Allied Mobility Access All Areas Magazine Spring 2014

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Spring 201

s a e r All A D E R D KIN T SPIRI d a e h A m a Full Ste Your e v a H K DMU

Say

S P I T 0 1 P TO isability

with a d Travelling

PLUS

WIN

TECHNOLOGY sesas flying ion wit h UPDATE Ae robility

0800 587 9638

USED WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

www.alliedmobility.com

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

RENAULT AUTOGRAPH Seats: 3 + Plate: 56 (2006) Miles: 39,250

ONLY

£5,995

Colour: Blue

PEUGEOT HORIZON

ONLY

RENAULT AUTOGRAPH

ONLY

£7,995

Seats: 3 + Miles: 33,700

Plate: 09 (2009) Colour: Lichen Grey

PEUGEOT HORIZON

ONLY

Seats: 3 + Miles: 26,300

Plate: 07 (2007) Colour: Silver

PEUGEOT INDEPENDENCE

£11,495

Seats: 3 + Miles: 14,500

Plate: 11 (2011) Colour: Shark Grey

FIAT FREEDOM

ONLY

£6,495

ONLY

£7,495

Seats: 3 + Miles: 40,000

Plate: 59 (2009) Colour: Ruby Red

PEUGEOT INDEPENDENCE

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Seats: 6 + Miles: 10,000

Plate: 13 (2013) Colour: Astor Grey

ONLY

£9,995

Seats: 4 + Miles: 18,600

Plate: 61 (2011) Colour: Vulcan Red

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Comprehensive quality & safety check

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12 months breakdown assistance

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12 months warranty

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12 months MOT (if applicable)

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All Areas

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P10

Spring 2014

P4 P6 cPeake, Joanne M Editor

P4 – Technology Update P5 – Disability News

Welcome

Welcome to the spring edition of Access All Areas. The sun’s starting to show his face and we’re celebrating by bringing you another great issue packed with exciting news stories; from the latest technological advancements for people with disabilities, to the amazing challenge being attempted by Will Blanche, who’s planning to scale three mountains in three days using his hand bike, We’re thinking ahead to our summer holidays and with that in mind we’ve put together our top ten tips for travelling with a disability.

We’ve also brought you some exciting vacation deals, exclusively for our readers.

You’ll find reviews of some of our wheelchair accessible vehicles from some satisfied customers, and a round up of the fun we had at our South West Mobility day in Swindon.

Finally, be sure to check out our great competition to win a flying session with disabled flying charity, Aerobility!

We hope you enjoy reading.

Joanne McPeake Editor

P6 – Seeing the World with Independence P8 – Top 10 Tips - Travelling with a Disability P10 – Full Steam Ahead P14 – Kindred Spirit P16 – Charity Focus: Wheelchair Dance P17 – Disabled Motoring UK - Have your Say P18 – Pole Position for Horizon P20 – Charity Focus: Aerobility

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P21 – Aerobility Competition P22 – News Round Up P23 – Sports News

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TECHNOLOGY UPDATE Innovative Wheelchair for Dedicated Doctor

wheelchair that keeps him in an upright position.

American orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Ted Rummel, was suddenly paralysed from the waist down when a cyst burst in his spine.

Being able to work to his full potential again has meant a massive improvement in quality of life for Ted and his family. Before discovering the stand up wheelchair Ted suffered from bouts of depression; now he’s astounded at how much difference the chair has made.

It took a year of arduous rehabilitation and support from his family before he could return to the operating theatre, thanks to a special wheelchair.

Bouncing Back

Dr. Ted Rummel

Ted initially returned to work using a standard wheelchair but soon found that sitting down to operate restricted what he could do. Ted’s determination to perform surgery as he did before his disability led him to discover a special

Quality of Life

“I’m able to do what I love again and improve life for others,” enthused Ted.

Wheelchair Controls get Tongues Wagging An American research team has developed an innovative new system allowing users to control their wheelchair using their tongue.

The tongue became the focus of the team as it’s unaffected by spinal injury and amazingly supple. The system requires a magnetic piercing through the tongue that feeds information to sensors to detect the smallest of movements.

Exciting The team hopes that users will be able to carry out a variety of tasks from changing a TV channel to dialling a phone, all using the special piercing.

Team member, Dr Ghovanloo, commented: “People will be able to do more and more effectively.”

New Technology The system is currently still in research, with the next step to have it approved and made available to the public.

