Holding Inclusive Parties for International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Every year on 3 December, communities around the world come together to recognise the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

It’s a day designed to raise awareness, champion accessibility, and celebrate the contributions of disabled people in every corner of society. 

One of the most meaningful, and enjoyable, ways to mark the occasion is by hosting an inclusive party or community gathering.

Whether you are planning a workplace event, a school celebration, a festive-season get-together, or a neighbourhood social, here’s how to create a welcoming space where everyone can participate and feel valued.

Why Mark the Day with a Party?

A party may seem light-hearted, but it’s actually a powerful way to bring people together, start conversations, and build a sense of belonging. Celebrations help shift the narrative from focusing solely on challenges to highlighting creativity, achievement, identity, and community pride.

Many organisations also use IDPD gatherings to:

Promote disability inclusion policies

Fundraise for disability charities

Showcase local talent

Hold staff or volunteer appreciation events

Provide a relaxed environment for connecting and learning

And because the day falls in the run-up to Christmas, it fits beautifully into the season of goodwill.

Planning an Inclusive Event: Practical Tips

1. Choose an Accessible Venue

Look for a location that offers clear step-free access, accessible toilets, wide doorways, and good circulation space. If you’re using a community hall or workplace space, walk the route as if you were a wheelchair user or someone with limited mobility. Small details make a big difference.

2. Provide Clear, Easy-to-Find Information

Send invitations that include:

Access arrangements

Parking and drop-off information

Any sensory considerations

The schedule, including quiet times or optional breaks

Offer digital, print, and Easy Read formats if possible.

3. Create a Welcoming Sensory Environment

Not everyone enjoys loud music, flashing lights, or crowded rooms. Build in:

Low-sensory or quiet spaces

Steady lighting

Volume-controlled music

Clear signage

This helps neurodivergent guests, people with sensory sensitivities, and anyone who prefers a calmer setting.

4. Provide Inclusive Food and Drink

Offer options that cover common allergies and dietary needs: dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, halal, and soft-drink choices. Labelling food clearly is always appreciated.

5. Make Activities Accessible to All

Think about the range of abilities in the room. Good options include:

Craft stations

Quiz rounds

Seated games

Photo booths

Storytelling or poetry

Gentle discos

Festive card-making

Community awards

Avoid activities that require quick reflexes, loud responses, or complex movement unless you can adapt them.

Ideas for Themed Parties

Festive Tea or Coffee Afternoon

A cosy social event is often easier to manage accessibly. Add Christmas biscuits, a charity raffle, or a mini market featuring local disabled makers.

Creative Christmas Workshop

From wreath-making to card-printing, hands-on creative sessions are brilliant for mixed-ability groups.

Talent Showcase

Celebrate disabled artists, musicians, or performers from your community. Offer relaxed-performance guidance so guests know they can move around, make noise, or take breaks.

Workplace Inclusion Party

A lunch-hour event with short talks, displays, or accessibility demonstrations helps staff learn while enjoying the social atmosphere.

Celebrate, Empower, and Connect

Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a party sends a clear message: inclusion is something to celebrate, not something to whisper about. It encourages confidence, visibility, and community strength, all while giving people the chance to enjoy a warm, uplifting moment together during the winter season.

It’s a reminder that when we remove barriers, everyone benefits.

Why You Should Run Regular Disability Audits for Your Food, Drink or Retail Premises

Is your business truly accessible to everyone? It’s easy to assume that a step-free entrance or a single disabled toilet is enough, but genuine inclusivity goes far deeper. That’s where regular disability audits come in.

Why this blogpost? My wife and I have found a new, very small pub, which doesn't have a toilet with disabled access, the toilets being up a steep flight of stairs.

Whether you run a café, pub, restaurant, shop or market stall, taking a proactive approach to accessibility isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal, commercial, and ethical must.

What Is a Disability Audit?

A disability audit is a thorough assessment of how accessible your premises and services are to disabled customers, staff, and visitors. It examines everything from physical access and signage to staff training and online services.

Importantly, a disability audit should be an ongoing process, not a one-off box-ticking exercise.

Why You Need to Conduct Them Regularly

1. Stay Legally Compliant

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are legally required to make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure disabled people are not disadvantaged. This includes access, layout, services, and communication methods. Regular audits help you spot issues before they become complaints—or legal challenges.

