Access all areas summer edition batch 1 0800 916 0041 print

A

Access All Areas

SOUTH WEST MOBILTY DAY A COOL CUSTOMER SUMMER ISSUE 2016

PENCILLING IN SOME TIME WITH TOM DOWLING

A

\\\

IN AT THE DEEP END WITH HELEN DOLPHIN

0800 916 0041 www.alliedmobility.com

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

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

RENAULT KANGOO

ONLY

£6,495

UK WIDE FREE HOME

DEMONSTRATIONS

Seats: 2 + Plate: 58 (2008) Miles: 38,000 Colour: Blue

FORD FREEDOM

ONLY

FIAT DOBLO

£14,995

30 USED VEHICLES

IN STOCK

PEUGEOT HORIZON

ONLY

ONLY

£7,495

+VAT

MORE THAN

£11,995 +VAT

Seats: 3 +

Colour: Silver

Seats: 2 +

Colour: Red

Seats: 2 +

Colour: Grey

Plate: 65 (2015)

Miles: 7,000

Plate: 59 (2009)

Miles: 30,500

Plate: 65 (2015)

Miles: 13,500

MERCEDES VITO

ONLY

VW VISTA

ONLY

PEUGEOT INDEPENDENCE ONLY

£18,995

£12,495

£15,995

+VAT

+VAT

Seats: 3 +

Colour: Silver

Seats: 4 +

Colour: Silver

Seats: 4 +

Colour: Aluminium

Plate: 59 (2010)

Miles: 50,000

Plate: 16 (2016)

Miles: 8,000

Plate: 16 (2016)

Miles: 19,000

✓ 82 point vehicle preparation standard ✓ 12 months RAC warranty

✓ 12 months RAC breakdown cover ✓ 12 months MOT (if applicable)

WELCOME Since our last Access All Areas we’ve been busy meeting with customers old and new at a number of events across the country, including excellent Motability events and our own South West Mobility Day, at the remarkable Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare.

A

\\\ 6

We catch up with long time Allied customer James Pye who recently took delivery of his new Volkswagen Vista™ and with Mark Ravenhill who is delighted with his new wheelchair accessible vehicle.

We take some time out with inspirational journalist and founder of highly popular newspaper for disability matters, All Together NOW!, Tom Dowling.

We also share the delights of Hull aquarium experience ‘The Deep’ through the eyes of our roving reporter, Helen Dolphin.

Happy reading!

9

News Round-up ....................................... 4 Cool Customer......................................... 6

27

Charity Focus – Newlife ........................... 9 Top 10 Films .......................................... 10 Driving Ambition.................................... 12 Ramp Revolution.................................... 16 Exploring The Deep............................... 17 Soaring Success ..................................... 20 Catalogue of Failures ............................. 22 Here Comes the Sun.............................. 24

12

Time Out with Tom Dowling ................. 27 Sports Update ....................................... 30

0800 916 0041

3

A

\\\

news Round Up\\\

A\\\

“It means disabled people can go to non-accessible places such as a church, museums and city centres.”

New Stair Climbing Wheelchair ‘TopChair-S’ is a revolutionary new wheelchair which merges the power wheelchair and the stair climber to create a product that could bring an end to a wheelchair users reliance on access ramps.

CEO Damien Picarougne commented: “It means disabled people can go to non-accessible places such as a church, museums and city centres.”

The innovative electric wheelchair features caterpillar style tracks similar to those on some construction vehicles or army tanks. It allows the wheelchair user to travel at a maximum speed of just under 10kmph and will climb six straight stairs in 60 seconds. To see what the TopChair-S can do visit www.topchair.fr/en/.

WALK OF PRIDE Seven year old cerebal palsy sufferer and Bristol City FC fan, Oskar Pycroft achieved his dream of walking out in front of his favourite football team after his fellow fans raised £57,000 to help him walk.

Gloves Transform Music Making Mi.Mu Gloves are the brainchild of artist Imogen Heap. The gloves give disabled musicians with limited mobility a simpler way to make and perform music. They can ‘learn’ the movements of the user and modify to their body’s limitations. With prices starting at £2,500 for a single glove, they aren’t cheap but represent amazing progress in the world of mobility and communication. Find out more at www.mimugloves.com.

4

A

Access All Areas

A year previously Oskar was the team mascot and had to use his wheelchair to reach the pitch from the tunnel. A fans’ fundraising appeal helped meet the cost of a complex operation, which included cutting away the failing nerves in Oskar’s young body, a procedure that will help to reduce bone deformations as he gets older.

Oskar commented after the event “This is what I wanted to do, walk out in front of the team and the entire crowd. It was exciting and good and amazing.”

A

\\\

Twenty eight year old former Royal Artillery gunner, Kirk Mount ascended 557-metre high Pendle Hill in seven gruelling hours - dragging his wheelchair behind him all the way.

Kirk comments: “It was more crawling than walking and it was really slippery!”

Seven years in the army could account for Kirk’s incredible grit and determination.

Kirk adds: “I did this to show others what can be achieved and hopefully inspire people.”