“People will be able to do more and more effectively.”

TAIL IN A SPIN

A revolutionary washing machine, the ‘Woof to Wash’, has been created to allow specially trained support dogs to do laundry for people with disabilities.

Productive Paws Controlled by a mounted paw pad, microphone and pull-rope, the machine is designed to be easily operated. The dog uses his paw to unlock the door and then opens it by pulling a rope with his mouth. Once the machine is loaded, the dog simply pushes the door closed with his nose and barks to operate it.

Dealing with Disabilities Inventor John Middleton, CEO of UK laundry company JTM, recognised the demand for Woof to Wash. He says: “People with disabilities can find the complexity of modern day washing machines too much.

“I saw a video from the charity Support Dogs and was completely blown away by what they can do. I instantly thought I could invent a washing machine where the dog does everything.”

To find out more about Support Dogs and the work they do, visit their website www.support-dogs.org.uk or email info@support-dogs.org.uk.

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Disability

NEWS...

Disabled Shoppers Face High Street Hassle Muscular dystrophy campaign group, Trailblazers, has published a report that outlines issues faced by disabled shoppers on UK high streets.

The Short Changed report asked a hundred 16-30 year olds with disabilities about their experiences in shopping and town centres. They were asked to consider issues such as toilets, changing rooms and lift access.

Inadequate Accessibility The results of the report were less than satisfactory, with three quarters of those asked saying that they felt disabled access in their area wasn’t good enough. The lack of accessibility led many of those who responded to feel that they were often left with no option but to shop online.

Alongside poor access, the attitude of store staff was also ranked highly as a factor that put disabled people off visiting their local shops. Many said that they felt ‘invisible’ and that staff were discourteous and rude, often ignoring disabled customers and talking directly to their carer or companion instead.

17 year old Laura, from Suffolk has minicore myopathy, a type of muscular dystrophy, and regularly faces issues when she tries to go shopping with her friends: Laura commented: “As much as I love shopping, sometimes it can feel like a military operation. No matter how much planning I do there’s always a problem.

Disabled Shopping Guide The results of the report were used by Trailblazers to compile a guide for high street retailers, giving them useful information about ways they could improve the shopping experience as a whole for people with disabilities.

Trailblazers project manager, Tanvi Vyas, said: “Although disabled people contribute up to £80 billion to the UK economy each year, many businesses are still undervaluing and alienating this market.”

Historic Ruling for Disability Campaigners

A group of five disabled campaigners has triumphed by overruling a government decision to scrap the £320 million Independent Living Fund (ILF).

ILF supports nearly 20,000 disabled people, helping them live at home. The fund helps pay for services, carers and personal assistants for people who need them due to reduced mobility.

The campaigners, united by their fear that the loss of ILF support would force them into residential care, decided to take matters into their own hands.

CATASTROPHIC The group believes that a loss of funding could have catastrophic results. Challenging the decision to scrap the funding in court, a unanimous verdict was reached by judges that the cuts were ‘unlawful’. The court was told that the removal of the Independent Living Fund would have a detrimental effect on those who relied on it, forcing many into residential care and compromising their right to live with dignity.

CAMPAIGNING AGAINST CUTS Campaigner, Stuart Bracking, suffers from Muscular Dystrophy and says the ILF is the only way many disabled people can maintain an active life.

Stuart comments: “For 25 years the fund has kept thousands of people out of residential care and allowed people to build careers, a family life and be an active part of the community.

“If it closes, then many people will lose their right to live in their community and their life chances will be limited.”

The ILF will continue for now with ministers set to reconsider future plans.

Disability Campaigner Stuart Bracking

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d l r o W e h t g Seein E C N E D N E P with INDE

When the McIver family, from Kilmarnock, were nearing the end of the lease on their wheelchair accessible vehicle, they didn’t take long to decide on a replacement.

Impressed with the Peugeot Independence™ they already had from Allied Mobility, they came straight back to order another.

Accessible Choice Requiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle that would accommodate the family of five, Independence™ was an easy choice for the McIvers.

Jim explains: “My wife, Margaret, uses a wheelchair and we have three children. With Independence there’s loads of room for all of us, which is a great advantage.”

Access All Areas 6

Road Trip The McIvers have travelled up and down the country and as far afield as Prague and the Swiss Alps.

Jim comments: “Some days we’re in the car for four or five hours at a time and it’s still really comfortable.

Plus the fuel economy is brilliant - we went to Calais in a full car with one tank of petrol.”

