Let's Chat | Disability & How I'm Feeling Right Now
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- Some things I've been thinking about. Please pull up a chair with kindness. Links to resources below! xx
---
If you like my videos and podcasts, please consider supporting me on Patreon: / jenvcampbell
--
MY BOOKS:
THE GIRL AQUARIUM: tinyurl.com/yc...
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT tinyurl.com/ln...
FRANKLIN’S FLYING BOOKSHOP: tinyurl.com/hl...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA GO TO THE MOON tinyurl.com/yb...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA AND THE BOOK OF FAIRY TALES: tinyurl.com/y2...
THE BOOKSHOP BOOK: tinyurl.com/qb...
--
Things mentioned:
Intro video: • Introduction | Jen Cam...
EEC video: • My Disability | EEC Sy...
Robert Hoge TED talk: • Own your face | Robert...
Resources:
www.health.org...
thiis.co.uk/46...
time.com/37349...
Go follow these people!
Nina: / nina_tame
James & Lucy: / thecatchpoles
The Struggle is Wheel: / thestruggleiswheel
Loni: / loni.friedmann
Keah: / keah_maria
Alice: / disability_visibility
Ariel: / arielhenley
Kendra: / kdwinchester
Rebekah: / sitting_pretty
----
WHO I AM
Hello, my name's Jen. I'm an award-winning poet and short story writer. My debut short story collection 'The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night' is published by Two Roads, and my children's books 'Franklin's Flying Bookshop,’ ‘Franklin and Luna Go To The Moon’ and ‘Franklin and Luna and the Book of Fairy Tales’ are published by Thames and Hudson. I'm also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling 'Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops' series, 'The Bookshop Book,' 'The Hungry Ghost Festival’ and ‘The Girl Aquarium.’ I run writing workshops, give talks at universities & book festivals on a variety of topics, judge literary prizes, and take on freelance writing and editing. If you would like to speak with me about the possibility of working together, please get in touch via email: jenvcampbell@gmail.com x
-
Where to find me:
Website: www.jen-campbel...
Editorial services: www.jen-campbel...
Writing Workshops: www.jen-campbel...
Twitter: / jenvcampbell
Instagram: / jenvcampbell
Patreon: / jenvcampbell
Events: www.jen-campbel...
Podcast: www.jen-campbel...
Facebook: tinyurl.com/3o3...
Goodreads: tinyurl.com/hs8...
Email: jenvcampbell@gmail.com
(Since starting RUclips, some of you have been asking what's wrong with my hands. This video should answer any questions :) • My Disability | EEC Sy... )
This video contains no sponsored content. Books marked with * were sent to me for an honest review.
Although it is not your duty to educate anyone on this topic, I am thankful and appreciative every time you do it. The Covid situation really did expose a lot of societal issues, and as much as I am looking forward to things slowly going "back to normal", I hope that these are not pushed back under the rug to fester. Lots of love to you from Germany ❤
I hope not, too. x
As a disabled person, your talks bring me so much comfort. I just feel seen, for lack of a better term, when you talk about disability and your experiences. It is like having two aspects of my world (books and disability) collide in a lovely way. I'm sorry for all the awful people (I've had to deal with a few people in my life, too), but I'm always grateful when I see you pop up in my inbox 💗
PS the red wig looks absolutely AMAZING
Yes to the red wig!
I’ve watched you for quite a few years now and whenever you have spoken of disability I have never felt like you were moaning or playing the sympathy woe is me card. I’ve always felt that you are just someone trying to raise awareness and speak honestly of your experiences, and I’ve always found it educational and deeply appreciated your braveness in willing to discuss the things you do, knowing that you will attract some unwanted and cruel comments. I have 2 autistic sons and I’m not going to lie, there’s nights I can’t sleep thinking about the world I have to send them out into at some point- there are some truly callous people when it comes to disability. My grandad was also paralysed and in a wheelchair and I used to think it bad back in the 80’s when he would regularly be turned away from shops and restaurants as a nuisance or because there was just no access for wheelchairs, and no law back then to enforce disabled access. It breaks my heart that this seems to be allowed to happen again now, despite the equality laws being in place now. Thank you as always for just being your graceful fabulous self, I hope to goodness the trolls just leave you the hell alone on this one, and just listen to what you’re saying - they’d be much better humans for it xx
I think we all need to do a better job in calling this horrible behaviour out - not just from individuals but from companies too. Coming out of this pandemic kinder and wiser would be one silver lining.
