This week, members of Difference North East gathered to discuss the thought-provoking film, “Then Barbara Met Alan“. The film, portraying the groundbreaking activism of Barbara Lisicki and Alan Holdsworth, offers a reminder of the power of community, the importance and function of direct action, and the need for an ongoing fight for equality. This was part of the “Members Makes the Difference” series.
The discussion was as much about the film as it was about disability activism today. Attendees shared personal stories from their lives and of the Direct Action Network (DAN) that was featured in the film, debated issues, and considered future paths to our liberation.
The Power of Community and Direct Action
A recurring theme in the discussion was the power of collective action. For many, the film brought back the spirit of the 1990s disability rights movement, particularly, iconic protests like chaining wheelchairs to buses to demand accessible public transport and the block telethon protest demanding “rights not charity”.
One attendee reflected:
“The biggest emotion I felt was pride, proud of a community that cares so much about what they’re passionate about.”
Another shared:
“It reminded me of the protests in Newcastle when DAN stopped buses at Monument. It was exciting and empowering.”
Yet, there was consensus that while visibility and direct action are vital, these efforts have their foundations in community building and engaging with local issues important to those communities.
Has Transport Truly Become Accessible?
The film encouraged conversation about transport accessibility—a battle important in the era of Barbara and Alan but still incomplete today. While there have been improvements, attendees highlighted persistent failures:
- Wheelchair users often face issues securing their spot on buses, competing with pushchairs, or dealing with poorly enforced rules.
- Rural areas, such as parts of Teesside, rely on systems like Tees Flex, which are helpful but still flawed in terms of app accessibility and seating limitations.
- The frustration of needing to plan for delays if another wheelchair user is already onboard reflects ongoing systemic barriers.
One participant commented:
“When I look at buses in Austria, they make ours seem like they’re from the 1950s. We haven’t come far enough.”
“It’s like they think the disabled people don’t work before 9:30am or have kids to get to school, or have appointments to get to? Yeah, my whole life doesn’t start till 9:30am”
Fear & Activism
A sobering point raised during the discussion was the role of fear in discouraging activism. Current laws and political climates have created an environment where many feel apprehensive about protesting, worried about potential repercussions.
One attendee observed:
“People are scared to protest. They’re already fighting individual battles—for benefits, housing, or social care—and fear losing what little they have.”
It was suggested that this fear, compounded by a sense of isolation, has made it harder to mobilise large-scale, impactful actions. Yet, as one contributor noted:
“This film is a reminder of what was achieved when things were done on our terms. Imagine what could be achieved if we worked together again.”
A Path Forward
The session ended with a call to action. Participants shared ideas on how to rekindle the spirit of DAN while adapting to modern challenges and opportunities:
- Newer technology: Social media, video content, and streaming platforms offer new tools for spreading messages and organizing communities.
- Localised activism: Addressing regional issues ensures that actions are relevant and impactful for the people directly affected.
- Safe spaces: Organisers emphasized the need for safe and anonymous ways to protest, minimizing risks for vulnerable participants.
- Building community: Collaboration between different groups and integrating underrepresented voices can create a unified front for advocacy.
The discussion around “Then Barbara Met Alan” underscored how far we’ve come in the fight for disability rights, and how far we have to go. As one participant put it:
“The battles of 1995 aren’t so different from the battles we face today. The question is, how do we move forward, together?”