WOUNDED EX-SOLDIER’S AMAZING CLIMB Wheelchair Bound Mayor Skydives for Charity CRAWLEY’S mayor has bravely completed her first skydive to raise money for a charity which helps disabled children and young people.

Councillor Chris Cheshire, who uses a wheelchair, completed the skydive on Tuesday, free-falling from a height of 13,000 feet while strapped to an instructor.

She said: “It took a wide search to find an instructor willing to take on an aging wheelchair user, but I found one at Hinton Skydive Club near Brackley. That was ten months ago and last week the prospect suddenly became very real and a bit scary if I’m honest.

“I still can’t believe that I jumped out of a plane at 13,000 feet, went free-fall for 45 seconds at 120 mph, then floated down the rest of the way by parachute – but I did!

She did it in aid of The Springboard Project, based in Langley Green, which helps disabled children and young people enjoy active lives without being held back by their disabilities.

Cllr Cheshire, who became Crawley’s first disabled mayor when she took up the office in May last year, added: “That was the message I wanted to get out there; disability doesn’t have to stop you making the most of life and in my case, neither does age.

To sponsor Chris visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ MayorChris-skydive

CHANNEL FOUR’S YEAR OF DISABILITY David Abraham, chief executive of Channel 4, announced that the corporation will double the number of disabled people featuring in top shows.

A fund of £300,000 will be used to finance new talent initiatives with an off-screen pledge to progress the careers of 20 disabled workers currently employed in the industry with the channel’s biggest contractors.

Mr Abraham said: “We can extend the impact of this Paralympic year right across our schedule and help do something lasting to increase representation of disabled people on and offscreen.” Read more on Channel 4’s plans at http://www.channel4.com/info/press/news/ channel-4-launches-year-of-disability-in-2016

www.alliedmobility.com 5

When Mark Ravenhill, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, first saw Allied Mobility’s Fiat Festival™ he was in no doubt that it was the perfect wheelchair accessible vehicle for him.

Cool

Mark uses an electric wheelchair and previously relied upon public transport to get out and about. However, when the cold weather hits, negotiating the icy paths can prove to be a challenge.

The thought of spending another long winter battling the elements was less than appealing to Mark so he knew the time was right to look into getting a wheelchair accessible vehicle that would make getting around much easier.

Mark’s neighbour already had a wheelchair accessible vehicle from Allied Mobility and this prompted him to inquire further.

His carer Melanie explains: “I initially spoke to an Allied Mobility advisor who was very helpful and they sent out literature on the various models available.

6

A

Access All Areas

Both of us looked through them together.

Mark was adamant he wanted the Festival as he loved the colour of the model in the brochure!”

Melanie then arranged a free no obligation demonstration with local Allied Mobility specialist Jemma.

Melanie recalls: “Mark was very excited to test the car and Jemma was absolutely fantastic. She has a wealth of knowledge on the various vehicles available and was able to help us decide on the one most suitable to Mark’s needs.”

Mark fell in love with the Festival™ and ordered the car in the cool jazz blue colour he had originally seen in the brochure.

“

“

The Festival ticks all the boxes and is an absolute joy to drive.

Customer Comfort and Joy

Based on the Fiat Doblo, the Festival™ offers excellent accessibility for wheelchair or scooter users. This adaptable and spacious wheelchair accessible vehicle provides optimum accessibility with a lowered floor.

Festival™ can accommodate a wheelchair passenger and up to 2 seated passengers, in addition to the driver.

“We were looking for a vehicle that was comfortable and roomy,” comments Melanie. “The Festival ticks all the boxes and is an absolute joy to drive!”

Melanie is Mark’s main carer and drives the car for him the majority of the time.

All of his carers are allowed to drive the car and they love taking Mark out in his Festival™.

Melanie adds: "I have complete peace of mind because the ramp is sturdy and the safety features make him feel secure too.”

Mark obtained his new car through Motability. The Motability Scheme uses your mobility allowance to help fund a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Allied Mobility is the UK’s leading specialist in wheelchair accessible vehicles and works very closely with Motability to provide excellent customer service and quality assured wheelchair accessible vehicles.

A

\\\

0800 916 0041 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/festival

Offering class-leading headroom and fuel-saving Stop & Start technology.

Festival™ is available to buy, rent or via the Motabililty Scheme, with Advance Payment starting from £1,295.

0800 916 0041

7

0800 916 0041

www.alliedmobility.com

Discover the unique benefits of Allied Aftercare™ alliedmobility.com/aftercare

BRAND NEW & EXCLUSIVE

FREEDOM

TM

3 - 5 seats

Accessibility, comfort and first class safety

Lowest Ford WAV

ADVANCE PAYMENT

FORD CONNECT

FREEDOM

from only

£1,495

Easy clean lowered floor Original Ford seating throughout*

RS model

*

RE model for larger wheelchairs Unique EasyGlide™ pull-out ramp Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors PLUS air conditioning and privacy glass.

