PosAbility Magazine April/May16

April/May 2016

magazine

Nothing is Impossible...

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MAKE EVERY TRIP AN ADVENTURE Embrace the landscape in our intuitive and adaptive hatchback, the V40 Cross Country D2 Lux Geartronic.

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Fuel consumption and CO2 figures for the Volvo V40 Cross Country in MPG (I/100 km): Urban 33.2 (8.5) – 67.3 (4.2), Extra Urban 54.3 (5.2) – 83.1 (3.4), Combined 44.1 (6.4) – 76.4 (3.7). CO2 emissions 149 – 96g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Advance Payment of £499 is for the MY16 Volvo V40 Cross Country D2 Lux Geartronic. Rear Park Assist, Metallic Paint and Winter Pack included. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme.

To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years; excess mileage charges may apply. Offer available from 01/04/2016 to 30/06/2016 subject to availability at participating dealers. Offer not available with other promotions and may be subject to change. For full terms and conditions visit www.motability.co.uk/terms-conditions-car.pdf. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.

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THE SUPERHERO TEAM

WELCOME April/May 2016

The last few weeks have seen disabled people placed at the focal point of the 2016 Budget. There have been calls of outrage, poignant rants, resignations and complete ‘U-turns’. Thankfully, the government has seen sense and called off the cuts to disability benefits. However, it is outrageous that they were ‘suggested’ in the first place and who knows how long it will be before disabled people across the country have to rise up again and fight for what they are legally entitled too?

into the journey of Marc Brew, professional dancer and choreographer, who has made a name for himself with his creative performances. We also take a look at the disability dance scene in Scotland, with a focus on the Birds of Paradise dance company and several of the talented individuals who are emerging.

Corrine Hutton is a woman of great strength. She shares her story of adjusting to life as a quadruple amputee on page 31.

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writer: Lisa Mitchell Staff Writer: Dionne Kennedy Designer: Abbie Bunton Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Allan Fleming Andy Singh Leah Leslie

CONTRIBUTORS Mik Scarlet Andy Wright Jane Hatton Paul F Cockburn Janet Myers Lyn Worrall Emma Muldoon

A

Innovation not Imitation

PUBLISHING

Throughout this time, it infuriated me that so many journalists were referring to disabled people as ‘the disabled’. I posted a short rant on our website and facebook page and I know I was not alone with my anger at this. It is truly unacceptable for people in the media and even in the House of Commons to be using outdated language like this. Perhaps if more thought went into the understanding of the people they are talking to or about, there would be a less divided society.

If it is fun for the family you are looking for, check out our experience of Calvert Trust Lake District on page 52, they can truly supply adventure for everyone.

Our kids’ section this issue focuses on the access to play for children of all abilities and we also have the usual selection of products, holiday ideas, sports, news and a competition to win a week in a luxurious Cornish cottage, enter on page 28 or online. Good luck!

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

Anyway, rant over.

Tel: 0141 270 8085 Fax: 0141 270 8086

This issue has been a pleasure to work on as we have encountered so many different people from so many walks of life. You will see the focus of our cover is on dance, a movement that is progressing dramatically in the world of disability arts. We have an insightful look

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

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APRIL/MAY 2016 | ISSUE 30

CONTENTS 43

31

WIN! A week with Treworgans Farm Holidays!

Nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside, Treworgans Farm Holidays is a family run farm that offers accessible, self-catering holiday accommodation. Find out more...

Check out

P28

FEATURES 07 FYI…

31 ONE STEP AT A TIME

17 ALL THE YOUNG DUDES (AND DUDETTES)

37 HOT STUFF

News and stories to keep you up to date

Mik comments on the confidence of the next generation

Bringing you some of the best products on the market

18 A PURPOSEFUL STEP

43 BROKEN, SHATTERED AND REBORN

Birds of Paradise theatre company raise awareness of the disability dance scene in Scotland

25 REAL PEOPLE

Guest columnist, Emma Muldoon, talks about disabled people’s portrayal in the media

26 SPEAK OF THE DEVIL

Actress, Sam Renke, reveals all about her new film, Little Devil

28 COMPETITION

Win a week in the Cornish countryside

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The inspirational Corinne Hutton tells her story

Marc Brew's fascinating journey as a dancer and choreographer

47 TRAVEL ADVICE

Andy Wright of Accessible Travel and Leisure shares his expert advice

49 DISABLED ACCESS DAY

Exploring new accessible venues around the country

51 PUSHING THE LIMITS OF ADVENTURE

The Pioneer Centre answers your questions

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67

18

37

52 CALVERT TRUST. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Our writers took a trip to the Calvert Trust Lake District activity centre

56 REBUILDING INDEPENDENCE

60 64 KIDS' PRODUCTS

We bring you a great selection of toys and products to aid your child's development

67 BRAINSTARS

73 NEW WORK TRIAL SUCCESS

59 THE KIDS’ CORNER

75 THRIVING IN THAT JOB

62 KICKIN’ IT

Richard Seedhouse implores kids to get involved with Frame Football

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40

A mother of a child with a brain injury starts a website for other parents in a similar situation

How TV show, DIY SOS, transformed Richard Ford’s life after his stroke Sense tell us about the importance of play

52

The SIA introduce a work trial scheme

Jane Hatton shares her tips on being a model employee

77 BRAINTEASERS

Sit back and relax with our dance themed puzzles

30/03/2016 22:25

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FYI

FYI

News, stories and quirky columns.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

the material, as the patterns work back to front,” Bianca explained. “I wanted to explore the idea of viewing things through touch – not just with your eyes.”

The third-year student recently showcased some of her creations on the catwalk at London Fashion Week, after being selected as a finalist in the prestigious Fashion Awareness Design (FAD) competition.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED FASHION STUDENT SHOWCASES WORK AT LONDON FASHION WEEK Visually impaired Kingston University fashion student, Bianca Von Stempel, has developed a way of working based mainly on touch, to create a womenswear collection inspired by the way she sees the world.

Bianca, who is registered blind, has no central vision and can only see colours and clouded shapes with her right eye. Despite this, the 23-year-old has been determined not to let her eyesight get in the way of her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer.

The student from Twickenham, uses her heightened sense of touch to decide how pieces of fabric should be put together. Almost couture-like, her technique involves mainly designing on a mannequin – placing material onto the stand then sculpting and stitching it.

“I’ve always drawn, but I wanted to be able to bring my illustrations to life by making them into real garments,” Bianca

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explained. “My style is very feminine and asymmetrical – because I can’t see much with my right eye, I always concentrate the detail on the left side of my garments.”

Principal lecturer in fashion, Andrew Ibi, commented: “My role has been to help empower someone who’s visually impaired to take ownership of their work.

This has meant deconstructing some of the design processes and coming up with solutions that work for Bianca. We’ve had to re-write some of the usual rules – but that’s what designers have been doing for years,” he said. “Bianca’s an amazing hand sewer, illustrator and embroiderer – she has incredible tactile skills and is capable of really understanding clothing. She has a very pure way of working, like a sculptor, reverting back to an almost couture technique,” Mr Ibi added. 

In her final year graduate collection, Bianca is using sheer and mottled fabrics, such as organza, lace and silk chiffon in nude pink, light mint green, white and grey colours to create a blurred effect that represents how she sees the world around her. She is also incorporating elements of braille. Although she learned to read and write as a teenager to help pursue her artistic dreams, she has used the tactile writing system since childhood. In her latest work, she has created a form of negative, or inverse, braille – spelling out words by cutting holes in the material and embroidering braille onto the fabric.

“I’ve had holes laser-cut into nude pinkcoloured coated canvas, rather than the raised bumps you would normally have with braille. The shapes become different letters depending on which way you turn

31/03/2016 14:24

FYI

NEW CENTRE PLANNED FOR DISABLED MUSICIANS MPs, alongside a wide range of music and disability rights organisations, have recently backed exciting plans for the first ever national Centre for Advanced Training for young musicians with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

A musical performance from 12-year-old Ashleigh Turley, wowed crowds of over 100 in the House of Commons. Ashleigh, who is blind, is an example of a young gifted musician who would benefit from the Centre for Advanced Training.

The proposed Centre is part of Bristol Music Trust’s ambitious £45million transformation of Colston Hall. If realised, the Centre would become the thirteenth Centre in the UK that provides specialist training for ambitious young musicians. None currently exist which are designed to accommodate people with SEND. Jesse Norman, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, welcomed Colston Hall’s plans. He said: “There is something incredibly important about the ambitions of the new Centre for Advanced Training that’s being contemplated at Colston Hall. It is that link where you take a skill, you develop it, you broaden it and then you tie it directly to qualifications. It’s not just about living your dreams, it’s about developing a skill that can be taken to an employer or into the rest of your life. And that’s why I think this is such a fantastic idea and I absolutely celebrate Colston Hall.”

The current facilities at Bristol’s Colston Hall are out of date and not accessible to disabled people. The future, fully accessible, education and concert hall facilities will exceed anything previously built in the UK. Three cutting edge performance areas and learning spaces will be adaptable to the widest range of needs and a stateof-the-art technology lab will raise the bar for national standards in accessibility.

Bristol Music Trust must first finish raising the investment for the transformation. Bristol City Council, the government and Arts Council England have allocated £25million between them. The Trust is now seeking more sources of funding, including trusts and foundations, companies and private donors, to reach the £45million target.

A SUPERHERO LAUNCH FOR DEPARTMENT OF ABILITY You may remember last issue that our cover was drawn by Dan White, creator of the Department of Ability – a group of amazing superhero characters whose powers all come from their disabilities.

Inspired by his wonderful nine-year-old daughter, Emily, who was born with spina-bifida, Dan and Emily struggled to find literature and entertainment for children that portrayed people with disabilities in a positive way. Dan decided to take matters into his own hands and from there the Department of Ability was born.

Dan has worked tirelessly to promote the Department of Ability throughout the UK to ensure as many children as possible are aware of it and 26 June will see the official launch of the graphic novel. The launch, which is an invitation only event, will be held at Hamleys in London and attendees will be treated to an extravaganza of superheroes, balloon modellers, jugglers, caricatures and much more. The children have also been invited to come dressed as their favourite superheroes or as a superhero they have created themselves.

The 300-page graphic novel of the Department of Ability is being produced by children’s charity, Strongbones, and it will be available from 26 June, free of charge, by calling 01708 750599 or visiting www.strongbones.org.uk. 

8 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/03/2016 14:25

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FYI

INCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY PRIZE WINNER SET TO GIVE MORE PEOPLE A VOICE The inaugural Inclusive Technology Prize , which highlights how innovative technologies can make a real difference to the lives of disabled people, has been awarded to AzuleJoe, a tool that will help give people with communication difficulties a voice.

The Inclusive Technology Prize aims to support innovation in assistive tools and products that will benefit the 12.2 million people with a disability or a long term illness in the UK. Stimulating creativity through the use of new technologies, materials, design and manufacturing. More than 200 ideas, created with or by disabled people, were entered from across the country. The finalists included a 3D-printed,

NEW EVENT RISES FOR DISABILITY

functioning bionic hand for amputees and a wheelchair lap belt that can be attached and released using one hand.

AzuleJoe has been awarded £50,000 to help bring their free software to market.

The software creates a screen-based tool that allows users to select the word they want - but cannot articulate - from icons representing words. The device will then speak the word out loud. The technology can even be customised to include the user’s jokes and personal stories and will run on a variety of platforms, including iPads, laptops and Kindles, without a complex set up, making it accessible to as many people as possible.

Do you have a disability or are you a care giver for someone with a disability? Is the South East accessible to you? Would you like to find out about new, exciting services and products available in the UK? Are you a health professional looking to further your knowledge and increase your CPD? If so, then be sure to add this date to your diaries…

AzuleJoe was created by programmer Joe Reddington and speech and language therapy technician Kate McCullum, who both have younger brothers who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. AzuleJoe is intended to give greater access to the technology by making it cost efficient and improving the functionality.

The Inclusive Technology Prize is run

by Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre in partnership with Leonard Cheshire Disability and with support from the Department for Work and Pensions, Innovate UK, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and national law firm, Irwin Mitchell.

The Inclusive Technology Prize was intended to help raise the profile of innovations in the sector and has inspired external investment from a philanthropic trust for two of the finalists. Evolvable Walking Aid, a modular range of parts which can be assembled to form a walking stick, frame or crutches, has been awarded £35,000 and How Do I?, an app which uses Near Field Communication technology to deliver instructional videos to young people with learning difficulties, has been awarded £15,000. www.inclusivetechprize.org

RISE 4 Disability is a new and exciting event coming to the South East on 22 June.

Designed to help you learn about some of the new and exciting aids that are hitting the market or connect with an array of high-calibre service providers.

Conference Room The Conference will be based around suitable equipment applications and will feature presentations on how to source for suitable products, telecare, postural management,

10 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Custom Orthoses Offer Independence DM Orthotics was born out of the vision of orthotist Martin Matthews to improve the lives of people living with neurological conditions. The company celebrated its 10year anniversary in 2015. With a strong focus on clinical research and product development DM Orthotics is recognised as an international market leader, developing pioneering products within the orthotics market.

Unlike traditional rigid orthoses, DMO’s (Dynamic Movement Orthoses) use dynamic elastomeric fabric, similar to Lycra®. The products are made using strategically placed panels which apply forces to the patient’s body to improve proprioception and biomechanical alignment or posture.

DM Orthotics has its own specialist clinical team comprising of orthotists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, located throughout the UK, who are able to provide consultations, assessments and training.

assistive technology, home adaptations, dementia and potential funding for equipment and services. Each seminar will hold 150 delegates and all attendees will receive certification which can go towards their CPD. Exhibition Area 40+ exhibitors showcasing a range of products and services including, mobility products, sensory, seating, bathing and toileting, paediatrics, assistive

General Manager, Dan Severn, comments: “We have an excellent wealth of knowledge and experience within our clinical team.

Each member has a broad understanding of a wide range of neurological conditions and each has their own specialism, whether it is in paediatrics, adults, scoliosis, stroke or Functional Electrical Stimulation. We also hold monthly clinics in six regions across the UK, where people can make an appointment to see one of the team about their condition and the possibility of using a DMO to manage it.”

Each DMO is custom made to suit the patient’s needs and offer a perfect tailored fit. Pattern Designer, Anna Scott, comments: “A great amount of attention to detail goes into every DMO we make and each one will be slightly different to the next. Using a mix of the modern and traditional techniques gives us exceptional flexibility.”

DMO’s have helped thousands of people become more independent and confident,

improving their quality of life. Chloe Sharland uses the DMO Scoliosis Suit: “I have been using the Scoliosis Suit for about three years now.

It’s just brilliant - I have strength and energy!

Before, I felt my condition was stopping me from doing things. It’s really positive, the suit makes you use your muscles unlike a structured brace and it doesn’t affect your appearance, which can be really important as a teenager. I feel that I have more control, I can achieve what I want now. My condition doesn’t dominate my life – it doesn’t define who I am.”

