Hello. Happy new year. How are you? I’m really good. Been working hard on planning out my content for the year, and after a little break, I’m really happy to be back. We have some awesome videos planned for 2024. Let me know what are your “Outs” for 2024? Don’t forget to thumbs up, and subscribe. Next week I’ll be sharing my top tips for new wheelchair users, and sharing tips from the community as well. Gem

I so agree, I loathe it when I see a sign saying "special needs' I love your phrase "additional needs", clear, consise and non-judgemental.

The woman you ran into at the accessable restroom, for those eho don't know what a colostomy bag is, its a bag attached to the abdomen that connects to part of the intestine to collect bowel movements. Some are temporary and some are permanent. The accessible toilet gave her room to maneuver around the toilet to empty the bag and privacy to change the bag if needed.

I would leave in 2023, that disability is associated with elderly people 60 (or somewhat) +. Yesterday I read an offer from a social (!!!) service, to deliver donated food to the door, instead of picking up for people with mobility issues. The conditions to participate were: Grade of disability 70 % or higher (where I live is an official system to get social support), mobility issues AND 65+. I felt very excluded, especially this came from a social service NOT specialized for older people. Damn, I'm much younger, but participation in the delivery would help me a lot.

As someone who recently went from having an invisible disability to now being a full time wheelchair user, seeing the difference in people out in public has been huge. I myself still feel pretty much the same about having to justify things but I think that also comes from getting comments about being "too young" to be in a wheelchair or that I don't look like I need one (whatever that is supposed to mean). The number of people who don't listen though when I say I don't need help after they offer or who just grab my chair and start moving me is almost greater than the number of people who don't try and help! I need to get better in putting my foot down on this vs caving and just letting them help

One thing I would add this year; driving proficiency course for wheelchair pushers. My disability is hemiplegia - which means when I use a wheelchair I can't push it myself - and for storage reasons and the fact I don't use one full time having an electric wheelchair is not feasible - and so I have to rely on others to push me. But there are certain people I don't want pushing me (but I don't always have a choice.) because they just don't understand that pushing someone in a wheelchair isn't the same as, say, pushing a shopping trolley. I struggle with anxiety and stress at the best of times, but it is overload when certain people are pushing me in my wheelchair. I would love there to be some kind of (for want of a better word) training so they get not only some idea of the dod or don'ts; and how to listen to the person in the chair. But also what it is like to be in the chair.

I have an invisible disability, and I don't feel shy at all about using disabled restrooms & parking spaces. Both I & my doctor know I need them, so i don't really give a hoot what others think. No one has confronted me on it yet, but I'm ready if they do. I'll either be not in the mood to explain, so I won’t; or I'll explain & they'll wish they hadn’t asked, lol. I have a pelvic neurological condition, which actually effects most of my body; so they'll get plenty of TMI, lol.

I want bathroom stalls with occupied/available indicators. If I’m not in my wheelchair I still can’t bend to see if there’s feet under the door.

I can always tell when someone is genuine coming out of the toilet. The ones who aren't go over the top. One woman opened the door wide and kinda bowed at me like I was a medieval king. Then had a rant because I didn't thank her for it. I was still using crutches at that point fwiw The questioning your needs goes with ambulant wheelchair users too. People always get huffy when they see me walk to or from the back of the car.

Thank you for raising this topic. I often do feel guilty using it because no one would know that I have a muscular deficit just looking at me - but I do need the grab bars in accessible stalls to get up from the toilet.

As a person who started out with my disabilities being invisible, which then turned into very visible disabilities over the years. I have dealt with and heard about everything I think I could. Add to that the fact that I use a service dog you wouldn’t believe I mean the crap I dealt with over access issues and just plain out people who hate dogs or animals of any kind.

when i was at uni, i had extra time and a scribe in my exams, we called this "access arrangements" which I think is the most appropriate term imo

Ambercrombi and fitch doesn't want anyone who is disabled or overweight in any way. They like young perfect people 😠

self service tills would be so helpful for me as an autistic person who massively struggles with interacting with strangers , but i am also a wheelchair user and i have never found one that is low enough for me to use it's super annoying!

I’m short and even I don’t like it when shops put clothes up really high. Makes me not want to shop there and I’m not even in a wheelchair.

I am going to join you in responding with “I’m nearly 40”. If I’m with my friends the looks on their faces will be amazing! Plus it might shut a few of the giggling idiots up.

