Autumn Q4 2021

ABILITY NEEDS

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The essential journal on disability

£2.00 Quarterly

AUTUMN Q4 2021

Motoring

Mobility

Adapting Your Home

Team BRIT

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

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By using our Access Control systems you can make any door accessible via our Door Opener or alternatively be alerted by someone at your door, establish who they are and the purpose of their visit and then let them in, if required via one of our many styles of Door Latch Release Systems.

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ABILITY NEEDS

ABILITY NEEDS

ABILITY NEEDS

The essential journal on disabil AUTUMN Q4 ity 2021

£2.00 Quarterly

7 Montgomerie Terrace, Contents Ayr, KA7 1JL 1 Motoring and Mobility - Featuring the latest vehicles and products available Tel 01292 287574 in the mobility marketplace Fax 01292 266656 16 Tanni’s View

email: abilityneeds@btinternet.com web: www.abilityneeds.co.uk

All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors and omissions. No responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for any claims made by the advertisers in this publication.

Front Cover Precision Re photograph courtesy of hab Ltd

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Motoring

Mobility

Adapting Your Home

Team BRIT

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

- Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE – Tanni discusses how difficult the Paralympic Games were as a commentator and looks at other issues encountered during the well organised games

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Eddie Peacock

- Eddie explains the importance of shopping around and trusting the experience and knowledge of local mobility retailers

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Industry Insight

- Back to Work – with more people returning to the workplace, Angus looks at options available for small businesses to become more efficient and effective post COVID

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Holidays

- Long Weekend in North Yorkshire – with unrestricted travel continuing in the UK, John enjoys his first vacation since lifting of restrictions

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Tea Break - Take a break and put your knowledge to the test

Purchase a digital copy of Ability Needs at www.magzter.com

Keeping you safe in the home you love It is more important than ever for people to remain mobile and independent in their own homes, and we are here to help.

Acorn have introduced clear measures to keep everyone BT TBGF BT QPTTJCMF EVSJOH UIJT EJť DVMU UJNF BOE XF BSF DPNNJUUFE to continue delivering our exceptional standards of service and unrivalled speed of response.

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Rachel Odell, Wessex DriveAbility Centre Manager (left) and Constable Heidi Muxhan, Road Casualty Reduction Officer for Dorset Police

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Ability Needs Magazine

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University friends’ artistic endeavour to change lives Two university friends with a shared vision to help others have teamed up to change the lives of disabled people across the North East.

Gary Nicholson and Kathryn Barnett met as mature students when they were studying art degrees at the University of Sunderland.

Gary became paraplegic in 2009 following an operation to remove a tumour from his spinal cord.

He was inspired by his degree to pass on what he had learned to others after graduating.

Gary, from Red House in Sunderland, said: “I was interested in the idea of using art as therapy because that is how it felt to me. I had been a joiner for almost 30 years of my life. One day I went into hospital for an operation. The next I was paraplegic. But it was through art, and coming to university to study, that I began to understand the important role it can play in helping people with all types of disabilities.”

With support from the University’s Enterprise Place scheme, based at Hope Street Xchange, Gary got guidance on how to start his own venture to assist and support others. He established Regeneration NE, a not-for-profit business offering art interventions and support to people living with all types of disabilities.

In 2019, Gary brought on board Kathryn, who has been a wheelchair user since 2013, to help him in his project. The need for this type of venture soon became apparent, and the pair have now gone on to expand their roles and projects, drawing national attention.

Kathryn, from County Durham, said: “For wheelchair users and clinically extremely vulnerable people, the past 18 months has been both isolating and frightening.

“So, we put this lived experience to good use, supporting others with distance learning projects and virtual exhibitions. We have secured funding from Arts Council England and worked extensively with the Cultural Spring. Our Butterfly Project 2020, was brought to national attention as a case study in a Creative People and Places scheme report.”

In 2020, Gary and Kathryn were selected to participate in Prosper North, a business development scheme for Northern heritage and culture organisations, with Creative United, and gained valuable mentorship and support for their long term business plans.

On 12 August this year, the pair opened SALT - Sunderland Arts, Learning & Training - in Ryhope, Sunderland. They have also been instrumental in the establishment of Horizon, a new ethical arts centre with studio spaces, based in Seaham. This was officially opened on 19 August 2021.

It has been a journey with measurable impact for the pair who, after using art to challenge their own obstacles, are now sharing their success with others.

Kathryn said: “Disability changed our lives. Our University of Sunderland experience was truly lifechanging, and now we want to use what we have learned to change the lives of others.”

For more information about the Enterprise Place, go to: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/more/services-for-business/start-a-business/

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Ability Needs Magazine

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MEDEQUIP CONNECT TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY WORKING TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE ERSONAL safety and the ability to live our lives with confidence become more important issues as we get older. New developments in technology – known as Technology Enabled Care, or TEC for short - have an important role to play in helping people to remain safe and independent in their own homes for longer.

TEC specialists Medequip Connect are part of Medequip Assistive Technology, one of the UK’s leading providers of community services equipment. Medequip Connect services focus on optimising the use of today’s smart technology to help keep people secure and safe both in their homes and when they are out and about, boosting independence and quality of life.

From care line alarms with personal call alarm buttons linking to immediate response services through to more sophisticated falls detection devices that can be worn or installed around the home, Medequip Connect makes sure you can access immediate help and support 24 hours a day. Alarms trigger a response from relatives or emergency

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services, dependent upon the requirement.

Medequip Connect also operates a ‘first responder’ service across the UK, responding directly to alarm calls, providing total peace of mind for those caring for elderly or vulnerable relatives.

For Medequip Connect, it’s all about providing help at the touch of a button – not just in the home but as people gain the confidence to go out and about again after the COVID-19 restrictions. Freedom and outdoor alarm devices support increased independence, with the knowledge that reliable help is on hand should it be required.

Talk to the specialists at Medequip Connect to discover how TEC could help you and your family live life safely, securely and independently.

Visit www.medequip-connect.com

Ability Needs Magazine

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STAIRSTEADY: KEEPING YOU SAFE ON THE STAIRS TAIRSTEADY is an innovative straightforward walking aid designed to fill the gap between a standard handrail and a stairlift.

It’s made up of a handrail attached to the wall, and a sliding supporting handle that moves freely but locks in position when weight is applied. The latter is held with both hands giving good support and stability while providing a safe solution for going up or down stairs.

Suitable for domestic and commercial environments, StairSteady is perfect for those who use a walking aid or

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rollator, but struggle with the extra effort of raising their own bodyweight. It allows the user to move at their own pace, and the handle can be folded away after use, so it blends seamlessly into any home or building.

We’ll take care of the whole process for you: our technicians will provide a FREE assessment and carry out the installation.

StairSteady is a highly cost-effective, award winning product that helps boost independence and confidence - all while keeping the user safe on the stairs.

For more information visit www.fortunamobility.com/stairsteady

SITNSTAND: THE PORTABLE SMART RISING SEAT ITNSTAND will benefit anyone needing assistance when it comes to standing up.

This clever smart rising seat can be used on all types of seating and works via a handset that inflates the seat pad, gently easing the user into an upright position when they wish to stand.

There are four levels of inflation which ensure the process from sitting to standing is achieved without the need to rock as the user tries to stand (which can lead to falls). And sitting is

easy too. Simply lean against the inflated seat and press the handset to be lowered down gently.

Unlike conventional seats SitnStand is portable, lightweight (just 3kg), and can be transported in the easy to carry zip up case. So, whether the user is visiting a restaurant or family, they can trust their SitnStand to provide freedom and greater independence when it comes to both sitting and standing!

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For more information visit www.fortunamobility.com/sitnstand

BASED IN ENFIELD, IS LONDON'S LARGEST INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTRE. Working with all major equipment suppliers, we’re able to provide everything from daily living aids to highly specialised equipment and services. We supply to nursing and residential care homes, local authorities, hospitals and the public, offering a ‘one-stop shop’ to help enable an independent lifestyle.

Our team of Trusted Assessors can offer expert advice, and work closely with healthcare professionals to provide individual solutions. Not only do we sell and rent out a wide range of high-quality innovative products, we also provide high standard aftercare with maintenance and servicing to keep our customers and their equipment safe.

We aim to solve problems by introducing innovative new products to the UK market, while continually working towards providing a happier and brighter future for the elderly and those living with disability.

✔ Wheelchairs, walking aids, hoists, high back chairs, profiling beds ✔Shoes, slippers, sit to stand aids, daily living aids ✔Rental options ✔ Adaptations - grab rails, stair lifts, level access showers, ramps, wet rooms ✔Training courses and room hire 4, Northgate Business Centre, Crown Road, Enfield, London, EN1 1TG.

www.fortunamobility.com Ability Needs Magazine

Email: info@fortunabambach.com

Tel: 020 8805 2020 7

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Bryon Chappell of N&C Phlexicare shares his knowledge and considerations for creating a dementia friendly bathroom S AN ENVIRONMENT used on a daily basis, the bathroom is an important space to make safe and secure, whilst maintaining the dignity of the individual using the bathroom.

The design of a bathroom needs to be one that takes into consideration the mental and physical challenges brought on by dementia, whilst future proofing the environment to cater for the progressive nature of the disease. Adaptations carried out at later stages could be counterproductive and cause a great level of disorientation, confusion and distress.

Adaptations should ideally be carried out directly after an early stage diagnosis.

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1. Preventing Falls Removing all slip and trip hazards within a bathroom is the first step, so the installation of a level access or low level showering area helps to reduce trip and slip hazards within wet areas.

N&C Phlexicare offer a comprehensive selection of specially designed wet room shower decks that are exceptionally strong (accepting up to 470kg) with pre formed gradients built into the decks for the fast and effective removal of water from the wet area.

If a wet room isn’t appropriate for the location, a low-level shower tray with slip resistant surface is a safe alternative. N&C Phlexicare’s Nova Anti-Slip Low Profile shower tray features a 40mm overall height for a minimal step into the wet area.

Stepping out of the showering area with wet, bare feet can also prove a threat. Therefore, consider the use of slip resistant floor tiles that have a PTV rating of 36+, which prevents slips for bare foot traffic in wet areas.

The alternate option is the use of plain coloured slipresistant vinyl flooring.

2. Colour Contrast Effective colour contrast is a fundamental factor in dementia-friendly design. In the bathroom, a selection of well-placed grab rails which contrast vividly with the colour of the walls enables easy visual identification and can help dementia patients negotiate their way around the bathroom effectively; in turn minimising the potential for slips or falls.

Strategic colour contrast is an intrinsic part of many of the N&C Phlexicare core healthcare product range, making the range suitable for dementia-friendly adaptations in residential and healthcare settings.

N&C Offer a range of contrasting bathroom products and accessories such as shower seats, grab rails to name a few, such as the N&C Evolve Shower Seat.

3. Mirrors & Reflective Surfaces Some people with dementia can lose the ability to recognise their own reflection and may be alarmed by seeing themselves in a mirror or reflective surface. Ideally, mirrors should be removable or have the option to be covered, to avoid undue distress.

