Access All: Disability News and Mental Health

It's Access All's 100th edition! To mark the occasion we’ve provided a bumper episode – including an interview with Rose Ayling-Ellis talking about how she is changing the conversation around British Sign Language. Also on the show: A glimpse behind the scenes – what really goes on when making Access All. Plus celebs give their advice on how to live your best disabled life. Presenter Emma Tracey. The episode was made by Drew Hyndman, Niamh Hughes and Alex Collins Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill The editors were Damon Rose and Alex Lewis. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co.uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall. Don’t forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.

Disability activist and commentator Samantha Renke says the law on disability hate speech needs to be strengthened after a podcast discussion about dating someone in a wheelchair goes viral. Also on the show: Actress and comedian Ashley Storrie talks about the autistic character she plays in the new BBC Three comedy drama Dinosaur. The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Drew Hyndman and Alexander Collins Recorded and mixed by Michael Regaard The editor is Alex Lewis

Tom Shakespeare is Access All presenter Emma Tracey's special guest for an Easter spectacular edition of the podcast. He talks about becoming a novelist for the first time in his 50s, and why he created a disabled character to be the hero of his first non-fiction book. He also discusses the work he is better known for - a lifetime of disability activism and research - and his profile as a commentator on issues that affect disabled people. The episode was made by Daniel Gordon, with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The editor is Alex Lewis. Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill. To get in touch with the team, email accessall@bbc.co.uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall .

Heartstopper star Bradley Riches lifts the lid on how he coped with having autism as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Also on the show: the inventor of a new dating app which he says is fully neuro-diverse friendly. The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill. The editor is Alex Lewis. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall.

The UN in Geneva questions the UK government on its commitment to disabled people. We speak to two people who followed the proceedings - disability reporter Rachel Charlton-Dailey and Rensa Gaunt from Inclusion London, which campaigns for equality for deaf and disabled people. Actress and broadcaster Madison Tevlin on challenging assumptions about disabled people - and why having Down’s Syndrome is her least interesting trait. Plus Don Biswas talks neurodiverse comedy. The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The editor is Alex Lewis. Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall. Don’t forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.

In this episode, Emma Tracey gets reaction to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s spending plans from Fazilet Hadi of Disability Rights UK. Plus Stephen Kingdom from the Disabled Children’s Partnership on the Budget announcement that £105 million is to be spent on building schools for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. There’s also an interview with Henry Fraser. Once an aspiring rugby player, he was paralysed from the neck down after an accident on holiday and has since become famous for painting using his mouth and a specially-adapted paint brush. The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The editor is Alex Lewis. Recorded by Hannah Montgomery. Sound design by Dave O’Neill. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us on X, @bbcaccessall. Don’t forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.

The ADHD medication shortage is still not over – and promises made by the main manufacturer and the government to fix the problem by April are being questioned. Drugs prescribed to help manage the condition – and one in particular, called Elvanse – have been in short supply since last year. People who have ADHD – Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder – find it hard to focus on single tasks as a result. Access All hears from people who are struggling to carry on working without the drugs they rely on. The world’s shortest comedian – Tanyalee Davis – also drops in to talk about her new show. The episode was made by Daniel Gordon with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The news editor is Alex Lewis. Recorded by Dave O’Neill. Sound design by Dave O’Neill. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co..uk or find us n X, @bbcaccessall. Don’t forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.