Gem - did you know water bottles expire Me - No I didn’t (talking like she is right in front of me) lol

Next time someone says can I have a go just tell them what I tell them, want my wheelchair or parking space, then take my disabilities

💯😘❣️ Personally, I wanna leave bad habits behind. Socially, I'd like us to leave behind the way children are often viewed; the disregard for their autonomy, especially bodily autonomy; disregard of their wishes and needs as "childish"... And I'd like to include any group that has extra challenges (whether it be black kids having their afros touched) as well as any group oftentimes infantilized (such as disabled people - a lot of which you've already touched on in your list in much more detail). Anyway, it's time for bed. Thanks for another good video! 😊 Have a wonderful 2024, anyone reading this!! ❤

Did not know hot water bottles had expiry dates! Gonna check mine. Thanks for the tip.

Thank you for spreading the word about people with invisible disabilities. There isn't enough awareness about it. People will treat you so differently if you aren't using a visible aid like a wheelchair or rollator. It causes issues with access as well as getting harassed by strangers who decide to be the disability police. It's an awful experience to go through. There are so many people with invisible disabilities that very much need to use disabled services, and it's massively unhelpful to harass people based on whether or not someone can "see" if they are disabled. Also, the US really needs to have better disabled toilets. They are usually lumped into the regular toilets, they don't have very good accessibility, and they often put the baby changing station in there

I can not find the news item, but a few years ago, the UK court upheld jokes aimed at wheelchair users about how they used a wheelchair are covered by the laws for harassment and discrimination.

I would love to see so much left in 2023:- inconsiderate people, whether disabled or not, pavement parking, people who try to help without asking, people who don't really qualify for a Blue Badge or who exaggerate their illness or disability, establishments that are not accessible or who cram things in to make it difficult to get around, places that say they are accessible but aren't, people/organisations that think they know what I need even though they have no lived experience of having a disability, inaccessible public services such as transport, EV chargers, council buildings, inaccessible infrastructure such as steps, cambered pavements, lack of drop kerbs, narrow paths, block paving, street clutter and wheelie bins and so much more... it is not going to happen though is it as I see lots of missed opportunities for change, but we live in a very selfish world where few people actually understand or care and as austerity bites, reducing expenditure, so does the requirement to adhere to the hard fought for rights of disabled people.

I constantly get judged when I do use my wheelchair. I have a SCI. I went from being fully paralyzed to walking (docs are stumped as to the why). My spine's damaged in all 3 areas, therefore it's weak and it doesn't take much to injure it. When I use my wheels these days, because otherwise I can't get anywhere, I'm lazy, a fraud, faking it, seeking attention and so on. There are people who can walk perfectly fine one day, or even moment, and can barely walk, nor not at all, the next. Who uses a manual wheelchair is anything but lazy. It costs a lot of energy and strength (also something people should learn: manual wheelchairs are anything but easy).

Before becoming an able wheelchair user, I had to use the accessible stalls because of the massive tumours in my belly. The regular stalls didn't allow me to maneuver in there to clean myself. One time a lady said, "Well, if you ever decide to lose weight, maybe you wouldn't have to hold up that stall for those who actually need it!" Well, I did lose weight, thanks to finally getting the surgery to remove like 30 pounds of tumours from my abs and between my legs, thank you very much! All I have to say is Karma is a bag! Lol! I want to leave behind in 2023, like all other years is that the pre-judgement of people onto others who are disabled. My favourite thing I received for Christmas was a set of Japanese knives with tapered, rounded handles. They fit my hands like a glove! I finally feel in control of my blade and do not feel like the blade is going to turn in my hand. But I am truly blessed with the lessons I learn in 2023, Thank you for another great video, Happy New Year to you all! 🥰❤

Hi Gem just to add a little Twist some non disabled people use it as a cover recently I was in an Asda car park and there was delivery man coming back to his car and he was parked in a disabled person's Bay he was walking quite quickly in fact I would describe it as a jog he was carrying four bags of heavy shopping when I reminded him he was parked in a disabled person's Bay he replied not all disabilities are visible with a smirk on his face I know I shouldn't have been confrontational but I said have you got a blue badge he said no so I said to him your badges invisible as well he replied with two words and the second word was off this sort of thing keep happening when drivers pick up food for onward delivery to customers especially at McDonald's keep up the good work I enjoy watching your videos

