Disability Review Magazine Winter 2018

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Disability Employment Advisors

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Disability Review Magazine The UK’s Leading Disability Magazine

4-5 Disability News Beat Latest disability sector news and stories.

48-49 Revolutionary AI-powerved Healthtech Device Gives a voice to the Voiceless

ONTENT

CONTENTS

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6-7 Living life in a wheelchair can be difficult, however...

Tips to help you deal with your new life in a wheelchair.

The world’s first wearable continuous communication device.

8-9 Fitness Advice for Wheelchair Users

Getting active will bring you important health benefits and can help you manage daily life, too.

10-11 Reinventing the Wheel

Wheelchair basketball - One of the fastest growing disability sports.

12 Helping to Prepare for the Winter Advice on staying warm during the cold snap.

Publishing Editor Robert Jones rob@boldmedia.org.uk

Copy Joanne Parsons jo@boldmedia.org.uk

Accounts Vicki Ward vicki@boldmedia.org.uk

Editorial Consultant Simon Weir

Sales Carol Charman Claire Hollingdale Paul Morris Louisa Haines Marc Gatland Published By

16-17 Winter Fuel Payments for Heating 2018 to 2019 (Help with Heating Costs) A guide to 2018 to 2019 winter fuel payments.

18-19 Money Saving Tips and Discounts for Disabled People

Find out what you could be saving either at home or out and about.

50-51 Severely Disabled Men Receive Compensation Following Universal Credit Discrimination Unlawful discrimination against two severe disabilities who saw their benefits dramatically reduced.

54-55 How Accessible is a Legal Career to Someone with a Disability?

A rundown of the legal and professional protections offered to those with disabilities.

59 Could you be a Short Breaks Foster Carer?

A rewarding role for passionate individuals who can offer regular and sustained breaks for children with a range of disabilities.

60-61 Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace Understanding what diversity really means.

20-21 Want One of These?

Over the counter or online products available - Our latest product picks.

184 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent Tel: 01959 543659 www.boldmedia.org.uk All information is correct at the time of going to press. All rights reserved. Articles may not be reproduced without the written permission from Bold Media Ltd. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the content, neither the publisher nor printers or contributors assume any responsibility for effect arising from the publication.

28-29 ‘Changing Places’ Toilets Help you to get to your Destination Considering the factors of toilet access when travelling.

36 Edinburgh airport remains cutting edge with the purchase of innovative wheelAIRS for disabled passengers

A scheme to help you employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.

Read about the successful trial of the wheelAir cooling backrest cushions.

74 Disability Employment Advisors

42-44 What’s Rebound Therapy?

Getting assistance and advice on returning to the workplace.

A phase coined by the founder, Eddy Anderson in 1969.

78-81 Introduction: Higher Education

46-47 The Remarkables Hear our stories...

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66-69 Disability Confident

A fantastic opportunity to study a subject you enjoy, taking your education to a higher level.

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DISABILITYNEWSBEAT Why River Island hires seven-year-old amputee to model new activewear

Why Adam Hills is still waiting for The Last Leg’s impact Adam Hills says the real impact of 2012’s The Last Leg won’t be seen until 2020, adding it “accidentally” broke barriers about disability.

Hills, who fronts the Channel 4 show, says it put the “awesome” Paralympic athletes centre stage, while getting laughs from moments like “the blind guy who misses the long jump and lands on someone”.

“If all you’re doing is pointing out the funny in the Paralympics then you’re mocking disabled people,” he says.

A seven-year-old double amputee from Birmingham has been chosen by River Island to model the high street store’s latest activewear collection for children. Daisy Demetree had both of her legs amputated when she was 18 months old due to a birth defect.

She started modelling six months ago after she was signed to Zebedee Management, an agency which specialises in clients with disabilities. River Island hires seven-year-old amputee to model new activewear.

Since then, she has taken part in a number of childrenswear campaigns and has walked the catwalk at London Fashion Week. In addition to modelling, she is also a keen gymnast. “Daisy is a wonderful example to us all that no matter what life throws your way we can choose to make the best of it,” said Zebedee director, Zoe Proctor.

“But if you’re celebrating them as well, then you’re covering both bases, you’re being balanced.”

The show, which also features Alex Brooker and Josh Widdecombe, started out as a comedic wrap-up of the day’s events at the Paralympics.

They “accidentally broke down a few barriers”, Hills explains, adding: “We didn’t set out to, that wasn’t our plan, but we knew that would be a side effect of doing what we did.”

Rio was next to host the games in 2016, but Hills explains this wasn’t enough time for 2012 to have an impact.

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“She and all our other models are our passion and our drive and the reason we work so hard behind the scenes, so we can help make dreams become realities for some of the best people we know.” It was Demetree’s father, Alex, who first proposed the idea of modelling to his daughter after he saw someone from Zebedee speaking about the agency on ITV’s This Morning programme.

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Major retailers have backed the launch of the UK’s first “accessible shopping day” Purple Tuesday, to be held on 13 November, is being led by Purple, the social enterprise formerly known as Essex Coalition of Disabled People. It has secured backing from businesses and organisations including Asda, Barclays, Argos, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, The Crown Estate, the British Retail Consortium, and Hammerson, which owns Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre, and has been endorsed by the government.

As well as endorsing and promoting Purple Tuesday, every organisation that signs up must make at least one long-term commitment aimed at improving the experience for their disabled customers, such as introducing regular “quiet hours” for neurodiverse shoppers. Purple will provide retailers that sign up with a training kit to help staff feel confident in assisting disabled shoppers.

It believes there are a “vast array” of adjustments that can be made by retailers that will have a “significant impact”, and many – like the training kit – can be introduced quickly. Any business or organisation that interacts with disabled customers can sign up to Purple Tuesday, which will also promote the need for accessible retail websites.

Earlier this year, a report co-authored by Adams, Leading From The Front, found the estimated value of the “purple pound” – the collective spending power of disabled people in the UK and their families – to be £249 billion a year.

The report said that three-quarters of disabled people had walked away from a business because of poor disability awareness – costing businesses £420 million a week – while inaccessible websites and apps cost £11.75 billion in lost revenue in the UK in 2016. It also pointed out that fewer than one in 10 businesses have a defined strategy for targeting disabled consumers.

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Ministers are refusing to commission work that would cost just £125 and would show how many disabled people are in fulltime paid employment, and how that number has changed under successive Tory-led governments.

Ministers, including the current work and pensions secretary Esther McVey, have repeatedly boasted of how their policies have led to an increase of hundreds of thousands of disabled people in work, including a rise of nearly 600,000 between April 2013 and June 2017.

But those claims are based on figures provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which includes in its measure of “employment” people who are in part-time work, are selfemployed, and those in government-supported training and employment programmes. This means there are no published government figures that show how many disabled people are in full-time paid employment, and how that number has risen or fallen under successive governments since 2010.

To try to find those statistics, Disability Review Magazine (DRM) submitted a freedom of information request to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), asking for figures for each of the last 10 years for how many disabled people were in full-time, paid jobs. DWP replied that “this information is not held by the department” and suggested that DRM approach ONS instead.

ONS also said that it did not have that information but explained that it would probably take its experts less than half a day to produce them from existing sets of data, and that it would charge £125 (plus VAT) to do so. When passed this response and asked why Sarah Newton (pictured), the minister for disabled people, had so far shown no interest in producing these figures – and whether she would now commission the necessary work from ONS – a DWP spokeswoman declined to answer.

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LIFE IN A WHEELCHAIR

Wheelchair Wheelchairisisan anenabler, enabler, not nota adisabler. disabler.

while improving the lives of others also. What most people don’t Livingiving life in a wheelchair can be happen in a few different ways. Sometimes life in a wheelchair can be realise is that the need for a difficult however, it is definitely not it can happen quickly, with an illness difficult however, it is definitely not wheelchair can happen in a few or an accident. Other times the need of impossible.

Simply ask the millions impossible. Simply ask the millions different ways.

Sometimes it can a wheelchair happens gradually.

Either of people who are doing so every of people who are doing so every with an illness or anthe way, thequickly, process for learning to accept single Thekey keyisistoto come to with happen single day. day. The come to terms Other timesnot theenemy need depends of a wheelchair as a friend terms with your injury, with and accident. your injury, deal with yourdeal frustration happens gradually.

Either on the person and their drive to make the your and learn that to you wheelchair then frustration learn to handle thethen challenges bestthe of the situation. way, process for learning to handle the from challenges that you might might face a physical and emotional accept the wheelchair as a friend not face from a also. physical and perspective Accept theemotional fact that you Heredepends are a few tips that and can enemy on the person won’t be ablealso. to doAccept some of the the things perspective fact that their drive makewith the best of new the life help youtodeal your youwon’t once did you of canthe still you be but ablerealise to dothat some situation. in a wheelchair. do many only dream things youthings oncethat didothers but realise that Here are a few tips that can help you deal of. After all, each personthings brings unique you can still do many that with your new life in a wheelchair. life experiences and strengths their others only dream of. Aftertoall, each ACCEPTANCE rehabilitation process, use those experiences person brings unique life ACCEPTANCE to add value to your life while improving the The first challenge is to overcome your experiences and strengths to their limitation.

Your mind has to accept lives of others also. What most people don’t Tmind’s he first challenge is to overcome rehabilitation process, use those the fact that your life has Your changed. realise is that the need for a wheelchair can your mind’s limitation. mind experiences to add value to your life

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has to accept the fact that your life has changed. Acceptance doesn’t mean you Acceptance doesn’t mean you have to On Tuesday, you may choose to have to give up on all hope, especially give up on all hope, especially if you are reconnect with other friends. On if you in arephysical engaged in physical engaged therapy.

Instead,therapy. it is a choose to reconnect with other friends. On Wednesday, you might choose to Instead, a healthy way to develop healthy wayittoisdevelop a healthy and more a Wednesday, you might choose to read about other people’s healthy and more outlook on aboutread positive outlook on thepositive usage of the chair in other people’s experiences to see experiences to see how they coped thelife. usage of the chair in your life. your how they coped with the situation, etc. with the situation, etc. baby steps The important thing is to take The important thing is to take baby BABYSTEPS STEPS toward accepting the situation.

BABY steps toward accepting the situation.

It takes formind yourand mind and It takes timetime for your body to body GET HELP to adapt the situation.

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On Tuesday, with others inyou themay same Don’t be afraid to ask for help. situation. w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

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Fitness advice for wheelchair users As a wheelchair user, getting active will bring you important health benefits and can help you manage daily life, too.

Regular aerobic exercise – the kind that raises your heart rate and causes you to break a sweat – and muscle-strengthening exercise are just as important for the health and wellbeing of wheelchair users as they are for other adults.

Whatever your preferences and level of physical ability, there will be an activity or sport for you.

Physical activity doesn't have to mean the gym or competitive sport, though these can be great options.

Activity can take many forms and happen in many places.

To improve your health, try to choose activities that improve your heart health and muscle strength.

For general health, all adults aged 19 to 64, including wheelchair users, are advised to do: • at least 150 minutes a week of aerobic activity, plus • strength exercises on two or more days a week Don’t worry about hitting these targets straight away: it’s more important to do something active that you enjoy.

Why you should get active Regular physical activity is good for physical and mental wellbeing, and can be a great way to meet new people.

Find out more in the Benefits of exercise.

Using a wheelchair can make it more difficult to do cardiovascular physical activity that raises your heart rate.

Manoeuvring or pushing a wheelchair can also put particular pressure on certain muscles in the upper body, making strains or other injuries more likely.

Muscle-strengthening exercises can help you manage your wheelchair in daily life and avoid these kinds of ailments.

What kind of activity?

The kind of activities that are right for you depend on your level of physical ability and the types of activity that appeal to you.

Your aim might be to improve certain aspects of physical function to help with daily life.

Or you may be seeking improved fitness, or involvement in competitive sport.

Whatever your level of physical ability and confidence, there are activities you can do to improve fitness.

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Cardiovascular exercise

There's a range of options available for taking cardiovascular exercise in a wheelchair.

The aim is to raise your heart rate and be warm enough to break a sweat.

You should be slightly out of breath: enough that you can still hold a conversation, but not sing the words of a song.

If you're unused to exercise or you haven't exercised for some time, aim to start with 10-minute sessions and gradually build up towards 20 minutes.

Activity ideas: • • • • • •

swimming sitting exercises wheelchair workout wheelchair sprinting – in a studio or at a track using a rowing machine adapted for wheelchair use wheelchair sports such as basketball, netball and .. ....badminton

Get started

There are various ways to learn more about activities that are right for you and find local facilities.

Parasport is an organisation dedicated to helping disabled people get involved in sports – use the Parasport self-assessment wizard to find the right sports for you.

The English Federation of Disability Sport runs the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI), a scheme that ensures gyms are suitable for use by people with disabilities. Find a local IFI gym at the English Federation of Disability Sport website.

Your local recreation centre must ensure it provides access to wheelchair users, according to the Disability Discrimination Act. If you have questions about your local recreation centre, such as what specialist equipment they have or whether there are special sessions for wheelchair users, call ahead and ask.

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Reinventing THE WHEEL

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Wheelchair basketball is one of the fastest – and fastest growing – disability sports on the planet. Simon Rushworth talked to four elite athletes boasting the best seats in the house ahead of this month’s World Championships.

The pace was something I’d never been able to experience at school,” admitted Jude Hamer. As an impressionable 15-year-old seeking a fresh challenge, she was hooked on wheelchair basketball from day one. “I loved it the moment I tried it.”

Twelve years down the line and Hamer, a veteran of the 2016 Rio Olympics, will suit up for her country at this month’s World Championships in Germany. The competition represents a key staging post on the road to Tokyo 2020 and has the potential to establish Great Britain as genuine medal contenders in Japan.

“We’re training with our sights set on a podium finish,” added Hamer. “In the group stage the Dutch will be a threat and the Americans are a big unknown.

But we are heading to Hamburg in search of a medal.”

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If Hamer boasts the experience and confidence synonymous with a seasoned senior international, then Peter Cusack is still learning the trade.

But the ambitious teenager is the face of British wheelchair basketball’s bullish new breed and suggests the sport’s future remains in safe hands.

“Through TASS I was able to receive lifestyle support which helped me to plan ahead to the busy exam period and recognise when I would have time to relax.”

“I’ve just begun training with the GB senior squad,” explained the Coventrybased star, who narrowly missed out on selection for Hamburg. As a gold medal winning member of GB’s Under 23 World Championship squad his time will come. “That was my biggest achievement to date,” he added. “I love the sport. I tried everything as a kid but basketball was my favourite. After a few weeks I was hooked.”

Hamer and Cusack might be at opposite ends of their elite athlete journeys but both share a common passion for a sport that never fails to deliver. “It’s so fast paced and challenging,” added the former. “I love that you have to give 100% every time to reach your best and that there’s always something new to learn.” Cusack concurred. “It’s a genuinely fun sport that also helps you to stay fit and healthy,” he added.

"Basketball is so inclusive and allows people of all abilities to compete easily together.”

Inclusive it may be. But reaching the summit of any sport relies on dedication, focus and a programme of support that continues to develop the potential of disability athletes across England. Hamer is one of several members of GB’s Germanybound roster who rose through the international ranks while committing to full-time education. “I graduated from Worcester with a Biochemistry degree after I completed a foundation year at Loughborough,” she explained.

“I have ambitions to work in clinical biochemistry and cancer research so being able to study at the same time as I played basketball was hugely important.”

