Local MP and Disabilities Minister, Justin Tomlinson was full of praise for a travelling workshop called Hidden Stories on a visit to the Central Library.
Hidden Stories is geared towards using stories from individuals on how they are affected by invisible disabilities to raise awareness of their disabilities. Justin was joined on the visit by South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, both were keen to discuss how further raise awareness can be raised of the issues faced by many disabled people.
Invisible or hidden disabilities is the name given to those disabilities or conditions that are not immediately apparent.
The Hidden Stories workshops started in Brighton and was hugely successful in encouraging people to come forward with their stories of how they were treated with invisible disabilities. They were awarded a project grant by ITV, which has enabled them to take their creative workshops on the road. So far, having covered the South of England and most recently Swindon, they are determined to go further to help more voices be heard. Their collection of stories has been brought together in a book, also called Hidden Stories.
Justin recently held a roundtable meeting on the topic of hidden disabilities in Parliament with cross-party support. He has also been very supportive of East Lothian MP Martin Whitfield, who has been leading a campaign on behalf of one of his constituents with Crohn’s Disease, who may face a stigma using disabled facilities in public.
An alternative sign for disabled facilities has been suggested: one with a person in a wheel chair, one with a prosthetic leg and another who has no visible disability. It is hoped to be installed in toilets, car parks and other facilities to improve experiences of disabled users.
Justin Tomlinson said: “Recognising that not every disability is visible has been a focus of mine raising awareness as Minister. Some conditions might not always be immediately apparent and I was very impressed with Hidden Stories & the individuals from Root Experience who are behind the campaign. A simple, but effective way to communicate understanding on Invisible Disabilities is key to combatting any misconceptions about conditions. I’m keen to do all I can as a Minister to promote this campaign alongside my other work in Parliament on Invisible Disabilities.”