2. Accessibility Can Deteriorate

Buildings age, furniture gets rearranged, and maintenance slips through the cracks. A door that once opened smoothly may now stick. A handrail might be loose. A lift could be malfunctioning. Regular audits catch these issues early and prevent unintentional exclusion.

3. Needs and Expectations Evolve

Disability awareness and best practices are constantly developing. What was once considered acceptable might now fall short. Keeping up with current standards, such as installing hearing loops or offering neurodivergent-friendly spaces, ensures your venue doesn’t fall behind.

4. Improve Customer Experience

A well-executed audit leads to tangible improvements: clearer signage, accessible menus, easier navigation, trained staff. All of these enhance the customer journey—not just for disabled people, but for families, older guests, and anyone with temporary limitations (e.g. broken limbs or pushchairs).

5. Demonstrate Genuine Inclusivity

Customers are increasingly values-driven. Showing that you’ve gone beyond minimum compliance to create a welcoming space for all people earns loyalty, trust and positive word of mouth—online and off.

What Should a Disability Audit Cover?

A proper disability audit should look at:

Entrances and exits (are they step-free, clearly marked, automatic?)

Internal layout (can wheelchair users move freely? are aisles clutter-free?)

Toilets and changing facilities (are they truly accessible, not used for storage?)

Signage and lighting (is everything clearly visible and easy to understand?)

Menus and pricing displays (are there alternatives for blind or visually impaired people?)

Staff training (do staff know how to assist, communicate, and offer help without patronising?)

Emergency procedures (can disabled people evacuate safely?)

Online accessibility (is your website compatible with screen readers? Can people pre-book accessible seating or spaces?)

How to Get Started

Do an internal review using checklists available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission or local authorities.

Hire an accessibility consultant for a professional audit.

Involve disabled people, nothing beats real-life experience. Consider mystery shoppers with different accessibility needs.

Document and act on the findings, an audit only matters if you implement the recommended improvements.

Schedule regular follow-ups (at least once a year) and update your team accordingly.

Accessibility Is Good Business

Making your food, drink, or retail space more accessible isn’t just about ramps and regulations. It’s about showing that every customer matters. It’s about being part of a fairer society. And yes—it’s also about growing your reach. The spending power of disabled people and their households in the UK is over £274 billion a year, often referred to as the Purple Pound.

By running regular disability audits, you’re not just complying, you’re competing smarter, serving better, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

Ready to take the next step?

Start your audit today—and let your customers know your business is working hard to be a place where access is a right, not a favour.

Is Your Pub, Restaurant, Café or Hotel Disabled-Friendly? Are You and Your Staff Disability-Aware?

When was the last time you evaluated your venue through the eyes of a disabled customer? 

Whether you run a cosy countryside pub, a bustling high street café, a fine dining restaurant, or a boutique hotel, accessibility should never be an afterthought. 

In the UK, over 16 million people live with a disability—yet many still face barriers when it comes to enjoying a meal out, staying in a hotel, or simply using public facilities.

So ask yourself: Is your business truly disabled-friendly? And perhaps more importantly: Are you and your staff disability-aware?

Accessibility: More Than Just a Ramp

Making your venue accessible doesn’t stop at installing a wheelchair ramp or an accessible loo. True inclusivity means taking a holistic approach. Consider the following:

Entrance and Exit: Are your doors wide enough for wheelchair users or people using mobility aids? Are there steps that lack handrails or alternative access?

Floor Plan: Is there enough space between tables for easy navigation? Are trip hazards, such as rugs or uneven flooring, addressed?

Toilets: Are your accessible toilets clean, clearly signposted, and actually accessible—not used as storage rooms or blocked? You do have accessible toilets, don't you?

Menus: Do you offer large-print menus, braille versions, or easy-read formats for people with visual or cognitive impairments?

Lighting and Noise: Is your environment too dim or too loud for people with sensory sensitivities, autism, or hearing impairments?

Digital Accessibility: Don’t Overlook Your Website

Disabled friendly hotel rooms: Do you have any guestrooms equipped for disabled guests? 

Before visiting, most customers will check your website or social media. If your site is cluttered, difficult to navigate, or lacking basic accessibility information (such as whether you have step-free access or accessible parking), you might be unintentionally turning away customers.

