March 2021

22nd March 2021

22nd March 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, “is there a difference between High Functioning Autism and Asperger syndrome?" There is no clear cut answer to this. Some say yes, and some, no. The key issue  for me is that someone has and uses the label that they identify with.  #thinkINC

15Th March 2021

22nd March 2021

22nd March 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, “where’s the best place to look for reliable information about inclusion?”  There’s lots! It just depends whether you prefer a book, an audio file or video. Whatever, you choose just make sure it’s from a reputable source. #thinkINC

8Th March 2021

22nd March 2021

8Th March 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, "why should politics and business embrace inclusion?' 20% of the population has a disABILITY. These people are voters & consumers  (or will be) and have family, friends, and carers that are the same. For politics and business to ignore 20% of the population makes no sense atall!  #thinkINC 

1st March 2021

22nd February 2021

8Th March 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, "for someone with a disABILITY are friends only people?" No! They can be pets and objects too. As well as beloved dogs and cats, I've heard of ice skates, musical instruments, and even furniture being viewed as a friend. #thinkINC 

22nd February 2021

22nd February 2021

22nd February 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, "What are the benefits to someone with a disABILITY of friendship?" The same as for someone who doesn't have a disABILITY! Better mental health, self esteem & happiness. For me, friendship is a basic human right for EVERYONE! #thinkINC

15th February 2021

22nd February 2021

22nd February 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, “Are there any other coloured canes, except white, used by someone with a disABILITY?” White canes are used for visual impairment. However, there are also red and white striped canes used by someone with vision & hearing loss. #thinkINC

8th February 2021

1st February 2021

1st February 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, “Does someone with a disABILITY only encounter physical barriers?”  No. There are actually 7 different types of barriers. For me, the most important is attitudinal ones; stigma, discrimination etc. These are the easiest ones to solve! #thinkINC 

1st February 2021

1st February 2021

1st February 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, "Does someone who is none verbal think & understand speech?" The answer is yes. However, to what degree they do varies. This could be very little or everything. It's an under researched area that needs to be much better understood. #thinkINC

4th January 2021

1st February 2021

11th January 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, “what is the 1 thing you would like to see change in 2021?” I’d like the voices of the disABLED community heard & listened to. They should no longer be the “forgotten” particularly during this pandemic. #thinkINC

11th January 2021

11th January 2021

11th January 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, ““can a child with a learning disABILITY learn?” YES! A child with this label can learn, but at a slower rate than their neurotypical peers. Small steps and more time are needed. #thinkINC

18th January 2021

11th January 2021

18th January 2021

The Inclusive Question of the Week is, “what should the life expectations be of someone who has a learning disABILITY?" The same as everyone else! They just need a bit more support to do the things we all like to do. This may be education, training, work, leisure, visiting friends and family, and living independently. #thinkINC

25th January 2021

11th January 2021

18th January 2021

 The Inclusive Question of the Week is, “what is the incidence rate for learning disABILITY if you are autistic?”  Its 4 in 10. This compares to a rate of 1 in 10 in the neurotypical population. #thinkINC

2020 Inclusive questions of the week

14th December 2020

14th December 2020

14th December 2020

"As he doesn't enjoy Christmas, I assume that my son doesn't identify with the meaning of Christmas. Is this correct?" No. Just because someone doesn't like the bright lights, lack of routine, or unexpected visitors that Christmas brings, doesn't mean to say they don't embrace the meaning of Christmas. They are two very different things. #thinkINC

7th December 2020

14th December 2020

14th December 2020

"Why can Christmas be stressful for someone who is autistic?" Someone who is autistic may be reliant on routines, only seeing familiar faces, eating certain foods, and can have sensory perceptual issues. Christmas brings a cessation of routines, infrequent visitors, surprises, different foods, and bright lights! #thinkINC

30th November 2020

14th December 2020

30th November 2020

"What needs to change to address inequalities for the disABLED community?"

We all need to understand vulnerability. The research agenda needs to be driven by disABLED people and the outcomes reflected in Government Policy, #thinkINC

16th November 2020

16th November 2020

30th November 2020

"When did discrimination against disABLED people become illegal in the UK?"

1995. Yes, that recently! With the introduction of the DisABILITY Discrimination Act 1995. However, many of the provisions were not enacted until years after.#thinkINC

9th November 2020

16th November 2020

9th November 2020

“Does everyone experience pain differently?” 

