The power of listening to lived experience

The Cerebral Palsy Network was invited to a World Café event at the University of Sheffield.

The project looked at how to improve access to cervical screening for disabled people. It focused on the barriers that disabled women and other disabled people face.

I was proud to represent the Network. I listened to people with lived experience. I also spoke with NHS and charity partners.

I know that cervical screening can be difficult. I have seen this in my work. I have also experienced it myself.

At my last screening, I explained that my spastic cerebral palsy can make the test painful and hard. The response I got was an "aww". It did not feel helpful. I wanted solutions, not sympathy.

During the event, I heard similar stories from other people. These experiences were not unusual.

It was good to be in a room where people listened. Disabled people need to be involved in decisions about healthcare. We need a seat at the table.

Self-sampling may work for some people. However, it should not be the only option for disabled people.

Choice matters. Disabled people should help design self-sampling tools. This will help make sure they work for the people who use them.

I also loved the creative approach to the event. Visual minute takers captured ideas as the day went on. It was exciting to watch the discussions take shape.

I look forward to reading the final report. I am keen to see the recommendations we developed together.