9 Accessible & Inclusive Books, Podcasts & Films
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
THE BRAND:
Liberare
Liberare is an American underwear brand designed by and made for disabled people – and it’s launching in the UK later this month. Developed by a mother and daughter who found bras difficult to fasten at the back, the brand creates bras for those who struggle with dexterity or have a physical impairment. Each one is made by a team of expert bra designers who use microfibre materials that are comfortable on sensitive skin. There are no underwires and straps have extra support, so you won’t experience any pain. You can also shop knickers with side openings and accessibly designed pyjamas.
Visit Liberare.co
THE TV SHOW:
The Unique Boutique, Channel 4
Many people with a physical impairment struggle to find high-street clothing to fit their bodies. Channel 4’s new series brings together a team of disabled fashion designers who create new looks for people of all body shapes. Adaptive fashion designer Victoria Jenkins, confidence coach Natalie Lee and a team of stylists create unique looks for different people each week. In the first episode, they create a dress that won't snag on wheelchair wheels, a new wardrobe for a cancer patient who has found few of her old clothes fit her, and a confidence-inspiring look for a separated father looking to rekindle his love life.
Watch the series at 10pm every Monday at Channel4.com
@APRILLOCKHART
THE FASHION FOLLOW:
April Lockhart
April Lockhart is an American influencer who was born without her left hand. She used a prosthetic hand until she was five years old, when she decided she didn’t need to change her body to feel whole. Now, she raises awareness for the disabled community while also sharing her daily outfits – April isn’t afraid of mixing bold prints and textures to create unique looks. An essential follow for summer dressing inspo.
Follow @AprilLockhart
THE MEMOIR:
See Me Rolling by Lottie Jackson
Lottie Jackson is a writer and disability activist. In this new book, she reflects on her experiences of living with disability, from the pitfalls of going shopping on a mobility scooter and the headache of defining oneself on a tick-box form to a slapstick scuffle with so-called 'easy-pull' tights. Lottie expresses the raw vulnerabilities, injustices and untold joys of disability, as well as the bizarre everyday occurrences that able-bodied people usually don't experience. An illuminating memoir as well as a call for greater diversity and inclusion.
Visit Amazon.co.uk
THE PODCAST:
Call Me Disabled
Poppy Field has struggled with her disabled identity since she was a child, battling with chronic illness, chronic pain, neurodivergency and inaccessibility. In this podcast she chats to other disabled people about identity and all the amazing and difficult in-betweens that come with being disabled. They also discuss what they want the future to look like and the societal improvements needed to make that happen. Don’t miss the episode with actor Samantha Renke who talks about body image, and the ups and downs of being in the public eye.
THE MUST-WATCH EVENT:
The Paralympic Games of Paris 2024
Paris 2024 will be the biggest sporting event ever organised in France. Taking place over 12 days from 28th August-8th September, it will bring together 4,400 of the world’s most outstanding Paralympic athletes to compete in sports like blind football, para-athletics, wheelchair basketball, para swimming and goalball. The Games are more than just a world-class sporting occasion – they offer a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on sport and disability, inspire individuals, bring about social change, and promote inclusive professional and sports opportunities for people with disabilities. A great reason to visit the French capital next summer.
Visit Paris2024.org
THE FILM:
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, Netflix
This powerful and moving film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival back in 2020. Directed by Nicole Newnham and produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, the film is now available on Netflix. It’s 1971 and, just down the road from Woodstock, a revolution has blossomed in a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities. It transformed their lives and the activism brought landmark changes in accessibility legislation.
Visit Netflix.com
THE BOOK:
Easy Beauty by Chloe Cooper Jones
Born with sacral agenesis, a visible congenital disability that affects her stature and gait, Chloe Cooper Jones had always found solace in what she thought of as 'the neutral room' – a dissociative space in her mind that offered her solace and self-protection, but also kept her isolated. When she became pregnant (disproving her doctor, who had assumed it impossible), something in her started to crack, forcing her to reckon with her place in the world and the people in it. This prompted an odyssey across time and space as Chloe – while at museums, operas, concerts and sporting events – reconsiders the shifting power of beauty.
Visit Amazon.co.uk
@ALICETAI
THE DOCUMENTARY:
Amputating Alice, Channel 4
Alice Tai is a Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder. However, her swimming career was put on hold after major surgery which meant she was unable to take part in the Tokyo Paralympics. Her long-awaited return to the pool was set to be at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham but, just months before she was due to compete, Alice elected to have her right leg amputated to help improve her quality of life. This documentary tells the story of Alice's fight to go from amputation to gold medal contention in just over six months.
Watch via Channel4.com
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.