The Government of Jersey is launching a new podcast series aimed at encouraging open conversations about disability and helping to create a more inclusive Island.
The series will bring together disabled people and others with lived experience, advocates, employers and experts to share their perspectives, challenge misconceptions, and improve understanding of the barriers people can experience in everyday life.
It will explore how inclusion is shaped not only by accessible services, buildings and infrastructure, but also by everyday attitudes, assumptions and behaviour.
The series, hosted by James Filleul, supports the Government’s wider commitment to creating an Island where disabled people can participate fully in society and experience equality in everyday life. It also recognises that while Government has a leadership role, creating an inclusive Jersey is a shared responsibility.
The first episode features Stuart Penn, who was born with limb differences and uses three prosthetics. Stuart discusses growing up with a physical disability, becoming independent, people’s reactions to disability and the importance of seeing the individual first.
On agreeing to be part of the Ordinary Lives podcast, he said; “Too often, people worry about saying the wrong thing and end up avoiding the subject altogether. My hope is that by sharing my story, people will see the individual first, not the disability.
“Everyone’s experience is different, but the more we listen, learn and ask respectful questions, the more understanding and inclusive we can become. Disability shouldn’t define a person, it’s just one part of who they are.”
Further episodes will explore different experiences and perspectives around disability and inclusion.
Project Manager for the Disability Inclusion Team, for the Government of Jersey, Dario Gentili, said: “Creating a more inclusive Jersey is about more than accessibility. It is also about understanding people’s experiences and challenging the assumptions and attitudes that can create barriers.
“By hearing directly from disabled Islanders, people with lived experience, advocates, employers and experts, I hope this series will encourage open conversations and help us all think about the part we can play in making Jersey a more inclusive Island.”
Pictured: James Filleul and Stuart Penn