I spent the last days before 2024 suffering a heart attack, I received nothing for Christmas, and I have both a hidden and physical disabilities, I suffer from CPTSD trauma as well as hearing and visual (legally blind and no peripheral(side vision)), I am also a wheelchair user, I've had people back into me or stand too close, and tell me to watch where I am going, I've had some say, "do a wheelie", or crash into me, the difference between the abled and non abled is night and day, I've had improvise by using objects in a store to use as a lap basket, or to get something high up down, I've had employees walk away without even asking if I need assistance, many places, even here in the States are still not so user friendly as they could be, so I tend to avoid those places, hey if they wanted my business, then they would make the necessary adjustments to make shopping there easier, only wealth people have an assistant, and don't belong to that club, people don't realize, and people complain, ironically that is until they are left needing the same accommodations that we are advocating, funny how things change when left in the same predicament, keep doing what your doing, accessibility is a right, not a choice or option

Happy new year. The item that I loved which i received for Christmas was from my husband and that was the Echo Show, which i was surprised and enjoyed when i received it. Normally he is out on Christmas Eve buying me something which is not suitable but he has outdone his self this time. What i would like to see left in 2023 is when going to hospital appointments, the desks are that high you can barely see the receptionist and they will not stand up or even have a counter which is lower down. What pains me is that I work for the NHS so I see it from both sides as an employee and a patient who has to use the services on a regular basis.

I'm excited for tips for new wheelchair users!

While vlogging at a hotel in London the receptionist bent over me and said in the squeakiest voice like she was talking to a small child. Loot at you, you have a camera and its got a little fluffy bit on it. OMG I nearly lost the plot. I calmly explained that the fluffy bit was a wind cover for the microphone and refused her offer to go and get me a special key for the ladies rooms as I actually already have one.... My husband and son thought it was really funny. I just wish the camera had been switched on so I could have made her into an internet sensation lol... Keep up the good work in 2024 Gem.

I would never want someone who needs the accessible restoom to feel like they shouldn't. However, there should be more accessible restrooms. I've been close to having an accident waiting outside the accessible restroom on multiple occasions. Its also very frustrating when literally all of the accessible parking spots are full. It happens frequently. I wish they had accessible spaces spread throughout the lot, not only close to the door. I don’t need to be close to the door but I need the lines to let the ramp out for my wheelchair.

For Christmas I am getting a quickie Nitrum wheelchair with a smoov power asitance so i get fitted for it thusday so excited to have my freedome back!

I feel that anyone can use the accessible stalls, just like any other stall in a public bathroom. Disabled can wait in line too. I sit in my chair and tell people, it's okay, use it, it's bigger. I can wait.

As someone who has a invisible disability i have been yelled at by visibly disabled people. Often the older generation who assume younger people cant have problems. I still dont justify myself to people though

I’m on the spectrum and sometimes I do find it less “ick factor” using the accessible stall in the ladies room at work. Public restrooms can be sensory unfriendly.

I so agree with this I am a wheelchair user and have an assistance dog and a uni student In Australia And currently I’m having access problems with my uni and because I don’t want to sound demanding or anything in that realm I haven’t pointed out that them doing this is illegal Like they are saying things and showing how they definitely don’t understand service dogs cause they are worried about her reacting they also are being like oh be aware you may not be able to crate her while your in lab but you can’t have the dog either They also want to tell all other dog users my whereabouts and security like I can’t just come for the library

I have migraines that cause me to have trouble with balance and weakness, so sometimes I will use my cane. The thing is, I don't need the accessible stall as much when I have my can with me, even though I look more disabled. I do prefer it though just because the bar is more stable, but I feel like I'm less disabled when I look like I am, when when I don't.

Some of the money I got for Christmas has been spent on a fleece lined waterproof leg blanket that zips up and also a set of padded bendy wires (like those bendy hair curlers but bigger) that wrap around my wheelchair handles and then around my crutches to keep them secure on the back of my chair but are easy to release/attach. I can’t wait to use them when we go to New York next month.

High counters, where I have been overlooked or I am expected to speak to the top of some ones head, how rude!!!