This is a very important subject. You are not moaning. We all need to come together and support one another. It can be rough out there!
what you said about your mum's memories about you smiling in hospital and thinking it meant being happy really reminded me of my mum and how she 100% bought into everything I did as a kid and as a teenager to mask my mental illnesses and my autism. I feel like my mum needed to believe it for her own peace of mind which I understand, but it makes me feel lonely with my very different memories and lonely with my emotions.
listening to your story about the people behind you in the queue made me so angry and sad... what the hell??
This was a real eye-opener for me, as a non-disabled person. Thank you very much for sharing you thoughts and experiences with us, your community.
It gave me a lot to think about.
Thanks, Bettina x
I'm 23 and shielding - when I got to my vaccine appointment I blurted out "I've been shielding, I've got ME/CFS!" to all the health professionals I spoke to, because I was so afraid of people judging me, even though no one said anything. I can't imagine how horrible that experience must have been, sending you lots of love
This was brilliant. I have no spoons for insightful comments but yeh loved this
Hi Jen! I don't want to say much in response to this video, but I did want to say thank you so much for daring to put your thoughts out and challenging us, whether we are disabled or not. I saw an article on a news website about tables and chairs being out on footpaths, pavements etc and them causing obstructions for disabled people in a variety of ways, and I was saddened by that because it feels like a step backwards and that so much good work to get access for disabled people to shops, businesses, venues, etc has actually been undone. It annoys me when vehicles park up on the pavement generally which makes it hard for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and even non-disabled people to get past, so if I can (politely of course) I am going to start challenging businesses taking up the whole pavement with their furniture to think about the needs of all road/pavement users. Perhaps things will get a bit easier in that regard now that inside eating is permitted, but I guess we just need to watch this space as they say! Thank you for making me think about what I might be able to do, even though it feels like such a small thing: maybe it will help somebody.
If the people behind you in the vaccine queue were able to be so nosey about you having had your first dose then it sounds like they were too close to you and invading your personal space - I might have been tempted to ask them to step back simply from that respect! I don't like strangers getting too close to me under pre-lockdown circumstances, never mind now! Why some people feel the need to discuss everything whether it's their business or not is something I've never understood, but perhaps that's just me! Sending love to you too xx
They weren’t too close, they were two metres away (there were markers on the floor). But they were definitely invading my personal space in other ways.
Oh, Jen, I thought you were very gentle in your rebuke of unpleasant and unkind people. I have disabled people in my family, including a cousin who is not only disabled, but as a transplant recipient, completely immunocompromised. He has to deal not only with his health risk, but also the isolation that the necessary quarantine has imposed. It's been a terrible year and a half for most of us, but for those who were already dealing with life challenges, I'd imagine the pandemic has been excruciating.
After almost losing my granddaughter to the flu when she was a baby we decided to home school due to covid.She also has a very bad allergy problem.The number of times we have been told that as there is nothing wrong with her and she should go to school by people who hardly know her is astounding.It seems everyone has an opinion.Your videos on disability have been very useful to me as I am also my daughters carer as she has a permanent disability.Living with disability is hard enough without often well meaning people giving their judgement and opinions on your condition.Wishing you all the best with your medical appointments and thank you so much for this video.
Thank you for sharing 💛 and thank you for being a parent to your daughter!
Thank you for making this video even though some people might get uncomfortable. My mother is not 100% deaf, but she is hard of hearing and ever since the pandemic started people have been way more aggresive towards her (even when she only asks for someone to repeat a sentence once) and I see how that has taken a toll on her. I wasn't aware of how this type of violence was affecting people with other forms of disability, but now I feel even angrier at the people who are making an already hard time even worse. Lots of love to you!
Thank you for using your voice to share what all of us with disabilities have been feeling during the pandemic. Much love from the US disability community.
As a teacher, one of the first things I tell my pupils is that I am a disabled person. I can tell you it puts my lessons on resilience into perspective. Kids are so open to disability. I once had parents telling me that their child had told them and that they loved the way I portrayed disability not shying away from hard times but showing how strong one had to be and could be with disability. I have to tell them because of immunosuppressants and how they cough on me if I don't tell them. I make it simple, don't overdo it. Rapidly, it gets very far into the back of their minds and they see that everyone is worth it. Also I teach them that portrayal of my disease only through people doing extraordinary things is ableism. Also I don't know about you but at the beginning of the pandemic when people said "why should we care, it kills old and disabled people?", it hurt me badly.
