I was just browsing Facebook on this dull wet afternoon, when I came across a link to this new blog on one of the disability related pages. The fact that it is focussed on travel got me interested of course, but I’d just like to flag up something I find problematic. It’s a blog written by the mum of a man called Corey, a 25-year-old American with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She says her blog is about ‘Empowering caregivers’, and writes “At My Sandy Trail, I believe that every caregiver deserves to be healthy and happy. My blog shares inspiring stories and tips not only for making wheelchair accessible travel a reality, but also ensuring that you and your loved one can create unforgettable memories together in a safe and healthy way!”

Sorry if I’m being a bit grouchy, but this instantly sent my mind back to what I wrote here, about people speaking for disabled people when we’re perfectly able to speak for ourselves. Such so-called ‘advocates’ may mean well, but isn’t it a bit patronising for a mum to speak for her son, and document their adventures online? Can’t he do so hisself, so we get his own perspective on the issues he faces rather than that of his mother? After all, this blog would be vastly different if my parents were writing it for me (it would probably have a lot more about making marmalade!) On the other hand, it could well be the case that Corey does not want to blog and is fine with his mum documenting their adventures, so I better not read too much into it. Even so, I still think accounts of disability issues from disabled people rather than their ‘caregivers’ are always preferable.