The company has also helped high-level athletes and often works with Olympians, Paralympians and other sports professionals.

Paralympian, Sophia Warner, used DMO Shorts as part of her preparation for the London 2012 Games.

“The shorts played an integral part in my preparation for the 2012 Paralympic Games.

They were re-tuning my neurological system and were brilliant as a training tool, both on and off the track. My training became so much more effective. My posture was corrected and this doubled the level of my strength training making me more powerful.”

DM Orthotics have a range of suits, socks, gloves, shorts and leggings, as well as FES which can be used to manage neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. For more information visit www.dmorthotics.com.

technologies, telecare, powerchairs and much more.

• Mobility Vehicle Zone- presenting the latest range of mobility vehicles and adaptations.

Mobility Area This area will include: • A Test Drive Area- where you can have a go at a range of mobility equipment, such as the new Segway chair and all-terrain wheelchairs • Virtual Dementia Tour Bus- where you can experience what dementia might be like

Market Place Browse the mini market to purchase essential daily living aids. There will be a free lunch and refreshments available for every person that registers to attend via Eventbrite.

Don’t delay, book today at www.made2aid.co.uk/RISE or for enquires call 01268 814810.



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FYI

MODEL BACKS NEW INCLUSIVE SPORTING EVENT On Sunday 4 September 2016, London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to the world’s first fully accessible and inclusive, mass participation run for people of all abilities.

It has a star-studded list of ambassadors already, including, Geoff Adams-Spink, Martin Dougan and Sophie Morgan, to name but a few, all headed by founder, Andrew Douglass.

Kelly Knox is also an ambassador for the event. She is one of the UK’s top models and the champion of a new campaign ‘Diversity not Disability’, aimed at improving positive body image and awareness about disabilities. She said: ”Parallel London is the first of its kind. It is a run for everyone, so it doesn’t matter if you are disabled, non-disabled, if you have a health condition, any shape, size or age. It’s completely open and free for anyone to get involved in. Parallel London is all about togetherness, inclusion, equality and a sense of achievement. I think it will be a place where disabled people, if they feel they haven’t been able to access fitness through a gym because of accessibility, etc, can just be themselves and enjoy being active.

“The registration opened in February, so we are hoping it’s going to be huge, which would be ideal. You can do either a 100m run all the way up to a 5km. You don’t have to think ‘oh my God I have to run forever’, that’s not the case at all, you can just do a short run. So, it means people will be more inclined to give the run a go.

“I’m really excited about being an ambassador for Parallel London. Andrew was talking about how he came up with the name and he said in the word parallel is ‘all’. It is for everyone and is all-inclusive and that’s what I’m all about. When they asked me to become an ambassador, I jumped at the chance.

“This is the first kind of sport-related event I have been involved with and not only am I supporting the event, I am going to take part. My little boy, Jenson, will be 13 months old in September, I’m taking him in his pram, so even he is getting involved.

“I hope that the event will be received very positively by the disabled community. What Parallel London is aiming to do is to remove barriers which a lot of disabled people face in society. I do believe in the social model of disability and disabled people are disabled by the barriers closed by society, whether that be accessibility or a negative attitude, so hopefully an event like this will inspire and empower disabled people.

“The Paralympic Games were absolutely excellent four years ago, the buzz around it, everyone did so well and everyone was really up for it. However, soon after, you need to try and keep the momentum up and the buzz kind of disappears and I feel that hopefully this year, it can keep on going and that can be attributed to this event.

“I think for disability to be normalised in the media it needs to be out there on the television, in sport, in fashion; visibly seen.”

To find out more and to get involved with Parallel London, visit www.parallellondon.com.

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31/03/2016 14:26

BMW on the Motability Scheme

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW X1.

NOW AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME.

• The new BMW X1 is now available from £1,799 Advance Payment • Range includes BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring, BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch (3-door or 5-door) and the seven seat BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer • Models accessible to drivers under 25 years old • Manual or automatic transmission and high standard specification includes metallic paint, BMW Navigation and BMW Emergency Call • A brand-new BMW every three years, with tax, 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 www.bmw.co.uk/motability or contact the Motability Sales 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 new 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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23/02/2016 00:14 15:11 31/03/2016

MS

GET LOUD FOR MS

T

he MS Society Scotland gathered outside the Scottish Parliament last month to call on Holyrood election candidates to ‘Get Loud For MS’. Dressed in the MS Society’s signature orange and armed with megaphones, the MS champions raised the issues that really matter to them as they launched the charity’s election manifesto. They are asking for all parliamentary candidates to support three simple asks:

• Care, support and treatment for people living with MS is person-centred, consistent and based within the community • Voices of people living with MS are heard in the health and social care integration process • Newly devolved powers create an empowering and fairer landscape for people living with MS With over 600 people being newly diagnosed with MS each year in Scotland, it is more important than ever that MS is kept on the agenda. The MS Society is highlighting the problems people face in accessing the support and services they need to manage their condition. Alongside this they are raising issues relating to

welfare and the future devolution of aspects of social security.

Jane, from Forres, has been affected by welfare changes and hopes that the devolution of powers will help create a fairer system: “Life under the current welfare system has been very stressful and I feel I have had to jump through hoops to prove how my condition affects me. I was turned down for PIP because I was able to walk the required distance, but this is an unfair assessment because the symptoms can be invisible.

“The resulting decision has taken my independence away from me, despite having all of the relevant paperwork from doctors and my MS nurse. I hope that the devolution of welfare to Scotland will make it fairer for all and also that the elected candidates will support this. This is why I am supporting ‘Get Loud for MS’.”

for Scotland. With further devolution of powers and an integrated health and social care system Scotland could, and should, be leading the way in creating a fairer, empowering environment for people living with MS. We want everyone to get loud for MS and for parliamentarians to support our manifesto asks. There’s lots of ways to get involved, so join us to make real changes for people living with MS.” You too can ‘get loud for MS’. Go to www.mssociety.org.uk/scotlandelection and download their manifesto and campaign toolkit and complete their e-action to election candidates.

Morna Simpkins, Scotland Director for the MS Society, said: “It is an exciting time www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 15

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31/03/2016 00:14

Columnist Mik Scarlet

ALL THE YOUNG DUDES (AND DUDETTES)!

In February this year, I was honoured to be asked to take part in the Imagine Festival at the Southbank, here in London.

This children’s festival, celebrating literature, creativity and art is an annual fixture of the cultural activity of our capital. This year celebrated the works of Roald Dahl. I was one of a team of people who were each given a chapter of the Dahl Classic ‘Matilda’ to read to a packed Clore Ballroom. As I sat on the stage telling Miss Honey’s Story, I looked out on a sea of enthralled faces of all ages.

What struck me was that not one face had any concern about my wheeling onto the stage and I heard not one, ‘mummy, what’s wrong with that man?’ type question. Another thing I was more than pleased to notice was the number of disabled kids sat in the audience and not pushed together in a special area. I left the stage filled with happiness as the story continued. This happiness grew as I met some of those young disabled people later.

The first person I met was the amazing Emily White, the inspiration behind the new comic book, featured on the cover of the last edition of PosAbility, the Department of Ability. As Emily wheeled towards me, with her artist dad, Dan, in tow, she was grinning from ear to ear. She soon had me running around after her, as she rushed around the Royal Festival Hall trying out all that was on offer. She really was a powerhouse of confidence and attitude. Later, whilst waiting for the toilet, I taught one young wheelchair user to bunny hop in his chair, which made his day. When a non-disabled person walked out, and tried to make some kind of apology, it wasn’t me who fired off both barrels, but the youngster! Not only were

the disabled kids brimming with confidence, the rest of the children were not phased by disability at all. Everyone played together and each child that I chatted with found my wheelchair totally uninteresting. My hair was much more important.

As a childless adult, I stopped mixing with kids in the mid 1990s, when my kids TV career ended, so I have no way of measuring if this combination of lack of interest around disability and super confident disabled kids is now common place. Dan White, the artist who will soon give the world the first comic for kids featuring disabled superheroes, assured me that from what his family has experienced, it is. But, why?

Well, I now meet many disabled adults who watched me on their TVs way back when, and they all tell me that seeing me gave them a sense of belonging and built up their confidence, so I am sure that modern disabled children are boosted by the number of disabled people in the media. Paralympians, actors, comedians and presenters, it’s no longer a rarity. Another key element is the move towards inclusive education. All of the disabled kids I met attended mainstream schools. Being included from your earliest memories ensures you feel less different.

I know that’s part of why I have always been a very confident person. Many of my school chums saw nothing special or weird about disability as they knew me. If every school has disabled pupils, then disability becomes normalised. Which I hope bodes well for the future.

Recently there’s been a lot of furore over the support disabled people receive, following the resignation of Lord Voldermort (otherwise know as Ian Duncan Smith) and the shelving of yet more cuts, this time to PIP. Disabled people have always been on the front lines of austerity and so many of the rights, that old duffers like me fought so hard for, have been undone. Far too often the excuse has been veiled behind words like fairness and equality. I am all for creating a world where they have every

opportunity open to their non-disabled school mates, but part of this must be support for those who need it.

One thing I do know, is that young people, like Emily White, do not strike me as the kind to take the world sitting down.

Instead, I imagine as these young dudes and dudettes get older things are going to heat up big time. I can’t wait for this generation of young people to enter the grown up world and make their voices heard about how inaccessible it still is. I plan to sit back in my old age, sipping my cocoa, be-clad in my slippers and enjoy the fireworks! www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 17

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31/03/2016 14:47

ARTS

A PURPOSEF U Leaping into the world of disability dance

By Paul F Cockburn

[Above] Claire Cunningham, Ménage à Trois - Image © Sven Hagolani

“D

isabled arts has gone much further in dance than it has in any other art form,” insists Robert Softley Gale. “I think it’s because we can bring our own body to the party; it’s not about doing a classical text or any of that sort of thing, it’s about being real.”

Robert is one of Scotland’s most prominent disabled artists, with a constantly full diary thanks to his work as a disability rights activist, actor and performer, writer,

co-artistic director (of Glasgow-based, Birds of Paradise Theatre Company) and supporter and advocate of equality of access to the arts through both his own company, flip, and as a board member keeping an eye on the work of the National Theatre of Scotland.

Robert’s most recent directorial project for Birds of Paradise was Purposeless Movements, performed at some of Scotland’s most prestigious venues.

The much-praised show combined speech, British Sign Language, captioning, music and choreography to make both serious and humorous points about the lives of the

18 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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ARTS

F UL STEP four actors who took part, each of whom has cerebral palsy (CP).

“A lot of my work is looking at how disabled people move and how we’re perceived by how we move,” Robert says.

Certainly, that formed the basis of his acclaimed one-man show, ‘If These Spasms Could Speak; Purposeless Movements’, however, this took things to the next level.

It was a multi-person piece, as much about gender as disability; plus, of course, it was an attempt to reclaim the medical diagnosis. “It’s a medical diagnosis that cerebral palsy gives you purposeless movements, but what does that mean?

What movements have purpose, and which don’t? And how do you know which is which?”

in portraying and exploring characters on stage. “Robert was interested in continuing to work with me,” Rachel explains, “pushing further into what movement might mean in terms of identity and whether disability has a part in that or not.”

A significant aspect of Rachel’s work on

Purposeless Movements was how she ‘found’ the choreography within the performers, rather than simply imposing movements on them. It’s generally the way she works, although it’s not without risks. “On day one, it was really scary, because nobody knew anything,” she says. “We just had loads of questions and no answers at all. Robert was like, ‘ok, off

[Below] Claire Cunningham performing in Ménage à Trois © Kenny Mathieson

To help develop Purposeless Movements, Robert brought on board the choreographer and performer, Rachel Drazek, who had previously appeared in the 2015 Birds of Paradise production, Crazy Jane – where, again, movement and choreography were considered a vital tool [Left to right] Pete Edwards, Colin Young, Laurence Clark and Jim Fish performing in Purposeless Movements - Image © Mihaela Bodlovic

you go, make a dance show’ – with four non-dancers, with varying degrees of CP and experience, all of them new to me in a working capacity.”

During the relatively short number of weeks to prepare the show, Rachel gave her cast – Colin Young, Jim Fish, Pete Edwards and comedian, Laurence Clark – different physical and verbal tasks. “It was just to see who they were in the room, how their bodies moved, what they responded to, what was comfortable for them and what was not,” Rachel adds.

“Robert and I were very interested in when it felt uncomfortable; was it the movement  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 19

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ARTS

itself or because it’s a disabled person and movement?”

Although currently based in London, Rachel works all over the UK and particularly loves returning north of the border. “I feel that there’s a real interest in bodies and movement in Scotland,” she says. “Because the scene here is a little bit smaller, it’s easier to keep track of what’s happening. Conversations develop a little more, whereas in London it’s hard to know who’s doing what. It’s just a little bit more concentrated in Scotland; the scene seems to be a little easier to follow, which is really exciting because it feels like you’re contributing to something. For me, it’s a real treat to be invited into that.”

Scotland’s dance scene may be smaller, but it involves not just many of the UK’s most innovative choreographers and performers, but also national arts funding body Creative Scotland, funds from the Scottish Government and national companies including Scottish Dance Theatre (based at Dundee Rep) and the National Theatre of Scotland.

Australian-born, Glasgow-based Caroline Bowditch’s first major dance piece as a choreographer was ‘Leaving Limbo Landing’, part of the Unlimited programme for disabled artists running during the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. She insists that a significant factor in its development was her four years as Dance Agent for Change at Scottish Dance Theatre. Funded

by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, Caroline’s role in Dundee was to increase the number of disabled people involved in dance in Scotland, including those entering training or the dance profession. She interacted with more than 25,000 people through numerous workshops, talks and performances in Dundee, Scotland and the rest of the UK. “It was a very comfortable role that I had with them,” she says. “It was challenging, but it was doing all the things that I wanted it to do. To have that commission coming out of a role like that, which had given me lots of profile, was hugely significant, because that was the first time that I’d made a piece just under my own name.

I’d worked with other companies, but had never ever had a work branded as Caroline Bowditch. So that was pretty significant.”

She continues to tour her more recent work, Falling in love with Frida, most recently as part of the Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia. “A point of the Unlimited commissions was that they were all about pushing disabled artists to places they’ve never gone before, and I think I absolutely took that at its word,” Caroline adds. “I have done exactly that. I feel I’m at a place where I can’t go back, I can only go forward. A lot of people have invested a lot of time and energy and money in me now, too much to not make the most of that development and to take my artistic career as far as I can.”

Investment of time – and money – is, of course, vital if any artist is to build up a body of work, as the choreographer and

It’s good news that Scotland is now home to many internationally recognised disabled dance artists, but the question then follows: what happens next? It’s an issue that had concerned Robert Softley Gale for some time, but it was only towards the end of 2014 that he was able to do anything about it, when he and his business partner Mairi Taylor created flip artists.

