S1E12 - Historical Disability Disrupter - The Life and Times of Ben Purse

This special Historical Disability Disrupter episode of the Podcast features a presentation by Dr. Peter Wheeler on the remarkable life and times of Ben Purse, a pivotal figure in disability history. Purse famously articulated that while physical impairment "matters," the greater problem was "the social sins of the community" — attitudes, barriers, and obstacles that prevented blind people from achieving social and economic fairness alongside sighted workers. This perspective predates modern social models of disability. Ben Purse orchestrated a historic march to London in 1920, where 250 blind men and their supporters marched from three different starting points to Trafalgar Square, greeted by an estimated 10,000 supporters. The march, titled "Justice Not Charity," aimed to influence the 1920 Blind Persons Bill. 00:00 Introduction - Disability Disrupters Podcast 00:42 The Life and Times of Ben Purse 40:42 Dr Pam introducing the Q&A with Dr Peter Wheeler 40:49 Question and Answers on the Life and Times of Ben Purse 01:07:14 Podcast seeking contributions from Listeners 01:07:41 Goodbye from Dr Pam 01:07:57 Advert - Fast braille translation service Support Disability Disrupters by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/disability-disruptersRead transcript