Scope

This magnetic walking stick isn’t just a brilliant product. It’s a great example of learning from lived experience to create a solution to a real problem. Sean’s partner, Ora, was often dropping her walking stick or leaving it behind by accident. Using her expertise as a disabled person, and his expertise in product design, he got to work on a solution. He created a magnetic walking stick that comes with removable magnetic pads that attach to clothing. It means the stick can be secured without being held. He said his aim was to support people who found themselves "designed out" of the wider world. We’d love to see more collaboration like this. Creating solutions that really work for disabled people requires their input. And this stick is a testament to how powerful it can be. Video description: From BBC. An interview with Sean and his partner talking about the design process of creating his magnetic walking stick. And how he learned from the lived experience of others.

💬 “Asking for basic needs such as ramps, extra time to prepare or not working in certain conditions can be made to feel like you’re asking for the earth. I promise you’re not!” 👏 We couldn’t agree more, Ellie… 🗣 Louder for the employers at the back!

Working from home could have been game-changing for disabled people. But in the past two years the disability employment gap has remained the same.

We thought we'd help the new Prime Minister out with his day 1 to-do-list ✅ Because progress on disability equality can't wait. It's time for the new government to listen to disabled people. And to take this opportunity to build much-needed trust. It’s time to tackle the extra costs of disability. To transform attitudes to disability. To make sure that those of us who want to work can do so, and to fix our failing benefits system. This is the change disabled people want and deserve. We look forward to working with this new government to make it happen.

🚨 REMINDER 🚨 Find time today to cast your vote in the General Election. The polls are open between 7am and 10pm. Whether you're an early bird or an on-the-way-home kind of voter, make sure your voice is heard. You'll need to take photo ID with you, or a Voter Authority Certificate. And if you aren't sure which polling station is yours, you can find out online via the Electoral Commission 🔗 https://shorturl.at/JFjuU Has something come up and you can no longer make it? You can apply for an emergency proxy vote, so someone can vote on your behalf, before 5pm 🔗 https://shorturl.at/eSGBF

It's Disability Pride Month, and what better way to kick things off than an article by the brilliant Jamie Shields? He writes all about why Disability Pride Month is so important, especially in the context of employment, from a perspective of both professional and lived experience 👇

We recently launched guidance for election candidates on accessible campaigning. Reflecting on their own experience of the process, a disabled person running to be an MP anonymously discusses how the guide can help future MPs shape a more equal future 👇

💬 "I'm blind. I'm a mum. And I'm employable" There’s one week to go until the general election. Sylvia has her say on what she’d like to see from the next government. Video description: Syvlia, a black blind woman with blonde braids that decorated with gold accessories, speaking to camera about the upcoming general election.

Why do we as a disability equality charity recognise LGBTQ+ Pride month? 🏳️🌈 Because equality for ALL disabled people is at the heart of everything we do. That includes LGBTQ+ disabled people 💜 As well as being a celebration, Pride represents much more. It honours the struggle for equality and justice faced throughout the years by the LGBTQ+ community. We’ll be spotlighting the voices of LGBTQ+ disabled people this month, by sharing their stories and experiences 🌈

This Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD), Scope's Executive Director of Digital and Marketing writes about disability inclusion in artificial intelligence (AI). Kwesi Afful highlights some best practice, talks about where things can go wrong, and shares some insight into Scope's vision for AI 👇 We'd love to hear your thoughts around AI for inclusion and accessibility. Are there any other examples of good practice that you'd like to highlight? 💬