Charity asks: What would YOU wish for?
Exeter-based charity CEDA is highlighting some of the things that disabled people find difficult, not just because of their disability but because of the systems designed to help them.
What Would YOU Wish For? is a campaign which asks people what they would wish for if they could have anything. Many people dream of sailing round the world, becoming famous or flying to the moon. In a short video, CEDA asks some of its members what they would like to do. The answers include going to a nightclub, seeing a rugby match and wandering along the beach – things which most people would take for granted.
CEDA Director Diana Cole said: “For many disabled people, it can be hard to achieve the things that some of us never give a second thought. If you need support workers to help you, that costs money, and you're dependent on their availability. Access can be difficult – if you're a wheelchair user, you can't just wheel onto the beach or go down the steps into a night club. Sometimes there are organisations to help you, but often, you have to play by their rules and do things their way. A disability can make it difficult to fit in with other people's systems.”
CEDA works creatively with people to make things happen. They’ve helped people to go along the beach in a specially adapted horse and trap, taken people on trips to places they've always wanted to go, helped people to make music and take part in all sorts of other activities. They are also involved in more practical things such as helping people to find accommodation or access the right services to help them live their lives.
The charity has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £2000 to help some of their members achieve their goals.
Diana Cole/Renata said: “We’re a small charity and we don’t have lots of expensive rewards to offer, but we do have a few treats and we hope that people will be inspired to give when they see our video and think about all the things they take for granted every day, and how complicated and expensive it can be to arrange things when you’re disabled.”
The What Would YOU Wish For? crowdfunder is online now with rewards including CEDA postcards, handmade art and dinner for two in the BT tower.