Exclusively available from Allied Mobility, the Peugeot Expert Independence™ comes with an EasyFold™ wheelchair ramp which Jim finds really simple to use. The ramp is so light that their 11 year old daughter Lauren can easily put it up and down for her mum when needed.

Jim mentions how much of a difference it makes having their own wheelchair accessible car: “Margaret

wouldn’t really be able to get out at all if we didn’t have it.

“Our eldest son is at university in Aberdeen and getting there on public transport is a nightmare. If it wasn’t for our car we wouldn’t get up to see him as much as we do.”

Plans for the Future Jim can’t fault the service he’s received from the start: “I’ve had a vehicle from Allied Mobility for six years now and I’ve never had any problems. Our mobility advisor was really helpful and the car was delivered right to our door, exactly when we were told it would be.

“Without a wheelchair accessible car my wife wouldn’t be able to go on holiday or do everyday things like go shopping. Having an Independence has given Margaret her life back.”

Y L N Y N K E C U L R O F N I W BIG

il and winner Lynne

Mobility advisor Ph

Lynne Johnson, from Widnes, was overjoyed to hear she’d won a £1,000 freedom voucher in Allied Mobility’s recent prize draw.

Lynne couldn’t believe her ears when she was told she was the lucky winner after entering the draw at the Kidz North mobility event in November last year.

“I never expected to win,” Lynne exclaims, “I couldn’t believe it when they told me!”

Making a Difference

The McIver family For more information simply get in touch by one of the methods below.

0808 231 5827 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/independence

Lynne is mum to five children, all of whom are adopted or fostered and knows the money will make a huge difference to her family.

She comments: “We need some work done to the kitchen floor, but after that I’m taking the family on an accessible holiday!”

“I’m giving my sister away at her wedding in South Africa.

She’s coming back afterwards and having her reception in Eastbourne, so the money will be a huge help towards that.”

Lynne adds: “We’ve rented a three story house on the harbour for the weekend of her reception. There will ten of us staying there and we’re all really looking forward to it!”

Lynne was picked at random from over a thousand entries after she completed a prize draw card whilst on Allied Mobility’s stand in Manchester.

Local Allied Mobility advisor, Phil, presented Lynne with her prize.

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Going on holiday when you, or someone in your travelling party, has a disability can be challenging. From finding pool has a hoist, there are lots of things to consider before booking your trip. We’ve put together our top ten tips

1 Pick accommodation that’s on a flat.

A hotel or apartment on a hillside will make getting around with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair much harder.

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5

Check that there’s suitable transportation available to transfer you to and from the airport to your resort. If wheelchair accessible transport isn’t offered by the airline or tour operator it might be useful to book a suitable taxi ahead of travelling.

8

Search websites like Trip Advisor before you go to find out more about your chosen destination from people who’ve been there before.

Trip Advisor also features message boards specifically for disabled travellers where you can ask advice from other holiday makers.

8. Check if any medication you

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Pack extra medication and necessities in your hand luggage.

If your suitcase goes missing you won’t be caught short and you’ll have enough to last until it’s returned to you, or you can find a pharmacy.

Access All Areas

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You should ask about details of the accommodation offered.

An ‘accessible’ room may be on the ground floor but will your wheelchair fit through the door?

An accessible shower may have grab handles but do you need a no-step walk/ wheel-in facility? It’s a good idea to ask for email confirmation so you have it in writing should any issues occur on arrival.

plan to take with you requires a note from your doctor. This could help avoid issues at customs if you’re travelling abroad.

9.

If possible, try and get a window seat. It means that you won’t have people constantly asking you to move or climbing over you when they want out to the toilet.

: s r e f f O Top

somewhere wheelchair friendly to making sure that the to getting the most out of your accessible holiday.

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It’s worth checking if hotel features, such as a pool, are fully accessible and are fitted with the appropriate equipment.

le ding accessibals. a le s K U e h t t de me of We spoke to sotors to bring you some grea holiday opera

a dens – Majorc r a G r lo il M la Ca tel offering instream ho A fabulous ma in a lovely nd a pool hoist good access a tion. sunny destina

SPAIN

etween – departing b ts gh ni 14 or 7 . th November 2014 01st May to 08 based on 8 per person Price from £50 twin basis sharing a a half board return es and includ accessible room . rt fers in reso adapted trans e or to book, To find out mor ssible Travel on contact Acce or visit 01452 729739 etravel.co.uk bl si www.acces

Airlines and train operators each have different policies, so it’s worth getting in touch with them before you leave to find out what they are. They’ll be able to tell you about additional support, such as priority boarding or if assistance for you and your luggage is available.

