Posability dec jan 16 issuu

ability

Dec/Jan 2016/17

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP From DIY decorations to autismfriendly fun

YOUNG, ACTIVE AND STRUCK BY STROKE

WIN A WEEK IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Don’t judge a book by its cover ALSO FEATURED...Mental Health | Careers | Kids Section | Money | Products Cover_Dec_Jan_FINAL_AB.indd 1

28/11/2016 13:11

Community Partners

Apply to be a Community Partner and help shape the support for disabled people in your area.

The new Community Partner role will build on expertise within

Jobcentre Plus and strengthen the understanding of the needs of

disabled people and those with health conditions to ensure Community.Partners@dwp. gsi.gov.uk

support is tailored to customer requirements.

As a Community Partner you will

have a lived experience or expert

knowledge of disability and work in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to enhance disability understanding.

You will help shape the support disabled people and those with

health conditions receive, develop a national mentoring network and build relationships with specialist organisations in your area.

For more information and to apply: Community.Partners@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Call: 0207 867 3186/0774 747 2709

www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/

Reference: 1518190/1518208

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28/11/2016 16:59

WELCOME Dec/Jan 2016/17

This is the last issue of PosAbility I will be working on for a while as I am due baby number two on 30 December. A wholly inconvenient time for all involved and the inevitable family politics have already reared their ugly head. In a bid to keep any arguments at bay I have somehow ended up hosting Christmas dinner - a great idea five days before my due date.

Perhaps I will enforce an alcohol-free house just incase baby arrives early - or would that be too cruel?

With this in mind we have a great Christmas survival guide on page 19 to help you make it through the festive period reasonably unscathed and some great Christmas activities for the whole family on page 65.

My impending family addition and the recent world events that have transpired - and by that I mean the appointment of Trump as the president-elect in America have really made me think about the world that I am bringing my children into and how I want them to see it and understand it and how I want them to treat people and how I want people to treat them.

of the most powerful countries in our world.

Sad, because the magnitude of this decision would not only spark more hatred in our world today but also because of the inevitable trickle down effect that would filter into young, impressionable minds. This outcome has essentially announced to the world that it is OK to be racist or sexist or discriminatory towards people with disabilities or those in the LGBT community or women. It says that it is acceptable to incite hateful messages - who cares who it hurts?

I thought that we were living in a world that was slowly progressing towards acceptance and equality, but this feels like a big step backwards. Let’s hope that this blow to humanity will actually unite all minority groups even more, to fight harder and reach farther and not accept anything less than the equality that everyone on this earth deserves.

I now leave you in the capable hands of my colleague Niki Tennant who will be looking after PosAbility in my absence. You can contact her on niki@2apublishing.co.uk.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

I can assure you, it is not a world that accepts racism, ableism, sexism or any other form of hatred towards anyone who does not conform to an outdated view of what society deems as ‘acceptable’. I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness when I woke up to the news that Donald Trump had been victorious in his quest to rule one

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch 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 Andy Wright Jane Hatton Dan White

A

Innovation not Imitation

PUBLISHING

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 2016 ©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 enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

ability

Dec/Jan 2016/17

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

Ros

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP From DIY decorations to autismfriendly fun

Editor

YOUNG, ACTIVE AND STRUCK BY STROKE

Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

Follow us on Twitter @ PosAbilityMag

SUBSCRIBE TODAY...

For only £15 for 1 year or £25 for 2 years Call

0141 465 2960 today!

03_welcome_RT_AB.indd 1

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

UPDATE PIC

WIN A WEEK IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Don’t judge a book by its cover ALSO FEATURED...Mental Health | Careers | Kids Section | Money | Products Cover_Dec_Jan_FINAL_AB.indd 1

28/11/2016 13:11

Members of PPA Scotland

28/11/2016 14:03

WELCOME Dec/Jan 2016/17

This is the last issue of PosAbility I will be working on for a while as I am due baby number two on 30 December. A wholly inconvenient time for all involved and the inevitable family politics have already reared their ugly head. In a bid to keep any arguments at bay I have somehow ended up hosting Christmas dinner - a great idea five days before my due date.

Perhaps I will enforce an alcohol-free house just incase baby arrives early - or would that be too cruel?

With this in mind we have a great Christmas survival guide on page 19 to help you make it through the festive period reasonably unscathed and some great Christmas activities for the whole family on page 65.

My impending family addition and the recent world events that have transpired - and by that I mean the appointment of Trump as the president-elect in America have really made me think about the world that I am bringing my children into and how I want them to see it and understand it and how I want them to treat people and how I want people to treat them.

of the most powerful countries in our world.

Sad, because the magnitude of this decision would not only spark more hatred in our world today but also because of the inevitable trickle down effect that would filter into young, impressionable minds. This outcome has essentially announced to the world that it is OK to be racist or sexist or discriminatory towards people with disabilities or those in the LGBT community or women. It says that it is acceptable to incite hateful messages - who cares who it hurts?

I thought that we were living in a world that was slowly progressing towards acceptance and equality, but this feels like a big step backwards. Let’s hope that this blow to humanity will actually unite all minority groups even more, to fight harder and reach farther and not accept anything less than the equality that everyone on this earth deserves.

I now leave you in the capable hands of my colleague Niki Tennant who will be looking after PosAbility in my absence. You can contact her on niki@2apublishing.co.uk.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

I can assure you, it is not a world that accepts racism, ableism, sexism or any other form of hatred towards anyone who does not conform to an outdated view of what society deems as ‘acceptable’. I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness when I woke up to the news that Donald Trump had been victorious in his quest to rule one

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch 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 Andy Wright Jane Hatton Dan White Janet Myers

A

Innovation not Imitation

PUBLISHING

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 2016 ©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 enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

ability

Dec/Jan 2016/17

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

Ros

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP From DIY decorations to autismfriendly fun

Editor

YOUNG, ACTIVE AND STRUCK BY STROKE

Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

Follow us on Twitter @ PosAbilityMag

SUBSCRIBE TODAY...

For only £15 for 1 year or £25 for 2 years Call

0141 465 2960 today!

03_welcome_RT_AB.indd 1

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

UPDATE PIC

WIN A WEEK IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Don’t judge a book by its cover ALSO FEATURED...Mental Health | Careers | Kids Section | Money | Products Cover_Dec_Jan_FINAL_AB.indd 1

28/11/2016 13:11

Members of PPA Scotland

28/11/2016 16:46

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016/17 | ISSUE 34

CONTENTS 25

65

WIN! A SUPPORTED HOLIDAY IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Go Provence provide supported holidays for people with learning disabilities and they are offering one lucky winner a week in France with them.

Check out

P31

FEATURES 07 FYI

News, stories and updates from around the world

15 STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Mik Scarlet considers the power disabled people could harness by coming together as one

Three visually impaired photographers share their experiences and work

31 WIN A WEEK IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE!

17 PURPLE POUND

Go Provence provide supported holidays for people with learning disabilities in the South of France, you could join them next summer

19 CHRISTMAS SCRAPBOOK

34 DEVELOPING WORLDWIDE SOLUTIONS

Sam Renke shares some inaccessible shopping stories We bring you tips and advice for surviving Christmas, from refereeing family discussions to decorating on a budget

Charity, Motivation, talk to us about the vital work they are doing throughout the world

25 DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Artists with learning disabilities showcase their work through an innovative project

We talk to Caroline White, mum to Seb who has Down’s syndrome, and author of ‘The Label’

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28 A WORLD IN WATERCOLOUR

36 VISUAL PERCEPTIONS 39 HOT STUFF

A look at the most innovative products on the market

27/11/2016 18:32

19 45 36 37

28 45 A NEW JOURNEY

Stroke can affect anyone, at any time. Rachel Hanford shares her story

48 TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH

Members of the Royal Family help fight the stigma around mental health

51 ACCESSIBLE COACH TRIPS

Andy Wright explains the benefits of this inclusive way to travel

58 ALL WRAPPED UP

Tips for staying warm this winter in your home

61 THE KIDS’ CORNER

We introduce Dan White as our new regular columnist and take a look at some of the best festive activities designed for children with disabilities

74 CHANGE 100 SCHEME

54 CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Step into Christmas at one of the German markets near you

A call for disabled students to get their applications in for some great internship opportunities

57 MANAGING YOUR MONEY

77 GET THAT DREAM JOB

Count the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

04_Contents_RT (1).indd 2

79 BRAIN TEASERS

Keep your mind sharp with our puzzles and bad jokes

71

Jane Hatton encourages you to show off

27/11/2016 18:32

The New Small, Light & Portable

Faster Speed of

3.7 mph The all-new go chair is re-engineered from the ground up, offering a sleek, bold new style available in an array of contemporary colours.

Enhanced performance and comfort, along with 5 piece disassembly, allows you to enjoy light-weight travel and independence on the go.

With an increased weight capacity of 21 stone 6 lbs and a sleek, bold look, the new Go-Chair makes travel easy.

- Available in 6 colours - Five piece disassembly - Under Seat Storage

#socialmobility www.pridemobility.co.uk

Tel: 01869 324600 | Email: sales@pride-mobility.co.uk | Web: www.pride-mobility.co.uk GoChairAdvert.indd 1 Untitled-1 2

21/11/2016 17:00 10:08 28/11/2016

FYI

FYI

News and stories from around the world

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

DANCE ARTISTS IN STEP WITH INCLUSION

“THE EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER DANCE ARTISTS AND COMPANIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE TO SHARE BEST PRACTICE AND KNOWLEDGE”

Indepen-dance, Scotland’s leading inclusive dance company, recently hosted ‘Gathered Together’- their second international inclusive festival of dance.

The four-day event kicked off with a performance evening showcasing the company’s own portfolio of work: Young 1’z, Indepen-dance’s youth company, Indepen-dance 4, their small mixed ability ensemble, and the main Performance Company, who transformed Glasgow’s Tramway into a 1930s nightclub set in Harlem, New York.

The event brought together dance artists and companies from across the globe to share best practice and knowledge as well as showing a variety of work.

Gathered Together’s core programme consisted of keynote speeches, practical workshops and performances by a

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variety of local community as well as international professional inclusive dance groups.

The triumphant finale of Indepen-dance’s festival was the Gathered Together ceilidh.

Delegates and performers from all over the world joined together to share dance.

Attendees were treated to performances by former Candoco dancers Kate Marsh and Welly O’Brien, as well as Dawn Johnstone, who performed a traditional Scottish sword dance.

Everyone, especially the international visitors, enjoyed the cultural experience and proved that dance really is a universal language. www.indepen-dance.org.uk

28/11/2016 12:54

FYI

SENSE ‘TOOLKITS’ ARE CHILD’S PLAY

FUTURE LEADERS HAVE SIGHTS SET ON FITNESS SCHOLARSHIPS Not-for-profit health body ukactive has launched a new scholarship initiative designed to help fast-track talented disabled people into senior leadership positions across the physical activity sector.

The Matrix LeadAbility Scholarship Programme, which will be sponsored

by Matrix Fitness and co-ordinated by ukactive in conjunction with Aspire, seeks to proactively address the underrepresentation of disabled people in senior leadership positions.

National disability charity, Sense, has launched new ‘Play Toolkits’ aimed at mainstream play settings and parents of children with sensory impairments and multiple needs.

The toolkits, which include a video miniseries and instructional guide, have been created to help make play opportunities inclusive and accessible for all children and follow the charity’s recent inquiry into play, co-led by Lord Blunkett (pictured).

The toolkits have been developed by the charity’s Children’s Specialist Services team, in partnership with families they support.

They contain simple ideas and practical tips on how to tailor play activities so that they can be enjoyed by the entire family.

There is also information on the importance of play, and useful details on the legal responsibilities of play settings.

AUTISTIC TEEN CHEF LAUNCHES FIRST COOKBOOK

“A VIDEO MINI-SERIES AND INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE, HAVE BEEN CREATED TO HELP MAKE PLAY OPPORTUNITIES INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL CHILDREN” To bring the inclusive play guide to life, Sense has also created a series of fun instructional videos that can be watched with children.

Sense’s Children’s Specialist Services provides support to schools and settings to include children with multiple needs.

Play toolkits and the video mini-series can be downloaded at: www.sense.org.uk/play/toolkits

Autistic teen chef Chase Bailey, whose ‘Chase ‘N Yur Face’ cooking show has proven an online hit, is launching his first cookbook with the aim of celebrating life and raising money to help other people with autism.

Featuring over 75 recipes developed by 15-year-old Chase, all accompanied by mouth-watering photography, fun facts and anecdotes, The Official Chase ‘N Yur Face Cookbook (Chase ‘N Yur Face Media LLC, $24.95) is now on sale and includes an endorsement from Chef Mario Batali, with

Statistics show that despite making up 15% of the workforce, disabled people remain significantly less likely to be in employment. There is a particularly stark contrast at senior leadership level, where non-disabled people are three times as likely to earn over £80,000 as disabled people and twice as likely to be board level directors.

The LeadAbility scheme will initially provide fully funded places on the 2017 Future Leaders Programme for the brightest and best disabled up-andcoming leaders in the physical activity sector, where they will receive expert teaching, training and mentoring during a week-long course at the IESE Business School in Barcelona.

For more information contact Jak Phillips on 07958 119320, or email jakphillips@ukactive.org.uk.

whom Chase had the pleasure to cook on ‘The Chew’ (US culinary show).

Using part of the book’s proceeds, Chase has decided to set up the Chase Yur Dreams Foundation to assist people with autism who are working towards their dreams of living independently.

Chase’s mum, Mary, commented: “When Chase was little, he had some serious food aversions, which is common among people with an autism diagnosis. He would

8 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/11/2016 12:54

NEW SCHEME HELPS DISABLED DRIVERS PARK WITH EASE A parking scheme which helps customers locate a car park which meets their specific requirements has been launched by disability rights campaigner Helen Dolphin MBE. ‘People’s Parking’ seeks to recognise how car parks cater for the needs of a variety of users and a car park finder on the website enables people to search for all

the facilities they need before leaving the house.

Car parks applying for People’s Parking accreditation will need to prove they are well managed, have good signage, are clean and bright, offer good pedestrian access and that parking rules are enforced including Blue Badge bays.

Major parking operators such as NCP, Q-Park and Excel already have car parks in the scheme. For more information about People’s Parking, and to get 10% off parking with Q-Park, visit www.peoplesparking.org.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ARE JUST THE JOB The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting Community Partners to work in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and third sector organisations. As a Community Partner, you will have a lived experience or expert knowledge of disability and will bring this to enhance disability understanding.

You will shape services to meet the needs and aspirations of disabled people and those with health conditions, support the development of a national mentoring network and build relationships with specialist organisations.

Lead Community Partners will manage a team of Community Partners, each with specialist knowledge corresponding to the needs of their local area.

Applications for Lead Community Partner roles will remain open until Friday 16 December, while applications for Community Partner roles are open from Tuesday 3 January until Monday 6 February.

QUANTUM REHAB AND MURRAY’S MEDICAL PART WAYS Quantum Rehab and Murray’s Medical have announced the amicable decision to end their manufacturer/distributor arrangement for the Quantum Rehab range of powered wheelchairs.

