Brooke talks to Robert, a neurodivergent individual with dyspraxia and a cancer survivor, discussing his journey and experiences with disabilities. Robert shares insights on the lack of accessibility he faced during his cancer diagnosis and how it influenced his perspective on inclusivity. He delves into his inclusive design consultancy, Inclus, aiming to make consumer products more accessible for social minority groups. 

Together they highlight the importance of inclusive design and challenge the stereotypical perceptions of disability. Robert reflects on resilience and the need for a broader understanding of disability beyond visible markers. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Disability is a wide spectrum, and it's important to understand that it's not limited to visible disabilities like wheelchair use.
• Small incremental changes in design can make products more accessible and inclusive for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Overcoming challenges and finding coping mechanisms can lead to resilience and innovative solutions, even in the face of adversity.
• Embracing one's unique traits and experiences, regardless of disability, can lead to personal growth and success.
• It's crucial to have empathy and understanding towards individuals with disabilities, avoiding assumptions and embracing diversity in disability experiences.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think that's such a poignant snippet and takeaway because it comes back to that well what what does disability look like and actually there is not a one-size-fits-all."

"I always found a way to be resilient and always found a way to then show up in a different way, in a way that then made people go, oh, it's quite impressive."

"It's all just people talking and that's it. It's not, it doesn't need to define your world, it doesn't need to define your experience."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878

HOST BIO

Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves. 

The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational. 

Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”. 

As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!