1. Something I really enjoyed getting for Christmas was some new cookbooks. I've already made a recipe from one of them and it was so much fun! 2. Things to leave behind: "You're too young ..." to be disabled, to need handicap parking, etc. I'm 35 and you can be disabled at any age. The looks I get using my parking placard irritate me. The difficulty in finding accessible housing for those under 65+ is ridiculous! 3. Shows? I really enjoyed the 4-part Doctor Who special on Disney+. Mom and I really like Will Trent - it's about a police detective with dyslexia solving crimes with his bestie / friend with benefits. He has an adorable little dog that steals the show every episode, pretty much.

Lovely Gem! Thanks for this video love this relaxed style. We have the same charging plate for the phone! I sent you a video message hope you get a chance to watch it. Enjoy with a cuppa ☕️ xx

When I’m talking to a disabled person I just talk to them like I’d talk to anyone else. Just look them in the same way and just have a general conversation. If I’m at something disability related may talk about disability with them otherwise I just talk with them about any other thing. At the bus stop maybe what they are upto today or the weather, at clubs then stuff related to that club, at a convent then stuff to do with movies/tv shows & celebrities. I don’t get why people need to talk to disabled people like they are children or like they are dumb or whatever.

A good documentary to watch is the bleeding Edge it talks about the deputy knee and hip replacement recalls and a few other implants medical devices.

Me and my wife took our oldest kid and two of his friends to a trampoline park not far from home. As I pulled into the parking space, one of his friends enthusiastically said something like: "Man it must be so nice to be able to park in these parking spaces!" I wiped my smile off my face as best I could and turned around and looked at him and said: "I'd rather not have to need it". He got really serious and I saw the terror in his face as he realized he said something that he thought offended me. Haha. This is interesting. To him it was perfectly natural to just state the facts. Yes - it IS nice - that's the truth. Of course it is. It's also necessary. I very very quickly put on the smile again and told him I was just pulling his leg. He didn't consider me being disabled or not. That wasn't part of his thought process at all - and that's how I prefer it to be of course. It's interesting tho, because this is a situation where many could become actually offended and it says something about how communication between a disabled and ablebodied person can be. My point is - don't be so easily offended. :). But it was funny to mess with him a bit. Once, as a fresh wheelchair user I was waiting to use the accessible bathroom in a venue. And a lady comes out and she see me and she blushes and says oh I'm so sorry, the regular bathrooms was taken so I used this one. And I told her kinda jokingly: Yeah, you really oughta be ashamed of that. I meant it sarcastically, but I think that was lost in translation because I didn't know the person. I regretted that many times afterwards. Because even if she kinda signaled to me that she could've used a normal bathroom, that doesn't actually mean that she aint disabled in any way. Maybe she was actually having a hard time to find the courage to use the accessible bathrooms despite her disability, and forced herself to use the normal ones regularily because of whatever feelings stopping her from using the accessible bathroom. There are so many factors to think about, and I was immediately ashamed that I didn't just make it easy for her instead of joking with her. I often use humor to defuse a situation, but sometimes I don't see when it's not appropriate. So I learnt that back then I had to work even more on that haha. Anyways - there are no reason to be apologizing for using the accessible bathrooms - if you need them you need them, and if it makes you as a disabled - visible or not - person have a bit easier day to use it vs a regular - then be confident and use it. Nobody has the right to make you feel like you need to explain. SO I agree - this one needs to be left behind in 23. That said, people that actually don't need to use it, should not use it. Hard to police, but we should all teach our kids to not use those if you don't need them, just like I was taught as a kid.

I agree no one with invisible disabilities should have to justify needing the accessible toilet. The issues arise because other people prefer the enclosed toilet or wants to go with their friend. As a wheelchair user who’s waited 45 minutes for a toilet in a restaurant because 4 girls are doing their makeup in the toilet I do understand why people with genuine problems feel obliged to explain. Now in my city lots of restaurants lock their disabled toilet and I’m made to ask for a key because the restaurant is saying they get mistreated. Also my big problem is with places like Waterstones you can’t use the toilets without a receipt from the cafe or shop, but they leave the disabled toilet unlocked so it ends up disgusting. As someone who must use catheters clean spaces are essential. Toilets need a whole month of videos just to break the ice on the topic.

