Disability Horizons https://disabilityhorizons.com/ Giving you a voice Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:16:45 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://disabilityhorizons.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/favicon.png Disability Horizons https://disabilityhorizons.com/ 32 32 Workplace Disability Discrimination: UK vs USA Rights, Barriers, Mental Health and Compensation Compared https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/08/workplace-disability-discrimination-uk-vs-usa-rights-barriers-mental-health-and-compensation-compared/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:16:45 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592521 Illustration of a wheelchair user discussing disability rights at work with a colleague, with a poster highlighting fair treatment, reasonable adjustments and inclusion.Workplace disability discrimination laws protect disabled employees in both the UK and USA, but the rights, terminology, claims processes and compensation rules differ. This guide compares the Equality Act 2010 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable adjustments and accommodations, mental health disclosure, workplace barriers, injury to feelings, emotional harm, California FEHA protections and the evidence that can support a discrimination claim.

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]]> How Do You Manage Chronic Pain Without Surgery? https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/08/how-do-you-manage-chronic-pain-without-surgery/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:50:42 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592513 Person managing chronic pain with rest, gentle exercise, healthy food, relaxation and professional support.Chronic pain does not automatically mean surgery. UK guidance supports several non-surgical approaches, although the right treatment depends on whether someone has chronic primary pain or pain linked to an identifiable condition. This guide covers exercise, pacing, CBT and ACT, pain management programmes, acupuncture, specialist procedures and practical daily strategies. It also explains the NHS pain pathway, when to seek further medical advice and where disabled people can find free UK pain support.

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]]> Growing into adulthood after becoming disabled as a teenager https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/08/living-with-fnd-10-years-disabled-adult/ Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:52:05 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592489 Liam Virgo in his wheelchair on a footbridge over the Thames at night, with Tower Bridge, the Shard and a full moon behind him.In 2016, 13-year-old Liam Virgo suddenly lost his ability to walk and talk. He was later diagnosed with severe Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and became bedridden, unable even to tolerate sitting in a wheelchair. Ten years on, at 23, he's travelling, advocating for the FND community, and still working out what "adulthood" means when so much of his teenage years were spent in a hospital bed rather than at school with friends.

In this deeply personal piece for Disability Horizons, Liam reflects on the rocky transition from children's to adult care services, the six wheelchairs and multiple posture chairs that have marked his rehabilitation, and why he no longer believes independence means "doing everything yourself." He explains how mobility aids and a supportive community gave him back freedom and choice rather than taking them away, and how connecting with the wider disabled community helped him build a new sense of identity after feeling isolated for years.

His message to other young disabled people finding their own path into adulthood: you're allowed to take your own route, at your own pace — and needing support doesn't take away your independence.

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]]> Best Cars for People With Mobility Issues in the UK: A 2026 Buyer’s Guide for Disabled Drivers and Passengers https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/08/best-cars-for-people-with-mobility-issues/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:11:22 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592463 Blue Nissan Qashqai parked outdoors, viewed from the front and side.The best car for a disabled driver or passenger depends on the access barriers it needs to remove. This 2026 UK guide compares cars including the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Caddy Maxi and Skoda Enyaq, with practical advice on seat height, wide-opening doors, wheelchair and mobility scooter storage, driving adaptations and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. It also explains what to check on a test drive, how Motability works, and why real-world measurements matter more than boot capacity or vehicle type alone.

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]]> London as a Wheelchair User: Accessible Travel, West End Tips + a Wicked Review https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/08/london-as-a-wheelchair-user-accessible-travel-west-end-tips-a-wicked-review/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:47:52 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592435 Wheelchair user in a red dress outside the Apollo Victoria Theatre, with Wicked signage and an accessible ramp.What is London like as a wheelchair user? Liesl Hammer shares her first-hand experience of travelling by train and Tube, staying in an accessible West End hotel, using London taxis and seeing Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. She also looks at hotel accessibility, Access Cards, theatre access and why accepting assistance does not make travel less independent.

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]]> Managing Several Long-Term Medications: A Practical Guide to Repeat Prescriptions, Timings and Reviews https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/08/managing-multiple-medications-repeat-prescriptions/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:48:06 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592409 Older woman sorts pills into a weekly organiser beside her blind husband.Managing several long-term medications can mean keeping track of different repeat prescription dates, dose timings, interactions, pharmacy collections and regular reviews. This practical guide explains how to synchronise repeat prescriptions, ask for reasonable adjustments, check new medicines and supplements for interactions, prepare for a Structured Medication Review and reduce prescription costs in England. It also draws on lived experience of managing medication personally and with family members, including what happens when prescriptions change, medicines run out or carers are involved.

