Posability April/May 2017

ability

April/May 2017

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

SOUTHERN

INDIA

WIN A BREAK AT TREWORGANS FARM COTTAGES

Indulging the senses in Kerala

FOODS AND MOODS

Can the correct diet improve your quality of life?

ALSO FEATURED...Festival Fever /Autism Awareness Week / Domestic Abuse FC_April_May_FINAL_AB.indd 1

28/03/2017 13:16

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dmo socks 28/03/2017 12:42

WELCOME April/May 2017

It was tough to choose a cover this issue, as Southern India lends itself to so many beautiful sights, colours and scenery. Inside this issue of PosAbility Magazine, we explore Kerala in Southern India and discover what a sensory treasure trove it really is. Read more on page 53.

The shocking reality of domestic abuse directed at women who have a disability is a topic that has to be exposed and catapulted to the forefront of the disability debate. We have decided to lift the lid and focus on this abhorrent abuse of trust on page 15.

The challenges of disability transcend many aspects of family life. We talk to doting mum Rayma Kumar who shares candidly her experiences of how bringing up son Rishi has changed the dynamics of her marriage. She is backing a nationwide campaign for more support to help rescue relationships for parents of a child with a disability. Learn more on page 33.

In this issue, we also turn the spotlight on autism and the experiences of adults and children on the autistic spectrum receive support to help them live independent lives.

learning disabilities as a baby. Her insight had a dramatic impact on Katy’s health, mood and happiness and changed the path of Mary’s career.

With the holiday and party season looming, we point you in the direction of the UK’s most accessible accomodation and festivals and there’s also a chance to win a break at the relaxing and luxurious Treworgans Farm on page 51.

Our new-look Kids’ Cabin section from page 61 has more to offer PosAbility’s younger readers than ever before. And we’re thrilled and excited to introduce the kids’ section’s new columnist eight-year-old Rio Woolf, the amputee with attitude!

As always, we welcome your feedback about the articles and features you find in this issue of the country’s leading disability lifestyle magazine. Equally importantly, we want to hear about the issues affecting you and the subjects you’d like us to probe in future editions.

Acting Editor: Niki Tennant Staff Writer: Lisa Mitchell Staff Writer: Colette Carr Designer: Abbie Bunton Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Val Speers

CONTRIBUTORS Mik Scarlet Sam Renke Rio Woolf Mark Davidson Janet Myers Jane Hatton Dan White

DISCLAIMER

PosAbility Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited.

The views expressed in PosAbility Magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2017 ©2A Publishing Limited.

All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2049-2251

Contact Details: Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, G46 8JT Tel: 0141 465 2960 Fax: 0141 258 7783

Until June...

enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

Many families are marking the forthcoming Undiagnosed Children’s Day. Determined mum Laura Rutherford talks on page 49 about her tireless campaign for answers for her son Brody and his unnamed complex disabilities and conditions.

ability

April/May 2017

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

SOUTHERN

INDIA

Find out on page 26 how mum Mary Roe recognised signs of food intolerances in her daughter Katy, who was diagnosed with

Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

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A BREAK AT TREWORGANS FARM COTTAGES

Indulging the senses in Kerala

Acting editor

SUBSCRIBE TODAY...

Call

WIN

To find out more about subscribing to PosAbility Magazine turn to P82

FOODS AND MOODS

UPDATE PIC

Can the correct diet improve your quality of life?

ALSO FEATURED...Festival Fever /Autism Awareness Week / Domestic Abuse FC_April_May_FINAL_AB.indd 1

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APRIL/MAY 2017| ISSUE 36

CONTENTS 22

36

WIN! A RELAXING BREAK AT TREWORGANS FARM COTTAGES

Nestling in the heart of the Cornish countryside, Treworgans Farm Holidays is a family-run farm offering accessible, self-catering holiday accommodation.

Check out

P51

FEATURES 07 FYI

News, stories and updates from around the world

13 COOKING WITH GAS

Read how Suzie Longair received a kitchen makeover

26 FOOD AND MOODS

Mary Roe explains how much diagnosing a food intolerance can affect your life

14 DOMESTIC ABUSE

28 KEEPING CONNECTED

19 EMPLOY ME, I DARE YOU!

33 RELATIONSHIPS ON THE BRINK

We explore the frightening realities for some women living with disabilities in abusive relationships Sam Renke discusses all things employment and disability

20 JODIE FINDS HER VOICE

Jodie Parker-Hall of National Star College in Gloucestershire tells us about what the college has done for her

25 TRAGEDY OR TRIUMPH?

Mik Scarlet calls out for more positive

04_Contents_SF_AB.indd 4

stories about people with disabilities in the media

Mark Davidson shares some useful tips and gadgets for business people on the go

PosAbility looks at how the relationships of parents who have a child with a disability are under unnecessary strain

36 WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK

PosAbility prepares for World Autism Awareness Week

28/03/2017 13:29

61

47 26

73 39 HOT STUFF

A look at the most innovative, must-have products on the market

43 STAYCATIONS

We take a look at the UK’s most accessible accommodation

45 REMOVING BARRIERS

Toyah Wordsworth tells us how she’s helping workplaces remove barriers

47 FESTIVAL FEVER

Attitude is Everything’s Paul Hawkins explains how the summer festival scene is becoming more accessible

04_Contents_SF_AB.indd 5

39

49 UNDIAGNOSED CHILDREN’S DAY

73 INTERVIEW AWKWARDNESS

53 TEA TO THE SEA

77 GET THAT DREAM JOB

We speak to the mother of a child living with an undiagnosed disability

Discovering the rich sensory experiences of beautiful Kerala in Southern India

57 HOLIDAY FOCUS: REVILATISE Looking at the safe and enjoyable breaks provided by Revitalise

61 KIDS’ CABIN

Columnists Dan White and Rio Woolf, excitement for book worms and more

Looking at how this is still a barrier to disabled workers

Jane Hatton talks mental health and the workplace

68

79 PUZZLES

Some brainteasers and fun facts

28/03/2017 17:33

Ford Focus ST-Line with Ford SYNC 3 DAB Navigation System, Premium Paint, Rear Parking Sensors and Active City Stop from only ÂŁNIL* Advance Payment.

To find out more, visit ford.co.uk/motability or call 0345 60 40 019.

Important information

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Focus ST-Line range: urban 33.2- 67.3 (8.5 - 4.2), extra urban 60.1- 83.1 (4.7- 3.4), combined 46.3 -74.3 (6.1 -3.8). Official CO2 emissions 140- 99g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. *Nil Advance Payment available only on Ford Focus ST-Line 1.0T EcoBoost 125PS Manual. SYNC 3 DAB Navigation System and Active City Stop subject to availability. Exclusive body colours are not included, but are available at additional cost. This programme is subject to the standard conditions of the Motability Scheme 3-year lease agreement. Full written details and quotations available on request from a Ford Authorised participating Dealer of Motability Operations Limited. Through the Motability Scheme the vehicles are leased from Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. Applications must be received and accepted by Motability Operations Limited between 1st April and 30th June 2017.

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28/03/2017 17:17

FYI

FYI

News and stories from around the world

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAY COTTAGES IN AN IDYLLIC SETTING After Ian and Sue Rainford’s daughter acquired brain injuries from a road traffic accident, they made it their mission to purpose build a community of 12 holiday cottages on their tranquil farm in rural Lancashire.

Now offering the most beautiful, accessible, self-catering accommodation, Brickhouse Cottages have been inundated with visitors relaxing in such peaceful countryside.

A huge range of disabilities are catered for, with that blissful touch of luxury that makes these cottages really unique.

A range of facilities includes profile beds, one-metre doorways, ceiling track hoists, various disability aids and stunning accessible hot tubs under the stars.

The cottages surround an idyllic fully stocked fishing lake, which has two accessible fishing pegs. The Brickhouse team will make your stay as comfortable as possible by personalising bed configurations, moving furniture and adding disability aids to suit your needs. www.brickhousecottages.co.uk info@brickhousecottages.co.uk Tel: 01253 702122

“A HUGE RANGE OF DISABILITIES ARE CATERED FOR, WITH THAT BLISSFUL TOUCH OF LUXURY THAT MAKES THESE COTTAGES REALLY UNIQUE.”

WAGGING TAILS AND SMILING FACES Our dog-loving nation is set to go barking mad for this year’s Great British Dog Walk.

Twenty fun-filled countryside walks will be held between now and June to ensure more hearing dogs can be trained to bring life-transforming benefits to deaf children and adults.

Now firmly established as one of the UK’s favourite series of dog walks, around 4,000 adults and more than 500 dogs of all shapes and sizes are expected to take part in this year’s fun-filled nationwide events.

There will be two different routes to choose from at each venue, many of which include National Trust properties, making the Great British Dog Walk an ideal event for doglovers, families, couples, independent walkers and organised walking groups.

The effects of hearing loss can be devastating. The lack of independence, loss of confidence, reduced selfesteem and feelings of anxiety can lead to loneliness, isolation and often depression.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People chief executive Michele Jennings said: “Following the success of last year’s events, I hope the 2017 walks in our great British countryside get tails wagging and faces smiling all over the UK.” To sign-up to your nearest Great British Dog Walk and for more information visit: www.greatbritishdogwalk.org  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 7

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FYI

HANNAHS CELEBRATES NEW SENSORY ROOM Staff and young adults at Hannahs in Ivybridge are seeing great benefits from their new state-of-the-art sensory room.

The charity, which has two sites in Devon, provides care for children and young adults with profound and multiple physical and learning difficulties. Hannahs approached sensory equipment specialists Experia to create a tailored sensory room for its residents as it wanted something original which would be suitable for young adults.

The room was installed in Hannahwood, Hannahs’ young adult provision, which helps students’ transition from adolescence to adulthood by providing care, therapy and learning opportunities for adults aged 19 and over.

The room was created using Experia’s Multisensory Interactive Learning Environment (MILE) technology, which can be tailored to simulate environments such as sky-diving or underwater, to enhance sensory learning.

Experia’s wireless technology allows people to control the room themselves through the use of iPads and switches.

Hannahs was founded in 1767 and has been helping children and young people for 250 years, providing learning, care, support and real choice to children and adults with a range of disabilities.

For further information, visit www.experia-innovations.co.uk

DONATION ALLOWS SCOUTS TO CARRY ON CAMPING Scouts who are disabled can now ‘be prepared’ to enjoy going camping thanks to a donation from the intu Braehead Community Fund.

The shopping and leisure destination has given £500 to the 98th Renfrewshire Corseford Scouts to help buy a mobile hoist, which would allow disabled young people to attend Scout camps.

The Corseford Scouts have 14 members, both boys and girls, aged between eight and 21 and are based at the charity Capability Scotland’s Corseford School, in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.

A mobile hoist costs almost £2000 and thanks to the donation from intu Braehead, the Scout group has been given a boost in their fundraising efforts.

Scout group treasurer Suzanne Wales said: “This is a fabulous gesture from intu Braehead and once we get the hoist, it will mean more youngsters can go to Scout camp.

“At the moment some of our members can’t stay at camp overnight because they need this type of equipment. It will make a huge difference to them and their parents.

“It’s important that our youngsters can experience camp like all the other Scouts. It will also give the children some dignity so they don’t have to be physically lifted by their parents.”

“A MOBILE HOIST COSTS ALMOST £2000 AND THANKS TO THE DONATION FROM INTU BRAEHEAD, THE SCOUT GROUP HAS BEEN GIVEN A BOOST IN THEIR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS.”

[Pic caption] The Corseford Scouts meet intu Braehead’s community development manager, Lydia Brown, front row right with, from left, Scout group treasurer, Suzanne Wales and Scout group leader, Samantha Courtney.

8 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 14:03

RICA APPOINTS CHIEF EXECUTIVE The Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (Rica), the consumer champion for older and disabled people, has appointed Jon Quinn as its chief executive.

He joins Rica from Shelter, most recently as their head of campaigns, having previously worked with the Conservative party at a local, regional and national level, becoming head of campaign literature.

Jon Quinn said: “I am tremendously excited and honoured to accept the role as chief executive at Rica. I look forward to working with the trustees and the team to take the organisation to the next level, growing the charity’s research and promoting its work to a greater number of older and disabled people.”

SEE HAMLET FOR FREE

London’s Almeida Theatre, which exists to launch the next generation of British artists on to the world stage, has announced a free festival of events and performances for anyone aged 25 and under.

Hamlet For Free will run from April 10 to 13, with five performances of The Almeida’s production of Hamlet, directed

by Robert Icke with Andrew Scott in the title role, exclusively available to anyone aged 25 and under.

Hamlet For Free will offer more than 1650 young people the opportunity to see Shakespeare’s Hamlet free of charge and renews Almeida’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible tickets across the year.

Free tickets, limited to two per person, for Hamlet can be booked online at www.almeida.co.uk For AD and captioned performances and seats that meet access requirements, PosAbility readers should email participate@almeida.co.uk

www.rica.org.uk

NEW STROKE TOUCHPOINT CARDS TO HELP IMPROVE STROKE REHABILITATION Focus Games Ltd has launched Stroke Touchpoint Cards, a unique resource designed to support and improve conversations between stroke patients and healthcare professionals.

Patients can often feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing health or emotional issues following a stroke.

Stroke Touchpoint Cards are designed to empower patients by allowing them to see the common issues raised by others affected by stroke and give ‘permission’ for potentially difficult subjects to be discussed and not avoided.



Specifically designed for stroke patients, the cards feature simple designs to aid cognition and communication and are divided into four categories, each containing cards representing common issues faced after a stroke: 1. Health 2. Feelings 3. Daily living 4. Effects of stroke Find out more at www.touchpointcards.co.uk Twitter: @StrokeCards

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FYI

BOSS OF ROYAL BLIND TO STEP DOWN The chief executive of Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded has announced he is retiring in July.

Richard Hellewell has said he will retire from his position after leading the two charities for 10 years.

During his time, Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded achieved significant development and growth. Royal Blind established two adult residential services, training provision for teachers in mainstream schools working with visually impaired children and an afterschool and holiday club. The Royal Blind School’s campuses merged and the school underwent a significant re-development to provide state-of-the-art facilities for pupils with sight loss. The Scottish Braille Press’s turnover and staffing doubled.

AN IMMERSIVE, SENSORY PLAYGROUND AT THE WAVE OF A MAGIC WAND Merlin’s Magic Wand has teamed up with SEA LIFE Manchester and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester to redevelop the playground area at the Together Trust Inscape House School, in Cheadle, into something truly magical.

The Together Trust Inscape House School provides support and education for children and young people, aged 5-19, with autism.

The school’s outdoor space was crying out for a refresh. Anne Price, head teacher at Inscape House School, explained: “Our playground was really quite dull, we were in desperate need of a space where our pupils can enjoy activities and equipment, which are suitable for children with autism

Richard also led the development of Scottish War Blinded services, moving away from workshops and establishing a thriving activity and support centre in West Lothian as well as a pioneering outreach service supporting visually impaired veterans.

The charities are set to expand later this year with a new Royal Blind care home and a second Scottish War Blinded centre both opening in Paisley. Over 100 staff will be recruited for the two new services.

Recruitment is now under way for a new chief executive to lead the charities through the next stage of their development.

spectrum conditions (ASCs), who have sensory integration, sensory processing and motor challenges. When Merlin’s Magic Wand charity offered to help us, we were overjoyed.”

Investing £25,000, Merlin’s Magic Wand and the team set about creating a new bespoke, fun-filled playground.

The new magical play area is now covered with artificial grass so pupils can play safely in an engaging environment. SEA LIFE banners displaying a variety of friendly sea creatures decorate the area, adding lots of colour to aid the pupils’ visual engagement. To support creative play, the magical playground has been filled with the famous soft LEGO® Duplo bricks.

Children will be able to discover lots of sounds with four music play panels to spark sensory development. SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester have also donated a new trampoline, rope and log course and swing to help develop students’ motor skills.

Merlin’s Magical Wand is a worldwide charity for children, who arrange magical days out at Merlin Entertainments attractions, such as LEGOLAND Resorts® and SEA LIFE Centres. They believe in putting the magic back into the lives of seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children. www.merlinsmagicwand.org

GRATEFUL MUM RAISES FUNDS TO SUPPORT DISABLED CHILDREN IN RESIDENTIAL CARE The mum of a little girl who underwent brain surgery to tackle a rare condition spent Christmas 2016 raising funds for children with special needs living in care.

Sarah Mather, of Warrington, wanted to give something back after witnessing children with special needs living in care recovering on the same ward at Great Ormond Street Hospital as her daughter, Amelie, who was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital for surgery after MRI scans uncovered abnormalities on her brain.

While Amelie was recovering in the Koala ward, Sarah met another little girl who had specialist needs and was living in residential care.

She said: “It had never entered my head before then that children with special needs would live in residential care. There was one particular girl that was there during our stay that has stayed in my head. It’s difficult to imagine that a child can go through something like that and not have the support and love of their family around them.”

Sarah initially raised funds for the Koala ward – a specialist unit that cares for children who require craniofacial and neuro surgery.

