Access All: Disability News and Mental Health

Blind, visually impaired and other disabled people could benefit hugely from the new breed of automated cars that we hear such a lot about. But will this group of people be automatically permitted to drive them when the cars are legally allowed on the roads? (a transcript of this programme can be found in the Related Links section on this page) We discovered in the last week that the first death h...

This programme contains discussions about mental health, halucinations and suicide. If you're not in the right mood to hear it, skip the episode and we'll be back next week with another show. Discussions range from: questionable special school classes on dating etiquette, the lack of disabled emojis, and seeing floating cats which may or may not be real. (a transcript of this programme can be foun...

Tiffany Joiner describes her legs as “80 per cent paralysed” due to a balcony fall six years ago. It took a long time for the former yoga teacher to get "back on the mat" but now her Instagram photos and videos have earned the UK-based American a loyal following by disabled "yogis". Her handle is @yogaplegic. (for a transcript, look in the Related Links section on this page) Tiffany joins Kathleen...

Pictures of Oscar Pistorius were beamed around the globe this week as he attempted to show how vulnerable he could be in prison as a double below knee amputee. The convicted murderer was overcome with emotion as he showed judges the alternative side of his superhuman persona. On this week's programme, the Ouch team discuss dignity, vulnerability and reflect on personal matters of accessibility and...

Warning: this programme contains discussion of a sexual nature. The team are joined by disabled writer and performer Penny Pepper. (see Related Links, below, for a transcript) This week she wrote an article in The Guardian about how she's sick of disabled people being portrayed as asexual in film and TV. Cue a long and fascinating discussion about her first experiences of love and physical intimac...

Interview guests, music, and Ouch's famous Vegetable Vegetable or Vegetable parlour game returns on the hour-long show for June. (See 'Related links' for a transcript) One-handed concert pianist Nicholas McCarthy got to #7 in the classical music charts. Here, he reveals what he does with his less-able or “little arm” - the one he doesn't make music with. Hear him play to celebrate BBC Music Day. A...

Wheelchair user Mik Scarlet explains why the film of the Jojo Moyes book has caused a stir.

George Fielding has a cappuccino coloured chair which suits his 'young but old' image

They're amazing, but new owners need to put in the work and may get the occasional bump

On this month's Ouch Talk Show, we bring three disabled foodies together to thrash out some of the burning questions that arise when it comes to cooking when you're disabled. Which option is easier and most convenient – fresh or frozen? What are some of the best ways to cook when you struggle to stand for long periods of time? And sharp or blunt, which truly is the safest type of knife for choppin...

Fresh from taking part in Disabled Access Day the team discuss the pros and cons of accessible museums and venues - including the train enthusiast who didn't stop talking for six hours when taking the BBC's Lee Kumutat on a touch-tour of a transport museum. And with just over 100 days to go before the Paralympics begin in Rio we hear about the highs, lows and dramas of the team trials.

The problems of styling your hair and beard when you’re blind or can’t reach your head.

We try to imagine who we’d be, minus our disabilities.

Would labels on sweets suggesting exercise targets work for disabled people?

Looking back on the first decade of Ouch's podcast, its comedy and its talk

The team share personal stories about journeys on public transport

Ten years after BBC Ouch! first began we delve into the archives to look back at our own version of the parlour game Animal, vegetable or mineral? Our irreverent version - Vegetable, vegetable or vegetable? - involved our presenters trying to work out a caller's disability from their simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. But how does the game look in 2016 - is it still politically correct or should we pla...

Why are so-called 'devotees' attracted to physical disability. And the author who believes capitalist economies generate discrimination against disabled people.

The team discuss those big awareness days like International Wheelchair Day or Autism Day

We share our thoughts on fictional disabled characters who have caught our imagination.

Do you mark the day you became disabled? The team discuss, with guests Sofia Crockatt and her dad Nick.

Open and frank stories of coping with mental illness and a disability, and strategies.

It appears that the acronym used by the gay, lesbian and trans community works quite well and arguably has been part and parcel of the progressive impact they've had in recent years. So, being as lots of people dislike the word 'disability', could an acronym work better for this group?

From snacks to eating out in restaurants, Mat Fraser and Liz Carr discuss the perils of eating if you have an impairment which makes it problematic ... or should we say 'messy'. Also features Emma Tracey. Originally broadcast in November 2010.

Not an immediately obvious gift for someone who can't see but could it work?