Winter Q1 2021

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ABILITY NEEDS The essential journal on disability

WINTER ISSUE Q1 2021

£2.00 Quarterly

Motoring and Mobility

Adapting Your Home

Exercise at Home

Learn to Fly

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

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ABILITY NEEDS

ABILITY NEEDS

ABILITY NEEDS

The essential

journal on disabil ity

WINTER ISSUE Q1 2021

7 Montgomerie Terrace, Contents 3 Motoring and Mobility Ayr, KA7 1JL - Featuring the latest vehicles and products available in the mobility marketplace Tel 01292 287574 View Fax 01292 266656 14 -Tanni’s Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE – Tanni shares her thoughts about Motoring and Mobility

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

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All Rights Reserved

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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.

Adapting Your Home

Exercise at Home

Learn to Fly

£2.00 Quarterly

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

Front Cover RAF Museumphotograph courtesy of Cosford

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how strange it is to realise how little she has been out of the house since March and how disabled people can work from home in this new environment

Eddie Peacock - Ramblings - Eddie explores rambling in its many forms, from the independence of walking to speaking about subjects which appear to have no rational or logical connection

Industry Insight - Communication is the key to winning the war on Covid-19 – Angus discusses how communication was vital during important moments in our history and points out that effective communication is again vital in these times

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Holidays - With holidays looking unlikely to be achievable in the near future why not take John’s advice and look closer to home

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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

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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.

Rachel Odell, Wessex DriveAbility The scooter store itself is simple and was designed in response a Constable Centre Manager (left) to and 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

Reduces your outgoings.

Not your going out.

You’ve waited long enough to get back out there. And with a year of family days out, visits with friends and weekends away to catch up on, your bank balance should be the last thing stopping you.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross range, available from no advance payment.

Motability Stock Available Visit mitsubishi-motors.co.uk to find your nearest dealer.

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross / MPG (l/100km) (combined): 32.5 (8.7) to 37.7 (7.5) / CO₂ emissions: 196 - 170 g/km.

The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. No advance payment on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Verve and Design SE Manual variants.

Subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st January and 31st March 2021. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO₂ 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 the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

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My MEDICOTECH THERA-Trainer has changed my life Paul’s Story

he THERA-Trainer range offers the chance to exercise at home from the sitting position. No matter what your mobility level, the THERATrainer bikes will have you cycling to improve your health and stamina from your own front room.

One of our customers shared his story with us and we are delighted to share it with you.

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When faced with life following a spinal injury I knew I would have challenges along the way, to maintain my fitness, strength and moral.

I was determined to include exercise in my daily routine, so buying the THERA-Trainer was mainly to improve my muscle strength and cardiovascular activity.

Little did I know it would do so much more!

I use the bike for 30 minutes every morning and have noticed a continual improvement in my muscle power; my blood pressure has dropped and bladder function has improved to the point that my medication has been reduced.

The simplicity of the bike makes it a perfect solution for me. I am fully independent when cycling and at the end of every session I can get a report showing me how I have done during the session. When I see the improvement over the weeks and months it keeps me going back for more. I look forward to my daily routine and know that I am keeping my muscles going and having fun along the way. I am stronger; my breathing has improved and I have more energy than before.

I am so glad that I have bought my THERA-Trainer bike from Medicotech - it has changed my life!

In these difficult times using the THERA Trainer bike on a regular basis will only make you feel better and fitter.

Contact Medicotech Ltd on: 01908-564100

www.medicotech.co.uk

Staying warm whilst out and about taying warm in winter is sometimes easier said than done, especially if you need to venture out on your scooter or powered wheelchair, however with a bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be.

If you’re a powered wheelchair or scooter user planning on having a day out, here’s five things we recommend taking to keep you cosy:

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Gloves, scarf and hat This may sound obvious, but don’t underestimate the value of good winter wear to keep the heat in!

Hand warmers Readily available, easy to use, and can be paired with gloves. An easy solution to keep your hands warm whilst out and about.

Umbrella Winter isn’t just cold, it is often wet as well.

Keep an umbrella handy for any unexpected downpours.

Snow boots Or at least, some warm footwear. Cold feet are unpleasant at the best of times and good shoes can make all the difference.

Electric hot water bottle These handy devices generally take just a few minutes to charge but stay warm for a number of hours, so they’re ideal for cold winter days. Pop it on your lap or behind your back to feel the full benefit.

Blanket Thermals An extra layer is always helpful, and as thermals generally go under your normal clothing, they are highly effective at trapping warmth and reducing heat loss.

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In very cold weather a blanket, or even a sleeping bag, is ideal to keep the cold air at bay. It may not be ideal if heavy rain is expected but if the forecast looks dry, tuck yourself in and keep warm.

Ability Needs Magazine

Providing independence & comfort through standing Designed and developed in the Midlands over the past 15 years the Genie V2 is one of |_; lov| -7 -m1;7 _;;Ѵ1_-buv - -bѴ-0Ѵ;ĺ ol0bmbm] -7 -m1;7 ;m]bm;;ubm] -m7 ru-1ঞ1-Ѵ design, the Genie provides independence and comfort for all levels of dependency.b $Wb*HQLH :KHHOFKDLUVbZHbSULGHbRXUVHOYHVbRQ GHYHORSLQJbSUDFWLFDObDQG DIIRUGDEOHbVROXWLRQVb WKDWbPDNH \RXUbGD\bWRbGD\bOLIHbWKDWbOLWWOHbELW HDVLHU b$SSURSULDWHbIRUbDOObOHYHOVbRI GHSHQGHQF\b IURPbRXUbEDVLFbPRGHObWKURXJK WRbDbFRPSOHWHbFDUHbV\VWHPbWDLORUHGbWRbHDFKbLQGLYLGXDO

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10 things to help you decide if the Motability Scheme is right for you hen you join the Motability Scheme you get more than just a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair of your choice, you also get to enjoy all the freedom that comes with a truly worry-free lease. We know that getting a new car is a big decision, which is why we’ve highlighted a few things that people often want to talk to us about before deciding if the Scheme is for them.

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1. How does the Motability Scheme work?

The purpose of the Scheme is to provide the simplest, most affordable way to run a brand new car. There’s no credit checks or lengthy forms to fill out. You just exchange your mobility allowance to lease the car that suits your needs best. Everyday running costs such as insurance for up to three named drivers, servicing and maintenance and breakdown recovery are all included in the weekly price.

2. Can I get a car on the Scheme if I don’t drive?

Yes, you don’t have to be able to drive to get a car on the Scheme. That’s why the insurance with your lease is for up to three named drivers. So your car could be driven by a family member, friend or carer, it doesn’t have to be you. Also, you can lease a Motability Scheme car as a learner driver, so long as you have a provisional licence and are listed as a permitted driver on the Certificate of Motor Insurance.

3. What if I’m family, a friend or a carer?

We want the Motability Scheme to be as convenient as possible for our customers and the people who support them. That’s one of the reasons we include insurance for up to three named drivers on the lease.

4. How do I know if I am eligible for the Scheme?

You’re eligible if you currently receive any of these allowances and have 12 months remaining on your award: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) • Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) 5. What about PIP reassessments?

If you’re currently in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and are invited for a reassessment, as long as you’re successful in your

application for the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you will still be eligible to join the Motability Scheme. If you became a customer, then lost your allowance, we would offer you the chance to buy the car, or you could return it with no further payments to make.

6. How much will a new car cost me a week?

Our choice of over 2,000 vehicles is split into the three price band options below. You can pick from the one that fits your budget the best: • Cars that cost less than your weekly mobility allowance, so you keep the difference.

• Cars that cost exactly the same as your allowance.

• Cars that cost the same as your allowance, plus a one-off Advance Payment.

7. What if I need adaptations?

If you require adaptations to help make driving, or travelling, easier or more comfortable, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the most popular ones are available at no additional cost when fitted at the start of your lease.

8. Can I trade in my old car against a new one?

You can trade in your privately owned car at most Motability Scheme dealerships. This could help finance an Advance Payment or optional extras for your new car.

9. Will I definitely be able to get the car I need?

The Motability Scheme stays right up-to-date with the latest car models from most of the leading manufacturers. So yes, the likelihood is that the car you want will be available.

10. How do I apply?

It’s simple- search through our range of vehicles to see what’s available, then visit a dealership to speak to a Motability specialist and arrange a test drive. When you’ve decided on the car, the dealer you choose will help complete your order for you at the dealership.

Remember, we’re here to help however we can, so if there are other things that you would like to talk to us about, just call when you are ready. Or you can request a call back at a time that’s convenient for you. You can reach one of the team on 0800 694 9000

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Ability Needs Magazine

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Independent Living Solutions from N&C Phlexicare OR OVER 40 years N&C Phlexicare have led the way in healthcare products with an extensive range of independent living solutions, that allow for complete independence within the home.

