Tag: discrimination

Posted in September 2024

My stance on the Nanowrimo controversy

Posted on by dystoniaandme

Nanowrimo have recently released a statement (see below) which can only be classed as ableist and classist. Therefore I will not be participating in any of their events moving forwards.

The disabled community tirelessly fights against ableism in every area of life. Nanowrimo’s position suggests that disabled writers cannot create quality work without relying on AI, which I find deeply troubling as an author with Dyslexia and multiple physical disabilities. Their stance is dismissive of the many disabled authors who have created incredible books and achieved great success.

The implication that writers from less affluent backgrounds are incapable of success is utterly ridiculous; throughout history, authors from all walks of life have achieved recognition and success.

While some have used Nanowrimo to help complete their titles, for many it is simply a fun challenge to themselves which also provides a community of likeminded individuals. However due to the disappointing, ableist and classist views that they have demonstrated it is not an event I will participate in again.

I sincerely hope that Nanowrimo learn from outcry of disabled authors and adjust their policies and views.

Posted in April 2024, Archive

An Open Letter to the Prime Minister

Posted on by dystoniaandme

Dear Prime Minister,

It is with deep concern that I am writing in regards to the discriminatory proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other disability benefits. These changes have the potential to have a devastating impact on the lives of disabled individuals across the country and add to the stigma that disabled persons have to contend with.

The proposed changes, which include cuts to benefits and stricter eligibility criteria, are not only unjust but also a clear violation of the rights of disabled people. A fact that the United Nations has recently focused on. Many in the disabled community rely on these benefits to meet their basic needs and live with dignity. In too many cases the available benefits are not enough to cover necessities, a problem that is only growing due to the cost of living crisis. By cutting these benefits, the government is effectively pushing disabled individuals further into poverty and isolation.

It is important to remember that disability in any form is not a choice, and no one should be penalized for something that is beyond their control.  No disabled person should have to fight for help, nor contend with the government bringing in further discriminatory and ableist measures. It is the responsibility of the government to provide support and resources to those who need it the most, not to further marginalize and discriminate against them.

I urge you to reconsider these proposed changes and instead focus on creating a fair and inclusive system that supports all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Focus on enabling companies to create more jobs, including remote work, that is accessible and accepting of disabled people; the current scheme does not do its job. Disabled individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, to be enabled to live a life full of opportunities, and it is our duty as a society to ensure that they have the resources they need to thrive.

I may only be a voice in a sea but I urge you to work towards creating a more just and equitable system for all.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Tunstall

Posted in April 2024, Archive

Let’s talk about Ableism

Posted on by dystoniaandme

The recent podcast episode that featured ableist remarks and disgusting views towards disabled persons has sparked a conversation that needs to be had.

When we discriminate and label disabled individuals with disgusting terms such as ‘mangled’ & ‘grim’, we are contributing to the systemic ableism that is already prevalent in society. The last thing we need is for discrimination to be given a platform and normalized even further.

It is important to remember that health is in no way guaranteed, and you could become disabled at some point. Whether it be from an accident, illness, or old age, our health can deteriorate. Would you then view yourself as “mangled and grim”?

For those who have been affected by the hurtful remarks made in the podcast, remember your self-worth. You are deserving of love and respect, and ableism has no place in our society.

Posted in Archive, march 2024

The Importance Of Addressing Ableism

Posted on by dystoniaandme

A screenshot from BBC News showing article title ‘parents offered class photo with no Complex needs pupil’. A woman is featured, with brown shoulder length hair, light make up, forest green top.

In a recent BBC news article, it was reported that parents were offered a class photo without any of the disabled pupils included. This act of ableism is incredibly disheartening and highlights the ongoing discrimination and exclusion that many disabled individuals face on a daily basis.

When my Dystonia first manifested in 2010, I refused to attend school for three months. My face was distorted by spasms which left me highly self conscious. If I had been subjected to such discriminatory treatment, I can only imagine the lasting impact it would have had on my self-esteem and willingness to participate in school.



Ableism, is a pervasive issue that has far-reaching consequences. This prejudiced mindset leads to exclusion, negative stereotypes, and unequal treatment, reinforcing the idea that disabled individuals are inferior.

What is particularly troubling about this situation is that there were multiple opportunities for intervention and correction. The school staff should have immediately recognized the discriminatory nature of excluding disabled pupils from the class photo and taken steps to rectify the situation. Furthermore, offering the photos to parents should never have happened.

It is disheartening to see that acts of ableism are still prevalent in our society and in our schools. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and equality for all and challenge discriminatory behaviour.

Posted in Archive, February 2024

Discrimination In The Rental Market

Posted on by dystoniaandme

In our recent search for an accessible home following being served with a S21 notice and my changing health needs, we have encountered a disappointingly high level of discrimination and prejudice. Finding an accessible property has proven to be a challenging and frustrating process, not because suitable accommodations do not exist, but simply due to the discriminatory attitudes of several estate agents/landlords we have encountered.

In both private and social housing sectors, we have faced barriers. Despite legal protections against discrimination based on disability, we have been told by multiple landlords that they do not accept wheelchair users or those who do not have traditional full-time employment. The scarcity of accessible social housing options only adds to the difficulty of finding a suitable living situation before our S21 expires.

What has become abundantly clear throughout this process is that the real obstacle we face is not my health or disability, but society’s unwillingness to make simple accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Accessible housing should not be considered to be a luxury but a basic necessity. Yet we find ourselves constantly met with obstacles and roadblocks. While there may be laws in place to protect against discrimination, they seem like empty gestures in the face of the everyday reality.

It is time for society to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in housing and other areas to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to live independently and with dignity. The current state of affairs is unacceptable, and it is up to all of us to work towards a more inclusive and accessible society for everyone.