“We got funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to run a year-long programme for nine disabled artists who were at the verge of becoming professional but were not quite there yet,” he explains.

“Individual artists could develop their practice, and also their career and

WE NEED TO SUPPORT DISABLED PERFORMERS TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN, AND THAT WON’T JUST HAPPEN

BY ITSELF

[Left to right] Laurence Clark and Colin Young Purposeless Movements © Mihaela Bodlovic

performer Claire Cunningham knows well. In March she completed a two-week, 12-performance run of her show Guide Gods at the Perth International Arts Festival, Australia’s longest-running cultural festival; the show was originally commissioned as part of the celebrations held around the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Arguably Claire’s most famous work, the award-winning Ménage à Trois (which she’s likely to tour again next year), was commissioned as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and produced in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland. Like deaf dancer Ramesh Meyyappan, Claire has also received support and recognition from both the British Council and the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.

networking skills – all the other stuff that you have to do as an artist. The aim was to develop individual artists who can then make their own way.”

So does the increased profile of disabled artists and, in particular, disabled choreographer-performers like Caroline and Claire – bode well for the future?

“I’m always a wee bit uncomfortable about the ‘role model’ thing, because I know me,” Robert says. “Also, can I inspire people who are very different from me? Having said that, there is a real value in seeing what other people can do: confidence is a massive thing for a lot of people – disabled or not. Yet we need to support disabled performers to be the best they can, and that won’t just happen by itself.”

20 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/03/2016 15:17

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[Clockwise from above] Randall Close Resource Centre Battersea; ‘Can Do’ Project, Hindley; Dambusters runners representing Howdens for LCD; London Marathon runner representing Howdens for LCD.

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 23

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31/03/2016 12:35

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31/03/2016 00:16

Guest

Columnist Emma Muldoon

REAL PEOPLE Emma Muldoon

Emma Muldoon is a young blogger who lives in the small Scottish town of Grangemouth. She has limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and blogs regularly on disability issues, in particular on travel and access. Here, she shares her thoughts on the portrayal of disabled people in the media. You can read more of Emma’s thoughts at www.simplyemma.co.uk

It has been proven that media influence plays a key role in our thoughts, attitudes and behaviours. This is not surprising, especially in our modern culture, in which we are surrounded by TV, movies, internet, magazines, newspapers, radio, social media and various forms of advertising. All of which can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Through these forms of media, we’re made to feel certain emotions and no matter how intentional, we are also made to believe what is and isn’t fashionable, beautiful and important and so on.

Our modern culture also means that actors, singers, TV presenters and models become celebrities that are looked upon and idolised. But, are they idolised for the right reasons? Most of the time it’s for their looks and not so much on their actual talent or morals. Often creating an unrealistic view of ‘real’ people.

Disability affects real people, but still it’s rarely represented in the media and sadly when it is, it can be old-fashioned views and attitudes that we aren’t like everyone else. This sends out the wrong message to society and could have a damaging effect, especially on young disabled people who feel they don’t fit in because they don’t look like everyone else or don’t have someone who looks like them to look up to. This is why we need to see more disabled people in the media.

It’s clear that more needs to be done to improve the representation of disabled

people in the media. By doing this, not only would there be an improvement in attitudes towards disability, it would also give a true reflection of society rather than an unfair, misleading view.

I’m sure if we asked someone to name as many disabled people in the media they could think of, they’d only manage one or two. For instance, how many disabled TV presenters are there? I’ve found that disabled presenters typically present TV shows about disability. Why can’t there be a wheelchair user or someone with a sight impairment presenting our favourite Saturday night TV shows? Why can’t there be world-famous disabled pop singers and movie stars?

Of course, there are many challenges breaking into these industries, but it’s amazing to see progress being made in sport, thanks to events like the Paralympics where athletes with disabilities are recognised and idolised for their outstanding talent.

I feel that anytime we see someone with a disability in the media it’s to talk about something related to disability.

Don’t get me wrong, I think it is vital they are campaigning and discussing issues that affect disabled people, but I hope one day it becomes second nature to see them on TV like ‘normal’ people in the media without it having to only be about disability. Hopefully, that day is soon.

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31/03/2016 15:25

INTERVIEW

SPEAK OF THE

DEVIL

T

he shimmering world of on-screen arts have been long professed to be for the apex of human beauty and ability. The silent screen sirens of the golden age of film noir were picked from the general populous based, not on their innate acting talents but, on the principles of their perceived visible perfection. As idolised as these films and actors were, film was still very much a novelty. To appease movie fans in this day and age, you need a film with a deeper plot with much more substance, as well as, complex characters with relatable problems and goals.

Prejudice has also, somewhat, subsided within the glamourous industry in an attempt to explore more ‘real’ subject areas.

Actors, regardless of colour, creed, sexuality and ability have erupted from the woodwork, portraying roles with performances of a lifetime. The genre of cinema has drastically changed from then, too. Audiences have long since become bored with the old style ‘damsel in distress’ motion pictures, clean-cut heroes and easily-overcome villains. The thirst for a cinema experience in which film buffs can really immerse themselves and leave with something more than just an opinion on the leading lady’s fashion choices, is rapidly increasing.

One actress that is emerging and ticking all the boxes of interesting, real, beautiful and

funny is Sam Renke. Sam has just starred in her first feature film, Little Devil, the story of a mischievous disabled girl who absconds to London to find love and opportunity, but finds an unlikely outcome in her life when she hooks up-with a washed up male escort.

Sam, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones), uses a wheelchair and isn’t waiting for the acting world to come to her, she is taking it by storm.

“I have always been interested in acting, I wanted to continue acting at college but I was put off at the time because I knew that dance was involved. I’m a lot more confident now, but when I was 17 I didn’t fancy doing that. I went down a completely different

path. I used to get involved with it in school and outside of school with drama classes and things. The love for acting has always been there, but it was only after I moved to London. I originally moved to London because I wanted to pursue a career in charity. When I was down there, I fell into a social circle where a lot of people worked for the media. That’s where I met my business partner, Max Barber, who is the producer of Little Devil, actually at his own flat warming party, and we clicked and everything has spiralled from there.

“It’s quite a heart-warming story. The reason why I become this ‘devil’ character, is because people do misunderstand her and do take advantage of her and the reason

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INTERVIEW

she wants all this money is because she wants to start a family, through really expensive IVF. It is a comedy. It shows a strong character, someone who you wouldn’t initially see as an antagonist. I think you still really warm to, Alice. She has had this really hard life, she doesn’t want to be this devil character but people have pushed her towards that. It highlights a lot of important things about disability, about how people with disabilities are viewed, but not in a preachy way. I think people get so involved in the film that they forget about my disability. I think that is important.

“It was really interesting for everyone else, to see how I live. Being able to tell ablebodied people, what would be feasible for a disabled person to do, or not do. It was a learning curve for everyone and, other than my acting skills, that’s what I really enjoyed bringing to the table. Just making people aware of what it’s like to be a wheelchair user and have a disability. We even bought a second wheelchair, so that a lot of the angles were from my eye level, which I think is great.

“I’ve been involved with quite a lot of campaigns, I’ve been up to the Edinburgh Festival and I have my connections with Channel 4 and BBC, but I think the biggest issue is that there aren’t as many roles out there for disabled actors. Broadcasters tend to group disability as one, if you are partially sighted, if you have a hearing impairment, if you are an amputee, if you are a wheelchair user, they put everyone under this one umbrella and it’s difficult when you are going to auditions when they say “I want a disabled character” and you get the whole spectrum. Anyone who is an actor, knows that the competition is rife, so being a disabled actor, you aren’t only competing against able-bodied actors; you are competing against all these people with all kinds of disabilities. When I am asked to

auditions, I’m usually asked because they are looking for a disabled character. I would like to see more roles where they want me as me, as a person. Why can’t I play a mother, why can’t I play a sister, why can’t I be a shopkeeper, a nurse, a doctor, a teacher? Why do I need to play a disabled character? I think that’s what I find difficult.

But, I love acting and that’s what I want to do.

“I still think that disabled characters are never the strong characters, they tend to be the sub-characters. I’m not a victim, I’m feisty, have a good social life, I go partying, I am independent, I’m a bit of a crazy person.

I’m not a victim and disability doesn’t define me. I’m Samantha, not the girl in the wheelchair. I would love to see more disabled actors being the bitch, or being the boss, being the lawyer, being somebody with power and influence. The people I know with disabilities are in fantastic jobs and careers, we are independent people, and we aren’t people who sit behind closed doors. So I think broadcasters need to step up and give us roles that represent our lives.”

Little Devil is now available to download.

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31/03/2016 15:31

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A WEEK WITH TREWORGANS FARM HOLIDAYS!

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31/03/2016 22:38 00:16 16/12/2015

INTERVIEW

ONE STEP AT A TIME

By Lisa Mitchell

H

ow do you cope with becoming a quadruple amputee? How do you go on?

How do you tell your four-yearold son, who is scared and confused, that mummy will never be the same again? For most of us, this doesn’t even bear thinking about, but for Corinne Hutton this situation was only too real.

As I entered the modest office space, I was immediately greeted by a woman whose entire demeanour seemed to

ooze confidence and positivity. This must be Corinne. She breezily offered me her arm in a show of unabashed honesty and candour.

Corinne’s perseverance to improve the lives of amputees all over the world is only rivalled by her articulacy and openness.

As she recanted her story she recalled the minutest of details and the faintest of thoughts. Undoubtedly, she felt every word. Each time she opened her mouth she was transported back to those emotions and those moments.

I could see it in her eyes.

A single mother from the West of Scotland lost her hands, her feet and almost her life to what she thought was the common cold. She battled the darkest of demons, started a charity to help other amputees, climbed Ben Nevis, travelled the world as an ambassador for amputees and an advocate of organ donation, all whilst waiting to be the first person in the UK to receive a double hand transplant. All in just three years.

Corinne and her expanding charity, Finding Your Feet, have risen from

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INTERVIEW

rock bottom to new, exciting heights.

She faced the worst and broke through the other side; enlightened. But the light couldn’t always be seen at the beginning.

Pneumonia had led to streptococcus group A virus, which lives in us all, it had got into places it shouldn’t have, and between them, it had caused sepsis. The sepsis had run riot in my body and basically starved all the vital organs of oxygen. I was put into a medically-induced coma, my organs were shutting down. I was dying.

[Clockwise from top] Corrine climbing Ben Nevis; Corrine and her brother meeting David Cameron; Corrine abseiling from the top of the Skypark building, Glasgow

My brother, who was in Dubai, was told to get on a plane. He packed his black suit.

They had the idea to put me on an Extra Corporal Membrane Oxygenation machine.

This machine takes the blood out your body, oxygenates it then puts it back in. It’s in a hospital in Leicester. The doctors spoke to them about what they were up against.

The statistics meant they wouldn’t be able to get up to see me. With no management present, the consultant made the decision to bring the machine to me.

My heels had been badly affected and they were so important for standing upright, they decided to amputate at the shins.

I then thought of all the things that I couldn’t do. I thought ‘you’re unemployable, you won’t be able to do anything’. What could I do with my son?

Walk on a beach with him again? Feel sand between my toes again? Never.

Never again. I would never be able to wear a flip flop again, I thought, oddly.

The oxygenated blood didn’t get to my extremities in time. They were black and shrivelling up.

Weeks later, all my machines were gone and I was moved to Glasgow Royal from Paisley’s RAH, to concentrate on what would then happen.

The following morning, the ward rounds came by. There was about eight hospital staff at the end of my bed at 7.50am. This consultant announced to everyone: “Corinne will be losing both her hands and her feet in two to three days.”

They discussed it amongst themselves and left.

I tried so hard to hold it together until the minute they walked out, and that was it.

It was a complete shock to me. They must have thought I knew and been common knowledge to them, but not to me.

That was my crash.

Everything had been so positive, I fought so hard. In Paisley, I had been a wonder patient. I felt so positive, I felt like Wonder Woman and in that very first day in the Royal, I realised there weren’t any miracles.

IN PAISLEY, I HAD BEEN A WONDER PATIENT. I FELT SO POSITIVE, I FELT LIKE WONDER WOMAN AND IN THAT VERY FIRST DAY IN THE ROYAL, I REALISED THERE WEREN’T ANY MIRACLES It all crashed down and I wasn’t positive, and I wasn’t Wonder Woman.

Then you start to think “what am I? What’s the words for me?” I didn’t know what paraplegic or quadruple amputee meant, I didn’t know what term was used for someone like me.

I spent the next six weeks in operations to remove all the tissue that was infecting my body.

My legs were first.

My hands were different. Fingers were taken away and I was left with wrapped black palms. My right arm was sown into a slit in my hip, so that the tissue from my hip could grow onto my hand. I had bones and muscles that weren’t covered, so they needed tissue. It was like that for three weeks, like having a permanent sling. I couldn’t move it an inch or I would be back in for rework.

When they took the bandages off, I hadn’t prepared myself. I had misshapen palms, I had lost all my fingers and thumbs, but I still had some bones and what I’m left with are, what I think, very ugly partial hands.

The first one they unwrapped was bent over at a 45 degree angle, covered in blood, stitches, bandages and iodine.

It was horrific. The surgeons, who had carried out this pioneering surgery thought they had done something wonderful. I wanted to punch them.

It felt like a lifetime. I died, then lived, then amputated all in three months.

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INTERVIEW

We had been talking about my son, Rory, starting school. His first day and I was going to miss it.

The nursing staff really came through. They all turned their backs and my brother flung me into the car and got me home to see my son start school. I was in a wheelchair, I was bandaged up, I still had my arm in my hip, I looked atrocious, but I was there.

I am so proud of Rory. He was timid around me in hospital, it was a huge shock to him.

His mum had disappeared for weeks, unable to see me, and when he did, I was covered in bandages, hooked up to machines. He held me at arm’s length, he would only cuddle me if I asked. But when I came to school, I was just normal mum.

I really looked forward to getting out of hospital, but when you get home, you can do nothing. Forgetting how much is done for you. You think you are independent, but you aren’t. It’s quite a hurdle, when you realise the house hasn’t changed, you’ve changed.

But, you have to fight you’re way back to life. I was given prosthetic legs, it was so sore to wear them. Thinking, there is no way I will ever keep these on all day. After a few weeks you’ve built it up, you can keep them on for a morning before a rest. I learnt everything again; walking, eating, dressing, bathing. Coincidently, Rory was learning, too. We learned to write together and use

our bikes together. It was sweet. Once, we had a wheelchair race in the street. We tried to laugh about things. Laughter is the best medicine.

I adopt this when I work with amputees, don’t take life so seriously. It is what is and it’s good to laugh.

When I was in hospital, people were wanting to do charitable things for me. I remember when the first cheque came in.

It was bizarre. I hated that people saw me

as a needy person. I got the strength by thinking ‘I’ll go on to help other people’.

That’s when Finding Your Feet started.

Now, I get the chance to do a job that means something. I help people who go through similar things. We help amputees back on their feet, physically or metaphorically. Whatever it was that was important to them before, we help them back to that. They say I give them hope.