Quantum Rehab plans to establish various distributor arrangements for the Quantum range going forward. Murray’s Medical decided that this was contrary to their business model and thereby agreed to cease the promotion of Quantum Rehab products with immediate effect.

Quantum Rehab UK will continue to meet all warranty obligations and provide continuity for servicing of any out-of warranty models through their new distribution partners.

Tim Murphy, Quantum’s Senior Director of International Sales, thanked Murray’s for their efforts over recent years and confirmed that a smooth transition will be provided for all Murray’s Quantum customers.

For more information call 0207 867 3186/ 0774 747 2709 or email community. partners@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

only eat five different foods. Then one day I noticed how drawn he was to TV cooking programmes. Food became his world, he started overcoming his aversions and even started trying exotic foods. He also decided he wanted to be a chef and have his own cooking show.

“It began simply enough with me filming Chase cooking at home and posting the results on YouTube. People loved it! Soon Chase started inviting chefs and other foodies to join him on the show.”

Chase was then asked to be a guest speaker and chef at the 2015 Autism Speaks Los Angeles Celebrity Chef Gala, followed by appearances on The Chew with Mario Batali and the Meredith Vieira Show.

Chase recently decided he wanted to help people like him achieve their dreams and that’s when the idea of the cookbook and the Foundation was born.

Chase’s book is available at: Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 9

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28/11/2016 12:54

FYI

TWO NEW PROJECTS OPEN UP WORLD OF WORK

According to Mencap, around 6% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment, despite more than 60% wanting and being able to work.

Across Warwickshire and Worcestershire, Heart of England (HofE) Mencap currently supports 233 people living with a learning disability – and just five are in paid employment.

The charity is now launching two new two-and-a-halfyear projects which will support the most disadvantaged people into work.

HofE Mencap has received £156,000 in funding thanks to Building Better Opportunities - a programme funded by the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery Fund to tackle poverty and social exclusion faced by the most disadvantaged people in England.

It means HofE Mencap can now work with other partners to improve opportunities for people with learning disabilities in both the Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick districts.

HofE Mencap is keen to talk to friendly local employers who may be able to offer suitable work experience and job opportunities. Advice and support would be given by job coaches to help make the placements a success.

For more information on getting involved, contact Helen Cleminson on 07949 304626 or email hcleminson@heartofenglandmencap.org.uk or Nikki Hillard on 07398 851215 or email nhillard@ heartofenglandmencap.org.uk

PARENTS URGED TO CLAIM FUNDING FOR KIDS’ SPORTS PROSTHESES The Department of Health has announced that the £1.5m government funding, which was announced recently for the provision of children’s sports prostheses and research has been ringfenced and is now available for limb centres to access.

Parents in England can now take their children to NHS Limb Fitting Centres to be assessed for eligibility. The funding is open to children and young people under the age of 18. Currently £750,000 has been set aside for the sports limbs with a cap of £5,000 per limb. Limb centres across England can apply for funding up until March 2018 and there are currently no plans in place for future funding, although this is being investigated. It is therefore advisable that parents act fast before the money is gone.

The Department of Health will be working with the charity LimbPower, which has been chosen to carry out an administrative role to support Limb Centres and families through the application process.

The funding will ensure that hundreds of children have the chance to participate in sport.

“PARENTS IN ENGLAND CAN NOW TAKE THEIR CHILDREN TO NHS LIMB FITTING CENTRES TO BE ASSESSED FOR ELIGIBILITY”

10 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

07_FYI_RT_AB.indd 10

28/11/2016 12:54

INTELLIGENCE • EMPATHY • CARE

Converting the NEW EURO 6 VW Caddy Maxi Life Wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet your individual requirements 6 Seater Capacity (Driver + Wheelchair User + 4 Passengers)

Advance Payment on your NEW EURO 6 VW Caddy Maxi Life 2.0 Manual

Standard features include: 4 Original VW fuel tank 4 Original VW rear suspension 4 Quieter and warmer due to continuous rear door seal 4 Original VW seating throughout 4 Rear parking sensors 4 Gas strut assisted-lightweight ramp 4 Replacement vehicle available from your supplying VW Commercial Centre

from

£3,385* 2.0 Auto DSG

from

£3,785*

Full European Type Approved Before you make any decision on choosing your next wheelchair accessible vehicle, please call: *Available until 31st December 2016

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0800 999 5090 www.tbcconversions.com or log onto

28/11/2016 17:01

FYI

CLOSING THE DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT GAP PARALLEL LONDON Essex County Council has pledged to become one of Britain’s first accredited employers under the Department for Work and Pensions’ nationwide Disability Confident campaign, and is now challenging other Essex businesses to close the disability employment gap.

The local authority wants disabled people to make up at least 7.5% of the council’s workforce by 2018 – that’s an increase of 200 to 500 employees.

The county’s first candidate, Chelsey Reynolds, impressed so much during three weeks’ work experience at County Hall, Chelmsford, that she secured a full-time role.

The 25-year-old disability equality campaigner and model said: “In 2011, I was working as a healthcare assistant and training to be a nurse at Broomfield Hospital and all of a sudden I got this condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which came out of absolutely nowhere.

“It basically means my blood just isn’t doing its job properly, so when I stand up, no blood goes to my brain and I just pass out.

Therefore, I have to stay seated all the time, so I’m in a wheelchair.

“It was really difficult losing my job. I absolutely loved caring for patients at the hospital and felt I’d found my career.”

She spent four years volunteering at an organisation championing diversity in media and fashion, but desperately wanted a paid role to give her the independence she craved.

“The council went out on the UK’s first Disability Confident tour earlier this year to urge the county’s 63,000 businesses to think about hiring disabled people,” explained Chelsey.

“But they wanted to practice what they preached, so they came up with the work scheme.

“Now I feel super confident and I’ve honed my skills, so I can take them further in my career. If anyone out there is lacking confidence like I was, this is perfect.”

Parallel London was an awe-inspiring, totally inclusive, accessible day of unbridled fun, food, sport and the arts, and a groundbreaking event that was the first of its kind in the world.

People of all ages and abilities took part in five very different fun push/run challenges, with a medal and a highfive to all. Families, wheelchairs, runners and walkers took to the course with a sense of absolute power.

The day was to showcase to the UK that inclusion to the disabled community and their families was now a ball that was to keep rolling out into the world. All kinds of disability, long-term injury or illness – mental or physical – stepped up to the challenge.

Throughout the festival’s six zones, many a new experience was gained and the utopian feeling of acceptance and community reached even those who had no prior engagement with the disabled populace before.

More than 3000 participants rose to the Parallel London challenge, and the entire festival saw incredible final numbers of nearly 6000. The event, which had the blessing of the Mayor of London, is now in the planning stages for 2017 and beyond. www.parallellondon.com

To enquire about roles at Essex County Council, visit www.workingforessex.com

12 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

07_FYI_RT_AB.indd 12

28/11/2016 12:54

BMW on the Motability Scheme

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE BMW X1.

AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME.

• The BMW X1 is available from £1,999 Advance Payment • Range also includes the BMW 1 Series (3-door and 5-door), BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, 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

BMW RANGE FROM £999 ADVANCE PAYMENT* FOR THE BMW 1 SERIES SPORTS HATCH. To help find the right BMW for you, call 0800 325 600, visit bmw.co.uk/motability or contact the Motability specialist at your local BMW Centre.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW range available on the Motability Car Scheme: Urban 36.7-72.4mpg (8.4-3.9l/100km).

Extra Urban 49.6-91.1mpg (5.1-3.1l/100km). Combined 44.1-83.1mpg (6.3-3.4l/100km). CO2 emissions 147-89g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

*The BMW range available on the Motability Scheme starts from £999 Advance Payment for the BMW 116d SE 3 and 5-door Sports Hatch. Models shown are the BMW X1 xDrive18d xLine from £1,999 Advance Payment, BMW 116d M Sport 5-door Sports Hatch from £1,999 Advance Payment, BMW 318i Sport from £1,999 Advance Payment and BMW 218i Sport Gran Tourer from £1,999 Advance Payment. Prices are correct at time of going to print for orders placed and accepted between 1 October and 31 December 2016. 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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28/11/2016 17:02

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28/11/2016 17:05

Columnist Mik Scarlet

Follow Mik on Twitter

@MikScarlet

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS I am passionate about disabled people working together to improve their lives. I am a huge believer that only disabled people really know what it is like to be disabled and together we become stronger.

Recently, I was privileged to see what happens when disabled people come together on a couple of occasions.

The first took place when I gave a talk at the AGM of the disabled people’s organisation (DPO) Centre for Independent Living Kent (CILK). I love appearing at these events as I am always blown away at the camaraderie and support that pervades the atmosphere. This was no exception. CILK is an amazing group of dedicated people and in these difficult times their work helps the disabled people of Kent in many positive ways. I am now one of their patrons, as I am for another DPO, the Suffolk Coalition of Disabled People (SCODP). To witness disabled people supporting each other on a one-to-one basis while also coming together to fight for equality fills my heart with pride. I’m planning to be a hands-on patron for these groups as I desperately want to play a role in their fight, no matter how small.

I then witnessed what disabled people coming together can achieve on a personal level, when I spoke at a peer support group for people living with spinal injury at Cardiff Metropolitan University. This group was being run by psychologist Gareth Thomas, himself a wheelchair user following a spinal injury, as part of his research into the benefits of peer support for those who experience trauma, something I strongly believe in. The room was filled with people with spinal injuries, some with years of

experience like me and others fairly new to a life on wheels. As soon as we started chatting we began swapping methods of living successfully as a wheelchair user, and of even thriving and of building a new, wonderful life post injury. With 35 years using a wheelchair behind me I thought I’d be giving out wisdom but I also learned a few things, which really proves the benefits

DISABLED AND PROUD AND WORKING AS ONE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW of peer support. Many of the people in the group were still grieving for their lives before their injury, and it was a joy to see them realise that there was a life out there for them, and one that could be even better than the one they had lost. By the end of our session the room was buzzing with possibilities, and that is what disabled people coming together can do.

both excluded, we both face discrimination and we both need the world to change to become more inclusive. Our impairments are different, but we face a world that disables us and together we have a better chance of changing that world.

I think disabled people have a lot to learn from the BAME and LGBT communities. Both groups came together to fight for equality and created voices that governments and the wider public found hard to ignore, acknowledging that their similarities are so much greater than their differences. If, as the office for national statistics found, 19% of the working age population of the UK are disabled we would have a huge voice, especially if you realise that the BAME community make up around 14% of the UK and LGBT make up less than 2%. We are even a larger group than retired people, who come in at 18.5% of the UK right now, and remember that many of this group also face the same issues that we face as disabled people. If we came together and made use of our numbers, our combined voices would be too loud to ignore.

While all of the people in that room had a similar impairment, I strongly feel that whatever the illness, condition or injury, whether it’s physical or mental and was from birth or came later in life, we all share similar experiences as disabled people. If we come together to share our knowledge and fight for a better society we become a force to be reckoned with.

So what do you think, folks? Shall we stop just being visually impaired or hearing impaired or spinally injured or living with mental health issues and come together to become disabled? Disabled and proud and working as one for a better tomorrow. For better support for disabled people, for a safer accessible public realm which is designed for all. The battles are many, but as one we can really get our views heard.

It might seem that someone who is, say, blind has little in common with a wheelchair user like me, but we do. We are

CILK – www.cilk.org.uk SCODP – www.scodp.org.uk DMAA – www.dmaa.org.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 15

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28/11/2016 13:05

The holiday you deserve,

not just the respite you need

ff 10% o for ility PosAb s Reader

At Revitalise, we believe that everyone needs a break With 24 hour on-call nurse-led care and an exciting programme of excursions, activities and entertainment, we give disabled people and carers something truly unique – a break that feels like a proper holiday.

Visit our website or speak to our bookings team for more information Call 0303 303 0145 quoting POSA3 Visit revitalise.org.uk Email bookings@revitalise.org.uk Untitled-1 6

28/11/2016 17:06

Columnist Sam Renke

PURPLE POUND I’m a sucker when it comes to Christmas.

I’m the person who gets upset if you even suggest opening gifts before 25 December and I love Christmas shopping.

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

Shopping is supposed to be a pretty straightforward activity. You enter a shop, find what you like and you pay for it. However, shopping with a disability can turn into an unpleasant and altogether stressful experience at times. A survey by the Extra Cost Commission found that 75% of disabled people have left a shop because of poor customer service and a lack of disability awareness.

This doesn’t surprise me at all. Stores overcrowded with merchandise, make it difficult to get through with a wheelchair or walking aid. Clothes that have fallen off their hangers wrapping round your wheels and that embarrassing ‘is she/he trying to steal it?’ moment. Disabled changing rooms used as stock rooms and shop counters that tower over you.

Change on our high streets and shopping centres seems to be stagnant and no real attempts have been made to encourage and welcome disabled consumers, baffling when you consider that disabled people and their families have a combined spending power – known as the purple pound - of over £200billion a year. Which means retailers are losing on average £420million of revenue a week simply because very little thought has gone into catering for the disabled consumer, from access, marketing, advertising and customer service.

My recent visit to Westfield Shopping Centre highlighted some of these issues.

My shopping spree began in Primark and was off to a good start. Basket full of goodies, I headed towards the checkout, positioning

myself at the end of the mile-long queue.

Anticipating a tedious wait, I started to doubt if my purchases were worth it. Suddenly a voice said: “Please follow me, we have a lower desk for you.”

My initial reaction was, ‘fantastic!’ Then I noticed the many faces now glaring at me from the never-ending queue. Mothers with small crying infants, elderly couples and those who just looked fed up and exhausted. I couldn’t help but feel awkward and uncomfortable as I bypassed them all. They didn’t need to say anything, their faces said it all - ’why does she get to cut the queue?’

I really didn’t like this unwanted attention.

As the till was reserved for disabled customers it had no-one manning it and I had to wait for a new cashier for some time to serve me. By this point the long queue I was so concerned about moments earlier grew smaller and smaller.

My next hurdle came when paying for some items in another store. As someone who never carries cash, I rely on my credit card/ debit cards. The only problem was, I couldn’t reach the card machine. This is a frequent problem and I often end up telling close friends my PIN details (not great!). On this occasion I was alone, therefore the dilemma being; do I entrust a stranger with my card details or simply leave behind my items?

My Christmas shopping wasn’t without difficulties. Communicating my needs with staff members and thinking outside the box helped me to overcome the barriers I faced.

There is still huge room for improvement when it comes to disability customer service and staff need to be aware of services they have to offer and actually offer them to customers. But for now my biggest concern is the amount of money I spent! www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 17

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28/11/2016 17:07

CHRISTMAS

POSABILITY’S

Christmas SCRAPBOOK 2016

As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer, that old familiar fuzzy feeling starts to set in. The faint smell of cinnamon and ginger fills the air and the impending arrival of distant relatives both loved and loathed can only mean one thing, in the immortal words of Noddy Holder: “IT’S CHRISTMAS!” Love it or hate it, Christmas is here and brings with it in its wake a host of new styles, new must-haves and the beginning of the annual preparation that proves it hard to keep that festive cheer.

PosAbility Magazine is here for you. We know how this wonderful time of year can be tainted with stress. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a scrapbook of Christmas ideas for you to keep in mind on all festive fronts, so you can have yourself a merry little Christmas.