I always called it specialised educational needs and disabilities. For me if something is specialised its of a higher standard than normal for example if someone has a specialism in their degree. I agree with the jokes, why can't abled people complement our outfit or even if they feel the need say they like the colour of our wheelchair. It would be nicer than pointless jokes. I had a lovely Christmas, i got a new fedora from my dad and my twin bro got me a 1998 godzilla puppet the exact same as our childhood one. I got my bro a folding walking stick to help with his balance plus a baymax plush. He takes baymax to work with him as my bro works in mental health sector, baymax is his new colleague lol. Happy new year aswell gem

The mop socks looks so cool and make moping so much more fun i need to get a few pairs for my sisters

I bought from Amazon usb heating ankle high slippers from ihood. Perfect get them hot then turn them off feet stay warm.

As someone with an invisible disability not related to physical challenges, I only just recently allowed myself to use the disabled bathroom as it can greatly reduce the sensory overload I often experience when going out. I only got officially diagnosed a few months ago and I hate that it wasn’t really until then that I thought of myself as being allowed to use the disabled toilet. I don’t if it’s just the state that I live in in Australia but here you are only eligible for a disability parking pass if you are visually impaired or are unable to walk long distances or at all such as having a prosthetic or are any form of wheelchair user. The government website specifically states that a disability such as a mental illness or sensory processing type disability is not eligible for a disability parking pass. I personally hate that this rejects a lot of invisible disabilities and I would personally benefit from being to park closer to things to again manage my sensory overload and anxiety better in public places. I totally understand that disability parking slots are very limited and that people with physical disabilities need them more than I do from a physical standpoint but I also think about people with disabilities such as ptsd and other similar disabilities who walking through car parks and trying to find parking is really overwhelming and anxiety inducing. Maybe additional disabled parking should be added for people with these type of disabilities so that we don’t take away from people who need the space and proximity for physical needs but us who still could benefit from closer proximity can be accommodated and be accommodated at that government level. What annoys me though is that here you can get a temporary parking pass for say 6 months for things such as a stroke or major injuries to one’s legs but not a parking pass for having a life long disability that is stated as a disability under disability laws. I understand that our needs are different but that shouldn’t mean our needs don’t exist in this area of accessibility. Sorry for the rant, apparently I’m still very confused by this. I would love to see the sunflower lanyard scheme expand further than just airports here in Australia to public transport, shopping centres, universities and much more in 2024.

The scottish Education system has been “Additional Support Needs” since 2004, and it includes wider groups than just those with learning difficulties/disabilities, but young carers too. And additional support is a better term in general

Happy new year to all three of you, what a great family you are, by the way Shawn is a cool dude he cooks!???WOW??? I agree with you on what we don't need for 2024!

I don't normally go for dramatic things on TV but Mr Bates vs The Post office was really good.

I have Multiple Sclerosis and fortunately I am not as disabled as I could be. I do have trouble with walking for very far and always try to use a electric car while grocery shopping. People will look at me as though I am not eligible to use those carts because I don't "look" disabled. And there are never enough of them. I prefer the term "accomodations" instead of "special needs" because that is what they are, accomodations to allow me to live as normal a life as possible.

I am a recent wheelchair user and I am ambulatory. I still feel like I can't use a urinal because others would see me stand and would judge me. I wind up using the wheelchair stall, even when I don't need to. I've also sat down in the stall, even though I only need to urinate and can stand, just so I won't be judged. I shouldn't have to do this.

In Australia alot of shopping centres have an ambulant toilet in the normal toilets for people who need a bit more room, but don't really need the extra space of an accessible toilet. I have paraplegia & am in a wheelchair, but I use both a manual & an electric wheelchair. Obviously not at the same time. My bladder is affected, & I have had a number of accidents waiting for the accessible toilet. When this happens it can be very frustrating when people who are able to walk properly just wander out of the accessible toilet. If you don't need that much extra room or need to use the bars to get up & down, please use the ordinary toilets. I don't get a choice. It is extremely embarrassing having an accident in public. I don't get any sensation until my bladder is really full, I don't get much time to get to the toilet. If my bladder spasms, my flow starts & I can't stop it. Not all people with invisible disabilities need to use the accessible toilets. In Australia we have 2 different parking permits - The Category 1 permit which is for people with mobility issues that require the extra space, and use a mobility aids that have 2 or more points on the ground. A manual wheelchair has 4 points on the ground. Then we have the Category 2 permit - This gives you double parking time. It's for people who don't need the extra space, that can walk but can't walk as fast &/or need to take frequent rest breaks. So if the time limit is say 1 hour, it will give you 2 hours. I've had instances where I've gone to go shopping & all the disabled parking spots are full, & I've ended up returning home.