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]]> Can Disabled Students Pursue a Nursing Career: Everything You Need to Know https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/08/can-disabled-people-become-nurses/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:07:25 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592357 A diverse group of disabled nursing students study together, showing that disability is not a barrier to a nursing career.Many disabled people build successful nursing careers with the right support, reasonable accommodations, and accessible learning environments. This guide explains legal rights, common challenges, nursing school adjustments, assistive technology, and practical advice for disabled students considering a career in nursing.

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]]> How Therapeutic Playground Equipment Supports Sensory Integration https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/how-therapeutic-playground-equipment-supports-sensory-integration/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:38:45 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592283 Children play in an inclusive sensory playground with a basket swing, accessible roundabout, musical play panel, rope climber, water play area and textured pathways while parents watch nearby.Inclusive playgrounds do far more than provide opportunities for fun. They can help disabled children explore movement, touch, sound and body awareness in ways that support sensory regulation, confidence and physical development. This guide explains how different types of playground equipment relate to vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual and auditory sensory systems, why occupational therapists recommend particular activities, and how families can create positive playground experiences that reflect each child's unique sensory profile. It also looks at accessibility features that make playgrounds welcoming for children with different disabilities.

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]]> Has social media turned the SEND crisis into a culture war? https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/social-media-algorithms-send-debate/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:14:41 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592269 Abstract illustration of two figures either side of a social media feed, representing polarised SEND debate onlineSocial media platforms are designed to reward engagement, but that often means rewarding conflict, certainty and outrage above careful discussion. Joanna Grace explores how algorithms shape public conversations about SEND, why nuance is increasingly difficult to sustain online, and what that could mean for education policy, disabled people and the future of meaningful debate.

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]]> Accessible Weekend Break in Newcastle upon Tyne: Travel Tips for Disabled People https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/accessible-weekend-break-in-newcastle-upon-tyne-travel-tips-for-disabled-people/ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:11:08 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592255 Panoramic view of the River Tyne with the Tyne Bridge and The Glasshouse reflected in calm water beneath a blue sky.Planning an accessible weekend in Newcastle? This guide covers wheelchair-friendly attractions, step-free transport, accessible accommodation, restaurants, Blue Badge parking, Changing Places toilets and practical tips to help you enjoy the city with confidence.

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]]> Travelling as a Wheelchair User: Wheeling Around the World https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/travelling-wheelchair-user/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:47:26 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592223 Liesl Hammer smiling in her wheelchair alongside two crew members aboard a boat, posing together in a friendly group photo.Many people assume travelling as a wheelchair user is simply too difficult. Liesl Hammer has spent a lifetime proving otherwise. After visiting countries across Europe, Africa and Asia, flying independently and finding accessible adventures in unexpected places, she shares the experiences that shaped her love of travel, the barriers she's encountered and the practical tips that can help other wheelchair users plan their own journeys with confidence.

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]]> Why persistent snoring should not be ignored: sleep apnoea, disability and delayed diagnosis https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/persistent-snoring-sleep-apnoea-disability/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:32:38 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592195 Cartoon illustration of a larger man sleeping peacefully in a double bed while wearing a CPAP mask connected to a bedside machine in a warm, tidy bedroom.Persistent snoring is often dismissed, but it can be an early sign of obstructive sleep apnoea. This guide explains the symptoms, why disabled people may face additional barriers to diagnosis, and how treatment can improve quality of life.

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]]> Accessible Hotels in London: Royal Lancaster’s Hoist Booking Service Could Start a Bigger Change https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/royal-lancaster-london-mobile-hoist-accessible-hotel/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:31:36 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592157 Mobile patient hoist positioned beside a hotel bed in an accessible guest room, with clear floor space for transfers.Royal Lancaster London has become one of the first mainstream UK hotels to offer guests a bookable mobile hoist. Developed with accessibility campaigner Martyn Sibley, the initiative could remove one of the biggest barriers faced by disabled travellers who rely on hoists. Drawing on lived experience, this article explains why accessible rooms need more than grab rails and why other hotels should follow.

