Speaking up for yourself and what you think is important is something our Listen Up! team is all about. We speak with Summer Dickens on her experiences as a self-advocate. 

Summer chairs SeeAbility’s Taking Control group, our forum which means people we support can feed back directly to the charity on what is working for them and what we can do to improve. Summer is also a key part of the Listen Up! programme which focuses on speaking up on issues that affect disabled people, locally and nationally. She even has her own podcast ‘Summertime’.

What made you start wanting to speak up for yourself and others? 
In my life I have noticed a lot of injustices that impacted both myself and others, and I wanted support to change society. For example, when I’m using public transport, particularly in London, it can be difficult as a disabled person. I’ve had experiences where bus drivers don’t wait for you to sit down before driving off, even when I specifically ask them to. These experiences where people don’t listen make me feel disempowered.  

Why is speaking up important to you? 
If nobody spoke up for themselves or others, then society would carry on as normal with little to no consideration for people like myself.

If you could wave a magic wand, what would you like to see changed in the future? 
I would like there to be a society in which everyone feels able to speak up for what they need. There should to be no barriers to people getting the care and support they need and deserve.

What empowers you to influence change? 
I feel empowered when I hear others around me confidently speaking up for what they need. If they can do it, then so can I.  

How has being the Chair of Taking Control and a part of the Listen Up! programme made you the person you are today?
Being the Chair of Taking Control has encouraged me to not only listen to the voices of people we support but also to make sure that their voices are heard.
Listen Up! has made me more passionate about campaigning for national change and amplifying the voices of people like me in wider society. It’s helped me to challenge stereotypes around what people with disabilities can do.

Who has inspired you to be the person you are today?
Chris McCausland is a huge inspiration for me, because he makes me feel that no matter what our challenges are, we can do anything we put our minds to when we have the right support.

What’s next for you around speaking up and self advocacy?
I would like to be more proactive around campaigning - not only in my local community but also nationally. I have already got some top tips from the MP for Seaford, James MacCleary, who I have interviewed for my podcast! Have a listen to find out more!