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Kayla Bell, who graduated from Worcester University with a BSc in Business Psychology, echoed her GB team-mate. “I’ve always been very academic and always wanted to go to university,” she said. “To study and train was the best of both worlds for me.”

Both Bell and Hamer were supported by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) – a Sport Englandback programme part-funded by the National Lottery and established to encourage a dual-career approach to sport Cusack is new to the scheme but has already felt the benefit of a programme designed to offer wideranging benefits on and off the court.

“I think I used to get too emotionally involved in the sport,” he added.

“When I was playing badly - or if things weren’t going right - I could often lose my temper. Learning to control that was hard. TASS offers lifestyle support that helps athletes to focus and find a balance. I think finding time to socialise and relax can be difficult. When all of your free time is dedicated to sport you don’t often let your hair down. TASS helps me to strike the right balance.”

I’d encourage young people to play wheelchair basketball as it can be a great outlet for so many people for so many different reasons.

Cusack has accepted a place at Sheffield Hallam University to study Sport and Exercise Technology this year and heads to the Steel City confident in the knowledge that TASS will continue to support his sporting dreams and assist with his academic ambitions. Bell, set to star in her first senior tournament this summer, vividly recalls the unique pressures facing emerging elite athletes and the 22-year-old added: “When I first started on TASS I was in year 11 - meaning that I had to deal with juggling my exams and revision with the demands of training and competing.

“Through TASS I was able to receive lifestyle support which helped me to plan ahead to the busy exam period and recognise when I would have time to relax. I found this extremely important because it allowed me not to stress

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and overload myself. “Without that support I think I would have ended up sleep-deprived and not getting the results I wanted - either on or off the court.” Bell and Hamer will be joined in Hamburg by another TASS alumna – two-time Paralympian Laurie Williams. The 26-year-old, who studied social psychology at Loughborough University, only has one thing on her mind ahead of what promises to be a pulsating competition in Germany.

“The Dutch are definitely the biggest challenge in our group,” she explained.

“They beat us in the bronze medal game in Rio and won gold at last year’s European championships. They are a team to be reckoned with. But our target is to make it into a medal game. We have been working all year to prepare ourselves for these matches and we believe we can make the podium.”Bell agreed. “I’d say that in our pool, the team that poses the greatest threat is the Dutch. They have some dominant high pointers that make them so effective in offence – that’s difficult to stop when they get going and gain momentum. At the moment our focus is on getting to a semi-final and then we take it from there.”

All three players agree that medal glory in the World Championships can be the catalyst for long-term success as Britain’s wheelchair basketball programme continues to grow. “In any sport when an individual or team does well they tend to get increased media coverage,” added Bell. “That helps to promote the sport and helps to get more people involved and excited to see the sport. I’d encourage young people to play wheelchair basketball as it can be a great outlet for so many people for so many different reasons. For some people it can be the only sport they really connect with and for others it helps them socialise outside of school.

It can help open up new doors for young people, whether that be through volunteering within a club and at events or helping others get active. And when you think you have learnt all that you can, you have only just begun!”

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Helping to prepare for the winter Recent news reports say we could be in for the coldest winter of the decade and while no one likes the cold, some people are far more affected than others, especially older people or those living with a disability. Here, Living Made Easy offers advice on staying warm during the cold snap.

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ecent news reports say we could be in for the coldest winter of the decade and while no one likes the cold, some people are far more affected than others, especially older people or those living with a disability.

Here, Living Made Easy offers advice on staying warm during the cold snap.

Older people in particular lose body heat faster than they did when they were younger and it’s important to maintain body temperate. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (98.6°F) – letting your body temperature drop below 35°C can lead to serious conditions such as hypothermia.

There are a number of things you can do to keep warm, and while choosing the right clothing plays an important part, you should also consider how your home is heated and insulated, your lifestyle, finances and the general environment.

Here are some helpful hints: It can be expensive to use your home’s heating system as your sole means of keeping warm. It can also mean that the temperature is too hot for other people in the house. Grants are available through the Warm Front Scheme to help you install appropriate

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heating and insulation measures to your home.

There are eligibility criteria for these grants. At night while you sleep, your body is less able to control its temperature, and you may have your heating switched off. Warming your bed with hot water bottles or an electric blanket for a few hours before you get in will help you maintain your body temperature overnight. While clothing helps you maintain your body heat, it does not generate heat for you. Getting dressed in a warm environment and keeping your clothes near a radiator can help.

Older people in particular lose body heat faster than they did when they were younger and it’s important to maintain body temperate.

Some gentle exercise before getting dressed can also help, as it helps generate body heat and improves circulation. Eating warm meals can help you feel warm and maintain your body temperature. Drinking hot drinks throughout the day, and before you go

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to bed, will also help you stay warm.

Hand warmers and heat pads are readily available, and may be a good idea to use if you are outside for a long period. They can also be used to warm up shoes before you put them on.

Many older people or those living with a disability can have restricted vision which can make monitoring a room temperature very difficult. There is a wide range of environmental thermometers, clocks with integrated room temperature announcing software and temperature alert devices, all of which have been designed to help people ensure they keen their home at a safe level of warmth during the winter.

‘The colder weather can cause serious health problems, especially for older people,’ says Ed Mylles, Interim Director at Living Made Easy. ‘And we are committed to helping people to find the right bit of equipment whenever they may need it.

Our website, Living Made Easy, offers impartial advice on staying warm and also carries a wide range of daily living aids and clothing that can help you to look after yourself and stay well during the winter months.’ www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

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We’re here to help you stay well this winter Some important information from the NHS to help you stay well this winter

www.nhs.uk/staywell

Richard Pile, GP

Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health.

That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

Flu is very infectious and spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with warm water and soap, and bin used tissues as quickly as possible. Catch it. Bin it.

Kill it.

You are eligible for the free flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are aged 65 years or over, have a long-term health condition (check which conditions are eligible), or are a carer. Children aged 2 or 3 years are also eligible.

Ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about the free flu vaccine.

Read more at https://www.nhs.uk/staywell

Why flu vaccination is important for people with long term health conditions

Flu on top of any long term health condition can easily develop into something very serious, and you could end up in hospital. You are eligible for the free flu jab if you have the following conditions: • COPD, bronchitis, emphysema or asthma • Heart disease • Kidney disease • Liver disease • Have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) • Diabetes • Lowered immunity as a result of disease or medical treatment, such as steroid medication or cancer treatment • A neurological condition, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, or a learning disability • A problem with your spleen, including sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed • A BMI of 40 or above (seriously overweight) Don't put it off – contact your GP or pharmacist to get the flu jab now. It's free because you need it.

“The free flu vaccine is, without a doubt, worth having. I'd advise everybody who is eligible to have it. Make time to go. Prevention is always better than cure, and you'll actually save time by not getting ill!” Rob Jones Editor Disability Review Magazine

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Winter Fuel Payment for 2018 to 2019 (Help with Heating Costs) A Guide to the 2018 to 2019 Winter Fuel Payment, a lump sum for heating costs for the elderly and pensioners to help them keep warm in winter

Introduction Your Circumstances

Born on or before 5 August 1953

Aged 80 or over in the qualifying week

You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify)

£200

£200

You qualify and get one of the benefits listed*

£200

£300

You live with someone under 80 who also qualifies

£100

£200

You live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies

£100

£150

You qualify and live with your partner or civil partner and they get one of the benefits listed*

Nil**

Nil**

You qualify but live in a care home and don’t get one of the benefits listed*

£100

£150

You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 August 1953. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You should get your money by Christmas. You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).

If you qualify but don’t get paid automatically, you’ll need to make a claim. This payment is particularly helpful for low income disabled people. or older people and pensioners. The government pay it and it is tax free for those who fit the eligibility criteria (see to the right).

How much is paid: How much you get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2018 to 2019 is 18 to 24 September 2018. Any money you get is tax-free and won’t affect your other benefits. * Benefits: Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA),

Are you eligible?: You’ll qualify for Winter Fuel Payment if: You were born on or before 5 August 1953 (for winter 2018 to 2019 - this date changes every year).

You’ll be living in the UK throughout the week of 18 to 24 September 2018.

You may be able to get the payment if you live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country and you have a genuine link with the UK.

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support ** Your partner getting the benefit will get the Winter Fuel Payment on your behalf. All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid

You can’t get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK.

into an account, eg a bank account.

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When you won’t qualify You won’t qualify if throughout the week of 18 to 24 September 2018 you: •

Are in prison

•

Are in hospital getting free treatment for more than 52 weeks

•

Need permission to enter the UK and don’t qualify for help from the Department for Work and Pensions

•

Have lived in a care home for the previous 12 weeks or more and get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance

•

Lived in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain

•

Change of circumstance

Contact the office paying your benefits - their details are on any letters they sent you. Most Winter Fuel Payments are paid automatically. Write to the office that pays your Winter Fuel Payment if you want to cancel it.

How to claim a Winter Fuel Payment: •

You can’t claim Winter Fuel Payment for 2018 to 2019 after 31 March 2019.

You need to claim Winter Fuel Payment if you’ve not had it before and either of the following apply: •

You don’t get benefits or a State Pension

•

You only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or Child Benefit

•

You can still claim Winter Fuel Payment if you receive a State Pension and you live in Switzerland or an EEA country (except for Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain)

If you’ve claimed before You should get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically from the organisation that pays your benefits. Contact them if you have any questions or there’s a change in your circumstances.

You can find their details on any letters they’ve sent you. Claiming for the first time by phone, Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to claim by phone.

Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Telephone: 03459 15 15 15 Telephone from outside the UK: +44 (0)191 218 7777 Textphone: 0345 606 0285 Textphone from outside the UK: +44 (0)191 218 7280 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

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Y! E N O M SAVE

Money saving tips and discounts for disabled people Some companies and organisations offer discounts for disabled people and their carers - read on to find out what you could save either at home or out and about.

Council Tax reduction You might be entitled to a discount on your Council Tax if you have to live in a larger property than you would have needed if you were not disabled.

It’s called the ‘Disabled Band Reduction Scheme’.

For example, you build an extension on your property to create a wheelchairaccessible bathroom. This increases the size of your property and pushes your property into a higher Council Tax band. However, because the extension was built to create a more accessible home, you can get your Council Tax bill reduced so that you pay the same as you did before the extension.

No VAT on disability equipment or adaptations If you have a long-term illness or you’re disabled, you might not have to pay VAT on disability equipment or building work to adapt your home.

Cap on water bills If you have a water meter, you use a lot of water because of your condition, and you’re on certain benefits you might qualify for capped water bills.

Discounts on leisure activities Free cinema tickets for friends and carers. You can apply for a card from the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) that gives one free ticket for anyone accompanying you to the cinema.

Discounted theatre tickets and free tickets for carers Lots of theatres offer discounted tickets for disabled people. Some also reserve seats for wheelchair users and allow carers in for free.

Check with the theatre when you’re booking tickets to find out what they offer.

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Free admission for carers at National Trust and English Heritage properties Both the National Trust and English Heritage give free entry to companions or carers of disabled visitors.

The disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee or membership. To save having to ask for free entry at a National Trust property, you can apply for an ‘Access for All Admit One Card’ in advance.

Concessions at public libraries Some libraries offer the following services at a reduced rate or free of charge to disabled people: • Overdue books • Computer access • Audio and visual material.

This varies from one local authority to another.

Free admission for carers at football matches Some clubs offer this to fans with disabilities and their carers. Check with your local club to see if they do.

If in doubt, ask All sorts of places – from the amusement park to the zoo and everywhere in between offer concessions, but don’t always advertise them. It’s worth asking – you’ve got nothing to lose.

Money saving travel tips There are lots of discounts for disabled people and carers on everything from car costs and parking, to rail fairs and bus passes.

Proof of disability Some of the deals available for disabled people will specify that to qualify you need to be ‘registered disabled’ without making it clear what this means.

There is no such thing as a register for disabled people. A copy of your award letter from the Department for Work and Pensions showing that you are eligible for disability benefits is normally accepted as proof that you’re disabled if you are ever asked. Alternatively you could show a copy of your blue badge or your disabled bus pass.

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Don’t be shy “Wherever I go, my first question is, ‘Are there concessions for disabled people or carers?’

More times than not, there are.”

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WANT ONE D R M I S S U E : W I N T E R 2 018

WANT ONE OF THES E?

LIVING AIDS Over the counter or online products available now.

Clinell Antibacterial Hand Wipes Clinell Antibacterial Hand Wipes are the most effective antibacterial hand wipes on the market. They clean and disinfect hands in one easy step unlike alcohol gel rubs which sanitise hands but are unable to clean them. Using a patented formula developed by medical doctors, they work in 10 seconds, killing at least 99.999% of germs. Developed for frequent use, they are ideal for patients’ food trays and for healthcare professionals in the field. Clinell Antibacterial Hand Wipes are dermatologically tested, containing aloe vera and moisturisers to help maintain healthy skin.

RRP £5.78 Amazon

Adjustable Curved Overbed/ Chair Table This height and width adjustable table is designed to provide a large usable work surface. The curved profile is particularly useful for those in an armchair or wheelchair. Wood effect laminated table top with raised trim to prevent items rolling off. Powder coated steel frame with 4 braked castors.

Cast and Bandage Protector This is the adult-size Cast and Bandage Protector in the short leg fitting. It is a light, waterproof covering that allows the user to bathe without damaging their dressings. It is designed to cover the ankle and lower leg to just below the knee and it has a flexible seal at the top that prevents the ingress of water. It is re-usable and may be used either in the bath or shower.

RRP £9.35 Complete Care Shop

Playing Card Holder A simple yet effective cardholder! Designed to be used by people who have a poor grip.

The cardholders consist of two plastic discs held together by a spring.

By simply placing the cards in the holder and turning the disks, the cards will form a perfect fan.

RRP £8.34 Aids4Mobility

Easy Get Up Chair Support Standing aid, ideal for getting up from chairs, couches, beds and more.

RRP £27.99 Stress No More

RRP £99.99 Argos

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OF THESE?... the the EDITOR’S EDITOR’S PICK PICK

the EDITOR’S PICK

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CompleteKitchen W

The highly versatile Kitc CompleteKitchen Workstation.

CompleteKitchen Workstation. proportioned food prep Thetford Porta Potti Qube portable toilet features a range of addit The highly versatile Kitchen Workstation is a well Purchased for mypreparation mother who has severe The highly versatile Kitchen Workstation is a well proportioned food board that also specifically designed to ord Porta Potti Qube portable toilet proportioned food preparation board also disabilities andofhas limited spacethat in have herthat features a range additional aids been array of those day to day etford Porta Potti Qube portable toilet hased for my mother who has severe featuresfor a range oftoadditional aidsThis thatisahave bedroom bespoke equipment. specifically designed help the user with widebeen workstation features a c rchased mylimited mother whoinhas severe Qubearray ilities andfor has space herPotti specifically designed to help the with Thetford Porta fabulous andday she facility touser use this ainwide a of those tohas daythe kitchen tasks.

The hold food for preparatio sabilities and hasequipment. limited space in is her oom for bespoke This array of those dayato day kitchen tasks.