Persons with disability are the least represented minority. Here in the United States I keep hearing diversity, diversity. We focus so much on racial and cultural diversity we almost totally leave out those with disabilities in our thoughts and priorities. We still have much to learn in our societies. Thank you for your honesty. You actually are helping to make this world a better place.
Very well spoken and great points. I knew people were selfish, but during this pandemic I have been shocked at just how selfish. I almost lost my husband six months ago and he wasn't high risk. He is now and is still dealing with the aftermath. Yet if someone isn't personally affected by COVID, many times they won't just do what they should for the greater good. Thank you for your honesty. You are amazing! 💗
Thank you for this frank and open video Jen. I'm a wheelchair user and have been my whole life, but this past year has made me "feel" more disabled than ever. Not only have we had to contend with the fear of catching COVID and the complete loss of control that we could potentially die from this, but we've also had to sit and watch people call for "the vulnerable" to be essentially locked away while everyone else "lives their life", spout nonsense about lockdowns not working and how COVID only impacts "a minority" so why the "overreaction". It's broken my heart to see something I always knew was there coming completely out in the open, spoken about so carelessly. I've tried to direct my anger at the government, but I'll be honest, it's been difficult to watch people break the rules and behave in risky ways too. I include loved ones in this. And hey, I miss my life too. Especially having a degenerative condition, I am sad at the thought of missing out not knowing whether in future I'll always be able to do these things. I hope things get better soon.
First, what matters is that you say what's on your mind and be vocal about your frustrations regardless of how others would feel. This Is your platform and expressing the frustration and pain you and other disabled people have been feeling is not whining or moaning. In fact, it is a public service.
I am not disabled, but as a Syrian living in the UK, I feel something similar in regard to the disconnect and lack of empathy. Extremely privileged people complaining 24/7 for the past year about not having a drink outside or going to the movies, vacationing around the globe, etc. while most people in my country have not known security, safety and any form of mental, physical and material wellness in a decade. I know no one owes me anything, but the lack of empathy with others in less fortunate countries, with the homeless, the poor, the disabled and others who have been devastated by Covid-19 in this country is very scary and demoralising.
This should be a TED talk! So raw, honest and effective. Lots of love from across the pond. xo
Yes! Jen, you'd be an amazing TED speaker. Please apply to be one
Thank you for taking the time to do this video. I am not a disabled person but I very much appreciate being educated on issues involving disabilities especially now during covid times. I also wanted to say that I too have noticed how people have been during covid and the race issues we are having here in America and honestly it is very sad. It makes me sad seeing people I have known for years act in ways that I don't agree with. It makes me sad to say that these people are not my people anymore and it has become a very lonely experience. Thank you again for taking the time to do this video. My husband and I love all the videos you put out about books, life, disability etc. so please keep doing you because you are really great.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it's so interesting and enlightening. I'm a middle school teacher and we try to educate kids about sexism and racism but we don't talk about ableism. I was not aware of all those discriminations/hate crimes... Never too late to learn new things. Lots of love from France ❤️
Love the concept of 'showing your working' Jen! One thing I haven't missed during the pandemic is strangers commenting on my disability. I'm so sorry that happened in the vaccine queue. Awful. Strangers don't have an entitlement to our medical histories. I very often start readings with audiences with my diagnosis because I can feel the audience physically relax! That's something I'm going to try really hard not to do that anymore. It genuinely is nobody's business. Jamie Hale has really interesting thoughts on this stuff, how its a radical act not to put people at ease with answers.
P.s. that wig and jumper combo is stunning
I still find myself doing that, too, it’s such a difficult habit to break. ♥️
Jen, I'm 20 years older than you, but you've taught me so much. You exude grace and kindness. Keep doing what you do.
I would never have made the connection between the pandemic and increased animosity towards disabled and disfigured people. I'm stunned. I will sit with it.
Wow Jen, thanks for sharing. Your videos have been very important and educational for me as a non-disabled person... My aunt has a disability you can't see. She doesn't talk about it very much but has often told me about people who say she can't use the disabled toilet as "she's clearly not disabled" etc etc. Why can't people just shut up!? Your story made me quite angry too... How frustrating is that... I have a deaf colleague who I work with closely, and you're right, the wearing of masks has been really challenging. I don't know sign language, it makes communicating even more difficult. Hopefully, it'll all get better soon. Anyway, sending love from Germany! 🧡
I so much appreciate your chats about disability and your experience. I didn’t quite realize before this past year how much internalized ableism I carry around with me, and how many ableist ideas are really baked into our society right now. Supporting work that starts to unbake these beliefs and policies is a good step toward the kind of society that could be so much better 💜
Also I see the fact that people value certain disabilities more than others. Mine is not well known and relatively invisible and it certainly not cancer though it is pretty hard too. Like you hear "well, at least it's not cancer". To which I answer "well, cancer is a byproduct of my disease, just a byproduct.".
