After suffering a stroke in 2005, Tony Nicklinson was paralysed from the neck down. He and his wife campaigned tirelessly for a change in the law on the ‘Right-To-Die” issues that prevented him from having any kind of assisted dying.
Tony died shortly after his recent case for a change in the law was lost and now there has been another setback. Continue reading
We all feel strongly about our human rights; and I am sure you would agree that anyone who is disabled should be protected from abuse, and given every opportunity to live a good life, free from intimidation. How many of us can actually say that we do anything about this. This report gives us an insight into what many volunteers from Mencap have been giving up their time to do. Continue reading
Securing a job is difficult enough for most people in today’s economic climate, when you add to this scenario a disability of any kind, life can become pretty impossible. How heartening therefore to read of a success story. It seems that STEP2Employment is a charity that has found its niche; a way to help disabled people learn new skills, therefore helping them to gain confidence, and hopefully employment. Read on to see what happened to 26 year old Lawrence. Continue reading
A man with locked-in syndrome who says his life is a “dull, miserable, demeaning, undignified and intolerable” life and is fighting in the courts for his right to die. Tony Nicklinson, 57, after suffering a dreadful stroke 7 years ago ago was left paralysed below the neck. He is now only able to communicate by blinking or with limited head movement.
Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease is, of course, one of today’s great fears for many people. Consequently any positive results from research in Alzheimer’s is welcomed. All to often we have had big claims made for alleviation of the symptoms as well as cures. However, these have regularly proved to be nothing more than snake oil and have led to false hops for some. Continue reading
Do you know who Colin Powell is? He came to prominence as the American General in charge of all the ground forces during the first Gulf War in the 1990’s. George Bush was president at the time. Colin Powell has always struck me as an exceptional person with great strength and compassion at the core of all his values. This story spills over from his own life lessons into one of respect and kindness shown in an American community. Continue reading
I am very fortunate by not being restricted to getting around in a wheelchair, however I have relatives who are. The worst stories that I get to hear about relate to access on public transport facilities and the attitudes of some people working in those sectors.
Quite often my jaw drops in shock, horror and dismay! With the stoic way the stories are related to me by my relatives they might be considered funny if only they weren’t so real! Continue reading
