Tag: Disability History

Modern, 20th century history, History of Parliament Trust, Social history

Captain Ian Fraser MP and the 1926 Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons Facilities) Bill

In the mid-1920s, radio technology developments and the BBC’s foundation in Britain led to new and exciting possibilities. Access to music, educational talks and current events became available to increasing numbers of people. Here, guest blogger Dr Rachel Garratt explores how one man, Captain Ian Fraser, used his position as a Member of Parliament and disabled veteran to campaign for radio access for blind people. … Continue reading Captain Ian Fraser MP and the 1926 Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons Facilities) Bill

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Contemporary History, 20th century history, Modern, Oral history, Social history, Women and Parliament

‘Neither fish, fowl nor good red herring’: Baroness Nicholson’s experiences of hearing loss

Emma Nicholson, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, born 1941, was the MP for Torridge and West Devon 1987‒97. Elected as a Conservative MP, she crossed the floor to join the Liberal Democrats in 1995. After losing her seat in 1997 she was created a life peer, and served as a Member of the European Parliament for South East England for ten years (1999‒2009). Interviewed in 2013 … Continue reading ‘Neither fish, fowl nor good red herring’: Baroness Nicholson’s experiences of hearing loss

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Contemporary History, Disability history, Health and Medicine, Modern, Oral history, Women and Parliament

‘Helping the Disabled to Live to Capacity’: rediscovering Dr Margaret Agerholm through parliamentary history

Over the past few weeks UK Heritage institutions have been marking Disability History Month, and in today’s blog we hear from Dr Emmeline Ledgerwood, the History of Parliament’s Oral History Project Manager. Listening to the project’s interview with former MP Sir John Hannam sparked a research trail that led her towards a key figure in disability rights campaigning: Dr Margaret Agerholm. In his interview for … Continue reading ‘Helping the Disabled to Live to Capacity’: rediscovering Dr Margaret Agerholm through parliamentary history

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