Hesperia Sabino – Spain

one of Idyllic seafront location overlooking s on che bea ning Roquetas del Mar’s stun beach The st. coa Spain’s glorious Almerian s. user air is accessible for wheelch

SPAIN

7 nights – departing between 1st June to 30th September 2014.

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10 Be careful when buying travel insurance and make sure you read all the small print.

Many specialist companies now offer travel insurance for people with existing conditions, which makes it easier to ensure that you’re covered for all eventualities.

a Price from £689 per person based on le half board basis sharing an accessib room and flying from Gatwick airport. n Includes adapted transfer betwee airport and hotel.

To find out more or to book, contact Enable Holidays on 0871 222 4939 or visit www.enableholidays.com

rn, Norfolk a B s k n a b n e e Gr essible elightful, acc arn is a d Greenbanks B stled in the destination. Ne self-catering yside it’s Norfolk countr heart of the cal sights for exploring lo an ideal base ns. and attractio

UK

on guests based £1100 for six tween e b t the Barn seven nights a onday e 29th and M th r e b m e pt e S cember 2014. the 8th of De e or to book, To find out mor o Holidays on contact Can D or email 0800 298 3052 . oholidays.com nd enquiries@ca

0808 231 5827 9

Full STEAM Ahead Access All Areas 10

M

t

STEAM

Out and Abou

les director, Allied Mobility sa comments: Peter Facenna, out on the road “We love getting ay lk. It’s a great w and meeting fo in are interested for people who all e and see them our cars to com an opportunity ther, as well as ge to , es cl advice le vehi estions and get elchair accessib qu he k w as of to n io ct lle A co services expert advisors. ts, charities and m our team of fro r mobility produc ito indon vis of the popular Sw the importance descended on “We recognise d the an – d ds ha od d e an th is inst e th attraction. Aga dry and putting on shows lik ed ay st y da e th skies Swindon.” impending grey a great time in ckdrop ba ct rfe pe e th STEAM provided forward to r adds: “We look ility event. te ob Pe m y da e on for the rent parts travelling to diffe y saw almost da e th t, ou rn tu roughout the With a brilliant ere treated of the country th w ey Th . ce an tend s planned 300 people in at and , with more show ar es iti ye ar ch , ts uc eat prod and North to an array of gr in the Midlands scinating fa e th to try en e organisations, fre of England.” enty of tea, t importantly, pl os m d an museum olate biscuits! coffee and choc ging provides an enga STEAM Museum reat Western history of the G e th to in e ps glim lped build people who he Railway and the simulator, even features a m eu us m e Th it. taste of ivers can gain a dr in tra g in dd so bu gine. drive a steam en what it takes to

– Museum of ern Railway st e W t a re G e th to Allied – played host th West Mobility’s Sou April.

Mobility day in

See more pict ures from the even t by checking us out on Fa cebook.

Be sure to lik e our page to be kept up to date with events happ ening in your area later on in the year. www.facebo ok.com/ alliedmobility

“Aerobilit

y’s simu flyaway su lator was a ccess”

All Aboard

its full as proud to have Allied Mobility w hi ve cles on chair accessible family of wheel aged to try rs were encour ito vis d an ow sh visors were nced mobility ad rie pe Ex t. ou them ugh all of the talk people thro also on hand to great features. ™ and Peugeot Horizon The new model oices, were popular ch a™ st Vi en ag sw Volk ramps new, easy-to-use featuring brand a’s EasyFold™ teriors. Both Vist and spacious in ld flat syLift™ ramps fo and Horizon’s Ea of room for e, providing bags when not in us age. shopping or lugg there to make exhibitors were Plenty of other sting. varied and intere sure the day was oved a pr charity Aerobility Disabled flying ator, which illiant flight simul hit with their br t a taste any ability to ge of le op pe ed allow arities and r own plane. Ch for piloting thei chair Dance ch as the Wheel su ns tio sa ni ga or oring UK, n, Disabled Mot Sport Associatio le Travel ren and Accessib Caudwell Child oviding ct on the day, pr pa im an e ad m all r visitors. n and advice fo io at rm fo in of plenty

air

eelch y of wh il m a f ’s Mobility le vehicles” “Allied ib s e acc s

eye-catching race car” “Aaron Morgan and his

0808 231 5827 11

0808 231 5827

ADDED VALUE NO ADDED COST ADVANCE PAYMENT

PEUGEOT EXPERT INDEPENDENCE™

from only

£3,895

The UK’s most popular accessible MPV > Up to seven seats plus wheelchair passenger > Wide choice of seating layouts > EasyFold™ ramp > Option to accommodate two wheelchairs > CD player, air conditioning and privacy glass > Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£3,395