Grand Freedom with extra seating now available

No obligation UK-wide home demonstrations call 0800 916 0041

Access All Areas takes a closer look at a very special charity. The Newlife Foundation provides children with disabilities, life limiting or terminal illnesses and thir families with vital equipment and support.

At the heart of Newlife is the Care Services Team. Nurses operate a national helpline to support and inform families, whether they’ve recently been told about their child’s disability or need help accessing local services. Newlife Nurses help families access grants for essential equipment when statutory services are unable to help.

Rapid Response Newlife’s free Emergency Equipment Loans ensure children who are at risk, are unsafe or cannot wait get the

equipment they urgently need. In most cases this can be delivered within 72 hours and collected again when it’s no longer needed.

Helping Children like George Four year old George Bellamy, who lives in Leicestershire, has a rare chromosome disorder as well as Autism, learning difficulties and sensory processing disorder. He also has something called Pica which means that he’ll try to eat anything he can, including wallpaper and furniture. His mum, Katie, has to watch him constantly to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself as his high pain threshold means he could seriously injure himself and not be aware of it.

George needs constant supervision, even through the night, so was sharing a bed with his mum – not an ideal situation for either of them. Newlife, was able to provide them a special bed that has really helped George at night and allowed his mum to get some rest as well.

Mum Katie says: “It’s taken George a little while to get used to his new bed.

“

“

Rather than being grumpy and tired when he gets to school, George is well rested and happy

He thrives off routine and when there’s a change to that it does unsettle him.

“Now that he loves his bed, he’s gone from waking up five or six times a night to just once. We’re hoping the more relaxed he feels about his bed, the longer he’ll sleep.

“It’s already having a huge impact on his waking hours too. Rather than being grumpy and tired when he gets to school, he’s well rested and happy – and I am getting more sleep too.

“He even says ‘bye-bye bed’ when he gets up in the morning. The bed really has changed our lives and I know it will continue to do so.”

A

\\\

Allied Mobility is delighted to support Newlife Foundation.

Find out more about George and the charity at: www.newlifecharity.co.uk

www.alliedmobility.com

9

1. My Left Foot (1989)

2. The Diving Bell and The Butterfly (2007)

The true story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy. Despite being condemned by others, his relentless mother encourages her son who learns to paint and write with his only controllable limb - his left foot.

A true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a former editor of Elle magazine. Bauby is struck down by a stroke which leaves him almost totally paralysed. Despite this he creates an entire memoir of his life by blinking his left eye.

The film won a Golden Globe and received four Oscar nominations.

Although Christy triumphs against all odds, this double Oscar winning movie is not all sweetness and light.

5. The Theory of Everything (2014)

TO

10 MO

A depiction of the relationship between world famous astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and fellow Cambridge student Jane. She becomes his wife and together they defy the odds by achieving more than they could ever have dreamed. Eddie Redmayne won the Oscar for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal.

7. How To Train Your Dragon (2010) Hiccup is a young Viking and dragon hunter who doesn’t quite fit in. Toothless the dragon is a natural enemy of Hiccup and his tribe. Toothless challenges Hiccup to see the world differently and soon finds that life as an amputee makes him and the dragon kindred spirits.

If you like this, there is a sequel to enjoy too.

10

A

Access All Areas

FEATURING DISAB

Looking for an excuse to curl up on the sofa with a these film classics featuring ch

8.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989) The biopic story of Ron Kovic, a marine who is paralysed from the chest down during the Vietnam War. Feeling abandoned by the country for which he went to war, Kovic becomes a political activist, rallying against war and campaigning for human rights.

Oliver Stone won the Best Director Oscar for this film.

3. Murderball (2005) Murderball is the former name of quad rugby. This exciting and arduous sport is basically fullcontact rugby in wheelchairs.

The movie shows the trials and tribulations of the US national team as it prepares to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens.

4. RoryO’Shea Was Here (2004) Rory moves into a residential home for the disabled and befriends Michael, a young cerebral palsy sufferer with almost unintelligible speech.

Michael’s life is turned around as they both take on adventures outside of the home. This film has also been released under the title Inside I’m Dancing.

6. Finding Nemo (2003)

OP

Marlin, a timid clownfish, sets out on a journey to bring his son, Nemo, home after he’s captured on the Great Barrier Reef. Nemo, who has an underdeveloped fin, soon finds he has other talents when encouraged by his new friends.

OVIES

This computer-animated classic which features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, William Dafoe and other famous actors, won the Oscar for best animated film as well as becoming a box office hit.

BLED CHARACTERS

a good movie? Look no further than some of haracters with a disability.

9.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest is a trusting and naïve character, who somehow finds himself at many major events in American history, including the Vietnam War. He meets and saves the life of best friend lieutenant Dan Taylor. Although Dan loses both his legs, as a result of his injuries, the two go on to pursue numerous business and love interests.

Forrest Gump is a critically successful film which was awarded six Oscars and seven Golden Globes.

10. The Intouchables (2011) Another true story, this time about an aristocrat who ends up as a quadriplegic after a paragliding activity goes dreadfully wrong. After hiring a young ex-prisoner as his caregiver he learns to replace wealth and status with love and friendship.

