to ask what YOU have done for people with disabilities and their families today?

[working9while5]

I know there are millions of threads going on at the moment.

So this one is just an AIBU reminder to keep up some positive action.

It might be money that you give to a charity or practical help you give someone you know who is struggling.

It might be a fact that you have learned that has changed your perception of how people with disabilities survive manage in this country.

If you know a bit about disability, maybe you can post to help inform others.

Let's get as many posts on this thread as on all the others combined. Then I shall eat my words about MN not being powerful and join in the backslapping

There is a more practical thread going on in Mumsnet campaigns but I am useless at linking, so if anyone can help please do.

PLEASE, if you can think of nothing (or even if you can think of loads) EMAIL THE DLA CONSULTATION and state that you want the government's assurances that any reforms will result in increased real-term support for people with disabilities and their carers: [email protected]

many of the posts on riven's thread touched me, in particular those from starting afresh, i'm setting up a monthly dd to my local children's hospice.

I've stayed home, rather than going to my art class which has one disabled member and several elderly members, one in poor health - because I have a horribly flu-ey cold and don't want to risk handing it on.

I am more than willing to be part of any campaign to ensure that all carers get the help and support they need.

I shall be doing what I have been doing for the past 22 years on my own - walking the minefield of Aspergers with my son who receives DLA. I have had no support, and no respite......ever. Nothing has changed in all those years, and I doubt if anything WILL change with respect to proper support and guidance.

And now I am 65 I do not get Carers Allowance either.

Oh FFS, get off the bloody soapbox.

FWIW, the tax I will have paid today more than covers benefits for more members on here than I care to think about.

Samaritans shift tonight, btw.

Today? Raised awareness amongst friends & written a report for national Government on the experiences of school transitions for those with disabilities.

My DP is disabled. Some of us live with it on a daily basis.

YANBU. I do voluntary work. Everyone should think about what they can do for those less fortunate. Whether it is giving time, money or something else.

Practical thread here to protest about the abolition of DLA

Amberlight, could you share that report with me? I am working in a secondary school setting with young people on the spectrum. I would love to know more about your perspective if you would be willing to share it. I have read your posts on the special needs children's forum and find them very informative and enlightening.

Pascoe, say something nice. It will make you feel better.

Jonicomelately, I know that too many people live with disability on a daily basis and I suppose I hoped this thread would highlight that. The extent of it.

8 posts in 2 hours.

Thanks Mercedes! Xpost

Nothing today. So?

I work with them.

BluddyMoFo, I kind of wanted to highlight the difference between c and p'ing an email and actually Doing Something so believe me, smug back-pattery is not what this thread is about. I just wanted to see whether the recent threads had inspired a flood of action as I was told I was being too negative and cynical about it all when I mentioned that change needed a bit more than MN tweeting.. but the traffic on this thread suggests that a lot of people have done their "bit" and disability issues will slide back off the agenda pretty rapidly.

"So?" indeed, TrillianAstra.

Shame.

I think MN has raised my awareness a lot. I certainly had no idea of how little help carers of disabled children get (though I could have guessed from knowing how little help carers of the elderly get).

I've not 'done' anything in particular today though. I'm not sure I should feel guilty about it either!

I don't know if this counts because I'm pretty self absorbed, but I don't park in disabled parking spaces anymore. Every little helps and all that?

didnt park in the disabled parking bay (found a space nearer today)

Nothing. Because I don't work on Thursdays .

Seriously, though, if anyone wants to do something for any vulnerable family, volunteer...especially for Homestart .

Just in case it wasn't clear, I am a family support coordinator for families with children with disabilites.

Today contributed to a meeting making materials to raise awareness of job centre staff in supporting job seekers with hidden difficulties eg dyslexia and ADHD.
yesterday, teaching profoundly deaf and hearing impaired children and hopefully soon providing some respite care for one of the deaf children I teach. I enjoy my job and get paid for it so it's quite selfish really but it has really made me realise how hard life is for some people.

me
oh I am just caring for my severely disabled DD

I've completed two DLA forms (for for a hysically disabled mother, the other for a teen with a Learning Difficulties), a Carers Allowance form and helped compile an Emergency Plan for a family with two disabled children.

But am a Benefits Advisor for a charity so get paid to do it.
It's a nioce feeling knowing that you are helping to make a real difference to families even if you do get paid for it

What a smug and sanctimonious thread title.

my voluntary work with the rda