I have a smaller measuring jug like that and it has teaspoon and tablespoon etc which helps with the wobbles! I got a thing for the arm of the settee with pouches in for tv controls, glasses etc and on the top it’s level for a cup of tea and snacks😂 We also got a pouch which you can put a hot water bottle in and then Velcro it to your middle for your back or stomach aches.

I travel a lot and I am totally fed up having to wait hours for people who have no disabilities to vacate the disabled toilets. Especially in the lounges. My favorite last year was - coming out of the one large stall marked with the symbol - “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise I was in the disabled toilet”! I have no objection to people with hidden disabilities using them, my partner uses them but she wears the sunflower lanyard and carries an indicator cane.

My other pet peeve is “being in a nursing home.” People live in houses and apartments. Aren’t they still living when their residence is a nursing home?

Had no idea hot water bottles have dates on. After seeing this I’ve bought myself a charging plate for my phone as I struggle with grip due to hypermobile fingers and hand weakness Your videos have helped me so much Especially with feeling validated and understood as well as I’ve found so many hacks to help me manage on the daily so thank you for the effort you put into every video it’s much appreciated

Growing up in the 60s-70s, we had similar pants that we called bell bottoms. Disabled helps?

Hi everyone, thank you it's been so helpfull reading tips and your videos are a real help as I'm now using a wheelchair more, I have noticed one thing that really puzzles me, why do most buildings which have automatic doors, don't think to put them on disabled toilets too, and most disabled toilet doors seem to be pull 😂,

That's a cool coffee maker how the pods look and go in. I'm in the USA

Hello Gem. I have just started watching Somewhere Between on Netflix. I also watched all three episodes of the original Star Trek. Live long and prosper ! :-)

I got a water bottle/ phone holder and side bag for my power chair! i gave my friends handmade crochet plants in little pots

I was in Asda on my mobility scooter (its called KITT!) and this guy said 'have you got a licence for that?' He didn't know what to say when I replied 'Well, I am road legal!' 🤣

Hi Gem! Happy New Year! I received a Slinger for Christmas, and I love using it while I'm in my chair! So useful and convenient :)

Had it happen to me last week was wheeling down the street guy said exactly the same thing slow down you ‘l get a ticket I kinda laughed out of uncomfortableness it was like you can’t say anything because you’re the one with a problem makes me fuming. Thanks for a great video

Thank yo for the video as always, I am also gonna be 40 this year so thats a good thing to look forward too.

I got electric hand warmers and wow they are perfect!

as a younger person with an invisible disability with a service dog i would love if we could leave behind everyone asking everytime im with my dog in her vest "oh who are you training them for" like how about the fact that i can barely live without her and im fine with the people who are genuinely confused, or they don't know, but when I've been laying on the floor of Walmart, with my dog laying on top of me, because I almost passed out and you've been staring at me and when i finally get up you ask who are you training her for like ummmmm maybe myself

I like his top gift was underwear - which reminds me, I didn't get any in my gifts this year, so I'll have to go buy some lol

In the USA many self service check outs are being removed because of theft..

Great stuff Gem! My favorite thing I got for Christmas was some headphones. Wireless headphones. Perfect for those noisy situations!

Have you tried the water bottle for your feet. I've recently got it and it's amazing. Your water bottle goes in the compartment under and then your feet slide into it, like slippers iys really good x

Happy NEW YEAR!!

in Canada it snowed and snowed and snowed all-day today

I also wish people would stop parking on lines next to disability parking

Rude comments and accessibility failures make me "ableistic" (like ballistic) LOL. My new favorite word shared in a TikTok by Joseph Kibler who's a humorous writer with CP!

Great video all the things mentioned need to be left behind.

My favourite gift was a new waterproof coat that has a USB lead and if you plug it into a power bank the coat heats up in the inside. Brilliant for when you're out in your wheelchair on cold days (especially in the bitter British winter.) As for invisible disabilities and toilets I can always tell if the person has a invisible disability or not. The ones with an invisible disability give me eye contact and presently say hello. The ones who don't, who are just taking advantage of the disabled toilet when they can use a regular toilet, won't give me eye contact and usually mumble an apology while trying to get away as quick as possible. The craziest story I have, was a local Zoo, I was waiting in my wheelchair for the toilet and when the door finally opened there was about 4 adults and 10 kids (Ages about 5 to 12 years so not small kids) all in one toilet. (and it wasn't a huge disabled toilet) My face must have been a picture because one of the ladies said 'Oh, I'm sorry, we do have kids with ASD with us.' and I replied truthfully. 'Oh no, I wasn't judging disabilities, I was just surprised to see so many people in one toilet, I didn't realise so many could fit.' And we all had a good laugh about it.