The workstation features clamp that can be used to discreet environment, which is neat and small bread for cutting etc or portable toilet droom bespoke equipment. ous andfor she has the facility to useThis thisisin a workstation features a clamp that for cancausing be used to hold foodto forsitpreparation, vegetables slicing, enough beside her bed without bowls, jars or bottles in bulous andPurchased she has the facility usehas this in a eet environment, which neatto and hold preparation, vegetables for slicing, bread forfood cutting etchazard. orCompleteKitchen could used sturdy to hold for myismother who small severe disabilities and has a problem orfor trip It be is very and Workstation has a scrubbing brush a screet environment, which is neat and small equipment. gh to sit beside bed without causing bread etc or could used to limitedher space in her bedroom for bespoke This bowls, jarsfor orcutting bottles in when place.

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It hold is easy that are easily removed The highly versatile Kitchen Workstation ough or to trip sitis beside her without causing blem hazard.

It bed isshe very sturdy and fabulous and has the facility to use this inhas a discreet jarsand orbrush bottles in The workstation alsois a well proportioned a scrubbing and aplace. small group of spikes, to bowls, clean, fill empty and the products used surface that can be used food preparation board that also features a range of additional neat and small enough to sit has beside problem trip hazard.

It isisvery sturdy and not tip ororenvironment, move whenwhich being used.

It is easy scrubbing brush andnot a emitting. small grouponofits spikes, that areacertainly easily removed when required, inside stops odours aids that have been specifically designed to help thefirmly user with keep in position f bed without causing aused. problem or easy trip hazard. It is very es not orempty move when being It is an, fill tip andher and the products used thatnot arelook easily removed when not required, on its surface that can be used to firstly andtothen atoilet wide array ofclean those day day kitchen tasks.handed The workstation Does like a when closed. sturdy and does not tip or move when being used.

It is easy peeling and pre fill and empty andemitting. the products used eclean, certainly stops odours surface can befeatures used firstly clean and then keep firmlythat in position fruit to or vegetables one a clamp that canfor be used to hold food for preparation, to clean, fill and empty and the products used inside certainly slicing box also suppli side emitting. not certainly look like astops toiletodours when closed. keep firmly in position fruitfororAslicing, vegetables forcutting one etc or could be used is peeling and preparation. grating and vegetables bread for to stops odours emitting. Does not look like a toilethanded when closed.

RRP £61.99 Amazon mounted securely on th oes not look like a toilet when closed. hold bowls, jars orcan bottles also has handed peeling and preparation.

A grating andThe workstation slicing box is also supplied and this be in place.

RRP £61.99 Amazon Workstation, £61.99 Amazon a scrubbing brush andKitchen a small slicingsecurely box is also supplied and can be group of spikes, that are easily allowing e mounted on the surface of this the when notof required, on its surface that canslicing be usedof to food item and RP £61.99 Amazon mounted securely on theone surface the Kitchen Workstation, allowingremoved easy handed grating firstly clean and then keep firmly in position fruit or vegetables the hygienic collection b andWorkstation, slicing of food items with benefit of allowing easythe oneadded handed grating for one handed peeling and preparation. A grating and slicing workstations raised corn the and hygienic collection box.

The final is the of slicing of foodbox items with the feature added is also supplied and thisbenefit can be mounted securely on the spreading butter, marga workstations raised corner lip that makes the hygienic collection The finalWorkstation, feature isallowing the easy surfacebox. of the Kitchen one handed onto a slice spreading butter, margarine, jam or other spreads workstations raisedgrating corner thatofmakes andlip slicing food items with the added benefit of theof bread an hygienic collection The final feature is thekeeping workstations ontospreading a slice of butter, bread an almost effortless task, the bread secur margarine, jam box. or other spreads raised corner lip that makes spreading butter, margarine, jam Represen keeping the bread securely in one place during the onto a slice of bread an almost effortless task, entire process. or other spreads onto a slice of bread an almost effortless entire process. valueplace for money, keeping the Representing bread securelyreal in one during the the Kitchen Workstation task, keeping the bread securely in one place during the the entire Kitchen Workstation is a trulyreal multifunctional process.

Representing value for money, kitchen aid that not only entire process. Representing real value for money, the Kitchen kitchen aid that Workstation not only simplifies, but reduces the Kitchen is a truly multifunctional the risk, of a wide range Workstation is a truly multifunctional kitchen aid that not only the kitchen risk, of aaid wide of kitchen tasks and is thatrange not only simplifies, but reduces simplifies, but reduces the risk, of a wide range of kitchen tasksby the elde ideal for use ideal useof byathe elderly, the disabled or those and is ideal for use bytasks the elderly, the disabled or those with theforrisk, wide range of kitchen and is with arthritic or similar or similar conditions. withideal arthritic or by similar conditions. for use thearthritic elderly, the disabled or those with arthritic or similar conditions.

RRP £39.95 Complete Care Shop RRP £39.95 Comple RRP £39.95 Complete Care Shop RRP £39.95 Complete Care Shop Spill Proof Cup Spill Proof Cup Spill Proof Cup Spill proof drinking cup Cup SpillSpill proofProof drinking cup that eliminates messy spills a eliminates messy spillsAand spill proof Spill proof drinking cup that drinking cup that increases confidence eliminates increases confidence eliminates messy spills and messy spills and Has easy grip handle, stu increases confidence. Has an Has increases easy grip confidence handle, sturdy screw easy grip handle, sturdy screw on on lid and uses disposab on lid uses disposable strawsscrew Hasand easy grip handle, sturdy lid and uses disposable straws. on lid and uses disposable straws RRP £9.99 Drivedevilbiss RRP £9.99 Drivedevil RRP £9.99 Drivedevilbiss Healthcare Healthcare RRP £9.99 Drivedevilbiss Healthcare

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Supra C500 Police Accredited Keysafe Stores up to 6 keys

Five year guarantee

Approved by multiple large home insurance companies Mechanical push button system with over 4,000 possible combinations Police accredited and certified to LPS1175 'As secure as your front door'

Light weight and tactile Two-way, clear and audible conversation with the responder Simple to use online platform

For more information, contact us: The Key Safe Company 24 The Furlong Berry Hill Industrial Estate Droitwich Spa | WR9 9AH t: 01905 770 333 f: 01905 797 773 e: marketing@keysafe.co.uk www.keysafe.co.uk

Calls multiple people at the same time with one press of the button Can be used in 28 European countries Charged in 2 to 4 hours, once every 3 days

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WHERE CANES FALL, DANGER LURKS… But Help is ‘At Hand’ with The Dropmenot Universal Cane Holder!

We hear some things so often that we cease to notice them. They become the background noise of life. The sound of a falling walking stick is like that; in hospitals, in the home, post offices, the bank, a place of work - or any public convenience that ever existed.

But behind the inconvenient clatter, there is real danger. For someone who relies on a walking stick, cane or crutch, bending down to retrieve it injects the risk of falling. And falling costs society dearly. As an example, NHS Improvement reports that “based on data submitted to the NRLS, around 250,000 falls were reported in 2015/16”. That was only relating to in-patient falls. Conditions like osteoporosis increase the likelihood of a fall resulting in ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ harm.

INCLUSION AND UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY Aside from reducing risk of injury, we have an obligation – legal and moral – to consider the needs of people with disabilities when it comes to access to services. Anyone using a walking stick will tell you that it becomes an ‘encumbrance’ when you need both hands available – at the toilet, a reception desk, waiting room or at a cash machine.

WHERE THE HYGIENIC DROPMENOT CANE HOLDER FITS IN

Holder is an innovation, designed specifically to reduce the likelihood of canes falling and, in turn, prevent falls.

Originally manufactured for use in public buildings (where umbrella users also get the benefit of them), these cane holders come with anti-bacterial protection that lasts for the life of the product. They can be screw-fixed to ‘high-traffic’ areas like counter fronts (fixings included) or provided with heavy-duty, self-adhesive pads for home use.

For small quantities, people can buy direct from Dropmenot’s website at www.dropmenot.co.uk. Corporate enquiries – or enquiries about becoming a distributor - can be made to info@dropmenot.co.uk

The Dropmenot Universal Cane

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Lifeline Keep independent with Redbridge Lifeline...

The London Borough of Redbridge Lifeline and Telecare Service has been helping residents to live independently in their own home for over thirty years. If you experience a medical emergency or if you are concerned about bogus callers, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We can usually arrange installation within 24-48 hours of receiving your application and our engineer will attend to install a Lifeline Alarm at a time and date convenient to you.

To ensure that the Ambulance Service or a member of our Visiting Response Team can deal with your emergency without delay, you will need to nominate at least two key-holders living within a ten-minute drive of your home. If no family or friends live nearby, then a key-safe can be fitted.

There is a small weekly charge, but you may be entitled to some funding from Adult Social Services.

Further information can be obtained by calling the Control Centre on 020 8708 5897 or visiting www.redbridge.gov/lifeline

Lifeline and Telecare The London Borough of Redbridge Lifeline and Telecare Service has been helping residents to live independently in their own home for over thirty years. If you experience a medical emergency or if you are concerned about bogus callers, help is available at the press of a button 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You may be an eight year old with Asthma, a forty year old with a health issue, or an active eighty year old with a few ailments and a family member who just worries about you living alone.

To ensure that the Ambulance Service or a member of our Visiting Response Team can deal with your emergency without delay, you will need to nominate at least two key-holders living within a ten minute drive of your home. If no family or friends live nearby, and neighbours can’t help, then a key-safe would be necessary. This can be fitted by yourself or the Service can supply and fit one for you.

How does it work?

Our engineer will attend to install a Lifeline Alarm, similar to the one pictured above, and provide you with a radio pendant to wear on your wrist or around your neck. A press of the pendant will activate a call to the Control Centre and will open two way communication between yourself and the receiving Officer who will obtain the most appropriate assistance in the circumstances.

Lifeline Visiting and Response Team Our Visiting Response Team are fully First Aid trained, and are available from 6.30am to 11.00pm. They carry equipment especially designed to help lift a person from the floor and will attend to assist if you have fallen but don’t need medical assistance.

How much does it cost?

If you receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Income Support or Pension Credit, of your Lifeline will be funded

by Adult Social Services. Otherwise there is a small weekly charge, currently £4.64 per week.

Further information can be obtained by calling the Control Centre on 020 8708 5897

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“Specialists in vehicle adaptions for people with disabilities”

v v v v v v v v v v

Hand Controls Drive from the Wheelchair Auto Adapt Platinum Dealer On site service available FREE advice 3 Year warranty on PBC products 20 years experience Left foot accelerators Radio remote systems Annual service reminders

We have three demo vehicles Call for friendly service and free advice on: 01525 850588 • www.pbconversions.co.uk

PB Conversions, Unit 1&2 Clipstone Brook Ind Est, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4GP t: 01525 850588 e: pbconversions@aol.com

Try dressage!

Riding can be great therapy with many possible health benefits.

Why not give dressage a go?

Working with the RDA, find out more including how to get started at: www.britishdressage. co.uk/para_equestrian

C&S seating

22 Theaklen Drive Ponswood Industrial Estate Hastings East Sussex TN38 9AZ 01424 853331 info@cands-seating.co.uk www.cands-seating.co.uk

Products designed and developed to aid basic postural management.

T Rolls T Rolls are used to control position of the body in supine lying.

See our web site for our full range of postural control & support products.

Alternative Positioning Support The APS is designed for use where more control of the abducted lower limbs is required.

Made in UK

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25/05/2016 10:00

Waterproof Bedding Made Beautiful

At Platinum Beauty we believe that the products that you use should be practical, beautiful and as comfortable as possible. Each of our pretty and decorative lines has been designed to coordinate round the home so that the person needing to use them feels uplifted and positive about themselves. Discreet and made with care and attention each product comes with care and attention to detail designed in.

Our beautifully soft and pretty 100 % Waterproof Bed Linen is lovely to sleep on and you will only feel the normal softness of the Poly Cotton Fabric against your skin, as the Waterproof Lamination is underneath. They are perfect for those that might suffer from incontinence, long term illness, excessive perspiration or as a mattress protector against leaks and spills. We know that choice and quality and discretion is hugely important and this is why our products look and feel so luxurious.

The beautiful 100 % Waterproof Bed Linen is available in Single Duvet Sets ( inc 1 x Pillowcase ) and Double Duvet Sets ( inc 2 x Pillowcases ) in three gorgeous designs : Pink Peony - Gardens, Yellow Waterlily - Zen and Blue Swallow - Uplifting.

Coordinating Waterproof Fitted Sheets are available in Singles and Doubles in the Pink, Blue and Yellow, and available in Singles, Doubles and King Size in the Blue. We have the Waterproof Pillowcase Sets in Blue which is perfect for those that might dribble while sleeping.

We always recommend our super soft Absorbent Washable Bed Pads are used with the bed linen to absorb up to 2 litres of liquid at any one time.

Washable at high temperatures and suitable for tumble drying.

Beautiful and luxurious Occasional Chair Commodes are available in the same three pretty designs and we are proud to say they are Made In The UK by expert furniture makers. Discreet and comfortable no one would ever know they were sitting on a beautifully crafted commode and they match the bed linen perfectly, creating a lovely and uplifting environment.

We are proud at how beautiful our ranges look and feel.

We are proud at how beautiful our ranges look and feel. https:/platinumhealthandbeauty.com / Tel : + 44 ( 0 ) 1474832217 Email : nicky.pearson@platinumhealthandbeauty.com

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Independence & comfort

through standing

The Genie V2 has been designed with the users everyday needs in mind, providing upper and lower body support to allow washing, air circulation and vital relief from pressure pain.

Each of our standing wheelchairs is custom built to suit your requirements, from made to measure upholstery to one off customised adaptions nothing is too much when it comes to your comfort and independence.

• • •

Enhances quality of life Removes boundaries Independence, dignity & mobility

Visit www.geniewheelchairs.co.uk Brought to you by

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or call 01952 610 300 to arrange a demonstraaon

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Changing Places toilets help Changing Places toilets help y D R M I S S U E : W I N T E R 2 018

Travelling is a popular past-time, but people with The consortium, however, is encouraged by the disabilities often have to think of many factors when for Transport’s recent Inclusive Travelling is a popular past-time, but people with The Department consortium, however, is encouraged by the preparing for their travels – and one such consideration Transport Strategy, which noted the importance of disabilities often have to think of many factors when Department for Transport’s recent Inclusive is accessfor to their toilets.

For around a quarter of a million Transport Changing Places toilets, encouraging transport preparing travels – and one such consideration Strategy, which noted the importance of hubs in toilets. the UK For whoaround need help with of transferring such as railway andencouraging bus stationstransport to install hubs Changing is people access to a quarter a million on toChanging Places toilets, the toilet, or who need help changing, a normal toilet is Places toilets, and announcing a fund of £2 people in the UK who need help with transferring on to such as railway and bus stations to install Changingmillion to not a suitable Theychanging, need access to a Changing support ofamore at motorway the toilet, or whooption. need help a normal toilet is Places toilets,the andinstallation announcing fund facilities of £2 million to Places toilet, which provides a hoist, adult-sized service stations in England.

This is a huge success for not a suitable option. They need access to a Changing support the installation of more facilities at motorway changing enough spaceadult-sized for a larger thestations campaign after years Changing Places toilet,bench whichand provides a hoist, service in England.

Thisofiscalling a hugefor success for wheelchair and carers.

Places toilets at these services.

Particularly notable is changing bench and enough space for a larger the campaign after years of calling for Changing the recent work of campaigner Zack Kerr, whose pewheelchair and carers.