The same goes for objects which may have a reflective surface. For example, chrome towel rails can be replaced with anti-scald radiators, and reflective shower screens can be replaced with non-reflective or frosted types. N&C can assist with offering an LRV rating that measures the light reflection within a bathroom setting and the proposed contrast required for the user.

4. Safety When Showering An electric shower, with scald-prevention thermostatic controls, is the preferred option for dementia-friendly bathrooms. Many inclusive showers have colour-contrast buttons to enable ease of use. Mixer showers are not recommended because the reflections in the mirrored surface can be cause for concern to a dementia patient as mentioned above.

As many dementia patients become less aware of their surroundings, flood prevention is a significant issue. As such the Illusion shower tray from N&C Phlexicare offers a tray with assisted water removal in the pre formed falls on the shower tray encouraging the fast and effective removal of water.

5. Bathroom Lighting Appropriate lighting is incredibly important within a dementia-friendly bathroom adaptation, as poor lighting can cause nervousness, apprehension or fear; leading to slips or falls.

For more information on N&C Phlexicare and their products, please call 0845 605 1345 or visit www.ncphlexicare.com 8

Ability Needs Magazine

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Pro-door Advance

rise and glide showering system Designed with useability and practicality in mind, the N&C Pro-door Advance Rise and Glide system features an air assisted push paddle that, when depressed, raises the door by 20mm for comfortable and easy manoeuvring of the 360 degree hinged doors. This feature prevents the seals from dragging and damaging due to wear and tear, whilst keeping water within the wet area. Once in place, the doors can be locked into place by pressing down on the door pads to create a water tight seal.

Multi-User Washrooms | Access Solutions | Equality Act Compliant Solutions | Multi-User Kitchens Grab Rails | Daily Living Products | Accessible Showering | Wetrooms | Wall and Floor Solutions

0845 605 1345 | www.ncphlexicare.com | info@nichollsandclarke.com

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MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON DISABLED ACCESS IN A POSTLOCKDOWN WORLD ANDMARK survey asks disabled people to share their thoughts about accessibility in a post-lockdown world The 7th Euan’s Guide Access Survey to measure the impact of lockdown on disabled access provision in the UK is now live.

The survey asks anyone who has ever had to consider disabled access to share their opinion on accessibility in 2021. And with all the changes in the post-lockdown world, it is more crucial than ever for people to take part this year.

The Euan’s Guide Access Survey is the largest and longest running survey of its kind and in 2021 is being supported by Motability Operations for the first time.

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Questions include how lockdowns and COVID measures are impacting those with accessibility requirements, what are the barriers to getting out and about and what people think about disabled access at all types of venues from pubs to castles to stations – and everywhere in between. The survey will also tackle the essential topic of toilets and ask people’s views on the most common problems they encounter with accessible loos.

The data gathered will be used to provide a picture of disabled access in the UK and will be compared with previous results to find out if access is getting better or worse. Key findings from previous surveys have included respondents rating historic castles as more accessible than pubs, 93% of respondents reporting that they need to find disabled access information before they visit somewhere new and 79% of respondents having to change their plans at the last minute because of poor accessibility.

Euan MacDonald, co-founder of Euan’s Guide, said: “This survey is extremely important in establishing how the disruption of 2020-21 has affected disabled people, their families, friends and carers and whether the pandemic has pushed back the progress of accessibility. It’s vital that anyone who has had to consider disabled access makes their voice heard on what the impact of Covid has been on accessibility.

“We are looking forward to working with Motability Operations to amplify the voices and experiences of disabled people.”

Delia Ray, Head of Marketing at Motability Operations, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Euan’s Guide to give our customers the chance to share their views on how accessible they find daily life.

Since lockdown restrictions have eased, we all want to get out safely and having reliable accessibility information builds confidence and helps everyone to enjoy the benefits of getting out and about.

“We hope our customers will share their thoughts and feedback to ensure that accessibility continues to be a priority for venues across the UK.” The Euan’s Guide Access Survey supported by Motability Operations is now live. Please tell us your thoughts and take part now by visiting www.EuansGuide.com/AccessSurvey.

Ability Needs Magazine

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Home tech could change Lincolnshire adult social care forever HE ‘SOCIAL Care Technology Innovation for the Citizens of Lincolnshire’ project, which has been running since June this year, is investigating how affordable home tech could be used to enhance social care service delivery and improve the lives of almost 12,000 adults the council helps support each year. Of this number 8,905 people need some form of long-term help, with resources being divided to cover mental health, learning disabilities, memory and cognition, and physical and social support.

Now, spurred on by COVID-19 lockdowns and the wider acceptance and use of technology in the home for communication, social and health needs, the University-led project has found:

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• Telecare pros and cons Access to ‘telecare’ - a monitoring service offering remote support to elderly, disabled and vulnerable people living at home alone - can be successful, but its ease of use is vital, as are systems that come with full support and servicing.

• Alexa, order a takeaway A number of people are already actively using Echo and Alexa-enabled devices for tasks like medicine reminders, recording messages to care staff, directly connecting to local authority services, general household appliance control of lights and thermostats, and even food delivery.

• Remote monitoring Unobtrusive movement sensors can oversee a person’s activity at home and help relatives or community services get a better idea of their activity, or show if they need more assistance or emergency help. However, cameras raise concerns over privacy and are not as effective at detecting, for example, skin colour changes or other specific health issues.

• Maintaining human contact A careful balance is needed between 12

technological advancements and handson care, meaning any devices must be supplemental and should not fully replace a physical carer's role.

• A question of privacy Some carers are concerned about privacy over personal data and providing devices to people suffering mental impairment, particularly dementia, as there have been some instances where people have been frightened ‘because a machine is talking to them.’

• No one-size-fits-all Not everyone can comfortably 'problem-solve' technology. A user with impaired cognition may be unable to manage an alarm pendant, meaning care solutions have to offer multiple methods of use. It is also important that each person’s circumstances and needs are carefully assessed.

“These initial outcomes match the Department for Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) agenda to consider innovative approaches that will increase independence and self-care for people living with complex conditions, while also improving the circumstances of carers,” explains Dr Salah Al-Majeed, Acting Head of the School of Computer Science at the University of Lincoln.

“Technology offers increasingly potential for new methods of diagnosing, detecting and monitoring warning signs in vulnerable adults, and can also serve to connect friends, families, carers and communities within a wider web of support.

“While the UK’s care system is currently in the midst of a significant overhaul, the requirements of the country’s 14.1 million disabled people, and 5.3 million people aged over 75

have to be catered for. This is particularly the case when it comes to supporting Lincolnshire's rural community, where many people are living in isolated locations.

“We are completely appreciative of the fact that technology can’t do everything – it can’t put you to bed, clean you or give you a hug, but it can do other things which then allows the most valuable resource – social workers, occupational therapists, carers – to do other things for you that are also hugely important.”

“These demands present a significant challenge to councils, but there is a real opportunity to review how technology can help, and we’re excited that Lincolnshire is at the forefront of championing this goal.

“We want to encourage those receiving council support and individuals working in Lincolnshire’s care services to contribute to our ongoing surveys, which ask questions about people’s use, thoughts and opinions on technological support in adult social care.” To access these surveys please visit:

• Carers’ Questionnaire https://lincoln.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/ carers-questionnaire

• Adult care recipients’ Questionnaire https://lincoln.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/ adults-questionnaire Dr Al-Majeed concludes: “We are looking forward to revealing more detail on potential advances in technological adult social care support in a White Paper which will conclude our current project in October.”

Ability Needs Magazine

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BALDER POWERCHAIRS The Balder range of powerchairs offer unparalleled levels of comfort, quality and versatility all within a compact, maneuverable chassis that means you can go almost anywhere.

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‘New deal’ for ‘Shared Lives’ foster carers looking after 14,000 vulnerable adults called for by Unite mployers have been urged by Unite the union to give a ‘new deal’ to the UK’s 10,000 ‘Shared Lives’ foster carers who look after about 14,000 vulnerable adults, many with learning difficulties, in their homes.

Unite said that many of the foster carers – employed by 150 different councils, as well as NHS trusts and charities – cannot take paid holidays or respite care, and that many of them have not had a pay rise in over a decade.

The plight of the carers was highlighted on BBC Radio Four’s You & Yours programme, following Boris Johnson’s announcement on the future funding of social care.

The union also said that many of the carers had faced victimisation for daring to challenge their poor pay and employment conditions. Many are now leaving the profession which was detrimental to the vulnerable adults who had become much-loved members of the family.

In its call for a new deal for foster carers, Unite said there should be:

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• • • •

£315-a-week minimum for care and support £100-a-week to cover the cost of food and utilities expenses Housing benefit to be paid in full to carers An end to victimisation of carers for challenging their present pay and conditions.

Unite regional officer Richard Stanforth said: “’Shared Lives’ carers are effectively ‘foster carers’ for vulnerable adults. There are about 10,000 such carers under self-employed contracts with 150 different local authorities, and some NHS trusts and charities.

“Many ‘Shared Lives’ carers cannot take paid or unpaid holiday, as some councils refuse to provide respite care, and many of them have not had a ‘rise’ in more than a decade which is disgraceful considering the soaring cost of living in recent times.

“Most of the people they care for have learning difficulties, but the schemes have expanded the types of people they will host to include people with mental health difficulties and victims of trafficking.

“They are proud to be ‘Shared Lives’ carers, but some employers have victimised and threatened carers for trying to secure better rights. Their biggest fear is that they will lose the people they care for – many of whom have lived with the carers for years and have become much-loved family members.

“Our members are leaving the profession, which is a false economy, as research by not for profit consultancy Social Finance has shown that ‘Shared Lives’ carers save councils £26,000-a-year for every individual they host at home rather than being in a care home. On top of that, a friendly home environment is obviously much better for the people they care for.

“Some local authorities effectively stop them taking unpaid respite or leave and they are not allowed to subcontract.

“However, some councils are excellent and they do give carers 42 days-a-year respite care and have increased their ‘pay’ each year, and have made large automatic payments to cover the 24/7 care that many of them are now doing because of the pandemic.

“Normally, many vulnerable adults go to day centres or supported work schemes, but this stopped because of Covid-19. Our members want all work schemes to offer a set of minimum standards.

“The ‘at home’ schemes are not supposed to be taking people who need 24/7 care, but increasingly the level of support that the people being hosted need has grown over the years, with schemes taking on people with greater and greater needs. Some people require help to eat or to use the bathroom and wash themselves and would not be able to make decisions independently to do this.

“With our four-point ‘new deal’, Unite is campaigning strongly for these injustices experienced by this group of workers caring for some of our most vulnerable citizens to be remedied immediately by those employers falling short.”

Unite is dedicated to advancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and will fight back against any efforts to diminish workers' living standards.

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Ability Needs Magazine

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AN_p16_p17 tanni_18-19_AN306_Tani's_view.QXD 29/09/2021 12:03 Page 1

Tanni’s View Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE writes for Ability Needs

ITH THE delay in the Tokyo Games no one really knew what to expect. For athletes who train to compete not knowing what anyone else was doing made it incredibly difficult to judge where they were.

