Navigating the world while living with a learning disability and a hearing impairment is no easy feat, but Patrise's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her early struggles with memory and requiring support for everyday tasks to overcoming barriers in education and employment, Patrise shares her story of resilience and determination. Her candid conversation reveals the challenges she has faced and her drive to step outside her comfort zones, ultimately showcasing her growth in confidence and self-empowerment.

As Patrise recounts her experiences, she highlights the often-overlooked complexities faced by individuals with disabilities in the job market and social settings. Despite these challenges, she celebrates milestones such as gaining employment and learning to drive. Her story underscores the importance of understanding, inclusivity, and the power of personal advocacy. Join us for this heartfelt episode that celebrates the strength found in unique experiences and the journey towards self-acceptance.

Join me on an emotional and insightful journey as we explore the transition from creating humorous TikTok videos to becoming an advocate for mental health. In this episode, Rachel shares their personal story of coping with the loss of their mum seven years ago and the recent diagnosis of OCD. Discover how social media became a platform for serious discussions about grief, self-care, and mental health support.

From the struggles of finding the right therapist to understanding the impact of social media on well-being, we dive deep into what it means to be kind to oneself. Rachel shares her inspiring story of resilience, this episode offers valuable insights and a sense of solidarity for anyone facing mental health challenges or looking to support others.

Find out more about Rachel here: Rachel Kitcat | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree

In this powerful and emotive episode of our podcast, we sit down with an inspiring advocate for disability rights who began her journey at Leeds Uni in 2016. With the evolution of her blog into a force for societal transformation, she challenges us to rethink our perceptions of disability. Join us as we delve into topics such as Down Syndrome Day, the personal impact of living with a disability, and the complex dynamics of social media interaction.

My guest candidly shares the emotional toll that comes with her lived experience, emphasizing the need for empathy and allyship in the fight against ableism. We discuss the critical role of support systems and celebrate the contributions of disabled people in all aspects of society.

Listen to personal stories, laugh with us, and be part of the conversation as we explore how to make the world more inclusive for everyone.

Don't forget to connect with us on social media for more engaging and meaningful content.

Chapters:
00:06 - Advocating for Disability Rights and Visibility
13:12 - Navigating Challenges of Disability Awareness
17:58 - Challenging Ableism and Empathy
25:27 - Lackluster Conclusion and Social Media Promotion

Key Quotes:
"I'm a very emotional person and when I'm out and about, I'm very observant and I can see how people see me and I can see that they're not seeing me the way that I am."
- Advocating for Disability Rights and Visibility

"I break bones regularly. That's what I do. So when people ask me like what's the beginning, like how it all started, first of all, I don't know, because I was a baby and no one remembers that."
- Navigating Challenges of Disability Awareness

"Don't be scared to get it wrong... Try, have the conversation, ask. Ask about access requirements, just like you would about dietary requirements. Make it a normal conversation and it will become a normal conversation."
- Challenging Ableism and Empathy

Connect with Gem:
- Follow our guest on social media: Gem Turner (@gem_turner)
- Visit her website: www.gemturner.com


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