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What becomes possible when disabled and neurodivergent people are genuinely listened to, supported and included?

Recorded live at the Community Focus Summer Festival, this special Dis-labled forum brings together students, speakers, artists, parents, carers and community leaders to share powerful stories of confidence, creativity, employment and belonging.

Hear how opportunities like podcasting, art, creative writing and inclusive workplaces have helped people find their voice, build confidence and become active members of their communities.

Featuring Carol's moving poem Unmasking, Marcus sharing his experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis, Gila from CJ's Bakery, author Vicky Martin, audience contributions, and more.

If you're passionate about disability, inclusion and hearing real stories from real people, this is an episode not to miss.

00:00 Introduction | Community Focus Inclusive Arts, Disability Podcast & Live Forum

01:19 How the Dis-labled Podcast Began | National Lottery Funding, Giving Disabled People a Voice, 70 Episodes of Inclusion

02:39 The Purpose of the Forum | Disability Inclusion, Neurodiversity, Listening to Disabled People, Success Stories

03:11 Meet the Panel | Artists, Authors, Community Leaders, Inclusive Employment & Lived Experience

04:04 Building Self Confidence | Autism, Body Image, Fashion, Self Acceptance, Positive Mindset & Unmasking

07:49 Carol's Powerful Poem 'Unmasking' | Masking, Autism, Mental Health, Identity, Disability Acceptance & Self Worth

09:48 Writing Authentic Autistic Characters | Vicky Martin, Oak Lodge School, Creative Writing, Drama & Neurodivergent Voices

13:00 CJ's Bakery | Meaningful Employment for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Supported Work & Inclusive Business

15:37 From Oak Lodge School Shop to Finches Café | Community Inclusion, Barista Training, Supported Employment & Independent Living

19:17 Marcus's Story | Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Hidden Disability, Art, Confidence & Finding Your Voice

21:02 Audience Discussion | Why Having a Voice Matters, Disability Advocacy, Representation & Being Heard

23:04 Cory on Community Focus | Art, Creativity, Confidence, Belonging & Inclusive Communities

24:24 Parents' Perspective | Equal Opportunities, Disability Equality, Creative Expression & Supporting Disabled Adults

25:04 A Parent Reflects | Autism Then and Now, Bullying, Asperger's, Community Support & How Things Have Changed

26:34 Looking Ahead | Building Stronger Disability Communities, Parent Support Groups, Inclusive Choir & Future Podcast Projects

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot