Disability News: 2011 In Review
This New Year’s Eve, my annual review of disability news highlights returns, as always, in the form of an original poem. Happy New Year!
Disability News: 2011 In Review
In January we met Riven Vincent,
Who wanted respite care for Celyn, the young daughter she was sent.
In February we heard of a man called Alan,
Who faced a very unusual ban.
In March we met Charlotte White,
Who grew up fighting a musical fight.
In April Sir Terry Pratchett presented Choosing To Die,
I disagreed with it and I never did lie.
At May’s end we heard of Winterbourne View,
In a shocking documentary that still makes me blue.
In June Emmerdale covered assisted suicide,
When wheelchair user Jackson Walsh died.
In July I read a book called One Little Finger,
Its writer with CP won’t be a great singer!
In August IDS was caught in the loo,
A disabled one that is, without a badge blue.
In September Ed Miliband met BendyGirl,
A brilliant campaigner who made his mind whirl.
In October Ricky Gervais returned to Twitter,
With words so offensive they made many bitter.
In November Jimmy Carr joined the club,
Of offensive comedians with his Variety Coach snub.
In December Sue Marsh lost her DLA,
She’s a disability campaigner, what more can I say?
Same Difference 
Same Difference ensures we see challenges anew
Long may Disability News continue in 2012
Simply, many thanks for keeping us well-informed as we defend what’s left to function as citizens – ahem, in many ways still third class – in this century for another year.
We will prevail, in order to unlock the ‘deaf to reason’ decisions and barriers. We owe it to our pioneers and future peers.
Best wishes
Penny Beschizza
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Hello Penny,
I recognise your name… did I see you giving a speech in Sign Language at the Pre Launch of UK Disability History Month on 22nd Sept? I was also at the Launch where I think your organisation sent a message of support…
Best wishes
Sarah (samedifference1)
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Sarah – excuse the reply being soooo late – yes.
Yes, Sarah! Sorry for late reply.
Been catching up with Deaf programmes like The Hub
http://www.bslbt.co.uk/programmes/the-hub/the-hub-series-2/programme-1/
…which shows features that there is much to do ahead of us.
Best wishes in Deaf & Disability Equality
Penny
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