FAMILY

This is what a modern day Christmas is all about. It is above all a day for family to spend time together, regardless of how often you see them. Visiting someone else for your yearly turkey dinner is, let’s face it, a whole lot easier than being the household in charge of the congregating parties. If you fall into the latter category, you will definitely have a lot on your plate.

You will be playing event organiser, transport planner, schedule co-ordinator, entertainment facilitator, bartender, referee and head chef – and that’s only if things go to plan. Here are some family Christmas survival tips: Simplify – If you don’t feel like cooking hundreds of differing dishes, don’t do it.

If it is a bit too much for you, consider letting a few dishes go. For example, only make one type of stuffing, only cook mash or roast potatoes. Everything doesn’t have to be homemade.

Employ the help of old faithful Aunt Bessie’s.

Delegate – Don’t try and do everything yourself. Give everyone a job. Uncle Harry will clear the table, Cousin Pamela will wash the dishes, Auntie Frances will dry and Granny will put them away, etc. Everything will be done in record time and that means more time together.

Communicate – Be sure to tell people how you are feeling, eg., you need a break or you need to get out of the stiflingly hot kitchen. If you are open with your friends and family, they will be open to helping you from becoming overwhelmed.

Enjoy the day – Things might not go to plan – and that’s OK. Enjoy the time with your family that you might not see on any other day. The big day is all for making memories with your nearest and dearest. 

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DECORATIONS

You never appreciate how empty your usual home décor is until you take down all the Christmas decorations; your tree, tinsel, cards, lights and bright-coloured wall-hangings.

Maybe this year you are feeling somewhat creative? There are loads of ways to make your home personalised this festive season. Do-it-yourself decorations are fast becoming the in-thing. It is also a great way to do things together with friends and family members, especially when you have children. It adds a feeling of pride when you see your unique paper snowflake hanging from the sitting room light fixture, accompanying homemade tree decorations, yuletide paper chains donning the bannister and handpainted toilet roll holder reindeers and snowmen on the sideboard. Here are some ideas that will guide you on your way to the best DIY decorations that you’ll be proud to show all your Christmas visitors:

Food & drink

Reindeer - 1) Paint an empty toilet roll dark brown 2) Draw and cut out reindeer antlers and colour them brown or black 3) Apply stick-on eyes and a mini red pom-pom for a nose

Christmas is the nemesis for every gym bunny and every dieter, but, let’s be honest… it is the meal you look forward to all year. Want to try something different but are lacking inspiration?

Here is a definitive Christmas menu full of options to suit all tastes:

Tree Ribbons – Tie large colourful ribbons in a bow to the end of the branches on your tree for an effective and timeless look

Starters: Prawn cocktail, smoked salmon, salmon

Snowflakes – 1) Fold a piece of white paper in half 2) On one side (over the fold) draw half of your snowflake design 3) You can be as creative as you like 4) Starting from the fold cut out your design (be careful!) 5) Unfold your paper and you will have a beautiful, symmetrical and unique snowflake 6) Hang from the window or ceiling with a piece of string – make more and you will have your very own indoor snowfall!

Penguin baubles – 1) Paint a lightbulb black and leave to dry 2) Paint a white hourglass shape with the dome of the lightbulb facing downwards and leave to dry 3) Paint on eyes and a little beak at the top of the white hourglass shape 4) Tie some string to the screw or bayonet fitting and hang proudly on your tree!

Look out for PosAbility’s DIY decoration attempts on our website and social media sites. Be sure to send us in pictures of your crafty decorations too, we would love to see them!

mousse, soup, pâté, goat’s cheese salad, melon and parma ham

Mains: Turkey, ham, duck, goose, chicken, beef, rabbit, gammon, pork, quail, lamb, partridge, nut roast, beetroot and squash wellingtons

Sides: Roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, dauphinoise potatoes, sweet potatoes, pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, Brussel sprouts, gravy, parsnips, carrots, triple nut and apple stuffing balls, red cabbage, Yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese, onions, puff pastry, beetroot, salad Desserts: Christmas pudding, mince pies, apple pie, custard, Christmas cake, cheesecake, trifle, fruit salad, chocolate cake, gateau, Swiss roll, brandy ice cream, mousse, sticky toffee pudding, cheese board Drinks: Bailey’s, mulled wine, Prosecco, Champagne, Buck’s Fizz, white Russians, brandy, whisky, port, sherry, punch, winter ales and stouts, hot chocolate, Shloer

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28/11/2016 21:40

CHRISTMAS

PRESENTS

The pinnacle of Christmas prep! Seeing the look on a loved one's face when they open up a much-coveted surprise is priceless.

However, the whole rigmarole of choosing the right gift, buying it, wrapping it and delivering it can be a real hassle – especially when you have a disability.

Shopping online is always a great help when it comes to avoiding the mad rush in December with grumpy shoppers and sometimes highly inaccessible high street and shopping centre stores. Large website retailers, such as Amazon, also offer giftwrapping services and they will send your intended gift straight to the door of most UK addresses.

Games What says Christmas more than an ancient board game being broken out?

At this point turkey and mince pies are coming out of your ears and old grandad has fallen into a mulled wine stupor, his pink paper hat askew. Liven things up with a game. Here are PosAbility’s top 10 games to play this Christmas:

1. Monopoly – to really test your relationships, the high stakes property development game has been a family favourite for generations 2. Scrabble – Make sure you have a dictionary to hand when playing this golden oldie, just to make sure dad isn’t making up words again

3. Trivial Pursuit

– Surely everyone has played this at Christmas?

4. Charades – There will always be someone who breaks the golden rule of 'no speaking'

For sending your gifts far and wide the Post Office is always your best bet. Here are the Christmas dates for ensuring gifts and cards arrive at their destination (within the UK) on time: Tuesday 20th December - UK 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For Wednesday 21st December - UK 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For Thursday 22nd December - Special Delivery Guaranteed Friday 23rd December - Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed For international dates, please visit the Post Office website at www.postoffice.co.uk/ christmas/last-posting-dates

5. Pictionary – Get your easel at the ready and make your drawing clear enough for your team to tell what it is 6. Articulate – It’s like Pictionary, but without the drawing, you have to explain your subject without using certain words 7. Cluedo – Can you solve this age old murder mystery?

8. Jenga – DON’T PULL OUT THAT ONE! 9. Head’s Up – A bit more modern.

The app on your phone can video your audience when they are trying to describe the subject you have on your phone, held to your forehead

10. Pie Face – Last year’s favourite will be making appearances again, just make sure you have enough whipped cream and towels to clean up! 

“AT THIS POINT TURKEY AND MINCE PIES ARE COMING OUT OF YOUR EARS AND OLD GRANDAD HAS FALLEN INTO A MULLED WINE STUPOR”

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CHRISTMAS

Festive Festivities We all know that there is more to the season than parties, but it’s a great place to start! Christmas also brings with it the time of year of Christmas drinks, work nights out and having more social events on than your bank balance will thank you for. Perhaps, to keep the ever-growing cost of festive socialising to a minimum, have a small get-together at your own humble abode?

Santa Collins 1. Press down on 3 blackberries in a highball glass using a rolling pin or spoon to extract flavour and aroma.

2. Fill the highball glass with crushed ice.

3. Add 50ml of a gin of your choice and 10ml lemon juice to the glass.

4. Add 140ml bitter lemon, or enough to fill the glass.

5. Using a bar spoon, mix the drink until well combined.

6. Add one blackberry on top of the drink to garnish.

To keep the good cheer flowing we have gathered together some Christmas cocktails and seasonal shooters to ensure a jolly good time.

Bailey’s Eggnog 1. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1tbsp caster sugar until creamy and the sugar begins to dissolve.

2. Mix in 35ml Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur and 75ml milk. Stir in the seeds from a vanilla pod, scraped out with a teaspoon.

3. Add some grated nutmeg.

4. Strain into a short glass.

5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Christmas Punch 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add 30ml of your choice of rum to the shaker.

3. Add in 30ml sherry, 1 tbsp honey and 15ml lemon juice.

4. Shake vigorously. Holding the shaker with one hand on each end, thrust forward and back quickly until the surface of the shaker feels chilled.

5. Strain into a glass. Pour the liquid from the shaker through a cocktail strainer or sieve into a tumbler or rocks glass.

6. Cut a slice of orange and push 5 cloves into the slice. Place on top of the drink to garnish.

Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine 1. Heat 2 cups of water and add one cup of sugar, two dozen whole cloves, 4 cinnamon sticks, crushed nutmeg, the zest of an orange and the zest of a lemon.

2. Boil for 5 minutes and leave to simmer for 5 more.

3. Strain this syrup into a large pot and add 2 and a half cups of lemon/lime juice, heat until it is gently bubbling.

4. Add 2 litres of grape juice and keep the mixture on a low heat, serve with a slice of lemon.

22 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/11/2016 14:34

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Untitled-1 8

28/11/2016 17:07

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DOWN’S SYNDROME

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Eight years ago, when Caroline White and her husband Simon welcomed their first child Seb into the world, Caroline couldn’t have imagined that 24 hours later the worry of a ‘chromosomal abnormality’ would send her spiralling into a nervous new world after a seemingly ‘normal’ and healthy pregnancy. 

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24/11/2016 21:56

A

fter a diagnosis five

days later, Caroline grieved for the baby she thought she was having for months, until eventually coming to terms with the news and seeing Seb for who he was, and not what the doctors said he was.

After wishing for the time back that she had spent in Seb’s early days worrying and studying clinical notes and books, Caroline has written her very own book, called ‘The Label’, for families dealing with a diagnosis, and here, Caroline tells PosAbility all about why the reality of Down’s syndrome isn’t always what you may first fear.

JUST FORGET WHAT THE BOOKS SAY AND WRITE YOUR OWN STORY AND FUTURE

“One thing I really remember when Seb was born, because I didn’t really know anything about Down’s syndrome, I really wanted some control and knowledge. So, I bought loads of books off the internet and I was given loads of leaflets. When they arrived they actually made me mad because none of the books felt like me, they made me feel like a new person on a different path and I remember thinking ‘why are all these books really naff with really horrible illustrations, or photography that I can’t relate to or want to relate to?’” Caroline said.

[Above] Seb, with dad Simon

“But I knew the story I wanted to tell, and it was very easy I think because I wanted to keep it simple. In those early days, you’re so overwhelmed with information that I wanted it to be an easy read. So I quite enjoyed it and I knew the subject well because I was writing about me and Seb so it was just a metaphor for labels.

“The leaflets felt like someone else, like a new me that I didn’t want to be,” she continued.

“That’s why I thought why not make a book that you’d want to have. All the books I bought I didn’t want because they felt so not me, so that was the inspiration behind using Sandra the illustrator. Amazingly, I just sent her a message on Facebook and she did it.

“In terms of the narrative, I just wanted to add that colour that’s missing, I imagined our lives would be a bit bleak and my life’s been nothing like that, it’s just been typical so I just wanted to add that dimension. I wish that I hadn’t spent so long seeing Seb as Down’s syndrome because he’s not, he was still my baby, he isn’t defined by it, he’s defined by the way he’s been brought up. He’s football

“Just forget what the books say and write your own story and future,” she laughed.

[Above] Model son

mad, sports mad and it’s a reflection on his family, not Down’s syndrome.

“I wanted it to explain that things seemed really bad at the start - well I suppose it’s like that with every baby - but once Seb got to the smiling and laughing stage, all the sleepless nights were worth it.

While Caroline wrote ‘The Label’ a few years ago, it is relevant now more than ever. With a new Non-Invasive Prenatal Test set to give more accurate readings of Down’s syndrome, it is expected that the termination rate will go up consequently.

The much-debated topic was brought to our screens recently by actress Sally Phillips - who, as the mother of a son with Down’s syndrome, questioned why 90% of children

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28/11/2016 14:54

DOWN’S SYNDROME [Above] Caroline with son Seb

diagnosed with Down’s syndrome before birth are terminated, and what kind of society we want to live in, something that also concerns Caroline.

“I think there is a place for the testing because the old testing did carry a risk of miscarriage, but I think that what is quite sad is a lot of people still have a very outdated view of Down’s syndrome, and that’s my worry,” she said.

“When Seb was born and we were given his diagnosis, I felt like it was the end of the world, because so much emphasis is put on testing for Down’s syndrome.

“We talk about the ‘risk’ of having a child with Down’s syndrome, rather than the ‘chance’, and I do think the medical profession put a lot of emphasis on termination, so a lot of people just assume that’s what you do. I don’t have a problem with it, I am pro-choice, but I just wish that when a diagnosis is given, it was a bit more balanced. I think it’s delivered from a pretty scientific point of view.

“It’s very black and white, and what is missing is what I see as the colour of life.

“When I had Seb, my own ignorance made me just see Down’s syndrome when I looked at him - I just saw all the things that were bad news and most of it hasn’t even come to fruition.

“I would just imagine this lifetime of problems, and life is nothing like that, he has no more health problems than my other children. I think the testing is great because it gives people choice, but the choice needs to be backed up with a bit more reality.”

decades, reporting about the ‘healthy babies’ lives that were saved through the non-invasive testing, but it fails to report that the termination rate would be higher. It’s almost immediately like less value is placed on the life of someone with Down’s syndrome, which is a bit sad really.

“I think there has been so much focus on the testing that they haven’t thought through after it.”

A CHANGING WORLD A lot in the world has changed since Seb was born. America has seen the eight-year reign of Barack Obama as their president (although the recent election has resulted in a different path for the country), London appointed its first Islamic Mayor, the economy has taken more falls than a double dipper rollercoaster, and Seb even became the first child with Down’s syndrome to model for a high-street brand and he’s not just any model, he’s an M&S model.

But, that isn’t something Caroline sees happening anytime soon.

We’ve also entered a new digital age full of new and exciting social media channels and blogging possibilities, and with that, new ways for those dealing with a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome to get information, something Caroline is a huge advocate of.

“Great Ormond Street Hospital reported it as the greatest advancement in pregnancy for

“When I began writing the blog, social media was quite new, but now there are loads. I

[Below] Doting big brother Seb with Dominic

think it’s great, as you’re going straight to the source, the realities, and I guess my blog is very different from someone else’s.

I think for new parents or people involved in a prenatal diagnosis, it’s a great place for information.

“I think most blogs are positive and I’m sure there are some that highlight the challenges, but I’ve lost count of the lovely comments and messages thanking me for helping new parents or pregnant women.

“My favourite story ever was when I went on Women’s Hour and someone was listening who had just had a prenatal diagnosis and she was pretty certain that she was going to end the pregnancy, but she heard us, did a bit more research, kept the baby and was featured as a listener story. She went on and spoke about how much her daughter had enriched her life.”

For now, Caroline’s focus is firmly on finally releasing her book to the world and clinching more modelling deals for Seb. “I wrote the book when I was pregnant with my daughter who is now three, so now I’m just itching to launch it and hopefully get a good response, but I’ve lived with it for so long that I don’t know if it’ll make an impact on anyone, but we’ll see.

“Ultimately I’d love for Seb to model for a really big sports brand and I’m trying to make that happen. It hasn’t happened yet, but watch this space!”

