Issues of Identity impact all of us. ‘What makes you you? How did you become the person you are? What defines you? How do others regard you? Do you have a label? And more importantly, do you wear your label with pride? Are you defined by your stature, the colour of your hair or your eyes, your age or ethnicity, … Read More
Being a Disruptor for Good
I’m honoured and astounded to have been shortlisted for the Northern Power Women Awards, Disruptor for Good. It seems unbelievable to be recognised for doing something that has simply been part of who I am, and who we are as the Blackwell family. When I gave birth to Jen, after a textbook pregnancy, it seems that I became a disruptor … Read More
If it needs doing…
As we reflect on some incredible things that have happened these past few months, I wanted to share this brilliant article that was first published in the Winter 2023 edition of Animated, and is reproduced by permission of People Dancing. All Rights Reserved. See www.communitydance.org.uk/animated for more information. Reflections on a decade of DanceSyndrome In November 2022, North-West based inclusive dance charity … Read More
The last 12 months of an extraordinary ordinary life
For us it’s normal. It’s what we do, it’s who we are. For others who know what it’s like to live with a learning disability, or care for and support someone with a learning disability it, we’re told it’s an extraordinary ordinary life. Jen was written off at birth by the medics. She wasn’t valued. From the off she was … Read More
Putting the care back into social care isn’t difficult
I’m no psychologist but why on earth do we continue to give people with learning disabilities and their families such an incredibly tough time? Most people with learning disabilities are born with learning disabilities. Others acquire learning disabilities through accidents, notably brain injury. No one chooses to have learning disabilities. But it happens. It can happen to anyone, or impact … Read More
Co-production – a long and winding road towards undreamt riches!
Without realising it, it seems that Malcolm and I have been practicing co-production all our lives, supporting each other to be the best that we can be. With the arrival of Jen and her unexpected learning disabilities in the form of Down’s syndrome, she was naturally embraced into the same cultural norm. I’ve always sought to do my best as … Read More
Achieve, smashing misconceptions
This week is Learning Disability Awareness week, with the theme “Achieve, smashing misconceptions”. National charity Mencap are leading the way in busting myths about people with learning disabilities, sharing brilliant stories. We all have our own stories. I wrote in Carer’s week how important it is for each of us to own the narrative of our own life: “After a … Read More