The Ability Alliance

The Ability Alliance is a disability support community in the UK, created to empower disabled people and carers through connection, resources, and real-life experiences. Whether you live with an invisible illness, face daily access challenges, or want to feel less alone on your journey, you’re welcome here.

From honest product reviews to practical guides on UK disability rights and benefits, we’re building a space where ability shines through – and everyone is valued.

A colourful digital illustration featuring diverse individuals with disabilities, including people using wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, mobility aids, guide dogs, and other adaptive tools. The text "THE ABILITY ALLIANCE" is displayed across the centre in bold, pastel lettering on a pink banner. The background consists of alternating pastel blue and green panels, creating a vibrant and inclusive representation of disability empowerment

Introduction and Mission Statement

We believe that every person deserves to live a life without barriers, and we’re here to help make that a reality.

Why This is Important to Me

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Endometriosis, Steatohepatitis, and De Quervain’s Syndrome, I have faced countless challenges that many people don’t see. I know first-hand how isolating and difficult life can be with an invisible disability. This journey has been my biggest fight, but it’s also been my greatest teacher. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of community. The Ability Alliance was born from my desire to make a difference, to give others the support and information I wish I had when my life changed so drastically.

What We Aim to Do

The Ability Alliance is here to:

  • Raise awareness about visible and invisible disabilities.

  • Provide information about disability legislation and rights.

  • Offer guidance on financial benefits and eligibility.

  • Highlight schemes like the Access Card and Purpl, designed to improve accessibility.

  • Share resources about services that cater to disabled people, including companies that offer home visits for those who can’t get to stores.

  • Visit places and review their accessibility.

  • Test products designed to help people with disabilities and provide honest feedback.

Legislation and Financial Support

We aim to simplify complex legislation and provide clear information on the financial benefits available to disabled individuals. This includes eligibility criteria and how to apply for support.

Accessibility Reviews and Product Testing

We will visit places to give honest opinions as disabled users, highlighting accessibility features and areas for improvement. Additionally, we will try out products designed to help people with disabilities, ensuring they do what they promise and sharing unbiased reviews.

Community and Empowerment

The Ability Alliance is more than just a resource hub—it’s a community. We want to build a space where people feel supported, understood, and empowered. We encourage everyone to share their experiences and ideas, fostering a community that advocates for change and mutual support.

Join us on this journey to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world.

If you need help please reach out through our Contact page 

My Story is not unique

Life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is hard, before I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms I worked full time as well as also being a Wife & Mother. 

My life is really tough but that is why I have to share my story with the world. Living every day with this debilitating illness makes me even more determined to raise awareness of how life-changing life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms is. People and medical professionals need to see the real side of life with a chronic illness so that we can begin to change whatever prehistoric preconceived ideas that exist in today’s society.

A digital illustration titled 'Things That Help Me Feel Better on a Bad ME Day.' It features six comforting activities represented by cute illustrations: taking a bath (a woman in a tub), wearing clean pyjamas (a person in blue PJs), warming up with cozy socks, getting lots of rest (a comfy bed), getting comfortable (pillows), and cuddling a black Labrador (Alfie). The background has soft clouds, and the design has a warm and calming aesthetic

@theabiilityalliance

Recent blogs

This journey taught me the power of resilience and I hope that by sharing my experiences good and bad I can raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges.

Illustration of a smiling man holding a large blue National Disability Card against a pink background with text promoting the card as a discreet and effective way to communicate disability.

National Disability Card UK: A Lifeline for People with Disabilities

The National Disability Card is more than just ID—it’s a powerful tool for people with visible and invisible disabilities to access support, travel more freely, and live with greater confidence. From emergency contact features to priority access at venues like
Read more
Illustrated digital graphic of a woman in a wheelchair holding a passport and boarding pass, with speech bubbles that say, “Let’s Talk About Travelling with a Wheelchair.” The background is pink with a border featuring travel-related icons like passports, airplanes, cameras, and tickets. At the bottom, the website https://alishawhittam.com is displayed.

Travelling Abroad with a Wheelchair: A Comprehensive Guide for Smooth and Safe Journeys

Travelling abroad with a wheelchair comes with unique challenges, but with the right preparation, you can explore the world smoothly and safely. From choosing the right airline to protecting your wheelchair from damage, this guide covers everything you need to
Read more
A tribute image featuring a serene blue sky with white clouds, angel wings, a halo, and the name "Maeve Boothby-O’Neill" in elegant lettering, honouring the memory of a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis sufferer

ME Matters: A Tragic Loss & the Urgent Need for Change

💔 Maeve Boothby-O’Neill’s tragic passing at just 27 highlights the urgent need for change in the care of ME patients. Despite multiple hospital admissions, Maeve was failed by a system that lacked the specialised care she desperately needed. Her story
Read more
A before-and-after comparison of a workspace showing the impact of a cable management kit. The “Before” side has tangled and messy cables, while the “After” side displays a neat and organised setup with cables secured.

The Ultimate Guide to Cable Management: Keep Your Home Pet-Safe & Clutter-Free

Struggling with messy cables? Learn how to organise your wires and prevent pets from chewing them with these simple and effective cable management solutions!
Read more
Futuristic robotic wheelchair in a high-tech medical facility, surrounded by digital interfaces and glowing blue indicators. Designed with advanced wheels and armrests, the chair is positioned under a floating holographic globe labelled "AI".