‘The Label’ by Caroline White is published by Ivy Press and is available from January at £6.99 and 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Mencap.

Read more about Caroline, Seb and the family on her blog www.forceofnature21.com. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 27

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28/11/2016 14:55

A WORLD IN WATERCOLOUR

F

or most of us, taking a

quick pic is part of our everyday life. Photos are no longer just reserved for occasions or milestones.

Nowadays, most of us document everything straight from our phones, from uploading that amazing meal to Instagram with that perfect filter, to Snapchatting photos of our dogs - with the dog filter on, of course.

But while we take this as a given, not everyone has the same luxury of this ease of access and speed.

The Paralympic Games are an incredibly visual showcase of unbelievable images, inspiring story-telling and vivid pictureperfect moments of triumph. But, it wasn’t just athletes defying tradition in Rio as there was more going on at the track than meets the eye.

The Games brought the first visuallyimpaired photographer to the Paralympics.

Brazilian, Joao Maia, snapped beautiful images of the competition, capturing moments of raw passion, elation, victory and heroism.

Maia’s story went viral after he took the group shot after the last episode of The Last Leg in Brazil, but his charm and skill also prompted many to ask (or at least think), ‘how can a blind person take a good photo?’

Maia who “sees the world in watercolour” didn’t let his sight compromise his vision of the Games themselves, and despite small newfound media attention on visuallyimpaired photography, some people are still in the dark on the subject.

Photography is the art of painting with light. We hear of photographers ‘finding the light’, but for visually-impaired photographers, other senses can come into play to help catch the moment.

Visually impaired photography is practiced widely and the Disabled Photographers’ Society (DPS) encourage budding photographers with disabilities to get involved and find opportunities, as well as supporting with equipment when possible.

PosAbility spoke to three members of the Disabled Photographers’ Society about their experiences behind the lens.

[Above] The Lake District, Mark Pickup

MARK PICKUP Lancaster photographer, Mark, practised photography for about 20 years before developing macular dystrophy in 2000 which affected his central vision. But Mark didn’t let his deteriorating vision end his passion and continued to photograph, only now with “a bit of patience and a lot of magnifiers”.

“I do think a lot of people expect visuallyimpaired photographers’ work not to be good,” he added.

Mark’s landscapes of the Lake District are often featured in newspapers and magazines, but his other passion is documentary photography in places like Blackpool and “unusual stuff”.

Mark said: “It was a lot of trial and error.

I spent a few years trialling various cameras and then I came across the camera I’m using now and a couple of different magnifiers that I use.

Despite working for the publications for quite some time, it was only recently the newspapers learned of his impairment, something which made them even more impressed with his work.

“People are often surprised when they find out I’m a photographer and visually impaired. I spend a lot of time in the Lake District up mountains, and people will be like, “oh are you taking pictures? That’s a nice shot,” and ask why I’m roped up to someone else, so I’ll explain it’s because I’m visually impaired and they’ll say, “but you’re taking pictures as well?”,” he laughed.

As a member of the DPS for five years, Mark heaped praise on the community and support the society provides in contrast to what society seems to believe about blind photographers.

“There’s always someone you can ask about something, or you can give advice yourself. You get to know people and you help one another.”

[Above] Blackpool, Mark Pickup

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28/11/2016 15:09

PHOTOGRAPHY [Below] Saltburn, Ian Kitchin

[Below] White Lotus, Nivi Morales

NIVI MORALES

IAN KITCHIN Eleven years ago, at the age of 63, keen photographer Ian Kitchin began to lose vision after torn retinas eventually left him with very little sight in one eye.

A photographer his entire adult life, and already a member of Accrington Camera Club, Ian didn’t let contrast, low focus and no facial recognition stop him from snapping away.

“I was concerned about how I would carry on photography, but around that time digital cameras began to come out. I had a small compact camera which I quickly discovered I could use and that was helpful as it meant that of the many interests that I had, that was one that I could continue with,” he explained.

“I wouldn’t have been able to carry on with a film camera because the eye-level viewfinder is very small and I wasn’t doing dark room work but I couldn’t have continued it as I didn’t have the focus.

“I’m that rare beast – I’m a blind photographer.

“People are quite complimentary, but for young people, I don’t think the opportunities are there.

Someone who is visually impaired probably doesn’t think photography is for them.

“I photograph landscapes and buildings. I’ve never been that interested in people photography, as I can’t see what the people are doing, so I tend to work more with close static subjects.”

Oxford-born, Venezuelan native, Nivi Morales, recently gave a TedX talk in Leamington Spa about visuallyimpaired photographers. Nivi, who dabbled in photography before Retinitis Pigmentosa affected her peripheral and night vision and left her with only 15% of central vision, has practiced it regularly since 2009.

“I don’t use the viewfinder but the LCD screen and when I am out taking photos I use my intuition,” she began.

“I was walking in the park and I saw a pine tree. From a distance, I couldn’t see the details, but something told me I should walk to it and it was full of flowers, so it’s listening to your senses.

“There were people who I have photographed that didn’t know I was visually impaired, as I wasn’t ‘out of the closet’ and didn’t use a cane and they were surprised to learn that.

Nivi’s TedX talk focused on working outside your comfort zone, how anyone can tap into creativity, turning challenges into opportunities and an interesting Disney character.

“I’m not frightened of my night blindness - I’m a bit like Dory from Finding Nemo - a bit curious, dauntless and active, creative, she uses her instincts.

“I’m continually challenging myself not to be defeated by my limitations. Visually-impaired photography isn’t very well understood in my opinion,” she added.

[Below] 4am Project, Nivi Morales

[Above] Cromwells Bridge, Ian Kitchin

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28/11/2016 15:09

MOTABILITY

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE MOTABILITY SCHEME’S ONE BIG DAY EVENTS The Motability Scheme is celebrating 10 years of successful One Big Day events by returning to Manchester, the city where it all started, to host The Big Event in 2017.

The Big Event will take place at EventCity at the Intu Trafford Centre on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May 2017. The flagship, two-day event will showcase the UK’s biggest display of cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs available to disabled people. There will also be plenty of helpful Motability Scheme advisors to chat to, including representatives from Scheme partners, RAC, RSA and Kwik Fit. A wide variety of cars – including a range fitted with popular adaptations – will be available to test drive, allowing visitors to discover which vehicle best suits their needs. The show also offers free entry, free parking and a complimentary cup of tea or coffee.

Asked why the events continue to attract so many visitors 10 years after they started, One Big Day Event Manager Alison Beasley, commented: “Our One Big Day events really offer something different, they enable disabled motorists to find out everything they need, all in one place. Visitors can do everything from gathering practical advice about the vehicles available through the Scheme, to the hands-on experience of a test drives. There’s also lots of entertainment to keep younger visitors happy, with free face painting, balloon modelling and meeting the Motability Scheme mascot, Billy the Bear. It’s a great day out!”

Find out more about The Big Event online at 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 28 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.

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25/11/2016 13:22

WIN! A SUPPORTED HOLIDAY IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE!

COMPETITION

ENTER NOW TO WIN

include activities such as, kayaking, a mini cruise in St. Tropez, a trip around the Gorges du Verdon, a trip to the local goat farm, a visit to the local market, swimming in the nearby lakes and much more. The holidays include all meals and all the support on your holiday that you need from the Go Provence team.

Go Provence Supported Holidays is a British holiday company based in the sunny climate of Provence, France, that offers supported holidays to adults and children with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and autism.

The Go Provence country house is situated in a small village called Moustiers Sainte-Marie, which sits near the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon (Verdon Gorges), the biggest gorge in Europe and is Europe’s very own Grand Canyon. The holidays that Go Provence offer are culturally connected to the local area, from Wolf Tracking and Wildlife Photography to World Cooking and many more.

Go Provence are offering one lucky winner a place on their ‘Discover Provence’ Holiday on the 3 – 10 August 2017. This holiday will

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply write your chosen name for the baby goat on the space below (remember it must start with the letter ‘N’ and follow one of the themes mentioned above): Name: Now, simply return your details to the following address, email 28 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

031_Competition_Go_Provence_RT_AB.indd 31

To be in with a chance of winning all you must do is help the local goat farm, the Ferme des Fabrigoules, name one of their baby goats due to be born in March. The organic farm rears the ‘Provençales’ goats and produces organic goat’s milk and cheese to sell in the local markets. When Go Provence visits the farm, they get to meet the goats, milk them and make their own cheese.

NAMING CRITERIA There is some tight criteria to follow in choosing a name for their goats! The farm must, by French agricultural law, choose a name that follows the alphabet. For 2017 the letter will be N. The second piece of criteria is that the name follows a theme, eg. when a goat that is called River (a water theme) has a baby in 2017, the baby has to follow its mother’s water theme. In this case, you could call the baby goat Nile, after the

posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com or visit www.posabilitymagazine. co.uk to enter online.

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

River Nile. The rules for the farm’s goat naming system enable the farm and associates to quickly identify how old the goat is and which mother they belong to.

The following themes for the goat naming competition which you must follow are: • A shortened name (eg. Sally shortened to Sal) • An ingredient used in magical potions • A comic book character • Association by the theme of organic • A greeting in any language • A flower Remember, the name must begin with the letter ‘N’.

The winner will get to meet the goat they have named when they go on holiday in the summer of 2017.

For more information on Go Provence Supported Holidays visit www.goprovence.co.uk or call

00 33 (0)973213118

Terms & Conditions The prize includes a one week holiday which must be taken on the 3 – 10 August 2017. The holiday for 1 person will be at the Gites de Venascle, Provence, France, run by Go Provence Supported Holidays, which will be shared accommodation. All meals, activities and travel around Provence are included in the prize. The flight to Provence is not included in the prize. The support from Go Provence on the flight from London Gatwick to Marseilles will be included in the prize.

Name: Address: Postcode: Tel: Email: ü

Go Provence Supported Holidays would like to send you more information about their services. If you would prefer not to receive this, please tick the box.

28/11/2016 15:13

ADVERTORIAL

ARGOS: Bringing Independence to The High Street Thought independent living aids were reserved for specialist suppliers? Think again. Retail giants are working hard to make these products easily accessible and available in the mainstream – we found out more about Argos’s brilliant new range

THE ARGOS CATALOGUE is as much a part of the British home as your TV set or stash of tea bags, and now, the retailer has increased its focus on independent living for older and disabled people.

According to research carried out by the chain, the biggest worry amongst over 50s is a loss of independence, with a further 29% anxious about not being able to go out alone, and one in 10 fearing not being able to exercise, which is where Argos Independent Living comes in.

FANTASTIC RANGE While getting older can be worrying, especially if you notice your health and mobility deteriorating, it doesn’t have to be this way. Earlier this year, Argos launched a contemporary new range of independent living products, with a host of fantastic tools, gadgets and aids available online at www.argos.co.uk/ independent-living, which can help you to maintain your independence and rely less on others to help you.

According to Argos survey respondents, active and independent living today means being mobile, mentally stimulated and able to live in your own home. Other key elements include exercise, using technology and being able to work in the garden, and the new Argos range has items to help individuals with all of these things.

EASIER Argos now stocks a range of living aids to make life that little bit easier, and has a number of buying guides and articles available online to offer advice, which are available to everyone. From wheelchairs to walking frames, kitchen gadgets to accessible tech, mobility scooters to riser recliner chairs, all of it can be ordered online and either collected from any one of the over 800 Argos stores in your local area,

or delivered straight to your door. “We want to help everyone to live their life to the full,” says Adam Chaplin, Buying Manager at Argos. “That’s why we have expanded our selection to build a credible range of living aids, giving our customers the most choice to find exactly what they need. By no way are we completely finished as we continue to learn from our customers, constantly striving to improve our offer.” With such a fantastic variety of living aids available on the high street, it’s easy to get the support you need. Head to the Argos website now to check out the articles and guides, and to see what’s out there to help you continue to live happily and independently.

For more information, visit the Argos website at www.argos.co.uk or search for the Argos Independent Living range 32 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/11/2016 17:16

EXPLORE OUR RANGE Simple things are often the best.

So we’ve hand picked a huge range of products designed to help you out around the home and when you are out and about. Whether you need a wheelchair or mobility scooter to keep you mobile, or some extra support doing jobs about the house, we got the products, advice and inspiration to make day-to-day life easier and more comfortable.

Go in-store and pick up or you can buy online at argos.co.uk and we’ll drop them to your door.

It’s that simple.

Scout 4 Wheel

Mobility Scooter

6407 – Class 2. 173/

Search us using ‘Independent Living‘

Independent living

Deluxe Overbed Table. 865

/0971

Stand Alone Ad justable Toilet Ra il Frame. 865/ Ease of Living 1004 Raise Bath Step - Stac d Toilet Seat with Lid. 865/ 0641 kable. 865/1255

Home delivery: We can deliver anywhere in the UK and Northern Ireland (unless otherwise stated) as well as Channel Islands via our partner Ship2me. We are unable to deliver to the Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Orkney. Western Scottish Islands and Shetland Islands. For full details of out deliver services and lead times see page 6 of the main catalogue or visit www.argos.co.uk and click on home delivery.

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28/11/2016 17:16

DEVELOPING WORLDWIDE SOLUTIONS

W

hen it comes to

wheelchairs, we know that one size doesn’t fit all.

People come in many different shapes and sizes and it’s important to find that perfect fit – because not only can an ill-fitting, inappropriate wheelchair damage your health - it can potentially kill.

If you have a disability that affects your mobility and are lucky enough to live in a society that has a healthcare system that includes appropriate wheelchair provision, you are likely to have access to the right level of support and will receive an appropriate mobility aid, suited to your individual needs. But for millions of disabled people in less developed countries, not having access to the right information

[Above] 1989: Original sketch of first Motivation wheelchair

and equipment can mean futures are left hanging in the balance. Often living on the fringes of society, sadly many of these people live in extreme poverty with little chance of breaking free. With many suffering widespread societal discrimination, this vulnerable group sits amongst the most marginalised of our global community.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Bristol-based mobility charity Motivation has refused to accept this as the status quo. For the last 25 years, this non-profit organisation has been developing and delivering innovative products and solutions that help improve the quality of life of the world’s poorest and disadvantaged. Its person-centred approach has enabled the organisation to design a range of affordable, high-quality wheelchairs that take into account both the wheelchair user’s unique physical and environmental needs. In practice, this means designing wheelchairs robust enough to navigate

[Above] 1991: Simon Gue maps out his vision on the wheelchair workshop floor

Motivation is a charity that deliver unique mobility solutions for people with disabilities in developing countries, ensuring they are included and can participate fully in all aspects of life.

rough terrain and made from materials that can be easily repaired in remote locations.

Last year, Motivation’s work directly supported 20,000 people and helped to reach a further 60,000 people across more than 60 countries. When you consider that globally 70million people are in need of an appropriate wheelchair – 80% of whom live in developing countries – their work only just scratches the surface. Yet, what sets this organisation apart is that while they may not be the biggest provider of wheelchairs, they pride themselves on ensuring that it’s the right wheelchair delivered in the right way – and this philosophy is central to everything they do.