They can see that I am living normally, up and dressed, hair and make-up done. It makes them hopeful to see how it might be for them.

I got a second chance at life and I want to make sure I’m living it. I challenge myself and let them see I’m doing things they thought they couldn’t. I climb, cycle, drive, go to the gym, set up classes for amputees.

Now, I help them do it.

The plan is to become international with the charity. I have amputee friends all over the world. My hope is that they will be the future of Finding Your Feet and it will be them that are going to see amputees in hospital trying to integrate them into the community.

Those amputees will get to do a job that means something. That’s how I feel.

I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t let it kill me. I didn’t let it physically kill me, but I didn’t let it mentally kill me. I have a

great life. I’m there for Rory, who is seven now, and that is important. He handles it so well. That kid will never look badly at an amputee. He understood disability the hard way but he understands and it’s okay to be honest and talk about things.

Hopefully, I will have given him enough, that he will be proud of what I do and what I have achieved. I hope he goes through life knowing that you deal with things that you face. If I gave him that kind of grounding I’d be very happy. If he doesn’t see me as being that different or that special, that he just saw me the way every other kid sees their mum that would be a compliment.

I am very lucky.

To find out more about the charity that Corrine Hutton started, Finding Your Feet, visit www.findingyourfeet.net. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 33

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Rapkyns Care Centre

www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk

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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Award Winning Care Homes

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

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

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

Horsham Nutley Sharpthorne Horsham Billingshurst Horsham Henfield

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

Beechcroft Care Centre and Hazel Lodge

East Grinstead

01342 300499

Beech Lodge and Oak Lodge

Horsham

01403 791725

Horncastle Care Centre

Sharpthorne

01342 813910

Kingsmead Care Centre

Horsham

01403 265335

Kingsmead Lodge

Horsham

01403 211790

Norfolk Lodge

Horsham

01403 218876

Orchard Lodge and Boldings Lodge

Horsham

01403 242278

Rapkyns Care Centre (The Grange)

Horsham

01403 276756

The Laurels

Horsham

01403 220770

Rapkyns Care Home

Horsham

01403 265096

Sycamore Lodge

Horsham

01403 240066

White Lodge

Croydon

02087 632586

Wisteria Lodge and Stable Lodge

Nutley

01825 713082

Woodhurst Lodge

Crawley

01444 401228

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

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

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

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

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

01403 217 338

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

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PRODUCTS

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

GENNY URBAN DELUXE Genny inaugurates a new transportation philosophy for personal mobility. Thanks to its self-balancing technology, it unites users under the banner of the ‘freedom of movement’, erasing the difficulties faced by many disabled people.

Genny’s gyroscopic operation, officially licensed and powered by Segway, alongside Italian design and Swiss engineering precision, provide a level of independence and mobility beyond expectations.

Genny is available in its Urban format, with its 63cm width allowing it to fit through any doorway or for outdoor urban use. There is also Genny XR, giving the user unparalleled access to all terrains, whether it is soft sand beaches, deep mud forests or even snow, Genny XR will happily transport the user without any issues. Genny is flexible enough to be transformed from its Urban format to XR within 30 minutes and Genny’s functionality, combined with its outstanding aesthetics, have delivered a solution that is arguably years ahead of the market.

Genny Urban Deluxe retails for £13,500 with the Genny XR Kit at £1,495. Visit Genny Mobility at Naidex on stand K9 for a demonstration and test ride.

Prices from £13,500

Prices available on request

Genny Mobility 01322 303 473 www.gemmymobility.com

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

The Flexx HD can cater for users weighing up to 170kg (26st 7lbs) and is available in 20”, 22” and 24” seat widths. The lightweight aluminium frame allows numerous adjustments

to enable the user to configure the wheelchair to meet his or her specific requirements. Further levels of user comfort are provided by backrest height and angle adjustment.

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

Karma Mobility 0845 630 3436 www.karmamobility.co.uk/ where-to-buy

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PRODUCTS

3RINGS PLUG

Do you worry about your ageing mum or dad? Imagine just by Mum turning on the kettle to make a cup of tea or Dad turning on the TV to watch his favourite show that the whole family get told they are OK. That is what the 3rings Plug does. Just connect the 3rings Plug to the appliance that your loved one uses the most and based upon your rules, then you and up to nine other family and friends get peace of mind messages each day or alerts if no activity has been seen. Your loved one doesn’t need the internet in their home because built into the 3rings Plug is a mobile device which manages all the communications.

PRICING: Base Price: £79 inc VAT for 3rings Plug then £12 inc VAT per month subscription.

12 Months Package - £183 inc VAT for 3rings Plug and 12 Months subscription - saving £40.

24 Months Package - £288 inc VAT for 3rings Plug and 24 Months subscription - saving £79 ie a free plug 3rings 0161 731 0081 info@3rings.co.uk www.3rings.co.uk

WATERPROOF BEDDING This 100% waterproof bedding comes in three stylish designs, is super soft and comfortable on sensitive skin and is an ideal solution for those who might experience small leakages, spills or sweats at night.

This design is for anyone who wants the reassurance of protection whilst they sleep, but in a beautiful and uplifting design. Each set includes one double duvet cover and two pillowcases and is machine washable.

Designed 2 Enable 0800 772 3771 www.designed2enable.co.uk

Prices from £59.95

38 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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JEEP RENEGADE

From NIL Advance Payment

JEEP® RENEGADE 1.6 E-TORQ EVO SPORT

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

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9 (5.9) – 70.6 (4.0), URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 55.4 (5.1), COMBINED 40.9 (6.9) – 64.2 (4.4), CO2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 115 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Vehicle shown is Jeep Renegade 1.6 E-TorQ EVO Sport available with NIL Advance Payment with Alpine White paint included. Advance Payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed between 1st 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. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

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31/03/2016 00:17 29/03/2016 10:35

PRODUCTS

LOOPWHEELS On stand M9 at Naidex 2016, Loopwheels will be debuting its range of ergonomic ‘Curve’ push rims, which incorporate a specially designed profile to ensure optimum contact between the push rim and the wheelchair users hand.

The shape of the Curve push rim is designed to support limited arm and finger function. Combined with the greater contact surface, this results in increased grip, hand and wrist stability, and greater control over the wheelchair while propelling, changing directions and braking. Based on the natural anatomy of the hand, the Curve’s ergonomically optimised profile guarantees a controlled and effortless grip, while stabilising the wrist.

Loopwheels are shock-absorbing wheelchair wheels that offer a smoother ride and help the user push over uneven streets, rough tracks and gravel paths, with less effort. Loopwheels’ springs provide the user with increased power when manoeuvring their

Prices available on request

wheelchair up and down kerbs and the design ensures the user has an increased level of comfort as they absorb tiring vibration, as well as bumps and shocks.

Loopwheels 01623 860909 info@loopwheels.com www.loopwheels.com

6-IN-1 MULTI-OPENER The 6-in-1 Multi-Opener has a comfort grip and can be used to open a variety of lids. This unique opener will cope with hard to grasp safety seal, metal bottle caps, can ring pulls, jar lids and bottle tops. The enclosed blade is ideal for opening sealed bags. The ideal companion around the kitchen The Mobility Aids Centre 01733 3422 42 enquiries@mobaids.co.uk www.themobilityaidscentre.co.uk

Prices from £13.14

NO BEND PET BOWL An effective and simple solution to, what can be, an everyday problem for many people across the UK. The double-sided bowl caters for your pets water and food in the same item and the extendable handle simply pulls out of the middle, extending to a comfortable height that allows users to pick up the bowls in one easy movement, negating the need to bend or reach.

The handle can be removed for cleaning and the whole product can be placed in the dishwasher.

No Bend Pet Bowl info@nobendpetbowl.com www.nobendpetbowl.com

40 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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PRODUCTS

THERA-TRAINERS

Prices from £14.99

The THERA-Trainer is the most advanced active/passive therapy exercise bike for use at home and in the rehab setting.

The THERA-Trainer offers both passive (assisted) cycling and active exercise for arms and legs. The full range is designed specifically for any user with limited mobility, such as someone who has MS, MD, spinal injury, stroke, brain injury or another neurological condition. The benefits of using the THERA-Trainer include, improving circulation, sustain and improve muscle power, improve stamina, decrease fluid retention and many more.

The new interactive gaming addition is now available on the 10.4” monitor, so the user can challenge themselves

in four multi-level games which target specific muscles and areas of weakness.

Customers have given amazing feedback of how the THERA-Trainer has improved their condition and their lives: “Before I found Medicotech I didn’t know anything about these bikes. I thought my cycling days were over.

But far from it! I now look forward to my daily routine and know that I am keeping my muscles going and having some fun along the way. My family have seen that I am stronger; my breathing has improved and I have more energy than before.”

Paul (paraplegic) from Wales

Medicotech Ltd 01908-564100 info@medicotech.co.uk www.medicotech.co.uk

Prices available on request

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 41

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SIRUSAUTOMOTIVE.CO.UK

The all NEW 2016 VW Caddy Life

DRIVE FROM WHEELCHAIR SIT UP-FRONT INTERNAL TRANSFER

ONLY FROM SIRUS Our vehicle range is unlike any other: We specialise in inclusive vehicles allowing you to drive from your wheelchair, sit up-front next to the driver or to transfer from your wheelchair to a car seat inside a vehicle.

We offer brand new vehicles from £13,495 and Motability advance payments starting from just £4,995 Our Approved Used range with an industry leading 2 year warranty covering both the vehicle and conversion starts at just £4,495. We can even convert your own vehicle to one of our up-front models from just £10,995.

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 website or connect with us via social media today.

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Tel: 0121 505 7777 sirusautomotive

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31/03/2016 00:18

DANCE

BROKEN, SHATTERED AND REBORN

MARC BREW’S INSPIRATIONAL STORY

T

By Janet Myers

he lights dim, the orchestra strikes up, the curtains part and the show begins. It is destined to be a memorable night for those who love ballet. Dedication, creativity and emotion combine to produce an awe-inspiring theatrical experience. For me, it

never disappoints. Tonight, I am excited because choreographer Marc Brew has added his stamp to the occasion and it is bound to be special. His story is inspirational on many counts and his connection with the Olympic and Paralympic Games topical, as they draw ever closer.

ABOUT MARC BREW Mark was a talented 20-year-old ďƒŽ

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DANCE [Below] Images from Nocturne, modern dance performance created by Marc Brew in collaboration with designer-dramaturg Luke Pell

[Below] For Now, I Am - a solo peice created and performed by Marc Brew

professional dancer with a great career ahead of him, when a headon car crash left him with a spinal cord injury. He said: “After my accident in 1997, I naturally didn’t know how I was going to continue my career. I have to admit I didn’t want anything to do with disabled dance as I hoped I would fully recover.” Then two of his dance friends attended a New York dance class with the American Ballet theatre and a woman wheeled in and did the whole ballet class using her wheelchair. They told her about Marc and soon Kitty and Marc were exchanging experiences.

FINDING INSPIRATION In 1999, Kitty Lunn invited him to join her and retrain as a dancer using a wheelchair. His ballet teacher was Madame Peff Modelski and in 2001 he returned to work with the Infinity Dance Company and set up his own choreography in the company. When asked if there was anyone who had inspired him, he said it had to be Kitty: “This encounter definitely helped me to realise I was still a dancer and could continue as a dancer, as well as, grow in confidence and independence around my disability.”

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS Now, nearly 20 years since the accident, he is currently based in

Glasgow and he has become an internationally acclaimed choreographer with a string of achievements to his name. His autobiographical work ‘For Now, I am’, explores what it is like to be broken, shattered and reborn. It follows on from ‘Remember When’, which was featured as part of the Saddlers Wells dance programme in 2014. He says: “I always try and remain open-minded and as a choreographer I seek to challenge and be challenged. The idea of ‘restriction’ has very much influenced my choreographic practice, but I believe my disability has given me a different, broader perspective on life and enabled me to look at possibilities and find creative solutions, which possibly gives me an edge.”

RIO 2016 Following on from Marc’s previous work with the Olympics and Paralympics, this year’s Games in Rio will include a piece linked to the cultural activities around the Games.

It will premier an inclusive performance incorporating dance, music, lighting and all elements of access, including audio description and sign language. Working with musician and composer Natalia Mallo, dancer Gisele Calazans and lighting designer Mirella Brandi, it is destined to be outstanding.

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DANCE

DISABILITY ARTS INTERNATIONAL The British Council’s Disability Arts International website is a good place to visit for more information about accessibility in the Arts. It promotes the work of disabled artists across the globe.

You can view the Marc Brew and Gisele Calazans video ‘MayBe’ at www.transform. britishcouncil.org.br/en/content/videomarc-brew-gisele-calazans-presentmaybe

WORKSHOPS AND RESIDENCIES For those who will not get the opportunity to see it in Brazil in June, UK followers will get the chance to see it in September.

want to design and have built my own accessible house and I also want to get back into horseriding.”

THE FUTURE

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

When asked if he had any unfilled dreams or aspirations he replied: “Artistically, I want to continue creating the work that hasn’t made it onto the stage from the ideas in my head and to be commissioned to create work for some of the world’s leading ballet and contemporary dance companies, such as, The Royal Ballet, Rambert, Netherlands Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company etc. I want to be the artistic director of an established dance company and personally I enjoy travelling. I do a lot [of travel] for work, but it would be great to visit a country that is not for work and possibly a holiday. I also

Marc offered this advice in an interview to people who had physical disabilities and were looking to challenge themselves: “As hard as it may be and possibly feels out of our comfort zone, it’s about making the first move and just doing it.

If you have something you want to do, experience, or try, then rather than waiting for the invitation I believe we need to sometimes take the initiative and make that call, write that email/letter or do that workshop, course, training and go for that position or job. I try very much to be more proactive rather than reactive.”

Marc is very excited about bringing different groups together in an inclusive environment where everyone works together to explore possibilities of movement and collaboration through the use of various tasks and set material. He creates a trusting and creative environment for all to learn and guides the dancers through a structured improvisation that is supported where there is no wrong, just an opportunity to offer, try, receive and share. Each workshop caters for the groups’ needs and requests, ensuring good practice, equality and a fun learning experience that develops confidence, trust, co-ordination, expression and fitness.

For more information on Marc’s work visit www.marcbrew.com.

IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO, EXPERIENCE, OR TRY, THEN RATHER THAN WAITING FOR THE INVITATION I BELIEVE WE NEED TO SOMETIMES TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND MAKE THAT CALL

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TRAVEL

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

VENTURING ABROAD

Tips and advice for holidaymakers travelling overseas for the first time

found reduced abilities or changes to their day-to-day functionality, are often reluctant to actually detail the level of assistance they require.

I have been asked recently by a number of readers contemplating their first holiday overseas since injury or medical diagnosis, ‘how do I go about booking my holiday, now that I am using a wheelchair?’ or ‘what should I be asking my travel agent, and can I trust the information I am given?’ Consequently, this article is hopefully going to answer some of your worries and concerns and direct you to some ideal holiday options that have recently been assessed for their suitability.