Ensure your website is screen reader-friendly, uses alt text for images, and clearly outlines the facilities and services you offer for disabled guests.

Staff Awareness: A Make-or-Break Moment

A venue can be physically accessible, but if staff don’t know how to interact respectfully and appropriately with disabled customers, the entire experience falls apart.

Training should cover:

Disability etiquette – e.g., don’t lean on someone’s wheelchair, speak directly to the person rather than a companion or carer.

Hidden disabilities – including autism, chronic pain, or mental health conditions, which may not be immediately obvious.

How to assist – understanding how to offer help without being patronising or overbearing.

Inclusive language – using respectful terms and avoiding outdated or offensive language.

Consider investing in Disability Awareness Training, many of which are available online through organisations like AccessAble, Disability Rights UK, or VisitEngland’s accessibility resources.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Being inclusive isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good for business. The “purple pound” (the spending power of disabled households) is worth £274 billion to the UK economy annually. 

Yet, according to a survey by Scope, 75% of disabled people have left a business or chosen not to spend money there because of poor accessibility or customer service.

By ensuring your venue is inclusive, you’re not only expanding your customer base—you’re building loyalty, positive word of mouth, and a reputation for care and quality.

Final Thoughts: Take the First Step

Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a tick-box exercise. Start by conducting an honest audit of your venue, engaging with disabled customers for feedback, and providing regular training for your staff.

Being disability-aware isn’t just about compliance with the Equality Act 2010—it’s about treating all your customers with the dignity and respect they deserve.

So, is your business truly accessible?

Resources:

AccessAble https://www.accessable.co.uk

Disability Rights UK https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

VisitEngland: Accessible Tourism https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/make-your-business-accessible-and-inclusive/visitengland-accessible-and-inclusive

Scope: Disability Facts and Stats https://www.scope.org.uk/media/disability-facts-figures

Cooking on a Budget: Nutritious Meal Ideas for Disabled People After PIP Cuts

For many disabled people in the UK, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) allowances are a crucial lifeline, helping to cover the extra costs of living with a disability. 

However, reductions or removals of PIP can have a serious impact on daily life, including access to affordable, nutritious meals. 

When mobility, energy levels, or cognitive function are affected, meal preparation can already be challenging, add financial strain, and it becomes even harder.

But with the right strategies, meal ideas, and kitchen adaptations, it is possible to continue eating well on a tight budget while minimising effort and maximising nutrition. Here are some practical tips to help.

1. Smart Shopping: Stretching Your Budget

Buy in Bulk Where Possible

If storage space allows, buying larger packs of essentials like rice, pasta, oats, tinned tomatoes, and beans can save money in the long run. Check out cash & carry stores or online bulk-buy options.

Use Supermarket Own Brands

Budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer cheaper alternatives to name-brand products. Stores like Iceland and Farmfoods also provide good value for frozen essentials.

Find Reduced & Free Food Schemes

Too Good To Go – Get heavily discounted food from restaurants and shops.

Olio App – Free surplus food from local households and businesses.

Community Pantries & Food Banks – Many now offer fresh produce, tinned goods, and sometimes even pre-prepared meals.

2. Making Cooking Easier with Disability-Friendly Hacks

Pre-Cut & Frozen Ingredients

If chopping and peeling are difficult, frozen vegetables, pre-cut fruit, or tinned goods (like lentils and chickpeas) are great alternatives. They last longer and reduce preparation time.

One-Pan & Slow Cooker Meals

Using a slow cooker or one-pan recipes minimises washing up and effort. Simply throw in ingredients and let them cook with little attention needed.

Adaptive Kitchen Tools

If mobility or grip strength is an issue, try:

Electric can openers – No need for manual twisting.

Rocking knives – Great for those with limited dexterity.

Hands-free pot stirrers – Allow for hands-off cooking.

3. Quick & Affordable Meal Ideas

Breakfast: Easy, Energy-Boosting Choices

Overnight oats – Mix oats, milk (or water), and fruit in a jar overnight.

Scrambled eggs & toast – Quick, protein-rich, and requires little prep.

Smoothies – Blend banana, oats, and peanut butter with milk for a nutritious drink.

Lunch: Filling but Simple

Soup & bread – Use tinned soup or make a batch using frozen veg in a slow cooker.

Jacket potato with beans or cheese – High in fibre and requires little effort.