The Rise of Robotic Wheelchairs: Revolutionising Accessibility and Affordability

Robotic wheelchairs are transforming mobility for people with disabilities, offering smart technology, AI navigation, and new levels of independence. But the high cost keeps many from accessing these life-changing devices. This post explores both the promise and the barriers —
Read more
Cartoon illustration of a smiling doctor pointing to a bright blue sign that reads "Is Ketamine the Future of Chronic Illness Treatment?" on a light blue background with playful abstract shapes.

Ketamine Therapy: A New Hope for Complex Chronic Conditions Like ME?

Could ketamine therapy offer new hope for people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and other chronic illnesses? We explore Dr Bryan Henry’s powerful personal story, the latest clinical research, and whether treatments like ketamine, stem cell therapy, and microdosing could shape
Read more

Latest Videos

Subscribe to My Channel

A Chaotic Christmas

We got a Puppy

A stylish YouTube thumbnail featuring a newly decorated bedroom with soft grey and white tones, plush cushions, and decorative lighting. The text overlay reads "Bedroom Makeover – Hubby Surprised Me!", hinting at a heartfelt transformation

Surprise Bedroom Makeover

A YouTube thumbnail featuring a rechargeable lint remover with a sleek white design, LED display, and multiple speed settings. The text highlights the 3-speed adjustment, Type-C charging, and 2500mAh battery, showcasing its key features.

The best rechargeable lint remover (and why you need one)

A playful YouTube thumbnail featuring a stylized illustration of a woman and her black Labrador sitting on a bed, with a basket of apples. The text reads "My Dog Loves Apples", surrounded by floating apples and a cute cartoon apple character.

My Dog loves apples - The uncut version

making a difference

View All
An illustrated poster promoting the ME Pyjama Party, featuring diverse characters in fun animal onesies and pyjamas. The text encourages people to wear PJs for ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day, sharing photos on social media using #MEPJPARTY

The ME Pyjama Party

Get comfy for a cause! The ME Pyjama Party is a powerful yet simple way to raise awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). During ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day, we’re inviting you to wear your pyjamas in solidarity with those who are bed-bound due to this debilitating illness. How to Join: ✔ Take a picture in your PJs ✔ Post it on social media using #MEPJPARTY ✔ Tag friends & spread the message!

An illustrated image of a diverse group of family members and caregivers sitting together, representing the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Carer Community. The text above them highlights the supportive network for those caring for ME sufferers.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Carer Community

Caring for someone with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can be challenging, but you are not alone. 💙 Join the ME Carer Community—a safe space for support, advice, and connection. Let's uplift one another. 🤝 #MECarers #ChronicIllnessSupport #YouAreNotAlone

A digital illustration of Alisha Whittam lying on a bed, smiling alongside her two black Labradors, Alfie and Archie. One dog is sitting happily while the other is sleeping. The image features the Alisha Whittam YouTube branding in the corner

My Youtube Channel

Welcome to my world! 💙 Join me, Alfie & Archie, as we navigate life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, share our favourite moments, and spread positivity. Subscribe for real-life stories, disability awareness, and lots of dog love! 🐶✨ #AlishaWhittam #LifeWithME #BlackLabs

Facebook Instagram X-twitter Tiktok Linkedin Pinterest Youtube

Alisha on Social Media

What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

According to the NHS Website, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness

For more information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/

People with ME/CFS have fatigue that is very different from just being tired. The fatigue of ME/CFS:

  • Can be severe.
  • Is not a result of unusually difficult activity.
  • Is not relieved by sleep or rest.
  • Was not a problem before becoming ill (not life-long)

Worsening of ME/CFS symptoms after physical or mental activity that would not have caused a problem before illness. This is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Sleep problems.

Many but not all people with ME/CFS have other symptoms.

Pain is very common in people with ME/CFS. The type of pain, where it occurs, and how bad it is varies a lot. The pain people with ME/CFS feel is not caused by an injury. The most common types of pain in ME/CFS are:

  • Muscle pain and aches
  • Joint pain without swelling or redness
  • Headaches, either new or worsening

Some people with ME/CFS may also have:

  • Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
  • A sore throat that happens often
  • Digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome
  • Chills and night sweats
  • Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, light, or noise
  • Muscle weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular heartbeat
Information is taken from The CDC Website https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/symptoms-diagnosis/symptoms

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis does not have a cure.

Find a Dr or Consultant who listens to you is the first step

It is a manageable condition and depending on the severity of your symptoms the more difficult this can become.

I advise learning to listen to your body and what it is telling you. If you feel tired rest and if you feel pain find a solution to reduce that pain, this could be through pain medication prescribed by your Dr.

I am not saying that finding a Dr who listens or listening to your body is going to be easy as this illness is incredibly complex for some and manageable for others.

Having a Dr who listens to you or reads about the latest drug that sufferers are recommending can take a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety from the sufferer.

It would be best for me to point you to the above question What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis? 

Most pages list the illness as ME/CFS or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or sometimes even Systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).

Get Updates In Your Inbox !

Sign up with email to receive news & updates.

Menu

Latest Blogs

Important