Many first-time travellers often make assumptions about the level of adaptions that will be available to them when booking their first overseas holiday. In other words, they may well have their home environment adapted to meet their daily living needs and assume that if a hotel advertises itself as ‘accessible’ they are very likely to find a similar set up to what they are used to - with a toilet at the same height, grab rails in the same place etc. On other occasions first-time travellers, especially those who are still adjusting to their new

Therefore, it is imperative that you carefully consider your day-to-day routine and requirements and ask whether these same facilities are available in your preferred holiday destination. This would include access into the restaurant, swimming pool, airport transfers, excursions, etc. Failure to do so could easily result in disappointment or even the possibility that you would not be able to manage unaided.

Given the information and level of detail you may require, be prepared for the fact that many travel agents will not have this type of information readily available to them. So in order to ensure your first holiday abroad goes as smoothly as possible, I would highly recommend that you book with a specialist tour operator. They will have already checked out the destination in advance before selling holidays there and not simply rely upon third-party information. That way you are communicating with somebody who has a full understanding of your requirements and will be empathetic to your needs.

Equally important, is to ensure that you are booking with a legitimate travel company who is fully bonded and financially protected. Unless your travel provider is either a member of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents), ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) or the TTA (Travel Trust Association), your deposit and balance

To view Andy’s Top Tips for air travel visit www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk. payments for your forthcoming holiday may be at risk if your travel provider ceases to trade.

By contacting any of the above mentioned organisations, they will confirm whether the travel company you are considering booking with, is licensed.

Accessible Travel and Leisure, whilst being fully bonded, also ensure that all the properties that we offer to our customers have been fully inspected and audited by our own staff. All of which have extensive travel experience and a full understanding of our customers’ needs and requirements.

Following a recent inspection trip to Majorca, several new properties have been added to our portfolio, a couple of which are mentioned below.

Sol Alcudia Centre Aparthotel which is an excellent family hotel only 150m from the beach, and is located on one of the main streets in Puerto D ‘Alcudia, with studios that have bathrooms with wetrooms.

Protur Palmeras Playa, Sa Coma is a lovely four star, all-inclusive hotel, located just 100m from the beach and 500m from the fishing port of S’Illot. It also has bathrooms with roll in shower, grab rails and shower seat, as well as a pool hoist.

Flights are available to Majorca from a variety of UK airports and accessible transfers, excursions, as well as medical and mobility equipment are also available.

For more information about these properties, as well as numerous others, please visit www.accessibletravel.co.uk or call 01452 729739. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 47

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EVENT

2016

DISABLED ACCESS DAY

By Mik Scarlet

S

aturday 12 March 2016 saw the second Disabled Access Day. The day is a national event that aims to celebrate good access provision and provide disabled people a chance to try new activities safe in the knowledge their access needs will be met. Paul Ralph, the person behind the event, explained how Disabled Access Day was born.

try the train journey to get there, stay at an accessible hotel and on the day visit the City Museum and the many events taking place. I got to see wheelchair tennis, learn how boccia is played, explore the museum, play with the interactive exhibits, meet local disability groups, try some switch robotics, meet my first mobile Changing Places unit and much more”.

on the glass view floor, I didn’t know wheelchairs could go on that, it was totally amazing, I have never done anything like that before!” It wasn’t just disabled people that had their horizons widened.

The Bristol Hippodrome laid on a special accessible theatre tour, and thanks to positive feed back they ‘will be rolling out as standard in the future’. The National Waterfront Museum trained staff to carry out audio described tours, which will now be available all year round.

Businesses taking part also benefited from attracting disabled people’s spending power, known as the Purple Pound.

“I wanted to try something new and for me this was the challenge of using local buses and not knowing how it would be as a powerchair user. I wanted to try getting on board safely and in my own time. Not something I wanted to do on a rush hour Monday morning. This experience led to my thinking about creating opportunities where places and people could cooperate

After his busy day in Leeds, Paul swelled with pride as he explained how he felt reading the responses of those who took part on Twitter and Facebook. “Never in my wildest dreams, but always in my wishes, did I imagine people across the UK and beyond would engage with the spirit of Disabled Access Day 2016 so fully and with such fun!” to provide a worry free, cooperative, safe and fun opportunity for disabled people to try something new. The idea developed to become what we now know as Disabled Access Day. This year the spirit of Disabled Access Day took me to explore a new city. I went to Leeds to see what was happening,

All over the UK disabled people took the chance to visit new places and try new activities, like wheelchair user, Nat: “I have just had such an amazing day on Saturday, I went up the Blackpool Tower for free, it was amazing. My cousin lives there, so we met them and we had such a fab time, I went

Disabled Access Day 2017 will take place on 11 March next year, but the team behind the event have just announced it will run over the whole weekend so plenty of time to try something new. If you want to know more or get involved visit the website www.disabledaccessday.com. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 49

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HOLIDAY FOCUS

ability groups to enjoy this session to its fullest without singling out those that need help.

WHAT ABOUT THE CENTRE’S OTHER FACILITIES? We haven’t only invested in our activities, but also in improving accessibility for our guests as a whole. We have wetrooms, hoists, adjustable tables, cot sides, profiling beds and much more, to enable guests to experience maximum comfort. We have also set aside further funds to invest in sensory trolleys and electric doors, and we’re always listening to the needs of our users to help make a stay with us both accessible and inclusive.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE AT THE PIONEER CENTRE? The team at the Pioneer Centre tell us a bit more about what they can offer people looking for a little adventure

N

estled in the stunning Shropshire hills, the Pioneer Centre is a long-established activity centre that specialises in providing guests with exciting adventure experiences that have a long lasting, positive impact on their confidence and personal development.

We have invested heavily in making our high-adrenaline experience accessible to all – from the activities, to the caring staff, highly qualified instructors and comfortable accommodation. Every group that comes to us is viewed as a unique group, made up of unique and important individuals who matter.

This is what makes a stay with us exhilarating, inclusive and memorable for everyone.

WHAT ACCESSIBLE ACTIVITIES DO YOU HAVE? Many of our exciting activities can be adapted to be the most inclusive they can be for everyone who takes on the challenge. We work with each group to create a bespoke programme to meet their needs.

However we are most excited about our accessible abseil tower. The tower makes abseiling highly inclusive, providing a unique and exciting experience for everyone – including those in wheelchairs, or those who may struggle to understand the processes required for our more traditional abseil tower. It’s an unforgettable experience for everyone.

We love to innovate. For example, we use a discreet, centre-designed method to assist holding an archery bow to allow mixed

We really want to make adventure accessible to all and we continue to develop and improve both the quality and range of activities available to everyone. We have recently added new climbing towers with improved access for those for whom mobility is a consideration, or those with sensory or cognitive impairments.

We are also building an exciting new high ropes course with zip wire that will enable access for those who thought they may not be able to enjoy these activities previously.

DO YOU OFFER ANY PACKAGES EXCLUSIVELY FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES? We host three intentionally inclusive ‘Disability Adventure Weekends’ every year.

These are ideal for families (with mixed ability levels), individuals or small groups to come for an exciting weekend like no other.

Currently these weekends cost as little as £150 per person.

To find out more about the breaks offered visit www.acuk.net/DAW.

Below: The Pioneer Centre offers accessible activities and accommodation for all the family

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ACTIVITES

CALVERT TRUST. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. On the shores of the peaceful Bassenthwaite Lake, at the foot of Skiddaw, in the heart of the National Park sits the Calvert Trust Lake District, a residential outdoor activity centre for people of all ages and abilities.

G

iven the opportunity, you’ll be surprised at some of the things you can achieve and with a supportive hand on your back, certain experiences can truly be life-changing. This is something the Calvert Trust has been delivering for over 40 years, providing positive results through challenging residential activities, exclusive to people with physical, learning and sensory disabilities, including those with the most complex needs for which most outdoors centres cannot cater. The whole site is wheelchair accessible, with or without a carer, and we had the opportunity to experience the centre first hand earlier this year.

CHALLENGE BY CHOICE The activity programme you follow during your visit is tailored to you or your group’s needs, meaning the time you spend at the centre will try to meet your aims whatever they may be; educational, personal development, developing social skills or even just for some fun.

They also have varying degrees of challenges for all abilities – which is known as ‘Challenge by Choice’ – in an attempt to introduce ways to stretch the comfort zone of all visitors, proving to themselves that they are capable of so much more than they thought, a positive experience they can take home with them and use everyday.

The staff have thought of every possible

[Above] The peaceful setting of the Calvert Trust Lake District

scenario that disabled people would have to face on either a daily basis or whilst out on an activity. Every room in the beautiful surroundings is well-equipped with specialist beds and a wetroom en suite with top-of-the-range showers, as well as, a flexible menu to suit all dietary requirements.

Inside the fully accessible facility sits a new purpose-built, multi-sensory hydrotherapy pool. The pool is also home to a spa, bubble pads and water curtain, all of which are activated by pool-side buttons with lighting and sounds above and below water that can be changed by the pool user to flood the whole pool area with different colours and music. The centre also houses a multi-sensory room, providing a place where the distractions of the outside world are completely absent.

IT’S WHAT YOU CAN DO THAT COUNTS

the vast range of facilities, many adults, have relished a break at one of the North of England’s premiere disability-tailored resorts.

We were able to experience adaptive indoor rock climbing, accessible abseiling, a wheelchair obstacle course, sensory bush craft and inclusive cycling. They have many more activities available and all of it is done under the watchful eye of trained professionals.

The staff are always keen to help with anything, even if it is just a word of encouragement before tackling the wheelchair abseil or crossing the chainlink bridge. Your safety is ensured at every chance with instructors holding National Governing Body Awards, as well as, undertaking specialist training in working with people with disabilities. They excel at

[Below] Adventure on the open water

Specifically designed for people with all kinds of disabilities, adventure sports have never been so readily available to people that may have thought it impossible to kayak, complete an obstacle course, ride a horse or even abseil and it is not only children and teenagers, with both physical and learning disabilities, that can enjoy

52 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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SHARON’S STORY

Sharon King has a 10-year-old son called Jamie, who has cerebral palsy, and a sevenyear-old son called Isaac, who does not have a disability. Here, she shares the great experience they had as a family at Calvert Trust Lake District. providing innovative ways to remove physical barriers, allowing you to say ‘yes’ to all the adventures on offer.

SPRINGING INTO THE NEW This year sees the groups 40th anniversary and they will be launching a new, large-scale fundraising project, the start of which is their ‘Go Herdwick Public Art Trail’ which begins at Easter 2016, the proceeds will go towards a £1.3m capital redevelopment of Old Windebrowe in Keswick.

This redevelopment builds on the grounds of their beautiful stables, a brand new centre, designed specifically for occupational therapy. This innovative idea means that visitors can experience both challenging activities and much sought after therapy, such as, speech therapy, swallowing or life skills, to name but a few.

This development will deliver six specialised self-catering apartments suitable for stroke survivors and those with acquired brain injuries or physical impairments, including a communal area allowing guests to receive occupational therapy and rehabilitative support on-site.

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We met someone from the Calvert Trust a few years ago at an exhibition. They told us that our disabled son would be able to abseil, something we’d not considered before. Looking for something to do in the October half-term we booked a trip to the Calvert Trust Lake District.

On arrival, we met our instructor who showed us around. Our family of four was part of a small group with another boy and his carers. There was morning and afternoon activities, plus a chance to use the swimming pool, sensory room, games room and sports hall. We had interconnecting twin rooms, each had a wetroom and our disabled child had a profiling bed. We returned for February half-term and stayed in a different building and between seven of us we had a triple room that included a profiling bed, plus two twin rooms, all with wetrooms and all in the same corridor. We were with a friend and his two children and our activities were slightly different, planned with our group in mind.

We had actually planned to go skiing in February, but it didn’t work out. It was

lovely to be able to go to the Calvert Trust with friends and to have all the activities planned for us.

There are many things that Jamie would not have done before, including abseiling and going down the zipwire. In February, Jamie made it to the top of Dodd Summit and he tried archery. He liked the swimming pool and making us all play table tennis and badminton in the evenings. He also went out with the pony and trap as they accommodate wheelchairs. Isaac has refused to go near horses before, but he loved riding at Calvert Trust and declared that ‘it is easier than you expect’. The Calvert Trust stables have a height-adjustable platform so it is easy for anyone to mount their horse.

Our instructor gave us certificates when we left in February and the children were able to take them into school. Isaac has been lacking in confidence at school, but told staff about riding a horse, climbing a wall and abseiling. We all got to do the activities, not just Jamie, which was great.

Jamie enjoyed being part of the group, especially canoeing, as our instructor let him choose pairs of people to swap places in the canoes. It was great to have staff that work to make things possible and give a positive holiday experience.

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31/03/2016 00:19

OUTDOORS

MOUNTAIN TRIKE ANNOUNCE NEW EXPERIENCE CENTRE IN THE SOUTH EAST Going the extra mile to ensure everyone can experience all-terrain adventure

part of their expansion plans the Mountain Trike company, who manufacture and make all-terrain wheelchairs, have been establishing connections with likeminded outdoor centres. Creating Experience Centres where people can try and hire their range of Mountain Trike wheelchairs. With several Experience Centres already located around the UK they have just secured a new accredited centre in the South East with Outdoor Academy, who run their operation from Reading in West Berkshire and now have a fleet of Mountain Trike’s available for customers to use.

Outdoor Academy was established in 2007 and has become recognised as a leading outdoor activity provider. They offer a huge variety of outdoor pursuits with guidance from a team of professional instructors and have access to inspiring venues throughout the UK. Dave Hopper, Managing Director of Outdoor Academy, says: “We are confident that Mountain Trike will allow us to reach out and underpin an already busy Mountain Bike programme and create the perfect opportunity for a wider inclusive clientele, including expanding our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions. We already cater for a diverse range of clients offering education packages, corporate team-

building programmes, skill based courses and our Adventure Activities Authority Service License enables us to offer the widest possible range of land and water based activities. I saw instantly how the Mountain Trike products could create an amazing opportunity for potential user groups to our exciting and fun outdoor activities – the performance of the Trike over any terrain was incredible and being an affiliated Mountain Trike Experience Centre will add another really positive dimension to the centre.”

Talking about the new Mountain Trike Experience Centre, Tim Morgan, Managing Director at Mountain Trike, says: “Outdoor Academy couldn’t be a more perfect fit for our Mountain Trike products, their whole ethos and understanding of the great outdoors is exactly what we look for – their passion and enthusiasm is fantastic. They have developed an innovative activity centre that delivers flexible and bespoke programmes and invest in the latest and best equipment to ensure that everyone can have the best experience. We’d been looking for an Experience Centre in this region, so I’m delighted to welcome Dave and his team from Outdoor Academy as our new Experience Centre – it’s a great location and facility and I have every confidence that customers using the Mountain Trikes will have a great

experience and I’m really looking forward to hearing how things progress.”