Places toilets at these services. Particularly notable is The sparsity of Changing Places toilets can make it tition calling to action attracted the recent work ofproviders campaigner Zack Kerr, whosemore pe- than difficult to plan a day out or a trip away, although the 140,000 supporters The sparsity of Changing Places toilets can make it tition calling providers to action attracted more than Changing Places toilet map, which can be found online, difficult to plan a day out or a trip away, although the 140,000 supporters aims to Places make ittoilet easier by finding facilities en route If you are looking for reviews of venues or holidays, a Changing map, which can be found online,or at your destination.

Changing Places has a long history of few canreviews help, asofwell.

Blogger Emma aat aims to make it easier by finding facilities en route or at If you arewebsites looking for venues or holidays, campaigning for fully accessible toilets in transport hubs simplyemma.co.uk loves travelling and your destination. Changing Places has a long history of few websites can help, as well. Blogger Emmahas at put and, as a result, 14 accessible UK airports now in have these facilities. together a wealth of travelling reviews, advice campaigning for fully toilets transport hubs simplyemma.co.uk loves and hasand putfirst-hand Some, like Heathrow, Manchester and Stansted, have accounts of accessible travel.

She has reviewed and, as a result, 14 UK airports now have these facilities. together a wealth of reviews, advice and first-hand several, travel more hassle-free.

The campaign several services for those travelling Some, likemaking Heathrow, Manchester and Stansted, have accounts of airports’ accessiblesupport travel. She has reviewed has taken root in some countries abroad as well, so it with wheelchairs.

On her blog, you can also find a range several, making travel more hassle-free. The campaign several airports’ support services for those travelling is possible toinfind Changing Places toilets in Ireland, reviews forOn hotels, accessible days out. has taken root some countries abroad as well, so it withofwheelchairs. her blog, you canholidays also findand a range Spain, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, is possible to find Changing Places toilets in Ireland, of reviews for hotels, accessible holidays and days out. although it is best to check withand the New national campaigns Another good resource is Euan’s Guide Spain, Germany, Canada, Australia Zealand, before travelling find out exactlycampaigns they are and Another (euansguide.com), is aGuide crowd-sourced review although it is best totocheck withwhere the national good resource iswhich Euan’s whether they have any access requirements, such as a website. It features ratings review of before travelling to find out where exactly they are and (euansguide.com), whichaccessibility is a crowd-sourced different key. restaurants and other venues in the UK whether they have any access requirements, such as a website. It features accessibility ratings of as well as abroad.and Youother can even become reviewer yourself if you different key. restaurants venues in the aUK as well as Some railway stations also have Changing Places toilets,abroad. wantYou to can contribute to the awebsite . yourself if you even become reviewer which can often be in the town centre as well,toilets, want to contribute to the website.

Some railway stations also have Changing Places providing a conveniently located Changing which can often be in the town centre as well, Places toilet for daytime exploring.

However, out of more providing a conveniently located Changing Placesthan toilet2,500 Enjoy a day out with stations in the UK, just 12 have a registered Changing for daytime exploring. However, out of more than 2,500 Places in toilet – less 0.5%.a It’s not enough, which is Enjoy a day out with toilets Changing Places stations the UK, justthan 12 have registered Changing why the Changing Places Consortium, which oversees Places toilet – less than 0.5%.

It’s not enough, which is Changing Places toilets the campaign, is calling for at least one toilet in every why the Changing Places Consortium, which oversees Even though we are far from achieving complete town, and is is also emphasising need forinchanges the campaign, calling for at leastthe one toilet every to of are the far UKfrom in terms of Changing Places toilet though we achieving complete legislation to make Changingthe Places mandatory inEvencoverage town, and is also emphasising needtoilets for changes to provision, their growing availability means several fun new largetopublic buildings.Places toilets mandatory in coverage of the UK in terms of Changing Places toilet legislation make Changing days out aregrowing possible across the UK. These provision, their availability means severalare funjust a new large public buildings. few suggestions and far from an exhaustive list. days out are possible across the UK. These are just a Nic Bungay, director of campaigns, care and few suggestions and far from an exhaustive list. information at Muscular Dystrophy UK, which Nic Bungay, director of campaigns, care and co-chairs the Changing Places Consortium, says: information at Muscular Dystrophy UK, which If you like theme parks, a few provide Changing Places “Without to Changing Places toilets, over a co-chairs theaccess Changing Places Consortium, says: toilets.

Fans of chocolate will likeChanging Cadbury Places World in If you like theme parks, a few provide quarter access of a million peoplePlaces who have severe “Without to Changing toilets, over a Birmingham, which also provides plenty of seasonally disabilities are faced withwho a choice of not going out or toilets. Fans of chocolate will like Cadbury World in quarter of a million people have severe themed special events.

For those looking for a bit of which also provides plenty of seasonally being changed on awith toilet floor. By building disabilities are faced a choice of not goingmore out orChang-Birmingham, magic, Harry PotterFor Studios a greatfordestination, also themed special events. thoseislooking a bit of ing Places toilets, we can tackle the exclusion many being changed on a toilet floor.

By building more Changfeaturing seasonal themes and a Changing Places toilet. magic, Harry Potter Studios is a great destination, also disabled peoplewe face. ing Places toilets, can tackle the exclusion many Altonseasonal Towers, Thorpe Barry’sPlaces Amusements featuring themes Park and aand Changing toilet.

“We will not rest until Changing Places toilets become disabled people face. in Portrush,Northern Ireland, are classic amusement Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Barry’s Amusements commonplace across the UK, and we will continue to “We will not rest until Changing Places toilets become parks offering different Altonamusement Towers even has two in Portrush,Northern Ireland,rides. are classic push for changes legislation to will continue to commonplace acrosstothe UK, and we Places toilets. parksChanging offering different rides. Alton Towers even has two ensure this becomes reality.”to push for changes to legislation Changing Places toilets. ensure this becomes reality.”

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p you get to your destination ppyou youget gettotoyour yourdestination destination I S S U E : W I N T E R 2 018

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Swansea might also be worth a visit. If you’re a Swansea might also be worth a visit. you’re a museum buff, definitely look up yourIf Swansea might also be worth a visit.

Iffavourite you’re a museum buff, definitely look up your favourite Swansea also be worth amap visit. you’re museums onmight the Changing Places toIffind outa museum buff, definitely look up your favourite museums on the Changing Places map to find out museum buff, definitely look up your favourite whether it has a Changing Places toilet.

Cardiff or Glenn museums on the Changing Places map to find out whether it hason a Swansea Changing Places toilet.

Cardiff or Glenn museums the Changing Places map to find out Vivian Gallery in might whether it has a Changing Places toilet. Cardiff or Glenn Vivian Galleryit in Swansea might whether has a Changing Places toilet.

Cardiff or Glenn Vivian Gallery in Swansea might Vivian Gallery in Swansea might also be worth a visit. If you’re a museum buff, definitely also be a visit. If museums you’re a museum buff, definitely look up worth your favourite on the Changing Places also be worth a visit. If you’re a museum buff, definitely look up your favourite museums on the Changing Places also be worth a visit.

If you’re a museum buff, definitely map to find whether it has a Changing Places toilet. look up yourout favourite museums on the Changing Places maplook to find out whether itmuseums has a Changing Places toilet. up your favourite on the Changing Places S IO D map to find out whether it has a Changing Places toilet.

U TTER ST DIOS HARRY PO U ST map to find out whether it has a Changing Places toilet.

ER Spring seems far away right now, but if you’re already T T O S YP HARR ER STUDIO Spring seems far when away right now, butwill if you’re HARRY POTT making plans for the weather warm already up again, Spring seems far away right now, but if you’re already ER STUDIOS T T O P Y R R A making plans for when the weather will warm again, H Spring seems far away right now, but if you’re already there are some townswill thatwarm up making plans forlovely whenseaside the weather up again, there are some lovely seaside towns that If you prefer active days out, perhaps a water making planslovely for when thetowns weather will warm up again, provide Places toilets on their promenades. there areChanging some seaside that If you prefer days out, perhaps a water in provide Changing Places toilets ontowns their promenades. park more active your thing.

Sandcastle Waterpark there are some lovely seaside that If youisprefer active days out, perhaps a water This includes popular destinations Bournemouth and provide Changing Places toilets on their promenades. park is more your thing.

Sandcastle Waterpark in This includesChanging popular Places destinations Bournemouth and you prefer active days out, perhaps a water provide toilets on their promenades.

Blackpool provides a fabulous Changing Places Felixstowe. parkIf is more your thing.

Sandcastle Waterpark in This includes popular destinations Bournemouth and Blackpool provides a fabulous Changing Places Felixstowe. park is provides more thing.

Sandcastle Waterpark This includes popular destinations Bournemouth and toilet, which hasyour won the people’s choice award in Felixstowe.

Blackpool a fabulous Changing Places toilet, which has won the people’s choice award Blackpool provides a fabulous Changing Places Felixstowe.

If this time of year you’re more in the mood for festive for Changing Places two years running now. toilet, which has wontoilets the people’s choice award If this time year you’re more in the festival mood for festive for Changing Places toilets two years running now. events, Kewof Christmas lights might be toilet, which has won the people’s choice award If this time ofGardens year you’re more in the mood for festive Sandcastle Waterpark also two provides quiet/sensory for Changing Places toilets yearsarunning now. events, Kew Gardens Christmas lights festival might be Sandcastle Waterpark also provides a quiet/sensory If this time of year you’re more in the mood for festive worth a visit, and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has foras Changing toilets two years running Kew Gardens Christmas lights festival might be room well as aPlaces ‘quietalso start’ where first hournow. events, Sandcastle Waterpark provides athe quiet/sensory worth a visit, and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has events, Kew Christmas lights might rented mobile Changing Places toilet forfestival this year. room asday well as a ‘quiet start’ thea first hour worth aavisit, andGardens Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has be Sandcastle Waterpark also where provides quiet/sensory of each noise-reduced. room as wellisas a ‘quiet start’ where the first hour rented a mobile Changing Places toilet forWonderland this year. has worth a visit, and Hyde Park’s Winter of each is noise-reduced. roomday as well as a ‘quiet start’ where the first hour rented a mobile Changing Places toilet for this year. of each day is noise-reduced. a mobile Changing Placesatoilet forventhis year.

• rented If you want to find out whether certain of each day is noise-reduced.

• If you want to find Places out whether a certain venue has a Changing toilet or would like • If you want to find out whether a certain venhas a Changing Places toilet or would like ven•ue If you want to find outthe whether a certain more information about Changing Places ue has a Changing Places toilet or would like more information about the Changing Places ueinformation has a Changing Places toilet or would toilets at the above-mentioned venues, take like more about the Changing Places toilets at the the above-mentioned venues, more information about thetoilet Changing Places a look at Changing Places maptake at: toilets above-mentioned venues, take achangingplaces.uktoiletmap.org. look at the Changing Places toilet map at:take toilets at the above-mentioned venues, a look at the Changing Places toilet map at: changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org. a look at the Changing Places toilet map at: changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org. changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org.

CADBURY W CADBURY WORLD CADBURY WORLD O LD CADBURY R WORLD

Popular Cornwall destinations the Eden Project and the Popular Cornwall destinations the Eden Project the Lost Gardens of Heligan provide Changing Placesand toilets.

Popular Cornwall destinations the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan provide Places toilets.

Popular Cornwall destinations theFolly EdenFarms Project and the A range of popular family farms, Changing like Lost Gardens of Heligan provide Changing Places toilets.

A range popular farms, likeChanging Folly Farms Lost of Gardens offamily Heligan provide Pembrokeshire, are also fully accessible. zoosPlaces and toilets.

A range of popular family farms, like FollyIfFarms Pembrokeshire, are also fully accessible.

If zoos and A range of popular family farms, like Folly Farms wildlife parks are more your thing, Wingham Wildlife Pembrokeshire, are also fully accessible. If zoos and wildlife parks are more your thing, Wingham Wildlife Pembrokeshire, are your also fully accessible.

IfWildlife zoos and Park in Kent, Drummond Safari Park in Stirling, wildlife parksBlair are more thing, Wingham Park in Kent, Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling, wildlife parks are more your thing, Wingham Wildlife Scotland, Noah’s Zoo FarmSafari in Bristol Park in Kent, BlairArk Drummond Parkor inWest Stirling, Scotland, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol or West Park in Kent,Park Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling, Midland Safari be worth a visit.

Scotland, Noah’s Arkmight Zoo Farm in Bristol or West Midland SafariNoah’s Park might be Farm worthinaBristol visit. or West Scotland, Ark Zoo Midland Safari Park might be worth a visit.

Midland Safari Park places might be worthespecially a visit. as the Museums can be great to visit, Museums can be great places to visit, especially as theA days are getting and the a bit colder.

Museums can beshorter great places to weather visit, especially as the days are andplaces the weather aespecially bit colder. canshorter be great to range of getting museums guaranteed suitvisit, different tastesasA daysMuseums are getting shorter and thetoweather a bit colder.

Athe range of are museums guaranteed tothe suit different tastes days getting shorter and weather a bit colder.

A now provide Changing Places toilets.

This includes the range of museums guaranteed to suit different tastes now provide Changing PlacesMuseum toilets.

This includes the range of museums guaranteed to suit different tastes Tate Modern and the Postal in London as well now provide Changing Places toilets. This includes the Tate Modern andChanging the Postal Museum in London as wellthe now provide Places toilets.

This includes as the V&A Dundee.

St Fagans National History Tate Modern and the. Postal Museum in London as well as the St Fagans National TateV&A Modern and Postal Museum ininLondon as well Museum in Dundee.

Cardiff or..the Glenn Vivian GalleryHistory as the V&A Dundee.

St Fagans National History Museum Cardiff or Glenn Vivian Gallery inHistory as thein Dundee. . St Fagans National Museum inV&A Cardiff or Glenn Vivian Gallery in Museum in Cardiff or Glenn Vivian Gallery in w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

What are Changing Places toilets?

What What are are Changing Changing Places Places toilets? toilets?

• What Changing Places toilets make life easier for those are Changing Places toilets?

• Changing Places toilets make life easier for those •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

who need Places supporttoilets transferring from a wheelChanging make life easier for those who need support transferring from wheelchair to a toilet, or who need to be changed •whoChanging Places toilets make lifea for those need support transferring from a easier wheelchairwho to a toilet, or who need to belarger changed throughout thesupport day, by transferring providing toilets a wheelchair to aneed toilet, or who need to be from changed throughout day, or by providing larger toilets with specialist equipment, including a hoist and chair to the a toilet, need to be changed throughout the day, bywho providing larger toilets with specialist equipment, including a hoist and an adult-sized changing bench. the day, by including providing alarger withthroughout specialist equipment, hoist toilets and an adult-sized changing bench.

The Changing Places Consortium was founded with specialist equipment, a hoist and an adult-sized changing bench.including The Changing Places Consortium founded in 2006 to campaign for Changing Places toilets an adult-sized changing bench.was The Changing Places Consortium was founded in 2006 to campaign for Changing Places toilets the UK. The consortium’s co-chairs are •around The Changing Places Consortium was founded in 2006 to campaign for Changing Places toilets around the UK. The consortium’s co-chairs are Muscular Dystrophy UK and PAMIS. in 2006 to campaign for Changing Places around the UK. The consortium’s co-chairs aretoilets Muscular Dystrophy UK and PAMIS. You can find more about the around the UK.information The co-chairs are Muscular Dystrophy UKconsortium’s and PAMIS. You can find more information about the campaign at: changing-places.org.

Muscular Dystrophy UK and PAMIS. You can find more information about the changing-places.org.

Across UK, there 1,183 registered •campaign Youthe canat: find moreare information about the campaign at: changing-places.org.