Yes, they do. Everyone has a different pain threshold. Some can cope with more pain than others. Pain can vary during the day, be more intense on some days, and move around the body. #thinkINC

2nd November 2020

2nd November 2020

2nd November 2020

“Is back pain all the same?” 


"Back pain is experienced differently by everyone. Low back pain can be mild and just annoying or severe and debilitating. It can start suddenly, or slowly; maybe coming and going & worsening over time." #thinkINC

19th October 2020

2nd November 2020

2nd November 2020

“What is an ambulatory wheelchair user?” 


"It’s someone that uses a wheelchair part time. This may be due to pain, fatigue, or an illness that results in better days and bad days." #thinkINC

4th October 2020

2nd November 2020

28th September 2020

“How many events are there at the Winter Paralympics?”  


The number’s varied over the years. Currently, there’s 6; Alpine skiing, ice hockey, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowboarding & curling. Lots to look forward to in 2022! #thinkINC

28th September 2020

28th September 2020

28th September 2020

"What are the newest events to be added to the Summer Paralympic Games?” 


in 2021, two new events are to be added. These are Parataekwondo and Parabadminton. I can't wait to see these amazing athletes in action!

 #thinkINC

21st September 2020

28th September 2020

21st September 2020

"How many Paralympic events are there?” 


Currently, there’s 28 Paralympic sports; 22 in the summer games and 6 in the winter one. This is far more than what I was aware of. How about you? #thinkINC

14th September 2020

28th September 2020

21st September 2020

"What are the key issues facing the disABLED community during COVID-19?" 


 The key issues are being forgotten, difficulties in accessing food and other essentials, reduced access to benefits, erosion of rights, and additional barriers in getting back to work. I think, that's an awful lot to cope with on top of all the issues the non-disABLED community is facing. #thinkINC

7th September 2020

7th September 2020

7th September 2020

"How many people in the UK are dependent on artificial nutrition?"


According to PINNT, a UK charity that supports and advocates for people on home artificial nutrition, its over 47,000 people. That's a lot more than what I thought. How about you? #thinkINC

31st August 2020

7th September 2020

7th September 2020

"Can a house be adapted for someone with sensory needs?" 


The answer is yes. There is a range of adaptations available. From visual door bells for the hearing-impaired, using texture to identify the end of stair rails for the vision-impaired, to labelling cupboards for someone with autism there are many adaptations that can be made. For me, they make a house a home! #thinkINC

17th August 2020

7th September 2020

17th August 2020

“What home adaptations does a wheelchair user need?” 


It depends on individual needs, now, & those anticipated in the future. Egs are ramps, wet rooms, door widenings, lowered worktops & remote activated light switches. #thinkINC

3rd August 2020

24th August 2020

17th August 2020

"Can someone with Down’s syndrome have autism?” 


The answer is yes. Everyone with Down's syndrome will have some degree of learning difference. This difference can be autism. Research now suggests that this could be a significant minority of people with Down’s syndrome. The autism may be difficult to diagnose. I’m doing so, I think, it’s important to remember that we are all individuals with different needs. #thinkINC

24th August 2020

24th August 2020

24th August 2020

“How many senses are there?”  


Opinion varies on the exact number. For me, I think of 7; taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing, vestibular (balance), and proprioception (knowing where you are in relation to other objects). #thinkINC

27th July 2020

24th August 2020

24th August 2020

“Why is disABILITY often associated with poverty?” 


disABILITY is both a cause and consequence of poverty. They reinforce each other, contributing to increased vulnerability and exclusion.


However, the reasons for this are under researched and hindered by different definitions of disABILITY throughout the world. Whatever the reasons, for me, this association needs to be disrupted and done so ASAP. #thinkINC

Arms holding up different coloured awareness ribbons, Blue, orange, purple, yellow and pink.

20th July 2020

"Is understanding theory more important than understanding practice?"


Practice is based on theory. Therefore, if practice is to improve, it's important to revisit theory and develop it. However, as a special needs mum, I don't always have to understand why a particular intervention works. I'm just pleased that it does, For me, theory and practice are equally important. #thinkINC

13th July 2020

"What is a rare disease?"


A rare disease is described by the EU as a condition that affects less than 1 in 2,000 of the population. Examples are Niemann-Pick, Sickle-Cell and Prader-Willi. There is a UK National Strategy for supporting people with rare diseases. However, it's implementation was described in 2018 as, "worrying." A further review is due this year. #thinkINC

6th July 2020

"Is it only children who have ADHD?" 