Outdoor Academy has a fleet of five Mountain Trike’s, three original lever propelled Mountain Trikes, an MT Push – a buddy chair and an MT Evo for users who have limited hand function. For anyone interested in finding out more about Outdoor Academy please visit www.outdooracademy.co.uk/mountaintrike and for more information about the Mountain Trike products please visit www.mountaintrike.com. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 55

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30/03/2016 23:44

DIY SOS

[Above] Geberit supplied an AquaClean 8000plusCare to the Ford family

When father-of-three, Richard Ford, suffered a Brain Stem Stroke at the age of 41, life for him, and his family, changed dramatically. Well-known television show, DIY SOS, stepped in to give him back his independence and to help the whole family on a road to recovery.

REBUILDING INDEPENDENCE

A

policeman and keen athlete before illness struck, overnight Richard went from being fit and healthy to being unable to move or communicate.

It was after a family day out in June 2012 that Richard collapsed suddenly at his home in the West Yorkshire town of Holmfirth. He underwent life-saving surgery, but his brain had been starved of oxygen for several hours, leaving him conscious but unable to move. He could only communicate by blinking and was left ‘locked in’ for nine months. Since then, Richard has been confined to a wheelchair, with limited movement and speech. While Richard’s body was affected by the stroke, Richard’s mind wasn’t, so he is fully aware of his

situation and the restricted privacy and independence that he has been left with.

His wife of 10 years, Jude, said: “All Richard wanted was to be a husband and a father again.”

Suddenly, life became very different for Richard and his family and the day-today tasks that most of us take for granted became much harder to tackle. Over time, Richard recuperated well enough to be discharged from hospital, but the Ford family home was no longer fit for purpose.

Jude was forced to make what changes she could in order to care for her husband.

One of the biggest challenges for Richard was not being able to access the bathroom on the first floor. The children’s playroom on the ground floor was turned into a make-shift bedroom, and there was no

alternative but for Richard to use a commode chair to go to the toilet, sometimes in full sight of his family. Being left with very little privacy was a particular struggle for Richard who found himself with no independence and unable to access any part of his home without help. This is in stark contrast to the man who coached his sons’ football club and, just two weeks before his stroke, completed the Edinburgh Marathon.

“As a dad, Richard was absolutely amazing – supportive, loving, loyal,” commented Jude.

“We were determined to get that daddy back and that husband back. More than anything Richard wanted to be responsible for himself.”

When the BBC’s DIY SOS team agreed to help the Fords, Jude had two wishes – for

56 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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DIY SOS

[Above] Richard Ford with his wife, three sons and the family cat

a downstairs bedroom and a wetroom for Richard. In fact, the finished project included the addition of a single storey extension, meaning that, as well as the bedroom and wetroom that Richard so badly needed, there is now enough living space for the family to spend quality time together too. Jude believes that these improvements give Richard the best possible chance of recovery and has improved life, not only, for herself and Richard, but also for their three sons, 11-year-old Harry, eight-year-old Oscar and Archie, who is six.

Where the greatest change is being felt though, is with the addition of the ground floor wetroom, which includes a shower area that Richard can access in his wheelchair and a Geberit AquaClean 8000plusCare shower toilet to help restore his dignity and independence.

“The shower toilet is so life enhancing, it has brought back an immense level of dignity and independence to Richard that he once took for granted.

“Being able to get around the bathroom, to use the toilet and to wash independently is something that we all just take for granted, until something like what happened to

THE SHOWER TOILET IS SO LIFE ENHANCING, IT HAS BROUGHT BACK AN IMMENSE LEVEL OF DIGNITY AND INDEPENDENCE TO RICHARD THAT HE ONCE TOOK FOR GRANTED

Richard, at which point the bathroom just becomes an enormous obstacle. Richard has always been independent and able; to have that taken away from him and to be left with such little privacy was a real challenge for him. The wetroom and the shower toilet have completely changed all that.”

Geberit’s AquaClean 8000plusCare combines the convenience of a warm water wash and a warm air-dryer to leave the user feeling fresh and clean. The extending spray arm of the WC washes with a gentle, oscillating or pulsating jet of warm water, before gently drying with a flow of warm air. The Geberit AquaClean 8000plusCare incorporates the very latest technology to make operation simple.

things as a family again. The wetroom has given him back his independence and privacy which has definitely helped with his rehabilitation.

“It was a life-changing thing when it happened, but now Richard is as determined as ever to make sure he can do as much as he can with the boys and as a family.”

For more details about Geberit AquaClean call 0800 032 9629 or visit the website at www.geberit-aquaclean.co.uk.

Commenting on the changes, Jude said: “As a family we were fractured and broken and life was getting really on top of us. The changes have rebuilt our family.

“We wouldn’t change a single item, we just have no idea how they can get so many things right. Not only does Richard have a wetroom that is very practical, it’s also very tasteful and looks like something you would get at a boutique hotel.

“Since the renovation we are enjoying www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 57

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31/03/2016 16:06

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31/03/2016 17:01

KIDS

THE

Kids’ CORNER Every child, no matter what their abilities, should have access to play opportunities. The vital experiences that play can provide children and the impact it can have on their development, is not something that can be denied.

Yet, disabled children up and down the country are missing out on these vital experiences due to a lack of access.

Charity, Sense, launched an inquiry late last year, into the opportunities of play for children with disabilities and are calling for greater investment in play from the government. The inquiry was chaired by Lord Blunkett and hopes to raise awareness, not only, of the lack of access to play settings but also to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of disabled children. A greater understanding among the public will hopefully negate negative attitudes and break down barriers across mainstream settings. We look into this inquiry further on page 60.

In addition to this we look at getting involved in Frame Football, a fantastic football experience that is open to all.

We also discover more about a new website, Brainstars, dedicated to parents of children living with a brain injury.

We want to encourage as many parents as possible to get in touch to share their views, opinions, product or service recommendations. Please email ros@2apublishing.co.uk, we look forward to hearing from you. ďƒŽ

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KIDS

M I T E Y A L P

Ensuring all children have access to play

FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS, PLAY IS ARGUABLY EVEN MORE IMPORTANT, TO ENABLE THEM TO DEVELOP PHYSICALLY, COGNITIVELY AND EMOTIONALLY

hether it’s of climbing trees, hulahooping in the front room or battering a football off dad’s garden fence, we all have fond memories of play as a child. However, an inquiry led by charity, Sense, late last year, found that for children with additional needs, crucial access to play services was few and far between.

Chaired by Lord Blunkett, the public inquiry looked into the provision of play opportunities for children aged 0-5 with additional needs in England and

Wales. The inquiry was established in response to feedback from families who had expressed concern over the few opportunities to access play services.

BENEFITS OF PLAY We know that play is an important part of every child’s development.

For young children with additional needs, play is arguably even more important, to enable them to develop physically, cognitively and emotionally; it is a vital early intervention tool that helps to improve the life chances of disabled children. A lack of play can prevent children with multiple needs from reaching their full potential.

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KIDS

A SPOKESPERSON FOR SENSE SAID: “The Case for Play report highlighted

a number of areas that need to be improved in order to ensure that play is accessible for all.

“Failings at every level included a lack of One of the most common requests that Sense receives from families is guidance on how to play with their sensory-impaired child. Life can sometimes be stressful for children who receive a large number of medical interventions and therapies, but play allows disabled children to be happy, thrive and live in the here and now. It is simply about having fun. For children with multiple needs and their families, play contributes to a sense of well-being and normality.

Play helps all children gain social and communication skills, be it through making their first friends, learning turn-taking or social norms. As children with multiple needs often take longer to develop communication, play can act as a critical path to help them develop these skills, as well as identifying ‘hidden’ disabilities, such as autism and social communication disorders.

Through play, children can express, explore and manage their fears and emotions in a safe place. It can also help children to learn to make choices, develop an awareness of risk and give them a sense of control and independence – a vital mechanism for children with additional needs, who often have much in their lives that is beyond their control. Enabling children to have fun together is a natural way to remove stigma and helps to raise awareness about disability; ultimately allowing disabled children and their families to feel part of the community and increasing their sense of inclusion.

BARRIERS TO PLAY Despite emphasis on the strong value of play, evidence submitted to the Inquiry showed that children with multiple needs are facing significant difficulties in accessing play services. Access to play can be difficult with a single impairment, so when you add multiple needs to this, you add yet more barriers to an already difficult task.

Barriers to play are due to a number of

reasons; one of the most common reported by Sense was parent’s fear of negative attitudes of other families or staff in new play settings. Negative attitudes can range anywhere from pity to frustration, rudeness and condescending tones. Many parents believe these attitudes stem from a lack of understanding and awareness of how different impairments can affect a child. Often those with learning difficulties, or with challenging or unusual behaviour are assumed to just be ‘naughty’.

The unfortunate result is, not only, are these children then left out of play with their peers, but it is also to the detriment of the other children who do not have the opportunity to experience this important social interaction with someone who may be a little different from them, which can help feed stigma and stereotypes. This can also have a profound impact on families with disabled children also, leaving them socially excluded, or nervous of partaking in new experiences.

Despite replies to FOI requests to local authorities asserting that all of their mainstream play services are accessible to disabled children, Sense found that these claims seemed to be at odds with the experiences parents contributing to the Inquiry shared. When not intentionally excluded, many felt they had been indirectly excluded due to issues like other’s attitudes.

Children with multiple needs often have a complex care routine too, which can mean families often don’t have time or energy to take part in play, or acute medical needs are prioritised. Play can, unfortunately, be the first thing to go when therapy or medical treatments become a daily occurrence. But the benefits of play know no bounds and should not have to be compromised.

In the event that a family can luckily find time for play, they might feel unsure how to interact with a child who has multiple needs.

attention by government and an urgent need for greater investment in play, as part of early years funding, to support play in the home and in mainstream settings. We are calling for play to be a key strand of the government’s policy on parenting and to be an explicit part of government-funded parenting classes.

“At a local level, The Case for Play report

indicated that it is time for Local Authorities to take action against settings which fail their legal duties. It is also time for Local Authorities to take the lead on increasing the general public’s awareness and understanding of disabled children, in order to prevent the negative attitudes that parents reported were a key barrier to mainstream settings.

“Sense is also calling on play providers

to ensure their play policy statement stresses the inclusion of every child and that staff are trained on disability, to help them create an inclusive environment.”

Have you experienced barriers when accessing play services?

Have your say by emailing us at dionne@2apublishing.co.uk.

Help to bond can be an issue too, especially with other children in the family.

Ultimately, most of the issues uncovered by Sense and the families who contributed, can be boiled down to a lack of support; in teaching and learning the skills of play, of finding the right places to play and finding the time to play. Access to specialist services is also often limited and can be a ‘postcode lottery.’ The Inquiry highlighted a number of issues around unsuitable facilities, with physical barriers not just limited to formal settings, but also to friend’s homes and whilst the environment itself may be accessible, changing facilities, feeding spaces and others may not always be available. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 61

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30/03/2016 23:38

SPORT

KICKIN’ IT Richard Seedhouse nurtures the footballing talent in children of all abilities

F

ootball. The beautiful game. The national sport.

You can’t take two steps anywhere in the country without seeing a team’s colours plastered on the backs of avid fans, or a heated discussion about that controversial penalty or spotting it on a phone screen by a commuter hoping and praying that four-three-three strategy pays off because the thought of losing to them at home is just too much.

In rain or shine, every patch of greenery all over the nation is descended on by children with a tattered ball that has seen moments of glory, moments of defeat and many different sets of trainers over the years.

Nothing is more heart-breaking than not being able to join in. This is where a deep resentment towards your own disability could rear its head that could set you down a dangerous path.

But not while Richard Seedhouse is around. Richard is the organiser of Frame Football.

He said: “The Frame Football Association are a volunteer group of football coaches and

parents who have come together to form an Association with the goal of providing football tournaments, festivals and games for players who use walker style frames.

“We want Pan Disability clubs all across the country to start increasing participation for frame users and promote games and form real teams that are able to compete in our organised events all across the UK.”

truly believe that he feels no different. In his words, ‘it’s a dream come true’.

“Logan will never be as fast as his school friends but that doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be given the chance and opportunity to fulfil his dreams.”

There are teams for three to 18 year olds based all across the UK, including, London, Glasgow, Belfast, Coventry, Oldham, Nottingham and they even have a new team just starting in Malta.

13-year-old, Callun Branch, also has cerebral palsy, his dad, Steve, coaches the Basildon branch of Frame Football. Steve said: “I have a boy called Harry who, when he first started with us, could hardly stand for long, let alone take part, but his dad has been amazing, never giving up on him. He got a knew set of splints fitted just before

Caroline Scothern from Nottingham is the very proud mum of eight-year-old Logan, who has cerebral palsy, and she has nothing but high praise for Frame Football.

She said: “As a parent, I would say these kids go through daily physio, stretching and strengthening exercises that, for once, let them enjoy the freedom of just being children. As far as I can see, there are so many benefits to playing frame footy and not just for the children, the parents love it too. Their smiles are as big as their child’s.

Christmas and it’s like we have a different child with us, lasting 50 minutes of a session now, standing up in his walker and scoring goals. The smile on his face says it all for me, such a big moment for his father and myself and all the parents to see him be included. Other parents have said their child’s lost weight, getting physically stronger and many more positive comments. Anyone who wants to come along is welcome and would never be judged. Frame Football is so inspiring.”

“Logan now plays for the same football club, Rolls Royce Huchnall Under 18’s, as his big brother, Corey, and also some of his school friends, he wears the same kit and I

To find out if there is a team near you, email Richard at richard@framefootball.com or visit the Facebook site www.facebook. com/FrameFootball.

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31/03/2016 16:10

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

Then we found out about MAISON DES LANDES”

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

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

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

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

CONTACT US NOW FOR A BROCHURE

St Ouen, Jersey JE3 2AA Tel: 01534 481683 Email: contact@maisondeslandes.co.uk Website: www.maisondeslandes.co.uk

01409 211140 info@blagdonfarm.co.uk www.blagdonfarm.co.uk CORNWALL - TRENONA FARM HOLIDAYS

Come and stay in one of our two wheel chair accessible holiday cottages on the Roseland Peninsula, South Cornwall.

Four star rated and set down a private drive on a working farm.

Wet rooms, level/sloped access throughout, central heating, quality furnishings and plenty of parking.

Children and pets welcome.

AA 4 Star Rated

Full brochure on request – online booking – see www.trenonafarmholidays.co.uk 01872 501339 01872 501253 (fax) 07775 698953 (mob) Mrs P Carbis pam@trenonafarmholidays.co.uk

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31/03/2016 00:20

Kids’ PRODUCTS Brothers & Sisters

Brothers & Sisters is a new range of high quality organic cotton bodysuits featuring a new design that allows for tube feeding without obvious holes or slits in the garment. The bodysuit designs are long and short sleeved and come in plain or Breton striped with seaside prints. Available for boys and girls, sizes 3yrs - 10yrs, they include printed and flat labels. The creative mind behing this is Lyn Worrall, mum to three boys, one of them who lives with a brain injury.