As a commentator, where we are expected to try and put some thought behind who is going to win, then with no meaningful ranking lists and barely any season bests, it was almost impossible to do that. The medal target that ParalympicsGB had set at the beginning of the Games was quite wide. Their public statement was that they were looking for between 100 and 140 medals. In terms of the number of Gold medals, Rio was a highpoint for the team, with ParalympicsGB winning 64 and 147 in total. That is why the public target was a number of overall medals not specifying what colour. In the end the team came

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second on the medal table and won medals in 18 out of the 19 sports that they had entries in, and won 124 medals, 41 of them gold.

Having competed in front of tens of thousands of people, and also in front of three people, I know which I would prefer. It was a real shame not to have spectators, but I suspect most athletes were glad to be competing at the Games and they recognised that it was better to have that, rather than nothing. It is hard to celebrate when there is no one there. The Athletics venue, designed pre Covid, had seats that varied in colour, so it never looked empty. It was a clever play on the eyes. But when you are in a packed stadium, and on the track, you can feel the noise of the people who are there. It rushes out towards you. Everyone missed that. It was also hard to gauge what the local support was Ability Needs Magazine

AN_p16_p17 tanni_18-19_AN306_Tani's_view.QXD 29/09/2021 12:03 Page 2

because we didn’t see people arriving or leaving the stadium. Normally, we would see some athletes and coaches out and about in the city. It was also hard not to be able to see athletes in real life or to be able to chat to coaches. That is often where you glean lots of information that is beyond the results sheets.

Having said all that, Tokyo did a great job of organising the games in very difficult circumstances. At the Opening Ceremony the Afghan flag was ‘walked out’ and at that point we didn’t believe that the athletes had been able to leave. We found out a few days later that thanks to the work of several organisations, including the British Paralympic Association that both were able to compete at the Games.

Also, at the Opening Ceremony the ‘We the 15’ campaign was launched. One of my only frustrations with the 2012 Games, which were stunning, was that too many non-disabled people would say that they changed the world for disabled people. I just have to list various bits of legislation to disprove that. However, the new IPC campaign has some potential. It talks about the inequality that disabled people face. How hard it is to get into education or work. Whether the wider movement can change that waits to be seen, as it will rely

heavily on Governments in jurisdictions where disabled people get treated very differently. But it is an interesting pivot for what is a big sporting event. For me the sport is the first thing and anything else is a bonus. We need to push the boundaries but also be realistic about what can be achieved.

As the Games closed, we were already talking about the Winter Games in Beijing in six months’ time. Paris is three years away and qualification starts in just over a years’ time. It doesn’t feel that there is very long before we experience the next Games.

One thing that many athletes are talking about, which probably hasn’t changed much in the last twenty years, is how we are able to maintain the interest in the athletes and sports.

Some of it is about media coverage, some of it is about having events to compete in. I do think now is the time that all funded Governing Bodies look closely at the competition and training opportunities for disabled people.

Another thing I care about is giving disabled people the opportunity to be not very good at sport. The Paralympics are important but so is physical activity and health. If the Games can start that conversation, then that will be a success.

Crelling Harnesses Ltd. Tel: 01253 852298

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Crelling Harnesses manufacture a full range of special needs harnesses suitable for use on all kinds of equipment including wheelchairs, buggies, scooters, shower chairs, bathing equipment, stair lifts and seats in cars, buses and aircraft etc.

The vehicle harnesses are designed to be worn in conjunction with the existing safety belts to provide additional postural support and/or to offer a certain degree of restraint when used for those passengers with behavioural problems or learning difficulties.

We make simple belts and full supportive harnesses for all kinds of special needs, including challenging behaviour Ability Needs Magazine

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AN_p18_RNIB_02_AN107.qxd 01/10/2021 10:41 Page 1

Paralympians launch campaign to encourage more blind and partially sighted people to get active ARALYMPICS GB gold medal winners Chris Skelley and Libby Clegg have launched See Sport Differently, a campaign to encourage the UK’s two million blind and partially sighted people to get more physically active.

See Sport Differently, a three-year campaign run by RNIB in partnership with British Blind Sport, aims to tackle lower levels of wellbeing amongst blind and partially sighted people by highlighting the benefits of physical activity, and demonstrating to blind and partially sighted people and the sports industry alike that sight loss doesn’t need to be a barrier to participation.

New research behind the campaign shows that blind and partially sighted people are being put off from sport and exercise and are twice as likely to be completely inactive as other people. More than half of blind and partially sighted people (53 per cent) do less than 30 minutes of physical activity each week, falling far short of the NHS recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate exercise. This figure is almost double the national average (27%).

The research found that although eight in 10 blind and partially sighted people agree on the importance of regular physical activity, almost half (48%) said that their visual impairment prevented them from being more active and a similar number, 53 per cent, said they didn’t have the right opportunities. A third (33 per cent) said there were fitness activities that they would like to try but haven’t been able to, including swimming, cycling, going to the gym, playing tennis and horse riding.

See Sport Differently will address this by creating and promoting local opportunities to get more physically active and experience truly inclusive sport

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via the main campaign hub at www.rnib.org.uk/seesport-differently.

Libby Clegg and Chris Skelley are backing the campaign to get more people with sight loss to get involved in physical activity.

Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg said “Sport has played a massive part in my life and I’m backing the See Sport Differently campaign to get more people with sight loss, whatever their age, into sport and finding places to engage in physical activity locally.

Hopefully the recent Paralympics has whetted the appetite of blind and partially sighted sports lovers, and we will see increased participation in the future.”

Paralympic judoka Chris Skelley said: “Blind and partially sighted people who want to get into sport often find it difficult to find opportunities. Sport has played a huge role in my life to date, and I've been fortunate to compete at two Paralympic Games so far.

I’m backing the See Sport Differently campaign to get more people with sight loss into sport. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and increase confidence levels."

David Clarke, RNIB Director of Services and former Paralympics GB footballer said: “I understand like most blind and partially sighted people how beneficial it is to stay fit and active, but for many of us having sight loss makes it difficult to actually get involved in physical sport.

“It doesn’t have to be that way and through the See Sport Differently campaign we want to show people that there are local activities to get involved in and we are also looking forward to working with the sports industry to help create more accessible and inclusive sporting opportunities.”

RNIB and British Blind Sport have received £1m in funding from Sport England to deliver the See Sport Differently initiative. Thanks to the players of the National Lottery, up to £600 million has been made available to support communities throughout the UK during the Coronavirus crisis.

Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk 18 26

Ability Needs Magazine

AN_p19-vapor_02_AN107.qxd 29/09/2021 14:00 Page 1

NEW LIGHTWEIGHT RAMP SET TO MAKE VEHICLES EVEN MORE ACCESSIBLE

GLOBAL manufacturer of vehicle and transport access solutions has unveiled its latest product – a lightweight electronic access ramp designed for passenger and cargo access.

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sections as dictated to by the chosen length, plus a range of widths. Available in a mesh, or mixed material platform, the ramp weight ranges from 32kg to 39Kg, depending on style and size chosen, which means the impact on maximum load capacity will be greatly reduced. In addition, the new ramp boasts a safe working load of up to 600kg (on some models) and handrails are provided to ensure maximum safety.

“Whether it is for stretcher, wheelchair, scooter, or cargo access, our latest ramp can meet the demands of vehicle size, vehicle access needs and a variety of transport and product options. Meaning that our customers and their customers have much more choice to either safely access and egress or load the vehicle.” said Michael.

To view the full range of products and discover more information visit www.vaporricon.co.uk

Innovations In Ac Accessibility

Faiveley Vapor Ricon adds the new Electronic Ramp to its already comprehensive range of products, filling a market niche for robust, yet lighterweight ramps suitable for both domestic and commercial vehicles.

“It’s great to see our products continually evolving and supporting the needs of both personal and business customers, and the electronic lightweight ramp will give some buyers added options that better suit them,” said Michael Dickinson, Business Development Manager, Faiveley Vapor Ricon. “With a range of options to suit individual or company requirements, the ramps provide the same easy operation and access to vehicles that our products are renowned for.”

The Electronic Ramp is electrically operated via a handheld remote, providing a greater ease of operation, but also included is a manual override option in case of an emergency or loss of power to the vehicle. Overall the ramp ranges in lengths from 1700mm to 3400mm with either single or two-fold

Ability Needs Magazine

Always insist on it be being a Ricon L Lift

erter to only fit a V Vapor apor Ask your vehicle converter Ricon Lift – like, for example, the K SERIES. • Automatic folding lift • Unobstructed view for driver and passenger • Easy operation and maintenance • 350KG lift capacity

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AN_p20_Parkinson_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 30/09/2021 16:40 Page 1

Injured war hero, Ben Parkinson, Conquers Pen y Fan in celebration of 15 years alive

Thames Valley Police’s Inspector Isherwood, the Program RITAIN’S most injured soldier, Ben Parkinson, members helped Ben, John and Laurence to reach the top of continues to move mountains fifteen years on from the summit as part of their own recovery programme. being told he wouldn’t survive. The Pilgrim Bandits Ben didn’t think twice about taking on the challenge.

Patron and former British Paratrooper conquered Pen y Ahead of the event, in a nod to his former military Fan mid-September – he took on the challenge to mark background and the support Ben has received from the his 15-year anniversary since becoming one of the most charity over the years, he said: “Pen y Fan is very important seriously injured soldiers to survive the Afghanistan to ‘Paras’, it’s known as the Fan Dance. And, the first time I conflict. Joining him on the challenge was an exwas ever contacted by the Pilgrim Bandits it firefighter with MND, John Chart, who has was with an invitation to ‘fan dance with the lost the use of his arms and Police Officer, John Chart, Ben Parkinson and Laurence East Pilgrims’. It will be far harder for the support Laurence East, who has stage four cancer. team than for me. When we cross the waterA group of former military and emergency ways they’ve got to carry me and the service personnel, with their own injuries and wheelchair and I’m not small. I’ll just keep mental health conditions as a result of the pushing the gears. traumas they have faced on duty, helped the “It’s been 15 years, when people didn’t trio to reach the top of the highest peak in think I would even survive 15 days. I’ll never southern Wales. stop doing things that people say are Ben lost both legs and suffered brain impossible and now I’ve got Ish [Inspector damage while serving in Afghanistan in 2006.

Isherwood] and the Curtis Palmer Program He was not expected to survive, let alone supporting me, I’ll get to the top.” speak or walk again. But his determination Curtis Palmer Program National Lead, and tenacity meant he defied these odds.