Whilst ADHD is usually diagnosed in early childhood, the condition may persist into adulthood. The symptoms may be different and include:


  • Impulsiveness
  • Disorganization and problems prioritizing
  • Poor time management skills
  • Problems focusing on a task
  • Trouble multitasking
  • Excessive activity or restlessness
  • Poor planning
  • Low frustration tolerance.


For me, the profile of adults with ADHD needs to be raised to ensure they get the support they need. #thinkINC

28th June

"How many people have Tourette's Syndrome?" 


It's a condition that causes involuntary sounds & movements; tics. The onset is usually in childhood. Symptoms can improve & might disappear. In the UK, more than 300,000 people have it. #thinkINC

22nd June

“What is the thinking behind the autism awareness ribbon?” 


The puzzle pattern represents the complexity of autism. Different colours and shapes, the diverse nature of the people and families living with autism. The brightness of the ribbon means hope — hope that through championing awareness of autism, people with autism will be able to live the life they want to. #thinkINC

15th June

 “What is the origin of awareness ribbons?” 


The use of various coloured ribbons is designed to create public awareness of health, medical conditions, disABILITY, & other issues. New awareness ribbons are being created every day; there’s literally hundreds! I think, this is a really great way to raise awareness of a disABILITY. Do you? #thinkINC


8th June

 “What is the origin of awareness ribbons?” 


The use of various coloured ribbons is designed to create public awareness of health, medical conditions, disABILITY, & other issues. New awareness ribbons are being created every day; there’s literally hundreds! I think, this is a really great way to raise awareness of a disABILITY. Do you? #thinkINC


1st June

“What’s the difference between anxiety and depression?”   


Anxiety is a feeling of worry, dread, nervousness or unease about something that you believe has an uncertain outcome. Depression is a feeling of dejection or unhappiness that can negatively affect how an individual thinks or acts. Many people with depression are likely to experience some symptoms of anxiety. #thinkINC

25th May

“Why is depression referred to as The Black Dog?” 


It's used because depression can feel like an ominous, long-suffering presence tracking your every move. Winston Churchill used this metaphor to describe his depression. #thinkINC

18th May

"What proportion of the population has a stammer?” 


This is a bit difficult to answer. Some children stammer from being able to talk. Others, develop one in later childhood. For some, the stammer disappears as they get older. However, 3% of the population is the general figure. 


Everyone stammers differently and it's different every time you stammer. We 3% are a complex lot! #thinkINC

11th May

"How can I support someone who stammers?” 


For me, you need to give them the confidence to talk. This requires giving them a safe space to do so. What I mean by this is? A conversation were it doesn’t matter if they fail to talk fluently.


You need to be patient and listen longer. Try not to look away if they do stammer. Don’t finish their sentences for them. If they want to talk about their stammer, be the person who listens. Tell them it doesn’t matter if they do and they are valued for who they are. I think these are all reasonable adjustments. Do you? #thinkINC

4th May

“What is the WHO’s thinking on #disABILITY?”  


The World Health Organisation states, “DisABILITY is now understood to be a human rights issue. People are disabled by society, not just by their bodies.


These barriers can be overcome, if governments, non-governmental organisations, professionals and people with disABILITIES and their families work together. The WHO/World Bank World report on disability shows the way forward”. I couldn’t agree more. How about you? #thinkINC

6th April

6th April

6th April

“Up to what age is an EHCP applicable?” 


An Education, Health & Care Plan outlines any special educational needs a child has, & the provision that must be provided. They are legally binding up to the age of 25 years. 


As of January 2019, there were 1,318,300 pupils with SEND in England, representing 14.9% of the total population. Of these 3

“Up to what age is an EHCP applicable?” 


An Education, Health & Care Plan outlines any special educational needs a child has, & the provision that must be provided. They are legally binding up to the age of 25 years. 


As of January 2019, there were 1,318,300 pupils with SEND in England, representing 14.9% of the total population. Of these 3.1% had an EHCP. These figures are rising year on year. Any thoughts on why? Maybe a topic for a future “Inclusion Hour”. #thinkINC #disABILITY

20th April

6th April

6th April

"How many people in the UK have a visual impairment?” 


There’s almost 2 million people living with sight loss. Of these, around 360,000 are registered blind or partially sighted. Did you expect the number to be more or less than this? #thinkINC #disABILITY

27th April

6th April

27th April

“How can I describe Dyslexia in positive terms?” 


