JustBeingCP

In just a few weeks time its going to be bonfire night and for many with disabilities (including myself) that brings fear and anxiety.

I am dreading bonfire night this year because I feel like I’m coming under attack when in bed because the fireworks are so loud.

I also hate loud noises and that comes with my condition and I recognise that many others within our community also feel this way.

Every year I like to urge those who are letting off fireworks to consider the disabled community and how we might react or feel when you start letting off your fireworks.

In previous years I have engaged with something called NO Bangs bonfire night which is run by a charity called CP Teens UK.

The purpose of this virtual event is for disabled young people with Cerebral Palsy to forget about the fireworks outside and focus on enjoying a movie or TV with treats inside.

I absolutely loved taking part in this event as it allowed me to forget about the scary things that are happening outside.

I am going to settle down with some good TV and treats for bonfire night this year and forget about what’s happening in the cold outside.

I appreciate that this is another relatively short blog but I felt that is important to raise awareness about the impact that bonfire night can have on disabled young people and the wider disabled community.

I also accept that there will be people out there reading this who will complain that I haven’t spoken about the impact that bonfire night can have on animals.

My response to the people making those complaints is this, I understand your point but as I disability rights campaigner I wanted to focus this piece on the impact fireworks can have on both on me and my community.

I might not actually like bonfire night but that won’t stop me from wishing those celebrating it an enjoyable evening.

I would finally like to thank both my readers and followers for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest blog.

Cam