Lyn said: “After my son suffered a devastating brain injury at 18 months we were launched into a pretty difficult and sad world, I wanted to surround my family with as much beauty and positivity as possible. This ran through, not only, daily life and experiences but also aesthetics. As my beautiful boy grew bigger it was harder to find clothing and products that were inspiring but also practical. I was left feeling thoroughly depressed by the shopping experiences available. With a background in luxury fashion, I decided to start designing some products that felt inspirational and looked great. Brothers & Sisters was born. I wanted my disabled son to have the same quality as his brothers, hence the name

Prices from

£72.00

Windy Garden Sensory Tub

Don’t let the windy British weather get you down, pick up a set of windy day toys and make the most of those blustery days. The set contains a wide range of products that allow you to use the wind to make music on the wind chime or blow the sparkly fabrics and ribbons around.

You can even bring the rainbow coloured fish to life as you run around the garden letting the breeze catch it. Pictured is the full garden sensory tub which costs £259.95 plus VAT, but smaller kits are available at a lower price bracket.

Spacekraft 01274 581007 enquiries@spacekraft.co.uk www.spacekraft.co.uk

‘Brothers & Sisters’, why should we have to compromise? All of our products are made with 100% organic cotton and manufactured in Europe.”

The range has just launched and you can find out more at www.brothersandsister slondon.com or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brothersandsister slondon.

Aggression Bats

For some children, dealing with frustration can be a real struggle. If a child cannot verbally express their feelings it can be very difficult for them to release pent up anger and aggression. These foam bats have been designed to offer a physical outlet for a child in a safe manner.

They are tough, but will not cause injury when used appropriately.

Rompa 01246 211 777 customer.service@rompa.com www.rompa.com

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Prices from

£35.00

30/03/2016 23:33

KIDS

Superbrush

The Dr Barman’s Superbrush has two angled heads so is able to clean teeth from both sides simultaneously. It is available in three sizes (adult, child and infant), four colours (navy, light blue, lime and cerise) and is recommended for children who have additional needs or orthodontic treatment.

Fledglings 01799 541807 enquiries@fledglings.org.uk www.fledglings.org.uk

Prices from

ÂŁ4.50

Nessie

Nessie is a unique positioning aid for children to help physical development. Made from a comfortable, flexible, low density foam moulding, Nessie is specifically designed to give effective positioning control during therapy and play. As well as being portable, the cover is also machine washable.

Specialised Orthotic Services 01283 520 400 enquires@specialorthotic.com www.specialisedorthoticservices.co.uk

Prices available on request

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30/03/2016 23:34

E V I T VA

NO N I | T H IG E W T H G T S LI O | ,M R T H S S E I T I L H A Y H G T I C L S THE H WHEEL E T IS N L Y A T L S P S E R!

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31/03/2016 17:02 22/03/2016 10:47:04

NEW WEBSITE

Lyn Worrall has launched a website to provide parents of children living with a brain injury, a useful resource with information on nutrition, holidays, funding advice and much more. Here, Lyn shares her story...

BRAINSTARS

I

am a busy working mum to three beautiful boys, Riley 11, Ferdie eight and Jago five. After the birth of our first son we left London to pursue a more relaxed country life, first in Berkshire and now in a small village in Northamptonshire. I’ve been with my husband Barney for 16 years and we had built a pretty good life for ourselves, we both worked hard and achieved our dream of three children. Our three boys were all fit, well and most importantly happy.

However, on the 11 March 2012 our lives changed beyond recognition. Our youngest son Jago, only 17 months at the time and and so I won my a real explorer, wandered fight in 2014. Over away from the children for the last few years I only a few minutes. The recognised a real moment we discovered lack of resources he was missing I ran to the for parents like pond at the end of the me, this whole garden hidden by trees. I I WAS TOLD HE WOULD experience has found my beautiful boy NEVER RECEIVE THAT been such a steep floating head down at the LEVEL OF CARE - BUT I learning curve for top of the water. I will never forget the feeling of his lifeless WAS JAGO’S MUM I WOULD us, having to adapt to this new world, body in my arms, it haunts me NEVER GIVE UP AND SO I WON MY FIGHT IN 2014 that it would be every day and as a result has shameful not changed our lives forever. We to share our knowledge with everyone spent three months in hospital and eight else, even if it helps just one family. So months in a rehabilitation centre. Jago I set about setting up a new resource finally came home in April 2013 a very website for parents and Brainstars was different boy. born.

He could no longer walk, talk, eat or Brainstars, is an inspiring lifestyle resource communicate and needed 24/7 care. I offering support and information on the spent 17 months fighting for this care broadest range of subjects such as involving my MP, going to The House of medical issues, nutrition, therapies, Commons to meet the Under Secretary disability and family rights, holiday advice, of Education, Ed Timpson - I was told he would never receive that level of care - but clothing, important funding advice and equipment.

I was Jago’s mum I would never give up

With a magazine feel and blog format it will bring constantly updated monthly Top Tips, inspiring stories, relevant current affairs and breaking science stories, in time we hope to also set up a forum where parents can discuss these subjects. It will also act as a pathway to all of those wonderful charities and support groups already well-established.

It has been four years since Jago’s accident and I almost cannot believe that my baby is now five. Although we walk a rocky road, Jago has been calmer and life has been better for him and all of us. www.brainstars.co.uk

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30/03/2016 22:06

MOTABILITY

A VISITOR’S EXPERIENCE Molly Polden, a Motability customer who attended The Big Event for the first time last year, shared her her test drive experience with us: “I had never been to any of the Motability Scheme events before so it was a new experience for me. When I arrived I was met by friendly members of staff who sent me off in the right direction to look at some cars.

“At first I spoke to one of the Motability Scheme advisors about what I would need and how my disability affected me.

He took me through all of the cars and adaptations that would suit my disability and advised me on what cars would be useful for me to test drive on the day.

The Big Event, hosted by the Motability Scheme, is returning to Manchester’s EventCity on 13 - 14 May 2016. The largest of its kind, the event will showcase the most extensive display of vehicles for disabled people in the UK and also offers visitors the chance to take to the wheel with a test drive. PosAbility caught up with one of the organisers, Luke Snowden, to find out more about what to expect at the UK’s premier mobility event.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AT THE BIG EVENT 2016?

Making the event bigger and better each year is such an exciting part of my job. This year there’s even more on display with 120 cars from around 30 of the leading car manufacturers, 15 adaptation suppliers, 25 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and 40 scooters and powered wheelchairs, so there really is something for everyone.

We are also looking forward to returning to Manchester’s EventCity, we had over 8,000 visitors last year over the two days and it is a great location for the show. You can check out the full details of the show, what’s on display and which cars are available to test drive at www.motability.co.uk/ thebigevent.

WHY SHOULD WE COME TO THE BIG EVENT? The Big Event is a great opportunity for disabled motorists to find out more about the Motability Scheme and the vehicles available. Visitors will have the chance to get behind the wheel and experience test

“Booking a test drive was really simple, I chose which cars I wanted to try out and they booked me straight in. There’s no need to pre-book, all you need is your full driving licence and you can arrange it on the day.

“When I turned up for the test drive I was introduced to Peter, a test drive instructor. It was my first time driving with adaptations so I was a little bit nervous but he spent a lot of time thoroughly explaining how they all worked. We didn’t actually go anywhere until I felt completely comfortable operating them myself. I had plenty of time to really get used to the car which helped me decide whether or not I would feel comfortable driving it on a day to day basis.

“I would definitely recommend going to The Big Event; it brought everything that I needed to make a decision on what car I would want to one place. The test drive was a great experience and introduced me to the world of adapted cars and I certainly came away knowing what car I would like to get next.”

drives with professional driving instructors in a range of vehicles – some fitted with the most popular driving adaptations available on the Scheme. Remember to bring your full driving licence to The Big Event to take a test drive. Our scheme

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partners Kwik Fit, RAC and RSA Motability will also be on hand to answer your questions.

WHO CAN ATTEND? The Big Event is a really great day out for all the family. We have free face painting, balloon modellers and magicians, plus the chance to meet our Motability Scheme mascot, Billy the Bear. The event runs for two days and is free to attend, with no invite or pre-registration needed. Parking is free too, plus everyone is treated to a free cup of tea or coffee when they arrive.

You can find out more about The Big Event online at www.motability.co.uk/ thebigevent and on the ‘Motability Events’ Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ motabilityevents.

For more information on leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, visit www.motability.co.uk or call 0800 953 7000.

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

Over 100 cars from 28 different manufacturers

Over 40 scooters and powered wheelchairs

TEST DRIVE

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

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

EE Y FR TR EN

Over 35 adapted cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

EventCity, Manchester

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May 2016 9am to 4pm

Find out more at motability.co.uk/thebigevent or call 0800 953 7000 Please quote MO711D * To test drive the cars you must bring your full UK driving licence and sign our test drive declaration on the day. Full Terms and Conditions can be found at motability.co.uk/thebigevent. The Big Event is organised and hosted by Motability Operations Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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30/03/2016 23:43

Join us at Naidex 2016

Independence. Together.

NEC BIRMINGHAM 26 - 28 APRIL 2016

Discover the latest innovations in independent living, test the newest designs and source tailor-made products to make your life easier.

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to share experiences with like-minded others and benefit from expert advice all under one roof.

Introducing the Trade & Healthcare Professionals only day for a more relevant and streamlined show.

26th April 2016 Trade & Healthcare ONLY 27th-28th April 2016 Trade, Healthcare & Consumer BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Register today at naidex.co.uk Independence. Together.

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31/03/2016 17:06

EXHIBITION

FAST TRACK YOUR FREEDOM

The Mobility Roadshow incorporating Get Going Live!

Silverstone Circuit, Northants, 26-28 May 2016

S

ince 1983, The Mobility Roadshow, organised by the charity Mobility Choice, has been helping to meet the nation’s mobility needs. From 26–28 May, this unmissable and popular event, incorporating Get Going Live! takes place for the first time at the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

UK and international visitors will have the free opportunity to test drive adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) around the British Grand Prix circuit accompanied by professional drivers.

Visitors will also be able to discover the largest range of adapted driving controls available today – no other show has this remarkable choice. This vast range will include push/pull hand controls, floor mounted controls, left foot accelerators, lightened power steering, ring accelerators, specialist electric triggers, four-way joystick steering, electric mini wheel steering, remote secondary controls and more.

As well as free test drives, there will be further vehicle displays inside the spacious Silverstone Wing. Gold Sponsors Autoadapt, Elap, Mobility Networks and Kivi, will be showcasing their accessible vehicles and driving adaptations alongside other leading conversion specialists such as Sirus Automotive and Lewis Reed. Whether through the Motability scheme or private ownership, disabled drivers and passengers seeking the ideal solution for assisted driving will be able to compare and contrast a diverse selection of vehicles and adaptations all in one location.

offering a ‘once in a lifetime accessible trial flight’, iCAN are giving away a thrilling accessible Supercar Triple Driving Experience and there will be an iPad Air up for grabs.

products, ramps and hoists in the spacious Silverstone Wing. Adding to the rich show experience this year Let’s Play! will be hosting ‘come and try’ sessions for visitors interested in learning a new inclusive activity or sport. On the 26 May, visitors can enjoy free taster sessions of boccia and disability tennis whilst on 27 - 28 May, visitors can try powerchair football and wheelchair basketball.

Running on all three days there will be amazing prizes to win as part of the Mobility Roadshow’s Daily Golden Ticket Prize Draw. Event sponsor Aerobility will be

Ann Frye, Chair of Mobility Choice, summarises: “The Mobility Roadshow 2016 aims to provide a wide ranging showcase of mobility products, accessible vehicles and adaptations that can enrich the lives of people living with disabilities. We are delighted to be hosting the show at Silverstone for the first time in our 33-year history. Visitors to The Mobility Roadshow will find a wide variety of adapted driving controls and vehicles to suit their personal needs together with the many demonstrations and interactive displays on offer.”

All Mobility Roadshow and Get Going Live! activities are free, including all test drives, entry and parking on solid ground. For further information and to book a test drive visit www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk

2016 also sees the exciting return of Get Going Live! to the Mobility Roadshow.

This popular three day test-drive feature focuses on the needs of younger people with disabilities and novice drivers. Plus, there will be hands-on testing available of the latest mobility scooters, rehabilitation www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 71

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31/03/2016 16:28

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.

Are you raising a disabled child or young person?

Our grants may be able to help

Ge t ch in touou or

if y to s e e know e you anyon igible are el

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.

www.familyfund.org.uk Private company limited by guarantee. Incorporated in England and Wales. Registration no. 3166627.

Registered charity number 1053866. Scottish charity number SC040810.

Wheelchaircars.co.uk 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.

FREE NO OBLIGATION HOME DEMONSTRATIONS USED VEHICLES FROM £2995

Tel: 0161 793 5934 Full details on our website, www.wheelchaircars.co.uk

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

Adjustable steering column adjusts for comfort and easy, step-on access, with comfortable steel backed, foam filled and weatherproof bucket style seat as standard.

British Built in England

RANGER with 2 x 55amp batteries £2,300 RANGER with lithium battery £2,600

STABILITY GUARANTEED EVEN ON THE TOUGHEST TERRAIN, YOU STAY STEADY AS A ROCK

T: 01233 666 000 E: sales@electrokart.com www.electrokart.com

British Built in England

31/03/2016 17:07

EMPLOYMENT

NEW WORK TRIAL SUCCESS

R

eturning to work immediately after a spinal cord injury (SCI) may feel difficult, or at times even impossible, but charity Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) offer support and guidance to help rebuild your confidence and allow you to discover the right vocational path for you.

The SIA Vocational Support Manager, Dave Bracher, leads the organisations Vocational Support Service. The service covers a range of areas and is designed to give you the support, guidance and encouragement you need when considering a return to work, education, volunteering or even sport after an injury. After a SCI, your future vocation can have a hugely positive impact on every aspect of your life, from your physical and mental health to your earning potential, social interactions and confidence and can be the first step in returning a sense of normality to your life.

The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) have launched a Work Trial initiative to support people with a spinal cord injury back into the workplace

Dave’s latest programme to help those with a SCI get back into work involves the Work Trial scheme. This allows users of the service to partake in work experience placements with leading UK companies. These have included Network Rail, Williams and, most recently, Barclaycard. The programme, which offers people placements of six to eight weeks with the company, has been so successful that their very first participant has recently been offered a six month paid contract.

“In early 2015, Katie heard about SIA’s Work Trial initiative via an advertisement on SIA’s Facebook page. Having formally applied, she was delighted to be one of the first people selected to go through the Work Trial process at Network Rail. Katie had previously worked in HR and was in the process of completing the first stage of her Chartered Institute of Personal and Development qualification, so her Work Trial was within the HR function at the Head Office in Milton Keynes.

