Geoff Durbin’s Post

Is it just me?! “All the fun, no school run!” ??? Fostering is not just for the weekend, with a few pennies to get them an ice cream. Actual foster carers been contacting me in their droves since last night, furious, concerned and feeling devalued and patronised. Could it get much worse? I don't blame those making this film it is simply borne out of lack of knowledge and ignorance as to the critical role of the foster carer and what is, and what SHOULD be involved. This is respite care (without the pay and adequate education). Our children are vulnerable, high needs and traumatised, this is not what they need. Also the government have already invested millions on the back of the Care Review in The Fostering Network's Mockingbird scheme, a proper well researched model to deliver more respite in an appropriate and effective way. The narrative here is simply terrible and so horribly ill-informed and thought out, again because it's being pushed by those who's knowledge is not underpinned by experience. Phrases like 'got a spare room then you could be a great weekender' 'you'll get an allowance to cover exciting things like going for an ice cream' further demote and diminish the nuanced skilled and trauma informed role of the foster carer. Also what about the foster carers who are doing the school run, are helping facilitate contact, are doing the homework and all the important things? Trying to suggest these 'weekenders' will be the 'popular' ones with ice cream and no school is quite unbelievable. Then the carer interviewed in the John Lewis part said you have to work if you're a foster carer and JL giving him 5 extra paid days made it possible. This is terrible mis-information and damaging to the narrative of foster care. 64% of foster carers are full time, what's more having fostered for 15yrs I can tell you it's more likely (with 2 children) you will have 50+ or so meetings a year, not 5, that is not the norm. This post does not touch the sides, I can not begin to list the issues with this. We need full time dedicated trauma informed foster carers if we are ever to have a hope of reversing the dire outcomes our care leavers experience, we need to focus on the carers we have (they are the best recruiters) and we need systemic change across the system. And I can hear some saying 'oh but it's raising awareness' or 'we need to start somewhere' or 'any foster carers are good' or 'It'll encourage people to foster more' Well I will say in advance it won't do any of those things. Dr Mine Conkbayir Carolyn Moody MBE Phil Sharrock Louise Allen Katie Waldegrave, MBE Niki Kalisperas Department for Education

So beautiful and compelling!!

Everyone, and especially those in #education should watch this video. In my experience, one of the main barriers to supporting the #neurodivergent community, and especially those studying and working within conventional learning environments, is simply a lack of understanding about how they experience the world. First, we need to stop the #blame and increase #compassion. What might appear to be wilful lateness, laziness, or disorganisation is often just a difficulty prioritising tasks. What presents as anger and aggression is probably really fear and #overwhelm . What looks like a simple lack of concentration is likely a response to #sensory #overload. What seems like despondency and negativity is sadly often an indication that a sense of hopelessness and defeat in the face of seemingly insurmountable barriers is finally setting in. Until we can properly #reimagine and #restructure the #education context to support the needs of all those required (by law) to attend, and appropriately alter the work context to help everyone succeed, we need to at least educate ourselves about the #inequalities and #differences faced by the neurodivergent community. There are so many bright people out there who currently can't fulfil their potential because of these invisible obstacles. This is short-sighted and everyone misses out on their talents and contribution. We need to start with #understanding so we can create necessary change. #neurodiversity #inclusion #reasonableadjustments #equality #diversity #autismawareness #adhd #neurodiversityatwork #neurodivergence

It’s time to recognize and address the systemic issues faced by wheelchair users and people with disabilities in transportation. From damaged wheelchairs on airlines to inadequate facilities in taxis and trains, these challenges highlight a broader need for empathy and proper accommodation. Every wheelchair is a precious extension of its user’s mobility, akin to their legs. Yet, the consistent mishandling and disrespect towards these essential tools reflect a significant gap in our transportation systems. Celebrating the leadership and bravery of Sophie Morgan, who is taking this global issue head-on. Her advocacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of equality, dignity, and respect for all passengers. Together, we can push for better training for staff, improved infrastructure, strict policy enforcement, and continuous advocacy to ensure a more inclusive and equitable transportation system. #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #AccessibleTransportation #SophieMorgan #WeAreBillionStrong #BillionStrong #DisabilityConfident #DisabilityInclusion #WheelChair #WheelChairLife #WheelChairTravel #Airline #GreenDisability Billion Strong #Channel6 #AccessibleTourism #AccessibleTravel #AirlineFails #Humans

Not all airlines or airline crews are the same, and not all passengers are the same. For airline passengers who rely on a mobility device for their independence, the odds are unacceptably high that those custom devices won't arrive intact, in working order, or at all when they arrive at their destination. Imagine an airline breaking the legs of random passengers, then leaving them to fend for themselves after landing, with no recourse or accountability. That's the ongoing reality for travelers with mobility disabilities. Now imagine being carried like a sack of spuds into the airplane and your assigned seat. You may be smashed into armrests, dropped in the aisle, or have your pants or skirt torn off in front of the other passengers when they get caught on an obstruction. All these are common occurrences. When wheelchair users say they have a fear of flying, it's not a mechanical failure or crash they fear, but the incompetence of baggage handlers and insensitivity of flight crews who may lack any training on preserving the safety, dignity, and human rights of passengers with mobility related disabilities. Finally, it's worth noting that in 2019 alone, 27 million travelers with disabilities made 81 million trips, spending $58.7 BILLION on travel (up from $34.6 billion in 2015). And those folks often travel with family, friends, coworkers and colleagues who spending even more money. #AccessMeansBusiness #AccessMeansDignity #AccessMeansIndependence #AccessMeansFreedom #AccessMeansProsperity Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines Federal Aviation Administration U.S. Department of Transportation United States Access Board

