3Spoonies On Aids and Adaptations: Part 1

3Spoonies Episode Number 53, 16th April 2026 With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    This special anniversary episode of 3Spoonies is all about aids and adaptations — the everyday tools, adjustments, and workarounds that disabled people use to live, work, and navigate the world.   In Part One of this two-part conversation, we’re joined by Paralympian Aaron Phipps, and accessibility innovator Melissa Smith. With honest discussion from us, as we explore what aids and adaptations really look like in real life — not just in theory or policy documents. This is a practical, human conversation about disability, access, and lived experience — with humour, honesty, and zero inspiration-porn. 3Spoonies is a podcast about navigating life and business with limited energy, chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence — and this anniversary episode reflects exactly what the show stands for: real conversations, everyday realities, and staying human while doing it.   This is Part One of our anniversary special on aids and adaptations. Part Two continues the conversation with more lived experiences and perspectives. Join us next Thursday for that episode!   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Guests Aaron Phipps MBE Aaron Phipps MBE is a three times Paralympian and gold medal winning champion from the Tokyo 2020 games. He has scaled Kilimanjaro on his hands and knees for charity and has been voted in the top 100 most influential people in the UK with a disability. https://www.aaronphipps.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-phipps-mbe-ply-062b3747/ Melissa Smith  Paws In Earnest designs innovative dog accessories that enrich mealtimes and reduce boredom, helping dogs live happier, healthier lives. Founded by Melissa after struggling to find accessible enrichment toys for her own dog, Paws In Earnest focuses on creating easy-to-use products that enhance dogs' wellbeing.   https://www.pawsinearnest.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsinearnest/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsinearnest/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pawsinearnest    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:   Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest. Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn. Find out more: www.greencatbooks.com   And to our advert sponsors!  Men Forge Forward Men Forge Forward is a free online community where professional men under pressure reclaim their edge through brotherhood, accountability, and the 30-day FireUP Challenge. menforgeforward.com   Kapow! Business Coaching with Impact   KAPOW! Business Coaching with Impact helps business owners find clarity and focus when things feel messy. https://heroes.kapowme.com/focus-support   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:26 Sponsor: Green Cat Books 01:01 Meet the guests (Aaron + Melissa) 02:41 What counts as “aids & adaptations” 03:45 Mobility aids common assumptions 04:04 Everyday practical aids 05:50 Sleep supports 09:09 DIY tweaks and adapting everyday tools 10:31 Crutches 14:25 The extra costs of disability  16:28 Repair vs replace 20:01 Home adaptations 22:43 Kitchen adaptations 24:41 Lifts and stairs 28:09 Daily essentials 38:22 Travel accessibility 58:52 Cleaning aids 1:00:01 Wrap-up _____