Emma Tracey speaks with 20-year-old disabled student Laith , who fought for a good accessible education at the National Star specialist college in Gloucestershire. He feels he's got education under his belt but for what? After college, will he be able to live with his disabled girlfriend who also needs 24-hour care? Will he have independence and be able to get a job? All these things are far from clear for a young man who now feels he has a fight on. Laith was guest editor of 5 Live's Drive programme last week and, when he told the nation about his EHCP difficulties and his frustrations, people contacted the show in their droves. We put the best bits together for you here, plus more. Access All was made by Beth Rose, Niamh Hughes and was recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill. Editor was Beth Rose and Damon Rose, the senior editor is Sam Bonham. If you have a story to tell us about education now and after, email accessall@bbc.co.uk

Journalist and mental health advocate, Bryony Gordon, joins Emma Tracey in the studio to talk about her new book, Mad Woman. It’s all about her OCD, alcohol addiction, binge eating, recoveries and relapses. Bryony dives deep into what she calls her “chorizo blackouts”, why she’s named her OCD Jareth (from 80s film Labyrinth), and why she has increasingly started to think episodes of bad mental health could actually be an appropriate way for the brain to react in certain situations. And Cardiff-based conjoined twins, Marieme and Ndey, have just celebrated their seventh birthdays surpassing all medical expectations. Their proud dad, Ibrahima, and BBC reporter Lucy Owen talk about the forthcoming documentary all about their lives. The episode was made by Beth Rose with Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey. The news editor is Damon Rose, the senior news editor Sam Bonham. Recorded by Mike Regaard and Dave O’Neill. Sound design by Dave O'Neill. To get in touch with the team email accessall@bbc.co.uk or reach out on X, @bbcaccessall. Don’t forget to subscribe by finding us on BBC Sounds.

Nathan Lee Davies had spent years carefully managing his Direct Payments to save up for a six-day short break to Florida. But when Nathan, who has a life-limiting condition, excitedly told Wrexham Borough County Council about his plans it decided to “claw back” the money. Human rights lawyer Anne-Marie Irwin helps explain the rules around funding short breaks. It’s an essential item, but underwear isn’t always accessible. Primark is trying to change that with its new range of adaptive bras and knickers – but do they live up to the hype? Fashionistas Victoria Jenkin, founder of adaptive clothing brand Unhidden, and Jem Hubbard who goes by the name WheelsNoHeels join Emma Tracey in the studio to see how they shape up. Produced by Beth Rose with Emma Tracey and Niamh Hughes. The editor is Damon Rose, senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill. Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds and email accessall@bbc.co.uk to reach the team

After being consulted on, the government's long-awaited Disability Action Plan is now out there. New Disability Minister Mims Davies says that it's one pillar of the government's overall work for disabled peple, and it'll transform lives. But with the level of significant problems disabled people currently face, is this the right plan at the right time? And what is the National Disability Strategy that runs in parallel alongside it? Featuring Scope's James Taylor, journalist Rachel Charlton -Dailey and BBC Disability Correspondent Nikki Fox. Presented by Emma Tracey, Recorded by Mike Regaard, mixed by Dave O'Neill. Produced by Damon Rose, Niamh Hughes and Emma Tracey The editor is Damon Rose, Senior Editor is Sam Bonham. Email accessall@bbc.co.uk

Mollie Pearce joins us to talk in-depth about those final moments in BBC One's hugely successful reality show, The Traitors. She was one of three disabled people in the cast of 22 who started but was the last disabled woman standing. Emma Tracey talks with her this week on a podcast in which she is very funny and honest about having a stoma and a limb difference. Recorded and mixed by renegade master Dave O'Neill, produced by Niamh Hughes and Beth Rose. Editor Damon Rose, senior editor Sam Bonham. You can email Emma on accessall@bbc.co.uk or follow us on X/Twitter. Shout "Alexa, ask the BBC for Access All" for the latest programme.