Nearly half a century ago, two forward thinking individuals began what has become the leading manufacturer and distributor of products for the elderly and disability market. Ken Forbes (Now Group Chairman) and Lesley Mason recognised that individuals had very little product available in order to be able to live comfortably and confidently at home without relying on others. Since this, we have designed and manufactured many daily living solutions which have helped those to live independently in the comfort of their own homes.

N&C Phlexicare design, manufacture and distribute an extensive range of bathroom, wet rom, daily living, access, wall and floor and kitchen solutions within the

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healthcare market. All of which are inspirational by design, functional by nature and produced using high quality materials. We help to enable freedom and independence for users with different capabilities.

The ethos of N&C Phlexicare is simple: • Design products to give back people their dignity and independence • Give value for money • Be of practical use and improve the quality of life • Create independent living solutions without compromising on design

Phlexicare is part of the Nicholls and Clarke Group of companies and is the only company in the UK that can provide a truly ‘One stop shop’ for independent living.

View N&C Phlexicare’s full range online today.

For more information telephone 0208 586 4600, email info@ncphlexicare.com or visit www.ncphlexicare.com

Closure of RNIB’s Giant Print Library HE RNIB Giant Print Library and Moon Library in Peterborough will close on 31 January 2021, with customers being notified by letter.

David Clarke, RNIB Director of Services, said: “The shift in the way our library users now access books through mainstream devices such as the iPad and Amazon Kindle, where font sizes and colours are easily adjustable, has meant that operating a traditional giant print and Moon library is no longer sustainable.

“We understand the decision will disappoint some customers who still use the service, however borrowing numbers have been steadily falling, and the cost to run the service has continued to rise.

“We know reading is important to our customers

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and large print formats will still be available from our free Personal Transcription Service, which will produce books in bespoke large print for customers on request. We will also continue to offer accessible books and reading materials in other formats. These are available through RNIB’s own free Online Reading Library, which is the largest of its kind in the UK, our braille library and Talking Books service. Our Library and Tech for Life Teams will also be on hand to support and guide customers through the transition.

“We will be offering customers, including schools, the opportunity to keep books that they order from now on until the service is finally closed. Any books that are not gifted to customers will be donated overseas to a number of organisations that RNIB has sent books to over many years.”

About RNIB We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.

RNIB. See differently. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk

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Ability Needs Magazine

N&C Phlexicare enable mag .qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2019 14:28 Page 1

Future proof your home with our complete independent living solutions

independent living

...at affordable prices

Maintain independence in the home Accessible bathrooms, kitchens, accessories and more Over 40 years experience British manufacturer Beautiful products designed for your home

Multi-User Bathrooms | Grab Rails | Daily Living Products | Accessible Showering | Wetrooms Wall and Floor Solutions | Access Solutions | Multi-User Kitchens

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

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Fight for Sight launches survey to determine how continued lockdown restrictions are impacting people with eye conditions YE RESEARCH CHARITY Fight for Sight has launched a survey to gather broader insights into how continued lockdown restrictions are affecting people with sight loss and eye conditions.

This survey is a follow-up to the charity’s research in May, which found that the pandemic is having a disproportionate effect on people with eye conditions, with 73% of respondents saying their access to treatment had got worse since the beginning of the pandemic. Four in ten people said they feared their eyesight had or would further deteriorate as a result.

Fight for Sight is inviting those affected by sight loss or an eye condition to participate in the survey, to help it to continue to campaign on behalf of people with sight loss and strengthen the case for urgently needed eye research funding.

To take part in the survey, you must be aged 18 or over, living in the UK, and personally have an eye condition(s).

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There are currently over two million people in the UK living with sight loss, more than half of which is avoidable.

According to Fight for Sight’s Time to Focus report, which was released in September, this number will jump to 3.5 million by 2050. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, eye research was already woefully underfunded, with only one and a half percent of national research funding invested in eye research. That’s in spite of the fact that eye conditions account for ten percent of all hospital outpatient appointments – the largest of any specialty.

Director of Engagement at Fight for Sight, Sarah Campion said: “This is a challenging time for everyone, but we know from our research that the current pandemic and lockdown is having a particularly harsh effect on those living with eye conditions and sight loss. We need the input of those affected so that we can understand how lockdown restrictions are continuing to impact them as we head into 2021 and determine how best to campaign on their behalf.”

Take the survey at - www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BH6PT2R or by visiting Fight for Sight’s website at www.fightforsight.org.uk.

Ambient Support’s Caring Heroes Celebrated in National Care Forum’s ‘Caring in Covid’ Book ARE PROVIDERS across the UK have played a vital role throughout the Covid pandemic, caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

The National Care Forum (NCF), the leading membership association for notfor-profit social care providers, bore witness to incredible acts from its members and decided to record and celebrate their response to the outbreak and ensuing restrictions by bringing together a collection of wonderful stories in a Caring in Covid book.

National Charity Ambient Support, who provides care in a number of settings, contributed three stories in totalone acknowledging their very own CEO, Mark Milton, for his outstanding leadership and support to the entire team.

Ambient Support’s Activities Coordinator, Stevie Housley, from Ambient Support’s Gardenia House Care Home in Dartford, featured in the book. Stevie raised £1,350 dying her hair waist-long hair the colours of the rainbow which raised money to improve the lives of the residents she supports.

The moving experiences and resilience of manager,

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Louise Foyle-York and her care team during two phases of Covid outbreaks at The Croft care home in Amersham are also highly commended in the book. The team’s upmost determination, commitment and unwavering passion, at the very hardest of times, demonstrates just how important the role of the care worker is and how good quality care is truly indispensable.

Vic Rayner, Executive Director of the National Care Forum said: “Through the collection of Caring Heroes stories, the reader peeks behind the closed doors and experiences what it was really like for care staff, residents in care homes, and people needing support in their own homes during lockdown. This book is more than just a nod to social history, it demonstrates how people’s lives are enriched by the role of those working in the care sector through their creativity, dedication and passion, and through their many skills and talents.”

Read the inspiring stories from Ambient Support (www.ambient.org.uk) and other providers in the NCF’s Caring in Covid book at www.nationalcareforum.org.uk/ ncf-caring-in-covid-project/.

Ability Needs Magazine

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QCS supports Down’s syndrome charity to launch national video learning programme Quality Compliance Systems (QCS), a leading content provider for the care, health and learning sectors, is proud to support 21 Together, a Kent-based Down’s syndrome charity, to roll-out a national Covid-19 learning programme CS HAS provided 21 Together with both funding and logistical resources to launch this online learning resource, Teach Me Too, which is a library of educational videos designed to help develop skills in speech, language and cognition.

Thanks to QCS’s support, the learning resource, which has been designed specifically for children with Down’s syndrome, will now be free to access both in the UK and around the world.

The first batch of videos, which are focused on developing Speech & Language, cognition and learning skills, were launched in time for Christmas to help deliver on the promise of a gift for every child.

The videos, which have been specifically designed to focus on ‘stage’ rather than ‘age’ break new ground.

By taking an innovative and non-conventional approach to learning, 21 Together have ensured that they can be accessed and enjoyed by a wide range of ages.

21 Together charity manager, Jo Aiyathurai explains, “As parents, we understand the learning challenges that children with Down’s syndrome face. While they can flourish in a mainstream learning environment, in order to do so, they need to learn visually, rather than through auditory learning techniques. These videos – which prioritise ‘stage’ rather than ‘age’ – recognise that children with Down’s syndrome can begin their reading journey from the age of two and, with the right support, some can achieve expected reading milestones when they start school. We think that is life changing and are grateful to QCS for all its support.”

QCS’s partnership with 21 Together is part of a wider goal to drive innovation, to make content more

accessible to providers, to move it beyond compliance and in doing so, to make it available to new sectors, markets and geographies. As part of this strategy, QCS is supporting the work of experts in a number of different fields in a raft of sectors, including dementia care, where QCS is collaborating with Jackie Pool, a frontline dementia care expert, to further develop the QCS PAL Instrument, a tool which assesses cognitive ability.

Mat Whittingham, QCS’s Chief Executive and CoFounder, said, “We’re delighted, excited and honoured to be supporting 21 Together’s Teach Me Too programme. When we met with Jo and her team, what really shone through was a passion and determination to make this game-changing learning resource universally available to every person with Down’s syndrome. At QCS, we’re focused on helping those that care to go above and beyond standards and regulations. With this in mind, we will do all that we can to support 21 Together to launch and develop this unique and pioneering video learning resource.”

Jo Aiyathurai added, “Every child, regardless of background, income, or family situation deserves access to education materials that meet their needs.

For too long access has only been available to those that can pay for it and that is what 21 Together wanted to change. As a group, we are extremely proud of our achievement and are incredibly grateful to Quality Compliance Systems. QCS has been pivotal in enabling us to make the project accessible to the world, and our whole community will benefit because of their support.”