STARTING SMALL From humble beginnings in a small wheelchair workshop in Bangladesh in the early 90s, the charity has grown to help set the standards for wheelchair provision globally. It was in this remote workshop that co-founders David Constantine, Richard Frost and Simon Gue, identified the need and sought to employ the use of locally-sourced materials to engineer their first wheelchair. In Cambodia in 1993, the team went on to build a wheelchair known as the Mekong. Constructed primarily out of wood due to lack of tubular steel following the Khmer Rouge devastation, the innovation behind the Mekong was its three wheels. The extended chassis and larger front wheel provided better stability for the wheelchair user to navigate the uneven environment they lived in.

A decade later, Motivation opted to scale up production in response to increasing demand. The move to a flat-packed range enabled their wheelchairs to be distributed worldwide whilst maintaining their original

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28/11/2016 15:31

MOTIVATION [Below] Uganda: Technicians make the necessary modifications to a Moti-Go wheelchair

Last year, the team developed another first for the wheelchair sector – a unique kit of postural support devices, comprising a range of components that help provide additional physical support. This kit allows wheelchair services in developing countries to ‘pick and mix’ attachments to help them tailor seating solutions for people with more complex seating needs such as cerebral palsy. The first kits are currently being used in Kenya and India and are proving a big hit. With around 400 postural interventions at less than $7 each in every kit, it provides a flexible and affordable set of components that can be rapidly applied to many different wheelchair brands.

©Matt Grayson

model of in-country local assembly, prescription and fitting.

FORGING AHEAD

But what does this all mean for the end user? This latest step towards revolutionising the face of wheelchair provision will see a shift towards 100% tailored seating solutions, which will result in fewer incidences of life-threatening health complications, such as pressure sores, and in turn promote a greater level of independence for wheelchair users.

In the last 25 years, Motivation has developed a deep understanding of the needs of disabled people and of the countries in which they operate. By standing by their philosophy of ensuring that people get ‘the right wheelchair in the

[Above] Concept image: Wheelchair of the future

©Matt Grayson

Today, Motivation is forging ahead with an exciting new project, which is testing their ability to innovate, to stay ahead of the game and discover new mobility solutions suitable for a developing world context. By capitalising on the latest technologies and advances in materials and manufacturing techniques, Motivation has harnessed the power of 3D printing to explore how they can tailor postural support devices even further, while giving control back to local wheelchair services - no matter where they are in the world. Thanks to funding from Google.org, the charity hopes to develop both products and a service that allow wheelchair services to access an online server of modifiable CAD files developed by Motivation design experts, which they can adapt, customise and print locally using the specific measurements of their clients.

[Above] Uganda: Child being fitted for a Moti-Go wheelchair

right way’, the organisation has proved innovation to be the ultimate vehicle for engineering positive and tangible social change. Motivation’s approach has undoubtedly played an instrumental role in ensuring that the disabled people they support feel both empowered and valued and are able to play an active role in their society.

SO WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR MOTIVATION? 3D printing opens up a world of opportunity and maybe one day they will

print a whole wheelchair. But more than anything, this next step takes them ever closer to fulfilling their goal of reaching more people, with more bespoke seating solutions so that all disabled people are included and can fully participate in all aspects of life.

INNOVATION FUND

To continue financing such work, the charity has launched an Innovation Fund which aims to raise £1million over the next three years, to invest in their design team and train up the next generation of innovators and technicians who will develop new products and mobility solutions to transform more lives.

For more information, or to find out how you can invest in innovation, head to www.motivation.org.uk. Alternatively, follow Motivation’s latest news on twitter @wearemotivation or facebook.com/ MotivationInternational.

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OutsiderXchanges, a visual arts project based on collaboration, reciprocal learning and creative exchange has brought together six learning disabled artists and six contemporary visual artists in one studio space.

THE ORGANISATION’S VISION IS TO SEE PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES PLAY A VALUED AND VALUABLE ROLE WITHIN ARTS AND CULTURE

T

aking parity of

ideas and aesthetic approaches as a starting point, the resulting works blur the line between art and life, inviting the viewer to challenge their own conceptions of art and what might be considered ‘outsider’ art – art created beyond the boundaries of established culture.

New works developed throughout the project are being exhibited at a series of events and exhibitions at a number of galleries, including The Manchester Contemporary, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Whitworth Art Gallery.

Artwork ranges from pieces developed individually, such as Sarah Lee’s tactile threedimensional clay ‘sketches’, inspired by the recent fire at the 16th-century Wythenshawe Hall, to collaborative works such as Yes Lad, Yes Lass (2016) by artists Barry Anthony Finan and Rosanne Robertson, a poignant mixed media video installation.

[Below] Ceramic work by Sarah Lee

This sculptural work represents the meeting of the two artists with their ambitions laid bare. Leslie Thompson is a prolific drawer, who at every opportunity documents his observations of events happening around him in enormous detail using pen on paper in his own recognisable, witty style. His work has been snapped up by collectors.

Artists, Horace Lindezey and Juliet Davis have involved public participation in their practice throughout in a series of interviews. While engaging participants in conversation about their childhood memories, Lindezey also builds models of their schools as a tool for reminiscence.

The project is led by Venture Arts, a Manchester-based progressive visual arts organisation. For 30 years, it has worked alongside artists with learning disabilities to create and showcase exciting new collaborative visual art work using a range of art mediums including illustration, photography, moving image, animation, textile art, ceramics and art as environment.

[Above] Video still from 'I was the assembly hall' by Juliet Davis, Sophie Lee and Horace Lindezey

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THE ARTS

disabled artists have across all art forms is in making themselves seen and valued in the wider arts arena. This project sought to find a different way in which learning disabled artists could gain the profile that other artists have. All artists work collaboratively as complete equals, and there is no mentor or ‘mentee’ situation.

“Our learning disabled artists are all involved in recruiting the emerging artists they will work alongside. All artists have gained massively by being involved. They have been in the studio one day a week for six months, bouncing ideas off each other and working equally.

“Showcasing OutsiderXchanges at The Manchester Contemporary was a great opportunity for the project and our artists to exhibit to a wider arts audience and the response we had was fantastic. Collectors, curators and the wider public all engaged with the work on many levels and we sold a set of pieces to a high profile organisation within Manchester.”

[Above] Brown Bear

by Leslie Thompson

VISUAL PERCEPTIONS The organisation’s vision is to see people with learning disabilities play a valued and valuable role within arts and culture as artists, critics, audiences, advocates and workers. It delivers more than 1000 visual arts workshops per year working with over 200 people, and runs work schemes which help people with a learning disability to work and volunteer in cultural and educational environments. Venture Arts showcase the work of its artists locally, nationally and internationally.

Acclaimed award-winning artist, Tanya Raabe-Webber, has led artistically on developments within a disability context, ensuring that everyone is working collaboratively. She is challenging the notion of identity within contemporary portraiture, often creating portraits of high

profile disabled people during live sittings in public art galleries and venues. Tanya has exhibited as a solo artist at Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and recently with Portraits Untold, National Portrait Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, NT Beningbrough Hall and Stoke City Football Club.

Over the next few months through events and exhibitions, the project aims to reach wider and more diverse audiences, and make the case for collaborative art practice within the contemporary art scene.

Artists involved in the project include: Juliet Davis; Barry Anthony Finan; Matt Girling; Jane Louise Graham; David James; Sophie Lee; Sarah Lee; Horace Lindezey; Simon Raven; Rosanne Robertson; Leslie Thompson and acclaimed artist Tanya Raabe-Webber.

Amanda added: “Working with 12 amazing artists, the art that has come out through the project holds its own among any contemporary art."

OutsiderXchanges has been delivered in partnership with BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and Manchester’s Castlefield Gallery thanks to public funding through the National Lottery by Arts Council England and Manchester City Council.

OutsiderXchanges hosted a symposium Collaboration in Practice, at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, which featured interactive and multimedia presentations of the work by the 12 artists. The symposium coincided with an exhibition at the Quay Gallery, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, where materials and documents were also exhibited alongside the final works to reveal the relationships, work, play and collaboration that led to the final outcomes.

Amanda Sutton, director at Venture Arts explained: “The difficulty that learning

To find out more visit www.outsiderxchanges.com.

OUTSIDERXCHANGES

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28/11/2016 15:37

JEEP RENEGADE

From NIL Advance Payment

JEEP® RENEGADE 1.6 E-TORQ EVO SPORT

• 5" touchscreen DAB radio with Bluetooth technology • All-speed traction control • Air conditioning • 16" alloy wheels • UPGRADE TO 1.4 MULTIAIR LONGITUDE DDCT (AUTOMATIC) FOR ONLY £295 ADVANCE PAYMENT Visit your local Jeep dealer now or go to jeep.co.uk/motability

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9 (5.9) – 70.6 (4.0), URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 55.4 (5.1), COMBINED 40.9 (6.9) – 64.2 (4.4), CO2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 115 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may

also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Vehicle shown is Jeep Renegade 1.6 E-TorQ EVO Sport available with NIL Advance Payment with Alpine White paint included. Advance Payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed between 1st October to 31st December 2016. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Untitled-1 13 Jeep_Posability_0310.indd Pg1 Prodigious UK

28/11/2016 17:18 26/09/2016 15:41

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

HOT STUFF

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

THE CORDWAINER Who said orthopaedic footwear has to be boring? It was certainly not the wearer of these great looking boots. At The Cordwainer, they believe that style is not an ‘optional extra’, it is something that they want all of their customers to experience through their bespoke shoes.

The featured left boot has an orthotic insole which supports the foot and adds 12mm to help make up for a difference in leg length, but more than that it shows what can be achieved when design and colour meets mobility and comfort.

So what difference does it make to the wearer? One lady had not danced for 30

years, but she danced that day. Another customer commented he felt properly dressed and proud of his appearance again.

The Cordwainer opened for business in 1996 and has since made around 2000 pairs of shoes and boots for customers with mobility problems, long term disabilities, accidents or just plain and simple sore feet. Each customer has the choice of colour and style, so why not give yourself a treat.

PRICESON

LE AVAILAB T REQUES

The Cordwainer 01433 621623 www.thecordwainer.co.uk



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24/11/2016 20:00

FLEXX HD Designed with style and adjustability in mind, the Flexx HD features stylish flip back, height-adjustable armrests and swing in/out footrest hangers, all of which are exceptionally easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

PRICESON

BLE AVAILA ST Q RE UE

The Flexx HD can cater for users weighing up to 170kg (26st 7lbs), and is available in 20”, 22” and 24” seat widths. The lightweight aluminium frame allows numerous adjustments to enable the user to configure the wheelchair to meet their specific requirements. Further levels of user comfort are provided by backrest height and angle adjustment.

Additional features include: multiple rear wheel positions, adjustable castor angle, seat depth adjustment and a double cross brace for increased durability.

Karma Mobility 0845 630 3436 www.karmamobility.co.uk

NOOZIE PEBBLE PRICES FROM

£29.95

The Noozie Pebble is a small and compact handheld heat pod, providing double-sided heat in two heat settings that will warm your hands quickly. Simply charge via USB and it is ready to go.

Rechargeable, it heats up within seconds of being switched on and stores up to four hours of heat.

It is also a portable power bank to charge your mobile devices on the go.

The Pebble is ideal for cold weather, poor circulation to the hands, muscular pain relief, outdoor activities and travel.

Noozie contact@nooziecomfort.com www.nooziecomfort.com

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039_Hot Stuff_RT.indd 40

24/11/2016 20:02

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

NOOZIE® Noozie® is an independent UK-based brand specialising in electric hot water bottles. They have developed an easy and convenient solution that eliminates the dangers associated with traditional hot water bottles.

Hot water bottles are a wonderful rescue remedy and are a staple in most households, but they can be awkward and hazardous to use. From boiling, to filling, to touching hot rubber - handling traditional hot water bottles can be dangerous.

PRICES FROM

£34.95

Whether you are contending with niggling aches and pains, a new mother waking up to do the nightly feed on a cold night, or a hard worker just looking for some rest and relaxation at the end of a long day, Noozie® will be sure to warm you up.

Noozie contact@nooziecomfort.com www.nooziecomfort.com

TOAST YOUR TOOTSIES Snuggle up on chilly days and nights with the pretty Cosy Foot Warmer and Luxury Heating Pad from Beurer available at Argos.

PRICE

£39.99

BEURER FOOT WARMER (545/9254)

Ideal whether you have arthritis in the feet, or simply want to warm your toes when you come indoors from the cold weather, this cosy foot warmer features a removable and hand-washable soft and luxurious micro fibre fleece, to provide snuggly, comforting warmth for cold and aching feet.

BEURER LUXURY HEAT PAD (574/8374) This Beurer heat pad is not only great to use in place of a hot water bottle, it provides the flexible solution you need to help soothe aches, pains, and muscle strains, giving comforting warmth to targeted areas of the body – without the danger of hot water scolds.

The heat pad includes the Beurer Safety System, to protect you and your loved ones via the automatic switch off, which activates to prevent overheating due to accidental damage. www.argos.co.uk

PRICE

£29.99

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24/11/2016 20:05

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28/11/2016 21:08

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28/11/2016 21:08

kia soul INTRODUCING OUR NEW

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE

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28/11/2016 17:19

STROKE

A NEW JOURNEY Organisations around the globe recently marked World Stroke Day in honour of stroke survivors, their families and care givers.

Every year, stroke attacks millions of people worldwide – yet, it is little known that the number of people aged between 20 and 65 who have had a stroke over the past 20 years has soared by an alarming 25%.

PosAbility spoke with a loving couple, Rachel and Russell Hanford, whose lives were turned upside down when he had a stroke only five weeks after their dream wedding.

R

achel and Russell

had been together for eight years when they exchanged vows at Poole Guild Hall, Dorset, on an idyllic, sunny afternoon in September 2014. Having celebrated at a reception at nearby Shell Bay, the newlyweds chose to delay their honeymoon and instead spend the rest of the week in Cornwall with relatives who had travelled from New Zealand to share their happy day.

Like all newlyweds, the new Mr and Mrs Hanford had big dreams, hopes and plans, including ambitions of living in New Zealand for a spell and aspiring to retire by the age of 50. They envisaged career success, a new home and embracing all the excitement of a full and happy life together.

Yet, only five weeks after she walked down the aisle, Rachel received a call from Russell’s manager at work to report that he had become unwell and was found collapsed in the toilets. He advised her to make her way to hospital in Southampton, 40 minutes away.

“My initial thought was his heart, as he’d had a heart attack at 23,” recalled Rachel

(32). “Then I tried to calm myself and thought he had just passed out because he hadn’t eaten or such like. A stroke never crossed my mind.”

Within minutes of her arrival at hospital, doctors informed Rachel that her husband – who was just 35 years old – had had a stroke. After three weeks he was moved to a hospital closer to home and was discharged the next day.

The couple, says Rachel, were familiar with the term ‘stroke’ but did not know anyone who had had one.

“I just assumed that old, unfit people had them,” she said.

Although initially paralysed down his right side, sensation returned after a few days.

The stroke left Russell with communication issues, meaning that the only words he could utter were ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ And he struggles with weakness and altered sensation in his right hand and arm.

