Recommended Reading and Watching
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Living with Disability - Beyond the Impairment:
The emotional and psychological impactDisability can impact on many areas of life and present challenges such as finding/keeping relationships, fatigue, confidence issues, and feeling disabled by society. In this presentation Spokz People will be talking about the emotional impact of living with disability and discussing what support is available. The presentation is by Mèlani Halacre, director of Spokz People and associate Ali Gibson. It's a bit shaky visually and noisy (it was in an open theathre at the Naidex exhibition), but you can hear us quite well. Please feel free to give feedback. It's about 18 minutes together in 2 parts.
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Webinar on Disability, Sex and Relationships
The session covers:
Self perceptions of being disabled and in a relationship
Perceptions of society towards disabled people and relationships
Exploring the barriers faced by both partners
Some tips and advice and an opportunity for you to ask questions if you want to
Hosted by Martyn Sibley, with guest speakers Kirsty Liddiard and Mèlani Halacre. Kirsty has completed a PhD on sex, relationships and disability and shares her research findings. Mèlani, from Spokz People, share from her personal and professional experiences as a disability counsellor. If you missed it you can click on this link to listen to the webinar here.Find out more?
Click here for summary of Kirsty's reseach. Kirsty Liddiard is a sociologist from Ryerson University in Toronto who has carried out research with disabled people, exploring their experiences of sex, relationships, and love. Her research collected disabled peoples' own sexual stories in order to understand how they feel about their sexual selves and identities, and how they manage and negotiate within their sexual and intimate lives. Please click here for copies of her Research Summary in both standard and large print... 
Spokz On Sex Education Show
If you missed it, Steve (MD Spokz) was on the Sex Education Show, talking about sex and disability.
You can find the link here, we're on Episode 2 from series 3:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-sex-education-show/4od
All episodes from this series focus on 'being normal' featuring sex when you're older, have a disability, obesity and learning difficulties.
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Pride against Prejudice by Jenny Morris
Transforming attitudes around disability, this is an excellent book which empowers people with disabilities. It has many personal examples which make the book easy to read and are very encouraging. It explores disability in western culture and how this impacts on many facets of your life. We would also thoroughly recommend it to able-bodied readers wanting to explore their feelings and associations about disability. It is thought-provoking, entertaining and activating, all at the same time!
Click here for more information. 
Manhood by Steve Biddulph
'Most men don't have a life' is the dramatic opening to Steve Biddulph's bestseller Manhood. Exploring two critical social issues: establishing a healthy masculinity and how men can release themselves from suffocating and outdated social moulds, Biddulph addresses the problems and possibilities confronting men in their daily life. This edition has been revised and updated to meet the needs of younger men, who are struggling with these issues in the twenty-first century. Topics include:
Seven steps to manhood; You and your father; Breaking down the defences; Sex and spirit; Coming alive; Being a real father; Turning your love into action; Real male friends; Being proud of being male and much more...
Click here for more information.
General Counselling
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OCST
Online Counseling and Services Training - Excellent course which involves theory, role play as well as actual client work (supervision provided). Weekly SKYPE meetings.
www.ocst.co.uk
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BACP - general counsellors
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. You can find more information about the code of ethics Spokz People abides by, as well as information on qualifications and the complaints procedure. Regarding the directory, all counsellors have been checked for appropriate qualifications, indemnity insurance and association membership. Some have disability listed as one of the many areas they specialise in, so please do check they have knowlegde and experience of disability if you think this is relevant to you.
www.bacp.co.uk and therapist directory -
Go to See Directory - general counsellors, health and alternative therapists
GoToSee is an online health and therapy guide for the public, practitioners, colleges/ courses and health products. Qualifications are not necessarily checked, so make sure you ask to see evidence of these.
www.gotosee.co.uk -
Counselling Directory - general counsellors
All counsellors have been checked for appropriate qualifications, indemnity insurance and association membership. Some have disability listed as one of the many areas they specialise in, so please do check they have knowlegde and experience of disability if you think this is relevant to you.
www.counselling-directory.org.uk -
CPCAB
Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body - You can find more information about counselling qualifications and CPCAB also have a directory of therapists. All counsellors have been checked for appropriate qualifications, indemnity insurance and association membership. Some have disability listed as one of the many areas they specialise in, so please do check they have knowlegde and experience of disability if you think this is relevant to you.
Visit www.cpcab.co.uk or www.findacounsellor.info for the directory. -
Counselling Website Directory - general counsellors
www.counselling.website-directory-uk.com -
BBC's headroom
Providing articles, guides and video on mental wellbeing.
www.bbc.co.uk/headroom
Disability - National or Worldwide
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Apparelyzed - Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) peer support forum
Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support is all about members helping members. Often, talking to someone who has suffered a spinal cord injury, can give a "clarity of vision", and allow the maximum potential of an individual be achieved.
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Spokz
Spokz People is part of
Click here for more information.