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]]> Bladder Botox: How It Changed Our Lives After Spinal Cord Injury (Complete UK & USA Guide) https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/bladder-botox-guide/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:44:21 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592099 Illustration of a wheelchair user holding a mug beside a poster about bladder Botox. The poster reads: "Bladder Botox" with a bladder icon and lists the benefits: "Less urgency", "Fewer leaks" and "Better quality of life."Bladder Botox is one of the most effective treatments for many people living with overactive bladder or neurogenic bladder, yet awareness remains surprisingly low outside specialist clinics. Drawing on our own experience following spinal cord injury, alongside NHS, FDA and clinical guidance, this guide explains how bladder Botox works, who may benefit, what happens during treatment, possible side effects, recovery, catheterisation, and how to access treatment in both the UK and the United States.

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]]> Managing Fatigue and Breathlessness at Home: Everyday Tips for People Living With Lung Conditions https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/managing-fatigue-breathlessness-home-lung-conditions/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:13:38 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592081 Illustration showing breathing techniques, pacing activities, resting and social support to help manage breathlessness and fatigue.Breathlessness and fatigue can affect everyday life for people with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, long COVID and other respiratory conditions. This practical guide shares ways to pace activities, manage breathlessness, adapt the home, use assistive equipment, seek support and understand available financial help.

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]]> How Social Media Affects Disabled People’s Mental Health and How to Protect Your Wellbeing https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/07/social-media-disabled-mental-health/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:11:31 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592063 Social media can help disabled people find community, advice and support, but it can also expose them to ableism, misinformation and constant public scrutiny. Learn practical ways to protect your mental wellbeing while staying connected online.

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]]> Accessible Document Sharing: How We Share Documents is Important For Accessibility https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/06/accessible-document-sharing-how-we-share-documents-is-important-for-accessibility/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:50:20 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7592031 Person using a laptop with an accessible document icon and checkmark, representing accessible digital documents and independent access.Accessible document sharing is often overlooked, yet it has a major impact on independence, privacy and equal access for disabled people. From inaccessible PDFs and scanned forms to poor keyboard navigation, small design choices can prevent people from reading, completing or returning important documents without assistance. This guide explains why accessible documents matter, highlights the barriers created by inaccessible formats, and provides practical steps organisations can take to create documents that work with screen readers, keyboard navigation and other assistive technology.

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]]> Old, Cold and Free: Accessible Heritage Sites to Beat the Heat: Free UK Museums, Libraries and Cathedrals for Disabled Visitors https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/06/old-cold-and-free-accessible-heritage-sites-to-beat-the-heat-free-uk-museums-libraries-and-cathedrals-for-disabled-visitors/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:07:09 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7591981 Wheelchair user in a sun hat looks up at the vaulted stone ceiling inside a cool medieval cathedral.Heatwaves can create serious challenges for many disabled people, particularly those with conditions or medication that affect temperature regulation. This guide highlights free historic buildings across the UK that stay naturally cool during hot weather while offering useful accessibility features such as step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, seating and sensory-friendly spaces. From libraries and museums to cathedrals and galleries, these venues provide practical places to escape the heat without spending money.

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]]> Night Sweats, Disability and Sleep: Fixing Temperature Swings in Bed https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/06/night-sweats-disability-and-sleep-fixing-temperature-swings-in-bed/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:58:02 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7591921 Person sitting up in bed at night looking uncomfortable as arrows show a cycle between feeling too hot and too cold. Icons and text highlight tips for managing poor temperature regulation during sleep, including using layered bedding, choosing breathable natural fabrics, keeping the bedroom cool (around 18°C), staying hydrated, and seeking medical advice for severe symptoms.Many people wake repeatedly because their body struggles to stay at a comfortable temperature overnight. Conditions such as PoTS, spinal cord injury, autonomic dysfunction, chronic illness and hormonal changes can make sleep a constant cycle of overheating and cooling down. This guide looks at why temperature regulation affects sleep and explores practical ways to create a more stable sleeping environment.

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]]> Supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities with bereavement https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/06/supporting-people-with-profound-and-multiple-learning-disabilities-with-bereavement/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:06:05 +0000 https://disabilityhorizons.com/?p=7591905 People with profound and multiple learning disabilities may experience grief through absence, sensory change and the loss of familiar presence. This article explains how families, carers and supporters can respond with patience, sensory stories, shared memories and the simple but powerful act of being with someone as they process bereavement.

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]]> Planning an accessible Caribbean holiday https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/06/planning-an-accessible-caribbean-holiday/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:50:02 +0000 https://disabilityhorizonscom.onyx-sites.io/?p=9675 Accessible travel in BarbadosPlanning an accessible Caribbean holiday? This guide explores some of the most accessible Caribbean destinations for disabled travellers, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Barbados. Learn about accessible beaches, cruises, accommodation, transport options and practical questions to ask before booking.

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