Changing the system so that more chronically ill people can work
Victoria Clutton highlights the barriers to work faced by the chronically ill In May, I started my first ever job which I found through a wonderful charity called Astriid. My…
Benefits and Mental Health
Jayne Linney looks at the benefits system and its failure to take account of mental health Recently I completed almost two years of Psycho-dynamic Therapy, and after dedicating more than…
Parenting with both hands tied behind my back
Lottie J. Lane explores parenting and living with a chronic illness Being a mother is quite simply the most life-affirming, joyful and challenging journey I have ever been lucky enough…
It’s not ME, it’s you – can the chronically ill embrace the social model?
Leonora Gunn discusses society's role in improving the lives of the chronically ill The big idea of the social model is to distinguish between ‘impairment’ and ‘disability’: ‘impairment’ is someone’s…
Ill versus disabled – is there a distinction between the two?
Joyce Fox examines society's differing reactions to disability and chronic illness Disabled activist, Stella Young recently wrote: ‘The social model tells us that we are far more disabled by inaccessible…
Sorry
Patricia de Wolfe is tired of saying 'sorry' on account of her energy-limiting illness I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Sorry I can't make it to your birthday party, your family…
Department for Snakes and Ladders?
Fionn critiques the benefits system's failure to support chronically ill, self-employed people I’m exactly the same as anyone else who’s gathered up a lifetime of training and experience. I have…
An empty powered wheelchair waiting to be used
Stairs or stares? Obstacles to using a wheelchair with invisible illness
Ella Sumpter talks about fluctuating mobility levels and reactions to her wheelchair use I have been given a power wheelchair that used to belong to my wife’s grandfather. I am…
Portrait by Susan Kruse
Chronic Illness and Confidence
Marion Michell reveals how chronic illness has stolen her confidence and asks how to resist it Lately the phrase you're just not good enough has plagued me greatly. My art,…
2. EMPLOYMENT Chronic Illness and graduation
Rebecca Boot tackles the painful subject of employment for the chronically ill I'm back at university, studying again after my body threw a fantastic tantrum the last time I tried…