One of the things I got was a weighted blanket and I love it so much XD

Happy New Year to you in the year 2024 for me I got a tablet for Christmas this year and also the things I wanted to be lifted behind is my stress and anxiety especially from those KZfaqrs that I noticed bring up negativity. Also myself that I have learning disability problems with reading and writing and understanding somethings and also close to 40 myself and you really look good with those paints and the black sparkle sweatshirt and some of the things look forward in 2024 to do some traveling and also look more into your videos want ones where you are at a mall and a national park.

TV recommendations must include Mr Bates and the Post Office

it is now called additional need in school but it need to change fully but we are also dealing with the older generation

I don't watch much TV after I had a set that gave me migraines. I watch KZfaqs instead. However, I had a finger poke on Tuesday and now it is swollen and painful. A poke for a quick A1c test (I passed) and now I have a painful finger, on my right index finger, and I'm right handed!

Happy new year Jen I hope you and your family had a good holiday season. I definitely agree that the term special-needs is misleading because like you said it makes it seem like a desirable thing that someone would try to have as a you know like deliberate decision and so I think you make a good point that that wording could increase peoples miss use of the system. I think your term of additional needs would be fine, I also just think that more places and people should use accessibility needs on their signage and wording.

There is nothing special about the needs of disabled people. We need the ability to get around, the right to an education, the right to employment according to our skills, we need love and food and clothing and shelter- as does literally everybody else on this earth. The way we get there just might look a bit different. That’s how I feel about it.

I had to be a Karen yesterday .... I am disabled and have a placard. Parked appropriately in an accessible spot. As I was sitting there getting ready to leave some idiot pulled in and parked in the crosshatched area of an accessible parking spot. It was one of those that has a large area all around for accessible vehicles with ramps. I yelled at them that it was NOT a parking spot. Of course they screamed that "he is disabled" ... shrug ... don't care. I don't know if they had a placard or a plate, doesn't matter, even if you are disabled you can't park in the crosshatched area. I said ... well you should know better then ... it went back and forth a couple times but ... whatever .... they got a little deliberate Karma for bad behavior.

I love my rechargeable hot water bottle so I can’t spill the hot water over myself That poor woman feeling she had show a complete stranger her colostomy bag :( I am a part time. Wheely and when I am not using my wheelchair I am rarely using another aid as I find my crutches hurt my wrists and shoulders to much so I get a lot of issues re the disabled toilets when not in my chair the sad truth is is when you are disabled and it in a wheelchair you do get treated completely different to when you are in a chair

What i would leave back in 2023... Are people Being Rude to each other And Also, them Saying....Bless You, Heart! In a Fake Pitty Tone of voice. Cause, they have no idea! What it's like to be in a wheelchair, Please 🙏🏻 Excuse, Me, If i went to far! Please, For Give Me.👩🏻‍🦽🇺🇲

Vanishing Act is on Hulu in the US.

My favourite gift I got for Christmas was from a friend I got the game - ticket to ride Europe edition. My second favourite item was a skirt from my parents that was from Hobbs of London. It was a pink tartan skirt.

sigh .... my son had gotten me spoiled on boxers now. I currently have custody of my grandoggie that is a boxer.

My uni have recently changed the SEN support team into disabled learner support team and I like that term better

Yes I remember wide leg jeans, I have a pair love them! Favourite Christmas present was electric heated blanket so soft and cozy 😀 I’m always cold 🥶 and now my cat 🐈‍⬛ is turning into a lap cat (has never wanted to be in my lap before) 😂

I hated when my classmates found out I was in special education because they liked to call it the R word room.

A Tv Club, Sounds Awesome!

I wood like to see them leaving behind when worker's won't let are ASSINANCE Dogs in side when we don't look disabaled I have epilepsy and atisaum and learning disability

15:12 Universal design _is necessary_.

I got some foot warmers for christmas, and some green tea.