She organised a fundraising fair, splitting the £1000 raised between her chosen charities the Chailey Heritage Foundation and the Together Trust, which provides residential care for disabled children in the North-west who have physical disabilities, learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions and complex health needs.

The Together Trust supports around 2,600 vulnerable children and their families each year across the North-west.

For more information visit: www.togethertrust.org

10 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 14:06

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29/04/2016 12:42 11:44 28/03/2017

CASE STUDY

Read how David L Douglas Lts helped Suzie Longair transform her kitchen

SUZIE’S KITCHEN

SENSATION

S

uzie Longair for years had longed to be able to help out in the family kitchen and experience the joy and satisfaction of cooking.

While Suzie’s family home had been modified and adapted over the years to accommodate her needs and her chair, like most homes, the kitchen was still a room that presented difficulties for someone using a wheelchair.

Worktop heights, appliance handles and running water accessibility were all obstacles in Suzie being able to live more independently.

The 27-year-old’s parents, Kathleen and Ron were keen to bring this dream to reality and change their kitchen. Having reached out to the local authority for help and guidance they were grateful for the support but felt that they needed to think outside the box in terms of both a practical and creative solution for their new kitchen.

The family approached David L Douglas; a renowned bespoke fitted interiors business based in Fife and asked them to look at a unique solution.

In most instances, when kitchens are installed in accessible homes they are done so on a very standard basis. Whilst this may well meet the practical needs of the space, in many instances families are frustrated with the lack of individuality in style – begging the question: Why should an accessible kitchen be any less elegant and beautiful than any other kitchen?

David L Douglas’ approach was to design a kitchen within a kitchen; a solution that would meet the aesthetic and functional needs and desires of both Suzie and her parents. The cabinetry in the new kitchen was hand-made in a Georgian style and hand-painted.

‘Suzie’s kitchen’ was crafted to meet her exact needs. With low level cabinetry fitted and a worktop at 760mm (standard worktop heights are normally 900mm) there are a number of clever and innovative facets to the kitchen including: single-handed pull-out and drop-down food preparation areas including a circular cavity for a mixingbowl to sit in and be operated single-handedly. In addition there is an accessible sink, microwave and refrigeration.

Les Waite Senior Designer with David L

Douglas said: “We are immensely proud to have designed, made and fitted this kitchen within a kitchen. We listened really carefully to what Suzie and her parents wanted from the space and we are delighted to have created a solution that meets all the requirements and more.”

Suzie Longair said: “For years I relied on my family and friends doing everything for me in the kitchen. I really wanted to be able to do my bit in the kitchen. Since the new kitchen has been installed it has changed my life. I’ve prepared and cooked meals for the first time. Also I’m now able to host my friends properly in my kitchen. I can go to the fridge now, take the bottle out and pour the wine instead of my friends having to do it for me!”

Suzie, who has left-sided hemiplegia, added: “I would encourage anyone who needs an accessible kitchen to consider a bespoke solution – it is like nothing else out there in the marketplace. Not only will you get what you need you will have a kitchen that looks fabulous.”

For more information about David L Douglas please visit www.davidldouglas.com

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28/03/2017 14:11

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28/03/2017 12:42

DOMESTIC ABUSE

“BRING ME MY SCOOTER SO I CAN LEAVE YOU” The shocking reality of disabled women who experience abuse at the hands of their carers

A

larming statistics show that more than 50% of disabled women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Women who have a disability are twice as likely to experience domestic abuse, and are up to five times more likely to be subjected to sexual violence.

Women with a physical, mental, sensory or intellectual impairment or a health condition that affects their daily lives can experience prolonged and severe domestic abuse from a wide range of perpetrators.

For women who are severely disabled, abuse can be lifelong. Studies have shown that domestic abuse can start after the onset of a disability.

By its very nature, the prevalence of domestic abuse is difficult to measure.

But because disabled women are typically excluded from domestic abuse studies, it is highly likely that the figures are vastly underestimated.

Dr Jenna Breckenridge, Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, says studies have shown that disablist attitudes judge women to be abnormal, weak and a burden on society. And the more you’re told you are a burden, the more likely you are to believe it and somehow feel that the abuse is deserved.

Those same prejudices, she maintains, often portray disabled women as being ‘asexual’ and unlikely to have intimate relationships.

Studies have shown that girls and young women who have a disability have less access to sex education, and there is a notion that they do not understand.

Jenna Breckenridge said: “Young disabled women might not have the same opportunity to go to parties, ‘snog’ boys and be in an informal learning environment.

“Health impairments that require assistance with personal care can be desexualising. Those women are used to having people help with toileting,  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 15

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washing and dressing, so they are used to being naked around other people – which means they do not have the same sense of what is private and what is not. This increases the opportunity for people who are doing the care to be abusive.”

A result is that perpetrators might seek out disabled women as partners because they perceive them to be helpless, easy to control, confuse and manipulate and unable to think or do for themselves.

The perpetrator is likely to be a woman’s main carer. And because they provide assistance with mobility, personal care, activities of daily living, transportation and finance, it makes it especially difficult for her to flee an abusive relationship.

Occupational therapist Dr Breckenridge highlights a relationship between a nondisabled person and a disabled person. In a scenario which has acquired the distasteful tag a ‘Florence Nightingale partnership,’ the non-disabled person is perceived to be a ‘saint who takes on’ a person with a disability - not because they love them, but because they are seemingly altruistic.

Abusive partners who fulfil a caring role are less likely to be suspected, and research shows that disabled women are often disbelieved when they muster the courage to disclose abuse.

Jenna Breckenridge says abused disabled women are reluctant to report abusive behaviour to health professionals or police during pregnancy for fear that they will be judged unfit mothers.

She said: “In addition to physical, sexual, psychological and economic forms of abuse, disabled women experience a distinct form of abuse that specifically targets their impairments. This form of abuse purposefully disables women further as they face double disadvantage.”

Shocking, real-life examples of abusive partners taking advantage of a person’s limitations include:

• Shifting furniture or removing a non-slip bath mat so that a woman with a visual impairment will trip and possibly injure herself Making fun of a woman’s learning disabilities Demanding sexual favours in return for helping with personal care Being rough or aggressive and placing a person in a degrading and uncomfortable physical position

• • •

ABUSIVE PARTNERS WHO FULFIL A CARING ROLE ARE LESS LIKELY TO BE SUSPECTED

16 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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DOMESTIC ABUSE

• • • • • • •

Filming a visually-impaired person while they are showering or bathing Removing the batteries from power wheelchairs Sabotaging communication devices and assistive technology Over or under-administering medication Deliberately confusing women with cognitive impairments Creating a social isolation situation to reduce the risk of abuse being uncovered Cruelty, neglect and abuse of assistance animals.

Because disabled women often receive support and assistance for daily living from various of sources, there’s a greater risk of them being exposed to a wide range of possible perpetrators. Conversely, greater interaction increases the likelihood that signs of abuse will be detected.

Yet, despite having greater need for support services, it has been shown that disabled women are less likely to receive adequate access to specialist domestic abuse support from agencies across health, social care and the third sector.

Although the Disability Discrimination Act means that services are required to make reasonable adjustments, some charities and buildings are exempt from these rules, making it difficult for women with mobility issues to access refuge accommodation.

Even where there is physical access, some refuges cannot accommodate assistance animals or additional carers.

Basic care needs are often a key concern for women leaving an abusive partner, especially when he is her main carer. It’s also known that women with learning disabilities are often not familiar with the term refuge and lack understanding about available support.

In most cases, the thoughts and feelings of women trapped in abusive relationships are left unsaid.

One of the women who took part in a recent study shared the one thing she longed to utter to her abusive partner, but didn’t have the courage: “Bring me my scooter so I can leave you.” www.womensaid.org.uk Dial 0808 2000 247 for a 24-hour national domestic violence helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge

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CASE STUDY Jessie, who is deaf, was suicidal, depressed and self-harming. Her ex-partner was abusing her and Jessie felt she couldn’t escape. She has been working with Young DeafHope Here, Jessie explains her story.

“When I first met a worker from Young DeafHope I had been in an abusive relationship, and was still being abused by my ex. I had also been hiding from my family for a few years.

In 18 months, I had moved 13 times trying to stay safe. I was in a bad way, suicidal, very depressed, self-harming and not eating. I was very ill.

My ex had abused me in many ways, physically, sexually, financially, harassment, blackmail, emotional and psychological abuse. They controlled everything I did. I lost all confidence and self-belief, and had no energy to leave.

Young DeafHope found me a safe refuge where I stayed for several months. I found this really hard, often becoming suicidal and I turned to drink to try to block out my bad memories. This led me to being thrown out of the refuge, but Young DeafHope helped me to find new accommodation.

With Young DeafHope support, I was able to get help for my depression and drinking and learn new coping strategies to prevent myself from negative thinking. Last year I was reunited with my family thanks to Young DeafHope support. I go to the gym to help cope with stress and have stopped drinking.

My panic attacks are getting less.

Young DeafHope have helped me become assertive and confident and back in control of my life. I have now completed my first full year at college and feel really proud of myself. For the first time in seven years, I feel I have a future. I still have a way to go but I know I will be able to cope, and I know I can call YDH any time I need advice. I would recommend Young DeafHope to any young deaf person who is having problems with relationships.”

• Young DeafHope is a unique project working with young deaf people to raise awareness of abuse and domestic violence.

They give young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to develop healthy relationships and to be safe.

Signhealth.org.uk

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28/03/2017 12:43

Columnist Sam Renke

EMPLOY ME, I DARE YOU! The subject of employment and disability has been very much a ‘hot topic’

Our favourite teacher-turnedactress, Sam Renke, brings you her take on life and the colourful experiences it throws her way.

You can follow Sam on Twitter @samrenke

recently, with the disability charity Scope releasing some alarming new statistics highlighting that one in two people with disabilities have experienced bullying and harassment at work because of their impairment. Just last week The Times newspaper published an article with the most heinous and degrading headline; “Sometimes lower pay is better for the disabled”. (I should add the Times later changed their headline to ‘Some workers are better off on lower pay’, but only after I bombarded them with tweets voicing my sheer disgust and had the support of a large number of fellow ‘tweeters’.

This all really made me think about my own experiences of work and my relationship with work as a disabled person.

One of my most vivid memories as a child came at around age six when a teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I can picture it now, sat in my bright red electric wheelchair, hair in pig-tails and my oversized multi-coloured glasses (thanks Mum!). My immediate response was to say, “Well I need to go to college then university and I want to become a teacher and if not a teacher then an actress”. I remember the patronising “Okay Samantha we will just humour you: look from the teacher. Little did they know I’d prove them wrong.

Even at that young age I knew I was different and aware that the people around me treated me differently. I knew I had to work hard and prove myself to others.

Being underestimated by others made me more determined and if I’m honest this is one of the reasons I went into my first job as a teacher. I enjoyed seeing the reaction on people’s faces when I told them I was a high school teacher, as some simply couldn’t fathom it!

I was without doubt good at my job as a teacher, but deep down I wasn’t happy and I stayed for two years because I didn’t want to be the disabled teacher who just couldn’t cope. I did indeed push myself mentally and physically. I wouldn’t ask for additional help out of fear of being seen as a burden and I feared that if I left I wouldn’t find another job.

I’m now doing something I love in acting and campaigning only this time I’m doing it for me rather than impressing or proving my worth to others, which has made me question why do we as disabled people feel the need to prove to the rest of society our capabilities?

I’m freelance now which means when my body just won’t let me I don’t need to work and I do get much needed help from the government when this happens. However, with this help comes more judgment and justification. We are trapped in a ‘damned if we do and damned if we don’t’ work cycle. We must either excel and keep up with our fellow abled bodies colleagues and ask for no ‘special treatment’ or we must feel ashamed to say we can’t work or need financial government support.

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28/03/2017 14:20

JODIE FINDS HER VOICE Jodie Parker-Hall is a supported intern at National Star in Gloucestershire.

The 20-year-old talks about work, independence and finding her confidence.

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28/03/2017 14:20

NATIONAL STAR

W

hen you are in a power chair people never know how to talk to you. It used to be they would talk to my mum more than me and I’d let her talk for me.

members, push you to the limit and challenge you.

Part of my independence training was to go into Cheltenham town centre with my personal learning coordinator, Mike. He would make me ask directions and ask for things myself in shops, which was a big shock for someone who never said anything.

Not anymore.

When I started at National Star I must admit I didn’t have much confidence. I hardly ever said anything and never went anywhere on my own.

When I finished school, I decided I wanted to go to college and heard good things about National Star. I have been a day student for three years and now I am on a supported internship. It has made such a difference to me. I believe in myself now.

I have a paid part-time admin job and I am an ambassador for a local charity called Allsorts. At a recent conference for young people in Gloucestershire, I spoke about my experiences. I was nervous, but I did it.

I also volunteer at their youth club and work with children. I love being around the children and being a role model. It’s important for them to see someone with disabilities who has a job and has a life.

If they can see me doing it then they will think ‘I can do that too’ and that’s important to me.

I also work with other learners at a cafe at Tewkesbury Abbey. I set up the till and cash up at the end of the day. I am most proud of what I do there.

Learning to be more independent hasn’t been easy. At National Star, you have a key worker who, with other education team

Then, as my skills improved, he would say: “Enjoy your shopping, you know where the bus stop is, I will meet you there,” and I would do it all on my own. Once I was late and he rang me and asked me where I was.

I told him I wasn’t finished my shopping yet and he would have to wait for me. That felt great.

All the things able-bodied people take for granted - shopping, going to the cash

“BEING ABLE TO ACCESS THERAPIES AT NATIONAL STAR HAS HELPED A GREAT DEAL” machine, going for a coffee - I had never done on my own. I can remember the first time I went to a cafe and had a hot chocolate on my own. I can’t describe the feeling.

There are still lots of challenges. I completed my travel training with National Star which means I can use public transport. My friend and I went shopping to Gloucester on our own for the first time and we took the bus.

When it was time for us to go home we explained to the bus driver that my friend could self-transfer to a seat and fold up his chair so that it would just be my powerchair on the bus but he wouldn’t listen. He wouldn’t take us.

We were so upset. We called the bus company and someone from head office came and took us home. He said it won’t happen again but now I will worry every time I get on a bus that I can’t get home.

Being able to access therapies at National Star has helped a great deal. I have a lot of pain with my hips and the hydrotherapy has made it so much better. I love the pool because in the water I can be independent.

I am a bit of a worrier and the Talk2Team (National Star’s mental health professionals) have helped me manage my stress. It’s good to talk to someone else and they have helped me find ways of keeping my worrying under control.

I worked with the speech and language team who have helped me be more confident with my speaking. We did look at me using an iPad but I decided it wasn’t what I wanted. I was worried if I had an iPad I would focus on that rather than the people in front of me.

I finish National Star in July. I’d like to learn to drive so that I could be even more independent and find more work.

When I was little, my mother was told that I wouldn’t be able to do anything. Now I would like to punch that person in the eye.

They wrote me off before I even started.

To find out more about National Star, contact the Admissions Team on 01242 534928 or email admissions@nationalstar.org

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28/03/2017 14:21

MOTABILITY WITH SUZUKI

Japanese car brand Suzuki has long been a popular choice of Motability customers, thanks to offering drivers the perfect formula of space, practicality and affordability. On the scheme, there are over 45 different variants to choose from across five different models, including eleven with a Nil Advance Payment. We put the IGNIS compact crossover and the Vitara compact SUV in the spotlight.

THE SUZUKI VITARA The eye-catching five-door Vitara is another example of a model from Suzuki which ticks many of the crucial boxes when Motability customers look for a car. Drivers of this compact SUV benefit from a high-driving position for good visibility, and within the spacious and airy cabin, there is 375 litres of luggage space when the folding rear seats are upright. On the outside, there are alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and striking

Suzuki VITARA

The Suzuki Vitara on the Motability Scheme GRADE

CIVILIAN ADVANCE PAYMENT

1.6 SZ4 five-speed manual

Nil

1.6 SZ-T five-speed manual

Nil

1.6 SZ-T ALLGRIP five-speed £399 manual 1.4 Boosterjet S ALLGRIP five- £1,499 speed manual 1.6 SZ5 DDIS ALLGRIP TCSS

£2,749

exterior lines which help give the Vitara its sporty presence.

As well as a comprehensive list of active and passive safety equipment including seven airbags and Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system for safer driving on diverse surfaces (standard on the S and SZ5), the interior is packed full of features to make the Vitara ownership more relaxing.

These are namely Adaptive Cruise Control on the steering wheel and a voice-activated audio navigation system (SZ5). Standard equipment for all Vitara models is comprehensive, and the entry-level SZ4 is fitted with DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, automatic air conditioning, electric and heated door mirrors, and front and rear electric windows.

