Lived Experiences - Wheelchair Users with Simon Pinnell and Dave Bracher
In our latest ted Learning 'lived experiences' podcast, Justin from ted speaks to Simon Pinnell and Dave Bracher from the Spinal Injuries Association about their lived experience of being wheelchair users. We find out what caused their spinal injuries and how it affected them both in the early days of becoming wheelchair users. We also explore the daily challenges they both face in accessing services and environments that non-disabled people don't have to grapple with, how the heart of UK Government isn't wheelchair friendly and the message this might be sending out to the wider business world, and how non-disabled people can be better allies. About Spinal Injuries Association Every four hours, a person's life is changed when they sustain a spinal cord injury. The aim of the Spinal Injuries Association is to be the go-to place for everyone affected by spinal cord injury (SCI), so that we can quickly connect them to the vast network of people, organisations and services they need. Both Simon and Dave work full-time at the Spinal Injuries Association, an amazing charity that supports people affected by spinal injuries in rebuilding their lives. www.spinal.co.uk About Simon Pinnell A van hit Simon Pinnell in 2010 as he crossed the road, resulting in a T8 injury, which put him into a wheelchair. He is the Advocacy Manager at the Spinal Injuries Association About Dave Bracher Dave Bracher was rushed to hospital in 2012, where he ended up in a coma before suffering locked-in syndrome after suffering a rare combination of Guillain Barre Syndrome and ADEM, which attacked his nervous system, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Dave is the Head of People & Operations at the Spinal Injuries Association. About Justin Smith-Essex Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning. He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills. He is passionate about engaging learning and using drama to put people on the receiving end of an experience. https://www.tedlearning.co.uk