Coventry Youth Activists talk about their campaign to stop the abuse of disabled people on Social Media

D’you know, I’m really hacked off it’s ‘Disability Pride Month’. No, not because I’m a fascist oppressor of the proletariat – but because you’ll all be thinking I’m interviewing the Coventry Youth Activists in response to that. Those of you who know me will be aware that I hate awareness days, weeks and months, because, the question has to be asked, what are you doing for the rest of the year? I’ll tell you what you’ll be doing – you’ll be forgetting – because nobody’s telling you to be aware or proud…

I had no idea it was disability anything month – how we support the most vulnerable folk in our society reflects on all of us. Every day should be disability pride day. 

Anyway, in preparation for this podcast with the fabulous folk who are Coventry Youth Activists, or, CYA for those in the know, I gathered together all kinds of information about prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime, both on and offline, against people with disabilities. I was so dedicated to my task that I almost…although, not quite, forgot to walk a mile in the shoes of the fabulous young folk I met on screen for the first time, while they welcomed me, a complete stranger, into their world with open arms. 

This was the first time I’d interviewed more than one person at a time – and it was an absolute privilege to speak with Amanda, Joey, Chloe, Tom, Eli, Kirsty and Molly. 

They’re currently running a campaign for Social Media Platforms to do more to reduce the online abuse of folk with disabilities - take a look here - they need 100,000 signatures - you can find them on Twitter @Covactivists or on Facebook - just look for Coventry Youth Activists

You can see what else they're up to here - I'm really looking forward to having a seat on their CYA Sofa.

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Until the next time,

I’ve been Chris Young and you’ve been rather fabulous,

Walk a Mile