Inspector Isherwood commented: “Ben Over the years, Ben has taken part in many climbed Pen y Fan prior to his injuries, but expeditions organised by Pilgrim Bandits – a hadn’t since and we knew this challenge military charity that supports injured and meant a lot to him – as it did to all those taking part. amputee veterans by inviting them to take part in physically Emergency service personnel who are part of the Curtis demanding expeditions that push them to their limits, helping Palmer Program, many of whom themselves are struggling them to enjoy life again and see just what they are capable with physical and mental health illnesses, worked together to of. reach the summit. It was all about teamwork. All those taking The Pen y Fan event was organised for members of the part had their own mountain to climb as well as the actual Curtis Palmer Program, a branch of the Pilgrim Bandits mountain – and we believe that a big part of their healing charity, that supports emergency services personnel that process is in helping others. It was a privilege to lead this have also suffered life-changing injuries or are living with group of inspirational individuals to the very top. We are all mental health conditions, such as PTSD and anxiety as a beyond proud of them.” result of the trauma they have faced on duty. Headed up by

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You can take a look at all the action from the Pen y Fan climb over on the Pilgrim Bandits Facebook page www.facebook.com/pilgrimbandits, Twitter www.twitter.com/pilgrimscharity and Instagram www.instagram.com/pilgrimbanditscharity.

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Ability Needs Magazine

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AN_p24_p25_eddiepea_40+44_AN107_Long.QXD 29/09/2021 11:59 Page 1

Eddie Hello ACK IN THE DAY, I had the pleasure to work with a company who enjoyed the perfect ethos for our mobility industry. We all shared the belief that our business involved supplying products and services to a special group of customers. They were special because, through nasty diseases, illnesses, accidents or simply the ageing process, they needed help to maintain their independence, mobility and a decent quality of life. Of course, we made a living selling things but striking a balance between making profits and providing the appropriate product at an affordable price gave true value to our special customers.

We needed a clear but precise name to describe our typical customer. We decided on Auntie Doris. She is not just an auntie, she is everyone`s mum, dad, grandparent, friend or neighbour and she needs help.

Auntie Doris is 70 (which is young from my perspective). She has arthritis and recently suffered a stroke. She is a little overweight and has become depressed as she has not been able to walk far or do any exercise. As a result, she has gradually lost contact with some friends. Since her husband died, she often feels lonely. She has an unmarried son, Charlie, and a married daughter, Claire. They both live a long way away and have come to visit for her birthday.

Being a mother herself, Claire is practical and has already made investigations. She has found the details of 2 mobility shops within 10 miles and noted the price of a few relevant products. She is very worried about her mum and thinks that accidents could easily happen. Falls are common among older folk and Doris is not very steady walking nowadays. Claire, having looked on-line for advice and solutions, is amazed at the amount of help that is available.

As a result, she has taken up a couple of small rugs as these could easily be a trip hazard. For the same reason she is going to buy mum some new slippers as her old ones are showing ominous signs of wear!

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Ideally, her mum needs a stairlift to get up to bed and the toilet safely, a mobility scooter to get to the shops and to her friends. She needs some help in the bathroom as she can`t use her bath anymore. Her mum has seen adverts on TV for chairs that rise and recline.

She would like one but is worried about the cost.

Charlie is not as pro- active as his sister, but he has looked on-line at the price of mobility scooters. He has seen some that look very smart and that cost less than £1000.

A lively debate ensued with Claire suggesting that they should approach the local businesses as they can meet them in person and, hopefully, find someone they can trust when spending mum`s hard-earned cash. She also thinks that they might need other bits and pieces in the future and having a local supplier would give Doris some confidence and reduce any stress.

Charlie thinks that the retailers are still “salesmen” and will try and make the maximum profit. His “on-line” company will deliver the scooter in two days with no fuss, “job done for £850”.

The conversation then moved on to riser / recliner chairs and the same issues rose again.

On the internet were some handsome products for around £600. Fast delivery, no questions asked! Claire`s local bloke had chairs from

Eddie Peacock has worked in the mobility industry for “rather a long time”. He enjoyed a challenging career having started by selling wheelchairs, scooters and stairlifts for Sunrise Medical, eventually working his way to the position of UK sales manager. After a period as a self-employed consultant he was invited to manage movingpeople.net, now Handicare Ltd, in

Ability Needs Magazine

AN_p24_p25_eddiepea_40+44_AN107_Long.QXD 29/09/2021 11:59 Page 2

Peacock £750 through to £1600! You can guess Charlie`s preference.

The biggest challenge for Doris is climbing the stairs. She is finding this more difficult by the week.

Her only toilet is upstairs, and this is becoming a worry.

The stairs are the last place you want to take a tumble.

Stairlifts are mostly supplied by “national” companies. Stairs come in all shapes and sizes and, as a result, ideally need to be surveyed by a qualified person.

Installation is usually straight forward and does not require any structural changes.

Finally, they discussed the bathroom. Doris had asked Harry, a local plumber if he could put a shower over the bath. Claire would have loved to convert the bathroom into a “wet room” but had no idea of the cost involved.

Charlie found a shower company with a suggested price “from “£995”. He also discovered bath lifts which cost as little as £450 and even Doris had to admit that Harry was probably not up to creating a wet room.

So, what did they decide to buy? How did they look after mum properly at an affordable cost? Well, it is for you to decide and here are some tips…

Our first tip is not to rush.

Unless there are urgent medical issues involved, think ahead and make plans.

Visiting local retailers is useful. There you can see, touch, and feel the products. You can also use your

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.

Ability Needs Magazine

own judgement about them as a company. You may need more than one visit.

Prepare your questions first. You may be surprised at the depth of their knowledge. They may even want to visit your home to check out any number of important matters such as: Where will you keep a scooter? Where will you charge it up? How far do you want to travel normally? Where are your nearest shops and is the route easy to negotiate safely?

Riser / recline chairs usually have a choice of cushions. It would be great to try these out in the showroom. There are many “extras” such as vibrating cushions which may (or may not) appeal! You might want to doze off occasionally, so check how far they recline.

As for the bathroom, this can be a very expensive project and will depend on your personal financial circumstances. A well-designed wet room is a perfect solution but could easily cost many thousands of pounds. Even a shower installation can give your bank balance a shock. If money is limited, a bath-lift can provide a very simple and relatively inexpensive solution.

Whatever the product you will usually be able to buy it cheaper on-line. However, always understand the exact terms and conditions. Will the product simply be delivered boxed, leaving you to assemble? (I promise, this happens) What if there are problems in the future? Do you have to box “it” all up again and send it back to the supplier for repair? This is fine for many items but, I suggest, NOT for mobility products.

It is for you to decide the importance of on-going service, support and advice.

Do not despair. There are plenty of efficient, honest suppliers out there. If you are “IT savvy”, use that internet to explore the multitude of options available. If you are not able to do this, then find a relation or friend who can help. (it’s best if you have your own Claire!)

Of all the tips we outlined above, taking your time is the most important. The internet is a fantastic facility for your “own market research”.

There are always solutions and if you are still concerned, feel free to contact us and I will personally be pleased to help.

To contact Eddie send an email to eddiepeacock@btinternet.com or write to him at Ability Needs, 7 Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, KA7 1JL 25

AN_p26 Motbility-osprey new_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 01/10/2021 11:58 Page 1

Range is more than just a number HEN YOU WERE choosing your scooter or powered wheelchair your dealer will have spoken to you about your regular journeys and the importance of choosing one which had a sufficient range.

While all products are tested and given a maximum range, the actual number of miles your product can travel on a single battery charge will vary depending on where you use the product. Knowing what range you might expect your new product to achieve is really important to make sure that your battery doesn’t go flat when you are out and about.

So before you max out your range, find out some of the key things that might mean it doesn’t quite achieve the maximum stated range.

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Your weight Products will be tested with an average weight – if you weigh more than this average

Osprey y® Toilet Toilet oile Raiser The Osprey toilet toilet rraiser aiser comes with a rrange ange of fe features eatures • Easily detachable batter battery does up to 100 lifts per c charge • Easy to to use, push butt button on operation operation •Adjustable height legs • Wide range range of optional extr extras as a available vailable

or you load your product with heavy accessories or shopping, it will decrease the mileage range.

The terrain If your journeys include hills or rough surfaces that require more effort from the battery than a similar flat smooth distance, this will result in your battery being drained more quickly.

The way you charge it Your dealer should have advised you of the best way to charge your product. It is not normally recommended that you let your battery become fully empty and usually a long overnight charge will optimise the battery.

Regular usage As with any vehicle, your battery will work best if the product is regularly used and recharged.

Your product’s age We expect all Scheme products to meet your needs for the full length of your lease.

However as with all battery powered products, as your product gets older it is likely that the battery may not be quite so effective. Your dealer will check this on the annual service and if there is a problem, they will replace it at no extra cost.

Battery replacement If you experience issues with the performance of your battery, contact your Motability Scheme dealer and ask them to check it. If they find it is faulty, we’ll make sure it is replaced for you as part of our worry-free package.

More information on your worry-free lease package can be found by visiting www.motability.co.uk/your-lease/ scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs

www.theospreygroup.co.uk www.theospreygroup.co.uk

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Ability Needs Magazine

AN_p27_precision_02_AN107.qxd 29/09/2021 12:08 Page 1

PRECISION REHAB COMES TO THE RESCUE RECISION Rehab is recognised as being at the forefront of bespoke powerchair solutions and works with many of the leading powerchair manufacturers including Paravan, Dietz Power UK, Eurovema, Sunrise Medical, NHD and TrackMaster.

With nearly three decades of experience in the assessment, sales and servicing of specialist powerchairs, the Precision Rehab team works closely with the client, their occupational therapist, family members and anyone else involved in their day-to-day care from the first assessment through to delivery and beyond.

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Matt James, the founder of Precision Rehab strongly believes that the chair should fit the person as opposed to the person fitting the chair and will always go the extra mile to ensure every client receives the best possible level of customer care. Jay Tavernor from Stoke-on-Trent is a fantastic example of someone who has benefited from this commitment to client satisfaction.

Following a car accident in In February 2020, 35 year old Jay Tavernor was left without a reliable form of transport as her powerchair was badly damaged in the accident. Jay had been using the same brand of chair for 17 years, so when she started looking for a replacement it was a massive decision after spending so many years with one make. But, as Jay explains, the level of care and support she received from Precision Rehab’s founder Matthew James certainly helped make the decision easier.

Jay has Spinal Muscular Atrophy which has left her unable to stand since the age of 11 due to her associated muscle weakness.

“Several friends suggested I get in touch with Matt as he had supplied them with similar chairs and spoke very highly of Matt and his colleagues. When I first spoke to Matt, I explained that I was reliant on my powerchair from the minute I wake up until the moment I go to bed, and I didn’t know how I would cope while I waited for a replacement as I also drive my adapted vehicle while in my powerchair to get to work. Matt immediately put my mind at rest and said he had a spare chair with similar functions to my old model which I could use until I had managed to arrange the necessary funding which would enable me to purchase my new powerchair for which I was eternally grateful” commented Jay. Following several assessments, Matt and Jay decided that a Paravan PR50 powerchair with full powered function was the ideal model to meet Jay’s requirements. Features on Jay’s chair include: a unique seat slide function, NHD comfort seating and headrest, custom arm pads, Mo-vis isolated USB charger and is finished in metallic gloss black with black edition chassis.

“My new powerchair is just fantastic especially the seat slide which enables me to sit comfortably at my desk at work or at the dining table at home. I can also, easily access my car to drive which is another huge bonus. Matt even delivered it on a Bank Holiday, spent hours tweaking to my needs and ensuring it would fit in with my car & driving setup. I can’t thank Matt and his colleagues enough! They are great people who offer a wonderful service and I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone looking to purchase a powerchair” concluded Jay. “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Jay and help her during what has been a challenging time following her car accident and hearing how happy she is with her Paravan PR50 is fantastic” commented Matt.

For more information on the full range of powerchair solutions available or to book an assessment call 01256 300111, email: info@precisionrehab.co.uk or visit www.precisionrehab.co.uk Ability Needs Magazine

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AN_p28_p29_industry_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 29/09/2021 12:01 Page 1

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Back to Work

Angus Long NE OF THE key things in reducing the spread of coronavirus was to encourage people to work from home. This was understandable, as before the development of vaccines, the only way to reduce infections was face coverings and social distancing. So it made sense that businesses and public services that could function with employees working from home did so.

This was met with mixed feelings with some enjoying not having to spend time and money commuting and enjoying the comfort and flexibility of working from home.

Others though, weren’t as keen as they missed the structure of an office environment, or their homes weren’t best suited to a working environment.

Customers too, expressed mixed feelings over some services being slower and less efficient. Other casualties from home working have been sandwich shops, cafes and other business support services no longer being used.

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There’s been a lot of media coverage on the subject of home working and the future of businesses post covid. The pandemic has, without doubt, put the spotlight on the very different ways businesses can operate and the different options available.

According to the FSB, there are 5.94 million small businesses in Britain. That’s about 99% of the total.

Indeed, it’s often said that small businesses are the backbone of the country’s economy. So it’s probably fair to say that the pandemic has had a greater impact upon these smaller enterprises than bigger ones with more resources.

Clearly, post pandemic, many businesses will be finding it more difficult than ever to manage, market and deliver their various commercial enterprises. However, there are a number of relatively inexpensive things small businesses can do to help make them become more efficient and effective.

Particularly when it comes to commercial premises and Ability Needs Magazine

AN_p28_p29_industry_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 29/09/2021 12:01 Page 2

places of work.

To find out more, I spoke with Kate Speed, who owns Sinclair Court, a business providing real and virtual office premises based in Brunswick village, Newcastle and has many years’ experience helping small businesses be more effective, efficient and adaptive.

The first thing Kate explained was that many small, one man band type, businesses, such as consultants and those offering professional services, don't really need a physical commercial premises or office and can work perfectly well homebased. However, there are a number of things that they can do to make them more attractive and efficient.

The first thing she recommended was to get and register a virtual business address. All businesses are in competition with each other to attract and secure clients and custom. So, in pure psychological and marketing terms, having a professional business address on all official communication and promotional material such as letters, emails, quotes, invoices, business cards, leaflets and websites will present a much more professional appearance than, say, a PO Box or residential address. In addition to a registered business address there are a number of other virtual services to help make small, home based companies more efficient. They can make use of virtual secretaries and receptionists who can manage calls and provide administrative services.

There are also mail and telephone forwarding services. Meeting room hire is available for any staff or client meetings required. Virtual offices and services can be secured for as little as £20 a month.

Kate also provides small businesses with actual office space. While virtual addresses and services are ideal for some small businesses, for many a physical office space is needed to function effectively, particularly if there is a close team working together. Indeed, one of the side-effects of the pandemic’s working from home directive has been the loss of training and development of new and junior staff. This was something Kate was quite keen to stress, pointing out that many newer members of staff in the businesses she houses, Ability Needs Magazine

often learn and develop from watching and being mentored by senior colleagues and managers.

There’s lots of commercial property on offer across the region and it can, no doubt, appear daunting for a new or expanding business to get it right. However, there are few good tips that Kate shared. For a new or growing business, despite the best forecasting it can often appear difficult to ascertain how quickly the company will expand or shrink depending upon the economic climate. So it is important that there is as much flexibility in the rental arrangements of the office space. At Sinclair Court, for example, the arrangements are very much bespoke to each of the various business needs rather than a standard set of tariffs and contracts. This allows the businesses a degree of flexibility to match their trading position. Other things to check are what furniture and facilities are available and whether there are extra charges for them. Then there is the location. Many people often think a city centre location is more prestigious. However, more often than not, city centres are congested with expensive and limited parking facilities. I’ve been to the Sinclair Court building in Brunswick, it’s easy to get to with plenty of free parking, and it’s also close to bus routes and the airport for any overseas visitors. Plenty of good catering facilities nearby for any entertaining or lunch meetings.

Finally, for the environmentally conscious, Kate Speed was awarded a prestigious Green Apple award at the Houses of Parliament in 2019 for operating very environmentally friendly business premises. As businesses look to emerge from the pandemic and weigh up the pros and cons of where to work from, getting advice from the likes of Kate Speed may prove worthwhile.

Sinclair Court can be contacted at www.sinclaircourt.co.uk or via info@sinclaircourt.co.uk Angus Long is owner of Writers4U Ltd 29

AN_p30 impression_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 29/09/2021 12:05 Page 1

As the pressure begins to mount on the NHS and homecare sector

COMING SOON A range of pressure relieving and manual handling products, supporting personal care protocols in all public, private and domestic care settings that are set to take the industry by storm These solutions are literally going to change the very nature of patient moving and handling Interested parties and distributors to call or email for further information or arrange initial meetings Writers4U Ltd (t/a Impression Marketing) Sinclair Court, Darrell St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 7DS Tel: 0191 432 6949 Email: info@impression-marketing.co.uk

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Ability Needs Magazine

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ShopMobility UK – featuring centres around the UK

Supported by:

ShopMobility UK provides a nationwide network of charitable/local authority centres that loan out mobility scooters and wheelchairs for shopping and leisure activities. All of these centres provide vital independence for people with restricted mobility. In this first article of a new series, we focus on a northern and southern centre.

High Wycombe Shopmobility 2 Newland Meadow, Eden, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2BZ High Wycombe Shopmobility opened in 1994. It is a small, friendly independent registered charity offering free daily loans of mobility scooters, manual and powered wheelchairs so locals with walking difficulties can access High Wycombe town centre. The scheme also offers manual wheelchairs for longer loans periods at a small charge. High Wycombe Shopmobility is proud to provide independence and enhanced living for anyone with limited mobility, whether temporary or permanent. The centre has a large fleet of quality, reliable products – 22 scooters, 4 powerchairs and 17 manual wheelchairs. Its team of dedicated staff and volunteers provide a Shopmobility service seven days a week.

Claire McMackin, Manager at High Wycombe

Shopmobility said: “New customers can be nervous about coming in and using our service.

So a few years ago we secured some funding to make a short promotional film to show how easy it is to sign up and use our equipment. This was great fun, we worked with a local production company and wrote, directed and starred in the film and we are extremely proud of the finished film.”

You can find the film here:

ShopMobility by the William Merritt Centre, Leeds Shopmobility, Unit 82a, The Merrion Centre, Merrion Way, Leeds. LS2 8NG William Merritt Centre’s ShopMobility is a popular and successful service that provides 8 mobility scooters and 4 manual wheelchairs for hire in and around Leeds. Available for short or long term loans, these reliable products ensure people with walking difficulties can access shops and local amenities without worry or discomfort. The centre also provides a range of mobility products for purchase.

As part of its caring and dedicated service, the ShopMobility team at the William Merritt Centre offers a ‘collect by car’ service. This involves transit of customers, in an accessible vehicle, from the train station and bus stops to the centre so they can benefit from a seamless journey.

Valued volunteers, such as Guy Moxon, help to keep ShopMobility operating. Guy has used the service twice a week for over 15 years and as part of his volunteering role, supports other customers whilst pro-actively promoting ShopMobility. A customer of ShopMobility Leeds said:

Ability Needs Magazine

"It was chaotic when there was no local ShopMobility service for me to get outdoors. My independence was severely restricted and I began to feel socially isolated. It’s good we have a mobility service as it gives me the option to get about a great deal more and when I want to."

To find your local, official ShopMobility UK centre, visit: ttps://www.shopmobilityuk.org/

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Team BRIT – conquering motorsport

Dave Player (Image courtesy of Darren Cook)

IX YEARS AGO, one man had a dream to set out towards a goal that no one had ever set before.

Dave Player, a former Royal Engineer, formed Team BRIT, an all-disabled racing team with the aim of being the first ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour.

The team was created as a development of its Le Mans goal.

Dave’s charity, KartForce – which supports Next year, two of the team’s drivers will race in injured military troops in their rehabilitation and British GT – the pinnacle of UK endurance racing, recovery through motorsport. Dave created a set taking the team just one step away from being of hand controls that could be fitted into able to apply for Le Mans. It’s happening, the standard go karts and enabled disabled drivers dream is becoming a reality, so what does it feel to race on equal terms. KartForce hosts karting like to have achieved what some would say is events up and down the country and has been impossible? found to have a significantly positive impact on Dave Player explains: people living with PTSD or mental health conditions.

What gave you the idea behind the team?

Some of the KartForce drivers asked Dave to I’m a wheelchair user myself after breaking my explore options for stepping up into car racing back in 1991 when I was living in the Algarve. I and Team BRIT (British Racing Injured Troops) had to totally re-design my life after my injury and was formed. one of the things that I began to focus on was With the help of technical experts, Dave reorganising disability sport events. Before long I developed the karting hand controls to become was organising major sports events in the racing hand controls, which were easily Algarve, alongside hospitality, and always removable from the team’s VW Golf. This meant noticing the very simple things that organisations that drivers with a wide range of physical and were getting wrong when it came to basic psychological disabilities could compete in accessibility. endurance races as part of the same team.

Being a former Royal Engineer, I knew I From 2 drivers and 1 VW Golf in 2015, to 7 wanted to do something that supported the drivers, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4 and 2 military, so when I came back to the UK, I BMWs in 2021, the team has grown incredibly, merged my two interests and created KartForce. pushing forward with bold determination towards It was clear very quickly that this was more than

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just a sporting day out for the veterans coming along. It was having a major impact and showing people that disability or injury wasn’t the end of opportunity. When some of the guys suggested moving up to car racing, I didn’t need to be asked twice. I formed Team BRIT and knew right from the outset that we were going to set out to do way more than anyone would think possible, and more than anyone had ever tried.

Current team drivers (Image courtesy of Peter Markwick)

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How do you attract the financial support you need for such an expensive sport?

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This is the hardest part of our operation.

We’re not a charity and I’m always very keen to make that clear to anyone who meets us.

We’re a competitive racing team like any other, and we depend on corporate sponsorship to operate.

That means people must buy into our vision.