The Vitara comes with a choice of three fuel-efficient engines on the Motability Scheme, namely the 1.6-litre diesel DDiS and petrol units, plus the 1.4-litre petrol Boosterjet (S only) which uses a turbocharger for increased driving pleasure and economy (over 62 mpg). Depending on the variant, these engines are married to three different transmission types – manual (five-speed), automatic (six-speed) and Twin Clutch System

by Suzuki (on SZ5 DDiS ALLGRIP only). The fast-shifting TCSS technology mirrors the behaviour of a conventional automatic, and gear changes can also be made using the paddles behind the steering wheel. Just like IGNIS, there is also a Creep facility to assist the driver during parking.

The Vitara’s CO2 emissions are as low as 106g/ km for diesel variants, due to the use of high tensile steel and other weight saving measures. This has resulted in the Vitara being one of the lightest SUVs in its class at just 1,075 kg.

A range of personalisation options and specification packs (Rugged/Urban) are available for the SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5 grades,

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28/03/2017 14:25

MOTORING

Suzuki IGNIS

“LAUNCHED TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, THE LIGHTWEIGHT AND NIMBLE FIVE-DOOR IGNIS IS THE LATEST SUZUKI MODEL TO JOIN THE MOTABILITY SCHEME” alongside a choice of metallic and solid colours.

Choosing a Suzuki on the Motability Scheme allows participants to take advantage of allinclusive road tax, insurance and breakdown cover, and a 60,000 mileage allowance over three years, therefore making the Suzuki ownership experience as stress-free as possible. Selected adaptations can also be specified at no additional cost. Dedicated Motability specialists are on-hand across Suzuki’s UK dealer network to help customers choose a car which is best suited to the driver’s requirements.

THE SUZUKI IGNIS

Launched towards the end of last year, the lightweight and nimble five-door IGNIS is the latest Suzuki model to join the Motability Scheme. Whether for driving around town or travelling longer distances, this compact crossover has been designed and engineered by Suzuki for maximum comfort and convenience. The clever layout of the spacious interior means that occupants benefit from ample head and leg room, with controls easily accessible. The more elevated seating position gives occupants great all-round visibility.

The specification for IGNIS is comprehensive, with every grade coming with six airbags, air conditioning, DAB radio with Bluetooth phone connectivity and front electric windows as standard. The SZ-T adds satellite navigation, and a reversing camera to make parking easier, whilst the top-of-the-range SZ5 includes a keyless entry and ignition plus rear electric windows.

For even more space in the IGNIS SZ-T and SZ5, the two individual rear seats can slide 165mm to provide either greater luggage capacity or leg room in the back. Space for bags and equipment increases to 514 litres with both rear seats folded, which can be extended to 1,100 litres if fully loaded to the roof line. Additionally, the seat backrests have a two-position recline function.

IGNIS is powered by the highly-efficient 1.2-litre Dualjet engine, and is available on the Motability Scheme with Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system on the manual SZ5 ALLGRIP variant, delivering CO2 emissions as low as 97g/km and combined fuel consumption of nearly 66 mpg. A five-speed manual gearbox comes as standard on the SZ3, but the SZ5 grade can be chosen with the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) five-speed automated manual.

This gives drivers the flexibility of using the transmission as a conventional automatic with fast and smooth gear shifts without having to make any compromises on fuel efficiency or CO2 emissions. Equally, it can be switched to manual mode for a more direct drive feel on country roads. Moreover, the built-in low

speed creep facility is useful in slow traffic, and when parking, as there is no need to touch the accelerator pedal.

IGNIS adopts Suzuki‘s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept that provides a high level of safety in the event of a collision.

For added protection, the SZ5 is fitted with Dual Camera Brake Support which uses stereo cameras located on each side of the rear view mirror. These detect lane markings as well as objects ahead (including pedestrians), and this technology has allowed this particular variant of IGNIS to achieve the maximum five stars in the latest NCAP tests.

When choosing a Suzuki on the Motability Scheme, metallic paint for the stylish exterior is a no-cost option and there are five stylish finishes to choose from for IGNIS to complement an all-black metallic roof.

For more information on Suzuki and the Motability Scheme, visit cars.suzuki.co.uk/motability

The Suzuki IGNIS on the Motability Scheme GRADE

CIVILIAN ADVANCE PAYMENT

1.2 Dualjet SZ3 five-speed manual

Nil

1.2 Dualjet SZ5 AGS

£99

1.2 Dualjet SZ-T five-speed manual

Nil

1.2 Dualjet SZ-T AGS

Nil

1.2 Dualjet SHVS SZ5 ALLGRIP five-speed manual

£149

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28/03/2017 14:26

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28/03/2017 17:18

Columnist Mik Scarlet

Follow Mik on Twitter

@MikScarlet

TRAGEDY OR TRIUMPH? Anyone who has no experience of disability or gained their only knowledge of disabled people’s lives from the media or the press might be forgiven for believing we all live lives of suffering and tragedy. All you see or hear are stories of benefit cuts, issues around care packages, the difficulty around finding work, how impossible it is for us to find love and the nightmare of all the pain and suffering we have to live with. It’s all doom and gloom. Now, I’m not saying it isn’t tough being disabled, far from it, but I am really worried that by always focusing on the negative the truth of the lives of disabled people is being lost. I could easily list the things about my life that are difficult due to my disability, say living with chronic pain, the fight to get around in a wheelchair and the discrimination I’ve faced in my career for example, but then you’d miss all the joy and wonder I tasted in my 51 years.

I get that I’m lucky. I’ve had an amazing career in the media of nearly 30 years, have a wonderful relationship with a partner who loves me as much as I love her, have the equipment I need and live in a home that fits my needs. But you don’t hear about people like me. You’re only featured if your life is difficult. Even when I get asked to appear to give comment on TV or radio I’m usually there to discuss a negative story. It might be more newsworthy to focus on bad things, but it isn’t the whole story. Where are the stories of happy disabled people?

I don’t mean inspiration porn stories, but just realistic stories that reflect the whole of what it means to be disabled.

Why does it matter if the news informs the public how the lives of many disabled people are becoming harder and tougher

in 2017? Surely it’s a good thing when we get the battles we are facing into the public domain? Well, yes it is as if the public don’t know the trials we face how can they support us as we struggle to remove them, and fight with us for equality but I can’t help worry that if we only see the negative side of disability we are wandering towards a dark place without thinking. All over the world politics is lurching towards extremism, under the guise of popularism. This is a very bad thing for disabled people as all extreme political movements throughout history have looked on disability in a negative manner. We are always a drain on the imagined utopia the extremists are building and propaganda soon paints us as having no quality of life too. It’s never been a massive step from there to making moves to ease us out of our misery, and thus we end up with euthanasia and eugenics becoming policy. While I really hope we don’t end up there again, I do worry that by focusing on the negative elements of the lives of disabled people the media is creating the right environment for this to happen. To us, in the near future. Gulp.

I have seen a hardening of attitudes around disability in recent years, and a lot of this

ALL OVER THE WORLD POLITICS IS LURCHING TOWARDS EXTREMISM, UNDER THE GUISE OF POPULARISM

is based on fear. The public fear becoming disabled, and let’s face it disability could strike any member of the public at any time. If the only stories of disability they see are negative then their fear of disability gets greater, and fear makes people react in scary ways. If we saw more positive stories around disability there would be a more balanced perception of being disabled. In turn, this should lead to less fear around becoming disabled. Thus people would react to the idea of disability in a more rational informed manner.

On top of creating a better understanding within the general non-disabled public, a more rounded portrayal of disability works for disabled people. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing all of life’s trails and difficulties being down to disability. I could never have believed how amazing my life was going to be as I grew up. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be a young disabled person today, or a newly impaired person. If all you see is shock horror stories about what it is to be you, how can you really know what tomorrow might bring for you? How can you build a successful life if you have no idea it’s possible?

I want to see the real experience. For every story of benefit cuts I want to see a successful disabled worker or entrepreneur. For every nightmare experience on public transport I want an amazing holiday story. The media is obsessed with balance and I think it’s time we started seeing it when the media covers disability.

Sorry if this column is heavily gloomladened. A more normal balanced service will be resumed next issue.

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28/03/2017 14:29

FOODS AND MOODS

M

ary Roe was a ward sister in a London teaching hospital before the birth of her first child.

Mary’s introduction to food intolerance began in 1985 when her baby daughter, Katy, was going through tests which eventually led to a diagnosis of severe learning disability.

Katy is now 33 years old.

Mary Roe explains how much diagnosing a food intolerance can affect your life

and ear infections. She had severe diarrhoea.

Our baby daughter cried all the time.

She looked in pain and was happiest in a darkened room. Her sleep pattern was very erratic, a maximum of two hours at a stretch.

She could hold her head up, but couldn’t sit unaided. Katy had ‘failed’ all her developmental milestones.

Learning about food intolerances and how modifying their diets could make a huge difference to Mary’s four children’s illnesses sparked, for her, a career-changing interest in how eating patterns can affect health.

Having read about food intolerance, I spoke to my GP, wondering whether some of Katy’s symptoms might be foodrelated. He said: “What do you want? A miracle?” An upsetting and to my mind unethical comment…but maybe he was having a bad day.

No longer dismissed as a ‘fad’, food intolerance has become one of the most talked about areas of health.

Having learned that food intolerances tend to build to foods commonly consumed, I changed Katy’s formula milk from cow’s to soya and introduced to her diet rare foods, some of which which weren’t readily available in the ‘80s, such as venison, duck, different kinds of fish, turkey, avocado, kiwi, pomegranate, cranberries, blueberries, swede, turnip, parsnip, melon, pear and seeds.

MARY TAKES UP THE STORY… When Katy was nine months old, we as parents had more questions than answers. Was she deaf? Did she have nerve deafness? Or was it glue ear?

Until then, when she was diagnosed with severe learning disability, she’d had 17 courses of antibiotics for chest

Within 24 hours she was smiling, not floppy and her back was straighter,

though still needing support. Her tummy was settled, not bloated and normal stool. She slept for four to six hours and within 72 hours she could hear! She was sleeping better and was much happier. It was such a major improvement.

It was not possible to keep Katy on rare foods for a long time. Price and availability was a major constraint. I tried to understand which of the staple foods Katy ate were the root of the problems.

It was a convoluted journey, which eventually led me to do the job I have done for the last 23 years. I am a registered nurse and test people for food intolerance.

As a food intolerance specialist, I commonly see children with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and those on the autistic spectrum. Children with ADHD/ challenging behaviour symptoms achieve on average 88%

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28/03/2017 14:31

WELLBEING improvement in symptoms. Some children on the spectrum ‘lose’ some of their autistic behaviours.

Setting aside behaviour issues, my approach gains consistently high results of between 92% and 95% for eczema, tummy aches and catarrh.

Inspired by my extensive experience working directly with people with a range of food intolerances and symptoms, I wrote ‘Food Intolerance Solutions’ – a book for anyone experiencing health problems, including IBS, migraines, hyperactivity disorder and behavioural issues (in children), eczema and fatigue.

After years of supporting and helping people struggling with those and other

symptoms such as headache, catarrh, rhinitis, asthma, rashes, acne and behavioural problems, my aim in publishing my research and experiences is to give people the power to take control of their eating habits, lifestyle and ill health to regain happiness and wellbeing.

‘Food Intolerance Solutions’ is an up-to-date overview of how food intolerance is changing as people’s diets change. The book lists food and drink people are most likely to be intolerant of and recommends how to avoid them. www.foodintolerancesolutions.com 020 8647 8309 07980 914 815

“I’M FINDING, FOR EXAMPLE, AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH INTOLERANCES TO GREEN TEA, DECAFFEINATED DRINKS AND COCONUT” MYTHS SURROUNDING FOOD INTOLERANCE INCLUDE:

• Wheat intolerance is much less

common than people are led to believe. Less than 1% of the people Mary tests have a wheat intolerance.

Yeast intolerance, however, accounts for one third of adults. When people have suspicions of bread, it is 100 times more likely to be yeast than wheat that is causing the symptoms and, if not yeast, it is likely to be soya or an additive.

• Children with behaviour problems are very rarely reacting to sugar or artificial colours, but more commonly

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to sweet artificial flavours. These flavours are often in coloured sweets and also in ‘healthy’ foods like yogurts and sugar-free squashes.

• Skin conditions such as eczema, rashes and itches are caused not only by intolerance to frequently used foods and drinks, but are aggravated by the fragrances and colours in most common detergents, shampoos, shower gels and soaps.

• A major cause of catarrh, nonseasonal rhinitis, asthma, coughing and throat clearing are the fragrances in air fresheners, fabric conditioners and kitchen cleaning sprays.

Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at Nature’s Best, discusses special diets and food intolerances and how to get the right nutrients when lactose or gluten intolerant.

Food intolerance is sensitivity to a specific food or a compound in a group of foods. There are many reasons why someone may have a food intolerance. It could be due to a lack of enzymes to break down that food normally or because the immune system has developed a negative response to the food so that it is seen as an enemy rather than a friend. Food intolerances may go away over time with dietary changes.

Allergies are different. If you eat something you have an allergy to, such as a peanut, your immune system will begin making antibodies for the peanut. If you have a food allergy you must avoid the allergenic ingredient. A true allergy results in serious symptoms which in many cases require immediate medical attention such as antihistamines and the use of an EpiPen (adrenaline injection).

If you have an intolerance, tips to support a healthy immune response and reduce sensitivity to allergens include: • Eat organic food to avoid pesticides, herbicides and additives • Have a diet high in berries and other antioxidants and vitamin C, such as pomegranates, plums and cherries. The flavonoid quercetin is thought to be a particularly good natural antihistamine. Some of the richest sources include onions, apples, cherries, berries, pineapple and cabbage • Reducing or eliminating common allergens such as dairy or gluten can be helpful in reducing symptoms. It’s advisable to work with a practitioner to ensure you aren’t excluding any essential nutrients • Taking a live bacteria supplement may also help support the health of the digestive tract.

• If you are following a certain diet or have a food intolerance, it is important to make sure you are still getting all the nutrients you need.

This should be possible with most diets that cut out certain food groups but you may need to be a bit more careful about getting those nutrients. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, you will need to ensure you are still getting enough calcium by eating dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, sardines and tofu. www.naturesbest.co.uk

28/03/2017 14:33

TECHNOLOGY

KEEPING CONNECTED

By Mark Davidson

W

ith many organisations sending their employees to meetings and conferences around the world, the need for hi-tech gadgets has never been greater.

Whether it is the latest laptop, smart phone or iPad, users often need access to information straight away.

This may not be an issue for the majority, but what if you have a disability?

For many office environments, a number of software products are on the market. For employees with partial or no sight who need to read webpages or Word documents there are a number of products available such as Jaws, NVDA and Hal for Windows operated PCs. Jaws is one of the more popular pieces of software on the market. It works with many different products and converts the text onscreen to synthesised speech. Due to worldwide availability, the majority of organisations around the world would be able to accommodate this type of software in meetings. Apple Macs tend to have a built-in screen reader so these issues should not arise on those machines.

If the need arises to scan text, Kurzweil is the ideal software that reads out the words that are on the

document and is one of many Optical Character Recognition (OCR) products in use.

European and American companies aside, there are still issues with less technology currently accessible in parts of Asia and the Indian sub-continent. Many people with disabilities face problems getting employment in so called ‘Third World’ countries and, as a result, some technologies are not available in the work place. China, however, due to its growing economy, has realised the potential of including employees with impediments and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation has been encouraging businesses to employ more people with disabilities and make workplaces more accessible.

Large screen magnifiers are a simple solution to help people if they cannot see properly and they can fit many VDUs in different shapes and sizes. For those with no sight, braille has been vital in allowing documents to be read. Braille displays are electronic devices that connect to computers to produce tactile Braille output from the display on-screen. Similarly, note takers are mobile devices that use either braille or a keyboard for input and voice and refreshable braille for output. There are also embossers which are specialised printers that produce embossed documents - using translation software to convert

electronic documents into braille before printing.

There are a number of other ‘sight’ products available.

In many western organisations, business technology is taken for granted and global meetings are easy to set up, even for those who need extra help. The audio induction loop is widely available in offices around the world allowing those who have partial hearing to hear everything that goes on within the office environment. They are basically a loop of cable around a building or designated area. This generates a magnetic field that is picked up by the hearing aid and are becoming more widespread in the western world. C-Tec are a company who have developed a portable induction loop system, making it possible to set up this system in different locations.

There are many varieties of stylus pens on the market. These come in handy if you have problems touching the screen accurately. In addition to the main manufacturers, companies such as Adapt-It produce a variety of mouth operated products ranging from devices to operate a computer mouse and gadgets for controlling a keyboard or screen without the requirement of someone’s hand.

Jaws screen reading software - Freedom Scientific Software www.freedomscientific.com

Induction Loop systems - C-Tec www.c-tec.co.uk Tel: 01942 322744

Head operated mouse - Adapt-It Contact www.adapt-it.co.uk Tel: 020 8736 0542

28 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 14:35

INTEREST FREE HIRE/BUY PLAN AVAILABLE

Call now for a FREE demonstration.