QCS

21 Together

Quality Compliance System (QCS) provides a high-quality, bespoke Care Quality Commission management service for Adult Social Care providers, Dentists and GPs. Across the social care sector, QCS is widely trusted and respected brand which is specifically designed to conform to the CQC Fundamental Standards set out by the CQC. To find out more about QCS, call 0333-405-33 33 or email sales@qcs.co.uk.

21 Together is a registered charity in Kent set up in 2016 by four parents, each with a child with Down’s syndrome. It is now a vibrant and thriving community charity with families at its heart, supporting over 140 families and 200 individuals within Kent. It was named “Charity of the Year” at the Wards Children’s Charity Awards in November 2019. To find out more about 21 Together, or its Teach Me Too online resource, please email teachmetoo@21together.org.uk

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Ability Needs Magazine

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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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AN_p14_p15 tanni_18-19_AN306_Tani's_view.QXD 30/12/2020 18:58 Page 1

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

HERE IS NO one that can dispute that this has been an odd year, but last week I realised something that I didn’t think would happen, and that is my passport has run out. I am privileged in so many ways and that I still travel a reasonable amount for work, but to have not taken my passport out of the drawer since March is a bit strange. I hadn’t even thought about it until I decided to do some tidying up and remembered that I was meant to do something about it.

Of course, I don’t have any photos that I can send or any that seem to be appropriate to scan and although I am not shielding, I have just got used to not going out. I went out in September to work in London and haven’t really been out since then. I haven’t been to

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the supermarket (husband has been doing the shopping) and have had one trip to the hospital to drop off some clothes for a family member who had to have a short stay and that is it.

Like many people our Christmas plans have changed, so instead of visiting friends we are now at home. So our family trip out for this month was to the supermarket to buy food for Christmas lunch, and what was once something that I took for granted actually felt like a big trip out. It was weird to be around so many people. I can’t even remember the last time I drove my car. Where previously I would never have thought about what time I was going to the supermarket, we tried to go at time when there were going to be less people around. There is a combination of not Ability Needs Magazine

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wanting to be around people, and not used to being around people. The thought of weaving my way amongst lots of people, which I would have previously thought nothing about, now is something I don’t want to do unless I have to.

The break is something that an awful lot of people have been looking forward to for a long time and it has almost been used as a marker to get to because of the awful pandemic. For months I have been hearing people say that ‘we have to get to Christmas”. Trying to think what is the next thing that we look forward to, that can help keep us going, and sadly there is nothing that really springs to mind. Next Christmas is a long way off and other moments in time are not quite the same. The vaccine, which I will have as soon as I can, doesn’t have the same ‘appeal’ in that it is a moment in time. The staging of it being administered will mean that people are going to be able to go out at all different points in time.

Working from home/living at work has been hard. Spending more time with people than we are used to doing has been hard and lovely. I know from a personal perspective it

has been amazing to spend so much time with my daughter (when I am normally away 3 - 4 nights a week) but not going out has resulted in me almost forgetting what a normal working week is.

Much of my work in the last few months has been about thinking differently, how disabled people may work in this new environment, because I think that the work environment will potentially be different for far longer than any vaccination programme.

Disabled people have struggled in so many ways in the job market due to more reasons than I could list here, but there is an opportunity for employers to think more clearly and creatively about how to improve the generally low figures. We have known for a long time that most reasonable adjustments generally cost very little so we have to look beyond their excuses for not doing more. If it was easy it would have been fixed a long time ago, but the issue is that in twenty years time I don’t want to be fighting for the things that I was fighting for twenty years ago. This is perhaps the time when we can get people to think differently.

Crelling Harnesses Ltd. Tel: 01253 852298

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AN_p18-19- mencap_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 30/12/2020 19:53 Page 1

‘Systematic lack of inclusion’: Mencap calls for urgent government action to tackle healthcare inequalities faced by people with a learning disability during COVID ven before COVID-19, people with a learning disability experienced shockingly high levels of health inequality – they were more likely to die avoidably and die younger.

Despite this - and evidence early on that people with a learning disability are disproportionately affected by COVID19 - Mencap’s report published today documents the stream of failures to protect one of the most marginalized patient populations in the country. And with news this week that not all people with a learning disability will be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine - despite people with a learning disability having died at over 6 times the rate of the general population – the report’s findings are more pertinent than ever.

Mainly detailing the situation in England, the report includes results from a survey of learning disability nurses conducted at the height of the pandemic. It highlights the significant obstacles people have faced to accessing healthcare. Some people were told they would be denied lifesaving treatment, and others had vital support removed, while some were discharged too early from hospital.

In some instances, people with a learning disability were told that they may not receive life-saving treatment: The National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE) quickly changed original guidance in March this year which conflated support needs with frailty, resulting in Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation orders (DNACPRs) being placed on some disabled people’s records. However Mencap says that damage had already been done. Some GPs are reported to have told patients with a learning disability that they were unlikely to be offered ventilation and encouraged them to consent to DNACPRs. Even now, Mencap is still receiving reports that DNACPRs are being placed on people’s records without their consent.

Some hospitals failed to provide adequate care while government guidance on visiting resulted in the removal of critical support: Reasonable adjustments – like more time during a medical appointment or being permitted to wait in a quiet area - are vital for people with a disability. Making reasonable adjustments is a requirement of the Equality Act 2010, a law that remained in place throughout the pandemic, but despite this many people have found themselves unsupported with adjustments being limited during the COVID crisis.

For someone with a learning disability who may face difficulties communicating, having the right person there to provide support is crucial. Yet the original official guidance was interpreted in different ways - even within the same hospital setting – often leaving people with a learning disability without vital support and at risk of worse health outcomes. In one case support was denied even when travelling to hospital in an ambulance.

Reduction in access to learning disability nurses: Some acute learning disability nurses were redeployed to other units. Learning disability nurses are crucial in ensuring people get the vital healthcare support they need, as well as providing support to other healthcare professionals. 11% of acute learning disability nurses surveyed by Mencap said they or a team member had been redeployed; for community based learning disability nurses it was 34%.

Inappropriate discharge from hospital: Discharge guidance has meant that in many cases

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Ability Needs Magazine

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leaving hospital has happened too quickly with people returning home sooner than they would under normal circumstances, and sometimes with emergency readmissions following soon afterwards. Over half (57%) of the learning disability nurses surveyed by Mencap agreed that healthcare professionals have not always had enough time to ensure the right support is in place for patients with a learning disability upon discharge.

The impact of remote consultations: The widespread shift to remote GP and other medical consultations means that GPs can sometimes miss when a person with a learning disability is very unwell, either due to communication issues or because they attribute the person’s symptoms to their learning disability. This can cause delays in accessing healthcare and in some cases may have contributed to serious illness, and may be part of the reason that some people died.

Long before COVID-19, Mencap’s Treat me well campaign – which launched in February 2018 - has aimed to transform how the NHS treats people with a learning disability. Today’s report shows that the COVID pandemic has made this even more critical.

Mencap is calling for: •

• • • • • •

The government to prioritise vaccination for all people with a learning disability, as people with a learning disability have died from COVID at up to 6 times the rate of the general population Clearer healthcare guidance that specifically addresses the needs of people with a learning disability Reasonable adjustments to be made where possible - these can be a matter of life and death DNACPRs to be reviewed and removed from the records of patients who did not give informed consent, or where proper decision making did not take place An urgent review to take place into the impact of remote consultations on people with a learning disability The forthcoming inquiry into the handling of the pandemic to look closely at why so many people with a learning disability lost their lives Prioritising training to ensure that all healthcare workers are confident in providing flexible, personalised care for people with a learning disability within their area of specialty.

Edel Harris, Chief Executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “With widespread inequality as a backdrop, when the healthcare sector was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic it resulted in a range of new and worsened problems for people with a learning disability. NHS staff have been working incredibly hard and doing everything possible to keep people safe but this is against a backdrop of inadequate and confusing guidance that has ultimately failed to protect people with a learning disability.

“Despite knowing the healthcare inequalities that people with a learning disability already face – and knowing early on that people with a learning disability were being disproportionately affected by the crisis – the UK Government has failed to produce guidance that adequately considers their needs. Because of this, there has been a failure to tackle the existing systematic lack of inclusion.

“Health inequalities can no longer be ignored. The current crisis is a wake-up call that must result in urgent system change to address the shocking levels of premature death and health inequalities that people with a learning disability continue to face. And this change must start with prioritising people with a learning disability for the COVID vaccine.”

To find out more about Mencap’s ‘My Health, My Life’ report, visit: mencap.org.uk/myhealthmylife. Visit: www.mencap.org.uk.

For advice and information about learning disability and Mencap services in your area, contact Mencap’s Learning Disability Helpline on 0808 808 1111 (10am-3pm, Monday-Friday) or email helpline@mencap.org.uk

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AN_p20 models_18-19_AN306_Tani's_view.QXD 30/12/2020 20:55 Page 1

Celebrating Diversity

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HE STEREOTYPICAL look of a model which dominates the runway is not what Models Direct

look for when we add new models to our modelling hub. We celebrate everyone, offering the same opportunities to all those who apply to our agency regardless of age, gender, size, style and special abilities. Our modelling agency welcomes diversity and inclusivity, so we are always on the lookout for models of diversity and models with disabilities. Diverse modelling is essential, and we have tapped into this modelling category as we want to represent the population fairly.

