Tag: Independent living

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

Bio Experience Long read Opinon
A non binary person wearing a hat.

Part 1: How the traumas of racial and disability discrimination marked my childhood, by Priscilla Eyles

From near strangulation at birth to brainwashing at the hands of cult – the extraordinary challenges faced by a person with neurological conditions and multiple minority identities.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Reports
Person at a desk between two women whose faces have been blocked out.

Part 2: From traumatised beginnings to unhappy times at school and work, Priscilla Eyles

In part two, Priscilla talks about how schools and then work places failed to identify or accommodate their conditions, instead preferring to bully and humiliate them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person of mixed heritage standing in front of yellow and white wall.

Part 3: My mum only wanted to help – five years in the clutches of a cult

In part 3, Priscilla explains how society's failure to adapt to their conditions created vulnerabilities that led them into the clutches of a cult.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A non-binary person wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a purple beret hat, looking at the camera.

Part 4: If you can’t get a job done properly, do it yourself

In this fourth chapter, Priscilla explains how their identifying as having ADHD, and then autism, brought solace, but then led to frustration as official diagnoses eluded them.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Experience Reports
A person wearing a purple beret hat set against a blue wall covered in graffiti.

Part 5: We fail tests or the tests fail us? – Getting an autism diagnosis

In this fifth and final chapter of Priscilla's life story, they talk about the challenges of getting an autism diagnosis if you don't present with stereotype behaviours.

Reported 2 weeks ago by Priscilla Eyles

Opinon

Tragic fires must ignite CDA’s passion to push for greater safety, says Mick

We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about, and to live in a society that values our lives. Yet the safety of lower income people and especially Disabled lower income people has often been callously disregarded in this country, as evidenced by the Grenfell and Daleham Gardens fires among other tragedies. These disasters and their impact on Disabled people are by no means inevitable and simple changes like introducing personal evacuation plans can save lives. These changes are possible and the council must lead the charge in implementing them.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports
Cartoon image of a man in a wheelchair with a woman behind him. Both of them are looking at some stairs and the man has a speech bubble coming from his mouth that says 'Grrr'.

CDA member and reporter Mick Farrant on the importance of the social model

Until he came across CDA and the social model of disability, says Mick, he didn't have a theory to help shape his thoughts and feelings about the injustices he was facing as someone newly living with health conditions and a vision impairment.

Reported 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
image of head and brain with the words end the stigma

Stigma kills

Most people want to live in a community that includes us and be part of a society that values us. People who use or who have used drugs daily want that too. But society often excludes, criminalises and stigmatises us, pushing many into isolation and away from treatment services. We must break the cycle by adopting language and policies that recognise the equal worth of people who use drugs, says new reporter Andria Efthimiou.

Reported 6 months ago by Andria Efthimiou

Opinon
Cartoon image of two men talking on TV in front of a live audience.

It’s a general election in 2024 and we’re invisible, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick laments the absence of Disabled people and our issues from the 2024 General Election campaigns.

Reported 6 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
cartoon image of man cleaning mould

From poor housing to benefits cuts – Disabled people under siege, says Mick

In this short piece, MIck Farrant says Disabled people are easy targets for bad treatment.

Reported 8 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Photo of part of a block of flats

Council treats some equality issues more seriously than others, says Mick

In this opinion piece, Mick argues that disability inequality is not tackled with the same urgency as other strands of inequality.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
Cartoon image of a man with a magnifying glass.

Discrimination comes from the public as well as institutions – and we must fight it, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says he has encountered negative or ill-informed attitudes towards disabled people not only in institutions but also among members of the general public. Disabled people need to be assertive and call out these attitudes, he says.

Reported 9 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience Reports Video Stories
Photo of supermarket

Sainsbury’s denies ditching staffed tills at Camden branch

In this short piece, Jill says the decision to remove all staffed tills from the Sainsbury's Camden Town store discriminated against disabled people. She also expresses outrage at the store's claim that this never happened.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Interview
Image of man and boy holding hands.

The Game, a movie about being a disabled or chronically ill parent

In this audio story, community reporter Jill interviews movie producer Suri Ellerton about an upcoming movie called The Game. The film explores the challenges of being a disabled or chronically ill parent.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Audio Stories Experience
Mick Farrant struggling to read the small writing on one sign.

All that glitters is not gold – CDA’s community reporters on access issues at the revamped Town Hall

In this audio piece, Jill points out some of the access issues she and other community reporters found at the refurbished Town Hall in Judd street, near St Pancras.

Reported 9 months ago by Jill

Opinon
cartoon image of the number 32,000

Strong in numbers, but weak in voice – Mick on Camden’s disabled people

In this opinion piece, Mick suggests disabled people in Camden need greater unity and stronger political representation if we are to enjoy the same success as anti-racism and LBTQ+ activists in fighting discrimination.

Reported 10 months ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
CDA staff and members protesting outside Kentish Town Tube.

CDA needs to lead way in raising awareness of discrimination, says Mick

In this piece, Mick says not enough is done to raise awareness of structural discrimination against Disabled people. CDA must lead the way in changing this, he says.

Reported 11 months ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Young woman at the theatre.

Inclusive theatre performance brought joy to my family, says Robert

In this short piece, Robert explains how an inclusive theatre performance brought joy to his family and daughter Ellie. More such performances are needed, he says.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

Video Stories
A woman in a wheelchair in front of a desk.

Centre 404 manager talks about employing disabled people

In this video story, Fatima interviews Centre 404 manager Rory Howlett about his experience of supporting disabled people into work.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Opinon
image of man in worn clothes sitting with crossed legs and holding a cup out.

Council in tent clearing shame

Mick Farrant says the council's role in clearing homeless people from their shelters outside University College Hospital shows it believes they are worth no more than rubbish.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon

Can a failure to adapt and empathise have the same effect as hate crimes? asks Mick

In this piece, Mick reflects on his interactions with council officers and wonders if their treatment could be as bad as a hate crime or incident.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Feature
image of a house with a wheelchair symbol in it.

Dignity denied – housing adaptations for disabled people in Camden taking too long

In this in-depth piece Gloria talks about the challenges disabled people face in Camden and elsewhere when trying to get adaptations made to their homes.

Reported 1 year ago by Gloria Bradley

Opinon

More direct action needed from CDA, claims Mick

In this piece, Mick lays out his views on why CDA needs to engage in more public protests in its fight to gain equality for Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Audio Stories Experience Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members

In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 1 year ago by

Audio Stories Reports
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme

In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Opinon
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick

In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches

In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Experience

The Blue Badge blues

In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant

In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free

On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Experience
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?

In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 1 year ago by Michael Camden

Reports
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking

In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Opinon
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick

In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden

All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 2 years ago by Michael Camden

Experience
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Opinon
Cartoon image of confused man.

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 2 years ago by Mick Farrant

Experience
Photo of woman with brown hair.

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 2 years ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Reports

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Reports
Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London
Microreports

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Reports

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 3 years ago by Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 3 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 3 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 3 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'. 

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 3 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 3 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 3 years ago by Jill

Microreports
Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Reported 3 years ago by Tom

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery. 

Reported 3 years ago by Sarah

Reports

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom. 

Reported 3 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 3 years ago by Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Reported 3 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Reported 4 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

Reported 4 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Reported 4 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Reported 4 years ago by

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