NEW

I N N OVAT I O N

01559 384097

Adverts_Pos_Apr-May17.indd 29 1 Medimotion A4 ad Dec 2015.indd

28/03/2017 22:38 17:18 16/12/2015

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Introducing a new soft, easy-to-use catheter for men Hygienic The soft-squeeze grip makes it easy to guide the tip into the urethra, combined with the dry sleeve means the catheter can be inserted without having to touch it.

Flexible The flexible tip enables easy guidance through the curves and bends of your urethra while the soft catheter ensures easy handling and a gentle passage.

Discreet After use, the ends can be re-joined, so that it can be put back into the packaging and folded away. This enables easy disposal, when and where it suits you.

Available Now Every detail makes it easy The newest member of the award-winning range of SpeediCath catheters for men, SpeediCath Flex is designed to make every step of catheterisation easy.

Every detail makes it easy

Visit coloplast.co.uk/posability for more information on our SpeediCath range and to request a free sample. Or simply fill in this coupon, pop it in an envelope and send it to: FREEPOST COLOPLAST No stamp required!

Name:

I have had my continence problem assessed by a healthcare professional

Address:

My current catheter is called Size Postcode: We may need to discuss which sample might be most suitable for your needs. Please tell us when it’s best to contact you: AM PM Phone: Email: Signature:

CH

I use

per day

I use it to empty my bladder: I have a stricture :

I have a mitrofanoff :

Please send me samples of: SpeediCath Flex available in sizes CH10 to CH16

By providing your personal information on this form you are consenting to Coloplast using it for administration and analysis purposes and to process your sample order. We may share this information with healthcare professionals and other companies required for the delivery of your products or as required by law. We may also contact you to clarify your sample requirements and to ask you to complete customer satisfaction surveys. From time to time we do let our customers know of new products or services which may be of interest by phone, email or post. By submitting your information to us you consent to us contacting you in this way unless you have indicated that you would prefer for us not to do so, by ticking one or more of the boxes. Please do not contact me by Email Phone Post

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28/03/2017 12:44 21/03/2017 13:18:44

Award Winning Care Homes

Care homes for people with learning and/or physical disabilities, neurological conditions, acquired brain injury and autism:

Sussex Healthcare is an award winning group of care homes providing over 30 years of healthcare in Sussex. The Group operates 20 homes, predominantly in the West Sussex area, providing over 600 placements, incorporating specialist care provision as well as care for older people.

Care for older people: Clemsfold House Forest Lodge Horncastle House Kingsmead Care Centre Longfield Manor Rapkyns Care Home Upper Mead

Horsham Nutley Sharpthorne Horsham Billingshurst Horsham Henfield

01403 790312 01825 712514 01342 810219 01403 265335 01403 786832 01403 265096 01273 492870

Beechcroft Care Centre and Hazel Lodge

East Grinstead

01342 300499

Beech Lodge and Oak Lodge

Horsham

01403 791725

The Granary

Horsham

01403 327500

Horncastle Care Centre

Sharpthorne

01342 813910

Kingsmead Care Centre

Horsham

01403 265335

Kingsmead Lodge

Horsham

01403 211790

Norfolk Lodge

Horsham

01403 218876

Orchard Lodge and Boldings Lodge

Horsham

01403 242278

Rapkyns Care Centre (The Grange)

Horsham

01403 276756

The Laurels

Horsham

01403 220770

Rapkyns Care Home

Horsham

01403 265096

Sycamore Lodge

Horsham

01403 240066

White Lodge

Croydon

02087 632586

Wisteria Lodge and Stable Lodge

Nutley

01825 713082

Woodhurst Lodge

Crawley

01444 401228

STOP PRESS: Brand new purpose built facilities now available to view for anyone wishing to arrange a visit. The service provisions include specialist care facilities for people with acquired brain injury, profound learning and physical disabilities and residential services for people with Autism.

Great care starts with great people – are you one of them?

Due to expansion, Sussex Healthcare has fantastic opportunities to become part of a leading healthcare company that provides exemplary care to the service users in a positive and friendly environment.

If you are thinking of a career in care please visit our website www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk and submit your CV to recruit@sussexhealthcare.co.uk stating the position you are interested in working in.

To find out more about our homes and the services we offer, contact: Corrine Wallace Director of Operations

01403 217 338

enquiries@sussexhealthcare.co.uk | www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk

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28/03/2017 09/01/2017 12:44 14:39

RELATIONSHIPS

RELATIONSHIPS

ON THE

BRINK The relationships of parents who have a child with a disability are under unnecessary strain.

A

worrying new report produced by three leading charities finds that one in three of these parents is in a relationship which would be described in the counselling room as ‘distressed.’ This compares to one in four parents in the general population.

The research also found that parents who have a child with a learning disability are more likely to feel lonely, have less time for date nights and identify money worries as an added pressure their relationship.

The study by Relate and Relationships Scotland, sponsored by learning disability charity, Mencap, questioned more than 5,000 people, including 280 parents of a child with a learning disability.

In response to these findings, the three

charities have joined forces to call for better access to short breaks, improved childcare support for parents of children with a learning disability and targeted relationship support.

They insist that together, these measures would reduce the strains on parents’ relationships and ensure families can enjoy the positives that having a child with a learning disability brings.

The report highlights that nearly a quarter of parents who have a child with a learning disability find time for a date night only once a year or less, compared to less than a fifth of other parents.

Finances were also a factor. Four in 10 parents of a child with a learning disability identified money worries as a strain on their relationship – compared to 29% of other parents.

occasionally regretting being in their relationship, compared to 14% of parents in the general population.

More than one in five parents of a child with a learning disability feel lonely often or all the time – compared to 13% of other parents. One in six parents of a child with a learning disability has no close friends.

Parents of children with a learning disability are almost twice as likely to feel down, depressed or hopeless often or all the time.

The experiences highlighted in the report are all too familiar for Ramya Kumar, mum to nine-year-old Rishi who has autism and a related learning disability.  Mum Rayma Kumar, with nine-year-old Rishi

One in four identified mental health as an issue – more than twice as many as other parents. 22% of these parents reported www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 33

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RELATIONSHIPS “Caring for my son has in many ways taken over my life. In some ways, I’ve forgotten how to be a wife to my husband,” explained Ramya, of Swindon, whose son gets respite care four hours a month.

“We rarely go for meals as a couple and can feel isolated from society due to the attitudes of other parents to disability.

But we wouldn’t change anything about Rishi. He’s given me the priceless gift of perspective and has made me a better and stronger person.

“We’re lucky that our local community nurse has been a pillar of strength. Our major worry at the moment is about Rishi’s future and making sure he gets to be fully part of his community - it’s created a great divide in opinion between my husband and me. But nothing can replace the boundless love and joy that Rishi has given us. If we had known about the support available and if it had been there from the start, some of these challenges could have been avoided.”

Relate and Relationships Scotland are working together to highlight how relationship support can help people of all ages, at all stages of their relationships.

Relate champions the importance of strong and healthy relationships as the basis of a thriving society. Its couple counselling work delivers an estimated £11.40 of benefits for every one pound spent.

WHAT IS A LEARNING DISABILITY? There are 1.4 million people with a learning disability in the UK. A learning disability, which affects someone their whole life, is a reduced intellectual ability which can cause problems with everyday tasks, for example, shopping and cooking, or travelling to new places.

People with a learning disability can take longer to learn new things and may need support to develop new skills, understand difficult information and engage with other people. The level of support someone needs is different with every individual. For example, someone with a severe learning disability might need much more support with daily tasks than someone with a mild learning disability.

Learning disability is not a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Very often the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used interchangeably with ‘learning disability’.

"CARING FOR MY SON HAS IN MANY WAYS TAKEN OVER MY LIFE. IN SOME WAYS, I’VE FORGOTTEN HOW TO BE A WIFE TO MY HUSBAND" make sure it’s available as part of a wider package of support to families who need it.”

Mencap works to support people with a learning disability, their families and carers by fighting to change laws, improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities.

Its chief executive, Jan Tregelles, agreed.

“Public attitudes can lead to parents feeling isolated and authorities too often see the child as the problem,” explained Jan. “If parents are able to get the right help, such as financial support and better access to short breaks and extra childcare, poorer family wellbeing is not inevitable and these families’ relationships can really flourish.” www.relate.org.uk. www.relationships-scotland.org.uk www.mencap.org.uk

The charity’s services extend beyond relationship counselling to family counselling, counselling for young people, sex therapy and informal courses and workshops and are offered through a network of around 1,700 counsellors across the country.

Relationships Scotland’s network provides relationship counselling, family mediation, child contact centres and other family support services across all of mainland and island Scotland. Its work supports individuals, couples and families experiencing relationship difficulties, with around 20,000 people contacting its services each year.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of Relate, said: “Unhappy relationships can have a terrible impact on couples and their children but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Counselling can benefit parents of children with a learning disability and we need to

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23/03/2017 21:42

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE BMW 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER.

AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME.

BMW RANGE FROM £999 ADVANCE PAYMENT*.

• The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is now available from £999 Advance Payment • Range also includes the BMW 1 Series (3-door and 5-door), BMW X1, seven-seat BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring • Selected models accessible to drivers under 25 years old • Manual or automatic transmission and high standard specification includes metallic paint, BMW Emergency Call and BMW Navigation • A brand-new BMW every three years with insurance, service and maintenance all covered

To help find the right BMW for you, call 0800 325 600, visit bmw.co.uk/motability or contact the Motability Scheme Specialist at your local BMW Centre.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW range available on the Motability Car Scheme: 40.4-68.9mpg (7-4.1 l/100km).

Extra Urban 60.1-85.6mpg (4.7-3.3 l/100km). Combined 51.4-78.5mpg (5.5-3.6 l/100km). CO2 emissions 129-89g/km.

Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions.

*The BMW range available on the Motability Scheme starts from £999 Advance Payment for the BMW 216d SE Active Tourer, BMW 118i SE 3-door and 5-door Sports Hatch. Models shown are the BMW 216d Luxury Active Tourer from £1,599 Advance Payment, BMW 118i M Sport 5-door Sports Hatch from £1,999 Advance Payment, BMW X1 sDrive18d SE from £1,499 Advance Payment and BMW 216d Sport Gran Tourer from £1,899 Advance Payment. Prices are correct at time of going to print for orders placed and accepted between 1 April and 30 June 2017. All models on the Motability Scheme include optional metallic paint at no extra cost. Models featured may include options at an additional cost. The facilities offered are for the hire (bailment) of goods. The Motability Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

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WORLD AWARENESS AUTISM WEEK PosAbility Magazine is gearing up for World Autism Awareness Week. Here’s everything you need to know about the condition

W

orld Autism Awareness Week takes place

between 27 March and 2 April 2017 and aims to help aid everyone in understanding the condition more by raising awareness and funds. The National Autistic Society say: “Better understanding will mean autistic people are better able to lead the lives they choose. There are loads of ways you can get involved.

Whether it’s a walk or cycle, a cake sale, a quiz or other challenge, every effort will help to make a better world for autistic people.”

So, as the awareness week runs under the slogan ‘Until Everyone Understands’ PosAbility breaks it back down to basics to help set you on your way to understanding autism.

The National Autistic Society define the condition as: “A lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.

“Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

“Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. If you are autistic, you are autistic for life; autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be ‘cured’. Often people feel being autistic is a fundamental aspect of their identity.

“Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.

“Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support. All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop. With the right sort of support, all can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing.”

CONDITIONS RELATED TO AUTISM Autism is often diagnosed alongside other conditions and there can sometimes be confusion about how they are linked.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) There are three main types of ADHD: predominantly interactive, predominantly hyperactive, and a combination of both.

Most people with ADHD have difficulty with both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

ADHD impacts on school, work and home life and relationships.

It tends to run in families, with most children receiving diagnosis between the ages of six and 12.

DOWN’S SYNDROME Down’s syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 in a baby’s cells. In most cases, Down’s syndrome is not an inherited condition.

Down’s syndrome usually occurs because of a chance happening at the time of conception.

Down’s syndrome is a lifelong condition that causes delays in learning and development.

All people with Down’s syndrome will have some degree of disability. Children with Down’s syndrome meet developmental milestones later than children who do not have Down’s syndrome.

Some people have a dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and autism.

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AUTISM

34%

OF CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM SAY THAT THE WORST THING ABOUT BEING AT SCHOOL IS BEING PICKED ON

EPILEPSY Autistic people are at a heightened risk of epilepsy – a condition in which a person tends to have seizures that start in the brain. Between 20% and 40% of people who have ASD have epilepsy.

CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

According to the National Autistic Society 34% of children on the autism spectrum say that the worst thing about being at school is being picked on, 63% of children on the autism spectrum are not in the kind of school their parents believe would best support them, 17% of autistic children have been suspended from school; 48% of these had been suspended three or more times; 4% had been expelled from one or more schools.

Obtaining a diagnosis can, however, help an adult with ASD understand the condition, making it easier to access a range of support services that may be available locally to help them live independently and find a job that matches their skills and abilities.

In children with ASD, the symptoms are present before the age of three, although a diagnosis can sometimes be made after that age.

ADULTS WITH AUTISM

It is never too late to get a diagnosis of ASD. It should be noted, though, that some local NHS authorities don’t provide NHS funding for diagnosing ASF in adulthood.

It is estimated that about one in every 100 people in the UK has ASD and more boys are diagnosed with the condition than girls.

Some people with autism spectrum disorder display features of the condition in childhood but grow up without it being recognised or diagnosed. Sometimes, that’s through choice.

To get a formal diagnosis, visit your GP and ask to be referred to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with experience in this field.

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28/03/2017 14:39

MAKE EVERY TRIP AN ADVENTURE

With our Motability offers, you can be behind the wheel of a Volvo for less.

A unique interior, intelligent design and innovative technology set these two models apart, so with Motability you know you’re driving a great deal.

DISCOVER THE VOLVO R ANGE SE ARCH VOLVO MOTABILIT Y

V40 D3 CROSS COUNTRY MANUAL WITH AN ADVANCE PAYMENT OF £1,599*.

V40 T3 MOMENTUM MANUAL WITH AN ADVANCE PAYMENT OF £499*.

METALLIC PAINT AND REAR PARK ASSIST INCLUDED.

METALLIC PAINT AND REAR PARK ASSIST INCLUDED.

Fuel consumption and CO2 figures for the Volvo V40 range in MPG (I/100 km): Urban 33.2 (8.5) – 70.6 (4.0), Extra Urban 54.3 (5.2) – 85.6 (3.3), Combined 44.1 (6.4) – 78.5 (3.6). CO2 emissions 149 – 94g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Advance Payment of £1,599 is for the Volvo V40 D3 Cross Country Manual. Metallic Paint and Rear Park Assist included. Advance Payment of £499 is for the Volvo V40 T3 Momentum Manual. Metallic Paint and Rear Park Assist included. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years; excess mileage charges may apply. Offer available from 01/04/2017 to 30/06/2017 subject to availability at participating dealers. Offer not available with other promotions and may be subject to change. For full terms and conditions, visit www.motability.co.uk. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.

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28/03/2017 15/03/2017 17:18 17:36

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

HOT STUFF

We bring you a mix of the most innovative and helpful products on the market today

ROLLING GARDEN SEAT Alleviate pain from bending, kneeling and crawling with this garden seat on wheels. Return to your garden this spring and move around with ease with the help of this sturdy fourwheeled plastic rolling seat. The large seat beneath stores tools, work gloves, seeds and more. Ideal for anyone who has joint or back pain. Supports up to 18 stone.

Easylife Everyday Solutions Tel: 0800 055 7766 www.easylifegroup.com

DELUXE CIRCULATION PRO Boost circulation to your lower limbs and feet with the Circulation Pro, which stimulates pressure points on your feet and helps ease pain.

PRICE

£99.99

It combines transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and deep heat infra-red treatment.

This deluxe model incudes four TENS gel pads to allow specific areas to be targeted such as lower back, shoulders, arms and neck.

Easy to use with a clear LED control panel and remote control. Mains adapter. In white or silver.

Simply sit back, relax and revive.

Easylife Everyday Solutions Tel: 0800 055 7766 www.easylifegroup.com

PRICE

£24.99 “THE LARGE SEAT BENEATH STORES TOOLS, WORK GLOVES, SEEDS AND MORE. IDEAL FOR ANYONE WHO HAS JOINT OR BACK PAIN”  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 39

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THE I-GO The new i-Go from Pride Mobility ProductsÂŽ Ltd features advanced folding technology enabling it to be quickly transported with ease. The i-Go features front suspension, a durable seating system, under seat storage and much more. Designed to fit inside any small space, the i-Go is the perfect choice for the active individual.

Pride Mobility Products E: sales@pride-mobility.co.uk T: 01869 324600 www.pride-mobility.co.uk

PRICE

ÂŁ761.00

REACT HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE DESK This desk can be adjusted from a height of 650mm to 1300mm and is powered by an electric, silent motor that is operated by buttons on the front of the desk. Popular with people who require an accessible solution to desk space, it also features anticollision technology, meaning that once under the desk, if the desk is lowered it will not lower onto you.