Sometimes explaining that in an email or via a phone call isn’t easy, but as soon as anyone meets us, at our HQ at Dunsfold Aerodrome or at one of our races, they become an ally. So many times I’ve seen people watching our crew at work, witnessing the look on a rookie’s face as they step out of the car for the first time, and they realise the difference this makes on people’s lives. It’s not about letting a small group of people have fun on a racetrack, we’re changing the industry, we’re innovating in the most creative way and we’re smashing down barriers.

How does your tech work?

Standard disability road cars use a ‘push / pull’ lever system. When it comes to racing, this doesn’t do the job we need as it puts the driver at a disadvantage. If you’re speeding towards a chicane, taking one hand off the steering wheel to use the lever means you’re going to lose seconds on your opponent who has both hands on the wheel. Our controls have everything the driver needs on the steering wheel and use electronic fly-by-wire braking technology.

They’re world leading.

They’re also completely adaptable and can be set up for each driver and each disability. At the moment our drivers include a paraplegic, a driver who only has the use of one arm, a driver with limited limb mobility and another who has severe autism. All of them can compete as one team, with the controls changed between driver stints to suit their needs.

Aaron Morgan (Image courtesy of Mark Ballantyne)

We’re constantly innovating, so when we meet a new rookie and assess them for their suitability as a team driver, we look at whether our current controls would work for them. If they don’t, we design something that does. For instance, we’re currently developing a new prototype for paraplegics with very poor hand control. We’re yet to find a disability we can’t cater for.

What does 2022 look like for the team?

In a word, incredible.

When I look back at how we’ve grown since 2015, I’m beyond proud.

We’ve created a team with the people, technology and sponsorship we need to form an infrastructure that works. This now means we have a ladder of motorsport opportunity for disabled drivers, from our eSports arm, eTeam BRIT, to our racing academy offering track day experiences for disabled drivers, and our competitive racing team.

Moving up to British GT next year is the realisation of our long-term goals and moves very close to our Le Mans target. Alongside that, we’re welcoming more rookie drivers into the Britcar Championship where their skills and confidence on track can grow.

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

Ability Needs Magazine

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Over half of Brits say they won’t be able to live in their home if they become disabled HE YOUGOV survey shows that 55% of British adults, who do not have a mobility difficultly, think they would not be able to live in their current home, due to its design and layout, if they become physically disabled.

The survey, which was commissioned as part of Habinteg’s annual #ForAccessibleHomes week, found that of those who said they would have to move, 77% identified internal steps and stairs as the main reason for having to leave their home.

Meanwhile, 48% of British adults felt that their bathroom was not accessible enough, and 44% said that steps up to the front door would be a significant issue if they were to become physically disabled. The survey also invited people to consider the needs of some of the older people that they know. Just over a third (36%) of adults know someone aged 65+ who they think would need to find a suitable home as their mobility needs change. Of that 36%, three in five (59%) felt that it would be difficult to find a suitable property.

These findings come just six weeks after the Government published its disability strategy. Among

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eight commitments on housing, the strategy promises further research and a response to the 2020 consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes.

Habinteg’s Chief Executive, Nick Apetroaie, said: “It’s no surprise that the majority of people who responded to our survey feared that their home wouldn’t be suitable if they were to become physically disabled. Adequate housing is fundamental to inclusion and equality for disabled and older people, but there’s simply not enough supply for the growing demand.

“The Government’s disability strategy promises more research into inclusive and accessible housing.

However, we need action fast rather than more research to solve the immediate and long term needs of the population.

“What the Government do or don’t do next will effect disabled and older people for many generations to come. We urge them to raise accessibility standards for new homes in their response to the consultation; it’s now make or break for accessible homes.”

Find out more at www.habinteg.org.uk/FAH

AUDIO SHOW BROCHURE MAKES GRAND EMPLOYEE NEW ‘VOICE’ OF THE THEATRE LACKPOOL Grand Theatre has launched its new ‘Audio’ version of its new season Guide to boost accessibility for visually impaired visitors following its new sales office re-opening after 17-months of closure.

The Guide, which is packed with over 50 shows, has been produced through a collaboration between the Theatre and a previous employee, Anne-Marie Flood, who has recently launched a voice audio company.

The recordings promote shows ranging from The Grand’s very own production Around the World in 80s Days, an 80s comedy musical, to the spine-chilling West End hit The Woman in Black. A-list comedians, Rob Beckett, Jason Manford and Alan Carr, also bring their stand-up to the stage. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Bizet’s Carmen produced by Ellen Kent Opera return to Blackpool and the spectacular Russian State Ballet of Siberia, is a staple offering for New Year.

Available on Sound Cloud, theatregoers can easily access the Audio brochure online at https://soundcloud.com/blackpoolgrandtheatre/sets/th e-guide-blackpool-grand-theatre-autumn-winteraudio-21 Andrew Howard, Marketing Manager at The Grand, said: “Accessibility is one of our major priorities and we want all theatregoers to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Our website has a wealth of

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information on how to plan your visit, and facilities including seating arrangements, assistance dogs, accessible performances, hearing loops and how to sign up to our Access Register.

“Blackpool Grand is also keen to support its past employees in new ventures as we fully understand that Covid has meant that many have needed to reevaluate their circumstances and lives and so it was great to be back working with Ann-Marie on this project. Sadly, we had to reduce the theatre’s workforce from 57 to 14 but we are now in our recovery period like many companies and attempting to re-build, which is why it was important to support Anne-Marie’s new business.

“We’re tremendously excited about the future for the Grand and how successful our promotional efforts have been. The audio brochure highlights our incredible line-up of shows, with more being added on a daily basis.”

For more information on our accessibility options and to book your tickets, please visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk Ability Needs Magazine

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Strawberry Field, Liverpool leads the way in being accessible to all, with advanced accessibility features TRAWBERRY FIELD, the world-famous site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, is aiming to be the UK’s Number 1 attraction for accessibility, thanks to a series of upgraded and innovative features.

Previously a Salvation Army children’s home where John came to play and escape, Strawberry Field is now home to an interactive visitor exhibition, café, shop and gardens. With responsible tourism and well-being at its heart, this awardwinning heritage site now leads the way in being accessible to all, with full wheelchair access, tours for the visually impaired and features to support the hard of hearing and other disabilities, as well as a multi-language media guide and a Changing Places toilet facility.

Through research and focus groups, the team have upgraded elements of the visitor experience to ensure that everyone is welcome. Inclusivity is at the forefront of the vision and the upgraded features are now in place, making visiting even easier for wheelchair users and those with visual, hearing and other disabilities. The newly introduced spectacular tour for the visually impaired has had a tremendously enthusiastic response.

Matthew Hughes-Paton, who attended one of the focus groups says: “I visited Strawberry Field along with three other visually impaired people to give feedback on the audio described tour around the visitor exhibition - we all absolutely loved it.

“Not only was the tour informative and really interesting, but it was great to visit somewhere that really took our needs into account and catered for our varying visual impairments. The tour was fully accessible with tactile elements and lots to listen to.

“I can’t recommend Strawberry Field enough. It is such a warm and welcoming place and I will certainly be telling others who are blind and visually impaired about the audio described tour.”

The unique combination of an experienced tour

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Ability Needs Magazine

guide, together with tactile features and an interactive media player brings the experience alive.

To help support visitors with hearing disabilities, all video content now has added captions. Much of the innovative technology has been provided by Imagineear, a world leading developer of multimedia content.

Kathleen Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field says: “I am delighted with the progress we have made in making our attraction open to all. It fits well with our ethos within Strawberry Field and The Salvation Army of being totally inclusive. In the next year we hope to provide further facilities with tours for those with Alzheimer’s and autism.”

Alongside adaptations such as guided tours, tactile exhibition features, use of colour, layout and several foreign languages, Strawberry Field is one of the first UK attractions to offer Changing Places facilities.

Changing Places toilets provide more space and equipment than conventional wheelchairaccessible WCs, to meet the needs of people of all ages who need help to deal with their intimate hygiene.

Chris Stringer, Learning Disability Inclusion Development Manager, The Salvation Army says: “I am thrilled that the plans we developed for inclusion at the inception of the Strawberry Field project have now come to fruition. It is right for the Salvation Army to be leading the way and we hope and pray that many other attractions will follow” Responsible tourism is at the very heart of Strawberry Field. Profits from the visitor experience go towards keeping the gates open for good and funding Steps at Strawberry Field, a series of programmes aimed at those with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment.

For more information on Strawberry Field and to purchase tickets to the visitor exhibition, visit www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/

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Why don’t Brits get their hearing tested enough?

IHIMA (the British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association) are calling for annual hearing tests to be mandatory from the age of 55.

Latest research shows the prevalence of hearing loss in the general population more than doubles between the ages of 49 and 59.

Hearing loss is a risk factor which can contribute to cognitive decline, falls in older people, and mental health problems. It can affect independence, present employment difficulties, and make people feel isolated and less inclined to communicate with friends and family, leading to loneliness and depression.

Hearing tests can pick up hearing loss at an early stage allowing it to be treated and monitored.

Regular hearing tests can be used to assess any further deterioration and treatments can be adapted as appropriate.

You can get free hearing tests on the NHS, but you need to self-refer through your GP – they aren’t given as standard. There are high street providers who will test our hearing for free too, but how often

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do we go?

Less than a third of us are aware that hearing loss is a comorbidity with other health problems. The average amount of time since those aged 55+ have had their hearing tested is 9 years, yet this age group perceive they should be getting their hearing tested every 3 years. So why aren’t they?

Audiologists are calling for testing to be more frequent than every 3 years. BIHIMA’s latest research found that over 60% of audiologists recommend that people should start having annual hearing tests over the age of 55, and just under 30% of audiologists say annual tests should start even earlier. Almost three quarters of audiologists believe there should be state-funded hearing tests for the over 50s.

Most of us don’t realise we can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and protect our mental health by simply getting our hearing tested.

For further information, visit

www.bihima.com

WELCOME TO SCOOTER STORE LIMITED cooter Store Limited is an established company with over twentyfive years’ experience, which has become very popular especially with the elderly and disabled community nationwide.

The concept of a small, easy to use store for securing mobility vehicles has been extremely well received by many local authorities. Housing Associations, County, City and Borough Councils as well as charitable organisations have installed Scooter Stores throughout the country with great success; whilst thousands have been exported to Europe. This has solved storage and independence issues for many people.

In our experience we have found that many people who use mobility scooters find it very difficult getting their scooter in and out of their property without help or assistance. Storing them in living rooms and hallways is not always ideal as they take up a lot of room and can cause fire hazards.

The scooter store itself is simple and was designed in response to a demand from the public. The standard unit is 1525mm long x 1220mm wide x 1070mm high and made of 2mm steel the store comes in a green finish.

Bespoke scooter stores can be manufactured to different sizes to suit your specific mobility scooter requirements. Our Scooter Stores are delivered flat packed for installation to inaccessible places and are installed by our fully trained engineers. Our scooter stores are all push button controlled and fully lockable. A socket for charging the scooter is provided within the store. The Scooter Store requires very little maintenance.

The Scooter Store is such a marvellous alternative which is secure and theft proof, and because it is so easy to use independence can be greatly improved for mobility vehicle users.

