38. I LOVE conferences… but here’s what I need to shine at them

I love conferences. They are my favourite part of my job.  I get to meet new people and tell them about our work. I get to share how our research is helping people with learning disabilities get better care at the end of their lives.

But for me, going to a conference is not as simple as just turning up.  There is a lot of planning and support involved to make the this part of my job accessible for me.  In this blog I will tell you about my experience on a recent trip to Birmingham for the Gold Standards Framework Conference. I went with Andrea, Jo, and of course our penguin mascot Pierre!

Getting Ready to Travel

My carer took me to Kings Cross station to meet Andrea and Jo.  We went to buy some lunch. This was a bit tricky because we needed to keep the receipts. Andrea and Jo helped me with this so I didn't need to worry about it.  At the station we went to the accessible point to get the buggy to the platform. Andrea even joined me on the buggy! There was a ramp to get onto the train. I wanted to walk up with my walker, like I usually do. But the staff member took my walker onto the train before I got on. That made it harder for me.

Hotel

My hotel room was amazing because it was accessible. The bed was HUGE! I am not used to sleeping in such a big bed.  Jo helped me loosen the sheets because they were tucked in very tightly.  In the bathroom there was an accessible toilet and shower. The shower was lovely and hot.  I liked the wardrobe because the rail tilted down so I could reach it. The mirror tilted too.

Getting Ready to Present

Andrea and I were presenting together about the Victoria and Stuart toolkit.  We had a preparation meeting the day before.  We planned who would say what.  Andrea would speak first. Then me.  We always do this as a team to get ready for presentations.  It helps me feel confident when we have time to prepare and practise.

Conference Venue

The venue was very close to the hotel.  You just walked through the bar, opened a door, and you were there!  But getting onto the stage was hard.  The stage was very high and it was one big platform.  Steps would have been easier for me.

Heading Home

We got an earlier train home than planned.  This meant Jo had to speak to the care agency, because I needed support at home at a different time. Conferences are hard work.  On the train home we were all very tired.  Andrea said she was going to go out with a friend that night, but I think we were all ready for a rest!

Accessibility is beautiful

My colleague Jo recently bought a necklace which says "Accessibility is beautiful". Accessibility is beautiful. But it is a complicated word. It can mean ramps, showers, buggies, and other practical things. But for me it also means the support we give each other. It means feeling relaxed and safe when we travel together.  I love conferences. But I need my experience to be accessible to be able to shine at them.

Written by Amanda Cresswell, Research Assistant, Kingston University London

Photo credits: Kingston University London