Rachel admits that in the weeks immediately following Russell’s stroke, she felt they had been cruelly robbed of their dreams.  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 45

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24/11/2016 22:18

FACTS

STROKE

THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY

152,000

[Below] Newly-weds Russell and Rachel on the crest of a wave

CASES OF A STROKE EVERY YEAR IN THE UK

SOMEONE IS AFFECTED BY A STROKE ALMOST ONCE

3&27

EVERY

MINUTES

SECONDS

FIRST-TIME INCIDENCE OF STROKE OCCURS ALMOST

17 MILLION TIMES A YEAR WORLDWIDE – THAT IS ONCE EVERY TWO SECONDS

If you are concerned that someone you are with is having a stroke, you can use the FAST test to check: FACIAL WEAKNESS: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?

ARM WEAKNESS: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?

And, she reflects, maybe they should have made more of the five weeks they shared as a married couple before the stroke struck.

“I remember feeling really down that all of the wedding planning was done and summer was nearly over,” confessed Rachel.

“I wish we had gone on the amazing honeymoon that we’d discussed and dreamed about.”

SPEECH PROBLEMS: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?

A design and build manager, Russell has not worked since the stroke – a frustration for a super-fit man who loved his job.

TIME: If you see any one of these three signs, it’s TIME to call 999.

Stroke is always a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

“Although Russell has communication issues, he is still the man I fell in love with and married. His personality hasn’t changed at all.

Russell’s speech has improved a lot and his vocabulary is much wider now.

Recognising the signs of stroke or mini-stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The quicker a patient arrives at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment and the more likely they are to make a better recovery.

“He struggles with more than a few words and long sentences, but if he hears a word or sentence, he can generally repeat this. He is very animated, so he gets over what he wants to say without having to speak.

For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk.

“ALTHOUGH RUSSELL HAS COMMUNICATION ISSUES, HE IS STILL THE MAN I FELL IN LOVE WITH AND MARRIED”

“NHS speech therapy was great at the beginning but this came to an end after a year – which is a real shame as Russell was, and still is, making real improvement. We pay for a private speech therapist, who is amazing.”

She continued: “We haven’t been given a longterm diagnosis. I don’t believe that anyone will. Stroke survivors are all so different, there is no set recovery time. For the size of stroke that Russell had, he probably shouldn’t be able to do half the things he can.”

Russell was very fit and healthy prior to the stroke, and miraculously, still is. He continues to pursue his love of wind and kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling, running and football.

Explained Rachel: “We live in an amazing place and Russell is very lucky to have his physical fitness and ability to get out and about. He really enjoys the outdoors and we have a good group of friends and family close by.”

Regrettably, the couple have found that there is little support in the local area.

“A lot of the groups are sitting around drinking tea, and Russell doesn’t want to do this. He is 37!” said Rachel.

Having worked for a marketing agency for six years, Rachel took nine months off work following Russell’s stroke. During her absence she concluded that returning to that job would not be right for her or her husband. She now works for the RNLI in a job she loves. Her employer is extremely understanding if she needs to take time off to attend an appointment with Russell.

“At the hospital, I met a parent whose son had been in a terrible car accident and was in a coma. He told me to never look back, always look forward. Things do get better. At the time when you are going through the traumatic experience, you can’t see the end and you can’t see things improving - but they do.

“Recovery from a stroke is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes years, and we have accepted this now.”

46 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

045_Living_with_stroke_RT_AB.indd 46

28/11/2016 15:41

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28/11/2016 17:20

ROYALS

HELP TACKLE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA HEAD ON

UNRESOLVED MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS LIE AT THE HEART OF SOME OF OUR GREATEST SOCIAL CHALLENGES

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are spearheading a national campaign to end stigma around mental health.

48 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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24/11/2016 22:21

MENTAL HEALTH

The Heads Together campaign will see them working in partnership with inspiring charities to change the national conversation on mental wellbeing.

The Royals are keen to build on the great work that is already taking place across the country to ensure people feel comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing, feel able to support their friends and families through difficult times and that stigma no longer prevents people accessing the help they need.

Together with charity partners, the Heads Together campaign has made significant in-roads in the quest to tackle stigma, raise awareness and provide vital help for people with mental health challenges.

Setting out his ambitions for the Heads Together campaign, the Duke of Cambridge said: “Through our work with young people, emergency response, homeless charities, and with veterans, we have seen time and again that unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges.”

The Duchess of Cambridge added: “Too often, people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health.

This fear of judgment stops people from getting the help they need, which can destroy families and end lives. Heads Together wants to help everyone feel much more confident with their everyday mental health, and to have the practical tools to support their friends and family.

“Heads Together wants to get people talking. The more we talk about mental health, the more normal the topic becomes, and the more we feel able to open up and seek support. By asking for help, by telling a friend we have a problem, by asking someone else how they feel – by having a conversation – we take the first step to feeling better about ourselves, and the first step to being able to cope better with the ups and downs of life.”

"The three of us have learned a lot in the past few months as we have met people.

The conclusion we are coming to is that the more we all talk about this, the more collectively as a society we can do to support one another.

Marking the recent World Mental Health Day, Prince Harry stressed that prejudice and fear should not stand in the way of people getting the help they need to cope with life.

Dan and Rich, paramedics from Blackpool, also spoke at the celebration about how Rich supported Dan through post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he experienced after dealing with a traumatic child abuse incident.

The 2016 theme for World Mental Health Day focused on the importance of 'psychological and mental health first aid for all.'

At World Mental Health Day celebrations, the Royals highlighted their ambitions for the Heads Together campaign.

The Duke of Cambridge said: “Catherine, Harry and I are incredibly proud to be working with all partners to tackle one of the greatest challenges facing our society.

Mental health is not a dirty word – we all have mental health like we do physical health, good or ill. But not seeking help at those times when it all seems too much, or we are depressed or anxious, can impact the rest of our lives.

"On the Heads Together journey so far we have seen the difference that a listening ear can make to people’s lives – whether a father supporting a child suffering depression, a soldier who has returned from a testing deployment, or a child struggling with the pressures of a new school.

“To us, mental health first aid means getting in there early to support people, before what they're going through becomes more serious or even clinical."

Dan said: “One day I thought I’d drop Rich a text to see if he was around for a chat.

Within minutes, Rich was calling me. He came straight round to mine and we had a cup of tea and just talked. The relief I felt for confiding in Rich overwhelmed me, and I wish I’d done it sooner. He reassured me that this wasn’t something to be scared of and we talked through my issues, and he helped me figure out what I needed to do.

"I realised that I already knew what I had to do, but the power of this conversation was all I required to push me into doing it. With Rich’s support I went to my GP and started to see a counsellor which really started to help me. I was eventually diagnosed with PTSD. I spent about four months off work, and had counselling throughout that time.

"As I found out, listening is the most important thing you can do. It showed me that I was never alone."

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 49

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28/11/2016 15:44

Untitled-1 18

28/11/2016 17:21

TRAVEL

TRAVEL ADVICE Andy Wright, managing director of Accessible Travel and Leisure, has a wealth of knowledge about travelling and knows first-hand about the problems many disabled people can face. Each issue Andy provides advice on common problems of travel and welcomes questions from PosAbility readers.

LAST CHANCE FOR A

2017 ACCESSIBLE COACH HOLIDAY! also visit the historic town of Rattenberg before taking in the vibrant city of Salzburg, shown in all its splendour in the film The Sound of Music. The tour also includes rides on a steam train, gondola, boat trip, glass blowing and historical city tours. Prices start from £1625 per person.

Since launching our 2017 accessible coach itineraries earlier this year, Accessible Travel and Leisure has received considerable interest. However, there are still just a few places left, so if you fancied travelling to Europe on holiday next year with either your wheelchair or electric scooter, now is the time to book before it’s too late.

For those of you who didn’t see details of the itineraries on offer for 2017 earlier this year, some examples of the tailored tours are detailed below.

Splendours of the Rhine - 23 April, 7 nights, and includes visits to Remagen, Oberwinter, Koblenz and Cologne amongst other picturesque German towns. The tour will include wine and beer tasting, a cable car ride, cathedral visits, as well as guided excursions providing an opportunity to learn more about local culture and history. Prices start from £1095 per person.

Scottish Highland Explorer 02 September, 7 nights. This tour was very successful during 2016 and therefore due to popular demand will be operated again next year. The tour includes the famous Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, a Scottish Whisky distillery experience and the Culloden battlefield, site of the final Jacobite confrontation in 1746. Prices start from £1084 per person.

All the tours combine comfort with accessibility utilising specially equipped coaches, accessible hotel accommodation - mostly with level entry showers, grab rails and shower seats - and include half board, day trips and additional guided excursions that everyone can enjoy.

To view Andy’s Top Tips for air travel visit www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk.

Coaches are built with luxury in mind and are fully equipped to be able to transport both manual and electric wheelchairs. A platform lift provides easy access and there is a fully accessible toilet on board, along with ample storage space for equipment and wheelchairs.

In addition, the coach is furnished with reclining seats and has a small kitchen, which offers complimentary hot drinks throughout your journey.

Mobility equipment can also be hired if required and with local joining points throughout the UK, each tour is fully escorted by experienced drivers and a tour manager, allowing you the opportunity to relax safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

For those of you looking for a holiday next year that doesn’t involve flying, an accessible coach holiday could be the perfect solution.

For more information please visit www.accessibletravel.co.uk or call

01452 729739

Majestic Rhine and Sound of Music tour - 04 June, 11 nights. Whilst following the Rhine towards the ultimate destination of Niederau in the heart of the Austrian Tyrol, the tour will www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 51

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28/11/2016 15:47

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28/11/2016 17:22

PROFILE

Countryside comforts in the heart of the Devonshire countryside

Blagdon Farm has eight luxury purposebuilt, fully-accessible lodges set in over 10 acres of peaceful Devon countryside within minutes of the South West coast. Every lodge is south-facing with a private terrace overlooking the coarse fishing lake and magnificent views to the rolling Devon countryside beyond. All the lodges have step-free access, extra wide doorways for wheelchair users, and roll-in wet rooms.

Heating, hot water, electricity, bed linen and towels are included in the cost of your holiday and the farm has a range of mobility equipment available for hire.

WHAT ON-SITE FACILITIES ARE ON OFFER? Blagdon Farm offers far more than just excellent accommodation for its guests. There are a range of on-site facilities that enhance your holiday, including: • Free wifi throughout the site • 1.5acre coarse fishing lake, stocked with carp, rudd, roach, golden tench and orfe (there is a grass path, stoned underneath, leading gently down from the lodges to the lake which is approximately 50m away) • An indoor heated swimming pool with hoist and steps for ease of access (open from Easter

until the end of October) • A playing field and an orchard/woodland walk • The licensed, Sam’s Bar, opens when there is sufficient demand or operates as an off licence in low season • The farm welcomes dogs in three of their lodges (Curlew, Chaffinch and Kestrel) with a dedicated field where dogs can be let off the lead.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE OFF-SITE, BUT NEARBY? Blagdon Farm is the perfect gateway destination from which to explore both Devon and Cornwall being set in the heart of Ruby Country (so called after the ruby-red cattle farmed locally). The farm is: • Set only a few minutes from the wide sandy North Devon coast beaches at Bude and Widemouth Bay • Close to the stunning Cornish resorts of Boscastle and Padstow • Within reach of the spectacular scenery of Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor • Nearby the ancient ports of Clovelly and Hartland Quay and the historic Tintagel Castle • Within easy driving distance of the attractions of the Eden Project, the Tate St. Ives

and RHS Rosemoor Gardens • A few miles south of the pretty market town of Holsworthy you will find excellent local produce and a market every Wednesday.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT IN THE LUXURY ACCOMMODATION? There are six lodges with two bedrooms (a double and a twin), two lodges with one bedroom (a double) and some of the lodges also have a sofa-bed in the lounge which can accommodate either one adult or two children. All lodges feature: • Individually-controlled gas central heating and double glazing • HD TVs with built-in DVD/CD Players • A fully-equipped self-catering kitchen with washer/dryers, cookers, microwaves, dishwashers (two-bedroomed lodges only), and fridge/freezers.

Blagdon Farm is a family-owned business where guests are welcomed with a locallysourced complimentary Devon cream tea.

Visit the website at www.blagdonfarm.co.uk, email info@blagdonfarm.co.uk or call 01409 211140 for more information or to make a booking/enquiry. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 53

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24/11/2016 19:47

Janet Myers loves to take to the streets to experience the wonderful festive markets that crop up across the country in December.

Allow her to take you on a sensational journey of sights, smells and tastes to get you into the Christmas spirit.

[Above] Sample traditional German food at the market stalls

Christmas MARKETS

T

he air is filled with the

[Above] After all that shopping you deserve a rest and a drink

[Above] Stall of rock lights [Below] Sweets and toffee apples

054_Christmas_German_markets_RT_AB.indd 54

aroma of iced gingerbread, spiced mulled wine and oranges studded with cloves. They compete with tantalising sausages and meats cooking on fiery BBQs, cranberry-perfumed candle wax, hot waffles and sugar roasted almonds. Fairy lights twinkle amongst fresh pine branches around tiny wooden chalets, stars shine out in the night sky and the distant sound of carols intermingles with the sound of bells. It overloads the senses, but it is awesome.

Inside a cosy wooden chalet the tables are covered in red gingham and sprigs of holly are pushed haphazardly into bright green painted jam jars. The chairs are beautifully carved with hearts and red ribboned wreaths adorn the walls. It is packed and the buzz of chatter and laughter mingles with the sound of the traditional Christmas music which wafts in from outside. Steam rises from mugs of hot beverages, wine glasses chink and beer glasses clash in salutations. Santa makes a brief appearance and greets everyone with a jolly grin as his well padded belly, which sits over his wide black belt, jiggles. Caught up in the moment I almost look out of the frosty window to see if his reindeer are outside.

My Christmas jumper twinkles with flashing

lights and my partner sports a red Santa hat as he sets down giant bread rolls filled with sizzling bratwurst sausages straight from the enormous round barbeque which swings above a blazing fire. My grandson accepts the cook's challenge to eat a curled up metre sausage. We know before he even begins that it will involve defeat, especially if there are other treats in the offing. Still, there seem to be plenty of dogs sniffing the air in anticipation of a bite.

The wooden chalets outside our pop-up eatery are packed tightly together and each offers a new delight. There are enough unique handcrafted gifts to satisfy the most difficult on anybody's Christmas shopping list. Even those who usually open their gifts and grunt and mutter 'humbug' under their breath can be satisfied.

Spilling on to the pavements they offer brightly coloured textiles, knitted hats which resemble anything from reindeers to pandas, pottery of every shape and size, glass and beautifully carved puppets and wooden bowls. Angels, stars, nativity scenes and lanterns join the mix. It is wonderful to see so much packed so close together. It takes the drudgery out of walking long distances between bigger shops.

Interspersed are stalls selling more food and drink. My favourite has got to be those high

28/11/2016 16:04

CHRISTMAS

TOP TIPS

Always do some checking ahead of a visit: • Confirm dates of operation because not all markets start at the beginning of Advent and finish on Christmas Eve. • Check on travel arrangements and the parking situation during the holiday period • Check for cobblestones or uneven ground as it can make walking difficult or give a bumpy ride for those using wheelchairs USEFUL WEBSITES • Visit www.theramppeople.co.uk for mobility information on the UK's best five markets for those in wheelchairs • DisabledAccessHolidays.com also offer advice and information on continental markets

domed chocolate covered marshmallows filled with the taste of seasonal fruits and great liquors which warm the cockles of your heart.