A medical definition is, “a specific learning difficulty, that causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, e.g reading & writing. intelligence isn't affected”. Not very positive!


However, I prefer this one. I think it contains lots of words that can be used to describe Dyslexia in positive terms. How about you? #thinkINC #disABILITY

Inclusive Questions and Answers

Boy with Achondroplasia.

13th January

"What is a disABILITY?"

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ & ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities". However, I think this definition is from the perspective of neurotypical & able-bodied people who make up the majority of the population & make the law. What do you think?  #thinkINC #disABILITY

Model in a Wheelchair.

19th January

“What is the difference between diversity & inclusion?” 


Diversity is understanding that each individual is unique whereas inclusion is embracing everyone as valuable members of their communities.

However, for me, I like this definition:   Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance. How does that sound? #thinkINC #disABILITY 

Girls signing, "Love".

26th January

 "What do we mean by normal?" 


The word ‘normal’ entered the English language in about 1840. It can be defined as “constituting, conforming to, not deviating or different from, the common type or standard, regular, usual”.


Before this, the concept of the "ideal" prevailed. The "ideal" was the preserve of God & unachievable by the human. "Normal" introduced the correct & preferred way of being human, &, therefore, the concept of disABILITY. For me, there's no "normal" human, only a "typical" form. Do you agree?  #thinkINC #disABILITY

3rd February

"What is a social barrier?"


A social barrier is something, that is not physical that stops someone with an impairment doing something. Social barriers are the attitudes of individuals or groups of individuals in society.  An example would be a child not being able to stay for an activity after school as the Head Teacher won't put in any additional support to facilitate this. For adults, this could be not being invited to join a conversation and being ignored.


For me, it's a lack of kindness and thought of the majority able-bodied and neurotypical population. The answer, once again, is kindness. Do you agree? #thinkINC #disABILITY

10th February

"What language should I use when referring to someone who has a disABILITY?"  


There's no right or wrong answer! For me, it's about using the term the person you are referring to feels most comfortable with.


So, this could be a person with autism or autistic. Equally, this could be blind, a person with a visual impairment or visually impaired. I think the important thing is to ASK THEM! Then use the term they prefer. What do you think? #thinkINC #disABILITY. 

17th February

"How can I be kind to a child with a disABILITY?"  


 Include them! Be the parent at the school gates that talks to the mum or dad of the child with special needs. Invite children with disABILITIES to parties and over for tea. Easy isn't it?! #thinkINC #disABILITY

Photo by Josh Apple on Unsplash.

23rd February

“What is “Nothing about us without us?”” 


It’s about self determination. Decisions that shape the lives of people with disABILITIES can only be made if they are involved in the decision making process. Sounds like a good idea to me! #thinkINC #disaBILITY

2nd March

"What percentage of the UK poulation has a disABILITY?"


There are 13.9 million people with a disABILITY: 

8% of children 

19% of working age adults 45% of pension age adults 

22% of the population. 

Is this what you expected? #thinkINC #disABILITY

9th March

"Why do words associated with impairment often start with dis or dys?" 


Like many words, they have their origins in Greek & Latin. In Greek, dys means, "bad or disordered" & in Latin, "apart, in different directions, or not").So you have disABILITY, dyslexic, disorder etc. For me, banning the use of dis or dys would go a long way to overcoming social barriers and achieving a more inclusive society. How about you? #thinkINC #disABILITY #bandis #bandys

16th March

"What is ableism?" 


Ableism is “the oppression you’ve never heard of.” It's discrimination & social prejudice in favour of able-bodied or/& neurotypical people. 

A venue can be inaccessible in a variety of ways. An event without sign language makes it inaccessible to persons with hearing loss. No quiet space makes it inaccessible to persons who have sensory overload, eg autism. Persons with #disABILITY have to be included in decision making! #thinkINC 

23rd March

"What is the origin of the word, "Paralympics?" 


 The word “Paralympics” derives from the Greek preposition “para” (beside or alongside) and the word “Olympic”. Its meaning is that Paralympics are the parallel games to the Olympics and illustrates how the two movements exist side-by-side. Personally, I'd prefer to see one integrated event for all athletes. They all use the same track, pool or arena don't they?!  #thinkINC #disABILITY

30th March

"What’s the most common disABILITY in the UK?” 


For adults its mobility & for children it’s cognitive. However, your impairment is a certainty, no matter what the statistics say. Society needs to understand your needs & meet them. #thinkINC #disABILITY

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