Which is provocative of course. Sometimes I like to bite back and be bitchy ;)
I started watching this so many times and had to stop I've just not been in the right place mentally, but with restrictions lifting this week, listening to other disabled people has been quite validating and comforting. I've been unable to shield and in fact was reclassified as an essential worker during this year's lockdown, and my faith in humanity has honestly hit rock bottom with the things I've seen and experienced. Thank you for sharing so openly, sending you much love and solidarity x
That was SO eloquently put. I was nodding my head along to this video and I have so many thoughts (which I can't be nearly so articulate about). This actually really helped to put specific problems I've seen in a wider context for me, particularly that this rise in hate crime, abuse, and assualt is pervasive, ingrained, has increased in frequency and severity and has done so *because* of the pandemic, not just as a by-product.
My disabled uncle died in a care facility back in March 2020 with suspected covid. None of his relatives were told and he was cremated expressly against his wishes and religion. At the time we thought it was bad management made worse under stress but watching this video made me think, no, it is such a mistake to view that as an isolated incident! Burning someone's body is dehumanising and about as non-reversable as you can get! Another disabled relative who has been shielding has experienced more casual abuse from passers by than ever before and I found it really unfathomable. She was walking the same routes as before etc but has been spat at, shouted at, insulted and shoved on separate occasions. I just can't fathom how thinly-veiled this hate has been until the pandemic has exposed it. And the thing is, like you say, you *have* to pick your battles. How then is it possible to approach this as an insidious social problem on a large scale!? overwhelming and shocking.
I feel your video has really equipped me for talking about this! I feel really lucky to be part of your audience. I'm so sorry about those people in the vaccine queue, what a blood-boiling experience.
Q: I couldn't see it in the description, but do you have references for those statistics you quoted? I want to read up and equip myself further!
Here you go:
www.health.org.uk/news-and-comment/news/6-out-of-10-people-who-have-died-from-covid-19-are-disabled
thiis.co.uk/46-rise-in-number-of-online-disability-hate-crimes-in-the-last-year-new-figures-show/
time.com/3734961/women-with-disabilities-three-times-as-likely-to-be-raped-human-rights-watch/
and thank you for sharing. x
I have EDS (Ehler's Danlos Syndrome) and am around the same age as you and can completely relate to what you're saying in this video! Especially about how it's hard to talk about challenges you face as you don't want people to think you're a negative person or that you don't also have a lot of joy in your life. It's a very tricky tightrope to walk, and I usually err on the side of being overly positive, which sometimes can get me in trouble as people don't quite believe I could (outwardly) look fine and act happy but have pain and other issues. Keep making your great content!
I live in the US and have continued to work in the service industry throughout most of the pandemic, and trying to advocate for myself and my other disabled coworkers in the pandemic has been exhausting. One of the moments when I felt least seen recently is when a coworker expressed surprise that I was willing to drive two hours each way to get my first and second vaccinations. Like, of course I signed up for every opportunity available, and of course I would've driven four hours each way if it was what was required, how do you still not see that? All of this to say that I always appreciate your disability-related videos, especially during the pandemic.
I relate to this so much as a disabled person. Strangely I am struggling more now that the country is going back to normal than I was before. Friends and family can’t understand why I’m still so anxious about going to the shops, getting on public transport or being in a large crowd. When everyone was in lockdown people were more inclined to help, now back to being on my own!
I can’t really find the words to respond to this video but as a disabled person Thank you so much for sharing ❤️
Thanks for sharing your experience. There’s a lot many of us are unaware of on how covid has impacted the disable community.
I'm only popping into the comments to say thank you for this video. I needed to see someone talk about these things that I think about but never talk about. My disabilities are invisible but that only seems to mean that ableist people feel more comfortable saying ableist things to me if they don't know I'm ill. I don't talk to my disabled friends about these things because usually we're more concentrated on offering one another support for whatever is going wrong in our bodies that day. Most of the RUclips videos by disabled creators tend toward being more uplifting and positive which can be lovely when that's what I need. But until you posted this I don't think I was fully aware of how much I needed to hear someone else say that Covid has made being disabled feel so much more unsafe than previously, not that it ever felt safe to begin with. I needed to know I'm not the only one feeling this and I'm not being dramatic. Thank you.