This film was nominated for a Golden Globe.

0800 916 0041

11

AAron morgan

Photography ©James Foard 2016

DRIVING AMBITION 12

A

Access All Areas

“

“

The 2016 calendar includes some iconic venues – it’s fantastic to be part of the series.

Allied Mobility is delighted to continue to support and sponsor racing driver Aaron Morgan with his motorsport endeavours throughout 2016.

Easy Rider Aaron Morgan is a 25 year old like no other. He’s never let his disability hold him back from his main passion in life.

From the age of seven all he wanted to do was compete in motorsport. After watching his dad and his friends in go karting and rally cross as a child he was hooked and quickly got in on the fun.

Driven to Succeed

On Track

Despite his ordeal, Aaron realised he was lucky to be alive and became determined not to waste any time in getting back to normal life, so he turned his attention to obtaining his driving licence. Disabled people can drive at the age of 16 and Aaron was soon taking lessons. He quickly passed his test and was offered an opportunity to get back into motor racing.

Aaron’s dream of racing competitively continues in 2016 and he is relishing the opportunity to follow in the tyre tracks of motorsport legends. “The calendar includes some iconic venues – it’s fantastic to be part of the series.”

His outlook is positive for the rest of the season. “I am confident I can continue to improve my results to achieve regular top 20 finishes.”

The first thing he needed to fulfil this dream was a Motor Sport Association National B Racing Licence. Aaron gained this aged 17 and was the youngest paraplegic driver ever to be awarded the license.

“Allied Mobility’s sponsorship really does mean the world to me as it enables me to continue with my motor racing dream. There’s no way I would be able to race without it.”

“When I was just seven years old I was bought a 50cc motocross bike for Christmas…soon I was looking for someone to race against.”

2016 sees Aaron’s second year in the BMW Compact Cup Championships – a one make race series based on the E36 BMW compact. Aaron competes against able bodied drivers using his hand control – adapted race car. The championship takes place at some of the UK’s best known racing circuits and, with up to 40 cars on the grid, the racing is fast and action packed.

Competing every weekend, Aaron won an incredible 72 trophies at Portsmouth Schoolboys Motocross Club. Aaron was practicing and carrying out a routine jump when something went horribly wrong. A month later he woke up from a coma to find the accident had left him paraplegic.

The ambitious racing driver’s 2016 season started at Brands Hatch and then moved on to Rockingham, where he managed his best finish so far in the second race of the afternoon “Race one didn’t quite go to plan but I was much happier in my second outing – the next event can’t come quick enough for me!”

We’ll be sending our ongoing support from the side-lines as Aaron continues his 2016 campaign with his usual zest for competition.

A

\\\

See Aaron at: 12th June – Snetterton, 17th July – Castle Combe, 28th August – Donington Park, 17th September – Oulton Park, and 16th October – Silverstone Follow his progress on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/ alliedmobility/

www.alliedmobility.com 13

0800 916 0041

www.alliedmobility.com

ACCESS FOR NEW

NEARLY NEW

USED

HIRE

ADVANCE PAYMENT

PEUGEOT EXPERT INDEPENDENCE INDEPENDENCE™

from only

4 - 8 seats

£3,495

The UK’s most popular accessible MPV > Low floor option > EasyFold™ ramp > Personalised seating layouts > Two wheelchair option > Air conditioning > Privacy glass > Parking sensors > Assist winch ADVANCE PAYMENT

New Model

VOLKSWAGEN CADDY VISTA™

from only

5 seats

£3,295

Luxurious quality and style > EasyFold™ go-flat ramp > Full original Volkswagen seating > Air conditioning > Cruise control > Privacy glass > Parking sensors > Assist winch

ADVANCE PAYMENT

FORD CONNECT FREEDOM™

from only

3 - 5 seats

Accessible, comfort & first class safety

£1,495

> Easy clean lowered floor > Unique EasyGlide™ pull-out ramp > Original Ford seating throughout* > RE model for larger wheelchairs > Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors > Air conditioning > Privacy glass > Grand Freedom with extra seating now available

FIAT DOBLO FESTIVAL™ 3 - 4 seats

Class leading headroom > Lightweight ramp > Parking sensors > Fuel saving Stop&Start technology > Air conditioning > Privacy glass > Lowered floor

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£1,295

*

RS model

PEUGEOT BOXER SPIRIT™ SPIRIT 4 - 7 seats

Roomy and comfortable > Personalised seating options > Air conditioning > Automatic tail lift or ramp > Bluetooth® > DAB radio

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£5,495

Discover the unique benefits of Allied Aftercare™ alliedmobility.com/aftercare

ALL

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

3 - 4 seats

Lowest Peugeot WAV

Now with FREE BLUETOOTH®

PEUGEOT PARTNER HORIZON™ The UK’s most popular WAV

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£1,195

Easy-clean lowered floor RE model for larger wheelchairs Unique EasyGlide™ pull-out ramp Original Peugeot seating throughout*

*RS model

Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors PLUS Air conditioning, privacy glass and new Bluetooth® connectivity

Free UK-wide home demonstrations call 0800 916 0041

Ramp Revolution Meet EasyGlide™ – the revolutionary new access ramp which simply pulls out from the floor of your vehicle.

A

\\\

16

A

Access All Areas

Allied Mobility focuses on making life as easy and flexible as possible for wheelchair users and carers. The unique new EasyGlide™ ramp does just that.

One minute, you can have full use of unobstructed boot space – handy if a family member is out picking up shopping for instance. To transform the car for a wheelchair passenger, simply pull the access ramp out from the rear floor and it’s ready go as a fully wheelchair accessible vehicle.

“It really is a simple as that,” comments sales director, Peter Facenna.

“Already we’ve had some great feedback from customers using the new ramp, which is always nice to hear.”

Unique to Allied Mobility, the EasyGlide™ ramp is available with their latest model Peugeot Horizon™ and Ford Freedom™ mobility cars.

A

\\\

0800 916 0041 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com

Exploring

THE DEEP With Helen Dolphin Helen Dolphin MBE discovers a fascinating attraction in the first of a new series for Access All Areas.

www.alliedmobility.com 17

Deep Water

Hull is somewhere you have to intend to visit as it’s not en-route to anywhere.

However, if you happen to find yourself in or near East Yorkshire then a visit to The Deep is an absolute must!

A

\\\

18

A

Access All Areas

Arrival

Tropical Reef

Housed in Sir Terry Farrell’s £45m glass and aluminium building The Deep overlooks the Humber estuary.

It was really easy to find as there are signposts everywhere in Hull directing you to the aquarium. I visited during the school holidays and so it was very busy. However, I was still able to find an accessible bay in the car park, free to Blue Badge holders.

The Deep is so much more than just an aquarium. In fact the first exhibit, “Awakening Seas”, is more like a natural history museum where there are giant fossils and Megladon shark teeth.

There’s an entrance for disabled visitors on the far left of the building, adjacent to the disabled parking area. The queue here was considerably shorter than the main line. Admission for a carer is free and assistance dogs are also welcome.

Should you require any mobility equipment, wheelchairs and rollators are available on a first come, first served basis.

After purchasing my ticket I was given a map of The Deep. This enabled me to plan my visit with ease. I noticed that guidebooks are available in Braille or audio format too.

There are lots of fish in the ‘Lagoon of Light’ exhibition, where a reef has been established which is packed with hundreds of tropical fish. Some of the fish live here permanently but others are just here until they get bigger so they can grow up without being eaten.

These fish are fed three times a day by scatter feeding. This is great to watch as the fish suddenly become much more animated as they try to beat the other fish to the food.

The star attraction at The Deep is its enormous tank holding 2.5 million litres of water. This tank holds a pair of green sawfish (there’s only six of this species in Europe) as well as a whole host of other sharks and rays. There are lots of places to view this tank and I was able to see all the fish really well. However, when it came to shark

feeding time and the divers got into the tank, the viewing became restrictive as children were sitting on the floor and all the adults were standing behind them for several rows. It was quite difficult for me to get a good view.

‘Discovery Corner’ allows children to get up close with smaller creatures such as hermit crabs, velvet swimmer crabs, starfish and sea urchins. In addition The Deep is able to produce extra tactile exhibits which can be handled by visually impaired visitors.

Penguin City The Deep is not only about fish! There was an exhibit I really enjoyed called ‘Bug Champions’. Here you can see a whole range of different creepy crawlies.

However, my favourite exhibit was the Gentoo penguins, designed so you can see the penguins both on-land and swimming about. Their home is themed around Grytviken an abandoned whaling port in South Georgia in the South Atlantic, which was taken over by Gentoo in the

“

“

The building is new and has been designed with accessibility in mind.

late 1960s. With lots of children around, The Deep was very noisy and in order to create an underworld atmosphere the lighting is very low. However, The Deep does hold regular quiet days when the lights in the attraction are made brighter and most audio noise is turned off. On these days there are scheduled signed presentations (BSL) throughout the day.

Accessible Facilities As The Deep only opened in 2002 the building is new and has been designed with accessibility in mind. It’s set over three levels, all of which are accessible by lift.

The route around the attraction is gently sloped and accessible for wheelchair users.

I certainly found it very easy to get about.

Accessible toilets are available on every level and although there’s no ‘changing area’ toilet, the first aid room is available on request for people who need more space.

Where to Eat After spending the morning looking at fish I was delighted to see that fish and chips were on the menu at the Observatory Café on the third floor!

You can buy snacks and drinks at the Halfway Café on the 1st floor too. Both cafes are counter service but table service can be offered, where needed, as can ‘good grips’ cutlery and plate guards.

I’m a big fan of aquariums and The Deep certainly met my expectations.

I felt they had really considered the needs of their disabled guests, enabling me to have a good view of almost everything The Deep has to offer.

A

\\\

www.thedeep.co.uk To pre-book mobility aids email access@thedeep.co.uk or call 01482 381000

0800 916 0041

19

Soaring \\\ Success Allied Mobility arrived in the South West for our first Mobility Day of 2016, held at the world’s largest dedicated helicopter museum in Weston-super-Mare.

The museum has an extensive collection of over 80 helicopters including two aircraft of the Queen’s Royal Flight and the world speed record holder G-Lynx. It’s a fantastic location for a day out with an interactive zone, film theatre and events held throughout the year.

Visitors came from across South West England to enjoy the attraction and try our full range of wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Free refreshments s er ve d in t he Copter Café were enjoyed by all with the variety of cakes proving to be extremely popular as visitors enjoyed

20

A

Access All Areas

a break, before getting back to visiting the cars and exhibitors along with the incredible array of helicopters.

Something for Everyone Our display included each vehicle from the extensive Allied Mobility range, all of which are available through the Motability Scheme to buy, lease or hire.

We were also delighted to welcome a wide selection of partners on the day who enjoyed speaking to the large crowd in attendance. Chris from Motability was on hand to assist with any queries about the Motability Cars Scheme and was always kept busy.

Other exhibitors included Oak Tree Mobility, Middletons, Elite Mobility, Direct Access UK Ltd, Elap Mobility, Dalesway Mobility and Autoadapt plus charities and disabled services such as Newlife and Accessible Transport 4 U.

A

\\\

Look out for future events at www.alliedmobility.com or connect with us on social media

Buy Used Vehicles with Confidence

Approved Used Cars

Allied Mobility customers can buy a used car with complete confidence thanks to our being an RAC Approved Dealer.

RAC BuySure Allied Mobility can now offer RAC BuySure on every used vehicle purchased.

Car Data Check 82 point Vehicle Preparation Standard 12 months RAC Warranty 12 months RAC Breakdown Cover 12 months RAC Accident Care

“ Allied Mobility has been confirmed as an RAC Approved Dealer based on quality, integrity and our desire to deliver excellent customer service.�

Interested in viewing an approved used wheelchair accessible vehicle?

Call us on 0800 916 0041 or visit alliedmobility.com/rac-approved-dealer/

Catalogue of Failures 11 million people across the country have some form of disability but a report published by a House of Lords committee found that laws designed to eliminate discrimination “simply aren’t working in practice”.

A catalogue of failures was uncovered.

The report highlighted pubs and restaurants using disabled toilets as storage cupboards, taxi drivers refusing to take guide dogs and sporting venues not catering for wheelchair users and forcing fans to sit with opponents.

Wheelchair Access Public transport, private hire taxis and local authority buildings came under fire for not offering acceptable wheelchair accessibility.

Despite widespread issues, discrimination tribunal numbers have fallen since case fees were introduced in 2003. Their report urges the Ministry of Justice to

22

A

Access All Areas

“act on the strong evidence that tribunal fees were introduced in 2003. There are calls to reconsider these charges and the Ministry of Justice was urged to “act on the strong evidence that tribunal fees are unfairly obstructing discrimination claims under the Equality Act”.

to disabled people finding it harder to fight discrimination.

Baroness Deech, who chaired the committee, commented: “We have been struck by how disabled people are let down across the whole spectrum of life.

Recommendations

“

Public authorities can easily sidestep their legal obligations to disabled people.

“

A damming report has concluded that disabled people in the UK are being let down by the government and drastic improvements are needed.

“Access to public buildings remains an unnecessary challenge. Public authorities can easily side-step their legal obligations to disabled people and recent changes in the courts have led

“The Government bears the ultimate responsibility for enabling disabled people to participate in society on equal terms and we believe it’s simply not discharging that responsibility.”

The peers suggested a number of recommendations including reversal of the government’s ‘red tape challenge’, which was introduced to ease regulatory burdens on businesses. They also want to see taxi firms legally bound to operate wheelchair accessible vehicles and all train stations offering step-free access.

A

\\\

MAKE LIVING WITH PAIN A THING OF THE PAST

PainPod™ Advanced Medical Devices PainPod™ products are scientifically manufactured using durable materials and developed to incorporate the latest findings in physiotherapy, acupuncture and medical science. PainPod™ medical devices have a number of therapy modes, frequencies and intensity settings to provide relief from a number of different conditions including surgery recovery, trauma, musculoskeletal problems, bursitis and dental problems.

Call us on 0800 587 9633

PainPod™ Medical Device Key Benefits Pain Relief Recovery Performance

or visit mobilitysolutions.co.uk/painpod

TM

“

“

I hadn’t been using the old one as much because of the space issue. That’s all changed now.

Nothing compares to the Vista!

Here comes the sun James Pye is loving life with his new Volkswagen Vista TM.

“I had trouble manoeuvring in my existing car”, explained James.

Allied works closely with Motability to help find our customers the perfect wheelchair accessible vehicle for their needs. Our mobility consultants based locally across the UK, offer a free home demonstration, so that customers can try vehicles for themselves and find their perfect match.

“I had no problem with the car itself; I just wanted more room upfront. I was told almost straight away that I could

James commented that: “John, Allied’s mobility specialist wanted to make sure the car was suitable for my needs.”

James, from Stoke-on-Trent, was finding life difficult with his wheelchair accessible vehicle.

24

have a new car and the helpful team at Allied Mobility took things from there.”

A

Access All Areas

“He asked lots of questions, was very helpful. I was happy that the Vista was the right car for me.”

Coast to Coast Thanks to the freedom of having his own wheelchair accessible vehicle, James doesn’t have to rely on anyone to get to his regular appointments at the hospital and each journey is a joy in his new car. “I hadn’t been using the old one as much because of the space issue.

That’s all changed now. Nothing compares to the Vista!”

As well as using the car almost every day to get about locally, James is looking forward to getting out and about with his family too visiting some of his favourite places along the coast.

“I’m looking forward to the sun now so that I can take a trip to the seaside, either Blackpool or Devon. I’ve not been in a couple of years so it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Exceeding Expectations

From ordering the car to, punctual delivery of my vehicle, I couldn’t fault the service at all.”

Allied Mobility also arranged for the transfer of James’ private registration plate from his previous vehicle.

“Fraser sorted my cherished number plate for me too. I’m elated with the whole setup.”

VistaTM, like all of Allied Mobility’s wheelchair accessible vehicles, is available to buy new, buy used or to hire.

A

\\\

0800 916 0041

info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/vista

James adds: “From my initial enquiry, the Allied Mobility team were so helpful with the the daunting process involved.

www.alliedmobility.com 25

0800 916 0041

www.alliedmobility.com

TM

4 - 7 seats

Combine superb accessibility with bags of space.

PEUGEOT BOXER

SPIRIT

DAB radio Air conditioning Bluetooth® connectivity Personalised seating options Automatic tail lift or manual ramp OPTIONS INCLUDE parking sensors, privacy glass & satellite navigation

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£5,495

TIME OUT with Tom Dowling Tom Dowling founder, creator and editor in chief of free disability newspaper, All Together NOW! Took some time out from his busy schedule to catch up with Access All Areas.

0800 916 0041

27

TIME OUT Award winning newspaper, All Together NOW!, covers a huge range of disabilty interest stories across the North West of England.

From humble beginnings, it now attracts a readership of more than half a million people.

28

A

Access All Areas

Hi Tom, How did you get into journalism?

“I wanted to be a footballer. A few of my mates were picked up by scouts and I was in my final year at school when I realised I wasn’t going to make it in the professional game. I didn’t fancy a labour intensive job so I aimed to get five O Levels so I could get a job as a journalist writing about football instead of playing it.”

on the road from Kathmandu to Everest basecamp. The trip was planned months in advance. I had the savvy idea that if we planned the trip under the name of the Ellesmere Port Boys Club we could raise some sponsorship money and after months of fundraising we set off. We were very young and naïve, four twenty something lads looking for adventure.

It didn’t occur to us that we could come to any harm.”

1974 was the year that your life changed. Can you tell us about that?

“On the way back we stopped overnight in Iran, which felt like a safe place to be with the prominent advertising of American brands. We settled down for the night with two boys in the bus and two on top.”

“The road trip was inspired by the Cliff Richard film Summer Holiday. I’d been previously enthused to take up mountaineering and had my heart set

“I woke up very early, just in time to see the sun rise. It was so very beautiful and at the time I thought “life doesn’t get any better than this!” Moments later two Iranian men were trying to rob us.

“We drove through Iran looking for medical help and by chance found a Red Cross hospital. Ken made a full recovery. However, what I’d suspected at the time of injury was correct; I would remain paralysed from the chest down for the rest of my life.”

In your interviews you always come across as very positive and have a great attitude to life. Where does that come from?

“It’s funny you should ask that. I recently wrote an article about attitude.

Other people can try and put obstacles in your way but I honestly believe you can achieve anything if you have the right attitude.”

The Liverpool Echo was where you spent the majority of your career. Was it a place that was easily swayed when you wanted to introduce your disability column or did you have to continually push the boundaries?

“Initially I wanted to prove myself as a journalist and not be a journalist in a wheelchair that writes about disability. However, I became frustrated as disability was something I knew personally and could write about. My wife encouraged me to approach the editor at the time and he was absolutely chuffed with the idea. It was a brave thing for him to do.”

“I Can Do That was launched as a monthly column and was a commercial success too, attracting interest from makers of disability aids. The column then went weekly and later became a standalone bi-monthly magazine.

However, in 2004 the new owners of the newspaper decided to axe the magazine and I was left with a void, so I handed in my notice.”

In 2005 you made the leap from journalist to running a publishing business.

How did you manage that?

If you could take the day off tomorrow to do anything in the world what would you do?

“I was by this time so passionate about providing information to those who needed it; I just had to give it a go.

I’d to find out everything from how to set up a charity to running a newspaper.

I had a few contacts from over the years working as a journalist and so many people were happy to lend a hand.

I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received over the years.”

