A Year of Transformation and Resilience
Navigating Change with Resilience
This year commenced with a significant turning point for us at shop.disabilityhorizons.com: the closure of Disability Horizons magazine. This decision, marked by both sadness and grief, was a pivotal moment, reflecting the end of an era that had profoundly impacted the disabled community. The magazine, since its inception, has been a voice for hundreds of disabled writers and a source of inspiration for thousands of people.
The Evolution of DH Shop
In the wake of the magazine’s closure, concerns about the future of the DH Shop, which I had passionately built with the team, for over three years, loomed large. However, the unwavering support from the original co-founder Martyn, assured the shop’s continuity. (Follow Martyn’s latest news here)
This year also saw us expanding our marketplace presence, relaunching on Amazon and eBay, and innovating with a new Etsy store, Reoaken, showcasing our adaptability and commitment to accessible products being found everywhere!
Expanding Our Impact
Our innovation extended beyond just expanding marketplaces. This year environmental issues and cost of living concerns have been at the forefront of people’s minds.
I decided to launch the Disability Health Shop to provide a place to buy pre-owned and lower-cost mobility and disability products.
This new venture focuses on offering second-hand, pre-owned mobility and healthcare items, marrying affordability with sustainability. This initiative aims to provide a platform for exchanging items no longer needed, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and cost savings.
Additionally, our new blog provided essential insights, like how to get NHS walking and mobility aids, How to choose Crutches and Rollators, furthering our commitment to informative and supportive content,
Looking Forward with Optimism – What’s Coming in 2024
I still have high ambitions for next year:
– Opening a new US store in partnership with Buckingham Healthcare to provide low-cost cost fast local shipping for US customers and transactions in US dollars.
– Launching new products from disabled entrepreneurs and providing advice and support for their new businesses.
– Continuing collaborations with innovative companies for new solutions for disabled people.
– Working with Crip Life and other disabled people-led organisations to build a stronger community.
– A collaboration with a new organisation in Poland aiming to help promote inclusion and accessibility there and help the many Ukrainian refugees who have disabilities.
I Will Keep Creating New Products And Helping Other Inventors
Exciting new product developments are on the horizon, including the launch of more of our own products.
This year I launched the Bed Wedge Mattress Lifter, and my “Don’t Take Me Home Keyfob,” is becoming established as a low-tech key management tool.
Initially, the product was designed for disabled people. It helped prevent carers from accidentally taking important keys home. It was also useful in pubs and restaurants to manage disabled toilet keys and reduce theft. Now, its use has expanded. It serves businesses, estates, and public sector buildings too. I even sold one to a fire station on a small island off the coast of the USA!
I will also keep finding and stocking new inventions from disabled entrepreneurs – please get in touch if you find something new or if you have a product you have created.
Expressing Our Gratitude
As this year draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and resilience of our community. Your engagement and feedback have been huge and essential to our growth and evolution. As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the new year, we do so with a spirit of hope, excitement, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of disabled people through inclusion, equality and access.
Season’s Greetings
I wish you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Here’s to a future brimming with possibilities, innovations, and continued community spirit!