Kate Stanforth

5 Tips - Medical Costs (UK)

Last week, I was in the hospital and started chatting with a few patients. It became clear, although not to my surprise that so many people didn't know about the support they were entitled to. And they were struggling.

I've learnt about most of my support from word of mouth, so I'm keen to share posts like these on my platform. So my questions for today are...

- Has anyone in particular helped you navigate your disability journey? Maybe a friend or organisation.
- Do you have any tips to add to these?

As for the post, here's why saving on medical costs is so important!

Disability Price Tag Survey (Scope ):
*Disabled households with at least 1 disabled adult or child, face extra costs of £975 a month on average
*For households with 2 disabled adults and at least 2 children, these average extra costs increase to £1,248 a month
*Disability-related extra costs are equivalent to 63% of a disabled household’s income, after housing costs

Absolutely love Capezio feeds and website at the moment; Inclusivity is on point(e) 👌

Here's a photo from their campaign shoot; it was such a beautiful day ☀️

What other dance organisations/brands have you noticed are currently upping their inclusivity game?

Dancers: and
Photography: A Dancers Lens

🎉 Progressing Ballet Technique Ambassador 🎉

I sometimes feel as though my conditions are complete opposites. It's tough to balance multiple chronic illnesses when the management plan, if any, is very different. One of my conditions, EDS, means that movement and strengthening are vital to my routine to help manage dislocations, prolapses and keep my body functioning as well as I can. However, I also have ME, where exercise isn't recommended.

I've spent my whole disabled life trying to get the balance right, and to be perfectly honest, I don't think I ever will. However, I feel like I'm getting closer. One of those steps for me was finding and training PBT. It has my love for ballet mixed with strengthening exercises whilst not being *too* physically demanding. And for the bits I struggled with, I adapted.

Fast forward 3 years, and I'm now part of their team as an ambassador. I've had support from the founder, Marie, from Day 1, which still makes me rather emotional. I didn't tell the team I was disabled when I first started training PBT because I was so nervous that I wouldn't be able to do my qualification, but I was welcomed with open arms, and we've had a brilliant relationship ever since.

Now, I'm a Level 3 instructor, and Fay, who started off as a disabled dancer in my academy, has now completed her Level 3 training as well! I've created an adapted programme of PBT, specialising in people with hypermobility and/or limited mobility and have had an amazing time teaching it both online and for IDS at Elmhurst.

So, here's to a new chapter. I'll continue my research for movement for those with hypermobility and/or limited movement and will be sharing some videos on my progress soon ❤️

Photos Shona Louise Cobb and Sean Evans

It's (nearly) October. It's Strictly season. And we are ready to dance! Here's our latest timetable:

ONLINE via Zoom

Monday 4pm: Strictly Style with Fay (Inclusive Dance)
(2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd)

Wednesday 4pm: Halloween Special with Jade / Kate (Inclusive Dance)
(Wednesday 11th, 18th, 25th and MONDAY 30th for a Halloween Dance Party!)

Friday 6th 4pm: Tap with Kate (Inclusive Hand Tap)
(Pay As You Feel - Donation Session)

🌟 Sessions are 45mins
🌟 Sessions are LIVE and recorded on zoom
🌟 Sessions are inclusive

💰 Monday and Wednesday classes are covered in our subscription (£25 a month - 8 sessions). You can purchase any of the Monday and Wednesday classes individually for £8. The Friday session is donation-based.

🤫 We also have private sessions available with our teachers 🤫

*The clocks change in October, so this is both BST and GMT*

BOOK NOW: www.katestanforthacademyofdance.com