Egg or tuna mayo sandwiches – Quick to prepare and budget-friendly.

Dinner: Low-Effort, High-Nutrition Meals

Pasta with tinned tomatoes & frozen veg – A cheap, hearty meal.

Lentil or chickpea curry – Tinned pulses, curry paste, and coconut milk make an easy dish.

Frozen fish, rice & peas – Minimal prep, high in protein and omega-3.

4. Using Benefits & Support to Reduce Food Costs

If your PIP has been cut, you may still be eligible for:

NHS Healthy Start – Free food vouchers for those on Universal Credit.

Council Grants – Some local councils provide emergency food funds.

Disability Discounts – Some supermarkets offer discounts for disabled customers.

Final Thoughts

Losing or having PIP reduced is incredibly stressful, but eating well doesn’t have to be out of reach. By shopping smartly, using disability-friendly kitchen tools, and preparing simple meals, you can continue to maintain a nutritious diet on a tight budget.

Do you have any budget-friendly meal ideas or tips? Share them in the comments below!

A Call to Manufacturers: Ensuring Packaging Accessibility for People with Arthritis and Other Conditions

Image courtesy Clker-Free-Vector-Images Pixabay

The genesis of this blogpost? I was opening a ridiculously wide jar of drinking chocolate when my arthritic thumb went into spasm and I then had to spend the best part of an hour cleaning up chocolate powder in the middle of the night in our kitchen. 

And I thought "Why don't they design jars and bottles for people with arthritis?" And then I thought: "I'll write a blogpost about this!"

 

For millions of people, the act of opening a food jar, a supplement bottle, or even a blister pack of medicine is something done without a second thought. 

But for those living with arthritis, joint pain, reduced grip strength, or other physical conditions, this simple task can be a frustrating, painful, and even impossible challenge.

It’s high time that manufacturers in the food, supplement, and pharmaceutical industries make accessibility a priority when designing their packaging.

The Everyday Struggle of Difficult Packaging

Imagine needing to take your medication but being unable to access it because the packaging is too stiff or fiddly. For individuals with arthritis, limited mobility, or neurological conditions, this isn't just an inconvenience—it's a real barrier to maintaining their health and independence. 

According to the Arthritis Foundation, millions of people in the UK alone live with arthritis or related conditions that affect their hands and joints, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like twisting off a jar lid or pushing a tablet out of a blister pack.

It's not just arthritis sufferers who struggle with packaging. Older adults, those with disabilities, or even people recovering from injuries can also find modern packaging designs nearly impossible to handle. The issue isn't limited to medication either—food items, dietary supplements, and everyday household products are often packaged in a way that assumes everyone has the same level of physical ability. The reality is that we live in a world where one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work.

Why Accessible Packaging Matters

The consequences of inaccessible packaging can go beyond mere inconvenience:

Health Risks: If people cannot open their medication packaging promptly, they may miss doses or take incorrect amounts, which could exacerbate their condition. In an emergency, inaccessible packaging could have serious consequences.

Nutritional Impact: Struggling to open jars, cans, or containers of food can discourage individuals from choosing nutritious options, pushing them towards easier but often less healthy alternatives.

Psychological Toll: Being unable to perform simple tasks like opening a bottle can have a negative impact on self-esteem and independence, especially for older adults who may already be feeling vulnerable.

What Needs to Change: A Call to Action for Manufacturers

It's time for manufacturers to put accessibility at the forefront of their packaging design. Here are some practical solutions that can make a world of difference:

Ergonomically Designed Lids and Caps: Replace hard-to-grip, twist-off lids with options that require less force to open. Consider implementing features like larger grips, flip-tops, or squeeze mechanisms that are easier for those with limited hand strength.

Easy-Open Seals: Many jars and containers have seals that require considerable force to break. Instead, manufacturers could use pull-tab designs that are easier to grasp and tear, similar to how some soup cans now include pull tabs instead of traditional can openers.

Blister Pack Innovations: Medicine blister packs often require significant force to push out a tablet. Including perforations or textured surfaces that aid grip, or creating pull-out pouches, could simplify this process.

Clear Labelling for Accessibility: Packaging should include clear instructions that are easy to read, with contrasting colours for those with vision impairments. Including tactile cues, such as raised symbols, can also help those with limited vision.

