Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories

Send us Fan Mail Today we're exploring a stereotype that many autistic people have heard for years: that autistic people don't have empathy . Is it true? Or is it one of the biggest misunderstandings about autism? Our ARTiculate Skills Club students share their own experiences, challenge common myths and explain why empathy isn't always expressed in the way people expect. To find ou...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a festival truly inclusive? In this special episode of the Dis-labled Podcast , our team heads to Disability Festival in the Park in Wanstead, Redbridge, to meet the people, charities and community organisations helping to make one of London's most accessible festivals a reality. Join Marcus, Andrea, Milan, Carol, Remy and the team as they speak to organisers, exhi...

Send us Fan Mail What is it like living with autism, muscular dystrophy and speech and language difficulties? In this episode of Dis-labled, Gila shares an honest and emotional account of her daily life. She talks about work, friendships, independence, anxiety, using a wheelchair, and the challenges of navigating a world that doesn't always understand disability. Gila also opens up about mask...

Send us Fan Mail What becomes possible when disabled and neurodivergent people are genuinely listened to, supported and included? Recorded live at the Community Focus Summer Festival, this special Dis-labled forum brings together students, speakers, artists, parents, carers and community leaders to share powerful stories of confidence, creativity, employment and belonging. Hear how opportunities l...

Send us Fan Mail Hello and welcome to another episode of the Dis-labled Podcast. We're really pleased you've joined us because today is a very special episode. Over the past three years, we've shared our stories, talked honestly about disability and neurodiversity, had lots of laughs, met some incredible guests and, most importantly, created a place where people can speak openly and...

Send us Fan Mail Dick Van Dyke (of Mary Poppins fame) is now 100 years old, says that staying positive and not holding onto anger is the secret to staying young - and science seems to agree. Studies show that optimistic people can live around 11 to 15 percent longer, and in some cases even up to 10 years more. So today, we’re diving into the power of humour, joy, and a positive mindset. We’re aski...

Send us Fan Mail What is it really like to live with Multiple Sclerosis? In this episode of Dis-labled, Marcus shares his experience of living with MS, how it affects his daily life, and the challenges he faces along the way. He also talks about the things that keep him motivated, including his love of Marvel, staying positive, and finding purpose through difficult times. Marcus's message is...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode we discuss Skills Club , a club within our ARTiculate programme for young people aged 24-30. Join Tara, Sophia, Dave, Jordan, Stephanos and Flo as they share how Skills Club has helped them develop confidence, creativity, friendships and practical skills through art, volunteering and community projects. From autism and social anxiety to employment, independ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dis-labled, Havva takes us through a day in her life and shares her experience of living with a brain injury. With her trademark humour and honesty, Havva talks about family, friendships, daily routines, the things she enjoys most, and some of the challenges she faces. It's a warm, uplifting conversation that offers a genuine insight into her life and perso...

Send us Fan Mail Community Focus artist Laurent Barsotti  has achieved something extraordinary. In this special episode of Dis-labled, we follow Laurent’s journey from Community Focus to exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026 , one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions. We begin at Royal Academy varnishing day, where Royal Academician Humphrey Ocean explains why Laurent’s...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re returning to the topic of relationships and connection - from friendships and family, to dating. We discuss what makes us like someone, the things that might give us the ick , and having additional needs, the importance of independence in relationships. We also share advice for anyone who might feel nervous about dating or making new friends, especially w...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re talking all about relationships and connection – from friendships and family to dating, online connections, and everything in between. Plus, we hear part three of Alistair’s new series, “Pavement Guest,” where he talks about temperature control and global warming in his own unique style. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:16 - Intro 00:01:42 - Good news 00:09:15 - Re...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we return to the topic of hobbies, creativity, and the little things that make life interesting. We had so much to talk about that we had to make two episodes, so today we discuss the hobbies we’d like to try in the future. We also hear part two of Alistair’s new series, “Pavement Guest” , in which his discusses whether being positive is recommendable, in his o...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we explore hobbies, creativity, and the little things that make life interesting. From arts and crafts, gaming, and poetry to baking, bird-watching, and even quirky guilty pleasures, we share the passions that recharge us, make us laugh, and reveal a bit about who we are. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:12 - Intro 00:02:11 - The Good News 00:06:40 - Pavement Guest by Al...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alexia Barrett from The BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee . We’ll be talking about inclusivity, life behind the scenes of the show, and why she is encouraging more diverse casting. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:11 - Intro 00:02:35 - We Meet Alexia Barrett from The Great British Sewing Bee 00:06:17 - Alexia's message for disabled sewist...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re talking about confidence, self-image, and the idea of “looking good". Does looking good make us feel good? We’ll look at how appearance affects confidence, from bad hair days to clothes, weight, and all the messages we pick up from social media, TV, school, and the people around us. We’ll also talk about why accepting ourselves can be so hard, and what confidence...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dis-labled, we explore the everyday frustrations that can have a big impact on our lives. Hasel talks openly about living with OCD, how it affects her daily routines, and the challenge of finding a balance between staying organised and looking after her wellbeing. Amy shares her frustration when people talk about her instead of speaking directly to her, leading...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we talk openly and honestly about anxiety — what it really feels like, how it shows up in our everyday lives, and why it can be so difficult to manage. We share our personal experiences, explore simple coping strategies, and discuss small, practical tools that can help make anxiety feel more manageable. If you’re living with anxiety or supporting someone who is...

Send us Fan Mail Why do we listen to music? Why can one song feel like home, while another takes us straight back to a moment in time? In today’s episode, we’re talking all about music . The songs we love. The genres that shape us. And the tracks that help us focus, lift our mood, and say what we can’t put into words.  From comfort songs to full-volume sing-alongs, we’re sharing how music fits int...

Send us Fan Mail We're returning to Oak Lodge School   – and we couldn't be more excited! In this bonus episode, we head back to Oak Lodge to catch up with our brilliant pupil podcasters who stole our hearts the first time around. Since we last visited, so much has happened – so we're sitting back down with our original mic-holders to find out how the podcasting project changed thin...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Dis-Labled Podcast! Today we are doing something a little bit different because this episode is an omnibus of our soap opera ‘ 45 Nowhere Street ’. We (the students of Community Focus) wrote and performed this soap opera. We think it is very good and you will enjoy it. It is even better than Eastenders and Coronation Street. Take a seat and enjoy! Project Manag...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we celebrate the written word through poems and talking tales written and performed by CF students.  Featuring original voices and creative storytelling, this episode brings together spoken word and narrative pieces that showcase the imagination, insight, and expression of CF’s young writers. Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell. Editor: Phil Powell P...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re asking the big question: How much does the journey to happiness really cost? Carol shares a moving poem on emotions, while Julia and Nadine bring a hilarious Talking Tale about a diner’s argument with a confused waiter. The group swaps dining-out stories, uncovers what a “Sharon” is—and Carol takes the mic solo for the first time, with surprising results. Project Manag...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that touches many lives — loneliness. Joining us in the studio is Adam Wilson , a representative from Barnet Friends , a local organisation dedicated to supporting people who may be feeling lonlely or isolated . Barnet Friends connect volunteers with individuals who need companionship, a listening ear, or simply a friendly presence...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we are celebrating! Annie has completed her Foundation year at Chickenshed, and we’re so proud of all she’s achieved. She also shares some insight into what it’s like to study on a course with additional needs, and the amazing support she has received along the way. Phillip has been recognised in a special way too, receiving an award for his kindness — as well...