Kit Out My Office E: help@kitoutmyoffice.com T: 0800 8044 760 www.kitoutmyoffice.com

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27/03/2017 20:32

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

PRICE

£9.95 POSSIBLY THE SAFEST DRINKS TRAY IN THE WORLD Muggi is an innovative product that enables hot drinks to be safely carried in any environment.

PRICE

£37.99

LEISURE TROLLEY WITH SEAT This brightly-coloured trolley has it all: a place to pack all your shopping and a convenient seat in case you shop too hard and you need a break. It has useful pockets in the front of the bag and the seat holds 100kg (around 16 stone). www.careco.co.uk Tel: 0800 111 4774

This unique tray enables up to four mugs to be carried safely in one hand, leaving the other hand free for support, boosting its health and safety credentials. It securely holds most shapes and sizes of mugs, cups and glasses and will catch any spillages.

It also has four non-slip rubber feet which allows it to rest safely on uneven surfaces.

Finger and thumb holds make it easy to carry for young or old hands.

Made from lightweight but super tough polypropylene, Muggi comes in blue, grey, red, purple, green and black recycled material.

An increasing number of disabled people, care workers and their patients are finding Muggi invaluable in their daily lives.

Tel: 01666 843303 www.muggi.co.uk hello@muggi.co.uk

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27/03/2017 16:41

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

CONFITEX

This is what we have all been waiting for. A brand of incontinence underwear that works brilliantly and looks gorgeous! Confitex is a new brand of washable incontinence underwear with a unique hi-tech fabric that ensures you stay dry and comfortable, as it uses your body’s heat to keep you dry and odour free.

PRICE

£24.95

PRICE

£24.95

MEN’S WITH FLY

These men’s long briefs come with a fly opening so toileting couldn’t be easier. They are made from the highest quality fabrics including bamboo, which lasts longer and feels better than cotton. Confitex

underwear can be washed and reused just like regular underwear. These grey long briefs are available in seven sizes; XS to XXL. www.careco.co.uk Tel: 0800 111 4774

HIPSTER LACE

A youthful style, ‘hipster lace’ is the closest thing to no underwear but can confidently meet light and moderate needs. This lace version looks like luxury French lingerie – no one would guess that you have incontinence knickers on! Available in a choice of three colours; beige, black and blue, and five sizes; XS to XL. So how do they work? The secret lies within the patented three layer fabric technology that absorbs the liquid quickly through a top layer, retains it in a highly absorbent textile inner and stops leaks with a soft, breathable waterproof fabric outer which gives maximum protection. No need to wear a pad.

CareCo www.careco.uk.uk Tel: 0800 111 4774

HANDY TROLLEY PRICE

£54.99

The shelves easily clip on and off making it easy to clean and they have the added benefit of a lip around the edge to help prevent items from falling off.

The lockable hand brakes are arthritis friendly and easy to use giving a little extra stability when needed. They are also designed to be easily held by those with a weak grip. The trolley is height adjustable, making it suitable for any user and it has a weight capacity of 125kg (20 stone). www.careco.co.uk Tel: 0800 111 4774

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28/03/2017 14:42

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMODATION

CRINGLETIE HOUSE HOTEL In Peebles

Cringletie House Hotel in Peebles, although more than 150 years old, has been extensively refurbished and has been made completely accessible, as demonstrated by being awarded not only Scottish National Accessible Scheme highest level grade 1, but also the industry-wide Catey’s Award for best accessible hotel in the United Kingdom.

They normally make guests familiar with their new surroundings by conducting a ‘scenic tour’, but it is possible to go straight to the bedroom if so desired.

Their designated room for disabled guests is called Traquair and is on the ground floor. The wide door opens electronically and shuts automatically, giving the wheelchair users time to roll themselves into the room.

The room is large and has a wooden floor to make wheelchair manoeuvring a little easier. For electric wheelchairs there is a lowlevel charging socket available.

An alarm pull cord is available and connects to the reception office and during the night to the manager on duty. This bedroom is also available to

As holiday season fast approaches and the British summertime is reportedly to be better than ever, PosAbility Magazine has chosen some accessible places to stay in the UK for all your staycation needs

guests with impaired hearing.

A strobe light is connected to the fire alarm system and is clearly visible even if guests cannot hear the alarm. For extra safety and security, guests may hang a specific door hanger outside on the door asking for assistance if there was to be an alarm.

The bathroom of the Traquair room is fully wheelchair accessible and offers; a roll-in shower with adjustable shower seat, a low level basin with pull out mirror; grab rails in the shower, at the bath and around the WC. The bathroom also offers a bath for those guests who are able to get into a bath. An emergency pull cord is also clearly visible in this bathroom.

If needed, Scottish Borders Social Services are able to provide a roll-in shower wheelchair and a shower stool with hygiene gap is available from reception. As Cringletie House Hotel welcomes dogs in general, bowls are available at reception. Assistance dogs are welcome in all public areas and of course all bedrooms.

www.cringletie.com 01721 725 750

MOO HOUSE

Near Newton-by-the Sea Moo House is a luxury barn conversion which is big on fun. Its quirky references to its cow shed past are coupled with a contemporary design and essential practicalities, including two ground floor ensuite bedrooms and large living and dining area with easy access to the garden. The Cow Shed games barn, which comes with this retreat is all single-storey, and guests can park right outside Moo House’s front door. Moo House sleeps 12, has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, and is just five minutes from Beadnell and Newton beaches on the Northumberland coast.

At Coastal Retreats they pride themselves on a personalised service where they can advise you directly on the pros and cons of any property as they have all been personally checked. They provide detailed information about all their retreats, including floor plans, and over the coming months they will also be adding access statements so you can make the right decision for your holiday based on your own needs.

www.coastalretreats.co.uk/retreats/ moo-house-and-the-cow-shed 01912 851 272



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ACCESSIBLE ACCOMODATION

THE HOLLIES Cumbria

Victorian home The Hollies in Appleby-inWestmorland is a B&B and accessible self-catering cottage in the heart of the Eden Valley, Cumbria.

In the cottage, all door openings on the ground floor are wide and the kitchen sink and adjoining worktops are height adjustable. There is also an excellent wetroom with a comfort height toilet with bars fitted around the room. The location is ideal for visits to the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales. Parking at the lodge is excellent with no threshold to manoeuvre when using the back door. Holly Lodge has a Visit England 4-star Gold rating with National Accessible Scheme rates of M2, H2 and V1.

01768 835 2553 www.theholliesappleby.co.uk

FISHMORE HALL Shropshire

Fishmore Hall in Ludlow is an incredible hotel with exceptional accessibility. The hotel and spa describes themselves as “very disabledfriendly with excellent facilities for disabled and less mobile guests, including a lift, easy access for wheelchairs, and a ground floor room with external access which has been specially adapted to include grip rails and other features to make your stay more comfortable.

“A delightful room which overlooks the front view from the hotel, there is a ramp for access and a large walk-in wet room. It’s ideal for families too, with space for two z-beds and a cot.”

fishmorehall.co.uk 01584 875 148

THE GRAND HOTEL AND SPA York

The Grand Old Spa and Hotel is a timeless hotel in York that boasts the title of York’s only five-star hotel, but for all its luxury it does not compromise on accessibility.

With a number of accessible rooms and wheelchair entry, the hotel also provides fantastic en-suite wetroom facilities to further enhance your comfort during your stay. The central location of the hotel in the city also makes getting out and about and discovering Yorkshire that bit easier.

thegrandyork.co.uk 01904 380 038

44 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 14:55

BOARD GAME

HOW DOES IT WORK?

TOYAH WORDSWORTH IS HELPING WORKPLACES REMOVE BARRIERS

REMOVING BARRIERS

P

assionate disability rights campaigner Toyah Wordsworth is helping organisations take a handson approach to recognising and understanding how to remove barriers faced by disabled people with a new educational board game named Removing Barriers.

By tapping into her own experiences of disability, she develops the game to create discussions around disability.

The game, developed by Toyah’s Equal Equality and Focus Games Ltd looks to provide users with the knowledge and confidence to make themselves accessible to all service users.

The aim of the game is for players and organisations to become more “disability confident” and in turn become an employer of choice for disabled people by raising awareness and improving understanding in ways to put theory into practice.

The game is suitable for several sectors, including health and social care, education, transport, leisure facilities, retail, hospitality and banking, and brings the serious issue to users in a light and informal way.

Scenarios are presented in the game which require the players to have face to face discussions about the barriers to inclusion presented and think of ways to resolve the issue.

The game is simple to understand and flexible in its rules, and a specialist facilitator needn’t always be there as everything needed is in the box.

Toyah, who found out at the age of 13 that she had Friedreich’s ataxia, attended mainstream school, before college and then university where she graduated with a Post Graduate in modules 1 and 2 in Disability Studies. She has travelled worldwide campaigning for disability rights employing the Removing Barriers game in her inspirational Disability Equality Training workshops.

Two teams play against each other to discuss and answer a range of questions and scenarios. There are four decks of cards which each stimulate different types of discussion and learning: Removing Barriers cards: Identify barriers in a situation and suggest how they could be removed.

Community Resources cards: True/ false questions about disability and impairments.

Institution cards: Discuss the history of disability and the social and medical models of disability.

Accessibility cards: Discuss the practicalities of accessing facilities and services for disabled people.

To add even more value to the session, you could invite a disabled person to come along and share their experiences with the group.

Toyah said: “Removing Barriers is a learning tool which I designed using my own knowledge, and experience as a disabled person. There is no other learning tool on the market which is a light-hearted game format, used to inform users about the barriers faced by disabled people, whilst suggesting ways they can be overcome.

“Disabled people are significantly more likely to experience unfair treatment in everyday life including whilst at work, in education, and accessing health care. This learning tool raises awareness to people about this discrimination using the social model of disability. This model defines disability in terms of people’s negative attitudes and discrimination, in a society which fails to meet the needs of people with impairments.

“Using this tool gives a greater understanding of the challenges that disabled people face daily, and how they can be overcome, therefore changing people’s perception, which reduces stigma resulting in a change in attitude. This leads to a more inclusive, pleasant, and empowering society for all.

More information can be found at removingbarriersgame.co.uk and equalequality.co.uk. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 45

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28/03/2017 14:57

MOTABILITY

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE MOTABILITY SCHEME’S ONE BIG DAY EVENTS This year the Motability Scheme will be marking the 10th anniversary of hosting its popular One Big Day events. To celebrate, The Big Event – Motability’s free flagship, two-day show – will be returning to Manchester’s EventCity from 5 - 6 May 2017.

To find out what’s in store at The Big Event in May this year, we caught up with organiser Alison Beasley from Motability Operations Ltd. Congratulations on turning! What can people expect from The Big Event in 2017?

It’s fantastic that our One Big Day events continue to attract so many visitors a decade after they began – and it’s really due to the fact that we offer something different.

Our flagship show, The Big Event in Manchester is the ideal opportunity for disabled motorists to find out everything they could ever need to know about the Motability Scheme – all in one place. Visitors can find out which vehicles are available through the Scheme and take a test drive with our professional instructors to discover the ideal mobility solution for their needs. No need to book, just come along with your driving licence and you’re good to go.

What makes The Big Event such a great day out?

Visitors can find out which vehicle best suits them, while enjoying a fun day out with family and friends.

They can explore the UK’s largest display of vehicles available through the Motability Scheme, plus meet partners such as the RAC and Kwik-Fit. Our planning focuses as much on the ‘fun’ as the ‘functional’. So there’s face painting, balloon modelling and magicians to keep youngsters entertained, plus the chance to meet our muchloved mascot Billy the Bear. There’s lots of free parking, which takes the stress out of travel, and visitors are welcomed with a choice of a free hot or cold drinks when they get there.

The Big Event will take place on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May at Manchester’s EventCity. To find out more visit motability.co.uk/thebigevent and for the latest announcements, pictures and videos, visit the ‘Motability Events’ Facebook page.

For more information on leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk or call

0800 953 7000

Join us at The Big Event Experience the UK’s largest display of vehicles available on the Motability Scheme at EventCity, Manchester.

Over 100 cars from 27 different manufacturers

Over 40 scooters and powered wheelchairs

Over 35 adapted cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

TEST DRIVE

Over 45 cars available to test drive including 18 fitted with adaptations Free entry, free parking and a FREE tea or coffee in a fully accessible indoor venue

EventCity, Manchester Phoenix Way, off Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AS

Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May 2017 9am to 4pm Find out more at motability.co.uk/thebigevent or call 0800 953 7000 Please quote MO713D * To test drive the cars you must bring your full UK driving licence and sign our test drive declaration on the day. Full Terms and Conditions can be found at motability.co.uk/thebigevent. The Big Event is organised and hosted by Motability Operations Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

46 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 10:20

FESTIVAL FEVER

T

he festival season is almost upon us and music lovers are ready to indulge in weekends of carefree music, camping and, hopefully, sun.

Throngs of excited fans often shove their way closer to the stage to get as close a glimpse as possible of the headline act, but as the revelling and sometimes rowdy crowds of festival goers let their hair down and dance and sing their hearts out, some music lovers may find it daunting if they have a disability.

Charity Attitude is Everything is devoted to helping deaf and disabled people enjoy live music whether that be year-round in music halls or at summer time festivals, and festival project manager Paul Hawkins walks us through just what it takes to make the summer accessible and some happy campers.

He said: “The festival season is certainly our busiest time but my role is a year-round job.

Outside of the season, I meet with festivals we work with and new festivals to discuss how the access worked the previous year and help put plans into place for improvements for the coming year.

“The work in the summer tends to be very different. I spend a lot of time in fields looking at on-site access. We recruit volunteers for Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds and Latitude.

I also try to get to as many other charter festivals as I can.”

Festivals obviously present different challenges in incorporating accessibility than year-round venues do, as Paul explains.

“With venues, you have obviously got an existing permanent structure so it is much easier to plan because, through running gigs regularly, you see how a crowd moves and where people naturally congregate.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

“But a lot of indoor grassroots venues are either upstairs or in basements and it can be tough to make these accessible. On the other hand, festivals are obviously temporary sites that are constructed each time which means it is easier to integrate good access, but festivals have elements that can make a huge difference to access in that the nature of many outdoor sites is that they may well be muddy fields!” Paul said.

Attitude is Everything have six gold festivals on their Charter including Glastonbury, Reading and Greenbelt and numerous silver and bronze festivals. But in order to ensure this accessibility status, Paul and his team look at the entire process, from access information available on the website, to the booking system and whether or not a free PA ticket can be provided. They then look at the process on arrival, looking at the box office, access to buying refreshments, the campsite, toilets, accessible viewing platforms and the possibility of providing BSL, captioning or audio description, before finally looking at the aftermath and collating feedback.

But despite all the good work undertaken in providing access to these festivals, Paul still has a few tokens of advice for those looking to attend a festival this summer.

He said: “It’s a good idea to contact in advance with specific access requirements as this will give them as much time as possible to find the best possible solution.

“Many festivals can provide an additional ticket to customers who need a personal assistant to accompany them and various other adjustments that can make festivals more accessible. It’s a good idea to check what is available because a festival may be

able to do more to assist you than you realise.

“I also recommend reading blogs or web forums to find out as much as you can about what to expect.”

For more information visit attitudeiseverything.org.uk.

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 47

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28/03/2017 15:00

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28/03/2017 17:18

SWAN UK

their condition remain the same, improve or deteriorate?

UNDIAGNOSED CHILDREN’S DAY Friday 28th April marks a day of awareness for children who live with unnamed disabilities

T

he UK will, on Friday April 28, turn its attention to undiagnosed genetic conditions as the country marks Undiagnosed Children’s Day. As well as raising awareness, the event aims to generate funds for SWAN (Syndromes Without A Name) UK. Run by charity Genetic Alliance UK, it is the only dedicated support network available in the UK for families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions.

Mum of two, Laura Rutherford, tells PosAbility about the uncertainties of living with a child whose complex symptoms have so far gone unnamed.

“Until my son Brody entered our world five years ago, I didn’t know that many children with disabilities are undiagnosed and, in fact, remain undiagnosed into adulthood.

It’s estimated that 6000 children are born every year with an undiagnosed genetic condition.

“Brody has a learning disability, epilepsy, autism, low muscle tone and joint hypermobility syndrome. In 2014, after numerous tests failed to find a primary

diagnosis for Brody, we joined the deciphering developmental disorders (DDD) study, which aims to find rare genetic conditions.

“More than two years down the line, we are still waiting to discover whether they have found anything. If this fails, we hope to join the 100,000 Genomes project* where we’ll find ourselves playing another waiting game.

“While it’s my hope the study brings back a result, currently around 50% of children undergoing genetic testing in the UK won’t receive a confirmed diagnosis. And the truth of the matter is that if a diagnosis is found, it will be so rare that it is likely that it may not bring us many answers.

“Having an undiagnosed child is a lot like living in limbo. You have endless questions and rarely any answers because your child is a medical mystery with lots of symptoms and no underlying cause. This can be hard for parents because naturally you want to know everything possible about your child’s condition so that you can ensure that they have the best support possible.