“I have no idea; it’s not something I ever think about! I think of developing the newspaper all of the time. I should really do something that would please my wife. Yes, I’d ask her what she wanted to do and do that. To take some proper time off I need more funding to employ another journalist.

“

It’s up to you to achieve what you want.

“

Some shots were fired. One hit Ken, who was bleeding from his head, another hit me. It felt like a boulder being thrown at my back and pinning my chest down.

I was instantly paralysed and I knew at that moment I would never walk again.”

You won the O2 Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

How did that feel?

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to any budding journalists out there?

“Two key things are important – attitude and communication. I say this to my sons all the time. My eldest is 25 and the twins are 23. I tell them: It’s up to you to achieve what you want. Work at it, don’t be discouraged and don’t take no for an answer!

“Fit in and work with people, be part of a team. If you have a good attitude people will like you and you’ll find someone that will help you. Stretch your brain and learn to communicate effectively.”

“It was a really proud moment!

However, the way I feel now I don’t see why I can’t keep going for another forty years!”

Do you still get time to travel?

“In short, no! What I do now isn’t a job, it’s much more than that. It’s a vocation and takes up almost all of my time. I horse race in the spare time I do have or I might go to the theatre or go away for the odd weekend break. There isn’t much time for anything else. Quite often I work from home to save time.”

A

\\\

To read the latest edition of All Together Now! visit www.alltogethernow.org.uk Allied Mobility is proud to support All Together Now!

www.alliedmobility.com 29

A SPORTS \\\

UPDATE

A

\\\

Open Delight for Tennis Ace

What an amazing season it’s proving for wheelchair tennis star Gordon Reid. The 24 year old has now won a staggering eight tournaments this season including Grand Slam success at the Australian Open. Britain’s number one is now up to fifth place in the world rankings.

Meet Our Paralympic Judo Team

Going for Gold, Twice!

Anyone who’s trained for a sporting event knows that it requires an exceptional amount of time, effort and dedication. Can you imagine training for two different sports at the same time?

British Paralympic hopeful Kadeena Cox is breaking boundaries as she aims to achieve a podium finish in two sports at September’s Paralympic Games in Rio. Kadeena has always been a gifted sprinter, even before the stroke in 2014 which led to her suffering Multiple Sclerosis. On returning to training, she found she also had a talent for cycling and has now put in a request to be part of both squads ahead of Rio 2016.

30

A

Access All Areas

Sam Ingram, Jono Drane, Chris Skelley and Jack Hodgson are the four strong Great Britain judo team set to take on Rio 2016. All of team GB’s judo stars have won medals at either European or world level. Ingram is Edinburgh based and won silver in 2012, previously having taken bronze in 2008.

Drane won bronze at the 2014 world Championships. The youngsters of the team Skelley, 22 and Hodgson, 19 both claimed bronze medals at last year’s European Championships.

We wish them every success in this year’s games. To follow the progress of Team GB, check out facebook.com and search for Team-GB-paralympic-squad.

Geoff Holt is a disabled sailor who’s already taken on the Atlantic Ocean. Now he wants to conquer the world. Well, sail around it anyway.

Ahoy Hoy By circumnavigating around the globe as part of his Accessible Oceans project, Geoff hopes to highlight sailing as a sport for disabled people.

Geoff, 49, from Hampshire, was awarded an MBE six years ago for services to disabled sailing. Keen to make ocean sailing more accessible, he aims to reach out to disabled people who already sail on lakes and rivers and to encourage those who think they can’t to give sailing a try.

Geoff explains: “Accessible Oceans will identify key hubs around the world where we locate adapted boats so disabled people can enjoy what non-disabled sailors enjoy already.”

27,000 Miles Geoff will start and end his 27,000 mile journey in Monaco and will cover some very dangerous territory. He has 12 stops planned along the way where he’ll promote the project and catch up with his wife, Elaine and son Tim.

Geoff ’s adventure is a solo trip without the aid of support vessels. The boat is specifically customised for Geoff to sail and live aboard for the full journey, which may take up to 14 months. After sailing all day, Geoff will be aided into his bed each night by spinal injury specialist carers who will be on board to assist him only as they would at home. All the sailing will be down to him.

Geoff aims take to the seas and start this challenge in October next year. Already on board with their support are Prince Albert of Monaco and the founder of Easyjet, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

hopes to “Geoff highlight sailing

“

Global Ambition

as a sport for disabled people.

A

\\\

Find out more at geoffholt.com or Facebook.com/geoffholtmbe

0800 916 0041

31

“The Festival has changed my life, we can now drive to the coast and back in complete comfort.”

Allied Mobility is 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.

“It’s been the absolute best service. Jemma, our mobility advisor, was helpful and knowledgeable.”

FIAT FESTIVAL The Maskell Family, Norfolk

PEUGEOT HORIZON The Elliott Family, Wiltshire

FORD FREEDOM The Lidstone Family, Hampshire

“Because of our son’s condition lots of light is very important to him so the large windows in the Freedom are brilliant”

0800 916 0041

www.alliedmobility.com