Spokz is an online retail shop selling sport, lifestyle and sex equipment for those with disabilities. -
Evenbreak - Job Search
Evenbreak helps disabled job seekers find work with employers who are genuinely seeking to attract a diverse workforce and will look beyond your disabilities to see the skills you have to offer. Register today, and fine that dream job!.
www.evenbreak.co.uk -
Able Radio - internet radio
Able Radio is a live, on-line, radio station presenting shows at the heart of the disabled community. As the first live station of its kind, our remit is to move forward with disability and restrictive medical conditions. Great music, information and chat presented by a multitude of presenters, each adding their own unique style, focussed on the ability in disability.
www.ableradio. -
Free Art Project for people with disabilities
House of Bohemia is an online art and craft group for adults with an illness, health condition or disability. All the art materials you will need to take part are free. Visit the website to find out more.
www.houseofbohemia.co.uk -
Disability Horizons
An online magazine with positive, interesting and useful disability related articles and resources to help disabled people achieve whatever they wish...travel, sport and leisure, arts, work, personal stories, relationships, health and wellbeing. Spokz People will be contributing articles and advice on relationships and self-esteem. You can also ask other readers and find out more about FREE webinars that Martyn Sibley, www.martynsibley.com, organises on various disability related topics.
www.disabilityhorizons.com
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Physiofunction - neurological specialists
PhysioFunction is the UK’s leading provider of Independent Neurological Physiotherapy, experienced in helping clients improve many years after their initial illness or injury. They specialist in SCI, head injury, stroke, parkinsons, drop foot, and MS.
www.physiofunction.co.uk -
Brain and Spinal Cord
US website with lots of resources and information.
www.brainandspinalcord.org -
Dial UK
Disability Information Advice Line.
www.dialuk.info 
Outsiders
Outsiders are a club for people with physical and social impairements to gain confidence and find partners. They promote the sexual rights of people wtih disabilities and provide socialising opportunities. They also run the Sex and Disability Helpline and SHADA, the Sexual Health and Disability Alliance.
Dating for People with Disabilities
Disability Research
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Sue Jack
Sue has conducted a research study into counselling and disability, titled: 'Counselling and the physically impaired client - a neglected area?' On her website she has published some of her findings a well as written recommendations for counselling services.
www.disabilitycounselling.co.uk -
Kirsty Liddiard
Research participants needed! Kirsty Liddiard is researching disability and relationships and is looking both for participants (anonymous interview) as well as people to take part in a research advisory group.
Click here for more information.
Disability - Midlands
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www.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk
Great resource of support available in your area.
www.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk
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Birmingham Carers' Association
Aim to represent the views of carers to ensure they get the best deal possible from both the Local Authority and the NHS. Working in partnership as much as possible, by negotiation when necessary and campaigning when they have to, they are the voice of anyone who looks after a relative, a friend or a neighbour and does not receive payment for their caring role.
www.b-c-a.org.uk -
Advocacy Matters
Boldmere/Sutton Coldfield
Frustrated and tired of complaining, appealing and harassing social services and benefits to get what you're entitled to? Advocacy Matters is where you need to go! They are a charity who can support you in a variety of ways e.g. attending meetings with professionals with you or providing assistance with forms, phone calls or letters for things like benefits, housing, appeals or complaints. They can also provide advice on gaining independence, education and jobs.
www.advocacymatters.co.uk -
Birmingham Carers Centre
They offer a comprehensive range of advice, information, support and services (short breaks, help with benefit forms, events) from their office in Birmingham City Centre and online or by telephone. Their services are available to all carers in Birmingham.
www.birminghamcarerscentre.org.uk -
Lisieux Trust
Erdington
The Lisieux Trust can help with housing matters and they also have an information and resource centre and can advise on benefits, employment, leisure, education and independent living.
www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk -
Naomi Richardson
Kidderminster
Naomi specialises in counselling, group work, emotional literacy and advocacy with people with learning disabilities.
www.naomirichardson.com -
Stourbridge Colonic Hydrotherapy Clinic
Run by Gillian Edwards. If your disability affects your bowels, consider colonic hydrotherapy. It can boost your energy levels and make you feel more in charge of your body.
www.colonichealth.co.uk
Disability - Yorkshire
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Diverse Matters Coaching
Offer coaching specialising in disability. Diverse Matters Coaches have particular expertise and understanding of the barriers and opportunities some people face due to background and circumstance. They can help with career change coaching or to find employment.
www.diversematters.co.uk
Disability - London
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Simon Paul Foundation
The Foundation's aim is to empower people with physical disabilities to live more independently in the community. We are able to help individuals gain more control over their lives by ensuring they have access to free specialist information, advice, counselling, and practical support. We will also support them with claiming funds and state benefits which help to pay for things such as personal care/domestic support at home or getting out and about in their local community.
www.simonpaulfoundation.co.uk/