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Our contact details are: Scooter Store Limited, Unit 11 Riverside Business Park, Cambridge Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2HE. Tel: 01279 453565. www.scooterstoreltd.com

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Ability Needs Magazine

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FOR I NCLU SION AN D EQUALI TY

OXFORD APPOINTMENT FOR CHARITY FOUNDER

ETER LYNE, the Founder of the registered charity Mobility and Support Information Service (MASIS) www.masis.org.uk has recently been honoured by the directors of the Collaborating Centre for Values-based Practice in Health and Social Care which is based at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University.

Peter has been appointed as a member of the management team and will fulfil the role of 'Lead' for Social Care. The centre has a national and international membership and following, and Peter will be one of only 2 members of its management team who are not medically or surgically qualified.

Peter stated that to be associated with an organisation based at the world's top ranked university is both an honour and a privilege. All nationally and internationally located members of the collaborating centre will be informed of Peter's appointment and his profile will appear on the same page of the centre's website which displays details of all other members of its management team.

Peter first met with the centre's Founder and Director Professor KWM (Bill) Fulford FRCP and Professor Ashok Handa FRCS while attending the Annual Conference of NICE in Liverpool in 2017, soon after which he was appointed an Organisational as well as an Individual Partner of the centre. In 2018, Peter jointly presented a forum with Bill Fulford and Ashok Handa at NAIDEX held at the NEC, Birmingham. The forum focussed on the subjects of improving the social inclusion and equality of disabled people which continue to be MASIS's principal aims.

Although already underway with his Oxford University appointment, Peter will also be continuing with the development of MASIS. MASIS was awarded registered charity status in 2012 and Peter has written previous articles for Ability Needs Magazine in which he has appealed for companies and service providers associated with the healthcare and disability sectors to establish commercial relationships with MASIS in order to help generate funds. These will enable MASIS to achieve its objectives. Regrettably very few have shown any enthusiasm in wanting to establish relationships with MASIS. Peter is now hoping that as well as the national and international publicity and increased awareness MASIS will receive from its association with Oxford

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Ability Needs Magazine

University and that the charity is soon to be commencing a global digital marketing campaign (indirectly supported by the Google Ads Grant awarded to MASIS in 2016) that companies will become more positive in developing relationships with the charity.

The sectors of industry and commerce which MASIS is especially keen to liaise with are motor vehicle manufacturers and dealership groups, housing and construction industry (especially where housing modifications and alterations can be undertaken), mobility aids and equipment suppliers and companies associated with the hospitality and tourism industry whose premises have been subjected to access audits and can cater for the needs of disabled customers.

For further assistance please contact MASIS via e-mail contact@masis.org.uk FOR IN CLU SION AN D EQUALIT Y

DESIGNERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF EQUIPMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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AN_p38_p39__JK_18-19_AN306_Tani's_view.QXD 29/09/2021 11:52 Page 1

Long Weekend in North Yorkshire

by John Killick TAYCATION! That’s when you have a holiday at home isn’t it? Well, for all those that have to make up a new word for everything – I went on a four day VACATION to Yorkshire – and most enjoyable it was too! Having got one of my favourite annoyances of my chest, let’s get on.

We stayed at Sparrow Hall Farm cottages, yes, the same one I wrote about two years ago.

This time, since we had a partially disabled friend along, we stayed in the specially modified one for disabled people. It would have done just fine for my wheelchair-dependent first wife, but before booking ring Helen and check that it has your minimum requirements. It is about 5 miles from Helmsley off the Pickering road. Nothing posh, just clean and comfortable and is dogfriendly. It is on a working farm so expect to be woken to the mooing of cattle and to have to put up with good country smells and the odd fly.

It has a fully fitted kitchen but if like me you don’t like to cook on holiday – then The Plough at Wombleton is about three miles distant, I can strongly recommend.

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Some places nearby to visit Nunnington Hall: This is a National Trust

The Tea Garden at Nunnington Hall 38

A cheerful bar maid in the Plough in Wombleton

property dating back to Jacobean times! You guessed correctly; I am not recommending this house! It is about the most disabled unfriendly place I have ever visited and there is nothing the National Trust can do about it. However, the gardens are another matter. These are both beautiful and accessible as is the garden café.

The wildlife is great, and we even spotted a couple of wild otters playing in the river you must cross to get from the car park to the house.

The Church of St. James in Nunnington Village is a 12th century country church that holds services at 11 o’clock on Sunday mornings and is open for visitors every day. We found it interesting but beware of four steep steps down from the porch to the nave. I saw no

The River Rye at Nunnington Hall Ability Needs Magazine

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Our rather damp spaniel guards his private swimming pool!

The North Gate at Helmsley Castle

other means of access but both the lady vicar and the members of her congregation who we spoke to seemed very friendly, so ask. Access, as with all places of worship is free, but they are trying to raise the funds to get one of their church bells repaired so please give generously.

Helmsley and its Castle: Helmsley is one of the most beautiful small market towns in the UK. Unfortunately, a lot of people know that! Parking is impossible at weekends; I recommend you leave it off your itinerary until Monday when you may find it a bit better. There is a beautiful long stay car park set out in large woods with lawns and seating, but it leaves a bit of a walk to the town centre. The castle, its shop and castle entrance (English Heritage) is immediately adjacent to this car park. The castle, a ruin, and shop are disabled-friendly and there is a disabled loo in the shop.

Behind the castle is a walled garden, which is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so I can’t comment on its accessibility.

Ryedale Folk Museum: This is a fairly small folk museum, similar to Inside Church of St. James, Nunnington Beamish but

with much older exhibits. It can be found on the right-hand side of the village street in Hutton-leHole. Continue up the A170 towards Pickering.

Just through Kirbymoorside you will see signs for the Ryedale Folk Museum on your left.

Please drive with care! This is a twisting climbing country road, and partly unfenced – hitting a sheep is one way to ruin your day! The museum is about halfway through this small village on your right. Just past it a road goes up on your right and you will find a good car park on the right just up the hill. In the car park is a toilet block which includes a disabled loo (not checked out). It is about a two hundred yard walk back to the museum.

You enter via a Inside the Chemists shop in the Ryedale Folk Museum souvenir shop.

Tickets are not over expensive and allow a year’s access plus a discount at the two cafe’s almost next door. We found this small museum fascinating and I can strongly recommend.

Wherever you go have a great Vacation.

Contact Sparrow Hall Farm through the booking agent www.Vrbo.com.

John Killick was the secretary of the Disabled Motorists Federation for over 20 years and was also the editor of 'The Way Ahead' magazine. He continues to be a freelance writer. He was born in Norfolk and brought up in Suffolk, married a Manx girl, and now lives in north east England.

Ability Needs Magazine

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SOCIAL WORKER TO DESIGNER

I

N JANUARY 2016, our lives changed forever. One Saturday afternoon whilst out with my son Emile, he suffered a spinal cord stroke, just like that, with no warning! The spinal stroke left him paralysed from the chest down. I was amazed at how well Emile coped with this traumatic event; his resilience was astounding. Emile has no bladder or bowel function, and we must self-catheterise to empty his bladder. It soon became clear once we got into our daily routine that clothes do not fit properly whilst sat in the wheelchair. More importantly, the comfortable joggers that Emile likes to wear do not provide easy access to catheterise.

The Idea!

Me!

After undertaking research with a range of people including wheelchair users, carers, physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists to find out the issues they faced when getting dressed or supporting someone getting dressed, I went ahead to make a prototype of my idea with 2 Students Rebecca and Melissa Everett from the fashion institute.

I am a 55-year-old mother of three children, Theo, 26, Emile, 19, and Esther,17. We live in Stockport, Cheshire. I have taken early retirement from my career as a mental health social worker to focus on the business and felt ready for a new challenge. I believe in the product and feel that there is a gap in the market for casual wear for wheelchair users which is fashionable as well as functionable. The business is named after Emile’s nickname, Bealie, which only his sister calls him! I am passionate about supporting manufacturing in the UK and they will be manufactured in the Midlands

The product; Adaptive joggers/trousers The joggers have a unique opening to enable comfortable dressing and catheterising. They are higher at the back to avoid sagging whilst sitting and transferring to ensure everything is covered! I have been working with a small focus group of people, who range from having a spinal cord injury in adulthood to people who were born with cerebral palsy. We identified that there is a difference in muscle mass in the legs for people who cannot weight bear or have been spinal injured for a long time and lost muscle mass over the years. Therefore, we have redesigned the pattern to have a more slim fit leg (which is fashionable presently) and we will also have a regular fit for people with more muscle mass on their legs, to ensure a better fit for different disabilities and all shapes and sizes.

A small run of the joggers will be made and launched in September 2021.

I have crowdfunded to raise money to fund the first run of the joggers and marketing. The Crowd-funder campaign is still live and open to pledges. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bealies-joggers

The future for Bealiesadaptivewear I will continue to add to the collection using the template of the fly front opening to use differ-ent materials, colours, and design adaptive shorts for the spring/summer season 2022. I will also add unisex pieces to the collection to be more inclusive for all disabled people. The range will model mainstream fashion and will be updated seasonally.

Testimonials Having been a paraplegic for over 35 years, I am familiar with the search for comfortable clothing that looks and feels great but is practical for the kind of user that sits down all day. The Bealies Joggers are the holy grail of leisure wear for wheelchair users, particularly if you self-catheterise.

With the offset zip it is possible to catheterise yourself easily, without fuss. With that is the quality of materials and construction of these pants. The material used is soft and durable, the zip is large and easy to grip, the seat is manufactured with a higher back to keep you covered. There is a phone on the front/side to keep your mobile phone where you need it.

The Bealies Joggers have been well thought out, well designed and well manufactured and you should buy yourself some today. Phil, Cheshire I wore them on Tuesday for teaching PE. They were good as they did not fall like other pants. Plus, the zip bit at the side helped when catheterising. The leg part fitted well- especially when transferring. Plus, I was able to pull them up while in the chair. Overall, I loved them. If I were to buy a pair, I would get the next size down.

Andrew, Lancs 40

Recent photo shoot with 2 of the brand ambassadors (Shaun White , 1st from the left and James Freeman 2nd from left, James who represented team GB in the Paralympics in Tokyo this year.

Ability Needs Magazine

WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2021 • 9.30AM - 4.30PM

KIDZ TO ADULTZ NORTH 150+ exhibitors Fun & features CPD seminars

A free exhibition for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and the people and professionals who support them

ACC LIVERPOOL, KINGS DOCK LIVERPOOL WATERFRONT, L3 4FP 0161 214 4592 • info@disabledliving.co.uk

www.kidzexhibitions.com

Part of Disabled Living

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Parallel launches Purple Sock Day to support overlooked D/deaf and disabled entrepreneurs in the UK O MARK the annual also under-served, holding back International Day of the vast potential of this rich seam Persons with Disabilities of talent and the benefits it can (IDPD) on 03 December 2021, bring to society and the UK social enterprise Parallel economy. Half (50%) of disabled Lifestyle has teamed up with the business owners cited lack of pioneering sustainable finance or capital as a barrier to activewear brand, BAM, and the innovating. To release this potential UK's leading enterprise support of budding D/deaf and disabled charity, Hatch Enterprise. The entrepreneurs, action is now aim is to encourage businesses needed to ensure opportunity for left to right) Josh Wintersgill, and the public to buy and wear a (From all, and no one is left behind.

