Posmag1

ability

June/July 2016

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS

Experience a Scottish summer Supported holidays in France

WIN A LUXURIOUS BREAK AT CALVERT TRUST KIELDER!

TIME TO TALK Opening up about mental health

FLYING THE NEST Advice for parents whose children are starting school

REVELLING IN RIO

Everything you need to know about the

PARALYMPIC GAMES

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WELCOME

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writer: Lisa Mitchell Staff Writer: Dionne Kennedy Designer: Abbie Bunton Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Jill Loney, Val Speers

June/July 2016

I hope everyone has managed to enjoy some of the sunshine we have been experiencing across the country recently. It has helped us to feel distinctly more summery and start to dream of relaxing holidays.

With that in mind, we bring you a whole host of ideas for travel this summer, at home or abroad. We spoke to Ian Callen, founder of Go Provence, a holiday company that specialises in supported holidays for people with learning disabilities in the south of France. They offer a huge range of activity weeks and with them comes a respite opportunity for family and carers.

Find out more on page 51.

If you would rather stay closer to home, we have explored what Scotland could offer you as a holiday destination this summer, from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the undiscovered beauty of the Highlands and Islands, there is something for everyone (weather unfortunatley cannot be gauranteed!)

starting school. It can be an understandably nerve-wracking time, watching your child take their first real steps of independence into the big world. We have some advice from charity, Contact a Family, and mum Hayley Goleniowska shares her tips for starting school from her own experience.

Mental Health Awareness Week took place in May this year and the focus was on relationships. We have explored the impact that opening up and talking about mental health can have. Read more on page 82 We also have a round up from the Invictus Games, a look at the top films that portray disability, an article on the language we use, the latest products and we introduce you to our new columnist - meet Sam Renke on page 19.

Don’t miss out on our fantastic competition this issue, you could win a break with Calvert Trust Kielder, providing fun for all the family!

CONTRIBUTORS Mik Scarlet Jane Hatton Sam Renke Laura Rutherford Hayley Goleniowska

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

With Rio 2016 well and truly in our sights we take a look at the Paralympic Games and discover some interesting facts and figures that you can use to impress your friends with.

Ros

For many parents, this time of year will come with it the worry of their children

Editor

ability

June/July 2016

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS

Experience a Scottish summer Supported holidays in France

Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

Follow us on Twitter @ PosAbilityMag

WIN A LUXURIOUS BREAK AT CALVERT TRUST KIELDER!

TIME TO TALK Opening up about mental health

UPDATE PIC

FLYING THE NEST Advice for parents whose children are starting school

SUBSCRIBE TODAY...

For only £12 for 1 year or £20 for 2 years Call

0141 465 2960 today!

To find out more about subscribing to PosAbility Magazine turn to P98

REVELLING IN RIO

Everything you need to know about the

PARALYMPIC GAMES

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Members of PPA Scotland

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JUNE/JULY 2016 | ISSUE 31

CONTENTS 67

29

WIN! A LUXURIOUS BREAK WITH CALVERT TRUST KIELDER!

The outdoor adventure activity centre has been providing exciting opportunities for disabled children and adults for over 30 years. Find out how you could win...

FEATURES 03 FYI

News and stories to keep you up to date

17 PARALELL THINKING

Check out

P43

Mik discusses the summer’s (2nd) hottest sporting event

19 DISABILITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Fun facts to impress your friends in the run up to the Rio Paralympic Games

40 MILES AHEAD

PosAbility speaks to sprinter Libby Clegg

43 COMPETITION

Introducing our newest columnist Sam Renke

Win an action-packed break with luxurious accommodation at Calvert Trust Kielder

20 STICKS & STONES

45 HOT STUFF

How mindful are you of your words? We look at the weight language carries

Bringing you some of the best products on the market

25 A SIGN OF THE TIMES

51 GO PROVENCE

Exploring the increasing popularity and use of British Sign Language

29 SUMMER IN SCOTLAND

An accessible events guide for the perfect Scottish staycation this summer

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36 REVELLING IN RIO

We caught up with Ian Callen, founder of accessible holiday company, Go Provence

54 GET SET TO JET SET

Our checklist to help you prepare for your summer getaway

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20 76

82

45

59 INVICTUS GAMES

A round up of this year’s Invictus Games

62 MAD ABOUT THE MOVIES?

We have compiled some of the best film portrayals of disability

65 THE KIDS’ CORNER

We look at the preparations for starting school plus much more for families

76 SWING FOR SUCCESS

We speak to five-year-old golf prodigy, Tommy Morrisey

79 LET’S DANCE

We get our gladrags on to check out the hottest disability clubnights

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36 82 WHAT IF?

The benefits of discussing your mental health with family, friends and professionals

88 MOTORING

Taking a spin in the BMW X1

91 NO NEED TO BLUSH

Nicola Dames brings sexy back with her lingerie brand

72

93 REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

Jane Hatton shares her advice on how to ask for reasonable adjustments

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FYI

FYI

News, stories and quirky columns.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Skoogmusic announced the commercial launch of Skoog 2.0 in May this year, a ground-breaking new development in accessible music technology. Skoog 2.0 comes with a host of exciting new features, including the ability to play wirelessly via a new App for iPhone and iPad, as well as integration with iTunes and Spotify to allow users to play along with their favourite tunes.

Development of the new Skoog was funded in part by a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised more than £50,000 in 2015. Skoog is a handsized cube, built on the principle that technology products should be accessible as standard. Its revolutionary soft, tactile design provides a level playing field for people of all ages and abilities to be able to make music. The product was launched in advance of Global Accessibility Awareness Day which took place on 19 May – a day to get people talking, thinking and learning about digital accessibility.

“In the same way that smartphones have been designed to make communication as easy as possible, we have developed Skoog 2.0 to provide an easy way for anyone to make and play music.”

Touching, pressing, squashing or twisting Skoog’s five colour-coded sides allows users to play a wide range of electronic sounds via the App or using other MIDI compatible Apps.

Accessibility is of particular importance in education, where inclusivity and breaking down barriers for children are vital to ensuring equal opportunities for expression and creativity.

“Skoog 2.0 is an absolutely amazing piece of hardware – it is the instrument that we’ve always dreamed of,” said Craig Smith, Apple Distinguished Educator and Deputy Principal at Autism Spectrum Australia.

“The fact that it allows such immediate sensory, tactile input, to explore sound in such concrete ways in interaction with the iPad, makes it the most accessible music instrument out there. I love Skoog and our journey with it has only just begun.”

Skoog 2.0 is available now on Apple.com, and in select Apple Stores across Europe retailing at £199.95. The Skoog App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPad or at www.appstore.com. 

“There is a misconception that ‘accessibility’ refers to something that is only for people who are disadvantaged in some way, but in reality an accessible product is one that has been designed for everyone,” said Skoog co-inventor, Dr Ben Schögler.

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FYI

BRITISH MAN BECOMES FIRST EVER PERSON WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS TO REACH MOUNT EVEREST SUMMIT 40-year-old Londoner, Nick Talbot who has cystic fibrosis successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest on his third attempt. In 2015, Nick’s last attempt was cut short by the earthquake and his first attempt in 2014 was thwarted by an avalanche.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening, genetic condition, which causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs. As well as completing this huge personal challenge, Nick has raised an incredible £78,800 so far for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Ed Owen, Chief Executive at the Trust said: “We’re proud to have supported Nick over the years with his fight for a life unlimited by CF and we won’t stop fighting to help everyone with the condition achieve their own personal goals and ambitions.

“Nick has a minority mutation and along with benefiting from new gene modifying therapy means he’s remarkably well. We’re working tirelessly to ensure everyone with cystic fibrosis has access to similar precision medicines.

“We are so proud of Nick, what he has achieved is a huge milestone in the history of cystic fibrosis and demonstrates his own determination not to let his condition stop him

LD VOICES LAUNCH CARE CRISIS MANIFESTO

from achieving his goals.”

Nick said: “Words cannot describe how delighted I am. Not only to have finally climbed Everest, but to be the first person with cystic fibrosis to climb it really is a dream come true.

Third time lucky - and on Friday 13th! Nothing was ever going to stop me, I’m over the moon!”

“I am lucky to have a relatively mild form of cystic fibrosis and to benefit from a transformational new drug for people with my particular genotype, because the Cystic Fibrosis Trust campaigned for it to be made available on the NHS.” His journey has been captured by a team of documentary film-makers – watch the Breathing on Everest trailer. You can read the team’s blogs from throughout their journey, make a donation, or look back at the progress he has made on the Facebook page.

The leaders of the UK’s biggest providers of care for people with learning disabilities have warned that care standards will slip back if the government does not provide more funding for vital services, with a risk to the transformation agenda prompted by the Winterbourne View scandal. Their calls have been backed by the former Care Minister, Norman Lamb MP, who is calling on the government to do more to support the UK’s most vulnerable people.

A ‘Care Crisis Manifesto’ was launched on

VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE IN AFRICA GIVEN A HELPING HAND A college, in the West African state of Burkina Faso, struggles to help its blind students because of a lack of equipment and because it is costly and challenging to change what tutors can teach.

But the facility’s managers got in touch with Henshaws, which has bases in Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle and the charity was only too happy to help.

The college’s leader Mathieu Compaore paid a visit to the UK and was so impressed with a braille machine that he was offered by Henshaws that he took out clothes from his suitcase and made room for the device. More traditional methods of delivery were used to provide further educational aids and ideas.

Those aids include braille machines for students, as well as a braille

25 May to mark the start of an intensive campaign to secure better funding for people with learning disabilities, a new coalition of learning disability providers has warned that care packages are already being withdrawn across the country by quality providers, because they cannot continue to provide the care that their clients need at the prices paid by commissioners.

Learning disability care is delivered in a different way from other forms of adult social care, meaning that providers cannot

10 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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printer and a specialist computer containing software, which teachers can use to set written tasks for visually impaired students.

With Henshaws help with equipment, software and remote IT support the school was able to gain the knowledge to become self-sufficient. It can now produce its own curriculum documents saving time and money.

Henshaws also asked supporters to donate unused walking canes and Mr Compaore was able to take several back to Burkina Faso.

Mr Compaore said: “Through our relationship with Henshaws we have been able to support more people than ever. But more importantly rather than just providing us with physical things

they have shared knowledge and technology with us that helps us to be self-sufficient.”

“We know that Henshaws are available online to help whenever we need them. It is actually quicker for us to contact Manchester than it is to try and get support locally.”

“Digital technology is really making the world a smaller place.”

Henshaws’ chief executive officer Nick Marr, who led the project, said: “It is wonderful for Henshaws to be able to extend the arm of friendship to such a college overseas.

“While our funding is limited, the challenge we had was to come up with a way of supporting the

drive further efficiencies to reduce costs.

There are virtually no self-funders in their services so they have only one customer the government.

The Manifesto calls on the government to give councils the freedom to raise more funds for learning disability services without having to hold a referendum, as well as increasing funding from central government by allowing learning disability providers access to the Better Care Fund.

sterling work Mathieu’s team does by being resourceful.

“While the braille machines are not new technology here, they will be of great benefit in Burkina Faso.

“We suggested that the college could use an embosser to create its own braille documents – something Mathieu hadn’t been aware was possible.”

Henshaws is hoping to help similar African and worldwide organisations, in the same way over the coming months.

To find out how you can get involved please visit www.henshaws.org.uk or call 0161 786 3656.

The Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP, former Minister of State for Community and Social Care and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health, said: “In other parts of the world, being born with a learning disability puts one at risk of being rejected from society, institutionalised and cruelly abused. In Britain, millions of dedicated carers and professionals have worked hard to ensure that people with care needs are able to live at the heart of their community and lead a full life, as independently as possible.

“THEY HAVE SHARED KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY WITH US”

“The government is burying its head in the sand over a growing crisis in our communities, where our most vulnerable citizens risk losing vital care and support. We must not let the clocks turn back to the days before personalised and high quality support became the norm. That’s why I welcome this manifesto by Learning Disability Voices as an important contribution to the debate on how we might secure a proper settlement from the government, to ensure that the sector can continue to provide the quality care that people need and deserve.”  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 11

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FYI

NEW LANYARD LAUNCHED TO ASSIST PASSENGERS WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES Gatwick Airport has launched a first-of-its-kind lanyard for passengers with hidden disabilities who may require additional support when travelling through the airport.

BRAINWAVE HEADS TO LONDON In June, November and December this year London families of children with disabilities and additional needs will for the first time be able to access the support of Brainwave Children’s Charity as it opens its doors to four weeks of satellite clinics in the heart of London.

Phil Edge, CEO of Brainwave said: “Having the disciplines of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy all under one roof allows us to meet the specific needs of each disabled child we see. Using this multi-disciplinary, team approach has led to many children achieving developmental milestones that not even their parents had dared hope for.”

Until now, London families wanting to access the support of Brainwave have had to travel to one of Brainwave’s three permanent Therapy Centres, the most local being in Witham, Essex.

But thanks to a generous donation from Otkritie Capital International, Brainwave has been able to book bright, spacious facilities at the Lumen Centre in Tavistock Place, just a ten minute walk from King’s Cross station where it will run four full weeks of satellite clinics in May, June, November and December. Here, children can have their initial assessments closer to home before being offered the opportunity to continue on the Brainwave programme at the Therapy Centre in Witham Essex.

Brainwave’s vision for the future, along with continuing to enhance the lives of children and their families throughout the UK and Ireland, is to continue to run the London satellite clinics into 2017 and beyond, so many more London families can access the unique support that Brainwave offers.

The lanyard, which is entirely voluntary for passengers with hidden disabilities and their families, will act as a discreet sign for staff that additional support or help may be required.* If successful, it could be adopted across the country’s transport network, or other sectors, where passengers with hidden disabilities may benefit from additional support.

The lanyard, which was launched at Gatwick Airport as part of Dementia Awareness Week (15 – 21 May 2016), is being supported by leading charities like the Alzheimer’s Society, The National Autistic Society and Action on Hearing Loss.

As part of the initiative, Gatwick is increasing awareness and training of airport staff and appointing ‘workplace champions’ to provide enhanced assistance for passengers with hidden disabilities. Gatwick’s commitment follows its support of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge and the airport’s involvement with the Air Transport Group to improve the travelling experience for all passengers with hidden disabilities.

The lanyard will ensure staff are aware passengers may: • Need more time to process information or more time to prepare themselves at security • Need to remain with family at all times • May react to sensory overload i.e. be surrounded by too much information • Need staff to use clear verbal language as it may be difficult to understand facial expressions and/or body language • Need staff to be visual with instructions and use closed questions to assist passengers effectively through the airport • Benefit from a more comprehensive briefing on what to expect as they travel through the airport *The lanyard is purely voluntary and passengers who require assistance are always welcome to approach a member of staff who will be happy to assist.

Lanyards will be available free of charge from Gatwick’s assistance desks.

Brainwave is now welcoming enquiries from families interested in attending this year’s London satellite clinics. To find out more, go to www.brainwave.org.uk, contact Brainwave on 01376 505290, or email enquiriesse@brainwave.org.uk. 

12 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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BMW on the Motability Scheme

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE BMW X1.

NOW AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME.

• The BMW X1 now available on the Scheme from £1,399 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 £599 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 Scheme specialist at your local BMW Centre.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW range available on the Motability Car Scheme: Urban 33.6-72.4mpg (8.4-3.9l/100km).

Extra Urban 55.4-91.1mpg (5.1-3.1l/100km). Combined 44.8-83.1mpg (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 Contract Hire Car Scheme starts from £599 Advance Payment for the BMW 116d SE 3-door and 5-door Sports Hatch. Models shown are the BMW X1 xDrive18d xLine from £1,799 Advance Payment, BMW 116d M Sport 5-door Sports Hatch from £1,699 Advance Payment, BMW 318i Sport from £1,899 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 April and 30 June 2016. All models on the Motability Contract Hire 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 Contract Hire 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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FYI

HOLIDAY CLUB FOR DISABLED CHILDREN LAUNCHED 100 children and young people in Enfield with disabilities and complex needs are set to benefit from a specialist Holiday Club programme provided by national deafblind charity, Sense.

Sense is one of the newest short breaks providers for Enfield’s Joint Service for Disabled Children’s Team and will be delivering an action packed Holiday Club programme for children and young people with disabilities aged eight and over from the London Borough of Enfield.

The Holiday Club, which has been timed to coincide with school holidays, and the Saturday Clubs, which will run during term time, will take place at The Hadley Centre and TouchBase South East, the charity’s state-of-the-art support centres located in Barnet, just 15 minutes from Enfield. Facilities on offer include a music suite, art and crafts room, a hydrotherapy pool, a multi-sensory room, rebound trampolining and an accessible kitchen. The sessions have been designed to offer disabled children in the area the chance to make new friends, increase their independence and try new activities, whilst their families and carers can enjoy some respite from caring.

Debbie Snooks, Community Services Manager at Sense said: “Sense has over 40 years’ experience of providing a wide variety of fantastic short break opportunities to children, young people and their families across the UK. We are really excited to be extending this offer to children and young people with disabilities from Enfield. We are in a unique position of having two neighbouring state-of-the-art purpose built centres which can offer young people a multitude of exciting and fun on-site activities from hydrotherapy to rebound, to arts, crafts and sensory play.