Hi Jen, I don't have any disabilities or visible differences but I found myself welling up hearing about your experience at the end. It conjured up a memory from a few years ago for me that I've obviously pushed to the back of my mind because if I ruminate on all the terrible things about our world, I'm sure I'd grow even more despondent. I've never had that lived experience but I work as a therapist now and so people who do have those lived experiences share those with me and I often think about them. Before my job now, I worked as a support worker and so supported a range of different people with disabilities, mental health diagnoses and learning difficulties. One of the people I supported is very dear to me and even though I haven't worked as their support worker in a few years, I still have contact with them and visit them (pre-covid). I'm waffling now so I'll just get to the memory that this conjured up for me! When I was walking in town with this person, who had learning difficulties and visible differences one day, we were walking and talking and passed a middle aged woman who was walking with a man who I presume was her husband and said something to the effect of 'should have been gassed at birth, waste of tax payer's money'. It was awful enough that she had spoken and thought that but to voice it simultaneously under her breath but loud enough to ensure we would hear was shocking to me. The person who I was supporting didn't react and if they did hear it, due to the severity of their learning disabilities, it's extremely unlikely that they would have understood. It was heartbreaking to me that this woman would never know the joy of this person and didn't see beyond those differences. I felt at the time that this woman would never voice that thought if she passed someone with visible differences if she deemed them to have capacity to understand or presumed they didn't have severe learning disabilities, but the fact that this is a shared every day experience regardless of those things is truly shocking to me. I know we can't erase these things in this community but as a silent viewer of yours for many years now, I hope that being as valued, appreciated and loved as you are on here brings you some comfort. X
this hits very close to home. and if it helps at all- I find it quite comforting when others share their story- it gives me some hope as it can feel daunting to face life atm, so thank you
I watched this video yesterday. It's 24 hours later approx. and it's still sitting with me in my brain. I am not a disabled person so there is much food for thought here. I am quite surprised about the lack of understanding from people who were quite close to you and I honestly do not fully comprehend what their issue is. I've been trying to see it from their point of view so that I can at least have a bigger picture of the sort of conversations you have to live through but I'm completely stumped with that. There's no empathy in it. Thank you for sharing this content. Food for thought or as I like to say, thought for food.
I’ve been very quiet on RUclips lately, but it’s always great to see you, Jen. I feel you so much on the pushing myself/overextending beyond what is good for me when it comes to disability, and the accommodating other people’s emotions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about all this. ❤️
♥️
Thank you for sharing your reflections with us. I appreciate your openness and willingness to discuss complex thought provoking topics and raising awareness encouraging others to think about them too can only be a good thing 🙂
🧡
I feel compelled to comment because I am once again so moved by your video. My heart breaks for the little girl who went through so much yet was concerned about others’ comfort. How lonely that must have been. As is often the case with your videos I also feel my eyes have been opened to something.... in this instance abuse during this pandemic that is being aimed at an already vulnerable population ..... I am ashamed to say I had no idea this was something that was happening. It’s important to talk about these things... and to raise awareness of them. Thank you for doing that.
Thank you. I have no spoons today, but I'm grateful for your words
Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and feelings. As a non-disabled person, it made me think and hopefully understand your perspective a little better. I realise, it is not your job to educate about disability, however I'm very glad you take the time to do so. I enjoy all of your videos, bookish and otherwise! 😊
I am new to your channel, I'm so saddened and shocked at the rubbish behaviour of others, towards you and anyone with a disability. Why can't we all just be kind to each other, life is tough enough as it is, at the best of times. I was brought up to always treat other people how you wish to be treated yourself. Thank you so much for your very informative chat... xx ;)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Jenn. They are helpful even mid-working. Me and mine will try to spread more kindness as we move (or not) through this strange new world we're in.
so, so helpful that you have the power to describe these experiences, authentically but without any acrimony. You speak for many of us who face these oppressive attitudes, behaviours etc. TY! 💜
I didn't even know what abelism was/is. I learn something new every day.
Thanks for sharing. Also, many thanks for the James Catchpole recommendation. I realised last minute on Monday that as my head was out I’d have to cover assembly, luckily I had ‘What happened to you?’ sitting next to me on my desk. It was a joy to share it with the children and to hear some of their responses to the story. We’ll never create a completely equitable world but we can certainly try our best to grow children into tolerant and kind adults.
Thank you for sharing.