We've got an extra Access All podcast this week. Former England striker Michael Owen and his son James came into the Access All studio in London to talk about how James is losing his sight, their attitude towards it, and the inclusive football game, futsal. Parents often feel real guilt when a child becomes disabled but, though it hurts, the Owens attempt a constant positivity. They present a documentary on TNT Sport and Discovery Plus on Monday 30 January called Football Is For Everyone where they meet the GB partially sighted futsal team. Though he's been losing his sight for nine years, James hadn't met another visually impaired person until they started filming the documentary. Watch out for the moment the tables turn and Michael starts to interview presenter, Emma Tracey ... Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill, produced by Beth Rose, Emma Tracey and Niamh Hughes. The editor is Damon Rose, senior editor Sam Bonham. Drop Emma a mail on accessall@bbc.co.uk follow @bbcaccessall on X and say "Alexa, ask the BBC for Access All"

Certain medications remain in short supply or out of stock across the UK, which pharmacists have described as a “life threatening” situation, but why is it happening? Community pharmacist and chair of the National Pharmacy Association, Nick Kaye, explains the reasons behind it while Ellie Adams, who lives with epilepsy, talks about the constant anxiety of not knowing if her medication will be available. Ali Kohansal relies on his two parrots - Woodie and Georgie – for emotional support. But Woodie has gone missing which is having a huge impact on his mental health and tinnitus. And adventurer Darren Edwards has kayaked the length of the UK and run seven marathons in seven continents all after becoming paralysed from the chest down in a climbing accident. His next adventure will take him 333km across the Antarctic in just 20 days. But how do you ward against frostbite if you can’t feel your feet? Emma Tracey gets the answer. This episode was made by Beth Rose with Emma Tracey, Niamh Hughes and Alex Collins. It was recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill. Senior editor was Sam Bonham. Email accessall@bbc.co.uk and follow @bbcaccessall on X, formerly Twitter.

Language about sexuality has exploded and, as a result, the LGBT sign language community has found themselves needing new signs to describe the ideas British people are talking about. We talk to Dr Patrick Rosenburg who helped come up with new signs for things like cisgender, trans man, polyamorous and throuple. How did they do it and what does it look like? Spain has its first parliamentarian with Down's syndrome. We talk to Scott Watkin, a former learning disability co-tsar for the UK government, to talk more about learning disabled people playing an active role in politics and how it works. Plus Nina Tame, star of YouTube and social media, joins us to talk about the "micro aggressions" she experiences as a wheelchair user and how her kids sneakily run upstairs when she plays hide and seek with them. Presented by Emma Tracey, featuring Aidy Smith from The Three Drinkers podcast. Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill, produced by Niamh Hughes, Beth Rose, Emma Tracey and Alex Collins. Editor is Damon Rose, senior editor Sam Bonham. Email accessall@bbc.co.uk and follow on @bbcaccessall on X, formerly Twitter.

Impulse spending, losing glasses and misinterpreting conditions on credit cards can mean a great deal of unnecessary expense for people with ADHD. Within the community some refer to it as the "ADHD Tax". Rach Idowu from the Adulting with ADHD newsletter and Prof Amanda Kirby from the University of South Wales who is also chair of the ADHD Foundation Charity, join us. Convicted murderer and Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has left prison on parole. The BBC's South Africa correspondent Daniel De Simone speaks to Access All from Pretoria about how the focus of the news locally is on violence against women and girls. Is There Anybody Out There? Ella Glendining went looking for someone who has the same rare impairment as she does, and made a film about it. Find out what discoveries she made along the way. Presented by Emma Tracey and Nikki Fox. Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill. The producers were: Beth Rose, Alex Collins and Niamh Hughes. The editor is Damon Rose, Senior Editor Sam Bonham. Email accessall@bbc.co.uk or find us on X.

Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey present some of our favourite interviews from 2023. From celebs through to people with amazing stories that we've helped bring to the public's attention. At 41, Melanie, a disabled Australian woman, had never had sex so she hired a sex--worker or "sexpert" called Chase who helped her to understand her body and give her the confidence she needed to form new relationships. After we featured it, her story went round the world. When comedian Rosie Jones joined us earlier in the year, she was in the middle of filming a documentary for Channel 4 about the trolling of disabled people - a programme whose title went on to cause plenty of headlines. And polific writer Jack Thorne, a man who has lifelong connections with disability, had just come out as autistic. He spoke to us ahead of his then latest drama, Best Interests, about a 13-year-old girl called Marnie on a life support machine. Her parents wanted to keep her alive and were battling the hospital and the courts. Mixed by Dave O'Neill and produced by Emma Tracey, Beth Rose, Keiligh Baker and Alix Pickles. Editor is Damon Rose, senior editor Sam Bonham. Share this podcast with people you know will appreciate it. If you don't , they may never know it exists. Follow us @BBCAccessAll on X, or mail accessall@bbc.co.uk