Founder, ableMove UK; Andrew pair of Parallel’s Purple Socks to Douglass, Founder, Parallel Lifestyle; Using this year’s IDPD as a shine a much-needed light on the Shani Dhanda, Founder, Diversability platform, the inaugural Purple Sock challenges faced by D/deaf and Card Day will engage businesses and the disabled entrepreneurs in the UK and to help public to take part in a simple and effortless act of them thrive. wearing Parallel designed purple socks by BAM, IDPD was created by the UN to promote the which will retail at just £5. rights and well-being of disabled people across The aim is to raise greater awareness of society and raise awareness of disability in every disability inclusion and D/deaf and disabled aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural founders, with half of the Purple Sock Day profits life. Making the world of work more inclusive and going towards a new fund that will be used to accessible are constant barriers to employment provide grants to founders, professional advice, opportunities for D/deaf and disabled people in the mentoring, networking opportunities and tailored UK; recently highlighted by the government’s new business support across a range of disabilities.

National Disability Strategy. People living with Hatch Enterprise will oversee the fund; disabilities often turn to self-employment and implementing the framework, governance, and entrepreneurship to create their own opportunities, expertise to support budding D/deaf and disabled with the UK employment rate being around 30% entrepreneurs. The other half of Purple Sock Day lower amongst disabled individuals versus nonprofits will be reinvested into growing it into an disabled. annual campaign and other Parallel social Support for D/deaf and disabled entrepreneurs is enterprise projects.

T

Andrew Douglass, Founder of Parallel said: ‘Part of our social mission at Parallel is to combine innovative thinking with action to achieve greater disability inclusion across society. Purple Sock Day will help deliver a sustainable and long-term solution to better support the potential of our D/deaf and disabled business talent; whilst also creating something fun which everyone of all abilities can take part in together. I hope everyone will wear a pair and show they care.’

David Gordon, Founder at BAM said: ‘At BAM, we celebrate being the best you can be regardless of age and ability.

We’re delighted to support Parallel in raising awareness of disability inclusion by making these unbelievably soft performance socks for Purple Sock Day. BAM was founded on innovation, both with our materials and ensuring we tread as lightly as possible on the planet, so we understand the importance of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. We hope that as much money as possible can be raised for this important new fund.’

Dirk Bischof, Chief Executive of Hatch Enterprise, said: ‘We know underrepresented founders in the UK face so many additional barriers, and it’s becoming increasingly clear to us that so much more can be done to support D/deaf and disabled entrepreneurs in the UK to start and grow their businesses and bring new inventions to market. We are excited about the first Purple Sock Day and our role in making sure the funds raised become the platform of support that D/deaf and disabled entrepreneurs need.’

To take part in Purple Sock Day and sign-up to receive a pair of the specially designed BAM socks please visit parallellifestyle.com/purple-sock-day.

42

Ability Needs Magazine

Tea Break Quick Crossword Quiz Tea Break Quick Crossword Who Said That? Thought of the Day Wordplay Knowledge boosting...Trivia! Tea Break Quick Crossword Quiz Who Said That?

Thought of the Day Wordplay Remember When . . .

Quiz Knowledge boosting...Trivia! Tea Break Quick Crossword Quiz Thought for the day “ Who Said That?” Thought of the Wordplay: Day Wo rdplay Knowledge boosting...Trivia!

Am I? Tea Who Break Quick Crossword Quiz Who Said That? Thought of the Day Wordplay Knowledge AN_p43_TeaBrk_48_AN406_KidzSouth 29/09/2021 11:49 Page 1

CROSSWORD CLUES

ACROSS 1. Condition that kills a tree or shrub, starting from the tip of its leaves or from its roots (7) 8. Squeeze out (7) 9. Means of travel (7) 10. Diving seabirds - children’s books (7) 11. (Make a) monotonous sound (5) 13. Use of wooden veneers to create a decorative pattern on furniture (9) 15. Danger for over-the-limit drivers? (5,4) 18. Shrub or small tree with scented white flowers and black berries (5) 21. Inconsistent (7) 22. 1928 Virginia Woolf novel (7)

23. Straightforward honesty (7) 24. Sadden (7) DOWN 1. Piece of turf dug out with a gold club (5) 2. Early anaesthetic (5) 3. Somewhere to stay (13) 4. Custodian (in goal?) (6) 5. What can hide one’s feelings (5,5,3) 6. Charmingly old-fashioned (6) 7. Ungenerous (6) 12. Getting this, you’ll be upset (4) 14. Ready to eat (4) 15. Outline (6) 16. Commission (6) 17. Write down (for future reference) (6) 19. Close together (5) 20. Origins (5)

All these events occurred in the same year but in which year was it?

1. Name one of the two most used internet passwords worldwide.

2. The following was the movie poster tag line from which 1935 film? 'The Monster demands a Mate!'

3. The last Castrato in the Sistine choir died in which year?

4. Which European language is an official language in Angola?

5. In which 1980 Hollywood western did four sets of actor brothers play the roles of four sets of historically real brothers? …We must live life everyday to the fullest 6. Lionel Messi holds the record for most goals in a calendar year. Who was the previous record holder? as if today was the very last day of life…

7. How many billionaires currently live in Russia?

Moses Durazo 8. Name the European country in which Hansen is the most popular surname?

9. Which famous manuscript, first published in 1848, begins with the words "A spectre is haunting Europe ...."

The word may seem familiar but do you 10. The 1955 novel and 1958 film 'A Night to Remember' were based on which tragic event? know what it means?

• Zola Budd became a British citizen • Konstantin Chernenko became Soviet leader • York Minister was hit by lightning

HERSHIP

ABILITY NEEDS

Tea Break is sponsored by

A – Tibetan monk B – Goddess C – Plundering

• A footballer, I was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 1978.

• I was twice Africa’s Footballer of the Year.

• I joined Chelsea from Marseille for £24 million.

Who am I?

Getting you noticed Tel: 0191 432 6949 Email: info@impression-marketing.co.uk Web: www.impression-marketing.co.uk

Answers can be found on page 44

Ability Needs Magazine

43

AN_p44_Subs_p51-52_AN306_GoodService.qxd 29/09/2021 11:50 Page 1

TEA BREAK ANSWERS Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Dieback; 8. Extrude; 9. Vehicle; 10. Puffins; 11. Thrum; 13. Marquetry; 15. Speed trap; 18. Elder; 21. Erratic; 22. Orlando; 23. Candour; 24. Depress DOWN 1. Divot; 2. Ether; 3. Accommodation; 4. Keeper; 5. Stiff upper lip; 6. Quaint; 7. Measly; 12. Hump; 14. Ripe; 15. Sketch; 16. Errand; 17. Record; 19. Dense; 20. Roots

Quiz 1. password or 123456; 2. The Bride of Frankenstein; 3. 1922; 4. Portuguese; 5. The Long Riders; 6. Gerd Müller; 7. 99; 8. Norway; 9. The Communist Manifesto (Marx and Engels); 10. The sinking of the Titanic

Remember When . . .

1984

Word play

C – Plundering

Who Am I?

Didier Drogba

ABILITY NEEDS

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S T A N D I N G

W H E E L C H A I R

Providing independence & comfort through standing Designed and developed in the Midlands over the past 15 years the Genie V2 is one of the most advanced wheelchairs available. Combining advanced engineering and practical design, the Genie provides independence and comfort for all levels of dependency.

At Genie Wheelchairs we pride ourselves on developing practical and affordable solutions that make your day to day life that little bit easier! Appropriate for all levels of dependency from our basic model through to a complete care system tailored to each individual.

The Genie V2 has been designed with your everyday needs in mind, providing upper and lower body support to allow washing, air circulation and relief from pressure pain. The ability to stand opens up many possibilities such as access to previously inaccessible places or even getting back into the workplace as many of our Genie users have, whilst providing everyday health benefits such as aiding circulation and digestion. Standing is an important part of maintaining good health. The Genie can aid in the prevention of bladder problems and assist with bone development and pressure management.

The Genie V2 is incredibly easy to manoeuvre, light and compact when stored. It is easily folded away into a cube which is ideal for transportation on planes or in non converted vehicles, enabling you to do more and go further in comfort. Providing independence for yourself and your carer is our main aim.

With its range of control options from the attendant control system, which allows a carer or family member to drive, stand and manage comfort to our unique head control system allowing you to use all functions of the Genie just by head movement alone. The Genie V2 comes complete with hygienic, easytouse toilet facilities that can revolutionise your quality of life. All features are removable depending on your needs. When you can sit, recline, stand up and be mobile in safety without leaving the chair the possibilities are endless.

Everyone’s needs can change.

All the Genie’s facilities and functions can be added or removed easily at any time to suit your requirements as an individual.

Our base unit is easily adapted to accommodate a wide range of additional features, from vehicle docking systems to our unique head control system. And when it comes to one off customization at Genie wheelchairs nothing is impossible, from ventilator shelving to customised seating if you have any special requirements let us know. Nothing is too much when it comes to your comfort and independence.

• Easy transfers from bed to sitting or standing • Custom built to suit all needs • Comfortable & maneuverable • Enhances quality of life • Provides dignity, independence & mobility • Provides many health benefits • Removes boundaries Designed & Manufactered in

GREAT BRITAIN

To arrange a free in home demonstration of all the Genie V2 has to offer, call Easyrise on 01952 610300 or visit www.geniestandingwheelchair.co.uk

FORD HYBRID FORD KUGA PLUG -IN HYBRID GET THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE WITH THE FORD MOTABILITY SCHEME

Use your Mobility allowance to choose from a wide range of Ford vehicles at our network of participating Ford dealers across the UK. Dedicated specialists will listen to your needs and help you through every step of the process to find your perfect Ford vehicle. To find out more, visit ford.co.uk/motability or call 0345 60 40 019.

ford.co.uk

Available on selected dealer stock only. Please contact a participating Ford dealer for more information. Model shown is an Kuga ST-Line X Edition, 5 Door, 2.5L Duratec 225PS PHEV, Automatic, PHEV with optional ‘Lucid Red’ Exclusive Body Paint. Weighted fuel economy mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 256.8 Weighted combined electricity consumption: 26.9 Weighted CO2 emissions: 25g/km. Equivalent All-Electric Range: 37 miles.

These figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Kuga is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes.

Only compare fuel consumption, CO 2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including, accessories fitted, variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. This programme is subject to the standard conditions of the Motability Scheme hire agreement. Full written details and quotations available on request from a Ford Authorised participating Dealer of Motability Operations Limited. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers by Motability Operations. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 735390. To qualify, you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 1st October and 31st December 2021.