Not a good idea for the youngster with us but he is contented to cup his hands round a steaming mug of hot chocolate and grins to show a moustache of frothy milk and melted mallows. It might even challenge Santa's moustache!

Then there are the chestnuts which split as they roast on the brazier. It seems traditional to eat them while they are still too hot to handle and certainly too hot to eat. We toss them from hand to hand as the shell is pulled away and in an effort to cool them we blow and gulp in deep mouthfuls of cold air as we pop them in our mouths.

We could be anywhere, because Christmas markets like this one are to be found all over the UK and Europe. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands and each offers its own unique atmosphere. The only give away might be language, but with so many stall holders choosing to sell their wares outside of their own country of origin even that can be difficult.

Some have a singing moose head or maybe a carousel or twisting slide. In some you can even enjoy the sight from a horse drawn carriage. More often than not reindeer will be

corralled somewhere so it could be an idea to have a carrot in your pocket to make sure Santa's sleigh stops at your house. If you feel up to the challenge you could don a pair of ice skates or have your fortune read.

Usually the markets appear at the start of Advent. In Germany the markets date back to the middle ages and many of the things we associate with Yuletide originated there.

Christmas trees, handmade glass-blown baubles and even tinsel, all come from the region.

In the UK, Christmas markets also date from early times but after Oliver Cromwell banned them, they vanished. They reappeared in Victorian times but they were little more than traditional open-air markets which in the run up to Christmas became filled with festive food and drink. It was not until 30 years ago that Lincoln set up a market which took on the appearance of the markets we now love.

Edith Lovegrove, who is from Cologne, was among the first to bring the German festivities to London. She founded the company Xmas Markets after seeing the popularity of German Christmas markets in her hometown. Now there are so many to choose from.

without them so take your pick and make sure you too wander through the magical chaletlined streets somewhere. Only one word of advice, remember that all those ornaments will need hanging, all those presents will need wrapping and all those eats and drinks will need to be finished before New Year. Still, I don't think it will pose a problem.

Discover hidden treasures and unusual gift ideas

After my trip to Bristol's market I am off to Berlin to soak up even more delights. No Manchurian winter would be complete www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 55

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28/11/2016 16:04

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28/11/2016 17:24

Taking the time to purge your finances will not only have a positive impact on your bank balance, it can also be a weight off your mind and a therapeutic and profitable exercise.

M

aking a concerted effort to

better manage your money will help you stay on top of bills and could save you

£100s each year.

You can use these extra savings to clear debts, make contributions to your pension, or even splash out on that holiday or car you wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford.

The first step to taking control of your finances is putting together a budget. It will take a little effort, but it’s a great way to get a quick snapshot of the money you have coming in and going out.

Over half of UK households will tell you that setting up a budget means you’re less likely to end up in debt or get caught out by unexpected costs. By budgeting, you’re more likely to have a good credit rating, which increases your chances of being accepted for a mortgage or loan.

Budgeting also puts you in a better position to save for a holiday, a new car or a make-over for your home.

To get started on your budget, you’ll need to work out how much you spend on: • household bills • living costs, including groceries • financial products, such as insurance

MONEY TIPS

MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS YOU CAN COUNT ON

• gifts for family and friends • travel, including car costs and public transport • leisure, such as holidays, sport and eating out.

If you’re spending more than you have coming in, you need to work out where you can cut back. Dispensing with unnecessary expenditure could be as straightforward as taking a packed lunch to work, cancelling a subscription to a magazine you never read, or shelling out monthly membership to a gym you never visit.

You could also keep a spending diary and take a note of everything you buy in a month.

Or, if you do most of your spending with a bank card, have a look at last month’s bank statement and work out where your money is going.

Get everyone in your family involved with keeping to a budget. Sit down together and make a plan that you can all stick to. Work out

how much spending money is available and agree between you what you’ll each have.

With the cost of household bills continuing to rise across the UK, the Money Advice Service has pulled together a list of dedicated guides to help you save money.

Cutting costs is easier than you think and the average household can save hundreds of pounds each year by following their tips on how to reduce your home phone, mobile and broadband bills.

Their guidelines will also highlight how to find out if you are paying too much Council Tax or water charges, or if you could switch to a cheaper gas and electricity supplier.

Slashing the cost of driving and public transport will also reap benefits, and so will avoiding incurring penalty charges by paying your bills on time. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 57

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24/11/2016 21:19

WINTER TIPS

Winter isn’t everyone’s favourite season and there’s no doubt that cold weather can be a worry, especially for vulnerable people and those in later life.

ALL UP

As

we get older,

our bodies respond differently to the cold and this can leave us more vulnerable. But with a little preparation, we can stay healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible this winter.

Keeping warm both inside and outside your home can help reduce your risk of serious health problems that are more common in the colder months, such as chest infections and low blood pressure which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Ward off winter chills by getting your heating system serviced every year.

an extended period of cold weather.

Keep a mixture of salt and sand handy to put on steps or paths in icy weather, and consider fitting a grab rail.

If the area you live in is liable to floods, sign up for free flood warnings from Floodline.

Keep simple cold, flu and sore throat remedies at home. Make sure you have a yearly flu jab. It’s free if you’re over 65, or if you’re a carer or have certain long-term health conditions.

Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time and ask your local pharmacy if it offers a prescription pick-up and delivery service.

KEEPING WARM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE YOUR HOME CAN HELP REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS

Never block air vents and if you have wood-burning, coal or gas heaters, make sure there’s adequate ventilation.

Make sure you know where your main stopcock is and check that it’s easy to turn. If water pipes freeze they can burst, so you need to be able to turn off the water at the main stopcock.

Make sure your smoke alarm is working.

Ask your local fire service for a free fire safety check.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm in each room that has a gas or solid-fuel burning appliance. Ask your family or friends if they could call or visit you more often if there’s

Keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it’s too cold to go shopping, or order your groceries online.

Make sure you claim all the financial support you can to help with heating bills, such as: The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter.

Anyone born on or before 5 January 1953 can get it, if you live in the UK or another eligible country.

Cold Weather Payments are oneoff payments to help you pay for extra heating costs when it’s very cold.

You’ll get a payment each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a set period of time.

You might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you’re either: getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit, or on a low income. Check with your supplier.

•

•

•

Contact the Energy Saving Advice Service:

0300 123 1234

Keep a torch handy in case you lose power and jot down emergency numbers, and keep this by your phone.

It’s not unusual to feel a bit down in winter – particularly when the days are short and it can get dark by 3.30pm. If you’re feeling lonely, contact your local Age UK to see if they offer friendship services. Or, for a weekly telephone friendship call, contact the national Call in Time Service on 0844 225 0320.

58 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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24/11/2016 21:25

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.

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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.

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28/11/2016 03/03/2016 19:22 16:12

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28/11/2016 19:31

KIDS

’ s d i K R E N R O C

E H T

This can be a magical time of year when you have children.

The anticipation of Santa, the excitement of gifts, the decorations, the lights and the chance to build a snowman can fill your little ones with an abundance of Christmas joy.

However, if you have a child who has a sensory impairment or an autistic spectrum disorder, this time of year can be more challenging.

PRODUCTS

71

PAGE

The overload of lights, decorations and busy places can be too much for some children and the break from routine can upset many. For some families, this time of year can be very difficult and outings to the traditional Christmas activities can be even harder. We have explored some of the options to which you could potentially take your kids this festive period, from

Christmas concerts to autismfriendly Santa’s grottos.

We also have the pleasure of introducing our latest regular columnist, Dan White. Dan is the brains behind the fantastic Department of Ability comic – a group of superheroes who all draw their powers from their disabilities – and his inspiration for this was his very own superhero daughter Emily, who is 10 years old and has spina bifida. His first column discusses the lack of accessible toilets and changing facilities in public restrooms – an issue that we know will resonate with a lot of our readers. Don’t miss the latest instalment of the Department of Ability comic strip on page 69.

You will also find the usual selection of products featured on page 71-72.

Don’t forget, if you have any thoughts, rants, ideas or advice you would like to share with other families, please contact Niki Tennant on niki@2apublishing.co.uk.

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New

Columnist Dan White

FROM THRONE TO FLOOR

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

Myself and Emily, 10, turned to the disabled toilet door and, with expectant hands, I turned the handle and went in.

Wow! The floor glistened with a sheen reserved for a king, the changing bed was comfortable for Emily to lay upon, the hoist whirred and purred like a cat lazing resplendent in the sun, and the toilet and basin smelt as clean as vicar’s sermon on a Sunday morning.

“Dad, I need the loo!”, Emily’s almost-teenage voice caused my dream to pop and again we were met by the usual ill-designed, budget-restricted toilet. As I looked again at the room with discontented eyes, I realised my fantasy was just that. No change bed, no hoist, just full of disappointment, not just for us, but for any parent who time and time again has no alternative but to lay their child on the floor to do the toileting. Welcome to Victorian Britain.

“Why the floor?” is the question that we all must listen to. Well, Emily, like the majority of children who are disabled, cannot self-transfer from wheelchair to toilet, does not have a great deal of control of her body and is not of an age where she can control her own needs. So, when there is no bed for a child/adult and hoist to help lift, we have to rely on the floor, which has been lovingly cleaned with dirty shoes and seductively decorated with paper and suspicious liquid. Nice, almost Eden-like.

Not forgetting, of course, all the lifting and

joyous choruses of our backs dislocating as we put our children onto a carpet of concrete vileness, but at least there is a coat hook (heaven forbid a dirty coat).

Recently, I was (un)surprised to discover that many planners, builders, shops etc, neither comply with the guidance in Building Regulations, Approved Document M 2004, nor do they meet British Standard BS 8300-2009. Why? Yes of course, costs and lack of thought. The world has to catch up with us parents. It seems to me that we as a global collective of mums, dads and carers are more proactive and vocal than those who design our social landscape.

They should be having dialogue with those whose issues are directly affected by their unimaginative decisions. Rocket science it is not, that’s NASA’s job.

We as parents battle on every front. We battle more times than an enthusiastic, gung-ho Hollywood action hero. Why? We weren’t born to fight, we were born to love, protect, and guide our children into our apparent inclusive society. I have recently met an online army, including the committed Alison Beevers, who just want, like us, something simple, just a bed and hoist. There is room in these cathedral-sized places. I know it’s weird for the planning department to understand we want to keep a child hygienic and not exposed to more germs than a dangerous disease scientist.

Please install a bed, hoist and some imagination, no more floors please!

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Image for illustrative purposes only, the park is made from natural grass and may not be suitable in all weather for wheelchair access. These particulars should not be relied upon as accurately describing any of the specific matters described by any order under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Business Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This information is not intended to form part of or constitute a contract or warranty. June 2016.

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29/11/2016 09:42

CHRISTMAS

FUN FOR ALL THE

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

T

he festive period can mean a lot of things for different people.

For some, it can be about basking in the excitement and madness, rushing around getting organised in hectic supermarkets or at home, putting on huge parties, drinking more mulled wine than you should, or treating the kids to as many bright, loud and exciting Christmas experiences as possible.

For others though, it isn’t as simple.

Some parents of children with sensory or mobility disabilities often dread the thought of finding suitable Yuletide

activities for their kids, worrying about sensory overloads or having to watch on from the side-lines.

However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season to be jolly and not fret over what may or may not happen.

But if Santa can’t quite afford those flights to Lapland, here are some exciting, festive and accessible days and nights to get the family in the spirit.

EDEN PROJECT Cornwall’s award-winning Eden Project operates a fantastic accessible service all year around, but it becomes all the more special at Christmastime, as the Enchanted Forrest offers a number of magical www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 65

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experiences to suit your child’s mobility or sensory needs.

Anyone can speed across the ice as ice skating at the Eden Project is fully accessible, with penguin aids available and wheelchairs welcomed. Electric wheelchairs are too heavy to run on the ice, but manual wheelchairs can be borrowed on site, though it is advised that you contact the centre in advance.

The Festival of Light and Sound takes place in the Eden Project’s accessible grounds, and features a fantastic show in the Mediterranean Biome that the website describes as a “beautifullychoreographed performance of music and light, as the sounds of Cornish vocalists and musicians fill the air, complemented and enhanced by a myriad of dancing light projections.”

Also on offer are ‘relaxed performances’ at Santa’s Grotto. Children can experience the ‘behind the scenes’ of Christmas, visiting the elves’ bunkbeds, seeing children’s letters and all the preparations for the 25th. Next to the fire, children can comfortably visit Santa for a story and present. Changes to their traditional visits are made to ensure your child can enjoy a stress-free day, taking place on selected days throughout December, with certain days including a sign language interpreter. Find out more at www.edenproject.com.

CHANGES TO THEIR TRADITIONAL VISITS ARE MADE TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD CAN ENJOY A STRESS-FREE DAY

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY There are a number of other autismfriendly Santa’s Grottos across the country. Kent charity, Children on the Autism Spectrum Parents’ Association (CASPA), are running a specially built grotto for children with sensory and mobility needs. Running on 10-11 December at Holwood Farm, Keston, children can make food for the reindeer, decorations for their trees, and meet Father Christmas for a story, hot chocolate, present and photograph.

Find more information at www.caspabromley.org.uk.

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CHRISTMAS

and Sign Choir, Metropolitan Brass and Elaine Hutchinson at Birmingham Town Hall takes place on Sunday 18 Dec at 11am, and welcomes carers and their families along to enjoy a festive show filled with brass band music from Metropolitan Brass and signed songs courtesy of Halas Homes, who support people with learning disabilities. Midlands Mencap are also helping you get there, running a coach at £3 per person, picking up at Northfield, Weoley Castle, Selly Oak, Moseley, Walsall, Sutton Coldfield and Erdington. To book your space on the bus, or get more information, call the Enterprise Hub on 0121 427 6404.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is one of the UK’s most accessible and it made its return on 19 November.

Wheelchair users can enjoy the large ice rink and beautiful views of the old city from the big wheel.

Unfortunately, electric wheelchairs are too heavy to take to the sky and ice. Information can be found on the official website www.edinburghschristmas.com.

The Port Sunlight Garden Centre in Wirral is also running a grotto put on by Autism Together, from 26 November until Christmas Eve, boasting autism aware Santa and Elves.

Details can be found at www.wasfamily.co.uk.

North of the border, Scotland’s highland capital, Inverness, has teamed up with Dobbie’s Garden Centre to run their own autism-friendly grotto on 14 December with no moving or noisy displays, ensuring a calm visit to Saint Nick is possible.

Booking is essential for this, you can call the Inshes Retail Park branch on 01463 701770.

Swansea’s Christmas Market is also hugely accessible.

With a mobility hire service and changing places facility, the market itself also proves to take good care of their disabled visitors. Specialist sledges, double-bladed bob skates, penguin aids and special grip shoe covers mean anyone can enter the rink, and wheelchairs are permitted.

Away from the ice, the organisers say that arrangements will be made as far as possible to ensure wheelchair users can also experience the rides at the market. The website www.swanseachristmas.com can help you plan your perfect day or night out.

