Crip Life™

Dismantling disabling barriers one article at a time

The image is a promotional banner with a vibrant purple background. It contains the following elements: Headline Text: "BECOME OUR 500th SUBSCRIBER AND WIN £25 AMAZON VOUCHER" written in orange, bold text. Amazon Gift Card Logo: A black rectangle featuring the Amazon logo with the word "amazon" in lowercase and "giftcard" underneath it in orange. Giveaway Deadline: Text on the right side reads: "GIVEAWAY ENDS 31/12/2024 AT 11:55am!" in white. Call-to-Action Button: An orange button at the bottom with white text: "Subscribe here >>>". Brand Name and Slogan: At the bottom-right corner, the brand name "CRIP LIFE" appears in orange text with a white slogan underneath: "Dismantling disabling barriers one article at a time." The overall design is attention-grabbing, with high-contrast colors and a clear promotional message.
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The image depicts a sculptural installation that features a tall, conical form suspended from the ceiling. It appears to be made of fabric or a material with a heavily textured and weathered surface, resembling layers of earth or rock. The colors are predominantly earthy, with shades of orange, yellow, red, and brown, evoking a sense of natural erosion or decay. The structure's base extends onto the floor, creating a puddle-like spread that enhances the organic feel of the piece. The piece is lit dramatically, with a focused light source highlighting the textures and details while casting a sharp shadow on the floor and wall, contrasting against the dark background. This lighting creates a striking and contemplative atmosphere.
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The image shows three individuals standing on a stadium field. The central figure, holding an award plaque, is flanked by two others. They appear to be in a formal setting, possibly celebrating an achievement related to the Principality Stadium's recognition for accessibility innovation. The background shows part of the stadium seating, adding to the sense of the location being a sports venue.
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Features Lifestyle
Emma Purcell

Disability Pride Month: 10 Perks Of Being A Disabled Person

 

Disability Pride flag - 10 perks of being a disabled person

Being disabled does come with many challenges and barriers but on many occasions, it does have its benefits and advantages. To celebrate Disability Pride Month, our editor Emma Purcell shares 10 perks of being a disabled person with cerebral palsy and sight loss.

1. Free parking

a Blue Badge parking card for disabled people issued by the Hampshire County Council in the UK. The top of the card states "Front - Display This Way Up" in bold text. On the left side, the card mentions it is issued by "Hampshire County Council". The card is valid from 29/01/2023 and has an expiry date of 28/01/2026. There is a badge number present, but it has been blacked out for privacy. n the bottom left, there is a holographic security feature with the letters "UK". n the center, there is a circular emblem with "UK" in the middle, surrounded by a decorative pattern. On the right side, there are translations for "Parking Card for Disabled People" in multiple languages. At the bottom right, there is a rectangular box with the letters "UK" in white on a dark blue background. The card has a blue color scheme with a light blue background featuring intricate patterns for security purposes. The card also includes multiple anti-counterfeiting features, such as the hologram and detailed patterns.

The first and most commonly mentioned perk of being disabled is getting free parking. In the UK, people who have a registered disability – physically, mentally and/or sensory – are eligible for free parking in most public car parks, as long as they have, and remember to display their Blue Badge.

2. Free and discounted carer tickets

An Access Card for an individual named Emma Purcell. Title: At the top left, there is a green and white banner that reads "ACCESS CARD". Photo: Below the banner, on the left side, there is a photograph of Emma Purcell. Name: To the right of the photo, the name "Emma Purcell" is printed in bold black text. ID Number: Below the name, there is an "ID Number" field, which has been blacked out for privacy. Expiry Date: To the right of the ID Number, the expiry date is listed as 18/03/2025. Symbols: At the bottom of the card, there are several icons: A wheelchair icon, indicating accessibility. A "plus one" icon, suggesting an allowance for a companion or additional support. A six tactile dots icon symbolising visual impairment. Additional icons that are not marked, likely placeholders for other possible accommodations or requirements. The card has a clean design with a white background and green accents, providing essential identification and accessibility information for the holder.

My favourite perk of all is getting free and discounted carer tickets at live music events, theatres, cinemas, tourist attractions and public transport.