NEW FEATURES

VOLKSWAGEN CADDY VISTA™ Quality and style > Five seats plus wheelchair passenger > New EasyFold™ ramp, folds flat when not in use > New, easy-clean lowered floor > Full original Volkswagen seating throughout > CD player, air conditioning and privacy glass > Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors

ADVANCE PAYMENT

FIAT DOBLO FREEDOM™

from only

£2,995

Class leading headroom > Up to four seats plus wheelchair passenger > Lowered floor > Lightweight folding wheelchair ramp > CD player and air conditioning > Parking sensors and privacy glass

PEUGEOT BOXER SPIRIT™ Roomy and comfortable

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£3,995

> Up to six seats plus two wheelchair passengers > Fully automatic internal lift

> Wide choice of seating layouts > Air conditioning

> Parking sensors

www.alliedmobility.com

UK-WIDE HOME DEMONSTRATIONS CALL 0808 231 5827

NEW FEATURES

With Allied Mobility, having your own wheelchair accessible vehicle doesn’t have to cost the earth.

PEUGEOT PARTNER HORIZON ™ The UK’s most popular WAV

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£1,195

NEW MODEL

New EasyLift™ ramp New, easy-clean lowered floor Full original Peugeot seating throughout* Up to four seats plus wheelchair passenger Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors * S model

PLUS air conditioning, CD player and privacy glass.

PEUGEOT PARTNER IMPULSE™ ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£12,995

Drive from wheelchair OR Up-front passenger

D E R D KIN T I R I SP th, m Plymou o fr , y il m ton fa le For the Up air accessib h lc e e h w ugh having a acious eno p s s t’ a h t ally vehicle family is re e g r la ir e ame for th the time c n e h W t. ehicle importan ew their v n e r to e m for the t they wer a h w t s ju pirit™, they found Peugeot S e th in r looking fo . d Mobility ie ll A m o fr

vides r, Spirit™ pro up e x o B t o e g e Peu asily take Based on th e and can e c a sp e g ra heelchair loads of sto ding two w lu c in , le p o the Uptons to seven pe actly what x e is h ic h ,w passengers g for. in k o lo were

ies High Priorit

Pleasure to

Drive

pirit™ in driver of S nt a m e th is Steve pleasa surprisingly and finds it sumed that such re to drive: “I p would be quite le ic h but it a large ve mbersome u c d n d out heavy a fin surprise to - I’m y was a lovely p ip ally quite n that it’s actu ith it.” w really happy ear Mount “We live n h is right s: d d a ry a M hic lymouth, w weather Batten, in P e th n e h so w on the sea, would be great it gets better as a nd explore ot room a t u o g to go e ’v that we family. Now we hope to take e, for everyon ips together.” tr re many mo

erience

Happy Exp

und ice they’ve ult the serv m the home y looked aro fa e ’t th n a c w o s h n a s - fro ed The Upto , describe e approach ed Mobility obility advisor, John lli “W A : m ™ it Mum, Mary o ir fr p d S d receive impresse g on the their local m hicle. before settlin ut Allied Mobility really ff. We stration by n o m eir ve e d rs b elivery of th nal sta d io t if ss fe sw ro e few supplie p th d - to eren’t sure ith has ir helpful an space but w ’ve dealt w f e us with the o w s e d

