The Wheelchair Activist The Wheelchair Activist

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses mental health and related sensitive topics. Please take care while listening.
Full Episode Transcript
Watch this episode on Youtube [CC]
This episode of The Wheelchair Activist is all about mental health and disability. Given the importance of the topic, this episode is split into two parts. First, Emma interviews Fern Lulham-- A blind public speaker and mental health counselor. They discuss the intersection of disability and mental health, the barriers disabled people face when seeking mental health services, Fern's perspectives as a therapist with a disability, and much more. Then, you'll hear clips sent in by two listeners, Fuchsia and Mel, sharing their mental health journeys as disabled women.
Learn more about Fern at FernLulham.com and on Instagram, Facebook and X at @missfernlulham.

In the Season Three premiere of the Wheelchair Activist Podcast, join Jillian Curwin—a disability advocate and fashion enthusiast. Jillian discusses her frustrations with the fashion industry's inclusivity, emphasizing the ongoing journey for true representation. The episode explores disability representation, highlighting both progress and challenges. The conversation takes unexpected turns, touching on topics like the new Willy Wonka movie and the upcoming Snow White film. Tune in for a genuine exploration of inclusivity in the fashion industry and unexpected conversations that matter.

Dom was born with a severe form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (more commonly known as Brittle Bones). He had more than 25 broken bones during birth, is of short stature and uses a powered wheelchair for his mobility.

Dom joined the Purple Goat agency team in February 2021 as Head of Strategy - the world's first and only disability-led and disability focused agency looking to create the most inclusive, representative and forward thinking marketing campaigns in the world by integrating disability knowhow and lived-experience.The agency has seen tremendous growth over the last couple of years, with international clients including Meta, Virgin Media, the EU and Starling Bank. They wholeheartedly adhere to the mantra of "Nothing about Us, Without Us."

Dom’s first real exposure to the world of Media came when he starred in C4’s award winning documentary ‘Crip on Trip’ - documenting the travels of him and his non-disabled school mates interrailing around Europe. After studying Management at Warwick Uni in the UK, Dom secured a place on the C4 Graduate scheme. This led him to work at the sports TV production company Sunset+Vine as a producer working across output including the landmark Paralympic coverage in 2012 and 2016. He has since worked in various digital media, marketing and communications roles, which led him to founding Tiny Man Digital, a digital marketing agency that helps diverse companies shine online.

He is also the founding editor of the Disability Power100 - Power List of Disability, which inspires the younger generations of people with disabilities by showcasing a list of powerful leaders in diverse industries.

Follow Dom on Instagram
Follow Dom on Twitter







Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewheelchairactivist.substack.com

Alan Benson is a disability rights activist and campaigner, with a particular interest in accessible travel. As a wheelchair user Alan has a firm belief in a pan impairment approach based on a lifetime of lived experience of discrimination and barriers. He credits much of his knowledge and success to the amazing, supportive online community.

As Chair of Transport for All and Deputy Chair at London Travelwatch he is a passionate advocate for public transport, for which he was awarded an MBE in 2022. He is also a trustee at Ruils, the independent living charity and a Fellow at the Royal Society of Arts.

Prior to this Alan spent a 25 year career running IT teams building and running large computer systems supporting thousands of users all over the UK.

He lives in Richmond-upon-Thames where, in 2022, he was proud to be awarded Freedom of the Borough, though he remains disappointed that this does not actually give him the right to drive geese over Richmond Bridge.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewheelchairactivist.substack.com

Peta Hooke is the creator and host of The I Can’t Stand Podcast. She is thirty-something living in Melbourne, with Cerebral Palsy. Peta is a passionate advocate for the disability community through educating non-disabled people on what it is actually like to live with a disability.
The I Can’t Stand Podcast, is a weekly podcast answering the audiences’ questions they have about disability. There is no wrong question. Every question is on the table. The podcast can be found on all major podcasting platforms including Apple, Google and Spotify.
If you have a question for the podcast or would like to get in touch with her, you can:

Follow Peta on Instagram @petahooke
Send Peta an email icantstandpodcast@gmail.com
Contact Peta at www.icantstandpodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewheelchairactivist.substack.com

Zoe Portlock is a Digital Accessibility Expert who established and now leads Accessibility for the UKs biggest investment platform. Zoe also writes about digital accessibility for Scope.

Her work and advocacy is informed by her lived experience. She is autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic, has Irlen Syndrome, M.E/CFS and fibromyalgia.

Zoe is a tenacious advocate for all people with access needs, driven to ensure all users have the equal digital experience they deserve.

Follow Emma on TikTok and Instagram
Donate to The Wheelchair Activist

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewheelchairactivist.substack.com