We can’t wait to get started and look forward to our first holiday club this summer.”

For further information on the Holiday Club contact Tracy Reid on tracy.reid@sense.org.uk or call 020 84490964.

SENSE CONCERNED

BY QUEEN’S SPEECH Following the Queen’s Speech, national deafblind charity, Sense has raised concerns at the government’s lack of focus on breaking down barriers and building opportunities for disabled people within the Queen’s Speech.

The charity welcomes the government’s plans to tackle poverty by introducing new indicators to measure life chances for the most disadvantaged, but expressed its disappointment at the absence of clear proposals that build on its promises to level the playing field for people with disabilities and halve the disability employment gap.

Richard Kramer, Deputy Chief Executive for deafblind charity Sense, said: “Although it is positive news that the government is still focused on its ambitious plans to prevent deprivation by increasing life chances for the most disadvantaged people in the country, it is disappointing that no mention was made of a clear plan to build opportunities for people with disabilities.

The government made an admirable manifesto pledge to halve the disability employment gap by 2030, but the reality is that there are still a huge number of barriers that prevent many people with disabilities from securing meaningful employment, such as negative employer attitudes, inaccessible transport and inadequate work support programmes.

At Sense, we had hoped the Queen’s Speech would cement a focused approach from the government on increasing life chances for people with disabilities and complex needs.

Over the coming months, we look forward to working with the government to help them realise their aspirations by developing a constructive approach that enables disabled people to play a more active role in society by dismantling the barriers they face at every stage of life.”

14 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Columnist Mik Scarlet

PARALLEL THINKING Like many people, I am not very sporty, I have no favourite football team and, on a personal level, favour the life of a sofa bear. At school I was always last to be picked in team sports, was more of a spectator than participant during school football and rugby matches and obviously was a wash out at cross country races. I was really good at swimming but that stopped once I started dying my silly hair colours. When doctors told me I would never walk again my first thought was, ‘yes, no more sport’ - honestly it really was!

For most of my adult life the only exercise I did was wheeling around shopping centres and dancing in nightclubs. This approach to life has worked amazingly well so far, but now the clubbing has decreased just as my waist line has begun to increase. It appears it’s time to begin thinking about some kind of exercise. But what? There’s no way I’ll ever be at Paralympic standard, far from it.

I just don’t have it in me to find that level of commitment for something that bores me rigid.

matter what their ability. I took up an offer of a meeting with the boss of the company behind the event, Andrew Douglass.

We met at his swanky warehouse office based in the beautiful Regent’s Park, just round the corner from where I live. We hit it off immediately and I became an ambassador for the event to join a cast of disabled celebs such as, TV presenter Sophie Morgan, model Kelly Knox, sculptor Tony Heaton and Baroness Jane Campbell, to name but a few. Now I have

I HAVE BEEN PROMISED THERE WILL ALSO DEFINITELY BE ICE CREAM AND CAKE, WHICH WILL BE A KEY ELEMENT OF MY TRAINING REGIME

Just as I wanted to find something, I was contacted by the people behind Parallel London. On 4 September this year at the home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there’s going to be the first all ability mass participation sporting event, called Parallel London.

There is going to be several distances for people to run, walk, stumble, wheel or be pushed, from 100m to 10km, and you can take all day to travel your chosen distance if required, or at least until the event closes. The event’s key goal is to create an event that allows people to take part no

no excuse, I have to get off the sofa and start training.

What really appealed to me was another element of the Parallel London plan. Like many of these major sports events, such as the London Marathon for example, Parallel London revolves around raising money for charity. Most of society think of disabled people being the recipient of charities but this isn’t always true. We can also help raise money for charity. Andrew explained to me that the idea of turning disabled people from ‘beneficiaries into benefactors’. Basically, if you want to take part, contact a charity you support and get them to sign you up, get sponsored and then it’s all systems go.

If you aren’t interested in doing any activity there’s loads to do on the day, all for free. The park is filled with zones exploring the arts, health, sport, technology and loads more. I have been promised there will also definitely be ice cream and cake, which will be a key element of my training regime. It’s going to be a great day out, with fun for all the family and one that challenges many stereotypes around disability and impairment.

If you want to know how to take part, if you’re a charity that would like to be involved or just want to visit for fun, visit their website at www.parallellondon. com. In the meantime, if you see me, soaked with sweat, scooting around Regent’s Park, say hi. If you really want to impress, have ice cream!

Follow Mik on Twitter @MikScarlet www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 17

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New

Columnist Sam Renke

DISABILITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY Ask any of my friends or family and they will tell you that besides clothes shopping, talking about my crazy life is my favourite pastime. So when I was given the opportunity to write about me for PosAbility magazine I was ecstatic!

Meet our newest, regular columnist, Sam Renke. Sam will be gracing our pages each issue to bring you her take on life and the colourful experiences it throws her way.

I immediately downloaded the complete box set of Sex and The City to gain inspiration from the queen of columns, Sarah Jessica Parker, and dug out my most sophisticated pair of reading glasses, so that I would at least look the part.

After the excitement at the prospect of how many more twitter followers I may gain from being a columnist subsided a little, the realisation of the importance of being able to share my experiences with others living a life not too dissimilar to mine, sunk in.

Looking back, I really was ‘the only disabled in the village’ for most of my childhood and adolescence, having attended mainstream school and no-one in my family being disabled. I often had times of feeling isolated, vulnerable and an outsider. I guess all I really wanted was someone like me to emulate and give me reassurance and guidance as I entered the big bad world.

With no real disabled role model to look up to, I had to figure out how to live with a disability through my own adventures, experiences and mishaps. I suppose I could have looked at this as learning the hard way but in actual fact it made me more determined, much stronger and more understanding of what it is really like to be a disabled person in the 21st century.

Four years ago, I decided to have the biggest life changing experience as I made the decision to leave my job as a teacher in Lancashire and moved to the ‘big smoke’ to pursue a career in acting (much to my mother’s dismay, may I add!)

As a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 26-year-old coming from a small town, I was most certainly under the illusion that I would undoubtedly have a much easier and more accommodating life in the cosmopolitan and liberal city of London.

Surely London would embrace my differences with open arms and my acting career would flourish?

Now don’t get me wrong, I have had the most exhilarating, fun and craziest experiences since moving to the ‘big smoke’. However, living independently in a strange city and working in an industry which still holds many prejudices towards anyone who is a little ‘different’, has been no easy task.

I quickly realised that attitudes towards disability are still outdated and that disabled people are often seen as an afterthought. Disappointed by societies lack of understanding and support I decided to do something about it. I began to use my job as an actress to educate and change the landscape of disability.

Over the next few months I am going to share my experiences and give an insight as to what I’ve learned about disability in the 21st century.

You can follow Sam on Twitter @samrenke www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 19

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S K C I T S

AND STONES

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S

LANGUAGE

S

ticks and stones may

break my bones but words will never hurt me; or so the saying goes. But while bones generally heal with the help of a plaster cast and a whole lot of rest, words can have a lasting effect. Words carry an enormous weight.

This weight is certainly more than we often realise; the right words can give someone the courage they need to lift them higher than they have ever been, however, the wrong words at the wrong time can take someone down lower than they have ever been. President Benjamin Franklin famously said, “remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” Before running your mouth off and saying the wrong thing, it is vitally important to think before you speak in so many situations.

Editor Ros was recently horrified to overhear a large number of media outlets refer to ‘the disabled’ when discussing the governments ‘u-turn’ on the cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). In the office we were particularly shocked to think that even in 2016, we are still seeing that outdated and often offensive, and more often than not, wholly inaccurate language used when speaking about disabled people.

Traditionally, it was considered that a disabled person’s medical condition was what caused them to be excluded from society, an approach now referred to as the medical model of disability. The social model of disability emerged in the 70s, as part of the disabled people’s civil rights movement. This model redefined disability as the disabling effect of society, rather than the functioning of minds, bodies and senses. Many organisations now use the term ‘people with disabilities’ or ‘disabled people’, as people are disabled by the barriers constructed by society, not by their impairment.

These barriers are not always limited to physicality like stairs or high worktops. Poor attitudes and using disabling terminologies can certainly add to these barriers, and so, many people worry about the words they use when talking about disability. When words carry weight it is easy to understand why you’d be concerned about which you use. By seeing a disabled person as an individual, looking beyond their impairment and treating people equally, overcoming the barrier of language is easier than you’d think and will save you a lot of hassle tripping over the words you think might be offensive or inappropriate.

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT WORDS YOU USE, IT’S ABOUT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, IF PEOPLE MEAN WELL THEN THE WORDS DON’T MATTER

Laura (Mole) Chapman delivers equality training across the country, championing the language of respect, noting that: “It’s about understanding why things are the way they are, not about political correctness.”

Mole believes in the social model of disability and recognises that the barriers caused by society are not necessarily always physical, and prejudicial, stereotypical attitudes reinforce ideas of disablism. Whilst people are becoming more mindful of the language they are using, Mole said: “It doesn’t matter what words you use, it’s about a positive attitude, if people mean well then the words don’t matter.”

The tone you use is just as important as the words. You might use the wrong words at times, but if it is said in a way which people can understand you’ve meant no offence, chances are you won’t cause them offence, and more often than not they’ll politely

broach the subject and explain why the words you have chosen to use were inappropriate. Being overly sensitive is just as bad as using the wrong language too, sometimes deliberately avoiding everyday phrases can be just as awkward as using the wrong language and can leave you feeling tongue-tied and both parties feeling a bit silly. It’s okay to tell a blind person you’ll see them later or ask a wheelchair user to go for a stroll around the park.

“It’s just as simple as asking,” Mole said.

“People make assumptions and dance around their words, but it’s about being typical and just doing as you usually would.

It sounds silly, but it really is just common sense.”

Inclusive communication is certainly not limited to the words you use and Ian Macrae of Disability Now highlights the importance of making your everyday communication inclusive too; online is pretty effective in ensuring as much of your communication is inclusive as possible, emails are easily read by everyone. He reinforces Mole’s idea that it is about being mindful of your language, how you refer to someone and even simply asking which language they prefer.

By building an awareness of the social model of disability and how this affects the language you use, hopefully one day we will all be mindful of our language.

DO’S AND DON’T’S

DO be aware of the words you are using DON’T use pitying or heroic language DO ask the person what language they prefer DON’T make any assumptions about someone DO offer help if you think someone is in need but DON’T just rush over and grab them

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 21

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31/05/2016 12:22 29/03/2016 10:35

SIGNING

SIGN OF THE TIMES

U

sers of BSL successfully campaigned for the government to acknowledge BSL as an official British language in March 2003.

BSL is now recognised on the same level as other languages of the United Kingdom such as Scottish Gaelic, Welsh and Irish Gaelic.

Around 150,000 people in the UK use BSL as their first language and there are thousands more people who use BSL as a way to communicate, whether that be people who employ, live with, are related to, are friends with or interpret for a Deaf or hard of hearing person.

Learning to sign is at the height of importance for the Deaf community and charities all over the country.

Director of Centre for Deaf People in Bristol, David Melling, said: “We think it is hugely beneficial for people to learn sign language, especially when it comes to integrating the deaf and hearing community together in society. Deaf people, similarly to hearing people, want to feel in control of their own lives and not rely on others, especially when it comes to their own health. So we offer sign language courses for the medical professionals here at CfD (Centre for Deaf People) in Bristol. The course is delivered to 75 medical students which is currently oversubscribed year on year. It teaches specific signs so that deaf people are able to understand their own medical issues such as conditions, medication, etc.”

Deafness is the third most common disability in the world, and with over nine million people in the UK that are Deaf or hard of hearing, one of the major languages in the UK has to be British Sign Language (BSL).

recognises the importance of BSL and it’s effects on the Deaf community, especially on children and their families. Frankie said: “British Sign Language is a proper and beautiful language in its own right, a visual-gestural language with its own grammar, structure and principles that are distinct from English. We strongly believe there should be more opportunities to learn and appreciate this language 

Frankie McLean, Deaf Action’s Operations Manager also www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 25

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SIGNING

signs without even realising it. For example the sign for ‘hello’ is a simple wave of your hand. To sign the word ‘good’ you just do a thumbs-up sign. The sign for ‘drink’ is a mime of holding a glass in your hand and raising it towards your mouth. These signs are all quite natural and because of this learning the basics isn’t as complicated as you might have imagined.”

particularly for families with Deaf children so that they are able to communicate and enjoy family life to its fullest; that Deaf children are then able to develop into confident young adults able to play a full and rich part in society.”

A spokesperson for British Sign commented on just how beneficial learning sign can be. He said: “People who are new to sign language often find it a bit strange to learn that this rich and dynamic method of communication is not internationally universal. Around the world there are hundreds of different sign languages in use with most countries having their own form.

150,000

AROUND PEOPLE IN THE UK USE BSL AS THEIR FIRST LANGUAGE “Sign language is used most commonly by people who are Deaf. In the British Isles it is estimated that around 150,000 people use BSL as their first language. That might not sound like a massive number but it is quite likely that you will come into contact with a BSL user every now and then. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make that person feel welcome by being able to communicate with them in their first language, even if just with a simple ‘hello, how are you?’

“It really doesn’t take very long to pick up some basic signs and to begin holding simple conversations with other BSL users. The best place to start is with the fingerspelling alphabet.

This is a series of signs each representing a different letter of the alphabet. Fingerspelling is often mixed into other signs and can be particularly useful for spelling names or words that you do not know the sign for. There are lots of free resources for learning fingerspelling online including alphabet charts, interactive games and word searches.

“Once you have started to get the hang of fingerspelling then have a go at learning some BSL signs. You might be surprised to find out that you already regularly use a few

Signing is growing in popularity all over the world, and more and more people are taking to the visual language. It has increasingly appeared more in the media, in films and popular television shows across the globe. It has become, and quite rightly so, glamourised.

HAVE A GO FINGERSPELLING YOUR NAME, SEE IF IT DOESN’T LIGHT A FIRE IN YOU TO LEARN MORE! You can find a wealth of resources online.

Visit www.british-sign.co.uk for free fingerspelling resources and an online dictionary of BSL signs.

You can also sign up to an online course in BSL for £19.99.

26 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/05/2016 14:04

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31/05/2016 12:22

SUMMER

SUMMER IN SCOTLAND*

*Disclaimer: Summer here refers to the months of June-August, not limited to when the sun comes out, as it rarely does in Scotland.

Ah, Scotland in the summer,

JUNE

four seasons in one day, bare chests (taps aff!), Irn Bru ice lollies and peely wally (pale) patrons cluttering beer gardens for the one week of the year the sun graces the beautiful land with its presence. But don’t let the threat of a topless Scotsman put you off, over the summer Scotland becomes the stomping ground for many an event, whether its cabre-tossing, comedy in the capital or a visit to see some of the world’s best golfers in action, we are sure to have found the accessible event for you.

June is best spent in the nation’s biggest city, Glasgow. Don’t let the city’s gritty reputation put you off, it’s really all glitter.

While it might not be the sunniest place and truth be told you probably don’t want a cruise down the River Clyde, a little rain will never dampen the spirits of the ‘friendliest city in the world’ as voted by RoughGuides. com. It’s during the summer that Glasgow really shines, even if the sun doesn’t.

Picking only a few events was certainly difficult, so if you don’t fancy any of the ones we’ve shown you, you can visit www.list.co.uk where you can search for the event best suited to your tastes.

WEST END FESTIVAL: FRI 3 - SUN 26 JUNE 2016

[Above] Byres Rd. parade at the West End Festival

Every June, the west end of Glasgow is taken over in a splash of colour, with over 400 cultural events taking place in over 80 venues. From quizzes to parades, an entire Gala specific to only one street and Glasgow’s very own twee pop outfit, Belle and Sebastian, returning to their hometown to put on a series of events, there’s truly something for everyone. As it

takes place in over 80 different venues it’s best to contact the individual venues to check their access, however most of the events take place out on the city’s streets, which, whilst paved, are not always the smoothest and it can get both busy and noisy.

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL: THUR 9- SUN 19 JUNE 2016 Celebrating its 10th birthday, the Glasgow Science Festival showcases a jam-packed programme from exhibitions and handson experiments to cabaret and comedy, helping people enjoy science in ways you didn’t think possible. The events also take place in a variety of venues across the city, with exhibitions and events for adults only, all ages and school groups specifically. If you’re after a view of the city, you can visit the Glasgow Science Tower, the only building in the world where the entire structure rotates 360°. Whilst you’re there the Glasgow Science Centre has some great hands on exhibitions for some serious science family fun. The centre is fully accessible and carer’s even get in free. 

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SUMMER

[Above] Portree Harbour, Isle of Skye

JULY The big cities pack up and take their holidays in July, with all the fun going on in the Highlands and Islands, and seaside towns that scatter the Scottish coasts. If you don’t fancy one of VisitScotland’s fantastic road-trip trails across the country where you can search for Nessie, or witness the fascinating sights of the Northern Lights and would rather see something a bit more organised, you can take a peek at some of the events we’ve found for you.

