Access All: Disability News and Mental Health

The charity, Sense, has made the unusual move of giving out cash directly to households who have a family member with complex disabilities and are struggling with the rising cost of living.Mum-of-two, Kelly, who has MS, tells Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey she and her family are already in debt and, right now spend half their income on energy. And comedian Laurence Clark talks about how the global pandemic finally gave him the time to do what he really loves - write. His debut sitcom, Perfect, is broadcast on Friday 26 August. Produced by Beth Rose, Keiligh Baker and Emma Tracey Recorded by Emma Crowe and mixed by James Beard The editors were Damon Rose and Jonathan Aspinwall

Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey chat through some of their favourite clips from the podcast so far and play an outtake from sit-in presenter Martin Dougan who reveals all the unlikely jobs he's held down, and why he thinks he can't burp. We indulge Nikki, once more, in her love for all things Kate Bush, which also features Keiligh Baker. And who are the famous voices in our theme tune? Produced by Damon Rose, Beth Rose, Keiligh Baker and Emma Tracey Editors: Damon Rose and Sam Bonham

The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham have seen more para-sport events than ever sharing the stage with non-disability sports. So back into the mainstream comes the debate about whether the Paralympics and Olympics could one day combine. Would that be the ultimate symbol of equality or lead to para-sports losing their spotlight? Ellie Simmonds and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, two legends of Paralympics GB, share their thoughts, and Martin Dougan and the BBC’s para-sport reporter Kate Grey pin down the International Paralympic Committee on their plans for the future of the competition.Produced by Danny Wittenberg, Keiligh Baker and Miranda Slade Recorded and mixed by Emma Crowe The editor was Damon Rose With thanks to BBC Sport

Long before Russia invaded Ukraine, the country was dealing with a problem - the abandoning of disabled people to institutions that weren’t fit for purpose. In a collaboration with Ukrainecast, Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey hear from the BBC’s Dan Johnson and producer Ruth Clegg about the reality of these institutions and their investigation into them with Disability Rights International. With thanks to the Ukrainecast team Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill and Emma Crowe The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall

Para-swimmer Alice Tai elected to have a below-knee amputation in January, after her arms became so sore from using crutches to get around. Since then she’s re-learned to swim and is now competing at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Listen to her fascinating story.July is Disability Pride month – Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey chat about its history and we hear what it means to you.And debut author Chloe Timms talks about her dystopian novel, The Seawomen. She gives some top-tips to aspiring writers and talks about managing her writing career while juggling her care needs and all the disability life admin that goes with it.Produced by Keiligh Baker and Emma Tracey with thanks to Elizabeth Hudson Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill The editors were Beth Rose and Jonathan Aspinwall

With record temperatures bearing down on London, Adam Gabsi has been stuck in his flat for 12 days. The musician with multiple sclerosis (MS) uses a wheelchair but hasn’t been able to leave his sixth-floor flat because the lifts are broken. In an Access All exclusive, Scope reveals the extent disabled people experience negative attitudes when they’re out and about, in its biggest ever survey. Naomi tells Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey about the threat to tip her out of her wheelchair while Shani recounts how she deals with unwanted filming. And actress and TV presenter Samantha Renke reveals she is now a media triple-threat as she becomes a published author.Produced by Beth Rose, Keiligh Baker and Emma Tracey Recorded and mixed by Dave O’Neill The editors were Damon Rose and Jonathan Aspinwall

As the UK braces for record temperatures how do disabled people cool down in a heatwave? Jo Southall talks about the "body armour" she wears to keep her core cool while Dr Katherine Fletcher says the UK's infrastructure needs to be improved to cope with rising temperatures. Tim Renkow, comedian and writer of BBC Three's Jerk, talks to us about his character who likes nothing better than winding up non-disabled people - big time. With Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey Produced by Beth Rose, Keiligh Baker and Emma Tracey Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill The editors were Damon Rose and Jonathan Aspinwall

In a mindfully politics-free zone this week, disabled actress Melissa Johns talks about her "worst nightmare" coming to fruition when nude photos of her were leaked online. The Coronation Street star reveals how she managed to take ownership of that moment and turn it into a successful and funny one-woman show. Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey chat about their high street habits and why it's hard to be a shopaholic if shopping is inaccessible. Plus founder of SEND Coffee, Harry George, gives some simple solutions to help businesses find their way to wooing more disabled customers ... so they wil happily spend more money. Produced by Beth Rose and Keiligh Baker Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill The editors were Damon Rose and Jonathan Aspinwall

As LGBT Pride month makes way for Disability Pride Month, UCAS exclusively reveals to Access All that disabled students are twice as likely to identify as LGBT. Connor, a trans man, and Lucy, a lesbian, talk about the positive experiences they've had of finding their communities while studying, but also the challenges they've experienced, like inaccessible venues. Emma Tracey and Martin Dougan take the show on the road to give blind tennis a go (watch out for the video on social media) to see if they're Wimbledon ready. And disabled dancer, Kate Stanforth, talks about re-imagining her ballet career after she became a wheelchair-user and getting her students to tap dance…with their hands. Produced by Beth Rose and Keiligh Baker Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill The editors were Damon Rose and Jonathan Aspinwall

After a rough few weeks for disabled air passengers, Access All learns insurance caps on damaged wheelchairs could be removed As Glastonbury Festival gets under way, guest presenter Martin Dougan relives the time he braved the mosh pit in his wheelchair when seeing The Prodigy. And Live At The Apollo comedian, Chris McCausland, gives Martin and Emma the backstage gossip on TV panel shows and why failing a job interview for MI5 was probably for the best. Produced by Beth Rose and Keiligh Baker Recorded and mixed by Dave O'Neill The editors were Damon Rose and Jonathan Aspinwall