n a r. o lo ry fo d ve We’ve go eede explains: “E dgeable and helpful. t us best one to ry a knew we n e M th e b ld le mee ow le wou en really kn n, so John agreed to ar after e b what vehic d n a ts n ing o the c requireme had lots go hool to demonstrate ed us the ned to our r old te a lis ye it sc ty 2 su 1 ili s’ t b a a id o k e th ave at the “Allied M as ed, at a tim Spirit. We h d s, n e ir e a th h d d lc a e e h d e s n h e class recomme reat help. oth use w hat was a g r old who b of room is a T . ty ye n st x e le si b p a so d , an ren asant e other child t!” a really ple specific but d a h well as thre lis e ’v ty e ri w f our prio “All in all ir ds are quite at the top o ke e. Our nee re that our wheelcha ’ll a c m n e ri to e p in x e ilt u e su b t e W d lif a s. ic u r ctr ty m out of with an ele llied Mobili icle was exactly right fo hen we d s A n e a m o in c rs ™ te it h w Spir d scoo teve, accessible velooking to Allied again eelchairs an husband, S r e h e b d getting wh n ly a e it ry defin eze. Ma er!” the car a bre y issues operating it. need anoth n a d a h ’t haven lly good. tail lift is rea e h T “ : ts n e ith a Mary comm on it even w e c a sp f o ty asy for Steve There’s plen ich makes life really e inside, , wh eelchairs are h wheelchair w s’ ppy id k e nce th ’m really ha I . o to t n a and me. O brilli d.” t system is safely secure re the restrain a s ir a h c at their knowing th

Access All Areas 14

For more information simply get in touch by one of the methods below.

0808 231 5827 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/spirit

0808 231 5827 15

Charity

FOCUS

The Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (WDSA) is the national charity and governing body for wheelchair dance sport and recreational wheelchair dancing within the UK. Whether you are a wheelchair user or not, being involved in dance and dance sport is a fun way to increase activity levels and meet new people.

For some, once you’ve tried wheelchair dancing there’s no going back. This is true of Glenn Bayliss and Angie Golding, who’ve gone on to become instructors.

We spoke to Angie to hear their story.

cing Wheel Keep Dstawhneelchair dance

ncing is the fir m “Wheel Keep Da teaching Ballroo and we’ve been m I’ . group in Dorset 13 ber 20 g since Septem and Latin dancin de the group’s si ng alo structor an assistant in self has a Bayliss, who him founder, Glenn teach wheelchair both qualified to disability. We e WDSA. dancing with th ens, so two ing since my te “I’ve loved danc Glenn’s Latin of along to one nt we I o ag s year was taking his tioned that he en m He s. se clas showed me what the WDSA and th wi n io at fic quali ir dancing. d with wheelcha could be achieve er started ass in Dorchest “Our evening cl be starting an and we will soon in September . We’re also s in Weymouth afternoon clas in East and sidential homes busy visiting re West Dorset. commend the rding and I’d re “It’s very rewa to anybody with the WDSA se ur co or ct instru ed!” who’s interest gie g, Glenn and An ng their trainin ti ple m g co in e ply nc ap Si ising and at work fundra r fo t ou have been hard e look are always on th a to e nc for grants and lchair da em offer whee more to help th people.. wider range of or Course is in (UK) Instruct The next WDSA well as one – 6th June as d 2n e ir sh am Buckingh – 18th July. in Devon on 14th

For more details on Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (UK) or becoming an instructor call 0300 111 30 45 or visit www.wdsauk.co.uk.

If you want to contact Glenn or Angie call 07570404509 or email wheelkeepdancing@hotmail.co.uk

Access All Areas 16

H i r e e l c i h Accessible Ve

H Accessible Vehicle ire

• Short or long term hire available • Choose from a wide range of wheelchair accessible vehicles and adapted vehicles • Delivered to you anywhere in the uk

0808 231 5827 www.alliedmobility.com

d

ISABLED MOTORING – HAVE YOUR SAY

Do you struggle putting fuel in your car?

Get frustrated by people parking in Blue Badge bays without a valid badge or are concerned by the new disability benefit changes? If so, Disabled Motoring UK could help you.

Disabled Motoring UK is the campaigning charity for disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders.

Supporting Disabled Motoring UK is free. Simply go to their website www.disabledmotoring.org and sign up using the handy online form.

Once registered as an online member you’ll receive an electronic newsletter once a month keeping you up-to-date on current campaigns and you’ll be able to access the members’ only area of the website. Most importantly you’ll be lending your voice to vital campaigns.

If you want to be more involved you can sign up as a full member of Disabled Motoring UK. As well as receiving the benefits which online members have, you’ll also get a monthly magazine packed with news, member letters, features and road tests, access to their information service and discounts on a variety of goods and services.

Full membership is £24 per year.

You can even pay by monthly direct debit which makes it just £2 per month.

Disabled Motoring UK can only be successful at campaigning on these issues as long as it has a strong membership, so why not get involved?