LUSS HIGHLAND GAMES: SAT 2 JULY 2016 The Highland Games are a long-held tradition in Scotland, celebrating the

ROYAL TROON OPEN: SUN 10 - SUN 17 JULY 2016

THE BIG CITIES PACK UP AND TAKE THEIR HOLIDAYS IN JULY, WITH ALL THE FUN GOING ON IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS, AND SEASIDE TOWNS THAT SCATTER THE SCOTTISH COASTS

culture with athletics, dance, track and field and of course, piping, making the games a spectacle like no other. You can see a full list of this summer’s games on the official website at www.SHGA.co.uk but we recommend the Luss Highland Games, kicking off July, overlooking luscious Loch Lomond in the pretty conservation village of Luss. Pebbled paths may make mobility difficult, but the Games themselves have blue badge parking and an accessible grandstand.

Just watch out for the midges.

The 145th Open will be hosted this year at Royal Troon, seeing the world’s best golfers face the challenging course in pursuit of the title ‘Champion Golfer of the Year’. 156 players will play 36 holes for the chance of taking home the trophy. Children can attend for free, meaning families can get together to share the experience, and accessible toilets and changing facilities are scattered throughout the course, with accessible stands on the 16th and 18th greens meaning you’ve got a spot right where the action is. For more access info you can call The Open Ticket Office on 01334 460000.

AUGUST The famous capital may not strike you as the most accessible of cities, with its cobbled streets, and historical castle sat atop one of the cities many, many hills, towering the main shopping area below.

But according to Euan’s Guide, Edinburgh is ‘remarkably accessible from the castle to

30 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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SUMMER

EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL: FRI 5 - MON 29 AUGUST

the zoo, the Festival to the Fringe’. It’s these last two events that we think are one of the highlights of the Scottish summer. Taking place at the summer’s bitter end from 5-29 August, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the slightly less highbrow Fringe Festival have spent several years striving towards a more accessible festival.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: FRI 5-MON 29 AUGUST The Edinburgh International Festival is well

known for its cultural showcase; theatre, dance, music, opera and horde of workshops, talks and conferences. We won’t try to fit in the entire festival programme in a few sentences, but trust us when we say there’s something for everyone! You can check out www.euansguide.com/eif for a list of accessible venues, and accessible performances that include captioning, BSL interpreted, relaxed performances and audio described and touch tour performances.

Running alongside the main festival, the Fringe Festival was originally started by a troupe of performers who had not been booked as part of the main festival, but wanted to perform anyway. Ever since the Fringe Festival has been ‘defying the norm’ and if the highbrow opera performances of the main festival aren’t for you, then the Fringe offers comedy, dance, music, theatre and contributes to some of the capitals famous hustle and bustle during festival time, with packed streets and beer flowing.

We picked out a few of our favourite sounding shows; ‘Lost Voice Guy:Disability for Dunces’, ‘Cook It How You Like, It’s still a Potato!’ and, ‘Grannies with Guns’, all of which we think sound like they’d provide a good hearty chuckle, and all are fully wheelchair accessible. For more accessible performances check out the website at tickets.edfringe.com

GETTING AROUND Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are the main public transport operators in Scotland’s Capital. Buses and trams offer easy-access for all and are a great way to get around. To find out more and to plan your journey visit www.lothianbuses.com or www.edinburghtrams.com. 

[Above] Street Performers at the Fringe Festival on Edinburgh's Royal Mile

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SUMMER

LAURENCE CLARK Laurence Clark is unafraid to make a joke 10 seconds into our interview. The internationally-acclaimed comedian will return to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with his show ‘Independence’.

“I’m really grateful to Edinburgh Fringe, because it’s really helped my career over the years, lots of comedy clubs tend to be in basements, cellars and attics and they’re really inaccessible to me. So the Fringe, is a good opportunity to do gigs for a month.

“I guess independence is a topical issue at the moment; Scottish Independence referendum, EU Referendum. But it’s not really about any of that, because that would

“I’ve been doing it for 10 years or so now and its certainly gotten a lot better, it’s a lot more accessible now. There’s a lot more accessible venues than there used to be.”

Laurence is quite open about his disability on stage. “Because it’s quite obvious, if I didn’t speak about it, it would become the elephant in the room. A lot of stand-up comedy comes from personal experience and my experiences are coloured by being disabled, so it feels quite natural to talk about it.

“I’m with a group of disabled comedians called ‘Abnormally Funny People’ we did a show at Edinburgh last year. The guy who runs that, Simon; he always says that a day of disability equality training is equivalent to about 20 minutes of stand-up. If you can get people to laugh with you, it gets them on side so much quicker and easier than telling them what they should do.”

Earlier this year, Laurence toured Scotland in the Birds of Paradise production, Purposeless Movements; a dance theatre piece that riffs on the stories of five guys with cerebral palsy, how it affects their lives, their gender, their masculinity.

IF YOU CAN GET PEOPLE TO LAUGH WITH YOU, IT GETS THEM ON SIDE SO MUCH QUICKER AND EASIER THAN TELLING THEM WHAT THEY SHOULD DO

be boring.” Laurence’s autobiographical show will instead cover independence, growing up and what that means to him.

“I wanted to get into comedy for years.

As a kid, I watched a load of sitcoms, and I would send off scripts I had written to places like the BBC and not get anywhere and then someone encouraged me to have a go myself at stand up. I never thought I’d be able to do it, but my shows use a lot of multimedia, videos and slides and it kind of took off from there.”

“The play was really different, I’m obviously used to doing stand-up and this was dance-theatre, all with people with cerebral palsy. So, normally with stand-up you never move about too much, but this was rolling across the stage doing all sorts of stuff that I’m not used. It was a great experience and went down really well.“

YOU CAN CHECK OUT LAURENCE’S SHOW AT THE ASSEMBLY GEORGE SQUARE FROM THE 3-28 AUGUST AT 7PM.

www.laurenceclark.co.uk

32 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/05/2016 15:58

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31/05/2016 12:23

Advertorial

ALLIANZ WANTS TO HELP CREATE A BETTER WORLD FOR DISABLED PEOPLE, AND WE’RE BACKING OUR ATHLETES ON THE ROAD TO RIO The inside track on Allianz

About Allianz Insurance

Here at Allianz Insurance, we believe it’s important to have a diverse and inclusive workforce. We embrace people’s differences as it helps us to find the best talent. Employing people from different backgrounds and making them feel included is, in our view, a major driving force behind the existing success of our global company In 2015, we were granted the Two Ticks accreditation which recognises the good things that we already do in terms of employing and supporting disabled people, while challenging us to improve even further.

Allianz Insurance is one of the largest general insurers in the UK. We’re also part of the Allianz SE Group, one of the leading financial services providers worldwide and the largest property and casualty insurer in the world.

We’re now proud to be an official partner of the ParalympicsGB team and the British Paralympic Association. Globally, Allianz was one of the first worldwide partners of the International Paralympic Committee – and Allianz will be supporting more nations’ Paralympic teams at the Rio Games than any other company. These partnerships signal Allianz’s commitment to inclusivity across both its customers and employees – and recognise that Paralympic sport inspires us to create a better world for disabled people.

For our customers, we recently became the first insurer in the UK to offer a secure video relay service to Deaf people using British Sign Language (BSL). This enables our Deaf customers to make a video call to Allianz using a free link on our website or SignVideo mobile app. Our customers who use BSL can take control of their own policy - rather than talking to us through a friend or family member.

Employing over 5,000 people in the UK in a network of 25 offices (head offices in Guildford and London), with a further 1,100 people based in Trivandrum, India, Allianz offers a wide range of opportunities – from sales and marketing to finance and IT.

Why work in insurance?

Insurance is something that we all hope we’ll never require, but is essential in times of need. If floods damage your car or home, or your family pet gets ill, it makes a huge difference knowing you have insurance from a company that will make sure you have the right resources and support when you need it.

In 2014, Allianz was awarded General Insurer of the Decade at the British Insurance Awards. We were recognised for consistent profitable growth, our commitment to training, professionalism in the industry, as well as innovation. In 2015 alone, we won 15 independent awards, reflecting our commitment to technical expertise and our focus on the customer and our employees.

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Allianz believes it is the experts and enthusiasts we recruit who deliver our ongoing successful growth. So, we invest in our people to ensure they have the training, experience and opportunities they need to achieve personal ambitions, as well as deliver for our customers. As a result, we are a company that our clients and partners recommend.

We are working hard to create a diverse workforce by proactively recruiting and including employees with disabilities.

Here are few words from two of our employees – you can find their full profiles on our careers site.

David Fox - Senior Claims Handler “I have had cerebral palsy since birth.

It doesn’t really affect my work, since I’m office-based. I joined Allianz in March 2013 as a Claims Handler and I’m now a Senior Claims Handler. Everyone has always been very supportive. I am not treated differently and I have never felt excluded. The assumption has always seemed to be that I can do things, rather than the other way round!”

Benefits for you

Whether you’re looking to build on existing qualifications in your chosen field or need a more flexible way to work in a fulfilling role, Allianz has a range of opportunities. We provide an award-winning range of training, recognised in 2015 by Investors in People (IIP) with gold-level accreditation.

From eLearning and formal qualifications through to mentoring and volunteering, there are many ways you can develop throughout your career at Allianz. Topics cover everything from happiness at work, through to lateral thinking and management development.

Allianz also runs industry-leading graduate schemes, including finance, IT, commercial and management. These combine practical work experience with support to gain relevant external qualifications - such as from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Find out more

You don’t have to have an insurance background to work at Allianz. We recruit people based on ability, no matter what their background or personal circumstances. We simply believe that to achieve our business goals, we need people who will drive innovation and introduce new ideas – delivering outstanding service for current and potential customers.

Allianz is committed to making reasonable adjustments as required during the application/interview process and/or once in post.

If you’re interested in joining us, visit the careers section of our website: www.allianz.co.uk/careers where you can search for vacancies by location and specialism; or www.allianz.co.uk/graduates for further information about graduate and internship programmes.

Insurance from A-Z

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REVELLING

IN RIO THE FIRST PARALYMPIC GAMES AS WE KNOW THEM TODAY WERE HELD IN ROME IN 1960, WITH 400 ATHLETES FROM 23 COUNTRIES COMPETING.

1ST

ATHLETE

The first athlete with a disability to compete in the able-bodied Games was German American gymnast George Eyser. He competed in 1904 with one artificial leg and earned six medals in one day: three gold medals, two silvers and one bronze.

GROUPS Today there are six disability groups in the Paralympic Games: amputee, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, intellectual disability, visual impairment and ‘Les Autres’, which means ‘the others’ and includes all those who don’t fit into the other groups – for instance dwarfism, multiple sclerosis and congenital disorders.

When we say ‘Copacabana’ I’m sure you have images of sand between your toes, cocktails and a certain showgirl named Lola. This summer the Copacabana will be just one area of Rio de Janeiro to host the 15th Summer Paralympic Games as the first South American country.

We’ve put together some fun facts about the upcoming Games to ready you for the big event and even impress your pals in the pub with your Paralympic knowledge.

THIS YEAR

526 EVENTS WILL SEE 170 COUNTRIES FROM AFGHANISTAN TO ZIMBABWE COMPETE IN 23 DIFFERENT SPORTS ACROSS 33 VENUES IN FOUR REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY; COPACABANA, BARRA DE TIJUCA, DEODORO AND MARACANÃ.

NEW EVENTS This year’s Games will also see two new events make their debut; paratriathlon and canoeing, which will take place under the shadow of Christ the Redeemer.

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

120 MEDALS

ParalympicsGB tallied up 120 medals in the London 2012 Paralympics, taking 34 gold, 43 silver and 43 bronze. Joanne Round was Britain’s youngest ever Paralympic gold medal winner taking two swimming relay golds in Seoul in 1998 aged just 12 years old. Swimmer and cyclist Dame Sarah Storey is considered Britain’s most decorated Paralympian with 22 medals won across a 12 year career, with 11 gold, eight silver and three bronze. She’s joined by wheelchair racer, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and fellow swimmers Mike Kenny and Dave Roberts.

THE SYMBOL

The 2016 symbol for the Paralympic Games contains three colours, RED, BLUE, and GREEN, which are the colours most widely represented in the flags of nations. The colours are each in the shape of an Agito, which is Latin for ‘I move’, and the three Agitos circle a central point, which is a symbol for the athletes congregating from all points of the globe.

MASCOT

This year’s Paralympic mascot, Tom, is named after Brazilian musician Tom Jobim.

He represents Brazilian flora, which is always growing and overcoming obstacles.

The mascot from London 2012 was named Mandeville, after Stoke Mandeville; known for its Paralympic history, as the host for the 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games, which saw WW2 veterans compete in a sporting competition organised to encourage their rehabilitation.  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 37

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WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

AWESOMENESS

Only from Sirus.

Our vehicle range is unlike any other: We specialise in inclusive vehicles that are unavailable from other converters from up-front passenger and drive-from wheelchair conversions to internal transfer or interchangeable driver and passenger models. We like challenges, and we hate boring things.

For a long while customers have been asking us for a vehicle capable of carrying them sitting in the back their wheelchair with one important stipulation: that it’s not based on a van. And that it’s an affordable price. And that it looks great. And that it has lots of standard equipment. And that it’s economical to run. And comfortable. And in a range of great colours. And a 7 year warranty. And small enough to park anywhere. And that it’s awesome.

10 important stipulations.

Our solution is this - the Kia Soul. Inside there is space for 4 people including the wheelchair user. It’s a car, which means it is supremely comfortable and available with lots of options to make it your own. It drives brilliantly too.

You can of course have a wheelchair accessible van for slightly less money. If you really want to.

All of our vehicles are available for free no obligation home demonstration and our promise to you that even if we can’t help you with one of our products, we’ll help you identify another alternative option that suits you.

For further information, to book a free home demonstration or to see the rest of our range, visit our brand new website or connect with us via social media today.

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

GB’S SPORTING PROWESS We might be renowned for being terrible at the sports we helped create; cricket, football, rugby. But we do excel in some areas and the Paralympics are no exception as we grab gold in some of the popular sports at the Games.

ATHLETICS Athletics is a traditional Paralympic sport and has been part of the Games since the first in Rome in 1960. London 2012 saw GB grab 29 medals in the athletics; 11 gold, seven silver and 11 bronze. Among these gold medallists were some of the most celebrated athletes in ParalympicsGB; ‘The Weirwolf’ David Weir, who stole the show winning gold in all of his four events.

Joining him on the gold podiums were World Champion Richard Whitehead, Jonnie Peacock, Mickey Bushell and Aled Davies, who grabbed two golds for the team in the discus. All these stars of track and field will return for Rio 2016, joined by Libby Clegg, who we spoke to ahead of her appearance at this year’s Games. Read her interview on page 40.

EQUESTRIAN The only equestrian event to be held in the Paralympic Games is dressage.

London 2012 saw ParalympicsGB take 11 medals in total; five gold, five silver and two bronze with nine-time gold winner Lee Pearson taking part in his fourth games. Natasha Baker on her horse Carbral won gold in both the individual grade II events in her first appearance at the Paralympic Games.

This sport was first introduced as a Paralympic sport at the 1996 Games in Atlanta and GB has won the team event at every Games since.

CYCLING Cycling in various forms has been included in the Paralympic Games since New York 1984, which consisted of road only events for athletes with cerebral palsy This has since grown to include track events in 1996, and handcycling in 2004. British cyclists have always excelled during the Games, dominating the medal table at Beijing in 2008 and again in London 2012, topping the track table with five golds; two of which were won by Dame Sarah Storey.

BRITISH CYCLISTS HAVE ALWAYS EXCELLED DURING THE GAMES, DOMINATING THE MEDAL TABLE AT BEIJING IN 2008 AND AGAIN IN LONDON 2012

ONTRACK MAGAZINE

April this year saw the launch of the only printed disability sports magazine in the UK, OnTrack Magazine.

Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest disability sporting news, each issue includes interviews with Paralympic athletes, information on sporting opportunities, a focus on different sports clubs and ideas of sports you may have never tried before.

The magazine is out every two months and is available free of charge, simply sign up for your copy at www.ontrackmagazine.co.uk.

Throughout the Paralympic Games you will find regular updates on the website, www.ontrackmagazine.co.uk.

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LIBBY CLEGG

Libby Clegg is one of the most prolific visually-impaired sprinters ParalympicsGB has to offer. Here, PosAbility finds out what makes this exceptional para-athlete tick‌

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

I

first started running when I was nine, when I joined my local athletics club. I did lots of different events, I had a go at everything, like throwing events, etc. It basically coincided with me getting diagnosed with my condition, Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy giving me only slight peripheral vision in my left eye.

I only just joined this running club and got diagnosed. I just loved to be competitive to be honest. I liked winning, obviously. I used to really enjoy sports day at school and it was a sort of easy progression for me.

I was about 14 when I started taking it more seriously and went to some bigger competitions. I was never really particularly talented, I was just one of those people that trained all the time, I loved the competition side of things but I quite enjoyed training as well. I just persisted at it. It wasn’t until I was 16, I got selected for my first senior championships that I thought it was potentially something I was going to get into. It was one of those things that you think you are alright at, but you never really believe until you get selected for a team that you realise you are potentially capable of it.

