Today in Focus Labour’s controversial welfare bill
8 snips
Jun 27, 2025 
Frances Ryan, a Guardian columnist and author of 'Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girl's Guide to Life,' discusses the harsh realities of living with a disability in the UK. She critiques Labour's proposed welfare bill, warning it could push disabled people into poverty. The conversation highlights the rising prevalence of disability among women and the personal struggles they face daily. Ryan emphasizes the importance of representation in mainstream culture while calling for systemic change to improve the lives of disabled individuals beyond just visibility.
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Rising Disability Rates Explained
- Disability rates have risen significantly in the UK, especially among women and young people.
- This increase is driven by recognition of mental health and worsening health conditions due to societal factors.
Nightclub Carried Like Pharaoh
- Frances Ryan was carried into a university nightclub in her wheelchair by four bouncers, showcasing accessibility failures.
- Such indignities are normalized but highlight daily inequalities disabled people face.
Disability Stigma Still Strong
- Stigma and shame about disability persist, fueled by mainstream culture portraying disability as tragic or burdensome.
- Open discussions from public figures offer solidarity and challenge stereotypes about disabled lives.