As the daughter of a quadriplegic, air travel has always stirred mixed emotions for me. While many find it exciting, for disabled persons like my dad, it often felt burdensome. The nervousness of attendants, health risks from transfers, costly wheelchair repairs - it all adds up. Documentaries like this are so important in helping others understand the unique challenges wheelchair users face during travel. They shine a light on experiences that many might not consider. While I always try to focus on the positive, it's true that traveling as a wheelchair user can be incredibly difficult and emotionally taxing at times. Ironically, I've spent nearly a decade in health and wellness tech, helping tens of thousands of studio owners and clients stay connected to their movement and health. In a way, I'm making sure others can do what my dad couldn't. Documentaries like these drive change and its companies like Delta who are making this world more inclusive. The company is releasing new seat designs for wheelchair users and with my dad's recent passing, I wish he could've seen this progress. To disabled travelers and those who love them: I see you, I understand, and I am here to hold space for you. Let's continue to share our stories and celebrate every win that makes this world more inclusive. It's through understanding that we can create real progress. #DisabledTravel #Inclusion #Accessibility

✈️ I'll be tuning into Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly documentary, delving into an important issue: the challenges wheelchair users face when flying. 🌍 As an advocate for accessible travel, I believe it's crucial to highlight and address the difficulties that millions encounter while navigating airports and airplanes. From inadequate seating arrangements to limited assistance, the barriers are many and often overlooked. Representing individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries including, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and amputations I hear too often the challenges that they are presented when travelling, often being put off by it altogether. This show is a call to action for the travel industry to implement meaningful changes. #Accessibility #InclusiveTravel #WheelchairUsers #TravelIndustry #ChangeNeeded #Advocacy

As someone who has had bad experiences as a #wheelchair user, I understand the limitations and uncertainties during #air_travel. There's #no_assurance whether I will receive my #wheelchair_in_good_condition, and if something happens to it, what options do I have? It often feels like #decision-makers #lack_an_understanding of #disability, as able-bodied people frequently make decisions for those with disabilities, leading to conflicts. #This_initiative_is_such_a_positive_step forward.

One thing about me...I'm going to take a selfie. I just think it captures the moment better than a regular group photo! And I'm a millennial, sue me! But this is one of my favorites ever, and what a moment it was. This picture was taken on Day 5 of week 1 of Girls Rock! Phoenix Rock Camp last year with the band I managed, Organ Thief. At this point, these teenagers learned an instrument, co-created a band logo and name, wrote a whole song, memorized it (mostly), recorded this song in a few takes, screenprinted their logo onto tshirts, AND they went to 4 workshops and saw 4 local bands play in between all of this. In a week, they'd perform on stage at Walter Studios. But in a layer behind all of that, this was the first time as an organization that we had taken on planning two weeks of camp instead of one, and it was our first camp since COVID made us pivot and pivot and pivot. We had a new camp venue, a new showcase venue, new volunteers and board members, a new (first) paid position, new ways of doing things, and brand new challenges. We were just as exhausted, in awe, and immersed in the process as these teenagers were. Actually - maybe a lot more exhausted since they have their youth to fuel them and they don't have to pay rent... It is by sheer will that the organization even stayed afloat during COVID, frankly. As a working board and as a volunteer force, we couldn't let go of what we have collectively created since 2015. One year from now, we'll be a 10 year-old organization. This year, I'll have been (very) involved for 8 years. All of this is mind-blowing. A lot of my adult life I've spent with the fine folks in this community, which is ever in flux. No doubt it's shaped a lot of my adult Self. This year, we're a little more primed for the exhaustion that June will bring. We remember well what it takes to get through two weeks of Rock Camp. We have brand new instruments thanks to Roland Global / Boss Global. We're adding more board members, recruiting more volunteers, and trying to increase that camper number based on volunteers. So all that to say...please tell your network, if they love music and/or art and/or kids and/or helping people live life authentically, they belong at Girls Rock! Phoenix Rock Camp this summer. Head to https://lnkd.in/gJXFaNiq for more information, and hit that "Get Involved" button to GET INVOLVED!!!! 🤘

Gen Z is making waves in the art world, and Miami University Alum Jack Troiano is here to share his insights. In a recent interview, Troiano highlighted the importance of: - building a support system - embracing curiosity daily - staying open-minded These three key takeaways are essential for anyone looking to succeed as an artist, arts advocacy, and administration. So, take a page from Troiano's script and start building your support system today! I've shared our conversation below. #arts #artsadvocacy #artsadministration #artseducation #viral #artsadvocate