This page covers:
– What’s the problem, and how do we manage it?
Resources:
– Arts, crafts and music
– Knitting, cross stitch and other needlepoint work
– Creative Writing
– Drama
– Attending Sporting Events

What’s the problem and how do we manage it?

For all people, developing hobbies and finetuning your skillset can be a great way to maintain positive mental health, stay active and keep your brain engaged – all of which we know are critical to living longer, healthier lives with Cerebral Palsy. Hobbies can include engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or collecting themed items and objects. By continually participating in a particular activity, one can acquire substantial skill and knowledge in that area, which can be extremely fulfilling and satisfying.

However, an able-bodied person has a lot more choices when it comes to adding a new activity into their daily routine. There are many barriers a person living with a disability, including Cerebral Palsy, might face when picking up a new skill, which certainly should not be the case.

True inclusion, the practice providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded, should mean that an environment must be adapted to make sure it is accessible to all, yet more often than not we find in practice that the individual with the disability is asked to adapt to the environment or take a different approach.

We are sharing activities, organisations, and resources which enable you to take up their hobby or activity without expecting you to adapt to them. One great example of this, which we will explore below, is OHMI, who are pioneering the development and adaptation of musical instruments for people who are physically disabled, removing the barriers to making music.

Knitting

Elisabeth Ward blogs and vlogs about one-handed knitting and crochet:
https://elisabethward04.com/category/tutorials/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ElisabethWard04

Cross stitch and other needlepoint work

Darren Douglas

Darren Douglas went viral last year cross stitching with his mouth! Available here. He also does art work and generally does Tiktok videos about how to live life when you can only use your teeth and/or mouth to do anything:

Janet Perry is a needlepoint expert who has MS and blogged about equipment to help one-handed stitcher here. She is based in the US, though, so may not be available to chat at one of our Zooms!

Creative writing

Jonathan Bryan

We can take inspiration from Jonathan Bryan. At nine years old, Jonathan’s mother taught him to read and write using his eyes like a finger pointing, or a pencil. A year and a half later he was first taken out of his special school to be taught, and started to use his eyes to spell out everything he wanted to say and write on an alphabet board known as an E-Tran frame.

In Jonathan’s own words: “My eyes became my voice. Since that day in February 2015, life has been busy, life has been transformed and crucially, life has been fulfilled.”

Jonathan has found his passion writing blog posts and book amongst other things!

Find out more: https://eyecantalk.net/.

Watch a poem by Jonathan

Drama

Rosie Jones

Our supporter Rosie Jones, who herself has Cerebral Palsy, performed to a rapturous audience at the launch event for our charity in October 2018. With her infectious laugh and high energy, Rosie Jones has quickly become a must-see act on the UK comedy circuit. The ex-television researcher was awarded a second place in the Leicester Mercury’s New Comedian of the Year Award 2018 and has gone on to star on 8 Out Of 10 Cats and The Last Leg, Comedy Central’s Live From The Comedy Store and Roast Battle, as well as Dave’s Hypothetical. Rosie completed a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2018 with her debut show ‘Fifteen Minutes’, receiving critical acclaim – with the Scotsman describing her show as “both elegantly crafted and mischievous to its bones”.

Bryony Moss, a disabled actress with Cerebral Palsy and learning difficulties shares her experience of pursuing an acting career with Cerebral Palsy.

Attending Sporting Events

Level Playing Field is an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access and inclusivity in sports, particularly for disabled fans and clubs.

Who Level Playing Field Is

Level Playing Field is an advocacy and support organisation that focuses on improving the matchday experience for disabled sports fans. They work closely with clubs to offer guidance and advice, ensuring that the needs of disabled fans are considered and addressed. Their efforts extend beyond just the fans; they also provide expert support to clubs to help them implement best practices for inclusivity and accessibility.

The Four Pillars

1. Support for Clubs
   • Guidance and Advice: Level Playing Field serves as a resource for clubs, offering expertise and practical advice to enhance accessibility and inclusivity at sports venues. This includes specific issues like accommodating assistance dogs and improving stadium facilities for disabled fans.
   • Knowledge Centre: This platform provides in-depth information on various topics related to live sports accessibility, offering clubs a repository of best practices and up-to-date guidance.
2. Fan Representation and Support
   • Direct Support to Fans: The organization offers advice and information to disabled fans about specific clubs and their facilities. They ensure that fans feel heard and valued, encouraging them to attend games and become actively involved.
   • Campaigns: Initiatives like “Unite for Access” aim to raise awareness and drive improvements in accessibility across sports venues.
3. Advocacy and Expert Advice
   • Expertise Sharing: Level Playing Field shares best practices and expert advice with clubs constructively. They focus on collaboration rather than criticism, helping clubs understand and address their shortcomings without feeling defensive.
   • Audits and Action Plans: They offer services such as NRAC accredited access audits, providing clubs with detailed action plans to improve their facilities based on comprehensive assessments.
4. Community and Communication
   • Disabled Supporters Associations (DSAs): Level Playing Field encourages the formation and support of DSAs, which help connect disabled fans, facilitate social interactions, and improve communication between fans and clubs.
   • Fan Engagement: They emphasize the importance of effective communication with fans, ensuring that their needs and feedback are taken into account to enhance their overall experience.

Best Practices and Facilities

• Accessible Infrastructure: Emphasis on accessible parking, elevated sightlines, and proper signage to ensure that disabled fans can navigate and enjoy the stadium experience.
• Changing Places Facilities: Providing larger and more accessible toilet facilities equipped for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
• Sensory Rooms: Spaces designed to accommodate fans with sensory processing issues, offering a quieter environment to enjoy the game.
• Access Statements and Information: Encouraging clubs to create detailed access statements and make relevant information easily accessible on their websites.

Tips for Fans Attending Matches

1. Plan Ahead and Research: Utilize resources like the Level Playing Field website and club access statements to gather information on accessible facilities and contact points.
2. Engage with DSAs: Reach out to local DSAs for support, social interactions, and detailed information about accessibility at specific venues.
3. Contact Club Representatives: Disability access officers or liaison officers at clubs can provide personalized assistance and address specific accessibility concerns.
4. Dress Appropriately: Prepare for various weather conditions and ensure you have appropriate clothing and equipment to stay comfortable throughout the match.
5. Embrace the Unexpected: Be prepared for surprises and stay flexible, understanding that not everything may go as planned. Engage with fellow fans and club staff to navigate any challenges that arise.