I really, really appreciate your videos like these (in addition to the bookish ones of course) because as someone who tries to live their life with kindness as my top priority but who may not be privy to specific difficulties within certain communities, you are helping me learn exactly what sorts of things to be aware of, to look out for, and where I may be able to help as someone with limited close experience of disability. It breaks my heart to hear what you’ve experienced and that you feel the weight of expectation not to make it other people’s problem, but it breaks my heart more realising how little it actually surprises me to hear that. There are plenty of us, though, that do want to listen and learn and help wherever we can but who don’t know what we don’t know without people like you being gracious enough to let us in to something so personal. Your videos have already changed me in the best possible way, so thank you. Lots of love back!
Side note: LOVE the red wig on you! 😊
Thank you for sharing, I really appreciated it. I'm sorry to hear that you and other disabled people have been treated so bad where you live. I haven't heard of anything like this happening here in Norway during Covid, not to say that it isn't happening, but I know that some people who are unable to wear a mask, have been verbally abused by strangers in the grocery store.
I am happy that people seem to have a better understanding of hand hygiene now, and hope that people will also continue be more cautious about going to work when they have viral infections after the pandemic.
Personally I feel that my partner's increased risk of getting sick has gotten more visible to people, maybe also for me. I've been surprised by what it feels to always be labeled as being "fragile", "the most frail and vulnerable among us" etc. in press conferances with the authorities.
I understand that you Jen want to show people (and the Internet) whatever you want to talk about and not just "boring disabilty stuff", but know that it is so much appreciated when you do! And congrats on getting the vaccine!
thank you so much for putting into words exactly how I've been feeling
@anasky00 I so agree
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.. this enlightened me
♥️
Thanks Jen. In the US, I have noticed the 'forgetting' (ignoring?) of people's disabilities. In particular, most stores in our city have long, long lines to wait to get in. I cannot stand in a line for
fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, or an hour. There were NO accommodations for anyone mobility disabled. Places here have sometimes made some 'early hours' for seniors, but the same thing held true - long lines for all but the seniors who got first in line. The same thing held true for voting lines. Many of us were frozen out of our 'normal' activities because of this, and it is still happening. It was very frustrating and hurtful, and sometimes kind of shocking how BLIND people can be to possible disabilities. Warm water therapies for disabled were just summarily 'cancelled' by our local hospitals, with literally hundreds of people then shut out of any ability for exercise. The hospitals were/are completely uninterested in resuming therapy for those disabled people, and simply refuse to acknowledge there's a huge group of seniors that have become more and more disabled because they refuse to serve them or try to accommodate them in some way, or even to reach out to them by phone to just ask, 'what might be an alternative that could help for now?' Senior centers here closed down and are not reaching out to their population, and still not allowing anyone in, even with the appropriate masking and distancing. I feel sure some folks are literally 'dying on the vine' because of 'well meaning but rigid' guidelines that leave disabled people in the dust. It has been
very ugly and hurtful. When I have brought up concerns about disabled people becoming even more disabled because the health care system has shut them out (Presbyterian Hospital here is supposedly a non profit hospital), professionals say nothing and it seems as if they don't care and will refuse to advocate for those who are disabled. It seems crazy that a health crisis like a pandemic has been a rationale for leaving so many disabled folks behind ... and the health professionals' attitudes seem to be 'oh well.' It makes me feel that the disabled or differently abled
were disliked and only tolerated all along and this is just a good opportunity for them to dismiss us again. Somehow in all this pandemic stuff, instead of the world or health care professionals growing more flexible or kinder, the opportunity has been taken to grow even more rigid and unyielding. It is hard to see done to other and hard to experience.
We’re with you. ♥️
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. It cannot be easy to be vulnerable in this way.
This is an extremely important subject. I myself am physically disabled, however I am not in a wheelchair, nor am I disfigured. I am not saying that to "boast" as it were. I am saying this because I have a condition called C.I.D.P. it's a condition I was born with. I have had treatments from the age of 7 to 12. Because of my condition I CANNOT have the Flu or COVID vaccines because they could put me in the hospital. I live in Canada and it's extremely frustrating when people just assume that I am the same as everyone else. My parents raised me to be a strong independant individual. However I have noticed to bullies and mean people so much more with the pandemic happening. I wish to help everyone, but there's very little I can do. I resonate with this video to a point and I believe that people need to be more understanding when it comes to disabled individuals and this virus and everything. But the problem is a lot of people don't want to learn, they don't want to put themselves in someone else's shoes. I feel for you, and I am here for you. You are so beautiful and wise. Maybe if more people make videos like this and write about them, others will learn and be more understanding with disabled individuals.
