Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories
Welcome to Dis-labled, where disabled voices take centre stage. Created and presented by people with disabilities, learning disabilities, autism and long-term health conditions, this is a space to share experiences, challenge stereotypes, and talk about the things that matter to us.
Dis-labled is produced by Community Focus Inclusive Arts, a North London charity supporting adults and young people with additional needs through creativity, friendship and opportunity.
Also broadcast on Resonance 104.4FM.
Episodes
71 episodes
Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Marcus's Story of Positivity and Purpose
What is it really like to live with Multiple Sclerosis?In this episode of Dis-labled, Marcus shares his experience of living with MS, how it affects his daily life, and the challenges he faces along the way. He also talks about the thing...
Autism, Art and Confidence: Finding Our Voice
In today's episode we discuss Skills Club, a club within our ARTiculate programme for young people aged 24-30.Join Tara, Sophia, Dave, Jordan, Stephanos and Flo as they share how Skills Club has helped the...
Living With a Brain Injury: Havva's Life, Challenges and Triumphs
In this episode of Dis-labled, Havva takes us through a day in her life and shares her experience of living with a brain injury.With her trademark humour and honesty, Havva talks about family, friendships, daily routines, the things she ...
From Community Focus to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: Laurent's Journey
Community Focus artist Laurent Barsotti has achieved something extraordinary.In this special episode of Dis-labled, we follow Laurent’s journey from Community Focus to exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer E...
Dating With a Disability: Confidence, Safety and Taking the First Step
In today’s episode, we’re returning to the topic of relationships and connection - from friendships and family, to dating. We discuss what makes us like someone, the things that might give us the ick, and having additional needs...
What Makes a Real Friend? Disability, Trust and Connection
In today’s episode, we’re talking all about relationships and connection – from friendships and family to dating, online connections, and everything in between. Plus, we hear part three of Alistair’s new series, “Pavement Guest,”
Trying Something New: Hobbies, Confidence and Future Dreams
In today’s episode, we return to the topic of hobbies, creativity, and the little things that make life interesting.We had so much to talk about that we had to make two episodes, so today we discuss the hobbies we’d like to try in the fu...
Why Hobbies Matter: Creativity, Confidence and Having Fun
In today’s episode, we explore hobbies, creativity, and the little things that make life interesting. From arts and crafts, gaming, and poetry to baking, bird-watching, and even quirky guilty pleasures, we share the passions that recharge us, m...
BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee: Inclusive Casting and Application Advice
In today’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alexia Barrett from The BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee. We’ll be talking about inclusivity, life behind the scenes of the show, and why she is encouragi...
Confidence, Self-image & Looking Good
Today we’re talking about confidence, self-image, and the idea of “looking good". Does looking good make us feel good? We’ll look at how appearance affects confidence, from bad hair days to clothes, weight, and all the messages we pick up from ...
Living With OCD, Pet Peeves & Personal Passions
In this episode of Dis-labled, we explore the everyday frustrations that can have a big impact on our lives.Hasel talks openly about living with OCD, how it affects her daily routines, and the challenge of finding a balance between stayi...
Anxiety Special: How It Affects Us and What to Do About It
In today’s episode, we talk openly and honestly about anxiety — what it really feels like, how it shows up in our everyday lives, and why it can be so difficult to manage.We share our personal experiences, explore simple coping st...
Why Music Matters - The Songs That Shape Our Lives
Why do we listen to music? Why can one song feel like home, while another takes us straight back to a moment in time?In today’s episode, we’re talking all about music. The songs we love. The genres that shape us. And the tracks th...
Return to Oak Lodge School – Where Are Our Pupil Podcasters Now?
We're returning to Oak Lodge School – and we couldn't be more excited!In this bonus episode, we head back to Oak Lodge to catch up with our brilliant pupil podcasters wh...
45 Nowhere St Omnibus - Six Episodes of our Spooky Soap Opera Back to Back!
Welcome back to the Dis-Labled Podcast!Today we are doing something a little bit different because this episode is an omnibus of our soap opera ‘45 Nowhere Street’.We (the students of Community Focu...
The Written Word: Poems & Stories by CF Students
In today’s episode, we celebrate the written word through poems and talking tales written and performed by CF students. Featuring original voices and creative storytelling, this episode brings together spoken word and narrative piec...
The Cost of Happiness, Restaurant Nightmares & Carol Time!
Today we’re asking the big question: How much does the journey to happiness really cost? Carol shares a moving poem on emotions, while Julia and Nadine bring a hilarious Talking Tale about a diner’s argument with...
Combatting Loneliness: Barnet Friends Join Us in the Studio
In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that touches many lives — loneliness. Joining us in the studio is Adam Wilson, a representative from Barnet Friends, a local organisation dedicated to supporting ...
Are We Introvert or Extrovert? Plus Annie & Phil Share Their Amazing News
In today’s episode, we are celebrating! Annie has completed her Foundation year at Chickenshed, and we’re so proud of all she’s achieved. She also shares some insight into what it’s like to study on a course with additional needs, and the amazi...
Happy New Year! We Talk About Doubting Ourselves & Our Hopes For 2026
Welcome back to the world-famous Dis-labled Podcast! It’s a new year, and we’re kicking it off with a discussion about our doubts and hopes for this year. Whether you’re here to laugh, learn, or just hang out, we’re glad you’re star...
It’s our 50th Episode! We Celebrate with the Incredible Musician: Genesis Brown
In today’s episode, we’re celebrating a huge milestone — our 50th podcast episode! To mark the occasion, we’re joined by a very special guest, Genesis Brown, an autistic savant performer whose incredible talent and story has inspi...
The Holiday Super-Show: Jokes, Quizzes & Festive Feasts
Welcome back to the show! Today’s episode is full of festive fun. We’re talking about our holiday plans - some of us celebrating Christmas, others celebrating Hannukah, and plenty of traditions in between.We’ve got a sleigh-load of seaso...
Fixations, Obsessions or Just Passionate? Maria's Day-trip & What Causes us Pressure
In Episode 48, we’re thrilled to introduce our newest voice — Dean joins the crew! We dive deep into the world of fixations and obsessions — the good, the tricky, and how they show up in everyday life.Mari...
Anti Bullying Week Special - Our Presenters Share Their Stories
Welcome to an important episode of the podcast. This week, in recognition of Anti-Bullying Week, we’re doing something a little different — and a little heavier than usual.In this episode, we open up about our own real experiences...
Accessibility Isn’t Just Ramps: The Barriers We Still Face
In this special half term episode, we’re diving into some big topics and plenty of laughs. First up, we’re talking accessibility—everything from getting into buildings to accessing meaningful work, and why these things matter.Then...