Mims Davies is the new disability minister but she's in a lower ranked role than her predecessor with other duties to attend to. We speak to James Taylor, Scope's Director of Strategy, plus Caroline Nokes, MP, and Vicky Foxcroft, Labour’s shadow minister for disabled people, about what many interpret as a de-prioritising of disability issues. Radio 3's Dr Hannah French, a former flautist, joins us to talk about how her relationship with music changed after she became disabled. She's on air across the festive period including Christmas morning to help set the day up with carols and classics. And, Nikki and Emma on sleep and adorning your house with accessible festive goodies. Presented by Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey. Recorded and Mixed by mixman Dave O'Neill. Produced by Damon Rose, Beth Rose, Emma Tracey and Alex Colins,. The editor is Damon Rose, senior editor Sam Bonham. Follow us on the X platform where we are @BBCAccessAll - or email accessall@bbc.co.uk

From fresh-water wells flooded by salty sea water, to avoiding inaccessible emergency shelters, we hear from Ari in Samoa and Melvina in the Solomon Islands about the impact climate change is having on their very exposed corner of the world. It comes as COP28, the UN summit which convenes annually to try and solve the climate crisis - draws to a close in Dubai. This year’s event was meant to be the most inclusive ever – but was it really? The European Disability Forum’s Gordon Ratray, who attended, gives us his lowdown along with Jodie Santos from The Disability Justice Project who is based in Massachusetts, USA. With Christmas party season under way, presenters Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey give their best tips for accessible fashion, with help from a couple of YouTubers. And world-renowned poet Raymond Antrobus joins the duo to talk about poetry, getting his work on the GCSE syllabus and his children’s book Can Bears Ski? About his deaf experience it has been turned into a theatre show that he can’t wait to take his son to see. Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill. Produced by: Beth Rose, Emma Tracey, Damon Rose, Alex Collins and Betty Douglas. The editor is Damon Rose, senior editor Sam Bonham. “Alexa, ask the BBC for Access All” plays the latest edition of the programme. Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @BBCAccessAll and on email we’re accessall@bbc.co.uk.

Access All collaborates with BBC Radio 3 on an item about the Clarion, a musical instrument which can be played by anyone by anything - from fingers to Eyegaze technology. Our guests are Barry Farrimond-Chuong, the CEO of Open Up Music, who helped design the software instrument, and Alessandro Vazzana a player of the Clarion in the National Open Youth Orchestra who is enabled to chat with us by his mum, Anne. Do you find it hard getting a wheelchair through the traditional means? Nick Goldup from the Wheelchair Alliance talks about its latest report which uncovered a postcode lottery when it comes to wheelchair services. We meet 19-year-old Lachlan from Devon who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and needs a wheelchair most of the time, but he's been waiting nearly a year for a chair that fits him properly. And at 24, Ellie Middleton was diagnosed as being autistic and having ADHD. Her book Unmasked talks about why women and girls often get diagnosed late in life, and how she felt vindicated that she wasn't a bad person - something she had come to believe. Presenters: Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey. Recorded and mixed by MC Dave O'Neill. And Produced by Beth Rose, Alex Collins, Hayley Clarke and Emma Tracey. The Editor is Damon Rose, Senior Editor Sam Bonham. "Alexa, ask the BBC for Access All" plays the latest edition of the programme. Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @BBCAccessAll and on old-fashioned email we're access.all@bbc.co.uk