For more information simply get in touch by one of the methods below. visit www.disabledmotoring.org or call 01508 489449

0808 231 5827 17

Pole Po

sition for Ho

The Peugeot Horizon™, from Allied Mobility, has maintained pole position as the UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicle for the past five years. Now, to ensure it stays ahead of the field, Allied Mobility has updated the current model to include a number of class-leading improvements.

Ramping up the Standard Horizon’s popularity has been aided by its handy ramp, which could fold flat when not in use. Then came the addition of the SE model which brought with it a wider access ramp, meaning that even more people could opt for Horizon™.

Now, following strong positive feedback from customers, Allied engineers have gone one step further and combined both of these ideas in one fantastic new

Access All Areas 18

rizon

™

design. This means users can now enjoy the best of both worlds – a wider, easier access ramp which can also fold flat to the vehicle floor when not in use.

Easy Street

Added Value

The new, user friendly EasyLift™ ramp is also mechanically assisted, which means it does most of the work for you when lowering and lifting. Because the new ramp folds flat to the vehicle floor when not in use, you’ll also enjoy increased boot space when needed for bulky items.

You can still find all of the same great, added value features on Horizon™, including an electric winch system, privacy glass, rear parking sensors and metallic paint. As before, all of this is included in a low Motability Advance Payment, starting from only £1,195.

A new easy-clean, non slip floor has been added as well and the wheelchair restraint system has been up-rated, so that Horizon™ can now accommodate heavier wheelchairs safely. The wheelchair passenger seat belt has also been re-designed, making it easier to reach.

If you’d like to see Horizon™ for yourself why not arrange a free, no obligation home demonstration, anywhere in the UK? We hope you’ll agree that new, improved Horizon™ is a winner.

Revamped Vista™ Allied Mobility’s Volkswagen Vista™, based on the Caddy Maxi Life, has also had a spring makeover alongside Horizon™. You’ll find a new, easy-clean floor within Vista™, up-rated wheelchair restraints and the new, easier-reached wheelchair passenger seatbelt. Vista™ also boasts a new EasyFold™

ramp which is simple to lower and lift and can fold flat inside the car when not in use.

Vista™ retains all of the Volkswagen style and comfort that it had before and now offers a free electric winch system, in addition to parking sensors and privacy glass. You could have all of this with a low Advance Payment from only £3,395, so why not enquire about a home demonstration today?

For more information simply get in touch by one of the methods below.

0808 231 5827 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/horizon or www.alliedmobility.com/vista

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Charity British charity, Aerobility, believes that everyone who wants to, should have the opportunity to actively take part in aviation.

Founded in 1993, Aerobility strives to remove barriers and provide opportunities for people with disabilities to experience flying. For many disabled people, flying offers a life-changing, challenging and exhilarating experience that may be difficult to find elsewhere.

With a growing fleet of specially modified aircraft, Aerobility can accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities.

Through partnerships with other organisations, it also offers various other air sports, such as accessible hot air ballooning and gliding.

Aerobility run flights sessions and training from their permanent base

Access All Areas 20

FOCUS...

at Blackbushe Airport Airport in Surrey and from Tatenhill Airport in Staffordshire. There are plenty of options, from trying out their state-of-the-art flight simulator, to earning your wings in their Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accredited pilot training program.

One of the many exciting events from the beginning of the year was Aerobility Aurora. It joined forces with British Airways to take a group of people with disabilities on a Northern Lights mission. The flight took them to the north of Scotland, where the team were lucky enough to catch spectacular views of the famously illusive Aurora Borealis.

With current impacts on disability benefits, some people may be finding it more of a challenge to fund new hobbies. To combat

this, Aerobility strives to make sure that taking part is as affordable as possible by subsidising costs.

To do this, it relies heavily on donations and support from other organisations.

Aerobility attend many events up and down the country, often with their flight simulator, so be sure to keep an eye on their website to find out when they’ll be in your area.

“If I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do?”

WIN a 30 minute flying session!

Have you ever fancied yourself as a pilot, or wanted to experience the thrill of flight? Allied Mobility is offering three lucky readers the opportunity to win a 30 minute flying session* with one of Aerobility’s expert instructors.

To enter, simply complete the enclosed postcard and return to Allied Mobility by 31st May 2014.

*Flights depart from either Blackbushe Airport in Surrey or Tatenhill Airport in Staffordshire. Transport to and from the airport is not included. Only people with a disability can fly. For full terms and conditions, see the back of the entry postcard.