This is because for many disabled people, myself included, require support when out and about and we shouldn’t have to pay full price for two tickets when that person is there for my benefit rather than just to see the event. Plus it means I can save money to purchase tickets for future events.

You still need to be eligible for free or discounted tickets. Many venues will ask for proof of your disability.

The way I do it is by using an Access Card. You can apply online with all your medical information and then pay £15 for a card that lasts up to three years.

The card simply has your name, ID number, ID photo and symbols representing your accessibility needs. So in my case, I have “+1”, “wheelchair access” and “blind tactile dots”, which represent I need a carer, wheelchair access and I’m registered blind.

3. Theatre touch tours

Setting: Emma is positioned in front of a promotional poster for the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." The poster has the iconic Harry Potter typeface and features the tagline "The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later." It includes an image of a nest with wings. Background: The poster is set against an old brick wall with visible wear and tear, adding a rustic charm to the scene. Emma: She is seated in a wheelchair and is smiling at the camera. Emma has long, dark red hair and is wearing glasses. She is dressed in a black outfit, possibly a coat or jacket, and has a lanyard around her neck. There is also a wristband visible on her left wrist. Lighting: The lighting is bright and highlights Emma’s face and the poster behind her, making both the subject and the background clear and prominent. Emma appears to be enjoying her time at the theatre, ready to see the Harry Potter play.

I haven’t been to many theatre productions but at a few I’ve been to in the past, I was lucky enough to experience touch tours. When I went to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2017, Matilda the Musical in 2019, The Lion King Musical in 2022 and most recently Wicked in June 2024, I got to enter the theatre before the start of the shows and touch and explore the props, costumes and sets that will be used in the performance.

These touch tours are specifically for audience members who are blind or visually impaired and want to get a better understanding of what will be on stage. At some touch tours, you also get to meet some of the cast and crew and chat about the shows, even getting a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip. I felt like a VIP guest!

4. Assistive technology

Amazon Alexa smart speaker

Having cerebral palsy and being registered blind means I heavily rely on assistive technology. When it works, I love it. When it doesn’t work, I hate it. My favourite gadgets have to be my MacBook, iPad, my Smart TV and my Amazon Alexa.

5. Extra time in exams

Stopwatch

When studying at school, college and university, I was entitled to extra time when taking my exams because it took me longer to read with my magnification software and slower to type with one hand.

It didn’t make the exams any easier but I would never secure my qualifications without the extra time.

6. VAT exemption

VAT Exemption

In some disability-related shops, such as RNIB and Disability Horizons Shop, many products can be sold with VAT exemption to people with a registered disability.

This is because many disability-related products are more expensive than regular products and many disabled people don’t earn as much as others but still require these products to live independently.

Check out the VAT exemption guide on the Disability Horizons Shop.

7. Free prescriptions and dental treatment

Medicine capsule tablets

Disabled people who claim benefits are entitled to free prescriptions and dental treatment. I currently claim Employment and Support Allowance but if I ever lose it or get full-time wages, then I’ll have to start paying. So I’ll enjoy this perk while it lasts.

8. Discount on TV licence

TV License logo

Because I’m registered blind, I get a 50% discount on my TV licence, which allows UK residents to watch BBC programmes. Blind people are eligible for this because they only enjoy the audio/dialogue elements rather than the visual elements too.

9. Not witnessing gruesome scenes in TV/films

Blood Splatters

While watching TV and films, the plus side of being blind is not having to witness gruesome scenes such as a bloody murder or medical procedures on a hospital bed.

However, I am still strongly passionate about audio description being available on all films, TV shows or streaming services. If you haven’t done so already, please sign and share my AD petition.

10. Carrying bags on my wheelchair

Emma in her wheelchair, seen from the back, moving through a doorway. The wheelchair has a bag with a playful design hanging on the back, featuring a cartoon monkey face.

As well as being a useful machine for me to be able to access my home and go out and about, my powered wheelchair is also a great tool for carrying bags.

When shopping, all the shopping bags can hang on the back of my chair – meaning my lazy family and friends can use it as a pack horse.

What are some of your perks being a disabled person? Share your thoughts in the comments box, on social media or contact us to tell us your personal story.

This article was originally published on Rock For Disability.

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