May has been a less hectic month for me. Still plodding along on numerous tasks and just building up excitement for my upcoming events this summer.
Disability Horizons
I have continued writing up and chasing up my celebrity interviews. My interview with Holby City star Jules Robertson was published this week. I’ve also secured an interview with BBC Senior Producer and presenter of BBC Click, Paul Carter.
Another milestone moment for me this month was completing my first full length video interview with our co-founder Martyn Sibley. I’m hoping it will be published on our Patrons page soon.
I’ve also been helping out writing content for our DHorizons Shop where we share information on various accessible products on Amazon.
In addition, I had an enjoyable video team meeting where we discussed plans on a very exciting new secret project – stay tuned!
All my Disability Horizons content is now available to view in one place on the Emma Purcell Author’s page. This link can also be accessed on the “Disability Horizons” button on the menu page on the left of this site.
My featured content, product articles and sponsored posts for Disability Horizons can be viewed in my Journo Portfolio.
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Standing
I attend physio on a weekly basis and last week, I managed to use a standing frame for the first time in year. I was expecting it to be more difficult and painful, but surprisingly, it was so easy and comfortable. My therapist was so amazed, she brought an audience of other therapists to come and have a look at me.
New iPhone
Earlier this month, I was due a phone upgrade and decided to treat myself to a new iPhone. I chose to go for an iPhone SE because it was the same size as my previous iPhone 5s which meant it could fit into the same phone case and stand but it includes the features of an iPhone 6. So far I haven’t seen much difference within the phone – which is kind of a good thing as it means I don’t have to navigate a whole new system.
Films
I had a trip to the cinema this week to see the Elton John biopic, Rocketman. I haven’t been much of a fan of Elton John but still quite like some of his music and enjoy watching films about musicians and the music industry.
Overall it was a good film with a lot of drama and emotion. I was expecting family feuds and heartbreak, particularly around his homosexuality, but never knew about his addictions to drink and drugs.
Also, I was surprised with is extravigant costumes when he performed on stage. I was slightly disappointed with the ending as I hoped we would see him find love with his husband and starting their family and instead it was just mentioned in the credits.
Access Card
On a side note to my cinema trip; It was announced earlier this month that Odeon cinemas will be accepting the Access Card as a form of evidence to people’s disability as a way of getting a concenssion ticket for a PA/Carer. I recently got myself an Access Card and thought I would try it out at Odeon and it was accepted with no problems. To find out more about this scheme, read my Disability Horizons article, How the Access Card scheme can help you convey your needs.
Books
I failed again on my classic literature challenge. However, I did manage to read the autobiography of comedian and 2018 BGT winner, Lee Ridley, a.k.a. Lost Voice Guy. He has cerebral palsy and uses a piece of assistive technology, or what he refers to as a “talker”, to help him speak.
When I read the audiobook, I expected him to hire a Geordie actor to read it for him but instead he used his talker to narrate the entire book. It was a great read, full of humour and I can relate to the difficulties that come with being disabled. His book is titled; I’m Only in it for the Parking: Life and Laughter from the Priority Seats.
TV
This week has been the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent. Although I have not watched the entire series or every single live semi-final, I have realised that following the success of Lost Voice Guy winning last year, I was expecting more disabled people to participate this year. What have been your thoughts on the lineup this year and who are your favourites to win?
I’ve also started watching a new BBC fictional drama called Years cand Years which follows the Lyons family through the political, environmental, social, technological and financial changes that could literally occur in the world over the next 10 years. This programme is full of drama, emotion and humour. Plus it includes a disabled character Rosie (played by Ruth Madeley), who is also a single Mum, but her disability has no significents to the story except we see her using her wheelchair. When I started watching it, I wasn’t even aware she was disabled until the audio description mentioned her using her wheelchair. This is a great example of including disabled actors in ordinary roles and finding a way to normalise disabled actors in the media.
In other television related stories, the greatest news of the year, is that the award-winning BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey will be returning to our screens for a Christmas special. I love this programme so much and I was ecstatic when I read the news on social media this week. Is it still too early to be excited for Christmas?
Blog post roundup
In case you missed any of my blog posts this month, here is a roundup of them:
1. 5 recommended bands to check out this spring
2. How is disability represented in the Netflix series ‘Special’?
3. Review: Killer Queen at The Grand Pier, Weston-Super-Mare
4. 10 inspiring mental health blogs
5. My 2019 summer of music
6. Guest Blog: 10 Frustrating Things About Living With Sight Loss by Amanda Gene
7. Music Interview: SUE
5 Favourite Blog Posts
Here are my 5 favourite blog posts I’ve read this month:
1. Confessions of a Blind Guy | My Thoughts On The News Lately May 2019 by Luke Sam Sowden
2. Time to Rest by The Secret Blind
3. There is More to Chronic Pain Than Just Pain by Despite Pain
4. Ignorance is bliss as a picture really does say a thousand words by Simon Samsone at Ability Access
5. Turn Your Life Into the Best Story of You Today! by Amy Oestreicher