For more information about Aerobility, you can contact them on 0303 303 1230, email info@aerobility.com or visit their website www.aerobility.com

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For Some, it’s Mount Everest.

Chair 4 Life is a new, UK designed, wheelchair that has been designed to adapt to a child as they grow.

The chair is fitted with various parts that allows it to change to meet the user’s needs. The wheelchair is currently being considered for production by the UK Department of Health.

Chair 4 Life

The American Disability Society has used unique advertising to highlight the issue of wheelchair accessibility in public places in America. The advert is designed to show the staircase from the perspective of people with disabilities and visually represents the daily struggle faced by many people.

Steering

by Ear Scientists in Germany have invented a revolutionary device that allows people in wheelchairs to steer their chair using their ears.

Users are fitted with a small chip that detects movements of muscles in the ear. The transmissions are turned into signals or a computer attached to the wheelchair, which in turn controls its movements.

Access All Areas 22

sports news ROUND UP Polar Expedition Overcomes Disability A team of ex-service men and women, some with serious disabilities, has completed a 200-mile trek across the Antarctic to reach the South Pole.

The charity expedition was organised to raise funds for Walking With the Wounded, a UK charity that works closely with ex-service men and women with disabilities to help them into long term employment after their time in the forces.

Race to the South Pole The charity launched its Antarctic Expedition Challenge as a race between a UK, American and Australian/Canadian team. Across the three teams were 12 ex-service men and women who’ve been injured in conflict.

Initially the teams were to race against each other to the South Pole finish line. However, with conditions even worse than they’d bargained for, the trek changed to a joint expedition instead of a competition to get there first.

Expedition Director, Ed Parker, explains: “People were beginning to get very, very tired. Talking with our doctor, we just felt we were beginning to push people a little too hard, so we suspended the race element of the trek.”

Disability Overcome The expedition continued as one team working together to pull sleds and supplies, weighing 70kg, across the Antarctic to arrive at their goal. Patron of the charity, Prince Harry, who took part with Team UK, said working alongside colleagues with disabilities and arriving at the South Pole was “an amazing feeling.”

As well as enforcing the charity’s message that despite disabilities, nothing is impossible, the trek successfully raised over £100,000 for Walking With the Wounded.

Three Mountains in Three Days 40 year old Will Blanche, from Charnwood, is attempting to climb three of the tallest mountains in Britain is just three days. What would be a huge challenge for most people on foot is going to be an even bigger test for Will, who is a wheelchair user.

with charity fundraisers but has never been done before by a wheelchair user. Looking forward to the task, Will comments: “The terrain will be rough in parts, including large boulders and the weather can change instantly. The higher up you go, the worse the conditions becomes.”

Will suffers from Spina Bifida and relies on his wheelchair to get about. He plans to scale the three mountains, this July, using a specially adapted three-wheeled chair, which works as a hand bike.

Adapted Wheelchair

Wheelchair First

Will is taking part in the challenge to raise awareness of the Jessica Hope Foundation, formed when close family friend, Jessica, passed away, aged just 16, from an aggressive brain tumour.

Linking the highest points in Scotland, England and Wales, the Three Peaks challenge has become a popular event

His adapted hand bike was donated by a Staffordshire company, RGK wheelchair and can deal with really rough terrain

and steep hills. The special chair is designed like a mountain bike but with three wheels and comes complete with eleven gears. Will operates the bike by cycling with his hands.

“The more training I do the more I think it’s going to be hard but achievable,” says Will. My colleagues Kevin, Chris and Karl are coming with me and without their moral support, the challenge would not be possible.”

You can follow Will’s challenge here at www.facebook.com/3peaks or click Jessica Hope Foundation here for more on the charity.

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Our Story We’re the UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicles specialist, offering a wide range of mobility cars throughout the UK. Here’s just a few reasons why.

“The ramp’s really light and the car’s much easier to use so going out in our Vista’s much more enjoyable.”

“I can’t fault the service, I know I can ring anytime and everyone is so understanding on the phone. All I can say is thank you!”

PEUGEOT INDEPENDENCE

Kay Lindsay, Rochdale

VOLKSWAGEN VISTA

Thomson Family, Devon

“Once we decided on Horizon there was a really quick turn around to the car arriving on our doorstep. We’re really impressed.”

PEUGEOT HORIZON

Hazel & Charles Merrett, Norfolk

0808 231 5827 www.alliedmobility.com