Across the UK, there are 1,183 registered Changing Places toilets. campaign at: changing-places.org.

Across the UK, there are 1,183 registered Places Out of more than 2,500 in the •Changing Across the UK,toilets. theretrain are 1,stations 183 registered Changing Places toilets.

Out of more than train Changing stations in the UK,Changing just 12 have a2,500 registered Places toilets.

Out of more than 2,500 train stations in Places the just 12 more have a0.5%. registered Changing toiletOut – less than than •UK, of 2,500 train stationsPlaces in the UK, just 12 have a registered Changing Places toiletUK, – less 0.5%.

Only pubs, or cafésChanging across the just than 12restaurants have a registered Places toilet 17 – less than 0.5%.

Onlytoilet 17 pubs, cafés across the whole registered Changing Places –have lessrestaurants than 0.5%.or Only 17UK pubs, restaurants or cafés across the whole UK17have registered Changing •toilets.

Only pubs, restaurants or cafésPlaces across the whole UK have registered Changing Places toilets. whole UK have registered Changing Places toilets. toilets.

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With my partner’s disabilities, we thought we could never again enjoy a holiday away from home…

Then we found out about MAISON DES LANDES HOTEL in sunny Jersey!

Maison des Landes is a licensed hotel catering exclusively for disabled guests and their families and carers.

Open from April to September RATES per person per day include full board accommodation, daily excursions and tours plus transfers from airport or port and return

CONTACT US NOW FOR DETAILS

St Ouen, Jersey JE3 2AA Tel: 01534 481683 Email: contact@maisondeslandes.co.uk Website: www.maisondeslandes.co.uk

for 10% off oting u readers q !* DR182

Call 0303 303 0145

The holiday you deserve,

not just the care you need

Accessible excursions Live entertainment Daily in-house activities 24h on-call nurse-led care Fully accessible facilities Full board included Financial support available† Email bookings@revitalise.org.uk

Visit revitalise.org.uk

PLEASE SEND ME MY FREE REVITALISE HOLIDAY BROCHURE

Please complete the form below and return in an envelope to: Freepost REVITALISE HOLIDAYS (No stamp or any other address details required)

NAME: ADDRESS: POSTCODE: TEL NO:

DR182 We would like to continue sending you our holiday brochures, special offers and latest news.

By post: Yes No By phone: Yes No By email: Yes No

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Discover our three holiday centres located in Chigwell, Southampton and Southport: Jubilee Lodge

Netley Waterside Sandpipers House

*Please contact our Bookings Team for full terms and conditions. †Subject to eligibility.

Registered Charity No. 295072.

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• • • • • • •

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8 accessible luxury lakeside lodges in Devon 5 Caravan Club CL pitches with electric hook up Well stocked 1.5 acre coarse fishing lake Heated indoor pool (seasonal) Games Room and Free Wifi Orchard and woodland walk Dogs welcome

01409 211140 info@blagdonfarm.co.uk www.blagdonfarm.co.uk

WINTER THEATRE SEASON Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

SUMMER THEATRE SEASON Globe Theatre

Year-round guided tours and exhibition Public talks, workshops and events for all

access@shakespearesglobe.com 020 7902 1409

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Edinburgh airport remains cutting edge with the purchase of innovative wheelAIRS for disabled passengers Following a successful summer trial, Edinburgh Airport have purchased wheelAIR cooling backrest cushions from Edinburgh-based mobility dealer FastAid Products for customers with wheelchairs to use whilst in the airport.

W

orking with OmniServ, the UK’s leading airline and airport assistance services provider, Edinburgh Airport are committed to improving the experience for passengers requiring special assistance.

Feedback from the trial revealed that passengers found the wheelAIR to significantly improve their airport experience because of the extra comfort provided.

“Listening to passenger’s feedback is very important to us at OmniServ,” commented Tracey Scott, Training and HR Advisor, “and the feedback from the wheelAIR trial certainly exceeded expectations. It is clear that this product is going to be life-changing for so many wheelchair users.

In fact, one person enjoyed using the wheelAIR so much that they took it from the airport… without our permission I might add!”

OmniServ are a forwardthinking travel operator committed to finding the newest technologies to deliver outstanding service to their customers. At Edinburgh Airport, they accommodate for up to 350 disabled passengers per day and sometimes up to 10 per flight.

The service provider already works with well-known disability charity Whizz Kids Edinb to make a real and urgh lasting difference for di sabled airport to disabled pass F

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people’s experience of travel. Being the first airport to purchase the wheelAIR, OmniServ and Edinburgh Airport remain cutting-edge in their service offering for disabled passengers.

The wheelAIR was designed in Scotland by Corien Staels in 2015. Using in-built fan technology, it cools the back and reduces the user’s core temperature by taking away excess heat and moisture. This allows for instant comfort and better temperature control. The cushion also offers extra support through a unique blend of carefully selected foams. The cushion is retailed in Scotland by FastAid Products, part of the John Preston Group.

Being the first airport to purchase the wheelAIR, OmniServ and Edinburgh Airport remain cutting-edge in their service offering for disabled passengers. wheelAIR brand ambassador Michael Kerr has travelled through Edinburgh Airport often due to his former career as a professional wheelchair rugby player. He said: “I have always found Edinburgh Airport to be very accommodating and offering the wheelAIR would seem the next natural step to improve their customer service for wheelchair users.”

Corien Staels, Managing Director of wheelAIR, commented: “We have embraced the opportunity to work with Fast Aid, Edinburgh Airport and OnmiServ on this project. We want to keep the conversation on accessible travel active, as well as make sure wheelchair using passengers have the most comfortable airport experience possible.

We look forward to helping other airports and solution providers follow their lead.”

rema enger in cuttingedge s with w purch ase of ith service of f innova tive w eringw w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k charity heelA W IRs disable hizz Kids to m d peop a k e a re le

ollowin purcha g a successfu se ls Edinbu d wheelAIR c ummer trial, oo rg Ed custom h-based mob ling backrest inburgh Airp DI SAB ILIT RhEVI EW ort hav ilityMAGA ersYwit cuEshion dealer ZIN e s from wheelc F a s tAid hairs to Workin use wh Products for g with il s t in the air OmniS assista por erv n

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including rollators, braille and audio guides and ear defenders. All assistance and hearing dogs are welcome at The Deep.

Hulls award winning aquarium, The Deep is just a 5 minute walk from Hull Marina. Home to over 5000 animals including the UK’s only Green sawfish, spectacular sharks, rays, Loggerhead sea turtles and a colony of Gentoo penguins, it offers a great day out for visitors with access or additional needs. Committed to accessibility for all, The Deep undertake regular reviews of the wide range of aids and information available to ensure an accessible fun day out.

The Deep was named Runner Up in the Visit England Inclusive Tourism Award 2017. It has also been awarded Gold in the National Enjoy England Awards - Access for All category 2011, and Silver in the Enjoy England Award in the Access for All Category, 2009.

The Deep has its own car park on site with disabled parking available, nearest the entrance. Parking is free of charge to blue badge holders. Disabled toilets, with emergency call alarms, are available on every level of the building.

The design of The Deep has incorporated a gentle slope through the whole attraction making it accessible to everyone. Wheelchairs (including electric) are available to hire free of charge, along with a variety of walking aids

The Deep is proud to be able to offer a new for 2018 Changing Places facility, which meets the needs that a standard accessible toilet cannot. It provides more space and extra equipment allowing users and their carers to use the toilet safely and comfortably.

The room includes a bench, hoist, adjustable basin and mirror, centrally placed toilet and privacy screen. Along with fantastic coral reef murals to create an interesting space.

The Changing Places facility is open to any who need it, not just those visiting The Deep and can be found on the Ground Floor near the lifts. It can be accessed using a radar key, which our reception staff can provide if you don’t have your own.

Join us on the 1st Tuesday of each month (TERM TIME ONLY) for Tranquil Tuesdays. From 3pm until closing the lights will be brighter and the audio turned down, creating a tranquil environment for our visitors. This event is perfect for those who prefer to visit a quieter and peaceful environment.

To find out more information about The Deep’s Changing Places facility and other access information visit www.thedeep.co.uk to view our Access Guide.

h

Enjoy a day out at The Deep, Hull’s award-winning aquarium. Home to over 5,000 inhabitants including Green sawfish, sharks and rays as well as Gentoo penguins.

Sss

FREE carer entry FREE disabled parking FREE hire of mobility aids FREE hire of braille and audio guides Downloadable social story and accessibility guide Discounted group rate for 10+ Gentle slopes throughout attraction

hh

h

Tranquil Tuesdays

Join us on the first Tuesday of each month (term time only) for Tranquil Tuesdays. From 3pm until closing the lights will be brighter and the audio turned down, creating a tranquil environment for visitors.

NEW Changing Places facility

thedeephull

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For more information please visit www.thedeep.co.uk, email access@thedeep.co.uk or call 01482 381000

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HelptoBuy In partnership with HM Government

Shared Ownership If you can’t quite afford the mortgage on 100% of a home, Help to Buy: Shared Ownership offers you the chance to buy a share of your home (between 25% and 75% of the home’s value) and pay rent on the remaining share.

Later on, you could buy bigger shares when you can afford to.

You could buy a home through Help to Buy: Shared Ownership in England if: Your household earns £80,000 a year or less outside London, or your household earns £90,000 a year or less in London.

You are a first-time buyer, you used to own a home but can’t afford to buy one now or are an existing shared owner looking to move.

With Help to Buy: Shared Ownership you can buy a newly built home or an existing one through resale programmes from housing associations. You’ll need to take out a mortgage to pay for your share of the home’s purchase price, or fund this through your savings. Shared Ownership properties are always leasehold.

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People with disabilities Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disabilities (HOLD) can help you buy any home that’s for sale on a Shared Ownership basis if you have a long-term disability.

You can only apply for HOLD if the properties available through the other home ownership schemes don’t meet your needs, eg you need a ground-floor property.

Older people You can get help from another home ownership scheme called Older People’s Shared Ownership if you’re aged 55 or over.

It works in the same way as the general Shared Ownership scheme, but you can only buy up to 75% of your home. Once you own 75% you won’t have to pay rent on the remaining share.

Only military personnel will be given priority over other groups through government funded shared ownership schemes.

However, councils with their own shared ownership home-building programmes may have some priority groups, based on local housing needs.

Applying for a Help to Buy: Shared Ownership scheme To buy a home through a Help to Buy: Shared Ownership scheme contact the Help to Buy agent in the area you want to live.

Please see over the page for your nearest agent.

FOR D L O S SALE

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Find your local Help to Buy agent Your local Help to Buy agent can guide you through the options available and explain the eligibility and affordability criteria. Help to Buy agents are appointed by Homes England.

Help to Buy agents administer the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme but not the mortgage guarantee scheme. They have the authority to give the go-ahead for you to purchase a home with help from the equity loan scheme. The agents make other key decisions during the purchase process. For the Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee, please contact the participating lenders directly.

Leeds

Manchester

Sheffield

Liverpool Birmingham

London

Help to Buy London 0300 5000996 www.helptobuylondon.co.uk

Help to Buy South West 0300 100 0021 www.helptobuysw.org.uk

Help to Buy Midlands 0345 850 2050 www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk

Help to Buy East and South East 03333 214044 www.helptobuyese.org.uk

Help to Buy North West 0300 7900570 www.helptobuynw.org.uk

Help to Buy North East, Yorkshire & the Humber 0113 8256888 www.helptobuyneyh.co.uk

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Help to Buy South 0800 456 11 88 www.helptobuysouth.co.uk

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Home, Sweet Home The UK’s chronic shortage of housing impacts people of all backgrounds. Not only is there a shortage of housing stock – only seven per cent is considered to be suitable for the 1.8 million households with accessibility needs.

As the UK’s largest housing association, Clarion Housing is dedicated to providing a variety of affordable homes to meet a whole range of requirements. For example through shared ownership we offer high quality wheelchair accessible homes within developments in some of the most sought after locations.

Shared ownership is an affordable way of getting on the housing ladder – under the scheme buyers purchase a percentage of their home to start (usually between 25% and 75%) and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.

One of these schemes is Hounslow Place, London. This development offers a new collection of high-specification one- and two-bedroom homes near the centre of Hounslow, available for Shared Ownership. Three wheelchair accessible apartments are available.

propertybooking.co.uk/hounslow-place We are also set to launch a selection of new homes at our Circus Street scheme in Brighton. The development situated within Brighton’s exciting new residential, social, cultural and economic quarter is in close proximity to the town centre.

propertybooking.co.uk/circus-street

How to get started...

Details of shared ownership schemes with wheelchair accessible homes are available on our website with links to further information on eligibility criteria and support.

SEARCH You can also search property portals that specialise in the shared ownership market such as sharetobuy.com and propertybooking.co.uk And, for those living/working inside London specifically: london.gov.uk (search for ‘Homes for Londoners’)

No matter which route you take, home ownership is a satisfying achievement for anyone at any stage of life.From young families to retired people, and those who struggle in the market, everyone deserves a good quality home. That’s why we’re here.

CONTACT myclarionhousing.com/accessiblehomes

0300 100 0309 shared.ownership@myclarionhousing.com

PD18_1362_Clarion_DRM Advert + Editorial_v05.indd 1

Accessible Shared Ownership homes available now Shared ownership provides an affordable route to home ownership for first time buyers and others unable to find a suitable home on the open market.

Clarion Housing is proud to include wheelchair accessible homes in its portfolio. Two prestigious schemes are featured here.

For more details about Clarion Housing, Shared Ownership and *eligibility criteria see the article below and also visit:

myclarionhousing.com/accessiblehomes

10/10/2018 13:48

Hounslow Place, London

Ideally situated on London Road in a beautifully designed modern apartment complex, each Hounslow Place apartment has its own garden and parking space. Nearby Hounslow East Underground station offers step-free access and is only 30 minutes from Zone 1 [Source: Transport for London] – the perfect opportunity for professionals, couples or first-time buyers.

Circus Street, Brighton

Eight beautiful wheelchair accessible apartments are coming soon to this stunning development of 28 homes. Located within Brighton’s exciting new residential, social, cultural and economic quarter, Circus Street is near the town centre and all that the south coast has to offer.

*Eligibility checks apply. Details correct at the time of going to press.

Images displayed are location-based or computer-generated-images and may not correspond exactly to the available homes described on this page.

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By Paul V Kaye and Eddy Anderson

WHAT IS REBOUND THERAPY? The phrase ‘Rebound Therapy’ was coined by the founder, Eddy Anderson in 1969 to describe the use of trampolines in providing opportunities for movement, therapeutic exercise and recreation for people across the whole spectrum of special needs.

unique properties of the trampoline offer ample opportunities for everybody to enhance movement patterns. The work is intrinsically motivating and enjoyable and returns high value in therapeutic terms for the time and the effort involved.

That sums it up in essence, but let us examine the trampoline and its properties in more detail:

R REBOUND THERAPY? ebound Therapy is used to

facilitate movement, promote balance, promote an increase or decrease in muscle tone, promote relaxation, promote sensory integration, improve fitness and exercise tolerance, and to improve communication skills. It is popular in special needs schools and is becoming increasingly popular in mainstream schools with a special needs unit; partly because the trampoline is a piece of apparatus that virtually all people, regardless of their abilities, can

access, benefit from and enjoy.

