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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Geoff Jones recalls his experiences of education as a child with severe chronic illness Access to education is often overlooked when considering chronic illness and social exclusion. Education is particularly…
Jenny Lyus imagines: "Under this Pro-Spoonie* government I still don’t feel well but I do feel better about myself and my role in society." (*‘Spoonie’ is an informal term for…
Sarah Campbell asks whether chronic illness needs its own set of responses to social security, employment and social care. I have a combination of both a chronic illness and a…