Handicapped Telephonist

From the collection of

The Box

Established in 1992, the South West Film & Television Archive collection spans from 1893 to the present day containing more than 250,000 items. Formed from a variety of depositors, including broadcast news and programmes material from the Westward and TSW archive. In 2018 the archive collection transferred to The Box in Plymouth.

Handicapped Telephonist (TSW News)

Redundancy does not discriminate. Or does it?

David Bennett suffers from cerebral palsy, a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. David worked as a switchboard telephonist at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth before deciding to go on a trip to Australia.

After being verbally told that his job would be safe for him upon his return, he came home to a letter saying he was to be made redundant. He felt very let down by his former place of work and fears that given his condition, it will be very hard for him to find work elsewhere due to indirect or even direct discrimination.

Employment rights among the disabled community has come a long way since the 1980s. By law, all employers must treat all applicants equally regardless of any health conditions they have. The Equality Act 2010 brought the framework of protection against direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation for those working in public and private environments.

The Disability Confident Employer Scheme encourages employers to think differently, it will show which employers have committed to offering an interview to a representative number of disabled people. There are 4.7 million disabled people currently at work in the UK.

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From the collection

Reframing Perspectives on Disability

Victories and setbacks on the road to a more accessible and inclusive society.

As we explore the region's archival footage on disability, it's important to acknowledge that disabled people still face challenges today. By examining how the South West has adapted over time, we can reframe our perspectives and work towards a more inclusive future. From the establishment of disabled sport teams to discussing hidden and visible disabilities on regional TV, the region has made strides towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society. These archival videos can open our eyes to the experiences and perspectives of disabled people in the 1980s and 90s. There's still much work to be done, but by looking back at our history, we can learn from our successes and failures and strive towards a more equitable future.

33 videos in this collection

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Disability Breakthrough

  • Callington
  • 1986
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Manadon Karate Club raise money

  • Plymouth
  • 1986
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Signed News for the Deaf

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
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Disabled Farmers

  • Modbury
  • 1987
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Blind Guitarist

  • St Austell
  • 1989
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Santa's Wish

  • Goonhavern
  • 1989
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Handicapped Telephonist

  • Plymouth
  • 1986
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Lip Reading

  • Newquay
  • 1991
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Lip Reading Classes

  • Camborne
  • 1992
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Packaging, Dyslexia, Stress and Double Glazing

  • Exeter
  • 1990
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Dietary Requirements

  • Exeter
  • 1986
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Lord Nelson

  • Plymouth
  • 1988
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Playgroup

  • Plymouth
  • 1991
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Cystic Fibrosis

  • Torbay
  • 1989
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Fit for Work Award

  • Truro
  • 1991
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Youth Group

  • Penryn
  • 1991
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Art Studio for the disabled

  • Quantock Hills
  • 1986
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Farm Helpline

  • Durweston
  • 1992
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Penny Farthings against Cancer

  • St Ives
  • 1986
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Gardening For The Handicapped

  • Rattery
  • 1986
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Simon Weston

  • Devonport
  • 1989
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Sleeping Pill Addiction

  • Totnes
  • 1990
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Meningitis

  • Exeter
  • 1991
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Handicapped Farm

  • Woodbury
  • 1989
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Dyslexia

  • Plymouth
  • 1990
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Uniquely Abled

  • Totnes
  • 1991
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Blind Golfer

  • Devon
  • 1987
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Sign Language

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
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Multiple Sclerosis Referee

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
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Transplant Games

  • Exeter
  • 1987
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RNID Bus

  • Westminster
  • 1991
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Leukaemia

  • Hinkley Point Power Stations
  • 1988
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Muscular Dystrophy

  • Plymouth
  • 1988
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