You also want to know, as much as you possibly can, what the future holds. Will

“Without a doubt, Brody brings us so much joy and laughter. We feel truly lucky to have him. However, there is no shame in admitting that it can be isolating having a disabled child at times, particularly if you don’t fit into a specific ‘group’. There is such a tonic in talking to others in the same boat, who ‘get it’ and can offer ‘been there’ advice.

And that’s why SWAN UK is so important to me.

“I would love to see SWAN UK achieve its big ambition, which is to ensure that all families who have a child affected by a syndrome without a name get the support they need, when they need it. They want every undiagnosed child and young adult to receive high quality coordinated care and support both in hospital and at home.”

You can find out more at www.undiagnosed.org.uk For further information about SWAN UK, see joinus@undiagnosed.org.uk

*THE 100,000 GENOMES PROJECT

The project will sequence 100,000 genomes from around 70,000 people.

Participants are NHS patients with a rare disease, plus their families, and patients with cancer.

The aim is to create a new genomic medicine service for the NHS, transforming the way people are cared for. Patients may be offered a diagnosis where there wasn’t one before.

The project will also enable new medical research into how best to use genomics in healthcare and how best to interpret the data to help patients. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 49

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28/03/2017 15:02

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28/03/2017 12:44

WIN!

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ENTER NOW TO WIN

Nestling in the heart of the Cornish countryside, Treworgans Farm Holidays is a family-run farm offering accessible, selfcatering holiday accommodation.

The two cottages, Buzzard Watch and Valley View, have been thoughtfully and purposely converted from original stone farm buildings and now offer wheelchairaccessible accommodation incorporating level access shower rooms and adapted kitchens.

There is also a wide range of mobility aids available. These include electric-profiling beds, air or foam-pressure mattresses, hoists, riser/recline chairs and shower chairs, to name a few, all of which are offered free of charge to ensure your stay is as easy and comfortable as possible.

The spacious bedrooms offer a home away from home, providing a relaxing space to promote a good night’s sleep.

The bedrooms can be made up as either super king beds or twin rooms. The master bedrooms in each property each have level access to a wetroom with non-slip flooring and plenty of grab rails.

These stylish cottages boast exposed beams and traditional features throughout. Each cottage has central heating whilst also benefitting from a wood burner in the sitting room for creating a cosy atmosphere.

The kitchens are fully equipped with

washer/dryers, dishwashers and microwaves, they also include clear spaces under the sink and hob to accommodate wheelchair users. You will also find free WiFi, flat screen TVs and DVD players.

Both cottages have their own individual and large concrete parking areas. Off these areas there is ramped access, creating step-free access from your car to your cottage.

Take advantage of the picturesque setting by relaxing on your own private large decked area outside. This space is equipped with outdoor seating and a BBQ to enjoy al fresco cooking.

Treworgans Farm is ideally situated to explore everything the Cornish countryside has to offer, including Wheal Coates and Charlestown harbour, both of which were recently used as film sets for the BBC hit series Poldark, as well as the well-known Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan.

For more information call

01726 883240

email info@treworgansfarm.co.uk or visit www.treworgans.co.uk.

Terms & Conditions The prize is for 7 nights self-catering accommodation for up to four people, in Buzzard Watch, subject to availability. The prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. Transport costs are the responsibility of the winner. Only one entry per person. The prize must be taken between 28 Oct 2017 and 16 Dec 2017. Saturday is changeover day. Closing date for entries is 31 May 2017.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply answer the following question: What BBC hit series was filmed near Treworgans Farm?

Email your answer and your contact details to posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com or visit www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk to enter online.

Treworgans Farm Competition PosAbility Magazine Caledonia House Evanton Drive Thornliebank Ind. Est. Glasgow, G46 8JT

Name: Address: Postcode: Tel: Email: Treworgans Farm Holidays would like to send you more information about their services. If you prefer not to receive this, please tick the box.

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 51

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28/03/2017 17:35

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28/03/2017 12:45

TRAVEL

TEA TO THE SEA

By Janet Myers

All of India bombards the senses with its vibrant colour, aromatic spices and unique culture, but if you thought that everywhere there was traffic chaos, industrial pollution and no place to find solitude, then it is time to think again. I recently took a tailor-made tour with Travel Planners who have won many top tourist awards. Reputable, honest and able to put together a programme to suit individual needs, I found them excellent. With the exchange rate very favourable to us at the moment it offers luxury at an affordable price.

MUNNAR AND THE TEA PLANTATIONS After a busy day, I sit on our veranda drinking tata tea. Like a vast plantation house, the hotel nestles amongst the tea plantations of Munnar. Melodic tones drift up from a nearby temple and a thick haze sends everything beyond our immediate viewpoint into a muted world creating a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Our drive to Munnar earlier had taken nearly four hours as the narrow road climbed ever higher and higher. The views were spectacular, the sky deep blue and the vegetation a cacophony of every shade of green. After passing through banana and rubber plantations, the hillsides gave way to a sea of tea bushes, each as flat as a pancake. Their neat, well-groomed

appearance is no doubt due to the fact that the tender shoots are now harvested with shears.

The haze reminded us of Australia's Blue Mountains and we were soon to learn why.

It seems that an official smuggled seeds in his wife's stockings on a return trip from Australia and soon their quick-growing trunks were fuelling the tea factories. We learnt this fact and many more at the tea museum we visited the following morning. We learnt too that the tea bushes are planted on only a third of the slopes so that they do not detract from their harmony and so create a sustainable environment. All tea begins life in the same way. Green tea is considered to be of special medicinal benefit but in Munnar, black tea, which undergoes more drying, is today's 'cash crop.'

THEKKADY AND ITS SPICE "Wild elephant," came the cry on day three and everyone tumbled from their  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 53

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28/03/2017 15:12

WHEN TO GO The region has three specific seasons: December, January and February are cooler and drier, yet busier. March, April and May are hot and humid. The rest of the year is the South-west and North-east monsoon season.

VISAS You can travel on an e-tourist visa. Cost is around £50.

Be sure to use the official government site to avoid being fleeced. www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa

FOOD AND DRINK Chinese, Italian and other Western food is available but with so many delicious Indian curries, many of them vegetarian, it would be a shame not to experiment. Although considered a 'dry state,' beer and other alcoholic drinks are available.

FESTIVALS All faiths live in harmony, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Islamic. There are many festivals and feast days, so be sure to involve yourself in at least one, even if it’s 'no moon' day. vehicles. My eyes followed the pointing finger of a woman dressed in a brightly coloured sari. Then, in amongst the dense vegetation, I saw it wiggle its ears, flick its tail and then as it raised its head, I detected two long tusks.

Our hotel that night was an ecological gem which clung to the steep mountainside.

The giant panoramic glass wall of our 'villa' looked on to lush vegetation.

A visit to a spice garden was comprehensive and we learnt all you needed to know about Indies’ spices and its medicinal plants: cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, nutmeg and turmeric to name but a few. Peppercorns grow on vines and green, white or black all are achieved by different drying techniques. We took copious pictures and in the shop, we bought enough to keep us in curries and culinary delights forever.

THE BACK WATERS One of Kerala's 'must do' trips is overnight cruising on a traditional rice barge converted into a luxury houseboat.

Complete with captain, engineer and our own chef, three of us relaxed on board our two-bedroomed air-conditioned boat as it meandered through the rice fields.

At around 4pm, we transferred to a small dugout so that we could make our way down narrow canals. All life seems to revolve around the water. We saw people working with coconut fibre, washing their clothes, taking a bath, washing the dishes etc.

Next day, we woke early to watch the sun rise. It cast bright ripples of pink over the water. Fishermen in their small craft hauled up mussels. The boat swayed each time one of big rice barges began to make its way downstream after their overnight stay and soon we joined them.

WILDLIFE Kerala is conscious that it needs to preserve its wildlife and no visit would be complete without a visit to its wildlife reserves. Many options are possible but we opted for a boat ride on Lake Periyar in the tiger reserve. We did not see tigers but we did see a herd of wild elephants. They were mourning the loss of the baby elephant in the troop. Unable to keep up, it had been taken by a tiger despite the wardens’ best efforts to try to save it. There were plenty of bison, deer, otters and many bird species. Beside the water’s edge, a panther had taken a deer and scavengers were tucking into the remains of the carcass.

At base, monkeys appealed for tit-bits from visitors.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, COCHIN AND THE ARABIAN SEA The beaches of Kerala are not those soft sandy beaches where you sun yourself under a sunshade and from time to time cool off in quiet azure water. They are hot but often stony with just the occasional sand bar. The water pounds the shoreline and thunders ashore and often the beach falls away steeply. It has a beauty all of its own.

Down south, in Thiruvananthapuram, the state's capital, we enjoyed a romantic setting beside the Arabian sea but health and safety didn't apply! On the narrow wall, the chairs and tables were inches from a 10ft drop into the crashing ocean on one side and the palms and vegetation on the other!

Our stay here was at Uday Samundra Leisure Beach Resort. While here, we experienced a Hindu festival, visited the palace and the temple, saw rice flower fashioned into biscuits, which were so hard they almost broke our teeth and watched an old woman create intricate patterns with rice flour on the pavement in front of her house to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

54 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 15:14

TRAVEL

In Cochin, the financial centre, the Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi are its most famous beach attraction. Today they offer tourists a glimpse of the past but they catch few fish. These days, fisherman make their catch further out and nothing is more enjoyable than joining the hustle and bustle as they are landed and cooked by nearby stall holders for anyone wanting to sample them.

HERITAGE The folklore museum in Cochin is a good place to get an insight into Kerala's rich history. It is arranged on three floors and packed with exhibits. The building itself is an impressive architectural masterpiece.

Inside it resembles Tutenkamun’s tomb but your guide soon brings everything to life.

On the second floor are the costumes of Kathakal - a fascinating tradition of music, dance, drama and mime.

However, this is not the resting place for a forgotten art form. Here and throughout Kerala, the tradition endures and no visit is complete without enjoying a performance.

The masks, headgear, make-up, expressions and multi-layered bizarre clothing are truly magnificent. As I sat in the front row, I was mesmerised by those enormous eyes set in that brightly coloured dramatic make-up. They flashed this way and that way. Almost scary and very intimidating. Like the backwaters and the ever-changing scenery, they are memories that will endure for a long time.

MOBILITY

Kerala can pose minor problems as not all attractions are disabled-friendly but this does not mean that they cannot be overcome. The roads are excellent, but off road can sometimes be difficult.

When touring, I can recommend 'The Travel Planners'.

Email: anish@ttpkerala.com www.keralatourpackages.com They overcome any special need requirements and offer touring in an air-conditioned vehicle. Their prices are great, too. With them, you can just sit back and enjoy all the state has to offer.

If you want to stay in one place, I can recommend Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Spa Resort in Thiruvananthapuram.

Here, you can arrange excursions to suit your needs. It has its own medical and dental centre. Thiruvananthapuram has its own international airport so there is no need to travel via Cochin.

Safety is no problem. Doctors and hospitals are excellent and chemists carry all over-the-counter drugs at excellent prices. The people are warm friendly and helpful and English is widely spoken.

There are no beggars and shopping is without hassle.

053_Travel_Southern_India_SF_AB.indd 55

28/03/2017 15:15

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28/03/2017 17:19

HOLIDAYS

Revitalise provide safe and enjoyable holidays for your loved ones while giving you peace of mind

HOLIDAY FOCUS

Revitalise is a national charity

REVITALISE the seaside, museums and galleries, the countryside, shopping destinations and so much more. There are even day trips to France and Belgium in the summer.

Activities can include cocktail-making, exercise classes, cooking, quizzes, arts and crafts, bingo and more.

providing respite care in a holiday setting for disabled people and carers for over 50 years.

Revitalise currently run three accessible holiday centres in Chigwell in Essex, Southampton and Southport.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF MY HOLIDAY?

Their mission is to enable disabled people in the UK to access essential breaks with care, and provide inspirational opportunities for volunteers.

Every holiday includes round-the-clock nurse-led care, all meals, tea and coffee, live entertainment, activities in the holiday centre and transport for excursions

They firmly believe that disabled people should have the same rights, freedom, responsibilities and quality of life as those without disabilities.

ARE THEIR ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGES? Additional charges apply to specialist equipment, such as profiling beds and hoists, and the price for entry to attractions where applicable.

DESCRIBE WHAT I CAN EXPECT AT YOUR THREE CENTRES. Each week at the centre is themed and guests enjoy a range of fully-accessible excursions to nearby sites and attractions, live evening entertainment and activities.

WHAT MAKES A HOLIDAY WITH REVITALISE DIFFERENT?

HOW DO I KNOW YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MEET ALL MY NEEDS? We have experience catering to over 150 different conditions. All holiday centres feature 24-hour, on-call, nurse-led care so carers can rest assured knowing their loved one is in safe hands.

WHAT EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE? Excursions vary depending on the holiday centre but include trips to theatre shows,

“WE BELIEVE EVERYBODY NEEDS A BREAK, SO WE ENSURE ALL OUR HOLIDAYS ARE STRESS-FREE, ALLOWING BOTH GUESTS AND CARERS TO ENJOY AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY”

Revitalise is the largest provider of respite care holidays for disabled people in the UK. We believe everybody needs a break, so we ensure all our holidays are stress-free, allowing both guests and carers to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. www.revitalise.org.uk bookings@revitalise.org.uk Call 0303 303 0145 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 57

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28/03/2017 15:16

ff for o % 0 1 ility PosAb * s! reader

The holiday you deserve, not just the respite you need 24h on-call nurse-led care Fully accessible facilities Full board included Accessible excursions Brilliant live entertainment Daily in-house activities Financial support available 3 centres in Chigwell, Southampton and Southport Registered charity number 295072

Call: 0303 303 0145 quoting PS172 Email: bookings@revitalise.org.uk Visit: revitalise.org.uk

Adverts_Pos_Apr-May17.indd 58

*Terms and conditions apply.

28/03/2017 12:47

MOTABILITY NISSAN QASHQAI

MOTORING

Over the past 10 years, Nissan have built over two million Qashqai’s to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for this multi award-winning crossover.

The Qashqai is the UK’s best-selling Motability vehicle and we can see why. It’s packed full of state-of-the-art technology such as Forward Emergency Braking which helps to minimise the risk of accidents. The Around View Monitor is another fantastic feature, with four cameras located around the vehicle providing the driver with a bird’s-eye view of the car, making parking in tight spaces easy.

into the seat. Once inside, you will notice the ergonomic driving position and sculpted front seats designed with NASA technology to improve blood flow and decrease fatigue.

However if you don’t want to do the parking for yourself, let the car do it for you.

Intelligent Park Assist comes as standard on the range-topping Tekna grades, with the Qashqai controlling the steering inputs during bay and parallel parking while you control the accelerator and brakes.

With an efficient range of engine and gearbox combinations, there is plenty of choice to find the right Qashqai for your needs. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of power and economy, then the dCi 110 diesel engine offers up to 74mpg* on the combined cycle.

Qashqai’s raised driving position also improves ease of access into the car without needing to lift or lower yourself

For more information on the Nissan Qashqai please visit nissan.co.uk/motability or contact your local Nissan dealer.

While the optional panoramic glass roof and heated seats (standard on N-Vision grade) and seat lumbar support give you an additional level of premium comfort.

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 59

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28/03/2017 17:38

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Stylish wheelchair clothing for children and teens

Willow Bug takes the drama out of dressing, with clothing that fits easily over heads, legs, arms and wheelchairs in kid friendly colours and prints.

Back fastening wheelchair jackets Wheelchair snugs Wheelchair ponchos Wheelchair coveralls

www.willowbug.co.uk Contact us at hello@willowbug.co.uk or call 07720 893 441

28/03/2017 17:20

KIDS

’ s d i K BI N CA

PRODUCTS

68

PAGE

Calling all kids! Welcome to PosAbility Magazine’s new look Kids’ Cabin where we’ve made some exciting new changes to keep our younger readers informed, engaged and entertained.

We are delighted to welcome on board probably one of the magazine world’s youngest columnists. Cue eight-year-old Rio Woolf, who describes himself as the ‘amputee with attitude.’

Rio was born without a tibia, knee or ankle joint due to rare condition tibial aplasia and had his leg amputated when he was just 14 months old.

Unstoppable Rio, who has rubbed shoulders with royalty and some of the world’s most decorated athletes, will bring younger readers a regular insight into his life with the prosthetic running blade which he hopes will help him realise his burning ambition of becoming a Paralympic medallist. Read on page 63 all about how a recent ‘show and tell’ allowed Rio to indulge in his two greatest passions: sport and talking!

Turn to page 70 to meet another go-getting schoolboy whose mum’s colourful, creative solution to his reluctance to use his hearing aids has made him the coolest kid in class.

Book worms will be in their element when taking a peek inside two of the country’s most popular, accessible visitor attractions, each of which pays homage to the wonder of imagination-fuelled children’s books. See pages 64 and 65.

As always, we bring you a selection of some of the coolest kids’ products on the market on page 68.

Popular columnist Dan White is back on page 67 with his astute observations on fatherhood and the trials and triumphs he and daughter Emily share on a daily basis.