We want our modelling talent to make waves, not ripples, and inspire others to come forward and apply to our modelling agency. Check out models such as Gianna Schiavone, Elesha Turner, Shaholly Ayers, Nina Marker and Rafi Solaiman. They have all stamped their names in the industry and have not shied away from promoting their look.

Our models best bits If you are looking for inspiration, our current models at Models Direct are bursting with diversity. So, we thought it would be a great idea to compile our pages and best bits to help give you more of an insight into what life is like as a model with disabilities. Let us get cosy and begin!

Model Frances went behind the wheel for Motability and RAC’s online campaign promoting their vehicles with particular adaptations for people with disabilities. Her indepth feedback was truly awesome and she had an enjoyable time!

As a wheelchair user, our model, Alex, had an assignment with Heathrow Airport and left a positive message about his experience. He mentioned that he too hoped to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Moving on, our male model, Gary, was selected to star in the latest online commercial for Kwik Fit Motability. Gary was the perfect pick to work with such a wellknown client alongside a professional film crew to create their mobility campaign. His feedback is priceless.

Next up, Clare, our bubbly female model, had been successfully selected to feature in the latest online campaign for Hive – the UK’s leading smart home providers. Her mustread review is something to smile about.

Our model, Nicki, also did a shoot for Invacare and the final image looks gorgeous – simplistic and moving. Nicki, a wheelchair user, was confident, ready for a challenge and looking to promote diversity and inclusion more within the modelling industry – and she achieved this!

Finally, Darin, who was always full of positive energy and confidence was spectacular and did really well on his Invacare assignment, which took him to Valencia in Spain.

Our Models Direct team is very results-focused. We work hard for each other and enjoy the benefits of being in a positive environment. We have got a plethora of modelling industry knowledge (30 years in fact) giving our diverse models the confidence to work with our leading clientele.

If you are thinking about applying as a model, all you have to do is fill out our online application form at www.modelsdirect.com along with a couple of images and we will take it from there.

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Ability Needs Magazine

Medimotion Home A4 March 2020.indd 1

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AN_p22_p23_Topro_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 30/12/2020 18:57 Page 1

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Ability Needs Magazine

AN_p22_p23_Topro_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 30/12/2020 18:57 Page 2

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AN_p24_p25_eddiepea_40+44_AN107_Long.QXD 30/12/2020 18:56 Page 1

Eddie Ramblings HERE IS A QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you know who invented bifocal glasses?

Did you know that the same chap also invented the lightning conductor?

Y THE WAY, he was also once the US Ambassador in France and a newspaper editor (but not at the same time.) Oh, and he also campaigned against slavery. There have been many incredibly diligent, gifted people throughout history and this fellow is definitely one of them. So, who is he?

Let me tease you for a moment and mention a very satisfying BBC radio programme called “Ramblings” and if you have not tuned in, I can recommend it. The concept is simple. Clare Balding, herself a versatile lady, goes for walks along various highways, byways, clifftops and footpaths with either a celebrity or local rambler and they discuss the varied scenery, and often history, of the places they encounter. This supports the theory that rambling can be both therapeutic and pleasurable.

My trusty dictionary defines rambling as “walking for pleasure” and/or “speaking without logical or rational connection”. I am pretty keen on both varieties but today, please prepare for a few moments without much logical or rational connection.

In my many years working in the mobility industry it has become apparent that rambling and independence are closely linked. Illness, accidents and other misfortunes can rob a person of both.

A simple trip to the corner shop provides an opportunity to stop and chat with neighbours, enjoy a sunny day or even struggle with the wind and rain. Even domestic chores can be become a ramble, especially if you bump into Kevin, who loves to hold forth on any event, however ancient or modern. He is still peeved

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with Margaret Thatcher. Kevin, by the way, once in full flow, is impervious to the effects of cold, wind or rain.

You must have a Kevin of your own? The point is that despite Kevin, mobility and independence are extremely important for body and soul.

There is a line in a song by Joni Mitchell “you don`t know what you`ve got till it`s gone”. So perhaps we should all try a little more rambling while we can? One unexpected benefit of the wretched coronavirus has been how thousands of people have taken to walking more. Perhaps there is more to this rambling than just exercise? It certainly gives us all more time to think and take stock of our lives.

A few years back my wife and I had one of those trips of a lifetime. Having spent some time rambling around New York we travelled back home aboard the magnificent Queen Mary.

As is the way with these sort of trips, we enjoyed the services of the same “personal” waiter for all our meals.

His name was Manuel (!) but he did not come from Barcelona. In fact, his birthplace was Ecuador. He worked for three months at a time dishing up the impressive array of excellent food and was then rewarded with a month at home with his family. He had 3 children and, thanks to his dedication, they all lived a pretty comfortable lifestyle, well above that of their friends and contemporaries. We got to know him quite well during the trip and he shared with us an interesting insight on his customers.

During the busy holiday season he had formulated the best way to elicit the biggest tips.

When serving an American family, the children were the focus of everyone`s attention. He had worked out that he should make a great fuss of the little ones as

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, Ability Needs Magazine

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Peacock they were the most important people in the family group.

On the other hand, if he was serving an Asian family it was the grandma or grandpa who ranked the highest and were completely revered. He would obligingly make them the centre of his attentions. This perfect example of astute and thoughtful capitalism made us think about our society here in the UK. Are our senior citizens at the heart and soul of the family unit to the same degree as many third world countries?

We were not sure at the time, but this pandemic has revealed a heart-warming truth. It has certainly helped us all understand and focus on the most important issues. Cuddling grandma is a precious gift. It is a short ramble from grandma to think of all the old folk who have behaved impeccably throughout this demanding year. I reckon they deserve a special mention. Please imagine a roll of the drums and a loud fanfare.

There are plenty of oldies who like a good ramble and my personal “Rambler of the Year” award goes to “Captain Tom” now Sir Thomas Moore, who showed us all the way to go by tramping around his garden. His mighty efforts not only raised a small fortune but, just as relevant, the spirits of the whole country!

This year I have been privileged to work on a project for a well- known manufacturer of walking aids. The experience has been enlightening. The design and build

in 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

process of rollators is complex. The regulations and quality control measures that have to be met are very demanding. The manufacturing process itself is surprisingly intricate. These are after all, to the layman, just rather smart Zimmer frames.

By the way these walkers were not invented by a bloke called Zimmer. A fellow called Norman Metcalf is given that honour and his invention was subsequently used and patented by Zimmer Holdings around 1950.

Please excuse that particular ramble but I can`t help myself!

When I look “on-line” at the huge array of these products I am immediately reminded of the responsibility of supplying them to the general public.

Angela, a lovely lady near Norwich called us as she wanted to buy a walker for her frail and lively 90 year old friend Isobel. She wisely asked for the name of a retailer who stocked these items and I duly gave her an appropriate name and address. I was told later that Isobel was no pushover. She studied and tested a whole array of their wares. It still took a second inspection visit before she decided on a top of the range rollator having seen for herself the difference in design, quality and robustness of everything available.

She conducted a slow and sensible ramble through all of the items on offer before making her decision.

With so much shopping happening these days “online”, it reminded me that despite the restrictions of the coronavirus, certain products should be purchased carefully with the help of someone who knows about the products and is trained to understand the particular needs of his customers.

So, finally, let me tell you about the bifocal chap…. It was Benjamin Franklin, quite a man was Ben! Quite apart from the feats he achieved that I mentioned earlier, think of the invaluable help his enterprise has given millions through the gift of improved sight. Just consider that his invention has probably helped hundreds of us read the take-away pizza menus during corona time.

You may be asking what bifocal spectacles have to do with rambling but that’s just the point! No logical or rational connection. Have fun everyone.

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_Huntley 5_33_AN306_QueenEliz.qxd 31/12/2020 15:41 Page 1

LOOKING FOR PARTNER, INVESTOR or MOBILITY COMPANY/MANUFACTURER Hello, my name is Andrew Huntley.

I have recently designed a product that I feel would greatly improve the independence of power chair/electric wheelchair users who suffer from disabling hand conditions.

EMOVE R O T G IN L G STRUG YS etc E K / Y E N O • NO MORE M TRIEVE E R O T S N E T GLOVES/MIT EEDED N E C N A T IS S AS RED R O E T R S A E C R / A E P N O O • N AVEL AL R T O T E C N E PEND • YOUR INDE Prior to commencing my project I had a worldwide patent search undertaken by my patent solicitor which returned no match.

In early September I was informed by my patent solicitor that the UKIPO had completed their own worldwide patent search which also returned no match so at this stage I am very confident that a patent will be granted.

