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Disabled Parenting with Eliza Hull and Lucy Webster

History &
Social Policy

An empowering conversation, celebrating the richness of disabled parenting in the 21st century

‘Being a disabled parent is a rebellious act.’ – Eliza Hull

When writer and musician Eliza Hull was pregnant with her first child, like most parents-to-be she felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But as a disabled person she faced added complexities. Would the pregnancy be too hard? Would people judge her? Would she cope with the demands of parenting?

In May 2023 Hull came to Intelligence Squared where, in conversation with writer and campaigner Lucy Webster, she discussed the themes of her new anthology We’ve Got This: Essays By Disabled Parents. The book features thirty parents who identify as Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, or chronically ill. They write about the highs and lows of their parenting journeys and show that the greatest obstacles lie in other people’s attitudes. They face judgement and discrimination, and are met with questions rather than support. And yet, as Hull says, ‘We still choose to parent. And we are damn good at it too!’

Join us for an empowering conversation that will celebrate the richness of disabled parenting in the 21st century.

Praise for Eliza Hull’s We’ve Got This: Essays By Disabled Parents

‘Moving…the essays are at their richest when the authors describe what ought to be mundane (for example, discussing how to adjust the height of a kitchen counter for a wheelchair) or when they are brutally honest.’ – James Coney, The Sunday Times

‘A brilliant, positive, and empowering read full of inspirational stories … really eye-opening.’ – Anita Rani, Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4

‘Eliza is a legend ― and a great advocate for our community. This book will help a lot of people!’ – Dylan Alcott, Paralympian

Event Name

Disabled Parenting with Eliza Hull and Lucy Webster

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Speakers for the motion

  • Eliza Hull

    Award-winning musician, writer, disability advocate and author of We’ve Got This: Essays By Disabled Parents

Chair

  • Lucy Webster

     Journalist, author and disability advocate

Speakers are subject to change.

Speakers

Speakers

Eliza Hull

Award-winning musician, writer, disability advocate and author of We’ve Got This: Essays By Disabled Parents

Award-winning musician, writer and disability advocate. She has the neurological condition Charcot Marie Tooth. She is the author of the children’s book Come Over To My House, which authentically represents various families with disability. Hull is also a presenter and a musician who has had her music used in TV and film, and she has performed at the Sydney Opera House, the National History Museum in London and The Melbourne Recital Centre. Her new book is We’ve Got This: Essays By Disabled Parents.
Chair

Lucy Webster

 Journalist, author and disability advocate

Journalist, author and disability advocate. She writes about disability issues – both personal and political – for outlets including The Guardian, The Times, FT, Glamour and the New Statesman. Her newsletter, The View From Down Here, is one of the leading disability-focused publications on Substack. Lucy's debut book, The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman, explores the intersection of ableism and sexism and will be published in September 2023.