Eddie Peacock

Eddie

Hello again, Here is a cryptic puzzle for you…

her to feel the vibrations of her drum strokes. The Ode to Joy which was adopted as an “all embracing” anthem for the European Union was written by a profoundly CAN YOUfind the link between the first deaf Ludwig Van record player, a revolutionary American Beethoven. educator, a drummer who does not wear Depending on your age and musical taste Ozzie shoes, the anthem of the European Union, Osbourne could be known to you for his years as the a rubber bat with no head and an attractive outrageous lead singer for Black Sabbath. He also young actor and dancer? became infamous for biting the head off a bat during a On reflection, that looks a little too lively concert some years back. Years of heavy metal obscure, so here is a slightly less complex music has, it seems, understandably rendered him question with the same answer! partially deaf. What do these 7 people have in The subject of deafness was recently brought into common? the glare of public attention following the remarkable Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, Evelyn performance of the actor Rose Ayling Ellis during

Glennie, The EU, Ludwig van Beethoven, Strictly Come Dancing. Her abilities conquering

Ozzie Osbourne and Rose Ayling Ellis. intricate dance routines despite her hearing problems, displayed remarkable determination and courage. Like ILEFT THE EASIERones till the end, and you may have worked out the answer by now. In case you didn’t, I will reveal all. The link between these Evelyn Glennie, she also apparently feels the musical vibrations through her bare feet. Another reason for investigating this subject seemingly disconnected names and facts is deafness. has been my own increasing difficulty hearing. These people are, or in some cases were, deaf. They Watching recent films on TV, it seems that many also achieved a certain amount of fame through their modern actors spend too much time mumbling. I have skills and abilities despite this adversity. no problem when watching older films with the likes of

Incredible as it may seem, Thomas Edison, inventor David Niven who spoke very clearly! There must be a of the first phonograph was partially deaf! I can only message there somewhere. I have to admit, however, suggest that inventing the first that the advancing years are making it obvious that my machine to amplify music must hearing is beginning to fail. Whilst selective deafness have been quite a challenge. can be very helpful when dodging instructions from my

Helen Keller who became deaf, dearly beloved wife, the issue is becoming increasingly blind and mute at the age of 18 important. I am not alone. months went on to become a According to the RNID, 11 million people in the UK remarkable educator, disability activist and author. Eddie Peacock has worked in the mobilityThe “shoeless” drummer, is Evelyn Glennie who despite her deafness is one of the world`s leading industry for “rather a long time”. He enjoyed a challenging career having started percussionists. by selling wheelchairs, scooters and Whilst performing stairlifts for Sunrise Medical, eventually with the most working his way to the position of UK sales prestigious manager. After a period as a self-employedorchestras she does not wear shoes, as having consultant he was invited to manage movingpeople.net, then Handicare Ltd, in bare feet enables

Peacock

are deaf or hard of hearing. More than 40% of people over 50 have some hearing loss and this percentage rises to more than 70% of people over 70.

There is good news. Modern technology has improved the quality, the size and the shape of hearing aids. There are many options available and as ever, it is very important to get expert advice before making any decisions.

Some good news: The NHS will provide hearing aids free of charge and the first port of call should be your own GP.

More good news: It may simply be that the removing of ear wax will suffice.

Not such good news: Inevitably these days there is a charge for this service.

It may well be that your hearing problem is limited to just one ear. You may have other physical issues that can affect your hearing which is why a quick chat with your GP is a sensible starting point.

He or she can arrange to pass you into the hands of the NHS or perhaps on to an NHS provider. There you will find an audiologist who will conduct a formal hearing test. Depending on your local area and the unfortunate delays caused by Covid, when using the NHS this process may not be speedy.

The NHS provides a great service for those with hearing loss. Although this service isn't right for everyone, it does offer free hearing aids and aftercare. The types of apparatus available on the NHS, however, combined with limited access to modern technology means that there are possibly more appealing solutions available in the open marketplace.

Technology has led to some dramatic improvements in the quality and size of hearing aids. There are now any number of commercial companies who offer a thoroughly professional service. These can of course be relatively costly.

As ever, conducting some thorough research “online” can be extremely beneficial. The internet is a wonderful source for market research. One glance at hearing aids “online” will reveal an amazing amount of choice.

Quite apart from the clinical aspect of the device, many of us will be conscious of how discreet it may look when installed. We are all aware of the “classical” version which sits behind the ear but there are now many more sophisticated options.

My own scrutiny of the internet helps provide a very simple guide to the basic varieties currently on the market:

the UK. In recent years he held the post of Marketing Manager for Mobility which also involved supporting and working with the BHTA.

He has now retired and is looking forward to finding the time to perform useful tasks in the industry, playing drums in a blues band, travelling and most important, being silly with his grandchildren.

Receiver-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids / RIC Hearing Aids

In The Canal Hearing Aids / ITC Hearing Aids

Completely In the Canal Hearing Aids / CIC Hearing Aids

In The Ear Hearing Aids / ITE Hearing Aids

Invisible In the Canal Hearing Aids / IIC Hearing Aids

Superpower Hearing Aids / SP Hearing Aids / UP Hearing Aids

There are many varieties of these different types of hearing aid. This article is merely a guide to the multitude of available options. If you need more help, we will be pleased to help you in your search. Just contact me through Ability Needs.