I am therefore looking for a sole partner, investor or mobility company/manufacturer to help bring my Idea to the disabled community.

If you are interested I would very much like to introduce my idea to you in the way of a professionally designed prototype with visualisation boards and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss further. ( a simple one page non-disclosure paper to be signed prior to our meeting)

Please feel free to contact me via email andysigbuy@aol.co.uk or Tel 07726623671 26

Ability Needs Magazine

AN_p27_Deaflympics 25_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 30/12/2020 18:06 Page 1

The road to Rio is a silent one S MANY SPORTING grounds are now able to open their doors to a number of fans, sports stars are celebrating the positive impact and atmosphere that crowd support brings to their performance. However, for Deaf athletes, one year away from Deaflympics 2021 in Brazil, the sound of silence is something they always face when competing.

In London 2012 during Super Saturday, Team GB Olympians celebrated the ‘wall of sound’ that reverberated around the Olympic Stadium cheering athletes to achieve memorable golden feats. And during the pandemic, football clubs piped pre-recorded fan cheers into these empty stadiums to avoid the sterile atmosphere and lack of energy that were the result of empty stands.

For the 11 million Deaf people in the UK, silence is an ongoing challenge. So how do Deaf athletes draw on external stimuli to perform at their best? Visual stimuli work, whether that’s flag waving or visual hand cheering from the fans instead of applause. Alternatively, stamping feet or knocking on barriers can create vibrations that are strong enough to be felt by those more in tune with their nonhearing senses. The lack of sound can mean fewer distractions and a more internal focus, which Deaf athletes have naturally adapted to.

UK Deaf Sport is the leading organisation responsible for supporting and encouraging more Deaf people to participate in sport and physical activity which includes the management of the DeaflympicsGB team. Past Sport England’s Active Lives Surveys have indicated that just 10% of Deaf adults participate in sport, considerably lower than the national average of 63% reported by Sport England in April 2020. As a result of COVID this is likely to have worsened as face mask wearing makes lip-reading and communication even more difficult, leading to increased feelings of isolation.

Like the Olympics and Paralympics, the Deaflympics takes place every four years and is the opportunity for Deaf athletes to perform on the world stage. The next Deaflympics takes place in Rio from 5–21 December 2021 and UK Deaf Sport hopes to be able to field a DeaflympicsGB team, if they can raise the funds needed.

DeaflympicsGB Tennis athlete Esah Hayat said, When I compete as a Deaf athlete I’ve never heard the ‘wall of sound’ support that many sportspeople say helps them to perform at their peak. However, I can feel the vibrations of foot stamping or see the flags waving, so they give me a positive psychological boost. After the challenges of 2020, it would be fantastic to represent DeaflympicsGB in Brazil and inspire more Deaf people to play and compete in sport’.

Valerie Copenhagen, Executive Director of UK Deaf Sport, said: “Before the pandemic, we knew that only 10% of Deaf people participated in sport. We expect this to have fallen further this year because of the continued challenges around lip-reading when face masks are worn and the increased sense of isolation felt. The Deaflympics is the pinnacle of deaf sport and helps support and inspire Deaf people to become part of a healthy and active society. But we need help to raise the funds to get DeaflympicsGB to Brazil in 2021 and transform the lives of Deaf people through sport.”

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Unlike their counterparts, DeaflympicsGB does not receive government funding for competing at the Deaflympics and will only be able to participate if enough money can be raised to help the team with flights, accommodation, kit and support staff. If you are able to, please donate to the UK Deaf Sport JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ukds or contact roadtobrazil@ukds.org.uk to explore sponsorship opportunities. Your support will help transform the lives of the Deaf people who currently don’t participate in sport.

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AN_p28_p29_industry-RSD_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 30/12/2020 17:59 Page 1

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Angus Long FTER THE END OF WW2, NATO forces were stationed in Germany as the first line of defence against threats of the then Warsaw Pact. For years both the Warsaw Pact and NATO would flex military muscles, rattle sabres and seek to portray each other as the greater military force.

This was known as the “Cold War” and thankfully it never progressed to being a hot one. After the reunification of Germany and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the threat of WW3 diminished and NATO began to withdraw its military presence from Europe and all but a token presence remained by 2015.

In the mid 1980’s I had the honour of serving in the military and for a while was stationed in the HQ of the British Army of Rhine (BAOR).

Over the years, NATO would undergo many manoeuvres and exercises where it would divide itself between Red forces (Warsaw Pact) and Blue forces (NATO), then practice going to war. The bullets may have been blanks and casualties abstract but to all intents and purposes the strategy, execution and outcomes were as authentic as they

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Communication is the key to winning the war on Covid-19 could be without being real.

Being in the command centre, I learned much by watching and listening to the senior officers planning their strategies and tactics, then ordering the various units and brigades to undertake them. There was a particular manoeuvre in 1987 that I’ll never forget.

The General officer commanding was giving a post exercise debrief to the officers and soldiers of the HQ when he made it abundantly clear the single most important thing in winning a war is “communication”. It wasn’t the side with the most soldiers or the biggest guns, it was the side that made the best use of effective communication that would eventually overcome and win.

The General was correct in saying good communication is the key to victory. There are many examples in history of where communication has been the principal cause for the eventual outcome of a particular battle or conflict.

The clever miscommunication, to the German forces, on the location for the D-Day landings being one of the best examples of communication securing victory. In contrast, is the massacre of the “Charge of the Light Brigade” during the Crimean war. The Ability Needs Magazine

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Light Brigade had been ordered to chase a retreating Russian artillery company. However, poor communication meant that they instead fought a different, much larger, more prepared army and suffered heavy losses as a result.

It’s easier than we think for messages and communication to be misinterpreted or distorted. The adage “send reinforcements I’m going to advance” ending up as “send three and fourpence I’m going to a dance” has its origins when military orders were sent via a series of radio relays. Each operator would listen to a command then repeat it to the next operator in a series. Indeed, if you’ve ever played “Chinese whispers” then you’ll be familiar with how the frequent passing on of messages can end up

being distorted and ultimately end up very different to the original.

Since the beginning of the year, there has been a new world war. Not a conflict between nations, but one between humans and a contagion called Covid19.

Intelligence has identified that Covid-19 is highly contagious but can be stopped and appears to be more dangerous to the weak and elderly.

In its fight against the virus, the government has unleashed a barrage of weapons from a widereaching armoury consisting of: Hand sanitisers, face masks, social distancing, regional tiers, PPE, travel bans, test and trace apps, vaccines and a figuratively speaking nuclear option - a national lock-down.

The nuclear option was first used in March and while it appeared to have a reasonable impact on suppressing the virus there was a lot of collateral damage.

Casualties included a Ability Needs Magazine

massive economic slump, bust businesses, huge unemployment and loss of routine NHS treatments.

Treasury medics dispensed furlough bandages, but they were only able to temporarily slow the economic haemorrhaging.

It’s a shame the PM and his cabal of advisors in the SAGE committee didn’t have a veteran military General there to help them effectively weaponise communication. It’s a shame because, just like any other battle, the secret to reducing casualties and ultimate victory is effective use of communication.

From the beginning, the government has mishandled, and continues to mishandle, communication in the fight against Covid-19. It started with a policy of panic and scare mongering equating coronavirus to a biblical plague. Then came a mishmash of statistics and projections that never materialised. Then it was revealed thousands of mainly young people had caught it with few or no symptoms. Then we got a crazy mixed bag of regional tiers and restrictions that constantly changed and were often different depending on where you lived. Then we got told to “eat out to help out,” then a few weeks later told pubs and restaurants will close again. Then we got “work from home”, which later became “go back to the office”, and now it’s back to “work from home” again.

Despite many warning of more collateral damage a second nuclear lock-down was deployed in November, just in time to further devastate the retail and hospitality industries at the most profitable time of the year for them. All this crazy disjointed communication is not helped either by the Chinese whispers that is social media. No wonder there is widespread desertion and insubordination.

Sadly, it’s been more of a Charge of the Light Brigade than a DDay. Send three and fourpence I’m going to a dance.

Angus Long is owner of Writers4U Ltd 29

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ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT INTELLIGENT WHEELCHAIR RECEIVES $1M AS WINNER OF MOBILITY UNLIMITED CHALLENGE IS ANNOUNCED HE WINNER of the three-year Mobility Unlimited Challenge has now been announced with Phoenix Instinct from the UK receiving $1 million to further develop their intelligent ultra-light carbon fibre wheelchair, bring it to market, and ultimately, transform millions of lives in the disability community for the greater good.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation launched the $4 million global challenge back in 2017 in partnership with Nesta Challenges, in a bid to drive innovation in the field of assistive technologies for people with lower-limb paralysis in a demonstration of Toyota’s mission of Mobility for all and further vision of producing happiness for all.