Talented artist Dan also brings you the latest gripping adventures of Team Strongbones on page 71, whose character ‘Blade Boy’ is the alter ego of our new columnist, Rio Woolf.

Don’t forget, if you have any comments, ideas, or anything you want to get off your chest, we’re waiting to hear from you. Contact Niki Tennant on niki@2apublishing.co.uk

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 61

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28/03/2017 15:19

Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care The WC that cleans you with water

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The ultimate solution to independence in the bathroom, the Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care is combining the convenience of a warm water wash and warm air drying alongside many other enhancing features. Please visit → www.geberit-aquaclean.co.uk/care or call 0800 032 9629

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14/02/2017 12:27

28/03/2017 17:21

KIDS

RUN, RIO, RUN: THE AMPUTEE WITH ATTITUDE!

I

was really excited to be invited recently by Brown Owl Nicola Caplan to give a ‘show and tell’ talk to the 1st and 6th Stanmore Rainbows.

The Rainbows (aged five to seven) and the Brownies (aged seven to 10) have been learning about Superheroes, so they wanted to hear about how I ended up starring in a kids’ comic strip.

Artist Dan White created The Department of Ability comic strip where all the superheroes use their disabilities as superpowers, and I am ‘Blade Boy’, which is really cool.

“THEY HAVE BEEN LEARNING ABOUT SUPERHEROES, SO THEY WANTED TO HEAR ABOUT HOW I ENDED UP STARRING IN A KIDS’ COMIC STRIP.”

The strip was in the last issue of PosAbility Magazine, so I gave all the girls a copy to take home. You can see what my character gets up to by reading the latest Department of Ability adventures on page 71.

I also talked about my favourite subjects – my Rio 2016 Paralympic adventures, my amazing Dorset Orthopaedic/Ottobock UK prosthetic running blade and my ambitions to be a Paralympian, which I hope my blade will help me achieve.

During my visit, I showed the girls my Arctic One medals and photos of me meeting Prince Harry at the Orlando Invictus Games and other pictures of me with my favourite Paralympian heroes.

I also showed them photos of me walking with my mum in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Torch Relay and I brought our torch along for them to see.

I also read to the girls from one of my favourite books: ‘Just Let Me Put My Legs On’, written by Australian author Kenzie

Le-Turley. It’s full of wonderful rhymes and lovely illustrations telling the story of a boy with limb difference who shows everyone that he is more than capable of doing anything other children can do once he puts his prosthetic legs on.

I passed the book around, along with my Olympic Mascot Vinicius – Rio 2016 and the Paralympic Mascot Tom – Rio 2016. I handed out copies of OnTrack Magazine so that the girls could learn more about disability sport. There I am pictured on the inside cover running on my Ottobock 1E93 Runner Junior blade for the first time to promote the new paediatric sports prosthetics which children like me can now get on the NHS. The best bit was playing ‘monkey football’ with the Brownies. That was great fun!

I was honoured to be asked to award each Rainbow and Brownie with their Superhero badges and it was great to join in their farewell songs.

Everyone made my mum and me feel really welcome and we want to say a big thank you to Nicola for inviting us and for the yummy chocolate presents. We had a fab time.

My mum said the visit gave me a chance to combine my two biggest passions: sport and talking!

Rio, who is an Arctic One Junior Sports Ambassador, is competing in the para-duathlon at Darney Lake on May 29.

Find out how he performs in the June/July issue. 

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 63

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28/03/2017 15:21

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BOOK DAY: APRIL 2, 2017

A DAHL-ICIOUS DAY OUT

I

t is, of course, The Roald Dahl Museum where the famous author once wrote, surrounded by the places that inspired many of the stories we know and love today.

Not only is the museum and story centre a fun-filled day out for kids and adults alike, it is also a place where accessibility and inclusion are considered throughout.

Disabled access review website Euan’s Guide asked how the Roald Dahl museum engages visitors through accessible storytelling and ‘gobblefunk’, the language of Roald Dahl! Euan’s Guide shared their interview with PosAbility’s Kids’ Corner...

HOW DOES THE MUSEUM’S ‘SIGNLY’ APP ADD TO THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE? ‘Signly’ enables deaf visitors to access permanent exhibits and enables groups of sign language users and hearing people to experience the galleries together.

WHY DO PROPS HELP TO MAKE A STORY BETTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOW DOES THE VENUE ENSURE ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUSIVE TO ALL? Craft sessions often feature an element of storytelling. This combination of activities helps engage younger children in the stories and characters. Workshop spaces are all fully accessible, and activities are flexible in terms of content and outcome.

HOW IS THE MUSEUM’S STORY IDEAS BOOK USED BY VISITING CHILDREN? Every child receives a Story Ideas Book on arrival to write

Take a trip to Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, and you might stumble across this ‘flushbunkingly glorious’ museum with chocolatescented doors and fun galleries for families. their ideas in as they explore the galleries.

Roald Dahl always kept an Ideas Book in which he jotted down ideas for character names and stories.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CREATIVE WAY YOU HAVE MADE A GALLERY OR EXHIBIT MORE ACCESSIBLE OR INCLUSIVE? There are objects to handle, things to smell, music and sound, films and hands-on activities. Through a changing programme of activities and trails, the museum finds new ways to help visitors to explore Roald Dahl’s life and stories.

HOW ARE THE STORYTELLING SESSIONS IN MISS HONEY’S CLASSROOM MADE ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TO AN IMMERSED AUDIENCE? Storytellers can adapt to any given audience and often use props and audience participation to get everyone involved.

Short, funny poems from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts make for entertaining and engaging sessions for all ages.

Last year, the museum organised a dyslexiafriendly storytelling session packed with sensory-based activities including visual character-making and physical scene-

64 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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27/03/2017 21:37

KIDS setting, and on another occasion, a BSL-signed storytelling day. Look out for similar events coming up this year.

The museum uses lots of interactive exhibits and multi-sensory features to tell stories. Even the doors to the Boy Gallery smell like chocolate! How can multi-sensory storytelling add to a person’s experience?

Multi-sensory storytelling can provide different ways to experience a story other than straightforward reading. Visitors can also explore the Story Sacks that contain tactile story props, play at creating stop-frame animations, and dress up as their favourite characters.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR THE MUSEUM IN TERMS OF DISABLED ACCESS? Due to their popularity, the museum hopes to programme more BSL talks and storytelling later this year. Longer-term, it plans to upgrade its hearing loop facility and enhance provision for blind and partially sighted visitors.

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0A

THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS Seven Stories is the only place in Britain dedicated to the art of children’s books and the joy of reading, and one of just a few such enchanting places in the world.

Everything they do aims to inspire children and grownups to be curious, imaginative and creative. They strive to ensure that people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can take part to enjoy a lifetime of reading for pleasure.

SEVEN STORIES

Seven Stories’ home is a carefully converted Victorian warehouse in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the North-east of England. They opened in 2005 and their seven floors house galleries for exhibitions, performances and creative spaces, a specialist children’s bookshop and a café.

For your chance to win a family pass for two adults and three children, answer the following question correctly: The doors of which section of the museum smell like chocolate?

A) Miss Honey’s Classroom B) The Boy Gallery C) The Writing Hut Return your details to the following address: Roald Dahl Museum Competition, PosAbility Magazine Caledonia House, Evanton Drive Thornliebank Ind. Estate Glasgow G46 8JT Email: posabilitycompetitions@ gmail.com or visit www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk to enter online. *Ticket valid until December 31 2017. This prize is not transferrable and there is no cash alternative.

Name: Address: Postcode: Tel:

EARLY BIRD OPENING for visitors with an Autistic Spectrum Condition

Every first Saturday of the month, Seven Stories open their doors at 9am, as they appreciate that queues can be overwhelming for some. Early Bird Opening also means you can have a quieter visit to the café, followed by a relaxed story time at 10am.

a sheet of suggestions and activities to help you get the most out of the galleries, props, a tactile sensory mat and a book.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT At Seven Stories, they want you to feel comfortable and give you the best possible visitor experience, so why not view their Social Story before you visit?

You can also contact the reception team on 0300 330 1095 ext. 300, or speak to access champion Beth Coverdale on ext. 220. Staff are happy to talk through what to expect before you arrive and on the day.

Visitors with a disability pay a concessionary rate, and entrance for Max Card holders and carers are both free.

For further information visit our website www.sevenstories.org.uk/visit/ accessibility

SENSORY BACKPACKS Sensory backpacks are full of multisensory props and endless opportunities for exploring exhibitions.

They are free to borrow from reception, with a returnable £10 deposit. These innovative bags are all handmade and packed with props to help you explore the Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories exhibition. Although each backpack is different, they all contain

FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR TICKET PRICE, QUOTE ‘POSABILITY’ AT TIME OF BOOKING.

Email:

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28/03/2017 15:25

Total Drop Foot Solutions STRIVE FOR BETTER.

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The new B5/B6 power wheelchair for more independence Ottobock is proud to introduce Juvo. Designed to promote mobility and support positive posture, the Juvo is the perfect partner to help master the challenges of daily life.

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01784 744 900 ¡ www.ottobock.co.uk

Adverts_Pos_Apr-May17.indd 66

28/03/2017 17:21

Columnist Dan White

TAKING OUR HATS OFF TO THE NHS Dan White, creator of the amazing Department of Ability superheroes and dad to Emily, who is 10-years-old and has spina bifida, has become a regular face in PosAbility over the last few months. You will now be hearing from him every issue as he is writing a regular column sharing his experiences of life as a family with a disabled child.

You can follow Dan on Twitter @DeptOfAbility

WIN

Dan has designed some cracking new Department of Ability colouring books and has given Kids Cabin four to give away to lucky readers. For a chance to get your hands on one, draw us a picture of yourself as a superhero and tell us what your name would be and what superpowers you have. We can’t wait to see all your lovely artwork. Good luck. Send us your entries to niki@2apublishing.co.uk or via post to PosAbility Magazine Caleadonia House, Evanton DriveThornliebank Ind. Estate Glasgow G46 8JT Entries close May 15th.

Hospitals and paediatricians make up that seemingly never ending circuit of appointments that are essential to keep our wonderful children safe and well.

best and first course of treatment is the reassurance and giggles. Hell, if comfort was a medical degree, these people would be constantly receiving doctorates.

Lately the dear NHS has taken its annual ministerial battering, with scenes of filled corridors and tired doctors coming under the microscope. Some sections of the media have been doing their utmost to pin the blame on immigration and the workforce, through their incredibly reliable sources of Colin the llama and Nigel Farage’s toothpaste.

I know this quick succession of events doesn’t always go to plan. People falter, and events can take sudden turns, but my point is that every day highly trained people are given tiny lives to comfort while long hours are worked, and Costas are drained just to keep specialists working through. Smiles are never far away and all these incredible life savers keep going and going, fighting for our children’s health whilst trying to ignore the bad and ill-informed press that perpetually seems to be working for the ‘Ministry of Dark Magic’, sorry, ‘Health’.

From a personal viewpoint, the warm dedicated surgeons, nurses and consultants we see never fail to make even our family’s darkest days bearable. A wonderful example is the Neuro Ward at Southampton, a ward that was heavily criticised a while ago after a family absconded with their child for treatment abroad. The hospital’s side of the story was eventually told after some brutal news coverage that offered only one side of the story.

Once again, last month we took Emily to Southampton Neuro after a shunt scare (Emily has hydrocephalus). We arrived shaken, with our ‘it’ll be all right’ faces on for Emily’s benefit. As the ward door was pushed open, the friendliness and warmth hit us like a 20-tonne embrace. The team of staff may regularly change, but the dedication and smiles are always there and quickly we were shown to a bed and comforted and put at ease. Emily, suffering from acute headaches, was instantly in a CT scanner then off an x-ray with a staff member making her smile and laugh. The

Emily is one of millions of disabled children who might be seen as a nuisance because of their repeated admissions, but no, NHS staff, especially paediatrics, treat every child like their own. Play leaders play, doctors raise smiles on worried faces and nurses and surgeons battle weary eyes to do the job they trained to do - save lives.

With the Government having some wonderfully bizarre ideas on how to organise doctors’ contracts - which seem as convincing as Simon Peggs’ Scottish accent in Star Trek - our NHS staff deal with case after case and condition after condition by making lives comfortable and ushering in the next worried family.

NHS - Southampton and countrywide - I salute and thank you. You save and care.

Keep rolling.

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28/03/2017 15:30

Kids’ PRODUCTS

We bring you a mix of the most innovative and helpful products on the market today

THE DARK DEN The Dark Den has been designed to offer a stimulation free place in the home or classroom, creating a space in which children can relax and unwind, free from excessive stimulation. As such, it is an ideal place to spend quiet time and many children benefit from the peaceful time they spend inside.

The Dark Den can also be used as a sensory stimulation enclosure, with various accessories being used to project lights and patterns. It can also be used with UV stimulators. It is very easy to erect and to take down if required and is supplied with its own carrying bag. The Dark Den is the perfect place to offer children a quiet and distraction -free environment, and is especially suited for use in a classroom.

Search using the quick order code, CCS6694, at www.completecareshop.co.uk

WE’RE RIDING ON A CARAVAN SENSORY TALE Join the caravan for an exciting year-long trek along China’s ancient Silk Road in a story that will make you feel like part of the story as you hear, smell and feel the delights of trading precious stones and spices. A great multi-sensory resource enabling children with disabilities or learning difficulties to join in with the story.

CONTENTS INCLUDE: • Cotton bag • We’re Riding on a Caravan book • Mini Chinese purse • Large ‘diamond’ • Mini ‘diamonds’ • Silk cocoons • Clip-clop shells

• Cinnamon sticks • Silk purse • Clear purse • Camel puppet • Wooden spoon • Wooden camels • Activity card Age: 3+ www.spacekraft.co.uk

68 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 16:51

KIDS

RIBCAP, 24-7 HEALTHCARE.CO.UK Branching out from their traditional prescription headwear, 24-7 Healthcare are now selling protective headwear for both adults and children without the need for prescriptions.

Coming in styles such as beanies and baseball caps, and in a range of colours and sizes, the Ribcap offers comfort, safety and style.

With visco-elastic shock absorber sewn in, an improved level of protection against bumps, scratches and abrasions is provided while the wearer can keep style in mind.

THE WILLOW BUG BACK FASTENING WHEELCHAIR JACKET Do you find it challenging dressing your child in a conventional jacket? The Willow Bug Back Fastening Wheelchair Jacket is the perfect solution. This lightweight yet warm waterproof jacket opens up fully at the back allowing the wearer to be dressed from the font. The jacket also opens at the front for even more dressing options.

Shorter than a conventional jacket means there’s no extra material to tuck away and the lightweight design ensures arm and body movement is not restricted. The jacket is designed to be worn sitting so fits perfectly in all the right places and does not affect the wearer’s seating position.

• Fully waterproof with a cosy fleece inner lining • Machine washable • Available in small, medium, large, extra-large and teen sizes • Comes in navy, navy/purple raindrop print and pink/purple.

Willow Bug www.willowbug.co.uk

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Light and comfortable to wear • 100% breathable • Washable • Foldable and storable • Multiple sizes available for a perfect fit • Weight: 120g to 200g 24-7 Healthcare.co.uk 0208 577 2789 Prices available upon request

PRICES FROM

£45.00

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27/03/2017 16:42

KIDS

SANTI’S SPECIAL EARS

S

ix-year-old Santiago Ospina Lozada has gone from being ‘that boy who wears hearing aids’ to being the coolest kid in class.

And it’s all down to his proud mum’s inspired idea of decorating his hearing aids with his favourite funky superhero characters.

Santi was in his reception year at school aged just four when his mum, Nathalie, noticed that he was having trouble with his phonics.

He was referred for an emergency hearing test and, within a week, was told he needed hearing aids.

After a series of further tests, it was discovered that Santi has an abnormal

gene inherited from both parents called Connexin-26, which causes hearing loss. Audiologists have advised that his loss, although moderate, is permanent.

After many family discussions, says Nathalie, they have learned to cope with that – especially eight-year-old big sister, Aisha, who is very patient with Santi.

Nathalie, of Lambeth, London, explained: “When he first wore the hearing aids from the hospital, he was half way through the year in reception at school and I think he became too overwhelmed with all the new sounds and the attention he was attracting, as he was wearing something ‘different’ from all the other children.

“Children are very curious at any age and I think it was too much for him at such a young age. He began to question his hearing aids and I noticed he did not seem comfortable using them. When I saw the opportunity to celebrate them, I went ahead and started decorating them for him.”

After trial and error and social media exchanges with other parents around the globe, Nathalie hit upon a design technique that worked.

Nathalie modifies the decorations used on rubber shoes, then glues clear tubing on the back of each decoration which slips onto the tubing of the hearing aid to create ‘Santi’s Special Ears.’

[Above] Santi loves his mum’s designs

When Santi began using his ‘special ears’, he was going through a superheroes craze and so initial designs featured Spiderman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

“This has helped him immensely,” continued Nathalie, “and now Santiago is super proud of his ‘Special Ears.’ At Santi’s Special Ears, we celebrate hearing aids and want children to feel special and proud of them. I want to make hearing aids fun!”