The representative body for Rebound Therapy is ‘ReboundTherapy.org’ who state that in addition to the benefits listed above, it is an ideal vehicle for cross curricular teaching activity; with the potential for teaching such things as numeracy, colour recognition, positioning (left, right, backwards, forwards, clockwise and anticlockwise), communication, social awareness and consideration of others. They further state that the

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE TRAMPOLINE

1

Unique, three-fold effect on body organs, systems and muscles: A) weight increases and decreases to the point of weightlessness B) there is acceleration from stillness to varying speeds C) there is deceleration from varying speeds to stillness.

ned by describe

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and to

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nd

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ntial olour

They f the

Katie Simpson-Smith who has quadriplegic CP with her mother Julie and Shirley Kaye, a Rebound Therapy trainer and course tutor

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energised, has the potential for lifting a body into space. The amount of energy

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deceleration and in the control of movement required when gravity is in effect reduced, as

and saving reactions can be developed. The anticipation of movement occurs because of the effects of timing, rhythm and momentum. An inhibiting or stimulating effect on muscle tone enables active movement to take place. By using good positioning and support, and appropriate and minimal

body and movement on the trampoline • Control of the trampoline • Being able to control the trampoline for someone else • Being able to carry this out safely for both the client and operator

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DRM

postural muscle tone, simply to prevent falling over. In ReboundTherapy, the effect on muscle tone hypertonia or hypotonia can be varied by the trainer. Low amplitive input (below the point of bouncing)can be effective in In addition, they must make a full and reducing muscle tone by bombarding accurate assessment, and, from that assessment, Rebound to achieve the muscleuse spindle inTherapy much the same stated goals, which, as in any other learning way as vibration can effect a decrease situation, should be in small, achievable steps. in muscle tone. High amplitude bouncing can cause is anthe increase ‘ReboundTherapy.org working Therapy in name tone for byRebound stimulating the stretch International Ltd - the official UK body receptors.

The two properties can be and international consultancy; used therefore to development increase orand decrease responsible for the provision of required. the accredited and tone where The effect of approved Rebound Therapy training thecourses. rebound activity on muscle tone Foreasily furtherbe information on in arranging can observed people a training course, visit with spasticity, either hemiplegic or www.ReboundTherapy.org or email info@reboundtherapy.org or ataxia where athetoid, or in those with telephone 01342 870543. tone can be seen to undergo change.

a w

ed

n

2 3

Storage of potential energy: As the trampoline bed is under tension with springs it is a potential energy source.

Output of energy: This varies according to the energy put in; the bed stores the input energy unto output. As in Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion. ‘For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’.

4

Potential for lifting a body into space: As a result of item (2), the trampoline bed, when energised, has the potential for lifting a body into space. The amount of energy required will relate to the weight of the body to be lifted.

5

Potential for initiating movement in a body from a distance: The input of energy can beat any point yet still produce output throughout the trampoline bed.

However, that output is most effective from the centre of the trampoline bed. The technique of ’popping’ or ‘kipping’ uses this property to initiate control and movement.

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Unstable surface: The surface, which is elasticated and under spring tension, is unstable and movement on it acts to energise the bed. Output from this movement causes the bed to

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3) Postural mechanism:

offer an active base upon which movement occurs.

Stimulation by bombarding the sensory systems through joints, muscles and skin can improve the output to the important postural muscles.

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Damping: This is the absorption of the energy of the bed by the body. It is achieved by taking up some of the energy of the bed through flexed hips and knees. 8) Variable surface: The surface is changeable and can be deliberately arranged to enhance symmetry and to promote symmetrical weight-bearing, thus encouraging balance.

4) Balance mechanism: In creating a dynamic movement situation, so challenging balance mechanisms, observable improvement can be achieved. This is particularly relevant when working with adults where a dynamic balance situation is difficult to create in lying, sitting or kneeling.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF REBOUND THERAPY 1) Cardio-respiratory: There is a high demand on muscles to deal with the increased gravity produced on deceleration and in the control of movement required when gravity is in effect reduced, as in acceleration, causing an increase in the respiratory rate and, subsequently, the heart rate. As a direct consequence there is an upturn in venous and lymphatic drainage. The constant muscle work required to maintain position and balance increases the demand for oxygen.

2) Muscle tone:

5) Kinaesthetic awareness: By the multiple stimulation of joints, pressure stretch receptors, skin, muscles etc, kinaesthetic awareness is improved, leading to improved body image and spatial awareness.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF REBOUND THERAPY 1) Effects on movement: Movement can be facilitated at different stages of the bounce. The most active movement takes place at the top of the bounce where acceleration of the body equals the down thrust of gravity to allow a momentary “gravity-free” zone.

In simplistic terms, trampolining generally causes an increase in

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tiny body movement producecan a large effect with importantApostural stimulation,can relaxation be obtained. correctly applied bounce. Momentum and rhythm can be added to movement teach new movement 2) Effects to onhelp perception: Body image, body Balance part awareness and skills and energise movement. and equilibrium : sense are enhanced through tactile ovement situation, socan positional reactions be achieved through stimulation and joint sensation.

Increased perception of hanisms, observable of postural mechanisms; by creating adynamic body image, spatial awareness combined ieved. Thismovement is situation, protective and saving reactions with rhythm, and movement itself, greatly n working with adults can be developed. The anticipation of movement develop co-ordination. The experience of e situation is difficult occurs because of the effects of timing, rhythm and movement into space with the return to or kneeling. momentum. An inhibiting stimulating effect provides on stability, while or remaining in control, muscle tone enables active movement to takefor place.

By an enriched learning experience the motoress: using good positioning and support, and appropriate impaired person. n of joints,and pressure minimal stimulation, relaxation can be obtained. muscles etc., s improved, leading 3) Communication: perception: and spatial2) Effects on Due to cardio-respiratory effects, vocalisation Body image, body part awareness and positional sense is increased - with exclamations and gasps. contact and and concentration are enhanced are enhancedEye through tactile joint sensation. by the "focus effect".

Increased perception of body image, spatial awareness TS OF REBOUND combined with rhythm, and movement itself, greatly t: develop co-ordination.

TheRebound experience of movement In summary, Therapy: ted at different • Isthe funreturn to stability, while remaining into space with e most active • Givesan confidence movement in control, provides enrichedin learning experience t the top of the Is usually person. achievable (with appropriate for the motor-• impaired on of the body equals targets/goal setting) to allow a • Develops fitness 3) body Communication: zone. A tiny • Gives general confidence and a feeling of a large effect with well-beingeffects, vocalisation is Due to cardio-respiratory . Momentum and increased - with exclamations and gasps. Eye contact movement to help and concentration are enhanced by the “focus effect”.

REBOUND THERAPY SKILLS FOR THE lls and energise OPERATOR equilibrium reactions In summary, Rebound In orderTherapy: to achieve effective results, the stimulation of operators must have a certain level of skill y creating a• Is fun themselves, particularly in: tion, protective • Gives in movement • Balance and co-ordination of their own be developed.

Theconfidence body and movement on the trampoline t occurs because • Is usually achievable (with appropriate targets/goal setting) • Control of the trampoline hythm and • Being able to control the trampoline for • Develops or stimulating effect fitness someone else active movement to • Gives general confidence a feeling well-being • Being ableand to carry thisofout safely for both d positioning and the client and operator and minimal

Paul Kaye, Rebound Therapy trainer and course tutor with Katie

REBOUND THERAPY SKILLS FOR THE OPERATOR

In order to achieve effective results, the operators must have a certain level of skill themselves, particularly in: • Balance and co-ordination of their own body and movement on the trampoline • Control of the trampoline • Being able to control the trampoline for someone else • Being able to carry this out safely for both the client and operator

In addition, they must make a full and accurate assessment, and, from that assessment, use Rebound Therapy to achieve stated goals, which, as in any other learning situation, should be in small, achievable steps.

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‘ReboundTherapy.org is the working name for In addition, they must make a full and Rebound Therapy International Ltd - the official UK accurate assessment, and, from that body and international consultancy; assessment, use Rebound Therapy responsible to achieve for the development and of thelearning accredited and stated goals, which, asprovision in any other situation, should be in small, achievable steps. approved Rebound Therapy training courses.

For further information on arranging a training course, visit www.

ReboundTherapy.org or email ‘ReboundTherapy.org is theinfo@reboundtherapy. working name for Rebound org or telephone 01342Therapy 870543.

International Ltd - the official UK body and international consultancy; responsible for the development and provision of the accredited and w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k approved Rebound Therapy training courses.

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Visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk/iepahub

D R M I S S U E : W I N T E R 2 018

‘The Remarkables’ In the words of Shawshank’s Andy Dufresne “There’s something inside you that they can’t get to, that they can’t touch. It’s yours. Hope”.

S

ometimes in times of trials and tribulations, it’s important to cling on to hope and it’s okay to ask for support and to seek some guidance. Having a community who understand and get you, is our nature as humans and is also our birthright.

My new web page titled ‘The Remarkables’ has been carefully and meticulously thought out to promote guidance, inspiration and hope to people who struggle with a wide range of learning difficulties and various different disabilities. I am providing this service through stories and testimonies of truly remarkable disabled people who have defied all odds and bulldozed their way through all barriers which they feel may have been holding them back and trying to discourage them from achieving what they know their purpose on this beautiful planet is meant to be. To begin with, even the word ‘disability’ in itself certainly doesn’t encourage people to get off to the most flying of starts in life does it? The language here, if you think about it, is actually pretty disabling.

If I was to actually analyse myself properly, then in western terms I would probably be seen to have ‘ADHD’. Now, does this mean that I have no hope of a promising future? Of course not, this would be ridiculous! My lack of wanting to sit still in a classroom certainly does not mean I should be plugged into a drip feed of Adderall, as the pharmaceutical companies would like to have me believe, but actually means I have a very expressive and playful nature, something which I hope comes across in my writing!

Many of the people who are ‘less able’ who I speak to, sometimes feel like they are regarded as lower class citizens by some of their more able bodied colleagues and associates. This is complete madness and to be honest could actually be called discrimination. We are living in an age where we can adjust the lighting in our hotel rooms via our smartphones, so why on earth could we not make life a bit easier for people who are supposedly less-abled? This brings me nicely on to another one of the sections my page will be incorporating, and this will be my ‘enabling tech’ section. This will be a showcase of some of the latest technology designed for assisting people with additional sensory needs and will work like a bit of a review section for these products and how they can help.

Finally, I will also be adding some encouraging and moving photos of these beautiful people, helping change able bodied people’s perceptions of them. A picture speaks a thousand words as they say.

Below I shall include a few snippets of people stories and add some fun photos for you to be inspired by. I really hope you enjoy reading, and I will see you on my page!

James

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“When I was 14, my love for fitness began at my local gym” Dawid y egan at m explained. even ss bprogressed eThis tn fi r fo e d v e lo s s y further for him, when he got the re m g , is pro as 14 ed. Ttohdo to e c “When I w awid explain n chance some work experience a ”D got the ch opportunity e n he “This was a great hthere. local gym w , im h r his was a “Ttold r fo . e h re rt e fu th for me” Dawid me,, “This n e e c ev “Thiswas meon experienbecause ld rk to o w id e I was planning doing 2 w a m e” D eltaa2Level do so m for mFitness a Lsoeyvthis y g it n n in a u o g e d rt Instructor course, laid the b ss o n p nning o great op dessergor entif rof evol ym ,4 plafoundations e s a th w I id 1 sa of my knowledge and proved top si la e s u this ot em , soI was cneahc eht hT .denialpxe diwa w I nehW“ ethat was beca uctor cours to d e D ”m v t o me able to do this as a potential g ro e dp str ar” sa . w sihT“ .erehht nehw ,mih rof rehtruygf lacol e wledge an ntial care Fitness In of my knocareer”. ne ec sihT“ ,em te ns dlot diwaD neirepxe krow emo ve is as a po foundatio th 2 leveL a ” o e d m r to o f ytinutropp s od gniod no able s a w g o taerg I n i t n Through this exciting new venture Jo n a a lp sa w I e th eht dial si ic suaceb sa hpeople tsos ,esarureal sense u empower m t w a noticed that music has the to give o t o th devorp dn c rotcurts tieced no.manages a eagn nI ssentiF o J d dthrough e ” r l re w e o e tu r n of purpose and joy, and to cut right the a s n k c o e y m fo snoit tnetop a s of plauirp g new bvegan ataml ysofenthe adnuof sedisability. a sihtseeing od ot eJo’s is yeloxvceitin It th was after re e r fitnesosplereas‘label’ th fo h lba sa w I d f g e o s u l’ ro e b g a taht “Th I was 14, mer to geivde. Tphe ro ‘l p e is and excitementewith gthahth t experience iscdelight n e pow explain ueu enthis mto m acnro “Whhaes ct hth it h t c e g d th x id ri e th e w c t t i a t o d u o g D c ” oJ erutconsideration t an ncareful after aed lirg soep nera n gniti by the v ti na,gwehsentoheere.e“Tinhgis Jwdoansa’sand local gymndr m wo uphfsome en e o esnceo id s a cxe siht h e forahim encft n , h s y e rt th l a s is l jo e fu e h e r r team at Paul’s Place, a decision made fu n e a “T t e guor elpuos ev mre,somefoc’la ebre pearis a ee xw pwas a ld e e l ‘ to v e rk It i h g o id . t to y h w w t rewop e hT“ g it a e 2 e e t u ft g a nLeto drht ththat o mbil elticxhalf araised vuse oa e”cD em ddaoin m the cash day toopay mn n s ht sah rrie g a dodsis a i r e fo e w t d u y n c it n a n o io t u thgiled s’o ing for seganam rt expe isis training csome pois naoeifor e pth d ing onlace, th o t a n t r n a e J d d la in g n p for Jo, so that she would a n a ,yoj gre n i h s tr e o c fem s retfa sa Pis laid esu m wit ecause I waat Paeu, l’sso th rae c emos re seo eafor lsuo w tI .ytilib n y o a to t rs p m e d u t e d a e f wasybth o a s to v asid c m be able to teach Zumba classes on a more te s d r y ro n s la e structo a ecneire aw t ddpa rof agre nobisaicecd a an b ea .ch Z um pxe siht h r” e nte is weleddgth i n , o e ra i c a a n c Fitness Ine coa l r k a h t a tiw l e P y s ti regular and professional basis.