The Challenge called for talented engineers, innovators, and designers from around the world to submit their designs for ground-breaking devices, integrated with the latest technologies, to enhance the mobility and independence of end users . Over eighty teams from 28 countries around the world entered.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) led the assessment of the entries and provided mentorship alongside a team of Toyota subject matter experts, and the winner was chosen by a panel of expert judges.

Designed by Phoenix Instinct, the Phoenix i uses intelligent systems to automatically adjust its centre of gravity, making the ultra-lightweight carbon fibre frame extremely stable and easier to manoeuvre. It uses frontwheel power-assist to reduce painful vibrations and minimise strain on the user. The chair’s intelligent powered braking system automatically detects when the user is going downhill and adjusts to manage the user’s descent.

Andrew Slorance from Phoenix Instinct said: “Winning the Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge is incredible for Phoenix Instinct and for wheelchair users. The wheelchair as we know it has been technologically unchanged for decades. The funding we received through the Challenge allowed us to prove smart technology makes for an easier to use and safer wheelchair with the potential for a suite of new features. With the prize money we can now advance this work and bring the Phoenix i wheelchair to the consumer.

“It’s a very exciting time with Toyota moving into the mobility sector, we're going to see significant advances in mobility devices. At Phoenix Instinct we're thrilled to be leading the smart wheelchair revolution.”

Sir Philip Craven, member of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation and former President of the International Paralympic Committee shared: “Mobility

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means freedom. It means liberation from being limited in life. As we believe at Toyota, when we are free to move, we are able to fully participate in society, and I’m excited for each of these devices supported by the Mobility Unlimited Challenge, particularly the winning device, because of how it will allow so many people to better do what they want to do.”

The four other finalists were: • The Evowalk: Evolution Devices (United States) - a smart wearable simulator that goes right below the knee and uses artificial intelligence to support your muscles at the right time aiding in rehabilitating walking and preventing falls for people with foot drop.

• Qolo (Quality of Life with Locomotion): Team Qolo, University of Tsukuba (Japan) - a standing mobility device that integrates exoskeleton and wheelchair functions. It supports the function of standing and sitting with a passive assist mechanism for people with lower limb paralysis.

• Quix: IHMC & MYOLYN (United States) - a highly mobile, powered exoskeleton offering fast, stable and agile upright mobility.

• Wheem-i: Italdesign (Italy) - a wheel-on semiautonomous electric device that provides ride sharing for wheelchair users. It is primarily designed for micro mobility and is usable on a variety of surfaces.

At its core, the Challenge was developed to highlight the importance of collaboration with end-users and create inventions with the disability community in mind. It supports the UN’s Sustainable Development goals, specifically Goal #10 of reducing inequalities in supporting devices that help people with paralysis better access society for economic, social, educational and other opportunities. Key specifications for choosing the winning invention included devices that will integrate seamlessly into people’s lives and environments while being comfortable and easy to use, enabling greater independence and increased participation in daily life. The judging criteria was based on innovation, insight and impact, functionality and usability, quality and safety, and market potential and affordability.

For further information visit www.mobilityunlimited.org

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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

Ability Needs Magazine

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“Short term” solution for safe transfer becomes the preferred option “quick fix”, temporary measure to enable the parents of a young woman with severe disabilities has turned into their preferred option.

The through-floor lift in the Doncaster home of the Ellis family repeatedly broke down, eventually being condemned. Without it, father Peter found it almost impossible to safely carry his daughter Rhian up and down stairs: the family home is small, with a tight, curved staircase, and Rhian’s condition means she has uncontrolled muscle spasms.

He contacted the family’s Occupational Therapist, who by chance had just attended a presentation on stairclimbers. The design of the staircase in the family home meant it was not practical to install a stairlift. Replacing the through-floor lift would take time. Yet a means of enabling the family to safely transfer Rhian was necessary. A quick telephone call to Britain’s #1 stairclimber provider AAT meant that within hours, the Ellis’ problem was resolved.

AAT provided a stairclimber the same day, solving the immediate issue. As space was at a premium in the home, and the stairclimber could be folded away when not in use, the family chose to keep it instead of going through the process of a replacement through-floor lift.

“The stairclimber is so easy, and Rhian feels safe in it, she is very routine-orientated, ” explains Peter Ellis. “AAT trained me and my wife, so either of us can use it on our own. For safeguarding, we have a harness attached so Rhian is secure even if she has a seizure during the transfer process (she suffers from epilepsy too).

“We’ve had the stairclimber eight years now! The design of the staircase means it’s not practical to fit a stairlift, and to be honest, we prefer the stairclimber to the through-floor lift we had, as it frees up space which is in short supply anyway.

“The design of the stairclimber, with arms that swing out of the way to aid transfer, also makes moving Rhian from it to her specialist hospital bed much easier for us. It reduces the strain on us physically, and reduces the number of transfers, as we can just slide her across. Before, we had to transfer her from the through-floor lift to an H hoist and then from the hoist to bed.”

Gareth Brown, AAT’s Technical Director and NE Regional Manager, who expediated the Ellis’ situation, added, “Speed was essential to find a practical solution for the family. As the Council did not have a stock stairclimber available, we hired them a demonstration model initially and ordered one in for them. Stairclimbers tend to be viewed as a short-term solution, but this one has certainly proven they can be a practical long-term solution too: the Ellis’ have had it eight years now!”

AAT’s Sella stairclimber provides a smooth method of transferring someone with reduced mobility up and down stairs or steps. Looking like a compact wheelchair, its battery pack powers the German-engineered Class 1 medical device smoothly up and down the flight, at whatever speed the operator feels comfortable. The battery is rechargeable, with each charge providing power for up to 300 steps.

Provision of a stairclimber means someone with mobility issues can be transferred up and down stairs without the physical or structural changes to the building fabric inherent in alternative vertical transfers. Thus needs can be met quickly, eliminating the delay typical with an adaptation.

A range of accessories means the Sella can be tailored to individual requirements and support, although the new Universal Back with integrated back, forward and lateral supports be adjusted to each user, facilitating reissue from equipment stores.

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The Sella (https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/) is just one of the range of stairclimbers available from AAT, Britain’s only truly national provider. Options include bariatric and ambulance versions, and separate power packs for fitting to conventional unpowered wheelchairs. AAT is also expert in vacuum and foam postural support systems. Full details can be obtained via the website www.aatgb.com- including LiveChat- or by email (sales@aatgb.com) or telephone (01978 821875).

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Driving Mobility joins with Shopmobility to open up services to more disabled people RIVING MOBILITY, the national charity that accredits independent driving and mobility assessment centres, is delighted to announce it will now be operating the National Federation of Shopmobility (NFSUK).

The National Federation of Shopmobility (NFSUK) was founded in 1989 and is a non-profit organisation. Its schemes, such as mobility scooter and wheelchair loan stores in shopping centres, aim to ‘promote equality of access and to encourage the independence of people with disabilities (permanent or temporary)’. Managed by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) since 2014, the organisation has achieved impressive expansion of its services, however to increase opportunities further, the NFSUK will now be managed by Driving Mobility. This development represents a significant milestone in NFSUK history, and will ensure that awareness and accessibility to its services will be greatly enhanced.

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Driving Mobility is regarded as the national voice of assisted driving and independence. As a charity supported by the Department for Transport, its 70 locations support over 20,000 clients each year with solutions for independent driving and personal mobility. The majority of its provision focuses on clinically-led ‘fitness-to-drive’ assessments and recommendations regarding appropriate mobility equipment. Service users self-refer or are signposted to Driving Mobility centres via the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals. Every centre operates with the expert guidance of Occupational Therapists, Approved Driving Instructors and specialist staff who strive to achieve positive outcomes for all clients with restricted mobility.

Many of the Driving Mobility centres provide additional information and guidance regarding accessible transport options and alternatives to driving – known as HUBs services. The charity

Ability Needs Magazine

Senior members from the BHTA and Driving Mobility meet to officially hand over management of NFSUK. Pictured from left to right: Steve Perry, BHTA Marketing and Communications Manager; Colin Barnett, Driving Mobility Chairman; Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO; and Steve Dent, Driving Mobility Board Member.

also leads in educational and research programmes associated with mobility and independent transportation. Driving Mobility has aspirations to be an international leader in the field whilst delivering holistic solutions at a local level across the UK. By being part of this larger network, NFSUK member Schemes will now benefit from greater engagement with local NHS Units, neighbouring schemes, independent clinics, retail outlets and the general public.

Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO, comments: “We believe that managing the successful Shopmobility scheme will complement our current strengths and future aims. Through our unique sector knowledge and contacts, it will open up provision of loan mobility equipment to more disabled people so that levels of safety and independence can increase – critical during these challenging times. The BHTA has completed an excellent job in facilitating NFSUK development, however Driving Mobility are proud to be embarking on this vital role and look forward to delivering a strong platform for future growth.”