Press coverage about Santi’s Special Ears began to generate interest from other parents and soon Nathalie had built up a catalogue of designs on her Facebook page.

Parents send her a private message with the code of the decoration they would like, pay by Paypal and receive their chosen designs through Royal Mail.

Nathalie orders decorations depending on what’s trending, including films like Trolls and Nemo.

“Santi became the cool kid in his class and often his friends will wait for him in the playground to see which decoration he has chosen for the day!” explained a delighted Nathalie, who says positive feedback from other parents puts a smile on her face.

“Now, the trouble is having the time to choose from so many. We have to make sure he makes his choice the night before.”

Popular pupil Santi added : “I like my ‘Special Ears’ because they make me famous!”

To see the full catalogue of decorations: www.facebook.com/santisspecialears

70 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/03/2017 15:35

HAVING BEEN LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT’S HIDEOUT BY BLADEBOY, TEAM STRONGBONES FIND THEMSELVES SURPRISED BY AN ENEMY FROM THE PAST!! ORLAC THE COLLECTOR SPRINGS HIS TRAP!

STRONGBONES… NOW STRONGBONES! CONSIDERCONSIDER YOURSELVES….

YOURSELVES..

MINUTES? DAYS? HOURS? HOW LONG? SLOWLY A HAND STIRS MYLES, BRINGING HIM BACK TO HARSH REALITY..

MYLES! WAKE UP! IT’S LEWIS! WE’VE BEEN HERE HOURS!

HOURS! LOCKED HERE IN ORLACS HOLDING CELL!

?

AND THAT’S NOT ALL GUYS!

ALL OUR EQUIPMENT IS GONE! CHAIRS! POWER GLOVES! THE LOT! WE’RE TRAPPED!

NOT QUITE BEN THEY LEFT ONE OF MY WHEELS...

AND THAT MEANS..

NEXT TIME… ESCAPE TO..?

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27/03/2017 22:15

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28/03/2017 17:21

EMPLOYMENT

INTERVIEW AWKWARDNESS STILL A BARRIER TO DISABLED WORKERS

T

he prospect of changing jobs can be nerve-racking for any employee. But if you have a disability, the barriers and stereotypes you may face along the way can make the journey towards a new role even more daunting.

Recently funded not-for-profit disability organisation Purple is highlighting how unnerving it can be for employees with disabilities who are making the transition to a new job.

According to Purple’s recent nationwide survey of 1000 businesses, a fifth of hiring managers (22%) admitted they were worried about interviewing someone with a disability in case they do or say the wrong thing, while shockingly almost half of UK businesses (45%) said they were apprehensive about hiring someone with a disability because of fears they wouldn’t be able to do the job.

The risks usually associated with moving jobs are multiplied when applied to disabled workers, who are facing these prejudices in interviews as well as physical barriers in the workplace.

Despite societal progress, disabled people are still underrepresented in the workplace and are more likely to be on lower incomes than their peers.

prospect for anyone but this is even more complicated for disabled workers who might find themselves facing attitudinal barriers with prospective employers. There is still much more work to be done to change opinion and we need to understand and respond systematically to disabled workers' needs”.

Purple’s aim is to create a world where disability no longer presents barriers for individuals or businesses. The organisation assists people and businesses across the UK, offering consultancy and recruitment services to support businesses to drive inclusive employment strategies, while providing disabled people with greater levels of employment support.

Purple has launched a specialist disability employment agency, matching disabled jobseekers with vacancies businesses need filling. Its aim is to support more than 20,000 disabled people to find permanent jobs over the next decade, providing them with better jobs and higher pay, guidance, advice and grant funded help schemes, without the obstacles they still face. 

“THERE IS STILL MUCH MORE WORK TO BE DONE TO CHANGE OPINION AND WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPOND SYSTEMATICALLY TO DISABLED WORKERS' NEEDS”

Fears from interviewers also included using the incorrect terminology (32%) and not knowing whether they should help with things such as opening doors or pulling out chairs (38%). One in five employers (21%) also admitted that falling foul of discrimination law was a real concern.

Purple chief executive and disability equality champion, Mike Adams OBE said: “We know changing jobs with new responsibilities and colleagues is a scary www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 73

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Purple’s recruitment services manager, Wayne Smithies commented: “Businesses have a real opportunity in reassessing their attitudes towards disability, not only to allow them to access the so called ‘Purple Pound’, which is worth £212bn a year, but also in terms of attracting and retaining skilled, talented professionals who just happen to have a disability”.

To find out more about how you can benefit from Purple’s employment initiative, either through advertising vacancies as a business or by getting support as an individual, visit: www.wearepurple.org.uk or call 01245 392300.

• The two most commonly stated needs for employment among adults with impairments are modified hours/days or reduced work hours, and tax credits.

• The two most common barriers to work amongst adults with impairments are a lack of job opportunities (43%) and difficulty with transport (29%).

• Disabled adults are nearly three times as likely as non-disabled adults to have no formal qualifications (30% and 11% respectively).

• In January 2016, the UK employment rate among working age disabled people was 46.5% (4.1million), compared to 84% of non-disabled people.

Source: www.papworthtrust.org.uk

DISABILITY AND EMPLOYMENT: THE FACTS

• More than 3.4million disabled people are in work • Disabled people are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people • Being disabled costs you, on average, around £550 more per month • After housing costs, the proportion of working age disabled people living in poverty (30%) is higher than the proportion of working age non-disabled people (18%) • A 10% rise in the employment rate among disabled adults would contribute an extra £12billion to the Exchequer by 2030

CASE STUDY: DARYL JONES

Talented graduate Daryl Jones applied for more than 400 jobs and received no response whatsoever – until he deleted all references to his disability from his CV. The 27-year-old, who graduated from Hull University in 2015 with a degree in business and marketing, has Marfan Syndrome – a genetic disorder which affects the body’s connective tissue.

His CV listed his many impressive achievements, including playing disability sport, being a disability spokesperson for the National Union of Students and founding charity Disability Sports Humber.

It was only when he removed those accomplishments and any other reference to his disability that he was contacted with interview offers.

So far, 27-year-old Daryl has had a dozen interviews, but none of the employers has hired him, all claiming he doesn’t have enough experience or that other candidates were better suited.

“When you apply for a job these days, you get nothing back.

If you get a letter saying you’ve been unsuccessful, you can count yourself lucky,” said Daryl, whose disability means that he sometimes uses a wheelchair.

“Last year, I thought it was time to try a new approach and that is when I took all mention of disability off my applications.”

When he attended for interviews and at assessment centres in his wheelchair, he says his disability was met with an element of surprise by prospective employers.

“During interviews, I was asked more questions about my disability than my skills and the job itself,” continued Daryl.

“Employers are scared to take on a disabled person. I try my hardest and still get nothing. The problem is, they do not understand disability. There is a massive gap there. Discrimination is still going on. It is soul destroying.

“It is disappointing and soul destroying. Studies have shown

74 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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EMPLOYMENT

that people with disabilities do want to contribute, they want to have a job and earn money, but nobody will employ me.

I have a degree and when I’ve spoken to people, they’ve said I have loads of qualifications and plenty of experience and can’t understand why I can’t get a job. I’ve been on Work Programme too and they don’t understand it either.”

Daryl says his disability doesn’t stop him from working, unless the job is particularly physical. He has applied for all kinds of jobs, including those for which he was over-qualified, such as low-skilled admin roles.

It has been suggested that Daryl should draw a salary from the charity he founded – but he won’t do that, insisting the cash should go towards supporting disability sport.

For now, Daryl – who has been a volunteer most of his adult life – is still looking for work.

“I am willing to work the hardest I can and I’m willing to try anything to get employment,” said a determined Daryl, who hopes his luck will change and he will land his dream marketing job with a third sector organisation. www.sportshumber.com

“I HAVE A DEGREE AND WHEN I’VE SPOKEN TO PEOPLE, THEY’VE SAID I HAVE LOADS OF QUALIFICATIONS AND PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE AND CAN’T UNDERSTAND WHY I CAN’T GET A JOB”

CASE STUDY: ANGELA GRIGGS

In 2004, qualified accountant Angela Griggs joined the corporate department of Scrutton Bland, a leading accountancy firm with 160 employees spread across offices in Ipswich, Colchester and Diss.

Over the next seven years, she enjoyed a successful career, eventually progressing to the role of assistant manager. Then, in January 2011, at the age of 32, Angela had a stroke and would spend the next seven weeks in hospital. As a result, she lost the use of her right leg and arm, had issues with her speech and was left with low stamina.

Yet, despite all the physical impediments, Angela wanted to get back to work quickly and believed this would be her way back to normality.

Angela’s boss, partner Tim O’Connor, also wanted her back and was adamant that Scrutton Bland should do everything it could to support her return to work. The company immediately sought the help of an occupational therapist, who helped with guidance on Angela’s needs and advised on developing a role that would suit her new capabilities. Because of her speech difficulties, Angela is less confident on the phone. However, she is more comfortable interacting face-to-face and knowing this means the company can make minor adjustments to suit Angela’s strengths and needs. It was agreed Angela’s working hours would be reduced to eight per week at first, allowing her to slowly build up her strength and stamina. Today, Angela works up to 19 hours per week.

For Tim and Angela, having regular and open conversations has been the most important part of this process. On her journey, Angela

said: “With the help of Tim and my team, we have developed a role where I can use my knowledge of Scrutton Bland and its clients, while accepting that I now do have new limitations. ” For Tim, helping Angela has proved to be a sound business decision with the cost of adjustments at just a couple of hundred pounds. Her seven years with the business meant she had knowledge of the clients, processes. The reasons for supporting Angela go beyond simple finances. Having Angela back has demonstrated to the other employees exactly what kind of company they work for: one that cares about its employees. This has proved an immeasurable boost to employee motivation, satisfaction and loyalty.

For other businesses that face a similar scenario, Tim would recommend engaging early and remaining open throughout the process. Help and support is available, whether legal and HR advice that most companies could access through their insurance policy, or with specialist disability advisors such as Purple.

Tim said: “There were difficulties along the way, but for an employer that is willing to work hard for their employees, the help and advice is available.”

An example would be the government’s flagship disability employment programme, Access to Work, which supports the additional costs associated with putting in place adjustments. The programme covers commuting , IT equipment, the employment of a personal assistant and changes to the physical access of the workplace. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 75

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CAREERS

GET THAT DREAM JOB TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Jane Hatton of Evenbreak talks about the decision to tell perspective employees about existing mental health issues.

By Jane Hatton

D

eciding whether or not to tell your prospective employer about a mental health condition can be difficult. You may be worried that this information might put the employer off, and you are under no obligation to discuss it. If you need any adjustments for the interview, or if the employer has a guaranteed interview scheme, then it may be worth raising it at the start.

Otherwise you may decide not to mention it until you are offered the role. If this is the case, request a one-to one meeting with your manager, or someone in HR (whichever you feel more comfortable with). You can discuss your mental health, how it relates to your work, and what might help you manage your health so you can perform well. Remember to include the positives that you bring with you – perhaps

a different way of thinking about things, or increased creativity.

If you do decide not to mention your mental health condition at all, that is entirely your decision. You can say as much or as little as you like. However, employers have a legal duty to ensure you have reasonable workplace adjustments and are not discriminated against as a result of your mental health condition (if it comes under the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability), but only if they know (or could be expected to know) about your condition. You can be clear about who you wish to know about your condition (for example, sometimes it might be useful for your team to know so they can be supportive, or you may feel you would rather they did not know).

Apart from the legal aspect, it may be useful to ask for any particular adjustments

that might make your working life easier.

Depending on your needs these could, for example, include: • changes to your working area • flexible working hours • spending time working from home • having time off work for treatment, assessment or rehabilitation • temporarily re-allocating tasks you find stressful and difficult Remember you are the expert on your needs – agree a plan of action with your manager and a time to meet again to review how things are going. If you’re not sure what might help, Access to Work may be able to offer suggestions, through their contract with Remploy.

Mind, a mental health charity (www.mind.org.uk), suggests forming a Wellness Action Plan. This is a personalised, practical tool that anyone can use – whether having a mental health issue or not. It identifies what keeps people well at work, what can cause people to become unwell, and how to address a mental health problem at work should one develop or worsen.

These are ideally shared with managers, to open the discussion. If your manager has not come across them before, there are guidelines for managers on the Mind site which explains what they are and how they can help.

You are always in control of any conversation about your mental health. You can decide how much or how little to share, when or if to share it, and who to share it with.

For further tips, and jobs from inclusive employers who are looking to attract more disabled candidates, have a look on the Evenbreak website www.evenbreak.co.uk. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 77

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ACCESSIBLEPUZZLES TRAVEL

Brain Teasers

Puzzles are a great way to pass the time and keep your mind sharp. Why not take a break, make a cup of tea and give these puzzles a go? If you correctly complete the crossword and post it to us with your details, you could be in with the chance of winning £25. Good luck!

CROSSWORD

WORD SEARCH

Test your eyes and find the words below from this issue of PosAbility Magazine

A Z

Copyright © 2011 Peter G Sharp

Across 7. In solitary confinement (13) 9. Improve in appearance (7) 10. Flat circular plates (5) 11. Part of an ear (4) 12. Defame (7) 15. Fruit-flavoured sweet powder (7) 16 Skin eruption (4) 19 Elevate (5) 21 An Irish girl (7) 22 Resident of e.g.

Pittsburgh (13)

£25 PRIZE! Complete the crossword correctly and send to PosAbility Magazine, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind Est, Glasgow, G46 8JT to be in with a chance of winning £25. Closing date for entries is 31 May 2017.

Down 1 Fuel oil (6) 2 Clamber (8) 3 Oxidize (4) 4 Command to a horse (7) 5 Consumes (4) 6 Cat good at rodent control (6) 8 Chess ending (4) 12 Become firm (3) 13 Dilapidated (8) 14 Side by side (7) 15 Zebra-like (6) 17 Warm ocean current (2,4) 18 Bloodsucking insect (4) 20 Charged particles (4) 21 Young cow (4) Solutions to Feb/Mar crossword

F

D Q M T

F

F

J

C

O W V

S

T

E

G D A G X

D A I

B

S

K

I

O H O L

I

D A Y

K

R

S

A D D N A X

T

G F

E

S

T

R

Q V

E

H H X

R

O A L

A T

I

N D I S

V

A L

I

S

D D A H L

W P

Y

K

B

O A R

Z

Z

L

S

A X S

M R V

I

F

O

D G A M E

H

O W E A O Y

Q W P F

A R

M U

BOARD GAME

RIO

HOLIDAYS

FESTIVALS

DOA

ROALD DAHL

INDIA

GADGETS

FARM

STAR

DID YOU KNOW....ROALD DAHL? Did you know he co-wrote the script for classic children’s film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’?

Did you know he had two steel hips and six operations on his spine?

Did you know he was a fighter pilot hero in WW2?

Did you know his school teachers did not seem to think much of his writing ability?

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CLASSIFIED

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CLASSIFIED Norfolk Disabled Friendly Cottages

We are a family run business providing 8 self catering cottages designed to suit both disabled and able-bodied guests.

Situated on a converted farmyard on the outskirts of the quiet village of Bircham, about 5 miles from the Royal Estate at Sandringham and 7 miles from the North Norfolk Coast. There are many nearby attractions, pubs and family activities to ensure there is something for everyone.

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Alba Highland Cottages are newly built luxurious, self-catering cottages with wifi, full disabled access, accessible toilets and wetrooms. · 2 accessible adjacent cottages · Situated a mile from Boat of Garten, 5 miles from Aviemore · All rooms are accessible to wheelchairs (upper level access to rooms is by stairs only) · Downstairs wetrooms, adjoining parking and ramps · Free use of a wheelchair can be arranged

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Free wifi and pets welcome

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MITSUBISHI MOTABILITY OFFERS OUTLANDER DIESEL 3

MIRAGE JURO

ADVANCE PAYMENT

ADVANCE PAYMENT

£1,999

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Intelligent 4WD

CVT auto available at no extra cost

Electric heated front mirrors

Pop in and see us | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer.

The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Models shown are the 17MY Outlander 3 2.2 diesel manual, Mirage Juro 1.2 petrol manual and ASX 2 1.6 petrol 2WD manual. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st April and 30th June 2017.

Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Mirage range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 55.4 – 57.6 (5.1 - 4.9), Extra Urban 72.4 - 72.4 (3.9 - 3.9), Combined 65.7 – 65.7 (4.3 - 4.3), CO2 emissions 100 - 99g/km. ASX 2 fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 38.2 (7.4), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9), Combined 48.7 (5.8), CO2 emissions 135 g/ km. Outlander diesel range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 40.9 – 45.6 (6.9 – 6.2), Extra Urban 54.3 – 58.9 (5.2 – 4.8), Combined 48.7 – 53.3 (5.8 – 5.3), CO2 emissions 154 – 139g/km.

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