“Zumba is m n m s to o ’ luaP ta m s rom oteabnle f ybaa o sessalc p oist yad t adlfatithons f to deo th aslda bpe aet eht yb is u “I’ve un u “Z foh o . a w a b is h m s t u a awesome,” said Jo. done a lot of movement d h Z le b e s hcaeteon abat t lbtoa eb d siar hsac eht flah te ssional si abmfum t I, wsaos th ao m own, thJ emy siic “ou.on ow edone atth home butthI’ve and profe ntoemusic sv tZm o r s a t a glunever hs taht os la b lo u l d a g a e n o c o re t isy n sefoin oJoanything noti tnemevoom ,oJ d dneJoacontinued nto r e a p ’v d a more e re d nsexcitedly, s “I a raluger tu r f . o like this before!” n e o rp e g v o J u v n l e p i a h n w id f t e y e o a a e n n n erom a s h o a v e d g s I’ e ,” e n e t n in c e e v o it u ’ s d la c I m b “ l x r o P , . a e e e o s Jsupport resnah“Paul’s e“P dias f th ne aw u’Il’tsuban,nincredible awe this atvsuch Placel’do yo e elP‘lsa ple ,vbeen ly wju “Through at ehr o eaPchas iveopneom osytm no e ”,emosewa ge hdcthae c’bitluenow xand “itI,eyjust tom eentwant uugto m ro l d I w th e mback. o t i ic c w x p h oh ta cisu x t n s e o s g me, to give something e e ti u u ri n d d j n eunitnoc o anon dm s th ntid ham to!”cuJto co o’s delightI w m nsae ot n esre ,,ea J ”!erofeb ra a m to b anbaegfo id J o a rt m m b o g n t m u r d p o o in Z u n c is p p e By training to lead Zumba sessions I can put the fun siht ekil Z l a p u e d th , u d s s fu a s a r e re e joliyke le e le l a l ft b o c e ib i a t to d s d g e e s u a m re inintogifor art everyone den aain yB .kcabrhere!” rcni na hcus nee rB bility. It w an inc after sobaback sntrim owfy agexercising k.ninto dis b sicrexin r ing fo gnihtemos e fo gdeciscio g baheethnis seuxpcehriencseoamnPdelath e is in o t a rc in n , a i e vig ot tnaw kcab nuf e e tr x c eto e e in wit nt to gaiv l’s rcskom u n h fo a o t P a y t s u t a b e p p s n n ac I snois tofu a am las ayestuck uatt dth se pBeing Zumba c however, has certainly bywthe te sh Iracisaend th acahwheelchair ”!enot to tein reh enoyr s s n is a le c io a b s e b a s m th e e u b s lf e ve “Z ld ha . u is o deterred Jamie from living a great quality of life and has s w a atlobn ylnia vement to atnsehehere!” tho ory troec sadown rofession not p Joe,vse m d f n o g a h t certainly dampened on his clever and witty sense in r , lo r th e gula anvyewoh riahc e donesaah dnnaeevfeil rfodoyntie oat condition nhis lely a more re said Jo. “Iof’vhumour. ehw in aabout lastruly epositive uPqh vtteiw remains ni kcuts g I’yJamie t lata ace ,” u srghcaaesrt b e , l’ m n u o w s a r, d g nieB o n n e “P a i v v y s , i r awe e l a e m ly m v h w d n e o o e l o d r c t f it h n s e e c s a i i x ir s h maJnot ju m and told me what his CP means for him.

“Because I’ve e i a I h o n fe h o d h t li w u e t d lc n o o f u a e w b e n o n r a o r e ic ti e d d e s h n ted ty n v d u lisumba iatisaotp qyluua enepmad m ao w anything meg,re to ck!” Jino cknown rt g ton yor ty ture it niaI’m Igdon’t feel any more inhibited drtZthat plipvoin w a a m .melse, l u n d s le e i a inisgbsefo i h n r t r le to e a r ec o i m ib r f d likBeeth e aJ .ruomu creie from tka. hBt y trainin snnaheis cPcourse n inm Cv rle sihI’m fo esnes restricted people.

Of not going tohbeishable c thanldeother t gmfo o e a su t u a in f b n o h t is ’ w g n b w o rc rrcehdae Jsa eeente a o in e d e bd m th e x I e mpefO e ,esle gnp dlot dna n e ho a.ecdlkpmarathon tysnitaiv giv noomt dto oitidnoc oineto a funanbhalf ua ly job ias pm nwon rea nt to htin oors wae k t.on ev’I ly nget atr ut therun in im h p a re t h r rt n d o r e a ie n t c c c fo o m esuaceB“ I i h r s a t t s s a J n e n r r a a io r. m r e a bouncer, but I think that the people o s u s f d m o l ahC etibe se aP hu!”m nur ot elb is i ea rotm oehw fe ihlnth nosnee ohfere a deo ery wehla p ot ehpand bn o’t I m who really need help t gniog to Ofyna m’I ve , ehtsupport es e ld ls t to a t e h d o t g n n n k t ’ n nevah oahnythin certainihlyt I tub , people.m’I esruo a n haven’t c so ehable condition are the ones who oehw n otherercnuo k t vewr,sheanbeen t th o eraa n a boorj a te ann hotowe tdrohpapsus d rabthaosn te I’vewtoheremain hre ic e fdlife hairras gus tr s o g lc o u e r ty a h n li a c t a a r positive as me through e e u p m o m l q e “B tuck in a inhibinritegheatdrugfreeamt sande runvwiatitistyhotpahlfsisa niapmleerwhohdoeen yllaer oa esr oaJamie oiere eckle Beingasn m ovpto om lievsimilar y frother ist b circumstances”. h v e selaaebim e t lba nee n uae o b i m l o e m a b I’ n to J o w d g d o J .p I“ ded itivth b ”seecnatsm e t oth dind gneo athe odsabout t p deterre I’tm d e o a p ly k n u m n in s tr a a e also spoke to me further uecn d th m v s ruhoim I ric’t ralimis a i . in e t o t e h a m n m u rs u m o o b u ly h h s r re o in f r, d o c w fo n e ie e a s s c c m n e n n s a cneartdae a e a n u J k e t o r o o o pmei reht tu e at P m aand a b em e th C itaat o mosur. importance of humour added rej wth isgp o rc otutfg th nf’tafekecla“I np h irroeert wn ewn eea fls eostesdaeoefjonhabudnndaatorido eres, iI sdio sng ahm shhytureally opmi yllae ba clp ro ld d O nahtro le . th h g le h T e in p w ( o ” believe it is important to crack a m th s ! e t e i i o h p s n r h n o r g r h a si ti f a io e n t d e d it i w i n h e d e v d th o o rt w e n t iv o o r o e o p it n o fu ht e creally ods thfanifnwyour ,ykculnu r or m ofot kdn nika,tin o sihunlucky, streicpkte oanto uorebasasometimes rae ra kne vooth uvoey fi few jokes and m p use I’vlee n m r s lf re o o r a o j e d o h h to ls e t e “Becean a li n s a it n ekil won e le who “I edho hib ruie m ais ore inthe eany a b ”.leJto mb dihtem w bkceab elishw piam odd foot!” referring to ceesa(This b peno gn ea adavJdee gtaton I’bm d t th ins a m o os ,enti u ’t th g r c n t k u ir o !im o in oim c e n a l t reepo r m th p h u onhe eI’pmelbaktime ea whoover of hwhen sran et Iback cearterwhile csoursilo serand som ti)!am n um e ar,enrbocum e e k broap th o jo a re w s a th im a o fe rt d an b e iopa ae.sth rocfra jot th hisaown kcwheelchair ugh and rrr ing to a tne ppo with khis ufoot t aou uc gaeb nd neede elro a e s.om fe bais h elp pnodrtsantoto a ir h re rt a k e r h d fu a iv is e m it lc e e s e e n m r n e eht.w lly really im s poperation, ” o(T neededaan kehto Jamie re p ssomething vew o t! ithw htaisuowyheeS of proving h is ow litew d afo lso e itaeis d b to remayin, th”.eJaom o o ie le d b fo “I a n d n deoofwproving es to joke uabout, be lunow se about, kind hdis ek sctaknclikes r avnedr akind etim um your ucn no mo jo nlidkseosmto ohf ehura a e s n sifimilar cir cp c e e n a n k h a his own point!) e jo rt w m o ow a ti needed a ieisnre ckJaafe mwis rag huiltethbeaimkportantetothcin ferring to bo aw hair and lc n e w e o h h w m is h n, sothe odd foot!” (T wn foot with his alltiyoim ! f proving itois perera le people b ut, kind o cky, a his o o k lu r b r n e a a u v e r o m k u n e o to jo ifpyoint!) when he ra ore r k now likes .uk for m o .c s while bac omething Jamie le b a ple! ark ,s able peo k operation at www.therem r a m e r re See youat www.theremarkables.co.uk t!)you ine k for mofor more remarkable people! pSoe bles.co.u a k r a m ere t www.th ee you a S DI SAB ILIT Y R EVI EW MAGA ZI N E w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

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Revolutionary AI-powered healthtech device gives a voice to the voiceless The EyeControl is the world’s first wearable continuous communication device, providing locked-In patients with a renewed sense of freedom.

T

he EyeControl, a ground-breaking communication device for individuals with Locked-In Syndrome, has launched in the UK, enabling patients to once again communicate with their loved ones and carers in a simple, intuitive, and innovative way.

Locked-In syndrome is a condition in which patients have full cognitive ability but are unable to move or speak, rendering communication nearly impossible. It’s a rare neurological disorder in which there is complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles except for the ones that control the movements of the eyes, making communication possible through eye movements or blinking. Conditions that can lead to the state of being locked-in include ALS and other motor neuron diseases (MND), stroke and traumatic brain injury.

The EyeControl is the world’s first AI-powered, wearable eye tracking device, enabling 24/7 immediate communication, both for emergency and social purposes, a feat that previous solutions have not addressed.

Or Retzkin, CEO of EyeControl says, “What makes the EyeControl unique is that it has the ability to provide the user with independently controlled communication.". We aim to create a simple to use and competitively priced device to give a voice back to the voiceless.

“The EyeControl introduces a new reality of accessibility for locked-in individuals to communicate with their friends, family, and carers, transforming everyday tasks for both users and their carers. Individuals are now able to communicate immediately upon waking, while in the bathroom, indoors, outdoors and even while travelling – situations that alternative devices have not been able to accommodate. We hope to inspire a new sense of

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independence for these individuals.”

Six people per day are diagnosed with MND in the UK, and up to 5,000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time. Whilst it is fairly uncommon, it is an issue that is widely known about, having been brought to light largely by Stephen Hawking.

Conditions that can lead to the state of being locked-in include ALS and other motor neuron diseases (MND), stroke and traumatic brain injury.

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EyeControl gives lockedin patients a renewed sense of independence by enabling them to constantly and easily communicate with their family, friends and carers. The screenless device utilises an innovative eye-tracking technology to offer immediate, aroundthe-clock communication, and is far simpler to use than existing devices. It provides a communication solution in crucial moments where no other options are available.

EyeControl is on a mission to provide a voice to as many locked-in individuals as possible and as such, has launched a crowd funding campaign with the aim of sponsoring devices for individuals with ALS in the UK. The company will match all support from the public to ensure that as many people as possible are gifted an EyeControl device, while ensuring that no cost is incurred by patients.

Or Retzkin adds, “We are excited to be working with local communities across the UK and with local professional organisations who are nominating members of their community to receive a device.

We also hope to raise awareness of the importance of giving these patients the independence they gain through communication devices.� w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

About EyeControl Powered by AI technology, the EyeControl is a wearable healthtech device on a mission to give a voice to the voiceless.

The EyeControl is a ground breaking communication device designed for individuals with Locked-In Syndrome - a condition in which patients have full cognitive ability but are unable to move or speak. It is intended for individuals suffering from ALS, Motor Neuron Diseases (MND), stroke and traumatic brain injury, which render communication nearly impossible.

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Severely disabled men receive compensation following Universal Credit discrimination The Government has settled a case of unlawful discrimination against two men with severe disabilities who both saw their benefits dramatically reduced when they moved Local Authority and were required to claim Universal Credit.

I

n June this year the High Court ruled that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (SSWP) unlawfully discriminated against the men who will now receive thousands of pounds in compensation after a settlement was agreed today between their lawyers, Leigh Day, and the Government.

The men, who cannot be named for legal reasons are known only as TP and AR. TP is a former Cambridge graduate who worked in the financial sector in the City and around the world. In 2016 he was diagnosed with a terminal illness; Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Castleman’s disease.

In October 2016 when he became sick he moved temporarily from London to his parents’ in Dorset but after a few months he returned to Hammersmith and Fulham, a Universal Credit full service area, on the advice of his treating clinicians in order to access specialist healthcare.

AR is 36 and suffers from severe mental health issues.

In 2017, he moved from Middlesbrough to Hartlepool, a Universal Credit full service area, as he could no longer afford the property he was living in due to the imposition of the bedroom tax.

In June this year the High Court ruled that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (SSWP) unlawfully discriminated against the men who will now receive thousands of pounds in compensation after a settlement was agreed today between their lawyers, Leigh Day, and the Government.

In a witness statement to the Court AR said: “Since moving from Middlesbrough to Hartlepool, with the consequent reduction in my benefits, my quality of life and my happiness has markedly reduced. Not seeing my family regularly contributes to my depressive/manic cycle. If you are isolated

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it means that you spiral further into a depressive cycle.”

Prior to moving, both TP and AR were in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) and Enhanced Disability Premium (EDP), which were specifically aimed at meeting the additional care needs of severely disabled people living alone with no carer.

When they moved both TP and AR were required to make a claim for Universal Credit as they moved into local authorities where the controversial new benefit was being rolled out. According to both the men, they were advised by DWP staff that their benefit entitlement would not change.

Despite repeated assurances from the government that “no one will experience a reduction in the benefit they are receiving at the point of migration to Universal Credit where circumstances remain the same” both claimants saw an immediate drop in their income of around £178 a month when they were moved onto Universal Credit.

When they asked for top up payments they were told that Government policy was that no such payments would be paid until July 2019 when managed migration would begin. As both claimants testified to the court, the sudden drop of income had a devastating impact on them, both physically and psychologically. In a witness statement to the Court TP said: “The constant money worries have made me more isolated and more depressed; both because of my social isolation and because of the anxiety. The stem-cell transplant and chemotherapy was very gruelling and the anxiety around my finances and Universal Credit has made it all a lot worse. It has made me much more tired and much more stressed. This reduction in my income came at the worst time it could have done. I know it has had a detrimental effect on my well-being and I believe it hindered my recovery as it caused me a great deal of stress.”

He will now receive a lump sum of £6,517, which is made up of £3,277 for past financial losses and £3,240 for the non-pecuniary loss. He will also receive £173.50 a month to cover the shortfall in his benefits pending “transitional protection” coming into force.

AR, who suffers from severe mental health issues, will receive a lump sum of £4,788, which is made up of £2,108 for past financial losses and £2,680 under the claim

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onto Universal Credit and an ongoing monthly under the claim relating to anxiety and distress. of money losttoasreflect a result of being up of £2,108 for past financial losses and £2,680 sum of circathey £170 future lossmoved which will He will receive a monthly payment of GBP176 to onto Universal Credit and an ongoing monthly under the claim relating to anxiety and distress.

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He will receive a monthly payment of GBP176 to sum of circa £170 to reflect future loss which will "We hope that the Secretary of State will now make up the shortfall in his benefits. be paid until further regulations come into force. without delay compensate others in will thenow same Mr Justice Lewis described the resolution of the "We hopetoday’s that the Secretary State relating to anxiety and distress. He will receive a monthly “Following hearing they willofnow receive a payment of reconsider herothers decision tosame pursue claim as “excellent news” heupalso encouraged the payment of GBP176 todescribed make the the shortfall in his benefits. damagesand for the pain and distress caused, a further paymentan without delay compensate in the Mr Justice Lewis resolution of the position reflecting the money they lost as of a to result of being against the of original finding SSWP not to as make the settlement confidential position andamount reconsider her decision pursue an claim “excellent news” he also encouraged the appeal Mr Justice Lewis described the resolution of the claim as moved onto Universal Credit and an ongoing monthly sum of discrimination. as he said it was important that the public were appeal original finding ofpaid until further SSWP not to make settlement confidential “excellent news” he alsothe encouraged the SSWP not to make circa £170against to reflectthe future loss which will be aware the of happened.

"Our clientscome alsointo call upon of State as what he saidhad itconfidential was important thatit was the important public were discrimination. settlement as he said that regulations force.