Jen, I’m not sure what to say - except that I’m so sad and angry about how our society treats disabled people. I cannot believe what you and so many other people are having to go through. It makes me want to cry and rant and shout. How dare they !!! I am a significantly overweight person and I experience some discrimination and have experienced abuse. I know it isn’t the same - I could loose weight and not be treated like this. Anyway, I think you are so amazing. You speak up on behalf of so many people . Sending lots of love xx
Hello Jen! Thank you. Thank you for continuing to sharing more of yourself and shining a light on such an important matter. I don't believe you are complaining, you are talking. And to be honest, what's wrong with complaining about ignorance? We can't evolve unless we address the past and the present and grow and change. I appreciate all of your videos and that includes these videos that talk about ableism and disabilities. I can relate to your stance on not always feeling like you have to fight every battle or educate others. It is up to everyone to grow and learn. I also agree that this pandemic has shined a light on so many things, both good and bad in our society. Keep being you, Jen. Sending a hug your way!
Belinda
Thank you so much for sharing this, Jen. Most people are enfuriating and so selfish and self-centered. I'm sorry that you have to be here to compensate that crap. But listening to your voice gives hope and light. Thank you for being so honest and teaching us difference. My best wishes to you, my sisters got pfizer too since they work at a hospital and months later they still have antibodies, so I hope it will be the same for you.
Thank you for this video. I imagine it must be such a pressure to feel compelled in these situations to give full context, to give disclaimers and caveats, to present “a totally balanced picture” - I don’t really know how frame this thought ... that it frustrates me? that I feel sympathy? I suppose I only want to say it doesn’t go unnoticed that it’s something you have to always take into consideration, and it’s just another layer to speaking about these things.
As others have said, you don’t owe anybody these videos but I always appreciate when you make them 💜
Thank you for making this video, Jen. This was so enriching
It's very sad to think that the pandemic has shown people's true colours, as you said. At the beginning of it I was hopeful that a global crisis like this would make people come together, but it seems like the opposite happened
Thank you for educating about disability and thank you for sharing your experiences x
Since becoming a teacher years ago I have become more aware of ableism within myself, and being able to learn and improve in that regard I hope has and will make me a much better human, educator, and parent. I just want to thank you for sharing your experience and doing a lot to make this world better for more people ❤
Thank you for posting this. I am sitting with it and reflecting.
Jen you are an inspiration. I’m revisiting this vid because I find it so life-affirming, particularly when I’m feeling low. Having been a SEN teacher for four decades I’ve seen many many changes as you can imagine; how refreshing to listen to you!
My youngest granddaughter (6) has a genetic disorder and smiles a lot as default, especially when in hospital situations with splints and other procedures etc and your honesty re: masking with smiles for others’ comfort was powerful.
One question, if I may, Jen….You mention your arthritic pain - how do you manage that on a daily basis, medication-wise and long-term?
Many many thanks for your patience in this long-winded comment. Much ❤️
No spoons for thoughts so the only thing I can think of is I feel heard but as that is most often not the case this is powerful!
I hope your appointments go well .
sending you love Jen. thank you for sharing.
Love you Jen. You’re one of my absolute favourite internet folks 💗
😭♥️
@@jenvcampbell and you’re one of the few people who I wish was my in-life friend 🧡🧡🧡
All this useful information, thank you for speaking up (and that's not moaning by the way). I hate to think about the aftermath of the pandemic. All those internalised fears making people even more selfish and angry than usual. Hoping you can quickly access all those hospital appointments you need, listen to audiobooks on the Tube and let them boil in their anger. I know it's not easy, but you're so much better than them. xx
Thank you for this, Jen.
I love that idea of letting your family and friends know if you are looking for a solution or just want to share what's on your mind and heart. I'm so sorry that some people can only think of themselves and not of others. My Mom always taught me to speak kind words and to treat others as I would want to be treated and to think before speaking. I am saddened by the statistics of hate crimes and the discriminations. Sending you love.
Thank you for sharing. It’s weird for me as I have an “invisible” disability/disease. I’m always scared to ask for help and use aids like the scooters available at grocery stores. Or when I park in handicap spot, I feel I have to use my cane even if I don’t need it right then. People can be so cruel. I found that people will judge me and tell me that I’m in the wrong for using resources I ‘don’t need’, just because I look ‘fine’. Thank you for being brave enough to share even though you know you will get backlash. Some people are just plain wicked. I’ve never understood it.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I wish people were less ****, we'd all be happier.