I really enjoy the quickness of sprinting. It’s a very close race, there aren’t as much tactics required as there is in longer distance running. I really enjoyed the exhilaration of the race being that close.

It’s basically anyone’s, anyone can win it.

I quite like that aspect of it. I think that’s probably what drew me to it.

I’ve recently started running with a new guide, which is going really well and I am really enjoying it. I’m really positive about that. His name is Chris Clarke. That’s been quite exciting, it’s a big change for me. He has taken to it really well, he picked it up really quickly, I’m really happy. It’s very new, but exciting because it is a big year. I felt like I needed to change a few things.

TRAINING I normally get to training at about 10.30am.

I go to the track on Monday morning for a technical session. It will be like drills and block work. I’ll go home and get my lunch, have a few hours rest, have my dinner at 5.00pm and go back to training at 6.30pm and do a circuit session and a couple of runs. Then it all finishes at about 8.30pm and I’ll have some more porridge and some yoghurt, then head to bed.

My sporting hero is Richard Whitehead. I trained with him for a bit, I go to the same gym as him, so I see him train. I think he is really inspirational because he is constantly beating the boundaries, breaking them down, challenging himself constantly. He is someone I really look up to.

PARALYMPIC SUCCESS Obviously, para-sport has come a long way from Beijing in 2008, from my point of view, that being my first Games. I was so excited when I went to the Paralympics, the experience of being there was just amazing and we were treated really well over there.

It was sad when we got back, people didn’t even really know we were over there.

People didn’t really care because it wasn’t really a big deal in the media. The coverage wasn’t great. Going into 2012, I was quite sceptical to be honest, I thought, no way, we aren’t quite there yet with promoting Paralympic sport. I wasn’t too sure what was

going to happen. Channel 4 then put a lot of work into the Paralympics. They had a lot of documentaries on disability and Paralympic athletes going into the Games.

I do feel people felt they were more relatable then. People were interested. I was still sceptical in the village. When you are in the village, you are in a bubble, you don’t really hear what’s going on. It wasn’t until people started winning medals, people started realising it was a big deal and becoming interested. I think programmes like The Last Leg highlighted disability in a positive light. People really did appreciate that it’s not a big joke, it is elite sport and elite performances. It opened my eyes as well, I hadn’t watched much para-sport other than athletics. Even for me, watching the Boccia guys and wheelchair basketball was amazing. I think someone going to Rio, Brazil have put a lot of money into their paraathletes, especially athletics, they have all these fantastic role models coming through and only a few years ago in 2013 or the World Championships, France had billboards everywhere with all their para-athletes on them, promoting events. I’m really positive that it will be a fantastic Games. I think that the Paralympics could possibly outshine the Olympics especially with being in Brazil, with the Brazillian para-athletes, because they have a lot of phenomenal para-athletes. I think it is excellent for all the South American countries. I think you will notice that more para-athletes are coming through from those countries. I think that is a really positive thing.

I think after being in London, our home Games, it has really helped because we are such a forward thinking nation. I think it’s been brilliant for the Games. Channel 4 have got to broadcast again, like in 2012, they are still new at it and I think the coverage can only get better. The public will become more interested once they see more of it on television.

PEOPLE REALLY DID APPRECIATE THAT IT’S NOT A BIG JOKE, IT IS ELITE SPORT AND ELITE PERFORMANCES

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COMPETITION

WIN!

At Calvert Trust Kielder, it’s what you

can do that counts and for over 30 years, they have provided outdoor activities for disabled children and adults together with their family, friends and carers. The Trust offers all-inclusive, fully-accessible accommodation in centre rooms and a range of two and three bedroom self-catering accommodation, including ten 4-star Scandinavian style chalets and the luxurious Straker, Bradbury and McArdle chalets, for those who prefer more privacy, independence and flexibility.

Unique to Calvert Trust Kielder, adult respite care activity holidays are for those with physical, learning or sensory disabilities, who require personal care and support while away from home. Fully qualified and dedicated care and activity teams provide reassurance, support and encouragement.

Inclusive action and adventure holidays include accommodation in single, twin, triple or quad bedrooms, freshly prepared meals, where all dietary needs are catered for and a wide range of activities. From canoeing, climbing, abseiling, high ropes course, archery and laser clay shooting to buggy rides along

Q

WHAT STYLE ARE THEIR 4-STAR CHALETS?

a) Scandinavian b) Colonial c) Elizabethan

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply answer the question correctly andwww.posabilitymagazine.co.uk return your details to the 28

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A LUXURIOUS BREAK AT CALVERT TRUST KIELDER!

the Lakeside Way and relaxing in the hydrotherapy pool or sensory room. Join friends, family and carers for a drink in the bar before a delicious evening meal in the dining room.

The centre is located in the stunning Kielder Water & Forest Park, home to the largest man-made lake in Europe, the largest forest in England and the Northumberland International Dark Skies Park. Look out for badgers, roe deer, otters, shrews, bats, woodland birds and, especially in spring, birds of prey including ospreys.

Self-catering accommodation is available all year. Centre breaks from February to mid-December. Staff available every day except 25th/26th December and 1st January, (emergency on call service).

For more information, call 01434 250232, email enquiries@calvert-kielder.com or visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder.

Terms & Conditions The prize is for Monday to Friday (4 nights) or Friday to Monday (3 nights) for 4 people in the new McArdle Chalet, opened in July this year. Excluding public and school holidays. Valid from 1 October 2016 to 31 March 2017. The chalet is pet friendly for one dog. Only one entry per person. Closing date for entries is 31 July 2016.

following address, email posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com or visit www.posabilitymagazine. co.uk to enter online.

Name:

Calvert Trust Kielder Competition PosAbility Magazine Caledonia House Evanton Drive Thornliebank Ind. Est. Glasgow G46 8JT

Postcode:

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Tel: Email: Ăź

Calvert Trust Kielder would like to send you more information about their services. If you would prefer not to receive this, please tick the box.

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

HOT STUFF

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

WHEELABLE PRICES

AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Winner of the 2015 NAEP Product Innovation award, the Wheelable is a truly unique solution to the age old problem of travel. Just six clicks folds the stylish wheelchair commode into a lightweight, compact, carry-on bag which can be taken anywhere you go. Six more clicks unfolds the Wheelable into a solid wheeled commode that fits over standard toilets and can also be used in level access showers. The solid plastic design, reinforced with stainless steel components gives the Wheelable a solid feel and a 100kg safe working load. The innovative design using the latest plastic moulding techniques means the Wheelable weighs in at a skinny 11kg. So wherever you wish to travel, the Wheelable is the perfect travel companion.

The Wheelable is available with a commode pan, a full seat (for showering only) and a stylish suitcase style carry bag as optional extras.

For a demonstration of this revolutionary product please call 01257 425 623 or visit www.ospreyhealthcare.co.uk Osprey Healthcare 01257 425 623 www.ospreyhealthcare.co.uk ďƒŽ

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

PRICESON

HANDY TROLLEY WITH BRAKES This new height-adjustable trolley from Drive Medical is a sturdy and robust walking aid for use within the home. The clip-on plastic shelves are easy to clean with a lip around the edge to prevent items slipping off.

The arthritic friendly lockable hand brakes provide additional safety when rising from a seated position and also allow the trolley to be used as a walking frame around the home. The Handy Trolley with Brakes is also a useful means of carrying household items from room to room and the top tray is designed for eating meals at whilst sitting. The handles are height adjustable to suit the users’ needs and the bottom tray is set forward to make it easier and safer to walk with.

BLE AVAILA ST REQUE

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

• Handles provide a secure hold for people with a weak grip • Four large (15cm) castors allow easy manoeuvrability around the home • Easy to clean • Tool free assembly and disassembly for ease of storage and transportation • Supplied as a flat pack Drive Medical 0844 855 4402 sales@drivemedical.co.uk www.drivemedical.co.uk

PROSEDO 3R31 Ottobock has launched the world’s first prosthetic locking knee joint with unique safety features for sitting.

The Prosedo 3R31 has mechanical components which provide significant benefits to amputees who primarily use their prosthesis for getting around the house. The Prosedo provides users peace of mind by enabling them to sit down safely, be it on a bed, chair or in a wheelchair.

The Prosedo is the first of its kind to have a semi-automatic knee lock along with an integrated linear hydraulic unit. It serves to stabilise the amputee when the lock is disengaged by actively supporting the user when they are in the process of sitting down by gradually damping the knee flexion. The knee joint can also be individually adjusted by the user’s clinician to a higher or lower resistance to suit their personal requirement.

The Adjust 1M10 prosthetic foot marries well with the Prosedo knee joint as – in contrast to traditional ankle-foot devices suitable for those with low mobility (Mobis 1) – the foot’s increased flexion allows for extended surface contact making the process of sitting down easier and more controlled. Additionally, the foot’s flexibility also provides a stabilising effect when it comes to uneven terrain.

Ottobock www.ottobock.co.uk

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TOP & DERBY COMPRESSION SOCKS New from Top & Derby, these snazzy modern compression socks look great and they will keep your legs feeling energised all day long.

Manufactured to compression level 15-20mmHg, Top & Derby compression socks are designed for moderate compression to help relieve tired legs and minor swelling of the legs, ankles and feet.

Top & Derby compression socks are perfect for teachers or medical staff and anyone who needs to spend all day on their feet. They are ideal for those travelling long distances and they are helpful during pregnancy to avoid varicose veins and spider veins.

Currently available in two cool colours (Not Your Granny’s Smith and Going Bare Black) and four different sizes. www.designed2enable.co.uk

PRICE

£22.95 IN CL VAT

PRICESON

BLE AVAILA ST REQUE

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

EFOLDI The brainchild of Sumi Wang and her inventor father Jianmin Wang, the eFOLDi was recently announced as the winner of the British Inventors’ Project at this year’s Gadget Show Live.

This innovative scooter is designed to make life a little easier for those who require access to an electric scooter to help them get around. The scooter itself only weighs 19kg and can carry an average-sized adult over 20km on a single charge. It is simply folded into an easily-transportable piece of luggage, ensuring you can carry it onto a bus or train, store it in your car or pop it in the luggage hold when travelling by plane.

ES PRIC LE ON

AB AVAIL UEST REQ

They have started a Kickstarter campaign to raise investment to produce the eFOLDi and distribute it globally (www.kickstarter. com/projects/1726375706/810530758?t oken=3e951af2).

The goal is to raise £90,000 to get the first production run under way. You can discover everything you need to know about the eFOLDi and even pre-order one on the website www.efoldi.co.uk.

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THE NEW ALFA GIULIETTA FROM NIL ADVANCE PAYMENT

FUEL YOUR INSTINCTS WITH THE NEW ALFA GIULIETTA. Enhanced features include a 5” Colour touchscreen radio with DAB, Bluetooth® and Smartphone connectivity, 16” 5 Double spoke alloy wheels, manual climate control and Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector.

Insurance, servicing and maintenance are all included as part of the Motability Scheme package.

For more information and for a complete list of all Alfa Romeo models available on the Motability Scheme visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk/motability

Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 29.7 – 60.1 mpg (9.5 – 4.7 I/100km); Extra Urban 54.3 – 88.3 mpg (5.2 – 3.2 I/100km); Combined 41.5 –74.3 mpg (6.8 – 3.8 I/100km).

CO2 emissions 157 – 99 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. Model shown: New Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120hp at NIL Advance Payment. Advance Payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed between 1st April and 30th June 2016. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time.

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ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

GO

PROVENCE [Below] Kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon

P

[Above] A recent wildlife holiday up in the Gorges du Verdon

lanning holidays can be a stressful task at the best of times. Researching hotels, trying to find the cheapest flights, ensuring the accommodation is suitable and ensuring there is enough to do to keep you all amused. If you have a learning disability or if you have a child with learning disabilities this task can be even more daunting as the logistics of travel and support can become overwhelming.

Step in holiday company, Go Provence.

Go Provence is situated in the beautiful Gorges du Verdon in Provence, the South of France and provides fully supported holidays to adults and children with learning disabilities. From your initial booking to returning home, Go Provence will provide a helping hand and practical support every step of the way, they will even meet you at Gatwick airport to assist with check-in, airport security and the flight to France.

We caught up with founder of Go Provence, Ian Callen to find out more about where the idea came from to start ďƒŽ www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 51

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ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

this supported holiday company and what it offers holidaymakers.

“The idea for Go Provence came about after I had been living in France for two years. The international school for children with dyslexia that I had worked in, had sadly closed and I found myself pondering my future.

I was married with two young children (I now have three) and we did not want to move back to England.

One morning on a walk with Anna, my wife, in the sunny, spring hills of the Prealps, I remembered an idea I had back in England. It was when I was working on a farm in Bristol, where I taught people with learning disabilities horticulture and conservation. I was teaching on my last day at work and one by one, people were coming into the

So, falling back on this idea, in the summer of 2009, I thought I would run a pilot holiday week. I got back in touch with all my previous students and a group of seven wanted to come down and spend a week with us. I knew we would need more help with support so I got in touch with an old friend, Neil Manser, who still lived down in Port Grimaud, an hour and a half away from us. He said he would love to come up and help for the holiday, that was in 2009.

In January 2010, we launched, Go Provence Supported Holidays. Our aim, to offer non-patronising, supported holidays to people with learning disabilities/difficulties and autism, using the backdrop of the Gorges du Verdon, Provence (the biggest and, some would say, the most beautiful gorge in Europe) and its culture that we have found so life affirming.

[Below] White water rafting in the gorge

[Above] Founder Ian with little boy, Alex, who was visiting with the Brandon Trust

classroom (glorified shed) saying goodbye and wishing me luck in France. I would reply to their good wishes, ‘well you know you will have to come down and visit me’, and at the same time wondering if they ever could, as travelling for people with learning disabilities can be complicated and expensive, depending on the support and individual needs. It was then that I had the idea of setting up a supported holiday company, there in that shed.

Many ideas are born on our holidays from holidaymakers. I put this down to a change of environment and the fact that holidaymakers have the space and time to get inspired.

A new idea can result in a massive change back home in the UK for our holidaymakers. They could be inspired by Neil’s (our chef ) cooking and decide to take up catering at college and throw their life in a new direction, so we try to naturally draw out ambitions and ideas from our holidaymakers during the holiday as this is a great opportunity for change.

We offer support from Gatwick airport, down to Marseilles, and back again when the holiday is finished. This can take the sting out of any anxiety around travelling abroad. It also means that clients have less to organise for the trip, they just have to get themselves to Gatwick. We meet the group at the check-in desk, support clients to check in their luggage, then support everyone through security.

This is an exciting hour or so and a group can start to get to know each other in the departure lounge. We then support our clients on the one hour and thirty-minute flight, to Marseilles, Provence. We do the same for the return journey.

We have many different types of holidays at our large country house. The house sleeps up to fifteen people and we work on a ratio of seven clients to five support staff. We are based near a lovely, historical village called Moustiers Sainte-Marie, in the Gorges du Verdon. Our holidays range from wildlife photography to world cuisine themes. Adventure to art. Trekking to water. The great element of our holidays is that anyone would enjoy them.

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ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

We also have a carer/family separate accommodation about a 30-minute drive away in the perched village of Rougon. This works really well for people who have never been on holiday by themselves before as they know that someone they know is nearby, which relieves anxiety for both the carer and client. This can help clients to develop another strand in their lives of independence, supporting them to have a holiday without mum/dad or carer. The flip side is that mum/dad or carer gets a much needed holiday too. Something that can be very hard to come by.

We arrange our support through dialogue with the client and their support network.

This is carefully done through a health questionnaire and telephone conversations. Our support is as unintrusive as we can safely and comfortably offer.

Go Provence gives us a great platform to help others realise their dreams and goals.

We had a client on holiday with us, Ed, a great photographer, who had won awards for his work but couldn’t find anyone to give him wall space for an exhibition. When he was with us, we arranged with a local restaurant owner, Jean Jacques, in Moustiers Sainte-Marie, for an exhibition to take place in his restaurant, Le Belvedere.

We had an opening evening, the local press turned up and Ed sold five photos. As you can imagine Ed was a very happy man, and all of this happened whilst Ed was on holiday with us. I love that, ideas coming from nothing.

[Left] Griffon Vulture – taken by Michael Jenkins, a 10-yearold boy

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAY A supported wildlife photography holiday with Go Provence gave way to some amazing images being captured by the holidaymakers themselves.

Ian explains what prompted the introduction of a wildlife photography week: “This holiday came about because Neil Manser, friend and Go Provence director, and I got talking to Chris Sperring, a parent of a young man who has autism, who was on a supported holiday with us back in the summer of 2014. Chris is a naturalist and a BBC broadcaster for wildlife. He also understands people with a learning disability and together we hatched an idea for a supported wildlife photography holiday in Provence, South of France. We wanted to pitch the feel

of the holiday at a high level, and we thought that with the right support, clients could achieve, not just top level images, but an education about ourselves and the world we live in. We have run one of these holidays for the past two years and they are a huge success. The holidaymakers that come love it and I think this is mainly because we don’t patronise them with the support that we give. This works so well in photography because in photography there is no right or wrong image, a finished image is so subjective.

There are few techniques to master with the camera definitely, and once that is achieved we work towards getting the clients close to the wildlife, either physically, or through their camera zooms and the wildlife always gives us drama to capture.

THE FUTURE We want to branch out to holidays outside of Provence, wildlife photography holidays in Canada, supported backpacking around Europe, Northern Lights in Sweden, volunteer working in developing countries.

We want to change the way people with learning disabilities can travel and increase their opportunities, so that access to travel becomes the norm. Travel is so important to one’s sense of well-being. This is why we feel our holidays are so valuable.”

If you would like to find out more about the holidays available with Go Provence call 00 33 (0) 4 86 56 65 61(France), email ian@goprovence.co.uk or visit www.goprovence.co.uk.

[Clockwise from top left] Red Squirrel – taken by clients with Hugo Apps; Mountains surrounding The Gorges du Verdon – taken

by Ed Phippen; Scarce Swallowtail butterfly – taken by Jay Hardiman

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HOLIDAYS

Sun cream? Check. Sandals? Check.

Pants? Check. Wheelchair accessories, endless documentation, a small pharmacy worth of medication and the phonebook of ‘just in case’ numbers to call?

Going on holiday abroad if you or a close relative has a disability can be very difficult. Some people believe that it’s more trouble than it’s worth. The effort to secure some of the basic things you are entitled to when you have a disability, for some, can be more stressful than the stress they are trying to take a break from in everyday life.

But don’t let that stop you, you deserve a break in the sun and with some careful planning you could ensure a stress free holiday for you and your family.

Here is a small checklist to keep handy this summer for all the essentials and things to do before you book, before you leave and while you are away.

BOOKING

ü

Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance to suit your specific needs.

Research your destination thoroughly. Is it disability friendly?

How easy will it be for you once you get there? Does the country allow your medication through Border Control?

Look into what you are able to do once you get there. Is there a lot of accessible activities? Consult guidebooks, disability groups in the UK, people who have been before, the tourist board of that country.

Contact holiday providers, airlines, airports, hotels, etc. in plenty of time to alert them to your needs and any assistance you may require.

Confirm bookings of accessible transport, adapted rooms and inclusive reservations in writing and carry these with you abroad in the rare occasion there is a problem.

Alert your travel organiser early on about your preferred method of contact eg. Braille, phone calls, etc.

GET SET TO JET SET MEDICATION

ü

It is important to check with your airline provider what documentation you should take to prove what kind of medication you are on, and where they will be carried.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating the importance of your medicine in case you lose or run out of it when abroad, especially in a country with strict drug regulations.

Make sure you have enough medicine with you and allow enough medication to cover delays and possible accidents, such as broken bottles on travelling or loss.

Remember the changing time zones and length of your journey when it comes to time-sensitive medication and particular meal times.

DOCUMENTATION

ü

When travelling in the European Union, be sure to have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Largely, airlines don’t deny someone passage, however, if your disability is quite severe, some may ask for proof of fitness to travel; communicate with your airline to see if this is the case.

Good practice for getting abroad is to carry a ‘travelling letter’ which outlines your disability and your needs.

If you have a medical condition, you and your doctor may need to fill out a Medical Information Form (MEDIF); this is only for one trip.

If you find yourself a frequent traveller and you have a condition which is considered stable, you may find it more convenient to obtain a Frequent Travellers Medical Card (FREMEC). This gives an airline a permanent record of your individual needs.

Now everything is checked off, you can go and relax with palm trees, pina coladas and peace of mind.

54 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Rapkyns Care Centre

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Broadbridge Heath

The Award Winning, Sussex Healthcare Group are excited to announce the opening of brand new purpose built care facilities in Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham. “One adult in particular surprised us all. We had no idea how cognitively able he was, it is hard to get much response from him, but when we introduced him to the eye gaze straight away he realized he was controlling it by himself. He got through a lot of the games quickly! He was deliberately closing his eyes to stop the game and starting again, teasing us! It was a very emotional day for us.� Registered Manager

Bringing an exciting new service to potential service users, these facilities are comprised of two buildings, each purpose-built, consisting of four 10 bedded units.

The Granary unit provides nursing support to younger people with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions. This specialist care service, with nursing and physiotherapy input has been equipped with all the latest technological aids, including a hydrotherapy pool and a salt cave.

The Laurels unit supports people with autism or young people leaving school or college with profound learning and physical disabilities. This service offers all the latest technologies, and various IT equipment and ipads for effective communication including the new eye gaze system and a specialist gymnasium.

Sussex Healthcare champions the use of the latest high-tech, interactive technology systems, which are a strong focal point in all their facilities.

Alternative methods of communication for those people who may not speak is encouraged and the group has built a specialist technology room, within the day centre, which can be utilised by service users who may wish to access it. All of which are fantastic sensory learning tools that have the capacity to engage the service users and are suitable for any ability.

Whether the choice is to play individually or interact with one another in a group, the systems can be controlled by simply moving on or over the projected image or by using their eyes as a mouse.

As well as the use of the above facilities, arts, crafts and cooking are some of the many popular activities enjoyed by the service users along with the strong emphasis around community participation. Service users attend social outings and outreach services with the help and support of the homes dedicated mini bus service. In addition, both units have the added benefit of a beautiful and diverse landscape, which can be explored and utilised as stimulation for service users creative projects. The sessions are intended to trigger the learning of new skills or improve those they already have.

Sussex Healthcare staff are genuinely passionate about the people in their care and their wellbeing is always at the centre of everything they do. The service is very proud to be able to offer a diverse training programme at Sussex Healthcare training academy for all staff including nurses, carers, physios, chefs and activity staff. Sussex Healthcare values their staff, and the staff teams benefit from the opportunities for development at every level.

Sussex Healthcare is committed to genuine inclusion for people of any ability. Having achieved accreditation for People Standards (IIP) in 2014, the group operates with professionalism and excellence, with over 30 years of healthcare in Sussex, offering a range of quality person-centred services.

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

01403 217 338 enquiries@sussexhealthcare.co.uk

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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.

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

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31/05/2016 26/05/2016 12:25 13:35

INVICTUS GAMES

INVICTUS GAMES

ORLANDO 2016

By Mark Davidson

T

wo years ago, the inaugural Invictus Games took place at the Lee Valley sports centre, Edmonton. Partly the brainchild of Prince Harry, they were seen as a great success and they gained global recognition. As a result, they again took place over five days in the U.S.A. between the 8-12 May this year. The games were held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida with almost 500 ex-servicemen and women from around the world coming together to participate in a number of different sports, ranging from cycling to athletics.

THE INVICTUS GAMES WERE A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR RIO TO MEET OTHER DISABLED ATHLETES, SEEING ALL THESE INCREDIBLE AMPUTEES ACHIEVING THEIR GOALS There was plenty of success for the British competitors with many of them bringing home medals. Andy McErlean, who served in the British army between 1988 and 1991, competed successfully in both the wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball. When asked what it was like to get presented with his medals on the podium in front of the capacity crowds he

replied: “The support and fantastic enthusiasm shown by the spectators was amazing”. His fondest memory he admits, “along with my partner Al Krol, was winning the first Invictus gold for tennis”.

Following his success at the games he does plan on competing in future competitions: “I’m competing at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Salt Lake City at the end of June”. Andy went on to say that he would like to compete in another Invictus Games or even in future Paralympics. With the opportunity to expand the number of events in future, due to its ever growing popularity, Andy said that he would like to see table tennis at the next games. We will have to watch this space to see what the next games will hold in store for our talented ex-servicemen and women.

It not only attracted those who currently compete but possible stars of the future.

Rio Woolf from Bushey in Hertfordshire has had his life transformed by Paralympic sport. His mum, Juliette talked about his situation:

The UK team brought home 131 medals in total, with athletes succeeding in the pool, on the track and in team sports.

Images courtesy of ©Invictus Games 2016

“Rio was so inspired by the inaugural event in September 2014 where he first met Prince Harry. We wanted to keep that special momentum and amazing energy going by taking him to the second one in Orlando. A friend, who got chatting to Prince Harry at an event in London a few months ago, told us that Harry said he  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 59

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INVICTUS GAMES

108 14

ATHLETES MADE UP THE UK TEAM

NATIONS TOOK PART

[Clockwise] Rio meeting Prince Harry again, hanging out with Ade Adepitan and UK Wheelchair Basketball Team captain, Simon Gibbs

really wanted Rio to go to Orlando and asked if we could request permission from Rio’s school for the time off. We knew we had to make it happen! It was a dream come true to be reunited with Prince Harry after the medal ceremony at the Powerlifting final, where we saw Team GB’s Micky Yule win the gold medal. Harry was so kind with Rio, taking the time to ask him all about his stunning new blade socket which is in the design of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Torch. Prince Harry asked if he’d been at the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony the night before, before pulling him in for the biggest bear hug which just melted my heart!

“The Invictus Games were a fantastic opportunity for Rio to meet other disabled athletes, seeing all these incredible amputees achieving their goals. It empowers him to pursue his own Paralympic dreams and really raises his self-esteem. Rio loved watching all the different sports - powerlifting, cycling, track

and field, swimming, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball. The captain of the UK Wheelchair Basketball Team, Simon Gibbs and Ade Adepitan who was co-presenting with Gabby Logan for the BBC coverage, are fellow London Titans club members where Rio trains every Saturday.

Rio was thrilled to meet a few of his Invictus Heroes at the Games - David Wiseman, the Team GB Captain, along with Mike Goody, Paul Vice and JJ Chalmers.

“We were completely overwhelmed by all the incredible support Rio has received, not only from his Invictus heroes but from friends, family and people around the world who have sent such wonderful messages of encouragement. It was amazing how his ‘Harry Hug’ went viral! Now Rio is counting down to the Rio 2016 Paralympics where he is looking forward to seeing some of the Invictus athletes compete and he’s already looking forward to the third Invictus Games which will take place in Toronto in September 2017”.

836 VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED

13

SUPPORT DOGS INVOLVED

55,886 SPECTATORS

485 COMPETITORS

131 MEDALS WON BY THE UK TEAM:

49 46 36

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

[Above] Andy McErlean and Alex Krol won the first wheelchair tennis Invictus gold

medal for the UK team. Image ©Roger Keller - Help for Heroes

60 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/05/2016 27/05/2016 12:25 13:53

TOP 10

DISABILITY FILMS

PosAbility Magazine has compiled a short list of all the films that look at the subject of disability. With great storylines and fantastic actors, these films portray disabilities in a way that people can understand that once didn’t and others can relate to.

THE SESSIONS The heart-warming and true story of Mark O’Brien is a unique and uplifting view from a passionate and witty man living in an iron lung after fending off polio at a young age. He struggles to find his place in the world of sex and relationships. After many humorous exchanges between himself and his priest, deeply religious Mark, obtains his permission to engage in six ‘sessions’ with a sex surrogate to explore a world of pleasure, intimacy and, ultimately, love.

MARGARITA WITH A STRAW A truly poetic, coming-of-age story for the world of international film. Praised by critics and movie lovers alike. A sassy and rebellious young woman, Laila, faces

not only the challenges that her cerebral palsy creates, but the challenges of growing up, falling in love and leaving home. By accepting a place to study in New York, she leaves her parents and old life behind in India to find a future and to find herself.

RORY O’SHEA WAS HERE Rory O’Shea is a mischievous Irishman whose cerebral palsy isn’t enough to keep him down, causing trouble and joking around. He makes a friend in sheltered Michael. Rory challenges him to push his limits and his comfort zone. A love triangle ensues

after the pair move out on their own with their personal assistant, Siobahn. A refreshing film of friendship and humour, guaranteed to make you laugh.

THE VILLAGE The Village is set in a small community in a clearing of a forest in the 19th century. The villagers live in fear of leaving the clearing because of dangerous creatures living in the surrounding woods.

The inhabitants live a peaceful and simple life. Ivy, is the blind daughter of the chief elder. When her fiancé, Lucius, is attacked by her friend, Noah, who has a learning disability, she appeals to the council to let her venture into the creatures’ domain to travel to the nearest town to get medical supplies to save Lucius’s life.

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MOVIES

THE NOTEBOOK Based on the best-selling novel

by Nicholas Sparks, the timeless story begins with an older man, Duke, in a nursing home reading the beautiful story of Noah and Allie to a fellow resident, an older lady who has dementia.

As the story evolves, you see the effects that the degenerative illness has on the person and their family. A very relatable film.

FORREST GUMP Arguably the most well-known film on this list. Forrest, who has an unspecified learning disability, has unwittingly found himself present at all of the USA’s most defining moments in recent history.

He also finds an unlikely friend in his Vietnam commanding officer, Lt Dan, who battles depression after having both legs amputated after an ambush.

Finally, he reunites with his one true love, Jenny.

A much-loved family favourite that keeps getting better with age.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK After a period in a mental health hospital, Pat is ready to try and start again and deal with his mental illness with the help of his loving parents. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Tiffany, who is going through a very similar situation.

The two form an unorthodox friendship.

Silver Linings Playbook tackles the hard job of depicting the varied world of mental illness. The award-winning film does so with humour, warmth and an underlying seriousness, which people can relate to.

A BEAUTIFUL MIND Russell Crowe’s very candid performance as real life mathematician and Nobel Prize winner, John Nash, was highly critically-acclaimed.

John Nash was the star of Princeton in the late 1940s. It wasn’t until a short stint as a cryptographer for the US Government, he began to feel bored with his mundane teaching position.

He then meets a government agent that charges him with finding clues in newspapers and magazines to thwart a Soviet attack. The film explores mental health from the point of view of the protagonist whilst showing the effects on loved ones.

THE KING’S SPEECH The well-known monarch, King George VI, the current Queen’s father, famously had a speech impediment. However, he was a decorated naval officer with a supportive wife and children. It wasn’t until the shock abdication of his charming older brother did his speech become a major issue.

With his sudden royal promotion and a frightened Britain plunging into war, the new King employs the help of a speech therapist to guide him through a very daunting and stressful time for his speech and well-being.

ARE YOU THE TYPE OF PERSON WHO EATS ALL THE POPCORN WHILE THE TRAILERS ARE STILL ON?

MY NAME IS KHAN This heart-wrenching and very topical Bollywood film centres on Rizwan Khan who has Asperger’s Syndrome. The Muslim man lives a quiet life in San Francisco with his wife and stepson surrounded by friends in his new adopted community after moving from Mumbai.

The peace and happiness ends when the September 11 attacks take place in New York. The family are soon subject to a host of racially motivated backlash. Khan takes the opportunity to fix it the best way he thinks, he must tell the President faceto-face that he is not a terrorist. The honesty and innocence of the film is refreshing and takes a very mature view of a learning disability.

LOOK OUT FOR THESE TWO NEW FILMS COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU:

ME BEFORE YOU Sam Caflin plays the role of a young banker, Will Traynor. The wealthy protagonist employs the aid of a quirky carer, Lou, played by Emilia Clarke. Will is bitter and depressed from the accident two years previously that left him paralysed. His outlook begins to change for the better when optimistic and cheerful Lou shows him that life isn’t over. In cinemas now.

LOST DOG The film is seeking crowdfunding to commence filming in September this year.

The director, Andrew Tiernan, aims to out and turn around the hate and misunderstanding that people living with disabilities face on a daily basis.

Do you have any other films you think need a mention?

Email lisa@2apublishing.co.uk with your film choices and tell us what you think makes it a top film at addressing disability.

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KIDS

THE

Kids’ CORNER

It is that time of year when many parents are preparing, both physically and mentally, to let their little birds fly the nest as they start school.

Whether this be joining a mainstream or specialist school, it can be a tense time for all involved as your child takes those first steps of independence into education.

As a parent it is only natural to worry. Have you chosen the right school? Will your child thrive there? Will they make friends? All of these questions and worries will no doubt plague the first few weeks or months as your child settles into their new educational setting. But do not fear, your little ones will settle in and they will thrive and become more independent, but if they are struggling, feel safe in the knowledge that the support team that your child will have, will do everything to ensure they are receiving the correct support and interventions and if your schooling situation needs to change to ensure your child is happy, don’t be afraid to do that.

We speak to Hayley Goleniowska, mum to nine-year-old Natty who has Down’s syndrome, about their experience of starting school and Hayley has put together a useful guide with some handy tips for parents.

We also hear from Laura Rutherford as she campaigns for more accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities to be installed throughout the country. Our product focus this issue is themed around starting school so take a look at the items that could help your child get ready for their first day. 

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SCHOOL

The uniform is neatly pressed, the new pencil case is fully stocked, little shoes are polished and waiting by the door, all waiting for those first snaps that will follow them about forever in photo albums passed down through the generations.

g n i t r a St

S SCHOOL

N

othing can really prepare a parent for the emotional rollercoaster that is sending their child off through the school gates for the first time, the prime sign that your baby isn’t a baby anymore and is one more step to becoming a grown, independent individual.

Arguably, these feelings are magnified for the parent of a disabled child. A child that has solely depended on you is now starting a new phase of their life and they will have to depend on the help of others. You and your child need to be ready for this massive change.

Is your child going to attend a mainstream or specialist school? Have you contacted everyone that is necessary? What about if there is an emergency?

Starting school is a big step for you and your child. For many children and parents it is an exciting time. However, if your child has special educational needs (SEN) you may have particular worries about how they will cope with the new environment and what kind of support they will get, particularly in the early weeks as they settle in. Here, Contact a Family’s education adviser Jill Davies, shares five top tips for starting school:

1. GET TO KNOW KEY STAFF It’s important to build a good relationship from the beginning with your child’s class teacher. Every mainstream school has a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) who is responsible for organising extra help for pupils with SEN. The SENCO works with the class teachers and subject teachers to plan the help each child needs.

If your child is in a mainstream school, find out who your school’s SENCO is (learning support teacher in Scotland). Make an appointment to see them if you have worries about your child’s progress.

Most children with SEN go to a mainstream school and the school must tell you if they are giving your child this extra help. It should work with you and your child to plan their support and regularly check how your child is progressing.

2. SHARE INFORMATION The school should encourage you to talk about any worries you have, particularly in the first few days and weeks. You are an expert on your child and you will have useful information to share with the school.

For example, what upsets your child and what works best to help them calm down?

Also, make sure the school has any other information such as reports from professional assessments or information about your child’s medical condition.

3. DEAL WITH PROBLEMS QUICKLY

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SCHOOL

MANY SCHOOLS USE A HOME/SCHOOL LINK BOOK SO THAT PARENTS AND TEACHERS CAN COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER ABOUT DAILY MATTERS

speak to your child’s teacher as soon as you can. Many problems can be dealt with quickly and informally by speaking to the teacher face-to-face when you pick up your child. However, if the problem is a bigger one it might be better to ask for a longer appointment. Before the meeting: • Make a list of any questions or concerns you have • Collect any information that you think will help, such as a medical report if your child has had a recent diagnosis, examples of school work or test results, your own notes about your child’s mood and behaviour at home • Look at the school’s information about the support they provide for SEN, this should be on their website

It is a good idea to make sure that at the end of the meeting, you and the school agree what will happen next. Ask for this to be put in writing.

During the meeting, you may want to ask: • Does the school have any concerns about my child’s progress?

• What extra help are they getting?

• How is the school keeping track of my child’s progress?

• Has the school referred my child to other support services?

• What will the next stage be if my child needs more help?

• How can I work with you to help my child?

Your own observations are important - for example you might notice changes in your child’s behaviour after a difficult day at school. If you have a meeting, note the date and any action you or the school have agreed to take. Many schools use a home/ school link book so that parents and teachers can communicate with each other about daily matters.

4. BE REALISTIC Whilst staff will welcome your views on your child, teachers have other children in their class and SENCOs are often teaching their own classes too. Bear with them if they don’t have time to sort out your problem straight away. As well as sharing concerns, remember to give praise where things are going well.

5. WRITE THINGS DOWN

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SCHOOL

Hayley Goleniowska, founder of Down Side Up and mother to 12-year-old Mia and nine-year-old Natty, who has Down’s syndrome, told PosAbility about her experience of Natty starting school.

Natty’s story

On day one, she headed straight for the dinosaur-infested sand pit, holding her TA’s (teaching assistant) hand and beaming from ear to ear. She didn’t notice her peg, complete with fairy and the word Natty in easy read font. Neither did she turn around to see my face crumple into tears as I signed ‘proud’ in her direction.

Natty took the enormous milestone of starting in Reception class in her stride. Our hearts were filled with pride. Pride that every parent feels, seeing their little one wearing a uniform for the first time.

But also pride that our little girl had got this far. I’m not afraid to admit that there had been moments, such as, during heart surgery, when we weren’t sure she would survive to school age. We certainly didn’t take anything for granted.

Alongside the pride was worry niggling in our minds too.

Was mainstream school the right place for our daughter who has Down’s syndrome? Would she escape? Would other children bully her? Would she be knocked flying because she was so much smaller than the others? Would she pick up a series of viruses that would send us running to A&E? However, we’d been working with Natty’s professional team and pre-school workers for a couple of terms to help her glide, swan-like, into education. It had often been an exhausting process of meetings and report-writing, but it had all been worth it. We chose to flexi-school in the early days, educating Natty from home on a Wednesday to allow her to have a quieter day doing life skills and further embedding what was being learned at school. This worked well as she tired easily.

TIPS FOR A POSITIVE START TO SCHOOL

• Carefully consider the right type of school to suit your child’s physical and educational needs. Mainstream or special school, flexi-schooling or home education can all work well.

• Develop strong relationships and mutual respect with

your child’s professional teams. Work together with the SENCO, educational psychologists, physiotherapists and teaching staff to communicate your child’s needs. Don’t be afraid to voice any concerns early on and listen to their advice.

• Make sure you have a statement in place well ahead of time.

• Work out an Intimate Care plan if your child has toileting issues and have this in place before term starts. Buy plenty of spare uniform which can be changed frequently. Consider stocking up from the second hand rail.

• Invest time in the transition process. Make a photo book of the school and staff to prepare your child. Role play, dress up in the new uniform and make sure your child visits their new classroom several times ahead of term.

• Buy storybooks about starting school.

• Ease your child into school with a part-time timetable if necessary, gradually building up their hours as they gain stamina.

• Enjoy your child’s early years. It is often easy to work overtime on therapies and extra school tasks, feeling that you are under the microscope as an SEN parent. Take time out to have fun together. Your child is not a project.

Five years on I see just how far we have come. Natty loves every minute of her school days, is popular and her classmates have learned as much from her as she has benefited from being around them.

She is confident, happy and growingly independent in her little school and I no longer worry about the tiniest of things. Our attitude is that we take one year at a time and when Natty’s needs change, we will look at a different solution. We will take her lead and I think perhaps that special school will suit her best at secondary age. Her happiness and an ability to live as full and independent a life as possible, while being an active member of our community is what counts at the end of the day.

Don’t let your little one starting school be a worry. Digest the advice and take positive steps towards a successful first day that will give them the tools to step into the big, wide world confident and unafraid.

You can read more experiences and stories from Hayley at www.downssideup.com.

If you have any questions about your child starting school this year please call Contact a Family’s free helpline on 0808 808 3555 and talk to one of their education advisers or visit www.cafamily.org.uk.

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31/05/2016 12:26

CAMPAIGN

‘The disabled population is the world’s largest minority of which anyone can become part of at any time.’ I love this quote. It’s so perfectly truthful – yet the majority of society lives in blissful ignorance to the everyday necessities that the disabled community - one in five of us - struggle to find.

SPACE TO CHANGE

By Laura Rutherford

As

a mum to a four-yearold disabled child, one problem we now face is finding appropriate toilet changing facilities – a Changing Places or Space to Change toilet to be specific. There are thousands of people that require bigger changing tables/benches, hoists and more space for equipment and a parent/carer to help them.

If you’re on social media, you’ll no doubt have seen SEN parents and carers posting some shocking photos of disabled children and young adults lying on toilet floors getting changed. This is of course to try and make the world aware that there is a need for these facilities. What’s particularly sad about this is the fact that we have to campaign. That we have to post humiliating photos of our children to try and raise awareness of this, I feel, obvious, problem. It’s insulting to say the least.

Half a million people in the UK need these changing places, yet there are only 833.

My beautiful son, Brody, no longer fits on a baby changing table and is unable to use a toilet. This leaves us with struggling to change him standing up, laying him on a toilet floor – where there are over 77,000 germs - using the car boot or leaving where we are to rush home. This breaks my heart as a parent.

We sadly live in a world where some outpatients have to medicate themselves before attending hospital appointments so that they don’t require going to the toilet.

People attending a place of which the sole purpose is to provide health care - yet they are unable to do something as basic as go to the toilet.

Ignorance isn’t bliss for many of us.

Ignorance means that we are forced to do things that no parents or carers should have to do.

Next time you go to the toilet when you’re out, please imagine lying on the floor. Then imagine laying the most precious person to you – your child – on it.

Please help by raising awareness of Changing Places and Space to Change. It would make such a big difference to so many people. It might not affect you, but life isn’t predictable and one day it might.

This petition bit.ly/toilets4all by Lorna Fillingham asks David Cameron to ensure equality of access to disabled toilets for all by making the provision of Changing Places toilets mandatory in the buildings mentioned in BS 8300:2009.

Please sign and share it.

If you’re in a position to do something about this (eg. a Facilities or Estates Manager) then please take action. If you are a parent in my shoes, visit the Changing Places and Space To Change websites. Send the information to local places of interest. Tell them why we need this. Raise awareness. Together, maybe we can all make a difference.

www.changing-places.org

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28/05/2016 22:48

Kids’ PRODUCTS Move N Sit Cushion

Zuma Rocker

The Zuma Rocker offers the movement students need to stay alert and pay attention in classroom, in a safe and nondisruptive way. All can benefit from the calming and organizing motion of the Zuma Rocker, however children who have specific sensory needs may show an especially positive response.

The Zuma Rocker was designed in conjunction with leading therapist; Zoe Mailloux, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA who is internationally recognised for her expertise in Sensory Integration. One of its key features is to provide movement experiences to improve on-task behaviour and promote healthy movement because; sitting still is not the same as paying attention. The Zuma Rocker is available from Southpaw in two colours, Apple and Blueberry and comes with the option of being specified with arms for those that might need the extra lateral support.

The Junior-sized Move N Sit Cushion is intended for use as an aid to a comfortable and secure posture. It is particularly helpful for kids who tend to slump in their chairs due to poor awareness or low muscle tone in their trunks. The cushion is wedge shaped and is easily inflated by mouth or pump and as such, is adjustable to meet individual needs and the desired firmness. The Wedge also deflates easily for compact storage.

Complete Care Shop 01772 675040 sales@completecareshop.co.uk www.completecareshop.co.uk/movensit

Flexzi

Flexzi is a funky, flexible gadget holder from MERU Flexzi is an adjustable support system for items like buddy buttons, iPads, mobile phones, remote controls and sat-navs. Different Flexzis are available with single, double or triple flexible plastic segments that allow perfect positioning of devices. They come with different stability options,

Prices from

£19.99 inc VAT

including a table-top stand, a lightweight eco-clamp or a heavy duty clamp that’s ideal for use with smartphones, cameras or satnavs on off-road wheelchairs.

Meru 01372 725 203 info@meru.org.uk www.meru.org.uk

Prices from

£38.00

Southpaw 0115 718 0020 sales@southpaw.co.uk wwww.southpaw.com Prices from

£112

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28/05/2016 22:32

KIDS Prices on ble availa uest req

Leggero™ Buggy

The Leggero™ range of buggies, available in three different models, TRAK™, DYNO™, and REACH™, have been designed to provide varying degrees of postural support while facilitating functional activities. One of the most important benefits of Leggero™ Buggies is that they are designed to fit the child precisely. They allow for seat depth, hip angle, and seat to back angle adjustments to suit children of different shapes and sizes. It is easy to adjust the height of arm and foot supports to accommodate for growing children and postural deformities. They are available with comfortable seat and back cushions, head supports, and a detachable canopy hood to protect the child from the sun’s rays. Leggero™ Buggies are lightweight to handle, and fold compactly making them convenient to move around, and transport in the boot of a car. They come with height adjustable push handles to accommodate for tall or short parents and carers to help them push the buggy without straining their backs.

BES Rehab 0117 9666761 www.besrehab.net

OOGI

PosAbility favourite, OOGI, has a new horde of pals to add to the Oogi zoo. The new Oogi Glow, Bongo and Pilla offer a fun addition to the collection. These colourful and versatile toys are made from super soft elasticated silicone, with arms, legs and heads made of suckers, meaning Oogi can be positioned in endlessly different ways. All of the Moluk toys can be used in conjunction with one another to encourage creativity and build fine motor skills, while children can stand, hang, stretch, bridge or swing their Oogi.

Toyella 0800 542 6857 sales@toyella.com www.toyella.com

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Prices

£19.f9rom 9

28/05/2016 22:33

DO YOU HAVE SPEECH OR MOVEMENT PROBLEMS? WOULD YOUR LIFE BE IMPROVED BY THE PROVISION OF A COMMUNICATION AID TO HELP YOU LEAD A MORE INDEPENDENT LIFE? Then perhaps The Sequal Trust can help

We operate throughout the UK, fundraising to provide speech aids for disabled people of all ages.

3 Ploughman’s Corner, Wharf Road, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 0EJ Sy12 0EJ Tel: 01691 624222 Sequal aims to provide speech aids to those people who cannot afford to purchase such very vital equipment, to allow them to lead more independent lives and especially when statutory bodies are unable to help.

15 & 16

JUNE

ExCeL

LONDON

THE UK’S LEADING EVENT FOR NEURO REHAB PROFESSIONALS

Kidz to Adultz Wales Thursday 7th July 2016 House of Sport, Cardiff 9.30am – 4.30pm A FREE event for children & young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and the professionals who support them .

Children Welcome  Free Entry  Free Parking

FR ATTEEE TO ND 60 INNOVATIVE SUPPLIERS

1,500 VISITORS

LEADING EXPERT SPEAKERS

INTERACTIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

LIVE DEBATES

NEW TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENTS

RUNNINGALONGSIDE PERFORMANCE

EXPO

ELITE SPORTS

2016

ELITE SPORTS

Practice Growth 2016

Register for your FREE TICKETS at www.neurorehabexpo.co.uk @NeuroRehabExpo

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#Neuro16

Over 100 Exhibitors providing Information on: ●Funding ●Seating ●Beds ●Mobility ●Bathing ●Sensory ●Accessible Vehicles ●Transition ●Education ● The Social Services & Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 ●The Care Act ●Communication ●Wellbeing ●Sports/Leisure and more...

For Visitors Free Entry Tickets or more information:

0161 607 8200 info@disabledliving.co.uk www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

Dates For Your Diary • Kidz to Adultz South 9th June 2016 Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading

• Kidz to Adultz Scotland 15th September 2016 Royal Highland Exhibition Centre, Edinburgh

• Kidz to Adultz up North 17th November 2016 EventCity, Manchester

• Kidz to Adultz in the Middle 16th March 2017 Ricoh Arena, Coventry

Established in 1897, Disabled Living is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Registered Charity number 224742

31/05/2016 12:26

CHARITY

HELPING LITTLE STARS TO SHINE BRIGHTER

T

he Boparan Charitable Trust is a national children’s charity helping those with disabilities, life-limiting conditions or in extreme poverty. Although it is only small in size, it has a massive heart, having helped more than 51,000 children through its direct beneficiary grants and community awards over the last few years. Each November the charity hosts their annual ball, with big name stars like Jessie J, James Corden and Omid Djalili thrilling the audience.

Established in 2009, the charity prides itself in being one of the most efficient in the UK with less than 5% of every ÂŁ1 raised used for administration costs. Due to the unique way it is set up, every fully completed beneficiary application is reviewed and a decision made on it in 14 days. A specialist panel led by its families and applications Trustee, Baljinder Boparan, meets on a weekly basis to

review each and every one of them. If it is a special case, it is then referred to Head Trustee Antonio Boparan or Medical Trustee Professor Sir Keith Porter.

The vision of the Boparan Charitable Trust is to help children as quickly as possible, with a simple application form downloadable from their website.

Offering a wide spectrum of assistance for children and families, means it can be very different for their team on a day-to-day basis. From helping a powered wheelchair team in Dundee to a specialist therapy trike for a young girl in Devon.

To find out more visit www.theboparancharitabletrust.com

[Above] Caitlin at the Whole Child Therapy Centre

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[Above] Head Trustee with Beneficiary Jessica and her new therapy trike [Below] Raven with his powered wheelchair

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28/05/2016 18:07

INTERVIEW

IT'S TIME TO TEE OFF WITH FIVE-YEAR-OLD TOMMY MORRISSEY

“S

uccess in golf depends less on strength of body, more on strength of mind and character�. Arnold Palmer gave all would-be golfers wise words to live by.

Think on them before next arrogantly swaggering to the tee to watch the ball bow under sheer brute strength. A powerful swing is not the most important thing to emerge from the locker room with. A warm optimism for the game ahead. A game in the sport you love.

A certain five-year-old could teach the most proficient of golfers a lesson in humility of spirit. Tommy Morrissey, due to an in utero blood clot, was born with a partial right arm and is already driving his way into a potentially professional career, surpassing peers and expectations alike.

SWING FOR SUCCESS

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30/05/2016 11:35

INTERVIEW

Tommy has had the incredible fortune to either meet, hit balls or play golf with Bubba Watson, Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Rory McIllroy, Jordan Spieth, Ricky Fowler, Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas, Zach Johnson and Webb Simpson. These players and icons have taken time to meet and spend time with Tommy.

An absolute privilege and event that has given Tommy true inspiration.

One of Tommy’s greatest memories is Ricky Fowler grabbing Tommy out of the crowd at The PGA Championship and invited him to walk with his foursome on Practice Day that included Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson and Justin Thomas.

We spoke to Tommy’s dad, Joe Morrissey, who couldn’t be prouder of his son’s natural ability and outlook on the sport and of life.

“We watch golf every weekend as a family. At around 14 months old, while watching golf, he hopped off the couch and imitated the players on TV. My wife and I looked at each other and said 'that’s pretty good!'

GOLF HAS GIVEN TOMMY SELFCONFIDENCE, LEADERSHIP AND MATURITY THAT WILL BE A PART OF HIS ENTIRE LIFE

“He’s always been so eager to play. One night, when Tommy was around two-years-old, I walked into his room and found 10 of my clubs he had dragged into his crib.

“If he knew I was going to play golf without him, he would cry. Shortly after we found him with my clubs, I walked into his bedroom and found him watching my wife’s iPad. I asked him what he was doing and he coolly said ‘getting a golf lesson from Tiger Woods’.”

Joe explained that Tommy was born with a competitive fire that you just cannot teach.

He has a true passion for the game and winning. Tommy knows the game, swings and can answer trivia about past winners.

The game of golf has given Tommy selfconfidence, leadership and maturity that will be a part of his entire life. Joe and his wife owe the game a tremendous debt for instilling life skills in their son that he can rely on throughout his future.

He also loved Bubba Watson for having him and his parents in his home and playing golf with him at Isleworth.

Joe also said: “His game improves monthly.

It is amazing the differences I see in his game and ‘golf intelligence’. Bridgestone measured his ‘smash factor’ and found his ability to hit the ball in the centre of the club face uncanny. He has all-around game.

Recently, I see tremendous growth in his short game. Tommy devised, on his own, a method of chipping to stabilise the club and account for using one arm. He anchor’s ‘Nemo’, (nickname for his short arm) to the club and gains tremendous stability and club control.

“He says his favourite courses are The Bear’s Club (he has never played, I think he just likes the name) or Fairmont St. Andrews and he looks forward to many games at both.”

Tommy played several competitive events in the three to four age division and won every

tournament. One event, he shot three under over three holes. His biggest achievement to date is winning the North Florida Pee Wee Championship.

He wants to work on his short game and chipping. His long game is really good. He drives the ball consistently 85 yards but when he connects perfectly it is closer to over 100 yards, but it is always right down the middle.

Tommy uses Golphin equipment. Golphin is a UK based company focused on providing lightweight equipment for juniors. Golphin was a game changer for Tommy. The equipment is lightweight with an oversized club face. Tommy swings with one arm so club weight is critical and he had a difficult time finding the right equipment.

Once Joe found Golphin, Tommy was able to swing the club rather than the club swinging him. Last year, at four years old, Tommy was able to hit out of deep pot bunkers in St. Andrews.

Calum McPherson, the founder and CEO of Golphin said: “Tommy and his mum and dad, exemplify why learning golf is so life-enhancing. Regardless of circumstances, Tommy lives his dream every day, hitting golf balls, learning new things, having fun, spending quality time with his parents and building life skills. He is a phenomenal role model to all kids, demonstrating that with the correct mind set and with his infectious smile, you can be all you want to be."

Joe beamed with pride as he recanted Tommy’s very early taste of international fame. He said: “We are very proud of our time spent reaching out to people all around the world. Tommy’s videos have been viewed by over 30 million people around the world.

We have spoken with over 15,000 children, adults and veterans about being different and accepting different. We hope that we are giving back to society in our special way and helping others that have physical or mental differences. We encourage everyone to go out and be awesome!” www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 77

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30/05/2016 11:36

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ad_pages__posability_june_july.indd 29

31/05/2016 12:26

NIGHT LIFE YOU LAUGH WITH FRIENDS, TAKE A SELFIE AND ENJOY YOURSELF IN THE CAREFREE ENVIRONMENT OF A NIGHTCLUB.

LET’S DANCE

Y

ou enter the dark room, filled with people and bright flashing lights, dressed to impress with a vodka diet coke to hand for a bit of Dutch courage. You start to move, almost unwittingly, to the newest and best songs in the charts. You laugh with friends, take a selfie and enjoy yourself in the carefree environment of a nightclub.

A safe and secure place that is full of new, potential friends who you can relate to and possibly start a lifelong bond with.

Two clubs in England run specific club nights for people with learning disabilities to enjoy a taste of freedom and independence that some of us take for granted.

Organised by Shani Reid in partnership with Eclipse night club in Essex, she

arranges for disabled adults to come dance, drink and be merry. Shani has worked in the field of social care for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting people to have the same opportunities as everyone else, including a social life that does not revolve around the staff rota and bowling.

Shani said: “Vibrance, the charity I worked for, was celebrating 25 years and I wanted to plan a night that brought service users, families and staff together. Many parties for people with learning disabilities revolve around church halls that finish at 9pm and I wanted something more for the people we support. A real good night out that made them feel included and special. I approached Eclipse night club in Brentwood, Essex, where I live and they embraced the idea.

“The first club night was held in October 2014, called ‘The Only Way Is Vibrance’, since then we have changed the name from Vibrance to Right2Party and have held eight nights, including Valentine’s,  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 79

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NIGHT LIFE

Halloween, Christmas and our most popular UV glow!

“The response was overwhelmingly positive, hence the club night continuing.

Eclipse night club pay for the whole event and I promote it for them, relying on the good support of other organisations and social media.

“We regularly ask our clubbers for feedback and ideas. We make some adjustments to nights to ensure that it enables everyone to come, for example no strobe lights for people who have epilepsy, no balloons as people can have allergies, other than that it is a real clubbing experience.

“The attendees love the club night, the build-up too. Getting something new to wear, nails done etc. just like any other person going out for the night. So many people with a learning disability don’t have the freedom to a social life as they are constrained by staffing issues and rotas, Right2Party challenges people and the support providers to deliver their services in a more personcentred way.

“These nights give people the chance to develop friendships, boost selfesteem, improve

well-being, skills in making and maintaining friends and gives people the chance to live an ordinary life.

“We will continue to run the club nights, our aim is have enough people interested that we can run them once a month rather than quarterly. The ultimate goal is that society will accept that people are different and everyone will be clubbing together!”

Travel about two hours southwest and you’ll reach Woking, where another club night is held by charity, LinkAble. LinkAble is a Woking and Camberley-based charity serving those with learning disabilities in the local community. Since 1989, their mission has been to enable those with learning disabilities to develop their potential and enjoy socially inclusive fulfilled lives.

Their club night, Mayhem, is a hugely popular club night for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

It has been running for over 10 years and provides a fun chance for adults with learning disabilities to enjoy a great night out in a safe environment otherwise unavailable to them. Mayhem runs five times a year with an average of 250-300 people attending on each occasion. It takes place on Friday evenings at Quake Nightclub in Woking with this year’s remaining nights on 15 July, 21 October and 9 December. It has an incredible following, drawing people from throughout the surrounding area but also attracts those from further afield, with groups even travelling over together from as far away as Kent. Each evening follows a theme, depending on the time of year and LinkAble staff add in various elements to the evening accordingly, from Easter Egg hunts to Halloween dressing up competitions and Christmas quizzes. Fancy dress is entirely optional, but always well and truly encouraged.

LinkAble’s Services Manager, Lesley Melling, runs Mayhem and her enthusiasm for the evenings is clear: “Mayhem is a place where everyone can be themselves, dancing along to their favourite tunes, meeting old and new friends and for some the chance to have a drink or two! Not only does everyone at Mayhem have a great time for a bargain £5, but there is also an element of equality and independence, with a chance to practice money skills, social interaction, travel training and dressing to impress. Each night is hosted by an amazing group of loyal volunteers who range from office staff to trustees, service users, sessional staff and parents. It is a great night for the whole team and they always leave with massive smiles on their faces and a slice of thank you pizza inside them!”

So, get those stilettos on, straighten that tie and prepare for a night to remember.

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28/05/2016 23:16

York – Equipped to be Accessible For All BE INDEPENDENT, York’s provider of equipment and response service is working with hoteliers and self-catering and B&B owners in York to make the city more accessible for visitors.

Be Independent supplies bespoke packages of equipment to accommodation providers in the city. This enables people with personal equipment needs to enjoy a short-break knowing their equipment needs will be met; reducing the anxieties of staying away from home. The scheme works by guests pre-ordering their equipment so it is installed for their arrival at their accommodation.

Heather Barden, Be Independent’s Chief Executive said: “This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy a short-break in York safe in the knowledge the equipment they rely on at home will be installed in their accommodation for their arrival.

“None of our equipment requires drilling or screwing to the walls or furniture so can be installed and removed without any marks or damage to the property. This means that we are able to make any accommodation suitable for people with equipment needs.

“We look forward to welcoming more people to York to enjoy our beautiful city.”

5 Masterbrand logo scale

Be Independent can provide a range of equipment including: raised toilet seats, toilet frames, perching stools, shower boards, mobile hoists, Easy Fit bed rails, wheelchairs etc.

For more information please contact Be Independent on 01904 645000 or ask when booking your break in York about Be Independent’s Accessible Accommodation scheme.

Small size: 40mm This is the smallest size that the logo can go to, if it is made any smaller it will become difficult to read.

Promoting Lifelong Independence BE INDEPENDENT, York’s provider of equipment and response service can now supply bespoke packages equipment to hotels and providers of holiday accommodation in Standard size: of 65mm the city.

This is the general logo size that should be used across Our ambition is to work with tourism partners to make York an accessible destination for most of your communications. people with personal equipment needs. We hope that by ensuring specialist equipment is available it will mean more visitors can be comfortable and safe during their stay.

Be Independent provides short term packages of equipment to meet individual’s needs to help promote independence and safety. We can also supply monitored equipment that will alert our call centre if an incident requiring a response has occurred.

Be Independent wants to help make it possible for more people to stay in York and spend time in this amazing city.

Large size: 240mm For larger scale formats use this size. The logo scales up to amore large size well, so if you have to increase it conFor information please call us on 01904 65000 or visit beindependent.org.uk siderably, it should not be a problem.

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31/05/2016 10:58

MENTAL HEALTH

WHAT IF…?

I

By Rosalind Tulloch

recently had the sad misfortune of attending the funeral of the brother of close friends of ours. He had tragically taken his own life.

Joe (not his real name) was only 37, he had a very successful career, a close family who loved him dearly and friends in abundance. This was confirmed by the incredible attendance of hundreds of people, from all walks of life, who filled the beautiful church in the centre of Edinburgh.

His brother’s moving eulogy captured Joe’s infectious personality, his endless list of talents and the love he had for family, friends, DIY projects and horses. In the most difficult speech that he would ever have to make, he not only did his brother’s memory justice but also used this opportunity to raise awareness of mental health problems.

As someone who has not experienced a mental health problem, I found myself wondering how a person, who was clearly loved by so many people, could find himself in a place so dark that he felt the world would be better off without him. If he had opened up and seeked help would his life have taken a different path? Would he still be with us? Would his family still be holding him in their arms instead of laying their little boy to rest far too soon?

Unfortunately, these questions are ones that will forever remain unanswered.

It is clear that mental illness does not discriminate. It doesn’t care what your age is, what your ability is, what colour your

skin is or what your income is. It can strike at any time and can take on many forms, from eating disorders to anxiety and panic attacks to obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD). Whatever form it takes, if you are experiencing any mental health problems I urge you to open up to someone, whether that be a close friend, family member or by talking to a health professional. Pick up the phone and call a helpline, it can sometimes be easier to open up to a stranger about the feelings you are experiencing.

Your life matters and so do your problems.

Don’t shy away from seeking help, it doesn’t make you weak. Starting a conversation about your mental health could provide the outlet you need to find your road to recovery.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK This year, Mental Health Awareness Week took place on 16-22 May and had a focus on relationships.

We spoke to Time to Change, the anti-stigma campaign run by the leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to find out more.

Would you say most people are scared to talk about their mental health problems – even to those closest to them?

We know that stigma and the fear of being judged can prevent many of us from speaking about, or even seeking help for, our mental health. In fact, a survey from our Time to Talk Day campaign in 2015 showed that nearly 60% of people with a

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31/05/2016 15:24

1 IN 4

PEOPLE WILL EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM IN ANY GIVEN YEAR

mental health problem are waiting over a year to tell the people closest to them about it. Additionally, nearly three in four young people fear the reactions of friends when they talk about their mental health problems.

We want to highlight that talking about mental health doesn’t need to be difficult or scary, and the more we’re open about mental health, the closer we get to breaking down stigma and discrimination.

How much can talking about a mental health problem help?

Talking about mental health can make a huge difference. We know that 60% of people surveyed earlier this year said they felt better once

MENTAL HEALTH

90% they did start to talk about their mental health problems, saying they felt relieved and like a weight had been lifted. However, you should never feel under pressure to tell people that you have a mental health problem if you don’t want to.

The Time to Change campaign hosts a day each year to encourage more open conversations about mental health called Time to Talk Day. By coming together on one day we can help to break the silence that surrounds the issue. The next Time to Talk Day will be held on Thursday 2 February 2017 and you can visit the Time to Change website for more information.

Why are positive relationships so important to people’s mental health?

Even though one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year, nine in 10 tell us that the stigma they face from family members, friends and colleagues can be even worse than the illness itself.

Often the stigma leaves people afraid to speak out and therefore lonely and isolated. Having someone to lean on for support can make the world of difference and there are

OF PEOPLE WHO DIE THROUGH SUICIDE IN THE UK ARE EXPERIENCING MENTAL DISTRESS

lots of simple, everyday ways you can support a friend or relative – like being there to listen, keeping in touch and reminding the other person that you care.

You don’t need to be an expert to talk to someone with a mental health problem. And it’s often the small things you do and say that can make a big difference to someone – like asking ‘How are you?’ or dropping them a text to say hello.

How can people with a mental health problem ensure they develop good relationships?

Good relationships are essential to maintaining good mental health.

Having a mental health problem can be hard enough and the stigma and discrimination that people face often makes things worse. We want everyone to feel able to talk about mental health and for it to be everyday and ordinary. Sometimes people will find it hard to open up out of fear of being treated differently so it’s important that the people around them feel equipped and ready to start the conversation – often by just simply asking ‘how are you doing?’.

More tips on starting a conversation can be found on the Time to Change website www.time-to-change.org.uk. 

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28/05/2016 22:53

MENTAL HEALTH

DANIELLE’S EXPERIENCE

Since then, Danielle has made several attempts on her own life. Medication and sessions with a therapist have helped, but she’s aware she has her ups and downs. In addition to depression, Danielle has also experienced symptoms consistent with bulimia and had problems with body image.

I WAS WORRIED THAT TALKING IN DETAIL ABOUT SUICIDE WOULD MAKE THEM FEEL AWKWARD AND CAUSE TENSION, BUT IT WASN’T LIKE THAT AT ALL

Danielle has faced stigma from her friends: “I was called an attention seeker by my ‘best friend’ and she told my family that I said I was depressed and suicidal for attention.

I was also called a lunatic by my (now ex) partner’s father for taking an overdose.

It made me feel isolated and alone and made the problem worse; my anxiety shot through the roof as I became paranoid that

Despite these negative experiences Danielle has had some really positive conversations with other friends. “I was on holiday with friends last year. Although they were all aware of what had happened, we spent an hour or two one morning talking about mental health, and they asked if I would mind sharing what had happened and what had helped. I went into quite a lot of detail about this, and they were genuinely interested and wanting to find out more about what helped. I was worried that talking in detail about suicide would make them feel awkward and cause tension, but it wasn’t like that at all. It was like a huge weight off my shoulders.”

“I also have a friend who I don’t get to see that often due to location, but she is my most trusted and closest friend. She texts me out of the blue sometimes just asking how I am, and I know this is genuine when she does so. I often feel alone and that I have no friends, but when she does that it just feels really nice to know that someone is thinking of me.”

Danielle is now a trainee mental health therapist and writes articles and a blog to try and reach out to people and raise awareness of mental health problems.

You can read Danielle’s blog at thementalhealthtaboo.wordpress.com.

Starting a conversation can be a difficult step for someone who is struggling with a mental health problem. So, if you are worried about someone close to you or someone you work with, make sure you do what you can to start a conversation or 

90%

OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS EXPERIENCE SOME FORM OF STIGMA

WE PROBABLY ALL WORK WITH SOMEONE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM

75%

RLY

“I spent a few days in hospital, telling everybody it was just an impulse decision that meant nothing. Looking back, I now realise I was lying to myself as well as everybody else – I had totally lost control of my mind.”

people would think I was an attention seeker or a lunatic.”

NE A

Danielle Loughlin was diagnosed with depression around four years ago but she feels her problem started long before this. At her worst, she was hospitalised after she attempted to take her own life. Even at this stage, Danielle says she found it hard to admit she had a mental health problem.

OF YOUNG PEOPLE FEAR THE REACTIONS OF FRIENDS WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

ABOUT

2/3

OF PEOPLE ATTRIBUTE LONG WORK HOURS, UNREALISTIC WORKLOADS OR BAD MANAGEMENT TO HAVE CAUSED OR EXACERBATED THEIR CONDITION

84 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

Mental_health_dk_RT_AB.indd 84

31/05/2016 15:25

BiOM®

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The BiOM Ankle gives you the ‘boost’ you need for a broad range of everyday activities and is the only prosthesis available offering powered propulsion. Its high resolution sensors analyses data in real-time creating a more natural stride for you, improving your safety and stability while walking over varying terrains.

Reclaim your power Visit www.ottobock.co.uk for more information or call 01784 744 900

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31/05/2016 16:16

MENTAL HEALTH

at least let them know you are there if they need to talk.

Three simple words, ‘how are you?’, could be the trigger that encourages someone to open up about their feelings. As Time to Change have told us, you don’t have to be a professional to listen to someone talk, just being there and listening to someone can help them to lift the burden off their shoulders.

Loneliness can be a terrible contributor to people’s state of mind, as can a decline in health and ability. These symptoms can more commonly arise as we age and with our increasingly ageing population, many older people are at a higher risk of experiencing a mental health problem.

Too often you hear of older people who may have practical help for daily tasks, shopping or meal deliveries, but they don’t have someone who will pop in for a chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Human engagement is of vital importance for a happy or healthy life, so next time you have a spare 30

minutes why don’t you pop into your neighbours with a packet of biscuits and put the kettle on?

We can all be easily distracted by increasingly busy lives but if we all make the effort to take notice of people’s state of mind and offer a welcoming ear, a friendly phone call or a surprise drop in for a chat, we may help to make a difference to somebody’s life.

If you are struggling with a mental health problem or you are concerned about someone you know you can contact the organisations below for help:

MIND Helpline: 0300 123 3393 www.mind.org.uk RETHINK MENTAL ILLNESS Advice Line: 0300 5000 927 www.rethink.org TIME TO CHANGE www.time-to-change.org.uk

60% OF PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM WAITED OVER A YEAR TO TELL THE PEOPLE CLOSEST TO THEM ABOUT IT

MANY BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM ARE LIKELY TO BE VIOLENT, HOWEVER THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE

1 IN 10 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM

MAJOR DEPRESSION IS THOUGHT TO BE THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DISABILITY WORLDWIDE

86 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/05/2016 22:56

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES RENAULT KANGOO

Trust the UK’s leading accessible vehicle specialist for added peace of mind.

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18/05/2016 12:52

31/05/2016 12:27

| MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING

BMW X1 The new BMW X1 has had a total revamp and has recently been added to the Motability Scheme.

D

espite the original BMW X1 proving popular in the UK, they gave this crossover SUV a decent overhaul, resulting in a more attractive and spacious car that is more in keeping with the BMW SUVs portfolio – and from certain angles it is reminiscent of the X5.

Compact and sleek, it doesn’t have a bulky look or feel to it and offers a smooth and enjoyable drive with minimum discomfort over potholes and bumps.

The start stop technology is very responsive, Ibarely noticing the engine cutting out and returning to life instantly as I drove on. The car handles well, with nicely-weighted, responsive steering and feels great on corners. It is fun to drive, has decent torque and fairly low wind and road noise, even at high speeds.

The X1 is available in a range of 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines and even the entry-level 18d model boasts 148bhp and plenty of torque. The Motability Scheme offers various versions of the 18d (the 20d is not available on the Scheme) and the single petrol option, the 20i, which brings you an impressive 189bhp. The top-spec diesel, the 25d, is also available and will give you 228bhp – if speed is what you are looking for. The ‘xDrive’ four-wheel drive versions are going to give you superior traction on the roads in the temperamental British weather, compared to the ‘sDrive’ front-wheel drive.

The driver and passenger seats are fully adjustable, which comes in handy for the smaller driver like me, who would struggle to see the end of the bonnet without the decent boost and tilt that is offered to ensure you can find your optimum driving position.

88 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/05/2016 23:10

| MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING

Something that does not come as standard, but would be a great addition to your driving experience with the X1, is the Head-Up Display. This offers you a projection of the current speed limit and your speed in the windscreen just below your eyeline, allowing you to monitor your speed without taking your eyes off the road. We even tested how accurate the speed limit indicator was on this projection and were pleased to find that it changed almost instantly when you passed a 40mph or 30mph sign.

Inside the cabin you are welcomed by the usual high quality, BMW fittings. The stylish dash features accents of dark wood panelling and solid furnishings and the iDrive infotainment system gives you a large and easy-to-read screen set in a prominent position. This is operated by a conveniently placed dial that allows you to scroll and select all of the system’s features, from using the inbuilt sat-nav to choosing from one of the many digital radio stations. In fact, all the controls are within a comfortable and easy reach of the drivers seat. It couldn’t be easier to link up your phone to the car via Bluetooth, with just a few turns of the dial we had synced our phone and found a playlist to keep us happy on our test drive.

you open the door the lights come on in various places throughout the car, including in the footwell of the rear seats and on the handles on the outside of the doors. The boot is fantastically spacious and the seats fold down on a 40:20:40 split to give you a flat loading space. The boot is also opened and closed at the touch of a button.

The entry-level SE model is well-equipped. Sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, Bluetooth, a power-operated tailgate and a digital radio all come as standard. Not bad for the cheapest model available. www.bmw.co.uk

Space isn’t at a premium in the X1, with plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear passengers and the Panorama glass roof provides a flood of light into the car (there is a blind to pull over, for the rare occasion when the sun is too bright). Practical and ambient lighting is also a bonus in the car, as soon as

BASED ON THE BMW X1 2.0TD XDRIVE18D SE 4WD 5DR Motability Advance Payment: £1,599 Fuel Type: Diesel Average MPG: 60.1 Brake Horsepower (BHP): 148 CO2 emissions (g/km): 124 Car Boot Capacity (litres): 505 *Other X1 models are available on the Scheme with Advance Payments from £1,399

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31/05/2016 15:39

Feel clean and independent.

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17/03/2014 10:07

A NEW INNOVATION IN DISABILITY SCOOTER DESIGN The real beauty of the Electrokart Ranger is the ease with which you can take it apart.

No other buggy folds away to be as neat and compact as the Ranger. It dismantles simply, in no time at all, to fit neatly into the boot of most saloons and all hatchbacks.

Rugged build quality, constructed from high quality steel tubing, phosphated and epoxy coated to give longer life and all weather protection.

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British Built in England

31/05/2016 12:27

BUSINESS

NO NEED TO BLUSH

After undergoing major surgery, Nicola Dames wanted to bring her sexy back with her own lingerie brand.

“Colitis is inflammation of the large intestine, which can be very debilitating, and for some, very embarrassing. I was not so much embarrassed, but just constantly vigilant about needing to know where the closest toilet was. Really, this should not be one’s top thinking when one is trying to enjoy oneself or do something very important. Let me sum it up this way, myself and my husband married at his old school, St Joseph’s College in Dumfries.

There is an old First World War chapel there, which former pupils can use for weddings.

However, my first question was, where are the toilets? Will the school sports hall be open on the day? It’s fair to say, these are not the usual questions when the bride is arranging her big day!”

A

dmit it ladies, we are all guilty of it; a scrunched up, greying pair of Bridget Jones knickers lurking at the back of the drawer, getting cosy with an odd trainer sock. They’re not the sexiest underwear, we certainly wouldn’t want to wear them every day, nor would we even consider them for a special occasion.

After undergoing surgery to remove her colon, Nicola Dames wanted to feel confident in her own body again. Refusing a life of big, grey, pants Nicola searched for sexy lingerie, which would comfortably conceal and support her ostomy bag, but to no avail. She took matters into her own hands and created

her own lingerie company, Vanilla Blush.

And it’s not just limited to ladies, Vanilla Blush even produces a line for men of special made boxers for ostomies and hernias. There’s even specially constructed swimwear with an internal pocket, meaning a worry-free summer swim for many ostomates.

Nicola’s own experiences inspired her business, turning it on its head into something positive: “I think by nature I am a very positive person, brought up in a very positive and loving household in Dublin. I was an Intensive Care Nurse, I’ve seen a lot of suffering, a lot of fear, a lot of resilience, a lot of honesty and a lot of the human spirit. I realised I was lucky when I got my stoma, as it gave me back my life after many years of dealing with Colitis.

And so, Vanilla Blush very much grew out of that positive outlook and living habit.

IT IS OUR AIM TO RESURRECT THEIR CONFIDENCE AND THEIR HOLISTIC HUMANITY, AND REALISE THAT LIFE STILL CARRIES ON Vanilla Blush helps their customers both mentally and physically: “Our underwear and swimwear is both medically brilliant and fashionably empowering. People have gone through a trauma when they end up with a stoma. It is our aim to resurrect their confidence and their holistic humanity, and realise that life still carries on. How you see yourself affects how others see you, and Vanilla Blush’s products help people walk tall with their smalls.

“My condition helps create a trusting atmosphere for Vanilla Blush, as our customers know I have been through the traumatising process. It adds a sense of authenticity, we are not just about profit, but about people. I know if a design does not work for me then it does not work for other people with stomas.” www.vblush.com www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 91

Vanilla_blush_DK_RT_AB.indd 91

31/05/2016 15:53

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28/04/2016 11:05

Trustees and Committee Members The Opportunity With a change in governance structure we are now looking for more Trustees. We are also recruiting new committee members to join our three strategy committees – Finance, Business Development and Operations.

• • •

Who we are – a pioneering outdoor adventure centre for people with disabilities Our philosophy – “It’s what you can do that counts!”

The opportunity – to join an enthusiastic and successful team of Trustees

The Trust •

Runs a residential outdoor centre with almost 40 years’ experience of delivering challenging outdoor adventures for people with disabilities.

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•

Based on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, we offer a warm welcome, accessible accommodation and exciting breaks for schools, groups, families and individuals with their friends and carers.

•

We cater for people of all ages with sensory, learning or physical disabilities, including those with the most complex needs: for which most outdoor centres cannot cater.

For more information about the Trust visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk/lake-district/introduction

Interested? Further information and application details are available from James Spedding (jfs@9sjs.com)

Deadline for applications 19 August 2016

27/05/2016 08:17

31/05/2016 16:43

CAREERS

GET THAT DREAM JOB REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

Jane Hatton discusses what to do if you need some adjustments to take part in a job interview for that dream job or to effectively carry out your current job.

By Jane Hatton

Employers are legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged when applying for a job or carrying out that job. This may include changing the way in which the recruitment process is carried out, the way the employment is structured, the removal of physical barriers and/or providing extra support for a disabled candidate or worker.

ASKING FOR REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS It is important for disabled candidates to be assessed as fairly as possible. This may involve adaptations or accommodations being made at any stage of the recruitment process, otherwise you may be judged unfairly against other candidates.

Adjustments might include the need for an application form to be in a more accessible format, or for guidance on its completion.

It might involve the interview taking place in an accessible room (e.g. wheelchair accessible, or a room without excessive noise or distraction for someone with autism). Support such as a BSL interpreter for a Deaf candidate may be requested. It may be you need to see the questions in advance of the interview.

employer as much notice as possible about any adjustments you may need.

ASKING FOR REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS TO DO YOUR JOB

If any tests are given to candidates, you can request any reasonable adjustments you would need to carry out the test, such as assistive technology for someone with a visual impairment or co-ordination limitations.

Not all disabled employees require reasonable adjustments, but if you do, it is good to have an open and honest conversation with your employer about what would help you work most effectively. These can include, amongst others, flexible working hours (for example, to avoid travelling in the rush hour), working from home some days, being given a close parking space, having access to assistive technology or having a support worker (eg. a BSL interpreter, or someone to take notes). If the adjustments you require have a cost attached to them, Access to Work can help. The kinds of areas they can provide support with include:

The adjustments have to be ‘reasonable’, and can often be supported by Access to Work (www.gov.uk/access-to-work/ overview). Ideally you will need to give the

• Aids and equipment in the workplace (eg. assistive technology, ergonomic chairs, etc.)

• Adapting equipment to make it easier to use • Travel to work (eg. taxi fares)

• Travel in work (eg. a driver) • A wide variety of support workers (eg. a note-taker or BSL interpreter) • The Mental Health Support Service (eg. counselling, advice on phased return to work) • Other practical help at work (eg. a job coach) It is in your employer’s interests to provide you with any reasonable adjustments you need because it will enable you to be more productive and it is also a requirement of law (Equality Act 2010), so they should be willing to discuss with you what is or isn’t possible.

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

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 93

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31/05/2016 16:12

LAUNCHING 2017

DISCOVER ACCESSIBLE LIVING AT ELEPHANT PARK

For more information please contact our Sales team: 020 3675 9955 welcomehome@lendlease.com www.elephantpark.co.uk

One bed wheelchair accessible homes from:

ÂŁ515,000

All images used are 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. May 2016.

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H Y D E N E W H O M E S AT T WO F I F T Y O N E , S O U T H WA R K New Shared Ownership wheelchair accessible homes Benefitting from communal private cinema, gymnasium, security, lounges and external gardens. Own private winter gardens.

Ministry of Sound is opposite Two Fifty One. For more information on room sizes, kitchens and specifications

CALL HYDE NEW HOMES ON 0845 606 1221 OR EMAIL INFO@HYDENEWHOMES.CO.UK

31/05/2016 12:27

ACCESSIBLE LIVING IN A CONTEMPORARY LONDON QUARTER An exclusive collection of two bedroom apartments with an outstanding specification, balcony and views towards The City and The Shard.

PRICES FROM £492,500 *

Designed to suit the mobility needs of its users, including larger doors, turning space, wheelchair charging areas, provision for direct access from bedroom to main bathroom, level access into shower area and adjustable height kitchen units. All apartments come with basement car parking†.

+44 (0)20 3538 7818

Ready from Summer 2017

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Contact us now for further information

www.bermondseyworks.co.uk CGIs of Bermondsey Works. *Price correct at time of going to press. †Available at an additional cost.

31/05/2016 12:28

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Contact Becky Hill on:

• Help at hand from friendly on site owners

Tel: 01202 630075 Email: becky@endeavour-uk.co.uk Web: www.endeavour-uk.co.uk

Contact David and Felicity on 01629 540262 www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

Manaros

Wheelchair-accessible holiday let Sleeps up to 6 people Secluded location just outside Poole Tetraplegic owner

The El Pleamar Apartments

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KerryFarm the place where you can...

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• • • •

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• • • •

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...enjoy a relaxing holiday in the stunning Welsh countryside. A unique supported break for families living with disability, illness, injury or mental ill health.

For more details or a brochure, contact us on:

01480 357 224 www.papworthtrust.org.uk/kerryfarm 01726 883240 / 07762 173860 www.treworgans.co.uk

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31/05/2016 12:46

ability magazine

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Jubilee Jubilee Sailing Sailing Trust Trust 12 Hazel 12 Hazel Road Road Woolston Woolston Southampton Southampton SO19 SO19 7GA7GA

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Every issue is packed with information designed to help you Travel Reviews live life to the full, from products Expert travel reviews to help you Competitions and sports to holiday ideas and make the best choice when booking DearDear Member, Member, Exclusive competitions that give employment advice, so make sure your holiday. you the chance to win dream 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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There There is also is also an article an article on Extreme on Extreme Sports Sports for the for more more adventurous reader, a look a look at the at the Wheelchair Wheelchair Wethe look atadventurous sportsreader, and activities Challenge Challenge taking taking place place nextnext month month andand an overview an overview of the of the Mobility Mobility Roadshow.

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helpat you lead healthy Regular columns and features on 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.

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Everything you need to know about the

Contact Contact Details Details Address: PosAbility Magazine, Caledonia Address: Address: PosAbility PosAbility Magazine, Magazine, Woodside Woodside House, House, House, Evanton Drive, 20-2320-23 Woodside Woodside Place, Place, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7QF G3 Glasgow, G467QF 8JT Tel: 0141 Tel: 0141 582 1475 582 465 1475 2960

Fax: Fax: 01410141 582 1476 582 1476

Code:Code: JST 1 JST 1

June/July 2016

PARALYMPIC GAMES

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“For the first time for ages I felt really comfortable. It’s absolutely wonderful” - Mrs Atkins

HALF PRICE SPRING SALE!

*

Buy any chair or settee and get any second item half price*

Cypress Collection

Sit back in comfort and style...

Your special offer receive a minimum

At Oak Tree, we think everyone should be free to enjoy a rich and fulfilling life. With our top-quality rise and recline chairs and settees, we have already helped thousands to do exactly that. All of our products are handmade right here in Britain, ensuring long-lasting quality and a product you can really trust.

£250

Trade in **

Trade in your old chair or settee and we will give you at least £250 off the purchase price.

All of our products are Handmade in Great Britain

Our products are approved by Occupational Therapist

Approved

All products are assessed by UK Therapy Services so you can trust your Oak Tree product is of the highest quality and offers you the support to make your life easier.

Oak Tree Mobility

proud to support

We donate your existing unwanted furniture to help raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation Maple Collection

© British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

Request your free colour brochure today and receive a £250 voucher to trade in

0800 999 6823 www.oaktreemobility.co.uk and quote 2316/XY/40

Oak Tree Mobility

Your comfort is our strength

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* Half price offer valid on all second items. Half price item must be of the same value or less than your chosen item and must be ordered at the same time. Offer ends 31st Aug 2016 ** Trade-in offer cannot be used to purchase any stock items.

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