Dave spoke about the success of the programme and what it aims to do.

“From day one, Katie felt as though she was being treated like any other new starter.

She loved the atmosphere at Network Rail and the open layout of the building meant that it was very accessible. During her placement, she gained experience of working within a number of different HR teams and learnt a great deal about the HR function at Network Rail, including the invaluable experience of working in the department during the RMT and TSSA Union strike action debates.”

“Given that we are trying to facilitate the building of skills and confidence, we have taken great care to ensure the Work Trial is closely-managed and well-supported so that our participants can get the very best out of this experience. The voluntary nature of the trial means that existing benefits or income are unaffected and there is the obvious potential for the Work Trial to lead to a permanent position should one be available.

“One of the participants, Darren, summed up the importance of our approach when he said: ‘I wouldn’t have applied for this if I’d just seen it advertised somewhere. The only reason I’ve put myself forward for the Work Trial is because I trust SIA.’

The SIA are determined to build on the success of the Work Trial initiative and are already in talks with more major employers in the UK. If you have a spinal injury and want to find out more about the work of the SIA, please contact Dave Bracher on d.bracher@spinal.co.uk or visit www.spinal.co.uk.

“We believe that undertaking a Work Trial will enable anyone taking part to come away with, not just enhanced skills, but also an understanding and confidence that the challenge of work is achievable. A great example of the potential for the Work Trial programme is Katie, one of our first Work Trial participants, who has recently been offered a permanent contract with Network Rail.

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

Stay with us for a few days, a week, or come just for the day; however long you are here you will discover it's what you CAN do that Counts!

01598 763221   ad_pages_apr_may_16.indd 26

exmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk 

31/03/2016 00:20

CAREERS

GET THAT DREAM JOB THRIVING IN THAT JOB!

This column generally gives tips and techniques on how to find work with employers who will value your skills. But of course, that is only half of the story – having gained a new role it is important to keep it and enjoy it. In this issue, we look at some ways to make sure you thrive once in your new job

By Jane Hatton

ASKING FOR REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS We will look at this in more depth in future issues, however, it is important if you are facing barriers in the workplace that adjustments are put in place to overcome them. Otherwise you may be judged unfairly on what you do or don’t achieve.

Adjustments might mean, 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, remember to tell your manager about Access to Work (for more information see www.gov.uk/access-towork/overview).

CAREER PROGRESSION Some employers, wrongly, seem to assume that a disabled person will be so ‘grateful’ to have a job at all that they won’t be ambitious or interested in promotion. If you are looking for career progression, make sure that the managers above you are aware of that. Ensure that you are made aware of any training opportunities that arise and apply for any you feel will give you additional skills which will help you to progress in your career. See if the organisation has a mentoring scheme and ask to be included. If the organisation has a disabled employees’ network, you might want to consider joining it. Make it clear during appraisal interviews or supervision that you would like to progress in the organisation. Look out for any vacancies which might help your career progression.

Update your profile on LinkedIn (or create one if you don’t have one), and ask for – and give – recommendations from people you work with, such as colleagues, customers and suppliers.

Gaining a new job is a great start and there is much you can do to make the most of this opportunity, both for you and your new employer.

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

BEING A VALUABLE EMPLOYEE This applies to all new recruits, and it is important that you add value to the organisation who is paying your salary. This means generally adhering to good workplace etiquette, such as turning up on time, giving your work your full attention, only using your personal mobile phone at breaks and having it on silent whilst working, being respectful to colleagues, managers and customers and so on. It also means looking for opportunities to add value. This might include contributing ideas or suggestions for improvement or perhaps going the extra mile on a particular project to show your expertise and professionalism. Maybe volunteer for a project you feel passionately about or find solutions to current problems the organisation or its customers might be facing. The more valuable you are to an organisation, the more likely they are to keep, or even promote, you. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 75

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31/03/2016 16:53

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31/03/2016 17:08

ACCESSIBLEPUZZLES TRAVEL

Brain Teasers

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

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30/03/2016 23:47

Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Class Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Class Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Class Norfolk Disabled Friendly Cottages

“Do you have a disability?

Would you like to go on a cruise holiday? Do you think cruise ships are totally inaccessible?

I, Doug Smith, the author of ‘The disABILITY To Cruise?’, am a full-time wheelchair user, having had Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus since birth.

In my book, I use my vast experience of the cruise industry and of disability to take you on a journey from initially choosing and booking your cruise right through to the final disembarkation process, so that you should have no issues when you finally get back home. By the time you have read my book, you will have all of the information you require to decide whether or not a cruise holiday is right for you. I think it is... in fact, I KNOW it is!  So, what are you waiting for? Get your copy of ‘The disABILITY To Cruise’ today! Contact Doug Smith at the details below:

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

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

For more information or to book call 01485 578 354 or email lavinia@nd-fc.co.uk.

Home Tel No: 01779 470839 / Mobile Tel No: 07584 953805 Email: dougiesmith64456@aol.com

www.nd-fc.co.uk

Manaros

The El Pleamar Apartments

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Reservations & Information

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30/03/2016 22:48

s | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | s | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | s | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds |

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01505 842062 / 07748 432648 www.albahighlandcottages.co.uk

Find your local, approved mobility dealer

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At Mobility Club we want to provide you, the user, with a useful resource to aid daily living at the touch of button. A network of retailers providing a range of products backed by leading manufacturers, and most importantly, trained engineers to look after you and your product should anything go wrong. Simply pick what you are looking for from the selection above and we will help you find a retailer near to you.

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Cube Blue

Âť Dealers please check your information Âť Customers please log in for free prize draws!

Cubeblue

Charge while you drive

Charge you At last, a car charger that while replaces thedrive mains unit and fits in the the car charging At back last, aofcar charger that Charge while you drive your mobility scooter or wheelchair while you arereplaces driving.the Only ÂŁ99.00 P&P mains unit + and At last, a car charger that (and if applicable). replaces VAT the mains unit and fits in the back of the car fits in the back of the car charging your mobility scooter charging your mobility scooter 08456 12 19 12 // www.cubeblue.co.uk or wheelchair while you are driving. or wheelchair while you are driving.

Installation could not be easier; it is small and compact with two metres of cable attached and plugs into the 12v output socket in the boot and then directly into the mobility scooter or wheelchair charge point giving up to 2.7 amp continuous charge. No need for an expensive installation or removing the batteries for mains charging. It works only when the car is running, monitoring the available power from the car before starting to charge so no flat car batteries.

Special oer £99 (+4.99pp) Vat if applicable

08456 12 19 12 www.cubeblue.co.uk

Installation could not be easier; it is small and compact with two metres of cable attached and plugs into the 12v output socket in the boot and then directly into the mobility scooter or wheelchair charge point giving up to 2.7 amp continuous charge. No need for an expensive installation or removing the batteries for mains charging. It works only when the car is running, monitoring the available power from the car before starting to charge so no flat car batteries.

Special offer ÂŁ99 (+4.99pp) Vat if applicable

08456 12 19 12 www.cubeblue.co.uk classified_apr_may_16.indd 3

30/03/2016 22:49

Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Clas Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Clas Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Clas

KerryFarm

Prices start from

Cornwall. Near Truro

£135*

the place where you can...

• • • •

...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:

Two specially converted detached cottages on a small sheep farm in mid Cornwall.

Ensuite wetrooms Electric profiling beds Air/pressure mattress Hoists

• • • •

Shower chairs Riser/recline chairs Local care available Adapted kitchens

0800 952 5000 www.papworthtrust.org.uk/kerryfarm *Prices per person per stay based on 10 people staying in Garden Cottage in December.

Registered charity number 211234

Parkside Guest House

01726 883240 / 07762 173860 www.treworgans.co.uk

• • • • • •

peaceful residential area nearby attractions local accessible transport two fully accessible ensuite rooms one family ensuite room accessible dining room, lounge and garden room service specialist care staff onsite night concierge respite stays available

days Ltd provide Edinburgh getaway for • for adults who have disabled people • Our SpanishRelax Villainisour recently • refurbished, accessible, five village of Perleta, bedroom guest house, close • to the city centre. the beautiful Costa website forQuote further ‘PosAbility2015’ for a 10% discount ‘PosAbility2016’ y destinations.parksidebooking@leonardcheshire.org

0131 346 9044 dholidays.co.uk

22667

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Fully Inclusive Luxury...

George Barn

George Barn

Call Michael on: 01386 840164 / 0788 964 9812 www.cotswoldcharm.com

www.cotswoldcharm.com Call Michael on: 01386 840164/0788 964 9812

Granary

Call 01257 422667 to book today!

Granary

We, at Finca, are proud to provide fully assisted holidays all year round for individuals who have learning disabilities, disabled/non-disabled people, groups, organisations and lone travellers.

Destinations include: » Alicante » Mini Cruise Mediterranean » Morocco » Japan » Mauritius » Portugal » Euro Disney and many more!

Tailor made options available • All including 24/7 assistance!

2016 brochure is now available at www.fincasupportedholidays.co.uk

classified_apr_may_16.indd 4

FincaLtd Supported Finca Ltd Supported provide Holidays Ltd provide Finca Supported Holidays provideHolidays allwho yearhave round for adults who have holidays all year for adults holidays all year round for adults whoround haveholidays learning disabilities. learning disabilities.

Spanish Villa is Our Spanish Villa is learning disabilities. Our Spanish Villa is Our situated in the small village of Perleta, situated in the small village of Perleta, situated in the small village of Perleta, Alicante onnear the beautiful Costa on the beautiful Costa Elche Alicante near Elche Alicante onnear theElche beautiful Costa Blanca. Please see ourBlanca. websitePlease for further see our website for further Blanca. Please see our website for further accessible holiday destinations. accessible holiday destinations. accessible holiday destinations. www.fincasupportedholidays.co.uk www.fincasupportedholidays.co.uk www.fincasupportedholidays.co.uk

Tel: 01257 422667

Tel: 01257 422667

Tel: 01257 422667

30/03/2016 22:49

ds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | ds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | ds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | IRTON HOUSE FARM

Irton House is a working sheep farm set in 240 acres of pasture and woodland, in a quiet, restful setting, with some of the finest views found in the Northern Lakes.

We offer self-catering, specially designed, accessible accommodation for 2,4 and 6 people, with ramped access and ample parking. All properties have ground floor bedrooms, wetroom showers, grab rails and support bars to the raised toilets. For entertainment we have a games room with table tennis, pool table and snooker table. As proud winners of 2012 ‘Happy Holiday’ Award from Disabled Motoring UK readers, we continue to welcome returning guests year after year, many of whom comment that they “don’t want to go home”!

Irton House Farm, Isel, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9ST

017687 76380 www.irtonhousefarm.co.uk

Dingleton Mains, Melrose, Scotland, TD6 9HS

Dingleton DingletonMains, Mains,Melrose, Melrose, Scotland, Scotland,TD6 TD69HS 9HS

Stay somewhere special..

Award winning, self-catering log cabins with stunning views of the Derbyshire countryside • M2 & M3a - stress free, easy level access for wheelchairs • No extras - mobile hoist, profile beds and equipment included • Explore local trails - hire the Boma 7 off-road buggy • Additional care support tailored to your needs

of our holiday cottages areare graded Category · •FiveFive of our holiday cottages graded 1 (the best for unassisted wheelchair access) and Category 1 (the best for unassisted wheelchair have very special facilities and equipment and have very special facilities •access) All cottages have specially adapted kitchensand and bathrooms designed for accessibility equipment Fiveof ofour our holiday holiday cottages gradedhoists Category •••t Five Category Two cottages have cottages overheadare tracking 'JWF PG PVS IPMJEBZ DPUUBHFT BSF HSBEFE $BUFHPSZ · • UIF CFTU GPS VOBTTJTUFE XIFFMDIBJS BDDFTT BOE IBWF All11cottages have specially adapted kitchens (thebest best for for unassisted access) and (the unassisted wheelchair access) and Magnificent views over the Tweed Valley have veryspecial special facilities and equipment bathrooms designed for have very facilities equipment •and Stunning rural location yetand only 2accessibility mins drive from WFSZ TQFDJBM GBDJMJUJFT BOE FRVJQNFOU • All cottages have specially adapted kitchens and Melrose town centre "MM DPUUBHFT IBWF TQFDJBMMZ BEBQUFE LJUDIFOT BOE •· t All cottages have specially adapted kitchens andand a Overhead tracking hoists, profiling beds bathrooms designed designed for for accessibility accessibility CBUISPPNT EFTJHOFE GPS BDDFTTJCJMJUZ bathrooms range of otherhave equipment available Two cottages have overhead tracking tracking hoists 0WFSIFBE USBDLJOH IPJTUT QSPöMJOH CFET BOE B SBOHF ••t Two cottages overhead hoists Magnificent views views over over thethe Tweed Valley Magnificent views over Tweed •·• PG PUIFS FRVJQNFOU BWBJMBCMF Magnificent the Tweed Valley Valley Stunning rural location location yet yet only only 2 .BHOJöDFOU WJFXT PWFS UIF 5XFFE 7BMMFZ •·•t Stunning rural 2 mins mins drive from Stunning rural location yet only 2 drive minsfrom drive Melrose town centre t Melrose 4UVOOJOH SVSBM MPDBUJPO ZFU POMZ NJOT ESJWF GSPN town centre from Melrose town centre .FMSPTF UPXO DFOUSF

• Relax and unwind on our working farm • We welcome children and pets • Help at hand from friendly on site owners

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

Please contact us for our new 2016 brochure

classified_apr_may_16.indd 5

31/03/2016 17:17

ability magazine

Nothing is Impossible...

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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

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

Every issue is packed with information designed to help you Travel Reviews live life to the full, from products 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.

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

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

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

There There is also is also an article an article on Extreme on Extreme Sports Sports for the for 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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Health and Fitness

Employment and Education

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.

Providing

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

Many Many Thanks Thanks

JohnJohn Patten Patten Jubilee Jubilee Sailing Sailing Trust Trust

Personal Stories

Days Out

Great ideas for the whole family to enjoy.

Inspiring tales from our readers.

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

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£12 Please Please tick the tickappropriate the appropriate box:box:1 year 1 year (6 issues) (6 issues) - £10- £10 magazine

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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 582 270 1475 8085

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31/03/2016 00:21

MITSUBISHI MOTABILITY ASX ZC

NIL

ADVANCE PAYMENT

ELECTRIC HEATED FRONT MIRRORS

BLUETOOTH

AIR CONDITIONING

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

The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Model shown is an ASX ZC 1.6 petrol manual. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st April and 30th June 2016. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

ASX range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 38.2 – 54.3 (7.4 – 5.2), Extra Urban 56.5 – 67.3 (5.0 – 4.2), Combined 47.9 – 61.4 (5.9 – 4.6), CO2 emissions 152 - 119 g/km.

ad_pages_apr_may_16.indd 29 MAG 297x210.indd 1 M39425 Q2 2016 ASX PosAbility

31/03/2016 22/03/2016 00:21 14:22