Driving Mobility is a membership organisation, driven by and for the benefit of, its member centres – an ethos which it will extend to the NFSUK members who will have full involvement in its ongoing development. There will be a dedicated Driving Mobility staff member responsible for working with the scheme, and ensuring quality of service is maintained, Shopmobility will continue to follow the BHTA Code of Practice approved by The Chartered Trading Standards Institute. www.drivingmobility.org.uk

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Museums during Covid-19

by John Killick URING THE SUMMER of lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions, I mentioned going for a country drive or walk along one of those old railway track beds as a way of getting out without putting yourself in danger, so here is another – open-air museums. This could include most National Trust properties. You will need to book in advance, and it will almost definitely not include entrance to the house but should include parks and gardens. Wildlife parks such as the Wetlands and Wildfowl Trust (hides may well be closed), and open-air museums such as the Tramways Museum in Derbyshire and Beamish Open-Air Museum in Co. Durham, todays subject.

Why it does not seem to include Zoos, which are also outside venues I haven’t a clue!

Beamish, like most of the others, needs to be booked in advance. Ticket prices may sound a little steep but usually include a year’s membership (you can visit as many times as you like), just book first. Booking is

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Checking the timetable 34

Rowley Station

Rowley Signal Box

essential for many National Trust properties too. Once you have paid your annual subscription though there should be no other charges. Warning though, Beamish like most such sites may have done everything possible for disabled access, including disabled loos, but the terrain will not be exactly flat. Beamish was built in a bowlshaped depression!!! You will require a good pusher or power chair to get around. This is a very big site and both a vintage bus and tram services, plus its own railways, are usually running. However, we are not in Ability Needs Magazine

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usual times and during fish and chip shop was my visit, the wheelchair open! The only place accessible bus was off where we faced any sort along with both the of queue. Calamity – trams and trains! Please The pub was shut! I had check before you visit! to wait until I could visit Beamish, like most such The Shepherd and attractions, has had a Shepherdess just very bad year having outside the entrance been shut for most of gates! Thank God Ian the summer as far as keeps it open!!! There St Hilda’s Church funds are concerned! was to be a new This means that they attraction for this may well only be partly season, the 50’s village, open since they cannot but it still seemed to be afford to pay the staff to closed. All walks around come in and operate the the site did appear many attractions. During open; we picked a our visit in early beautiful day for what September many was a great open-air buildings, such as many experience. of the shops in the Since writing this, we town, were not open. have once more gone Pit pony in the Pit Village There is a saying that into complete lockdown! it is an ill wind that Hardly the PMs fault! blows no good! Well in No, it is the fault of a the case of Beamish, small minority of the this means acres of public who find it empty car parks, few impossible to distance queues, and less etc. Good news! Looks crowds! On the other like there is going to be side of the coin “Face a vaccine available masks must be worn shortly! Bad News, it inside all buildings!” means that a lot of what Make sure you have I have written here will some with you. Many be completely out of Steam shovel attractions during our date by the time you visit were not open. This included a favourite read it. This means that you really must of mine, the Second World War farm! check with the venue before you travel to Another favourite venue is the drift mine in avoid disappointment and wasting your the pit village, also closed! But hurray, the hard-earned cash.

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.

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Aerobility HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO FLY? Aerobility is a charitable organisation with over 27 years’ experience of enabling disabled people to ask the question ‘If I can fly, what else can I do?’ by offering to teach anyone, with any disability, how to fly an aeroplane.

Aerobility began life in 1993 as an association of disabled Pilots based in a portacabin at Lasham Airfield, Hampshire. Since then, Aerobility has grown to become a world leader in disability flying. Now operating from Blackbushe Airport in Surrey, with a satellite centre at Tatenhill in Staffordshire, Aerobility has a fleet of three light aircraft, two youth programmes, a mobile simulator, a project to build our own aircraft from a kit, a flying scholarship fund and is recognised as a leading expert in disabled flying by individuals and government departments alike.

Through introducing disabled people of all ages to the magic of flight, Aerobility helps approximately 1000 people a year feel more confident and less isolated.

For many disabled people, life is characterised by limitation which makes the achievement and experience of flight even more magical. Being able to take control of a light aircraft and move in three dimensions, offers the ultimate feeling of freedom and an escape from restrictions of disability as well as mental stresses. Aerobility offers flights to disabled people without exception and uses its expertise 36

to make flying a light aircraft accessible for all using adaptive equipment such as hoists, hand controls and seating solutions as well as adapted techniques. For some, just one flight is enough to change their outlook on disability forever, but others keep coming back for more, which is why Aerobility also offers training for disabled Pilots to earn their Private Pilot’s Licence and additional ratings.

But what makes Aerobility particularly special is its offering of two youth programmes, the Junior Aspiring Pilot Programme (JAPP) and Aviation Education Programme (AEP) which use aviation as a tool to teach disabled 12-18-year olds skills such as communication, organisation and teamwork that can be transferred into other settings such as school, college or even finding a first job.

The Junior Aspiring Pilot Programme is a course comprising of four sessions during the school holidays. The course aims to give the youngsters a flavour of what it takes to become a private Pilot. The course, which is supported by BBC Children in Need, is free to participants and Ability Needs Magazine

boasts four ground school sessions, where the cohort learn the basics of flight, airfield operations and flight safety, followed by the opportunity to spend two and a half hours testing their skills in the air.

For those interested in a career in aviation but who are unlikely to make it into the cockpit of an airliner, Aerobility offers the Aviation Education Programme. This is a ninemonth course which runs on Saturdays within term-time. The course offers 16 sessions introducing participants to the variety of aviation jobs careers they can pursue without stepping foot inside a cockpit. This brilliant programme covers a range of topics from Air Traffic Control and Flight to Fire and Rescue and Engineering and is run by a group of knowledgeable volunteers from across the aviation sector.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, 2020 has been a difficult year for many and for Aerobility this was no different. Due to the vulnerability of the Aerobility clientele, every precaution was taken to keep the Aerobility family safe. 2020 therefore saw the closing of Aerobility’s office and flying operations which meant that we needed to find new ways to engage with the Aerobility community.

However, it was also a year in which we had to adapt and overcome the challenges faced as well as a year of innovation and ‘firsts.’

Quickly, a move to Zoom saw our two youth programmes delivered online allowing participants to participate from the safety of their own home.

In addition, 2020 also saw the first Aerobility Armchair Airshow, a hosted live stream of unique and in-cockpit air display footage combined with exclusive interviews with display Pilots from across the globe. The show attracted 76,217 views from over

Bradley Brookies

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60 different countries. The event was such a success that the Armchair Airshow will be returning to YouTube early in 2021 to show even more unmissable footage.

The Armchair Airshow was not Aerobility’s only virtual event this year. Aerobility also hosted a series of virtual talks as part of it is ongoing Inspire-ability series. Streamed via YouTube and Facebook. The series this year featured SR-71 Pilot Brian Shul, Squadron Leader, Martin Pert, 2018-2020 Team Leader, the Red Arrows as well as Jessica Cox, the world’s first armless Pilot plus many more. The talks enabled Aerobility to continue to connect with the disabled flying community and to continue to inspire them during what has been an exceptionally challenging year for this community.

Despite Aerobility’s fleet being grounded for some of 2020, Aerobility made the most of being able to return to the skies, in a COVID-19 safe way of course. Most notably this year saw the first solo flight for Bradley Brookies, who lives with Autism and first flew with Aerobility in 2018. The first solo flight is an integral part of achieving a private pilot’s licence and offers the student their first taste of how it feels to be the aircraft’s only occupant. Bradly soloed at the minimum legal age to fly solo, on 3 August 2020 on his 16th birthday, making him the youngest student to fly solo through Aerobility. A record which will be impossible to beat.

So… if you have you ever wondered how it would feel to fly, you no longer need to wonder because Aerobility can help! If you would like to find out more then please drop a line to frontdesk@aerobility.com or contact the team on 0303 303 1230 Ability Needs Magazine

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OR THOSE POWER WHEELCHAIR USERS that have dreamt of travelling by air seated in their own power wheelchair, 2021 will see that dream take a step (or a wheel) closer to reality.

“But why has this taken so long” I hear you say. The answer to this is quite simple, no one took the time to come up with the solution. When I say solution, I do mean a concept that also challenges and embraces the safety considerations by way of certification.

The only way to achieve all of this is to work with those that design and certify the airlines ‘Layout Of Passenger Accommodation’ (LOPA), this is a skilled complex piece of engineering and modelling.

Today, if my son or daughter were to park their power wheelchair in a space in the aircraft cabin and fly off to some far distant land there is every chance that they would suffer a personal injury, worse still it would compromise the safety of all those other passengers on board. No one wants this terrible scenario. In the early part of 2021, alongside other stakeholders, I will be unveiling this concept. The detail will offer no loss of seats to the airline and will be safe.

However, the concept must pass the scrutiny of safety agencies and regulators in aviation. It also has to be one that those people in airlines who write the cheques feel is a good investment. The aviation industry is one that lives and breathes revenue. The cost of flights has been steadily dropping over the decades, the main reason being they seat us together tighter than a Colombian suitcase in that cabin space and of course those that fly regularly will know all about those extra charges to baggage, 38

extra legroom etc...