User Testing with Diverse Groups: Involving people with arthritis, reduced mobility, or other conditions in the testing phase can lead to designs that truly work for everyone. Collecting feedback from real users ensures that manufacturers understand the practical challenges faced by their consumers.

The Business Case for Inclusive Packaging

While it’s clear that accessibility is an ethical imperative, it’s also a smart business move. The population is ageing, and people are living longer with chronic conditions. By 2030, nearly a quarter of the UK’s population will be over 65, with many experiencing conditions like arthritis. Brands that prioritise accessible packaging can tap into this significant market, enhancing their reputation and loyalty among older adults, caregivers, and those with disabilities.

Additionally, inclusive packaging design is not just good for individuals with specific conditions—it benefits everyone. Who hasn’t struggled to open a stubborn jar or bottle at some point? When packaging is easier to open, it’s a win for consumers of all ages and abilities.

Conclusion: Making Accessibility the New Norm

The ability to open a jar of food, access a vitamin supplement, or take necessary medication should not be a privilege reserved for those with full physical strength. It’s time for manufacturers to recognise the diverse needs of their consumers and design packaging that is truly accessible.

By making these changes, companies can demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity, enhance customer satisfaction, and ultimately make their products more appealing to a broader market. Let’s call on manufacturers to put people first and design packaging that empowers everyone to live independently and healthily. The future should be one where no one is left struggling with packaging that puts barriers between them and their wellbeing.

Now is the time for manufacturers to step up—because accessibility is not just an option; it’s a responsibility.

Empowering Abilities: Kitchen Hacks for People with Disabilities

The kitchen is often considered to be the heart of the home, a place where culinary creativity flourishes, and delicious meals are crafted and shared.

But for individuals with disabilities, navigating the kitchen can present unique challenges. Fortunately, there are numerous hacks and adaptations that can make the kitchen a more accessible and enjoyable space for everyone.

In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips and innovative ideas to empower individuals with disabilities in the kitchen.

Accessible Storage Solutions:

Install pull-out shelves and drawers to make it easier to reach items in cabinets.

Consider adjustable shelving systems to accommodate different reach heights.

Utilise clear storage containers to easily identify contents and minimise the need to search.

Adaptive Kitchen Tools:

Explore adaptive kitchen tools such as easy-grip utensils, cutting boards with suction cups, and one-handed can openers.

Look for tools with ergonomic handles and large buttons for those with limited dexterity.

Consider using color-coded utensils to help individuals with visual impairments distinguish between different tools. Also, consider using Braille within the kitchen if neccessary. 

Accessible Work Surfaces:

Ensure countertops are at a comfortable height for wheelchair users. Also make the kitchen wheelchair accessible if required. 

Install pull-down or adjustable countertops to accommodate different mobility needs.

Use contrasting colors between countertops and surrounding surfaces to aid those with visual impairments.

Smart Kitchen Technology:

Embrace smart home devices such as voice-activated assistants to control kitchen appliances.

Invest in appliances with accessible controls and tactile markings for those with visual or cognitive impairments.

Explore apps that provide step-by-step audio instructions for cooking.

Safe Cooking Spaces:

Install easy-to-grab handles on oven and microwave doors.

Use non-slip mats under rugs to prevent tripping hazards.

Consider installing motion-sensor lights to improve visibility and safety.

Customized Seating and Workspace:

Ensure that seating is comfortable and accommodates mobility aids.

Adapt workspaces with height-adjustable tables to accommodate various needs.

Use non-slip padding on chairs and stools to enhance stability.

Meal Prep Planning:

Adopt meal prepping strategies to minimize daily cooking tasks.

Label ingredients and store them in easily accessible containers for quick identification.

Plan meals that involve minimal chopping and complex cooking techniques.

Community Resources and Support:

Connect with local disability support groups to share tips and resources.

Explore assistive technology centers for hands-on demonstrations of adaptive kitchen tools.

Consider reaching out to occupational therapists for personalized advice.Creating an accessible kitchen is about fostering independence and inclusivity. By implementing these hacks and adaptations, individuals with disabilities can reclaim the joy of cooking, expressing their creativity, and enjoying nutritious meals. It's essential to recognize that every person's needs are unique, and a customized approach to kitchen accessibility can make a significant difference in enhancing the overall quality of life. Together, we can build a kitchen environment that empowers individuals of all abilities to thrive.

(Image courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay)