Access All Areas Autumn Issue

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Access All Areas

MIDLANDS MOBILITY DAY SUNSHINE ON THE HORIZON AUTUMN ISSUE 2016

A WORLD IN MINIATURE WITH HELEN DOLPHIN

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THE NEED FOR SPEED

0800 587 9640 www.alliedmobility.com

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WELCOME Just where has the time gone?! It’s been a very busy summer and since our last Access All Areas we have welcomed customers old and new to our own mobility days at some incredibly interesting venues including the Black Country Living Museum in the Midlands. In addition, we've attended excellent Motability One Big Day events around the UK. Allied customers Julie and Ian Gallier, from Somerset, explain why their new Peugeot Horizon has changed their lives. Also in this edition Aaron Morgan reports on his visit to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to watch the British Speedway Grand Prix, and our special reporter, Helen Dolphin, takes us on a trip to Legoland.

Enjoy!

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News Round-up........................................ 4

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Sunshine on the Horizon.......................... 6 Charity Focus – Whizz Kidz....................... 9 Discover New Independence ................ 10 The Need for Speed............................... 12 A World in Miniature............................... 17 Paragolfer................................................ 20 Improving Access.................................... 22 Sunny Skeggy......................................... 24 A Step Back in Time............................... 28

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Sports Update ........................................ 30

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Jonathan Learns to Speak with his Eyes

Chantal Bryan was in a horrific car crash over ten years ago whilst pregnant with baby Jonathan.

Diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy, leaving him unable to walk and speak, his family were told he had 'profound and multiple learning disabilities'.

“My dream is that children like me are taught to read and write using the best access method for them.”

Jonathan attended a special school for disabled children but was never taught to read and write. Then the family was visited by an expert who suggested that Jonathan may be able to communicate through his eyes. Chantal started to home-school him at age seven and began by teaching him to spell, until he was able to choose pre-selected words. Amazingly fast-learner Jonathan was writing stories by age nine.

Speaking via his spelling board, Jonathan said: “If more people had believed in me I would have learnt to read and write at the same time as my peers in the mainstream class.”

He continued: “What brings me incredible sorrow is watching my non-verbal friends in wheelchairs miss out on the fullness of life because no-one believes that they are worth teaching literacy to. They are waiting locked in for someone to give them a chance to have a voice.”

Jonathan added: “My dream is that children like me are taught to read and write using the best access method for them.”

Jonathan’s blog can be followed online at www.eyecantalk.net

SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS FOR ALL A new wheelchair-friendly roundabout has been installed in Bryngarw Country Park to help make the Bridgend attraction more accessible.

It’s one in a long list of changes to be made and bosses have promised that more improvements are on the way.

Youngsters with disabilities recently tried out the playground during National Play Day. In addition to the accessible roundabout there is an area for disabled and non-disabled children to play and interact together.

Bryngarw Country Park attracts 200,000 visitors each year.

The local volunteer group has been awarded a Tesco Bags of Help grant to further improve the access to the Woodland Garden and orchard for visitors with limited mobility.

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CITY OF YORK SET TO BECOME SAFER FOR DISABLED PEOPLE York is the latest in a string of towns and cities around the UK to embrace the Safe Places Scheme. Participating businesses and public facilities will display a sticker showing their willingness to offer assistance to people with learning difficulties or mobility empairments.

York Independent Living Network (YILN), which is run by disabled people for disabled people, is currently setting up Safe Places across the city.

YILN chair, Marjie Davidson, has been working with the local council to develop resources and find venues.

“The Safe Place Scheme will help York be a safe and welcoming place where disabled people can go and about with confidence. We're delighted with the interest we’ve had so far, both from disabled people and supporters, and from organisations who want to become a Safe Place.

CHESHIRE BUSINESSES SIGN UP TO BE ‘DISABILITY CONFIDENT’ FOLLOWING HARTFORD EVENT BUSINESSES from across Cheshire have pledged to become ‘Disability Confident’ following an awareness event hosted by local MP Graham Evans.

Disability Confident employers commit to offer work opportunities for people with disabilities and long-term health issues. The scheme aims to challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability, remove barriers and ensure disabled people have opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

Mr Evans said: “This event was all about encouraging employers to see the ability rather than the disability. Everyone has their own strengths and we want businesses to see there is a huge amount of potential out there.”

Allied Mobility is also signed up to the Disability Confident initiative.

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Sunshine on Julie and Ian Gallier, from Weston-superMare, are delighted with the flexibility they now have thanks to their new Peugeot Horizon™.

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Julie Gallier suffers from multiple sclerosis and sadly received news that her condition had worsened. This prompted Julie and husband Ian into looking at swapping their previous car for a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Ian comments: “We already had a car through the Motability Scheme but when I explained our situation they gave us some advice on where to look and some of the options available to us.”

Ian suffers from arthritis and was finding it difficult to help Julie in and out of the car and then to lift her wheelchair into the boot.

Ian contacted Allied Mobility, which quickly arranged for local mobility consultant John, to take a demonstration car to Julie and Ian's home so that they

could try it for themselves.

Ian recalls: “John was excellent. We were worried about whether or not Julie would be comfortable but it was better than our existing car. Even when John took us over some bumpy roads, Julie didn’t feel a thing!”

The Best Solution Based on the Peugeot Partner, Horizon™ is ideal for those looking for a stylish wheelchair accessible vehicle. With a lowered floor, innovative EasyGlide™ ramp and easy-to-use wheelchair restraint system, Horizon™ offers optimum accessibility for the wheelchair passenger. Available in a range of seating layouts, it combines flexibility, convenience and style to make it an ideal mobility vehicle.

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The whole process has been so smooth from our initial enquiry to the demonstration and delivery of our brand new vehicle.

the Horizon Having looked at various options, seeing Horizon™ first hand helped Julie and Ian reach a decision on the best way forward.

Ian enthuses: “The Horizon™ is so comfortable and relaxing. I love the fact that it’s so easy to drive and I’m getting more miles per gallon than ever before!”

Ian enjoys driving the car so much so that they’re planning on taking a trip that they never thought they could do before.

“We’re going to drive to the Mediterranean, all the way to Gibraltar!”

The couple used to fly abroad but now that Julie needs a little more equipment travelling by road is much more practical.

explains Ian. There’s plenty of room to get everything in and it still feels spacious.”

“Not only does Julie feel safe, secure and comfortable, our Horizon™ has a range of handy features such as reverse parking sensors which make getting out and about so much easier.

Ian concludes: “The whole process has been so smooth from our initial enquiry to the demonstration and finally the delivery of our brand new vehicle. We can’t praise Allied Mobility enough!”

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0800 587 9640 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/horizon

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

“We could only manage the journey in a wheelchair accessible vehicle now as we need room for all of Julie’s things"

0800 587 9640

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0800 587 9640

www.alliedmobility.com

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Whizz Kidz not only provides disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment but opportunities to meet and have fun.

Access All Areas finds out more about the important work being done.

Whizz Kidz can meet the individual needs of young disabled people by providing the right mobility equipment, training and opportunities. Their core belief is that every young disabled person has the right to a fun and active childhood, and the chance to develop their full potential.

Nationwide Support Along with the provision of equipment for children and young people ranging from birth to 18 years old; WhizzKidz runs a range of services including youth clubs, camps and training to wheelchair users from the ages of 8-25 around the UK. They provide a range of mobility equipment including manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, specialist sports chairs, buggies and adapted trikes. Depending on the needs of the individual child, it can cost anywhere between ÂŁ1,000 up to ÂŁ5,000+ for Whizz-Kidz to supply a piece of life-transforming equipment to a disabled child.

Whizz-Kidz youth clubs are a place for young disabled people to meet up, make friends and have fun! They do everything from music, dance, art, sports, beauty therapy, cooking, trips and a whole lot more. They even run campaigns to help improve the lives of young disabled people by raising awareness of disability issues and campaigning for better facilities.

High Demand The charity is dedicated to improving the lives of disabled children and their families in local communities. They believe that every young disabled person should have the independence and opportunities to reach their full potential in life and live their lives to the full. They are passionate about working with local leisure facilities and transport companies to improve accessibility and the overall experience for disabled young people.

waiting list for mobility equipment and are constantly accepting new applications and supplying equipment to local children when funds become available. The support that Whizz-Kidz provides benefits the whole family and relives the financial burden. The youth clubs can provide respite for parents and siblings while providing its members with the opportunities to make friends, have fun and gain the confidence they need to become independent adults.

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Allied Mobility is delighted to support whizz-kidz. Find out more about the charity at: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

At any one time they have an additional 500 (approx.) children on a national

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DISCOVER NEW INDEPENDENCE WITH FORD Over the past six years, Independence™ has become the UK’s most popular wheelchair accessible people carrier.

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Now Allied Mobility’s market-leading WAV is available with an all-new conversion and the market-leading Ford brand.

Based on the Ford Tourneo Custom, the new Ford Independence™ is a great choice for people looking for flexibility as it comes in an array of seating layouts, with room for a wheelchair passenger and up to six seated passengers, including driver.

Developed by Allied’s specialist engineering team, Independence™ has been designed and tested to the highest automotive safety standard – EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval. It also meets the newest UK specifications for

wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Ford Independence™ is available to buy, rent or via the Motability Scheme.

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0800 587 9640 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/indy

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AAron morgan

THE NEED FOR SPEED

Racing sensation Aaron Morgan recently attended the British FIM Speedway Grand Prix at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Here he reports back on an amazing atmosphere, the thrill of watching motorbikes with no brakes and, of course, disabled access.

As a big motor racing fan I've been to numerous bike events including the Moto GP and the British Motocross Grand Prix as well as many club level races. A newfound interest in speedway led me to buy tickets for the British Grand Prix at the

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Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Booking tickets was easy and I did this via a contact I found on the official SGP website. The tickets arrived in plenty of time and I really couldn't wait to attend my first speedway event.

Access for Everyone While exploring the venue online, I found a location that would be suitable for me to park and allow easy access to the stadium.

We had a short journey along the banks of

the River Taff and before long the stadium was dominating the Cardiff skyline.

Westgate Street was closed to traffic due to the event, which meant I was able to wheel down the normally busy road with ease. One of the on duty staff members on the gate scanned our tickets and very helpfully showed us both to our seats.

Unfortunately the lift on our side of the stadium was out of order which meant that I had to push round to the other side, to then come back round for my seat.

However, there were no accessibility issues as I didn't have to negotiate any stairs on the outside of the venue. Our allocated spot was accessed via a small ramp and had space for around eight wheelchairs, with seats behind for carers.

Prior to the main event there was a freestyle motocross display which was very enjoyable. I used this opportunity to check out the facilities which were conveniently located to the left of the

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I could literally feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end

Aaron Morgan

entrance to our area and had a secure opening system.

to witness the support for a homegrown rider.

Bright Lights, Big Stadium

As the dust began to settle on a fantastic night of entertainment I made my way down the ramp to the exit. I briefly queued for the toilet before making my way to the lift. The stadium was quiet at this point, which probably worked out better than leaving straight away as I was able to avoid having to navigate my way through the people making their way to the exits. Yet again the staff members were very helpful guiding me towards the lift.

We were treated to a light show prior to the curtain falling on the opposite side of the stadium from where we were sitting.

All eighteen of the competing riders were revealed, to the excitement of the thousands of on-lookers.

The huge crowd sounded air horns as the excitement continued to build and I could literally feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end - the atmosphere was amazing. There were a couple of crashes on the opening bends of heat one but thankfully nobody was hurt. The racing was fantastic and got better as the night progressed with my personal highlight being when Danny King (recently crowned British champion) managed to win heat nineteen. The British fans in attendance went crazy and it was great

I thoroughly enjoyed the SGP and felt the show was very well executed. My experience was made even better by the fantastic view I had of the action and I would definitely recommend the Principality Stadium to other wheelchair users.

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Read Mr Andrew’s story and learn how he began living comfortably again.

Mr Andrews is ninety-three years old and throughout his life, he’s been fortunate enough to enjoy excellent mobility. But after his hip operation thirteen years ago, things began to change. He started to suffer problems with his knees and simple tasks became more and more challenging. He said, “After sitting in a chair, I was finding it almost impossible to get myself out and upright again.”

Oak Tree Mobility is the UK’s leading mobility company. They offer a wide range of sumptuous rise and recline chairs, comfortable adjustable beds, stairlifts and bath lifts that improve people’s lives, allowing them to remain independent in their own homes.

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lift or bath lift in their half price sale and save 98.4% customer satisfaction rating by the a further £500. independent review body. Customers can rely upon good honest advice and can rest assured If you’re worried about what to do with that the products they choose will make a real your old furniture, Oak Tree Mobility have difference to their lives. thought of that too. When your new furniture is delivered they will remove your old furniture An Investors in People Bronze Award and donate it to the British Heart Foundation. winner and a finalist in the 2016 South of Oak Tree Mobility England Business have raised over Awards, it is clear £22,000 this year that all Oak Tree alone.

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Tree home advisor today or visit us online at www.oaktreemobility.co.uk If you have difficulty getting out to mobility stores, Oak Tree Mobility provide a home visit Now, back to Mr. Andrews... He has bought service with one of their dedicated specialists, his very own Oak Tree chair and his problems to demonstrate their products, from the sitting and standing are now a thing of the comfort of your own home. Their friendly staff past. “I think the main benefit of this piece of can advise you and help you find the perfect furniture is the ‘made-to-fit’ aspect,” he said. product without any obligation to buy.

“It absolutely fits my body at every point.” Mr Andrews now spends plenty of time relaxing In conjunction with Allied Mobility, Oak and watching television in his chair. And if he Tree Mobility have an exclusive reader offer feels tired, he simply reclines back at the touch available only to Access All Areas readers. Buy of a button and drifts off for a comfortable nap. any Oak Tree rise and recline chair, bed, stair

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A WORLD IN MINI ATURE With Helen Dolphin Helen Dolphin MBE discovers another fascinating attraction for Access All Areas.

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An ice-cream cone, a giraffe, a spaceship, a spider, the London eye....whatever person, place or thing you can possibly imagine you will find it constructed in Lego at Legoland Windsor.

Pull into the long drive which takes you to the Legoland entrance you’ll soon see Lego men directing you where to go. I visited on a week day and the Blue Badge car park was about quarter full. I can imagine during peak times it could get really busy so arriving early would be a good idea.

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Should you need to borrow a wheelchair they’re available from guest services on a first come, first served basis - you can’t pre-book. Assistance dogs are also welcome but can’t go on the rides.

Lego bricks! It weighs nearly a ton and took a team of 15 master builders three months to complete.

Go Your Own Way The park map is handy to plan your route. There are paths linking all the areas but some are quite steep. As an alternative you can take the Hill Train, which has a yellow carriage specifically for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This takes you to the centre of the park, a good starting point for whatever you most want to see.

There are several rides around the park.

A few of which you can go on in your wheelchair; the majority you have to transfer into. Some others have lift access into them but you need to be pretty agile in my opinion to get in. Health and safety regulations don’t permit Legoland staff to lift guests with disabilities onto a ride so if you need extra help you’ll need to take someone with you who knows how to lift or help you transfer.

After a browse in the gift shop my next stop was the Star Wars exhibition, which opened earlier this year. This features seven of the most famous scenes from the now seven live-action Star Wars movies. The centrepiece is a scale model of the infamous Death Star, made from 650,000 individual

Disabled people, including those who may become agitated or distressed while queuing can go to guest services on arrival and ask for a Ride Access Pass. This allows them and up to three others to enter rides via the exit. This is only available for those people who can provide documentation stating the nature of their disability.

Mixed Accessibility

Dragon Ride My favourite ride is a rollercoaster so I first went on the Dragon’s Apprentice before realising there was actually a bigger rollercoaster called the Dragon. For both rides I had to transfer from my wheelchair into the seat. This was a bit tricky but there is no time pressure and plenty of staff on hand to help move the wheelchair and retrieve it on your return. These weren’t the biggest rollercoaster’s I’ve ever been on but it was still a lot of fun!

After my ride I headed off to Atlantis, where a submarine takes you through a very large tropical fish tank. Lots of real fish and sharks mix here with a number of Lego creatures. There’s a very steep flight of stairs but on one of the submarines there was a stair lift which I could transfer onto.

I was able to stay in my chair at the Splash Safari. This is a short train ride around a Lego safari where at certain places you’re squirted with water. In cold weather this

may not be much fun but on a hot day it was nice to cool down. At a glance it’s easy to be fooled that the Lego animals are real.

A Day of Fun The main Lego craft area is the Miniland model display, which features iconic landmarks from Europe and America made out of more than 40 million Lego bricks. The attention to detail is incredible and there are even atmospheric sounds, traffic and boats to set the scene. I was particularly impressed with the miniature version of London. Also in Miniland is a lake, where you can have a go at driving a remote-controlled boat.

Like most theme parks food and drink was a little over priced (£2.50 for a bottle of coke) and many families had taken picnics instead. You can also buy ice-creams, sweets and hot dogs all over the park.

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I was particularly impressed with the miniature version of the City of London

everything in a day. I think most families would have a really enjoyable time but they do charge theme-park prices - tickets cost £50.40 for an adult (16+) on the gate and £46.20 for a child (3-15). Luckily I found tickets online starting from £37. Carers can enter free of charge but there are no other discounts for disabled people, even though not all of the rides are accessible to wheelchair users.

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To pre-book tickets visit www.legoland.co.uk

With 55 interactive attractions there’s lots to see and do and you’d be hard pushed to do

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Innovative Aid to Transform Golf

Golfers who gave up the sport because of disability can now play again thanks to a new and innovative sporting aid.

Paragolfer is similar to a ride-on buggy, which can be driven around the course, then elevates the player into a standing position to swing and hit the ball.

The sporting aid was designed and created by Anthony Netto, an international wheelchair golfer.

Campaigning

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of injury or condition that meant they were now disabled.

“We were contacted by a couple of disabled golfers from America who were coming to Scotland and wanted to know where they could play. When we did some research we discovered there were no Paragolfers publically available here.”

The charity helped fund the first machine and now hope to encourage the development of golf for wheelchair users.

It is hoped other clubs will be inspired to offer the machines in a bid to help the sport become more wheelchair accessible.

Currently there are only two of the revolutionary machines in use at a golf course in Scotland. However, a charity, the Social Care Ideas Factory, is launching a campaign to encourage more clubs to get involved.

Transform Golf

Charlie B-Gavigan, founder and curator of Social Care Ideas Factory, said: “We had a project a couple of years back that was about introducing sport back into people’s lives where they had some kind

Within six months, Ryan had managed to fight back to fitness and he even returned to coaching football in America and playing sport.

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The Paragolfer has transformed golfer Ryan MacDonald’s life who was 19 when he became ill and lost the use of his legs after being bitten by a tick.

But his body never completely recovered and his health deteriorated again, leaving him back in a wheelchair nine years ago.

Ryan said: “Whenever I saw a manicured piece of grass or a set of clubs, I just felt devastated because I missed the sport.

“Finding Paragolfer was out of this world. I’ll never forget the minute it stood me up and I was ready to take a shot and my dad was standing next to me. I would have given 10 years of my life for that minute.”

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For more information visit www.socialcareideasfactory.com

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?

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Apprenticeships: Improving access for people with learning disabilities Although participation rates for disabled apprentices have improved recently and more disabled people are employed than ever before, employment rates for people with learning disabilities hover around 6.8 per cent and the lifelong costs of economic activity are considerable.

Recommendations The taskforce met three times to: reach an understanding of the issues and barriers that affect people with learning disabilities in accessing and completing an apprenticeship. Identify solutions that could help overcome these barriers and raise participation levels and make recommendations to both Ministers on which options to pursue.

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The recommendations included the development of a joint communications strategy to promote awareness of the financial support available. In addition, potential changes to the method of assessments for English and maths for targeted groups as some people may be able to demonstrate the minimum requirements in the workplace, but be unable to complete a formal assessment.

Improved Access In response to the recommendations, David Hughes, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute said: "We've long been concerned with the quality of apprenticeships and how access can be improved.

"I am delighted that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Department for Work and Pensions are working together to make the link between apprenticeship access, the Government's three million target and

the ambition to halve the disability employment gap.

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We've long been concerned with the quality of apprenticeships and how access can be improved

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As a result, in May 2016 a taskforce was commissioned by the Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson MP, and the Minister for Skills, Nick Boles MP, to explore access to apprenticeships for those with learning disabilities Paul Maynard MP was asked to chair the taskforce, given his interest and expertise in this area. He invited disability organisations, learning providers, employers, parliamentarians and senior officials from both BIS and DWP to join the taskforce.

"With confidence and ambition from government and the sector, I am optimistic that these reforms will make a marked difference in the life chances of people with health conditions and disabilities and show the world what a truly inclusive labour market and apprenticeships system looks like."

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.

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SunNY SKEGGY Independence™, from Allied Mobility, is a popular choice for many thanks to its spacious interior and easy to use wheelchair ramp. These are just a couple of reasons why the Wade family from Sheffield finds it the perfect vehicle for them.

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An accident meant that their previous car was written off so when they got in touch with Allied local mobility consultant, Jemma, promptly brought an Independence™ to their door for a home demonstration.

The family were excited by the great features included with the vehicle, like the electric winch and reverse parking sensors which come as standard on the Motability Scheme. Independence™ is a great choice for people looking for flexibility too, as it comes with an array of seating layouts to choose from.

Comfort Both Christopher and Nicola Wade regularly drive the car and find it an extremely comfortable vehicle in which to travel. The whole family loves the space they’ve got inside too and use their Independence™ to make regular trips to the seaside town of Skegness, where they have a caravan.

Nicola explains: “When we head off for the weekend as a family it’s brilliant because there’s so much space inside. We can easily pack up all of our gear for a few

days without having to cram it all in.

“In addition, the easy wheelchair access makes it perfect for our daughter Chloe during daily journeys to and from school.

Independence™ really does tick all the boxes for us!”

Smooth Process The Wades found local Allied Mobility consultant, Jemma, very helpful throughout the process of getting their new wheelchair accessible vehicle.

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When we head off for the weekend as a family it's brilliant because there is so much space inside.

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0800 587 9640 info@alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com/independence

Nicola comments: “Jemma was fantastic, we can’t praise her enough. She did everything she could to make sure we got our new vehicle before we headed off on a family holiday to Tenerife.

“Everyone we’ve dealt with at Allied Mobility has been great. Getting our new car went really smoothly – from the test drive to the handover on delivery. We’re over the moon!”

Independence™, like all of Allied Mobility’s wheelchair accessible vehicles, is available to buy new, buy used, for hire or via the Motability Cars Scheme.

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0800 587 9640

www.alliedmobility.com

BRAND NEW AND EXCLUSIVE

INDEPENDENCE

Combine superb accessibility with bags of space.

TM

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4 - 7 seats

FORD TOURNEO

INDEPENDENCE

Cruise control Bluetooth® connectivity Personalised seating layouts Lightweight EasyFoldTM ramp Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors PLUS air conditioning and privacy glass.

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

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Yorkshire Mobility Day Magna Science Centre Rotherham

South West Mobility Day Helicopter Museum Weston-super-Mare

Midlands Mobility Day Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

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Central Scotland Mobility Day Science Centre, Glasgow

We have enjoyed some fantastic attractions during 2016 so thank you to everyone who came along to our Mobility Days!

For details of our 2017 calendar keep an eye on www.alliedmobility.com However, you don’t have to wait until next year to enjoy a great family day out thanks to our competition to win one years’ membership of the National Trust for you and your family.

To be in with a chance, all you need to do is send your name and address in an email to competitions@alliedmobility.com by 30th November 2016.

A winner will be picked at random and notified after the closing date.

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Dudley's Black Country Living Museum provided a fascinating venue for the Midlands Mobility Day. The Black Country Living Museum is an awardwinning attraction and one of the largest openair museums in the UK. With a full-size village complete with charismatic residents to chat with and trams to ride, games to play and stories to hear, there really is something for everyone.

Visitors came from across the Midlands to enjoy the attraction and try Allied Mobility's full range of wheelchair accessible vehicles. In fact demand for tickets was so high that the event was declared a sell out so apologies to anyone who didn’t manage to secure a ticket.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Displays at this special event included each vehicle from the extensive Allied Mobility range, all of which are available to buy, lease, hire or through the Motability Scheme.

Among the vehicles on display was the eyecatching Ford Freedom™ which is based on the Ford Tourneo Connect. Freedom™ combines the stylish comfort you’d expect from Ford with innovative accessible features. These include a unique new EasyLift™ ramp that folds completely flat when not in use.

In addition, the Volkswagen Vista™ was subject to a lot of interest from those in attendance thanks to its ample space for able-bodied and wheelchair passengers alike.

This popular people carrier provides unsurpassed ease of access for wheelchair passengers with the EasyFold™ wheelchair ramp which is light and easy to use. Vista™ also includes a wealth of wheelchair accessible features including a non-slip, lowered floor, designed for optimum access, and high quality, adjustable wheelchair restraints.

Not to be outdone the ever popular Peugeot Horizon™ showed again why it’s the UK’s most popular WAV, as visitors tried and tested the range to find their perfect car before making their decision on their next wheelchair

accessible vehicle. Those who attended also had the chance to chat to Allied's knowledgeable mobility advisors.

Something for Everyone Allied was also delighted to welcome a wide selection of partners on the day who enjoyed speaking to the large crowd in attendance.

Exhibitors included Oak Tree Mobility, Portland College, Elite Mobility, Enable Holidays, Easy Living Mobility and Autoadapt plus charities and disabled services such as Motability and Disabled Motoring UK. The Black Country Living Museum team couldn’t have been more helpful in making the day a huge success. All in all a fantastic day was had by everyone who attended.

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

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UPDATE

GB SEAL SECOND PLACE IN RIO MEDAL TABLE Great Britain closed the Rio Paralympics with 64 gold medals, the most by a British team since 1988.

ParalympicsGB surpassed their London 2012 medal tally of 120 on day nine of the Games in Rio and finished with 147, second in the medal table behind China.

They also matched the highest number of gold medal sports at a Paralympics with 11, matching China at Beijing 2008.

Credit Where Credit's Due Gordon Reid won £25,000 for his wheelchair singles title and split £12,000 with Alfie Hewett in the doubles. Whereas fellow Scot and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray collected a whopping £2million for his second singles title.

"We've got to be realistic - it's going to be a smaller percentage that goes to us, but I'd like to see the gap close a little bit at least," commented Reid.

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FOREST OF ARDEN HOSTS GOLF’S FIRST DISABILITY OPEN

The first English Disability Open saw 35 players take to the greens at the Marriott Forest of Arden in Warwickshire with Duncan Hamilton-Martin winning the overall Championship title.

The competitors, with a variety of impairments, played both the Aylesford and Arden courses and competed in categories based on their golfing handicap.

The championship, which was hosted by BALASA Golf and supported by England Golf, was won by Hamilton-Martin,

from St George’s Hill in Surrey, who scored gross 149 over 36 holes.

He said: “It is a great honour to win this inaugural event.

“I would like to thank all my competitors who made the matches exciting and challenging, but also extremely enjoyable. I would also like to thank the BALASA organising committee for pulling together a great event.”

DAVID WEIR CALLS FOR TOUGHER MEASURES TO RID DISABILITY SPORT OF DRUG CHEATS David Weir, one of Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympians, has revealed that he has been increasingly concerned about the extent of doping in disability sport in recent years and welcomed the decision to ban Russia from the Paralympic Games in Rio. The wheelchair racer has won the London Marathon six times said he has been sceptical about times posted by some athletes before the court of arbitration for sport upheld the Russian Paralympic Committee’s suspension by the International Paralympic Committee because of evidence of state-sponsored doping.

Weir has called for the introduction of tougher measures to ensure the sport is clean. “It’s probably the right choice if they’ve got evidence that most of the athletes are on a doping programme,” the 37-yearold said. “It’s a bold step by the IPC and definitely the right one if they’ve got evidence. Every time I get on that track, I never want to suspect that someone’s cheating. As an athlete you hope that everyone’s clean and racing on a level playing field. Over the last few years I’ve started to doubt people, which you never want to do. You look at people’s performances and think ‘really?’ and not ‘wow’."

0800 587 9640

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“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.

FIAT FESTIVAL The Maskell Family, Norfolk

“The whole process has been so smooth from start to finish.”

PEUGEOT HORIZON The Gallier Family, Somerset

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 587 9640

www.alliedmobility.com