Finally, this edition of Ability Needs marks the 20th anniversary of its birth. I have had the privilege of contributing to this magazine for many years now. This is a perfect time to pay a personal tribute to Karen & Colin who perform a valuable service to the less able community in the UK. They are a fine hardworking couple and have continued to provide endless advice and guidance to the disabled community. They have maintained their high standards despite the recent challenges of the pandemic through these last couple of years. I wish them every success for the future. Here is to another 20 years!

To contact Eddie send an email to abilityneeds@btinternet.com. or write to him at Ability Needs, 7 Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, KA7 1JL

Disability History Month – what is the history of British disability motorsport?

DECEMBER 18TH SAWthe close of Disability History Month 2021 and the culmination of great work to celebrate and consider the history of disability across a huge number of industries. One such industry that has been the focus of recent attention with regards to accessibility is motorsport, not least because of the incredible impact made by Team BRIT.

The team, which aims to be the first ever alldisabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour, has developed the world’s most advanced hand controls to enable disabled drivers to compete on equal terms. This technology is just one small part of the influence the team has had over the past six years.

For team founder Dave Player, this is the continuation of years of innovation and bold determination from British pioneers and is crucial in seeing real accessibility progress.

Dave explains: “I’m incredibly proud of what Team BRIT has achieved – something that has been a cumulative effort over recent years and thanks to the work of a number of great people.

“However – we’re one team in a history of many determined British change makers who saw what was possible for disabled racers in motorsport and wanted to make a difference.

“Back in the 1950s, Archie Scott-Brown was motorsport’s first disabled hero, battling diversity to compete and win. He won the British Empire Trophy in 1957 and some 71 race victories overall. Archie had one had and severe leg disabilities after his mother contracted German Measles driving pregnancy.

“The great Sir Frank Williams who very sadly died in December, was a tetraplegic after a road accident but went on to establish Frank Williams Racing Cars and later Williams Grand Prix Engineering.

“Marc Haynes was born with a degenerative spinal disorder and was wheelchair bound from the age of 5, was the first paraplegic to obtain a racing licence from the RAC Motor Sports Association, went on to establish the GT Cup and was part of the Haynes family – responsible for creating the iconic ‘Haynes manuals’. “Then there’s David Butler MBE, who was left disabled after picking up an unexploded bomb as a child. He was inspired by Archie ScottBrown after seeing him race, and went on to lobby for changes to the licensing process for disabled drivers which remain in place today. “These are all incredibly influential people who have each played a part in the history of disability motorsport and I am proud to have picked up the baton, continuing what they began. Yes we’ve Dave Player (Credit Elspeth Clark) made a massive difference - but we’re still a long way from where we need to be to say that our sport is truly inclusive. “For example, the difference between the process a disabled person and an able-bodied

Aaron Morgan (Credit Peter Markwick)

person has to go through to get their race licence is staggering.

“Until around six years ago, disabled drivers had to acquire six non-competitive race signatures before they could sit their test for a race licence, incurring huge costs and a very long wait. Their able-bodied friends and peers could simply apply, take their test and receive their licence the same day.

“In 2015, I made a suggestion to the Motorsports Association (Now Motorsport UK) that the licencing system be reviewed to see if it could be improved and they agreed. In Nov that year, MSA agreed to trial a new ARDS test at Silverstone, under the leadership of their then disability consultant, David Butler MBE, who has led the way in enhancing accessibility in the sport for years. Under his expert advice, huge improvements were made. At the time, they tested the new system with four of our Team BRIT rookies and the process was updated so disabled rookies needed a medical, and an extended ARDS test, taking a full day instead of a half day and costing double.

“This was a huge improvement but the difference in process was still stark. Today, a disabled driver needs to first apply to MSUK so they can be assessed as to whether they are suitable or not to apply for a race licence. Once they are deemed suitable, they need a medical and an ARDS test – plus a video escaping from the car within 10 secs.

“An able-bodied applicant can have their application fast-tracked to a 3hr or 3-day application for an extra fee. A disabled applicant needs at least two weeks.

“I’m in complete agreement that the safety of the disabled driver and all other drivers they race with on the track must be of paramount importance when it comes to granting race licences. Motorsport can be dangerous, and our governing body has to be sure that it’s not putting anyone at risk by granting them the ability to compete.

Luke Pound (l) and Chris Overend (r) (Credit Peter Markwick)

“However, I do believe the existing system is discriminatory and can be easily changed. “A disabled driver often needs some extra adaptations to race safely. All that’s needed is an extra ‘passport’ for this adaption. This means the race car has its documentation, the racing driver has their race licence, and the hand controls or other adaptation has its ‘passport’. This is something my team has supported in moving forward nationally and I’m pleased to say it’s starting to provide the flexibility and respect to disabled drivers, that is so clearly given to able-bodied people. “There is often talk around a ‘hierarchy of protected characteristics’ and disability is often left behind in the journey towards equality. “This journey has never been easy and will never be easy, but simple steps, based on learning, expertise and experience can be taken so that everyone is given the same opportunity to thrive. “That’s what Team BRIT is all about. “Britain leads the way in all things disability and all things motorsport, I won’t stop until these two positions align. We can make British motorsport something every driver, disabled or not, can be proud to be part of.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Team BRIT track or racing opportunities, or about bespoke hand controls should email info@teambrit.co.uk. More information is available at www.teambrit.co.uk