Since 2015 I have maxed many a personal credit card travelling the world trying to make this happen. I started lobbying, campaigning, and speaking about how the aviation industry needs to make flying dignified and safe to everyone. In simple parlance if you are not including then by default you are excluding.

Governments, civil and human rights organisations have been leaning hard on the industry to put their house in order. I recently gave evidence in Washington to the “Committee for a study of the Technical Feasibility of Wheelchair Restraint Systems in Passenger Aircraft” (the USA loves a big title!). I knew most of the people in the room and many have told me privately that the innovation will come from the UK rather than the USA. America has a history of litigation and airlines are not immune to this - I get a sense this is almost the happy medium and ‘The Culture’.

Technically, creating that designated space on a commercial aircraft for a power wheelchair is not difficult. Getting the airlines to buy into any concept is the hardest challenge of all.

Therefore, my campaign has many strings to its bow and one of those is legislation. Over the years I have met with many of our government’s ministers, primarily our aviation ministers (I hate government reshuffles!). Persistence paid off and my campaign made its way into the Ability Needs Magazine

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broken wheelchairs and the pure indignity of the transfer will hopefully be a thing of the past.

The community has supported this campaign around the world and without their support none of this would have been possible – for that I thank them. I am staring down the barrel of 60 years of age and I am keen to keep the deadline open with my maker, so I may argue I am also making air travel better for my older self. Indeed, as we all start to live longer albeit with less mobility, this will also keep another generation flying in a world where families are now often living their lives on different continents.

If you do want wheelchair air travel to be a reality, I still need your help. I must present the business case to airlines, to do this I need your voice in the short survey below, I would like to think this will be the last ever survey on this subject.

government’s aviation strategy. Alas, like many government initiatives, COVID-19 has parked that on a shelf gathering dust but it will rise like a phoenix from the flame. Nevertheless, I have spoken directly to many other governments who are enthusiastic about establishing this solution.

Canada have implemented initiatives such as free PA/carer airline ticket. I am confident they will be very keen to adopt this. In an ideal world legislation will not be necessary and the industry will adopt this initiative without a regime staring above the parapet. This will also offer the opportunity to adopt and innovate on their own terms.

As a father to two young adults who live their lives in a power wheelchair, I know this will be life changing for them – they are the reason I do this. For millions around the world this will have a similar impact. So many have either given up flying or just simply refuse to fly. Manhandling,

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8j VC708mH1sepyhTNiKXVeWWPZbZoyejAj0BYnw Jz4Kw8VQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2bDiiagvATZ8n -AFqxA6T7UqYcvF63SzopICBYTjxmfqT6UhFvjzqGRU In conclusion, and by way of managing expectations, change will come. Not unlike when wheelchairs where made safe to travel in cars, there will now be another revolution for wheelchair standards in air travel. There will no doubt be some compromises to be made, but I am working hard with those stakeholders to ensure these are minimal. In many ways a power wheelchair is a ‘carry on’ in aircraft phraseology as it not a permanent fix to the aircraft. Safety agencies and regulators know this disruption is coming, they are keen to be flexible with and even waive some of the usual parameters. For many in the airline industry this subject is very close to home and are keen to see the right solution integrated into a new generation of air travel. Things are really looking up, about 30,000 feet to be precise.

Christopher Wood is the founder of www.flyingdisabled.org.uk Twitter@FlyingDisabled Instagram@FlyingDisabled Linkedin: Christopher Wood | LinkedIn Facebook: Christopher Wood | Facebook Ability Needs Magazine

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CJ Conversions - vehicle conversion specialists -

J CONVERSIONS are Lincolnshire's largest leading vehicle conversion specialists. With over 30 years experience, John founded the company back in 2003 and today leads a team of specialists in vehicle adaptations and conversions. Our technicians adhere to strict safety standards and all our installations and modifications are carried out in a manner consistent with the highest guidelines available in the industry.

We fit a wide range of products which can help with many different situations.

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PUSH/PULL BRAKE/ACCELERATORS The push/pull hand controls are usually operated with the fingertips while the thumb is on the wheel, allowing users to turn the vehicle and operate their acceleration and braking at the same time. Pulling operates the acceleration and Pushing operates the brake. There are options of an indicator switch on the top of hand controls, and we could also fit a Pedal Guard to ensure any pedals aren’t accidentally pressed.

LEFT FOOT ACCELERATORS Left Foot Accelerators can be fitted to most vehicles however we will need to check their availability first. The most common system we fit is a Twin Flip Folding Left Foot Accelerator which allows you to flip a new accelerator on the left hand down, in turn flipping the old right foot accelerator back up. This allows for use of the vehicle with and without the adaptation. These are most commonly fitted for drivers who prefer to drive with their left foot, or who have little or no mobility in their right leg.

SWIVEL SEATS Swivel Seats are used for getting in and out of the vehicle by those who struggle with it.

They are only available for specific vehicles, so we would need to check the specs of your vehicle for you.

We would recommend 3-door cars if you are looking to have a Swivel Seat fitted, purely because the door openings are so much larger than 5-door cars!

The swivel seats are available manually (operated by a lever at the side of the seat) or Electronically (operated by remote). We also have the option of a Turny Evo which is programmed to move/swivel out of the vehicle at the optimum angles to allow for the most room. This seat actually comes out over the vehicle sill and can lower down – making it a great option for vans and 4×4’s!

For further information please contact: C J Conversions Ltd, 2 Deacon Road, Lincoln LN2 4JB Tel: 01522 576600 Email: info@cjconversions.co.uk

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Ability Needs Magazine

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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? TeaWho Break Quick Crossword Quiz Who Said That? Thought of the Day Wordplay Knowledge CROSSWORD CLUES

ACROSS 1. Bar snack (6,7) 8. Dick and Harry’s mate (3) 9. Womanise (9) 10. With just a single idea (3-5) 11. Jason’s ship (4) 13. Hebrew god (6) 14. Female bird (6) 16. Jump (4) 17. Totally dry (8) 20. Marine creature with a think spiny shell (3,6) 21. Refuse container (3) 22. Dry biscuits (5,8) DOWN 1. Scrap (3-2)

2. Archbishop of Canterbury’s residence (7,6) 3. Seller of goods abroad (8) 4. Queen’s son (6) 5. Regrettably (4) 6. Planned and carried out secretly (5-3-5) 7. Expensive cut of beef (7) 12. Involving the movement of Earth’s crust (8) 13. Membranous structure in an egg (4,3) 15. Ford UK model made from 1950 to 1972 (6) 18. Chain parts (5) 19. Dour (4)

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

1. The first words spoken in a Hollywood film were "Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain't heard nothin' yet.". Who • PG Wodehouse died was the man behind the voice?

• Bayern Munich beat Leeds in the European cup final 2. The name of which widely used material stems from the • The Who’s rock opera Tommy was made into a film modern Latin word 'cannabis'?

3.

What is the official language in Andorra?

• Rod Stewart had a hit with “Sailing” 4. Guy Montag is the central character in which dystopian novel and film?

5. What are the Spetsnaz?

6. Who was given the nickname 'Old blood and guts'? ...It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to 7. Who was the first non-European to win the Tour de France? entertain a thought without accepting it...

8.

What is the well-known Greek word for 'horse'?

Aristotle 9. What is the official word (beginning with the letter 'L') for Nobel Peace Prize winners?

10. Which European Footballer of the Year scored a record The word may seem familiar but do you know two hat-tricks during the 1984 European Championship?

Ecostate

what it means?

A – In suspension B – Having no ribs C – Scottish dance

• A model, I was born in Bournemouth in 1980.

• I have an English father and a Filipina mother. I have appeared on TV shows The Weakest Link and Celebrity Wrestling.

• I was briefly married to restaurateur Richard Palmer.

Who am I?

Ability Needs Magazine

ABILITY NEEDS

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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

43

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TEA BREAK ANSWERS Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Salted peanuts; 8. Tom; 9. Philander; 10. One-track; 11. Argo; 13. Yahweh; 14. Peahen; 16. Leap; 17. Teetotal; 20. Sea urchin; 21. Bin; 22. Cream crackers DOWN 1. Set-to; 2. Lambeth Palace; 3. Exporter; 4. Prince; 5. Alas; 6. Under-the-table; 7. Sirloin; 12. Tectonic; 13. Yolk sac; 15. Zephyr; 18. Links; 19. Grim

Quiz 1. Al Jolson (The Jazz Singer); 2. Canvas; 3. Catalan; 4. Fahrenheit 451; 5. Russian special forces; 6. General George Patton; 7. Greg Le Mond (1986); 8. Hippo; 9. Laureates; 10. Michel Platini

Remember When . . .

Word play

1975

B – Having no ribs

Who Am I?

Leilani Dowding

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