York’s very own grotto will open on Saturday 10 December, at the Wilberforce Trust. With siblings welcome, it could be the perfect family day out in what they call a “safe and stimulating environment” all topped off with a sensory toy from Santa at the end. Call 07401 893439 to book your place. The next day, York’s CityScreen Picture House is screening an autism-friendly viewing of The Muppet Christmas Carol at 11:15am. With the low sensory environment including low lighting, reduced volume and a break, you and your child can get into the festive spirit in comfort. Book by calling 0871 9025726 or visit www.picturehouses.co.uk.

If you live in the Midlands, Midlands Mencap are presenting their Christmas concert ‘Families Together at Christmas’ in partnership with Birmingham Carer’s Hub. With free admission, the relaxed show starring the Halas Homes Sing

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TEAM STRONGBONES, A TOP SECRET SUPERHERO TEAM HAVE RETRIEVED THEIR SECRET FILES FROM THE HANDS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT, A ROGUE COLLECTION OF BAD GUYS FOR HIRE! NOW ….. PART 3 : BLADEBOY!

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SLOW DOWN!

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24/11/2016 21:34

Help your child to hit the ground running!

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28/11/2016 20:47

KIDS

Kids’ PRODUCTS PRICES FROM

£23.94

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

TIPPY TALK

This innovative app gives a voice to non-verbal children, by translating pictures into personalised text messages to be sent to family members or carers.

By simply attributing phrases, text or even voice recordings to the images you can allow the user to communicate their wants and needs in an easy-to-use format. By tapping on the chosen images their message will be sent in text format to a mobile phone or tablet, whether that be to someone in the same room or in a different city – distance is no obstacle.

AIR POWER SOCCER DISK

If the cold weather is keeping your football mad child indoors and you’re at the end of your tether with them banging about, bouncing their football off the windows and nearly putting a hole in your TV, the Air Power Soccer Disk could be the answer to your prayers. Treat them to the perfect stocking filler that hovers on any surface, gliding on a cushion of air with a protective bumper that means your walls and furniture are safe from any damage. The fun football alternative also serves as a great visual toy with five black-light LED lights that light up in the dark.

It promotes communication and independent choice, reduces isolation and frustration for the non-verbal user and provides a platform for social inclusion.

You can sample a free trial of the app by downloading it to your phone or tablet.

TippyTalk www.tippy-talk.com

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KIDS

MY VERY OWN RAINBOW

Display the colours of the rainbow on your ceiling or wall with My Very Own Rainbow. It uses multi-coloured LEDs that shine the light towards a reflective surface. This then beams onto the nearest flat surface, which could be your bedroom wall or ceiling.

Choose from two modes of display whether you want the rainbow to show at once or for the colours to fade in and out.

This light is perfect for soothing young children and can act as a night light.

PRICES FROM

£15.99

Also included is a sunlight rainbow crystal, which you can hang on your window for the sunlight to burst through the crystal and create natural rainbows in your bedroom. It comes with an educational booklet to teach you more about rainbows.

Toys R Us www.toysrus.co.uk

ZIPPIE VOYAGE

Stylishly combining the clinical benefits of the Zippie seating system with a Baby Jogger™ base means the new paediatric stroller from Zippie offers parents the best of both worlds.

Suitable for infants right through to schoolchildren, the versatile seating system maintains good positioning for healthy growth and development, and features adjustment across the head support, backrest, lateral trunk support, hip guides, seat plate, footrest, pommel and pelvic support belts. There’s also a choice of JAY chest support harnesses.

An easy-to-use tilt and recline adjustment improves positioning and assists with feeding, respiratory function and visual orientation, as well as providing a lie-flat position for naps and pressure relief.

There are also a host of practical benefits for parents too, including a telescopic height-adjustable push handle and a large storage basket which holds up to 7kg of essentials, whether they be shopping bags, or important medical kit. Patented quick-fold technology enables the Zippie Voyage to be simply folded into a very compact package in just two steps. Plus, the slide-n-lock seat adapter makes it easy to remove the seat, or change it from parent to world facing.

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KURLING TARGET MAT

This cool kurling target mat is a fun team game for outdoor or indoor use. A great inclusive game for wheelchair users and others, the square kurling target mat is made from wipe-clean vinyl.

Perfect for fun and engaging target practice.

NRS Healthcare 0345 121 8111 www.nrshealthcare.co.uk

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24/11/2016 21:37

• 8 accessible luxury lakeside lodges in Devon • 5 Caravan Club CL pitches with electric hook up • Well stocked 1.5 acre coarse fishing lake • Heated indoor pool (Seasonal) • Games Room and Free WiFi • Orchard and woodland walk • Dogs welcome

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Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people of any ability to experience challenging and enjoyable activity holidays. At our fully accessible residential centre on the edge of Exmoor National Park all activities are specifically designed and equipped to cater for everyone.

Stay with us for a few days, a week, or come just for the day; however long you are here you will discover CAN

“With my husband husband’s severe husband’s disability I thought we could never enjoy a holiday away from home.

Then we found out about MAISON DES LANDES” LANDES Maison des Landes is a hotel in Jersey catering exclusively for disabled guests and their families or carers in accommodation which has been specially designed to meet their needs. Set in glorious unspoiled countryside overlooking an international heritage area.

Heated indoor pool with ramp and hoist : En-suite facilities with wheel--in showers : Gardens with fantastic views : Licensed lounge : Pétanque (a version of bowls ideal for players in wheelchairs!) : Free daily Island tours in special minibuses : Nightly entertainment Open from mid-April to mid-October

RATES per person per day include full board accommodation, daily excursions and transfers to harbour and airport and return.

CONTACT US NOW FOR A BROCHURE

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ad_pages_dec_jan_16.indd 27

28/11/2016 20:51

GRADUATES

Leading companies are looking for talented disabled students and recent graduates to fill work placements in summer 2017.

The progressive Change100 internship scheme, run by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, seeks to create career opportunities for disabled young people through three-month work placements.

Students and recent graduates are being urged to apply for the scheme as soon as possible ahead of the 25 January closing date.

Successful applicants will receive mentoring and guidance throughout their paid placement to support them to excel and thrive within the workplace.

Change100 has engaged with some of the UK’s leading companies and employers, including the BBC, Taylor Wimpey, Barclays, Skanska and Virgin Money.

Change100 intern Maisie Golding said: “I would describe the Change100 programme as life-changing. Not only has it developed

THE CHARITY HAS BEEN OVERWHELMED BY THE POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM EMPLOYERS, STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES my professional skills and how I cope with my disability within a workplace, it also allowed me to meet others who face the same struggles as I do.

“University started the development of my confidence and I feel this programme has now pushed it to where it should be.”

The scheme also supports businesses to become more confident about disability by giving advice and guidance on how to support employees with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Leonard Cheshire Disability launched the

ambitious scheme in 2013 and, since then, the charity has been overwhelmed by the positive response from employers, students and recent graduates.

Peter Jenkins, director of campaigns at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “The response we have had to the campaign over the past three years so far has been fantastic.

“Now in our fourth year, we are hoping to create even more career opportunities for talented disabled students and recent graduates. We are also hoping the success of the programme can dispel myths about disability in the workplace in this Paralympic year.”

In order to deliver Change100, Leonard Cheshire Disability will be partnering with Vanilla Ventures, a social enterprise also responsible for the non-profit sector graduate scheme Charityworks. www.leonardcheshire.org/change100

DISABLED STUDENTS URGED TO APPLY FOR SUMMER 2017 WORK PLACEMENTS [Right] Over 70 interns gained placements on the Change100 scheme in summer 2016, including (left to right): Rory, John, Deborah, Max, Bethany, Maisie and Natasha, who worked for employers including the Department of Health, SABMiller, Wall to Wall, Lloyds and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

74 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

074_Change_100_RT_AB.indd 74

28/11/2016 16:32

I love being part of a company that does the right thing for people.

As a senior IT professional who has worked with GSK for some years, Colin has seen the culture and support available to hearing impaired employees change over time.

“I’ve always worked in IT – I began my career in operations and programming and now I work in Risk Management. It’s a very diverse role with a lot of projects to juggle.

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Colin IT Governance Risk and Compliance Director UK

I had a cochlear implant fitted earlier this year, and I’m still adapting to that. GSK has been very supportive in giving me time to adjust properly.”

Read Colin’s story in full, and explore opportunities within our technology team, and throughout the organisation here: http://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/meet-our-people/

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29/11/2016 10:55

CAREERS

GET THAT DREAM JOB

Jane Hatton encourages applicants to show off their skills to stand out in a crowd

SHOW OFF!

By Jane Hatton

involved budgeting. Or it may be that you are in receipt of Direct Payments and have to budget those. All these examples are valid in demonstrating your experience of budgeting.

Recruiting people is always a risk, so recruiters like to have proof that you can do the job rather than just saying you can (which every candidate will say).

In your CV, mention your top qualities for the role in the personal profile. Have a section on ‘skills’, and give brief examples of each of the skills they are looking for. In your work history, talk about results achieved rather than tasks undertaken.

A

ssuming that most candidates for the job you are applying for have the minimum criteria for the role, how can you make your application stand out?

Whilst the prospective employer needs to know what you can do, it is far more powerful to write about how well you can do it. The best way to do that is to give specific examples of results you have achieved. We are socialised not to be boastful, but in a job search it’s important to make sure the recruiter can immediately see how great you are.

Look at the job description (if you have it), or job advert (if not), and decide what

specific qualities they are looking for.

Focusing just on those qualities, consider how you can best demonstrate your excellence in each one.

Use real examples of where you have used these skills in practice. This does not necessarily have to be in a work context.

If you have used the skill to great effect in, say, a voluntary capacity, or even as part of a hobby, still mention it if it is relevant to the role.

If the role requires experience of budgeting, for example, you could use a work example if you have one, if budgeting was part of a previous role. Or it may be that you volunteered as part of a management team for a charity which

Before an interview, prepare relevant examples of achievements for each of the skills they are likely to ask you questions about. If your impairment gives you a specific advantage, make that very clear. Examples include: • My autism means I can spot errors in coding very easily • Using dictation software (paid for by Access to Work) I work more quickly and accurately than my colleagues • Being blind, I pick up on subtle voice changes in meetings, which help to understand the real meaning behind what people are saying • I have discovered that my dyslexia enables me to be far more creative in finding solutions to problems than my colleagues.

The key is not to be modest about the qualities you have that will make you the best person for the role you are applying for.

Make sure the recruiter can easily see your full potential.

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

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28/11/2016 16:30

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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

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Copyright © 2011 Peter G Sharp

Test your eyes and find the words below in our Christmas-themed wordsearch

Across

1. Profited (6) 4. Body of salt water (5) 9. US state on the Gulf Coast (7) 10. Red cosmetic (5) 11. Bites (4) 12. And so forth (2,6) 14. Using obscene language (4-7) 17. Inspector (8) 18. Celebrity (4) 20. Depart (5) 21.“What should they know of --who only --- know?” (Kipling) (7) 22. Untidy (5) 23. Less strong (6)

Down

1. Insecure knot (6) 2. Unfitting (13) 3. Yellow cheese coated with red wax (4) 5. Removes errors (8) 1 2 3 4 5 6. Recreational area (9,4) 6 7 7. Patron Saint of tanners (11) 8 9 8. Started (5) 13.

Railway track supports (8) 10 11 12 15. Sacred song (5)13 16.

14 Merchant (6) 15 19. Inhuman16person (4) 17

18

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 January 2017.

Solutions to Aug/Sept crossword 1 6 8

2

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E

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A T

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A W T

MISTLETOE

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PRESENTS

STOCKING

RUDOLPH

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SANTA

WRAPPING

BAD CHRISTMAS JOKES! WHY DOES SANTA HAVE THREE GARDENS? So he can ‘ho, ho, ho’

H

WHAT DO YOU GET IF SANTA GOES DOWN THE CHIMNEY WHEN A FIRE IS LIT? Krisp Kringle WHAT DID THE STAMP SAY TO THE CHRISTMAS CARD? Stick with me and we will go places WHAT DID SANTA DO WHEN HE WENT SPEED DATING? He pulled a cracker

E I

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Every issue is packed with information designed to help you TRAVEL REVIEWS live life to the full, from products COMPETITIONS Expert travel reviews to help you and sports to holiday ideas and DearDear Member, Member, Exclusive competitions that give make the best choice when booking employment advice, so make sure you the chance to win dream your holiday. you don’t miss out on any future We have We have teamed teamed up with up with brand brand newnew magazine, magazine, PosAbility, PosAbility, to send to send youyou a complimentary a complimentary copycopy of the of the firstfirst issue. issue.

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Tel:Tel: 023023 8044 8044 9108 9108 Email: Email: info@jst.org.uk info@jst.org.uk

Every issue is packed with information designed to help you TRAVEL REVIEWS live life to the full, from products COMPETITIONS Expert travel reviews to help you and sports to holiday ideas and DearDear Member, Member, Exclusive competitions that give make the best choice when booking employment advice, so make sure you the chance to win dream your holiday. you don’t miss out on any future We have We have teamed teamed up with up with brand brand newnew magazine, magazine, PosAbility, PosAbility, to send to send youyou a complimentary a complimentary copycopy of the of the firstfirst issue. issue.

TheThe holidays, amazing products and once issues and subscribe today! magazine magazine is filled is filled withwith useful useful articles, articles, enjoyable enjoyable stories stories andand lots lots of competitions, of competitions, including, including, the the chance chance to win to win a a

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PosAbility PosAbility is allisabout all about living living independently independently andand actively, actively, something something youyou will will readread a lotaabout lot about in PosAbility. in PosAbility.

ThisThis Like us on Facebook support in everyday living. issue issue looks looks intointo theyou the Paralympic Paralympic hopefuls hopefuls for 2012 for 2012 andand gives gives some some tipstips to those to those whowho are keen are keen to take to take a sport a sport up on up on Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’ a serious a serious level. level.

There There is also is also an article an article on Extreme on Extreme Sports Sports for the for the more more adventurous adventurous reader, aactivities look a look at the at the Wheelchair Wheelchair We look at sportsreader, and Challenge Challenge taking taking place place nextnext month month and and an overview an overview of the of the Mobility Mobility Roadshow.

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EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION available for you to get involved in

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Regular columns and features on helpat you lead healthy We hope We hope youyou enjoy enjoy reading reading PosAbility, PosAbility, if you if you would would like like to subscribe toto subscribe only at only £10 £10 fora1for year 1 year or £18 orlifestyle. £18 for 2for years, 2 years, please please use use the the form form below below to post todream post backback with with your your payment payment or call or call 0141 0141 582582 1475 1475 andand quote quote ‘Jubilee’ ‘Jubilee’ . . getting your job.

Providing

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advice on CV’s, interview tips and much more.

Many Many Thanks Thanks

JohnJohn Patten Patten Jubilee Jubilee Sailing Sailing Trust Trust

PERSONAL STORIES

DAYS OUT

Great ideas for the whole family to enjoy.

Inspiring tales from our readers.

I WOULD I WOULD LIKE LIKE TOTO SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE TOTO POSABILITY POSABILITY MAGAZINE: MAGAZINE:

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