Some may call it complaining, I myself call it educating. Love your videos Jen whatever the include 💗
I'm sorry people have judged you not knowing. I'm not physically disabled, but have mental health issues and my mum was on a wheelchair, so I understand. I just feel so sad some people tend to prejudge others and/or reject them for reasons that are, to me, ridiculous. And I really hope this issues are addressed in promotion and prevention campaigns, at least. Society should not need those to behave properly, but they seem to be a must in the current world. Bear hugs!
I have to say I’m both thrilled about having gotten my vaccines and dreading going out into the community again. It’s felt safe and nice to be home with just my husband, dog, and I this past year. Not only have I not had to put up with nonsense from strangers, but I also didn’t have to try explaining to family and friends why I wasn’t able to attend this or that function when my symptoms flared. Covid’s been a built-in excuse everyone could understand.
So sorry to hear things have gotten worse rather than better out there.
BTW- Wee Willy Winky runs through the town!
Thanks for sharing. I hadn’t really considered too much the effects of putting on a happy face and brushing off sympathy. I need to consider this more. Maybe I’m making it hard for those I love to understand me, and maybe I’m doing them a disservice in the name of trying to get them not to feel bad and also me not wanting pity. I just usually want to enjoy their company and not spend time explaining what I’m dealing with at the moment.
Sending you love!
Thank you for sharing
I don't even know where to start except to stay I sympathise with the experiences I've also had, and I empathise with experiences you've had and I haven't. How hard is it just to be kind? When you know nothing, say nothing. (PS I'm loving your wigs x)
Heartfelt thanks Jen for recording this. Articulate as always. Astute reflections. Every kindness to you xoxo.
Eye opening in so many ways…Thank you for sharing. Sitting with this…
Thanks for this important video. I am in the shielding category as my immune system doesn't work properly & likes to attack my body - fun! When some people discovered that I got the vaccine early their reaction was very revealing. It's been a strange, emotional time & we all need to be kinder. Sending love ♥️
This is a powerful video Jen, so important to talk about disability and how it affects us. Covid has brought a lot of things to the surface good and bad.
Thank you for sharing. Lots to think about, take away and share with others.
P.s red hair looks great on you!
That was brilliant. I so appreciate your sharing.sending you lots of kindness.
thank you for sharing Jen..i know more now than i did when i drew up my chair..
Just wanted to tell you that you talking about disability has been eye-opening for me in many ways. I have confronted biases I didn't know I had, and examined tropes in fiction and thought about their impact in society. I always watch these discussion videos. It's hard for me to put my thoughts into words without coming off as condecending, but I hear you. I'm listening closely. I don't think you should have to consider the feelings of others over your own, but I understand why you feel like you have to. It's a survival strategy I suppose. No matter how honest and raw you want to be in what you share, I'll be here for it.
Thank you for soooo bravely sharing. I'm also shielding and a lot of what you've said has rung true ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I very much appreciate your openness and candor. Sending you love from across the pond 💛
Thank you so much for sharing, Jen.
I don’t think you came across as moaning at all. You highlighted areas that I had already been aware of and some I wasn’t really that aware of so I think this video was brilliant and I thank you for being so open.
This was a wonderfully made video and reminded me to do better - I often grow complacent thinking my own attitudes are forward thinking enough because I grew up with disabled parents and live with mental illness myself, but your nuanced perspective has reminded me to be more aware, and to make sure I am engaging with people with compassion and the desire to learn and understand rather than project my own ideas onto others. thank you for being such a lovely part of the internet!
Here in the U.S., the selfishness and lack of caring for others is absolutely appalling. The pandemic has brought out the worst in so many people as well as their true colors. Very disheartening.
You are just amazing Jen, thank you for sharing and speaking about all of these difficult topics... Sending lots of love to you too... 💜
It's absolutely necessary that you do these videos (I'm sorry for my english it's not my 1st langage). My nephew was born with many disabilities and he is also blind, in the first part of his life I raised him and in the streets people were so curious and mean always asking incredible questions that normally no one would have the courage to ask me about my life in the first place, like they had the right to enter into one's lives and give their not asked for advice or opinion. Going through this as his aunt it was eye opening at how people are crual (even with a child) especially when they think that they can get away with it just because they feel stronger... I have come to understand that these people hate themselves and try to find someone to blame for their own cowardise in life and yes one has to chose its battles.
lots of love to you I can only imagine what all this covid thing has put you through and all the anxiety around coming "back out" again. Love to you.
Hi Jen,love and respect being sent your way.
Lots of love to you too and for being a voice for all of us disabled people, it matters.