“We the hopeSecretary that the Secretary of State will now without delay compensate others in the same the public were aware of what had happened. clients also call upon Secretary of State aware of what had happened. to "Our urgently reconsider the the draft transitional position and reconsider her decision to pursue an appeal to urgently reconsider the draft transitional protection has laid down before Tessa Gregory, from the human rights team at against the regulations original finding she of discrimination.

“Our clientsfrom alsothe callhuman upon rights the Secretary protection regulations she has laid down before Tessa Gregory, team at the Social Security Advisory Committee which law firm Leigh Day, who represented the two of State to urgently reconsider the draft the Social Security Advisory Committee which law firm Leigh Day, who represented the two “Our clients also call upon the Secretary of State to men, said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of as drafted only compensate those in oururgently clients’ reconsider draftcompensate transitional protection she protection regulations she of as draftedthe only those inregulations our clients’ men,transitional said: “We are pleased that the Secretary position a flat rate of £80 a month.

State has agreed to compensate our clients for has laid to down before the Social Security Advisory Committee State has agreed tobefore compensate our clients for position to a flat rate of £80 a month. has laid down the Social Security which as drafted onlynot compensate in our clients’ "This plainly does reflectthose theactual actual loss the unlawful discrimination they they havehave suffered. the unlawful discrimination suffered.

"This plainly Advisory Committee which as drafted only position to a flatdoes rate ofnot £80 reflect a month.the “This plainlyloss does not suffered bybyour clients and thousandslike like them “Both of our of clients suffered significant hardship “Both our clients significant hardship ourloss clients and them reflect the actual suffered by thousands our clients and thousands compensate thosesuffered in our clients’ position to a suffered becausebecause of the of sudden reduction to their income compounds the treatment which like them and compounds the unlawful treatmentto toto which the sudden reduction to their income and and compounds the unlawful unlawful treatment which flat rate of £80 a month.” they have been subjected.” have when they to Universal Credit. whenwere theytransferred were transferred to Universal Credit. they they havebeen beensubjected." subjected."

Tessa Gregory, from the human rights team at law firm Leigh Day, who represented thehearing twothey men, they said: pleased that “Following today’s willare now receive “Following today’s hearing will“We now receive the Secretary of State has agreed to compensate our clients for the a payment of damages for the pain and distress a payment of discrimination damages for and“Both distress unlawful theythe havepain suffered. of our clients caused, a further payment reflecting the amountto significant hardship because of thethe sudden reduction caused,suffered a further payment reflecting amount their income when they were transferred to Universal Credit.

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Patients with spinal injuries suffer delayed discharge as NHS and Local Commissioners argue over funding equipment.

Many patients with serious spinal injuries are finding themselves stuck in hospital for much longer than necessary because of disputes between commissioners and providers over the equipment they need to go home, it has been claimed. Nearly a quarter (23%) of patients at the nine specialist spinal injury centres in England had their discharge delayed in 2016/17, NHS data shows.

The Health Service Journal (HSJ), which compiled the research, said it found the delays were often because providers and both NHS and local government commissioners, could not agree who should fund equipment. It told of one case where a patient was left in hospital for five months while he waited for the specialist equipment he needed to leave, while another waited nine months for respiratory equipment.

One clinician, who did not want to be identified, said: “Where somebody needs expensive, bespoke equipment it’s difficult to find out who is responsible for ordering that. It is a big deal.”

Spinal cord injury is the most devastating type of orthopaedic injury and with prolonged survival being the rule, discharge from hospital after rehabilitation is a highly significant step in the care of the spinal cord patient. Adjusting to life after sustaining these traumatic injuries is always difficult, which is why it is important to have the right equipment to allow patients to perform the everyday tasks we take for granted.

There are different types of equipment needed for medical and personal care such as catheterisation devices to specialist furniture, but probably the most important single piece of equipment is a wheelchair. People with tetraplegia in which both their arms and legs are impaired often need special devices to help them eat. Their abilities can range from difficulty grasping a utensil to complete paralysis of the arms and will be dependent on feeding equipment.

People with lower level spinal injuries can be independent with their daily living tasks such as toileting and showering, but will need bathroom equipment including a shower chair, tab transfer bench and a commode to assist with these tasks. People with lower level spinal injuries can be independent with their daily living tasks such as toileting and showering, but will need bathroom equipment including a shower chair, tab transfer bench and a commode to assist with these tasks.

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These injuries can also make it difficult to use technology as a result of loss of sensation in the hands and fingers. Despite the level of injury, there is a range of adaptive technology such as writing aids that can also serve as a phone dialler.

Pressure ulcers in spinal injuries also represent a challenging problem for patients from sitting or lying in the same position for a long period. Pressure relieving mattress and cushions will help reduce the build-up of heat and moisture and allow pressure to be evenly distributed along the supporting surface.

Mobility • • • • • • •

Manual lightweight wheelchair with power assist unit Powered wheelchair Wheelchair accessories Portable ramps Sliding sheet Transfer board Mobile hoist/Ceiling track hoist

Personal Care • • • •

Profiling double bed Shower/commode chair Clos-o-Mat Washing & dressing aids

Home independence •

• • • • • •

Environmental control system Door entry system Food preparation Domestic equipment Over-bed table Riser recliner chair Boiling water tap

Pressure relieving • Cushions • Mattress • Mattress topper

From our experience of dealing with spinal injury claims we know that in the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, patients are faced with significant daily challenges and that often financial matters are the least of their concerns. It is inexcusable that the equipment and services they need are not immediately accessible to these patients, to help them improve their quality of life.

Any prolonged delay in returning people with spinal injuries into the community is a waste of the combined hard work of the patient and the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Centre, and a waste of NHS investment. It is crucial that all stakeholders work together to minimise delayed discharges.

Author: Firdous Ibrahim, an Assistant Solicitor in the Clinical Negligence team at Leigh Day.

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Partners, 2018) and simply “Excellent” (Legal 500, Partners, 2018) and simply “Excellent” (Legal 500, 2017). We’re home to a large number of 2017). We’re home to a large number of barristers who are recognised as leaders in this barristers who are recognised as leaders in this field; many of whom regularly appear in the court field; many of whom regularly appear in the court of Appeal and Supreme Court. of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Parklane Plowden Chambers has the largest Parklane Plowden Chambers has the largest group of specialist Personal Injury barristers of group of specialist Personal Injury barristers of any other chambers on the North Eastern Circuit any other chambers on the North Eastern Circuit - providing clients with unrivalled choice to - providing clients with unrivalled choice to appropriately qualified and experienced appropriately qualified and experienced barristers to handle all levels and types of barristers to handle all levels and types of personal injury claims especially those who have personal injury claims especially those who have been seriously injured. been seriously injured.

Chambers is routinely ranked by the legal Chambers is routinely ranked by the legal directories for our considerable expertise in directories for our considerable expertise in personal injury law, who describe us as the personal injury law, who describe us as the “Premium North Eastern set” (Chambers & “Premium North Eastern set” (Chambers &

The ethos of our barristers and clerks is to forge The ethos of our barristers and clerks is to forge close working relations with clients to secure the close working relations with clients to secure the best possible service and case outcomes. This best possible service and case outcomes. This makes us a “favourite set for regional and national makes us a “favourite set for regional and national law firms” (Chambers & Partners, 2017). law firms” (Chambers & Partners, 2017).

Our commitment to providing a high-quality Our commitment to providing a high-quality service extends to everything we do - from how service extends to everything we do - from how we handle your call, to how we treat your clients. we handle your call, to how we treat your clients.

The team are members of a variety of The team are members of a variety of professional associations including: PIBA, BNBA, professional associations including: PIBA, BNBA, AvMA and APIL. Chambers and its members are AvMA and APIL. Chambers and its members are also committed to supporting wider industry also committed to supporting wider industry groups and charities such as Headway, The Spinal groups and charities such as Headway, The Spinal Injuries Association and The Child Brain Injury Injuries Association and The Child Brain Injury Trust.

Trust.

SHORTLISTED SHORTLISTED

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How accessible is a legal career to someone with a disability?

The law is a profession that's all about ensuring justice, fairness and equality for all. Since the 2010 Equality Act entered the rule books, its host of protections for disabled people have made it easier for them to enter and thrive in the workplace. Below we give a rundown of the legal and professional protections offered to those with disabilities, and share the views of some individuals with a disability.

Definition The definition of disability is a lot wider than many people realise.

You’re disabled under the 2010 Equality Act if you have a ‘physical or mental impairment, and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on [your] ability to carry out normal day-today activities.’ Long-term illnesses – cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis – are covered by this definition, as are illnesses like diabetes, and mental health conditions.

More common conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD are also included.

disabled for a limited number of reasons, including: •

•

to help decide if you can carry out a task that is an essential part of the work; to help find out if you can take part in an interview;

•

to help decide if the interviewers need to make reasonable adjustments for you in a selection process;

•

to help monitoring.

In summary, you are under no obligation to disclose your disability unless it will affect your ability to undertake the selection process, or your ability to carry out vital parts of the role. Recruiters are not allowed to ask open-ended or intrusive questions about your disabled status.

Reasonable adjustment The 2010 Equality Act also enshrines the concept of ‘reasonable adjustment’, which

In all around 18% of the population are covered by the Act, yet only 1% of solicitors identify as disabled.

What’s the law on disability in the workplace?

There are a host of legal protections for disabled people in the workplace, but the ones most likely to apply to trainee solicitors and pupil barristers are the principles of equal recruitment and reasonable adjustment.

Equal recruitment Recruiters are only allowed to ask questions about whether you are

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means that employers are obliged to accommodate disabled workers’ needs, unless it’s unreasonable for them to do so. An employee can take their employer to an employment tribunal if they fail to make the required adjustments.

The principle of reasonable adjustment exists to prevent disabled people from being put at a disadvantage compared to nondisabled people in the workplace.

“We have several people working for us who have a visual impairment and we provide them with different computer screens, and give them a lower feeearning target.”

In the context of a legal career, reasonable adjustments could theoretically mean flexible working patterns for employees

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with chronic pain, voice recognition software for the visually impaired, or making a workplace fully wheelchair accessible. Frances Swaine, managing partner of human rights firm Leigh Day, tells us: “We have several people working for us who have a visual impairment and we provide them with different computer screens, and give them a lower fee-earning target. We also have one severely physically disabled senior solicitor, and we’ve made a lot of adjustments, working with our local authority, so she can get to and from work.”

uses a wheelchair. She tells us: “I’ve been in the profession for 25 years and I would definitely say things have improved a lot over that period of time. But although attitudes have changed markedly, the facilities still need to catch up. Even in relatively new courts, you can find heavy doors that don’t open automatically, or that there aren’t enough lifts. I sit as a Recorder [a part-time judge] and I am incredibly limited in the courts I can go to. They might be accessible on the public side, but then you’ll discover that there are steps up to the judge’s seat!”

Accessibility

While big commercial firms tend to have a large bank of lifts and decent disabled access, smaller law firms may not have the funds to put a lift into an old building with multiple flights of stairs – or might not be willing to do so. Criminal lawyers are expected to visit police stations and courts, which may not have full disabled access.

For example, a candidate with dyslexia might get 25% more time to complete a written test, while a trainee with a hearing problem can expect to be provided with an adjusted phone and a quieter working space.

Issues of access don’t apply to many disabled people. But for disabled people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility, a career in the law can present some challenges.

Zoe Johnson QC is a barrister who

The principle of reasonable adjustment exists to prevent disabled people from being put at a disadvantage compared to non-disabled people in the workplace.

But although there are still difficulties, Zoe Johnson reassures us that “people don’t jump to the same sort of assumptions they did 20 or so years ago.” Her advice for thriving as a disabled barrister?

“Make sure the clerks know what your disability actually means. I make it clear what I can do and what I can’t, rather than having that swathed in a cloud of doubt”.

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Lets’ talk

DNA Individuality: it’s in our makeup.

We’re home to more than 1,500 lawyers from all backgrounds, working across 26 international offices.

So you’ll find diversity, individuality and inclusivity are in our nature. Share these values with us and explore a bigger world.

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Equality and diversity

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For further information about the application process, email diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.

The Law Society is committed to attracting the most able candidates to the legal profession and to reflecting the diversity of our society. We help the legal profession to be inclusive, and many employers have a commitment to recruiting people from diverse backgrounds.

Each year around 7,000-8,000 people qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. In recent years more women than men have been qualifying as solicitors and at least 18 per cent of people qualifying have been from minority ethnic groups.

Equality of opportunity

Social mobility

The Law Society operates the Diversity Access Scheme to help exceptionally talented, committed people overcome social economic or personal barriers to becoming a solicitor.

Our Social Mobility Ambassadors campaign highlights how the solicitors’ profession is made up of people from all walks of life.

There are three elements to the scheme:

1. Full and partial scholarships to fund the LPC at a number of teaching institutions 2. Mentoring support 3. Work placements w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

Many solicitors have experienced and overcome socioeconomic hurdles in pursuit of their career ambitions and professional success. By showcasing the achievements of our ambassadors and sharing their stories, we hope to demonstrate that the profession welcomes talent, tenacity and a strong work ethic, regardless of social background.

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Understand what diversity means for your workplace and how an effective diversity and inclusion strategy can support your business

P

romoting and supporting diversity in the workplace is an important aspect of good people management - it’s about valuing everyone in the organisation as an individual.

However, to reap the benefits of a diverse workforce it’s vital to have an inclusive environment where everyone feels able to participate and achieve their potential. While UK legislation – covering age, disability, race, religion, gender and sexual orientation among others – sets minimum standards, an effective diversity and inclusion strategy goes beyond legal compliance and seeks to add value to an organisation, contributing to employee wellbeing and engagement.

Disability Review Magazine explores what diversity and inclusion means in the workplace and how an effective strategy can support an organisation’s business objectives. We look at the rationale for action, and then outline the steps organisations can take to implement and manage a successful diversity and inclusion strategy, from communication and training to addressing workplace behaviour and evaluating progress.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Everyone is a unique person. Even though people have things in common with each

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other they are also different in all sorts of ways. Differences include visible and non-visible factors, for example, personal characteristics such as background, culture, personality, and work-style, size, accent, language and so on.

In the UK, a number of ‘personal characteristics’ – age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation – are covered by discrimination law to give people protection against being treated unfairly.

The aim is to provide a baseline where all employees have equality of opportunity, and difference doesn’t matter.

It’s important to recognise that a ‘onesize-fits all’ approach to managing people does not achieve fairness and equality of opportunity for everyone.

People have different personal needs, values and beliefs. Good people management practice demands that people propositions are both consistently fair but also flexible and inclusive in ways that are designed to support business needs.

Diversity is where difference is recognised and emphasised, but not actively leveraged to drive organisational success. There is acknowledgement of the benefit of having a range of perspectives in decision-making and the workforce being representative of the organisation’s customers.

Inclusion is where difference is seen as a benefit to use, and where perspectives and differences are shared, leading to better decisions. An inclusive working environment is one in which everyone feels valued, that their contribution matters and they are able to perform to their potential, no matter their

DI SAB ILIT Y R EVI EW MAGA ZIN E

background, identity or circumstances.

Essentially it enables a diverse range of people to work together effectively.

SOCIAL JUSTICE The social justice case is based on the belief that everyone should have a right to equal access to employment and training and development based solely on merit. Everyone should have the right to be free of any direct or indirect discrimination and harassment or bullying. This can be described as the right to be treated fairly, and the UK law, principally in the Equality Act 2010, sets minimum standards.

Equal opportunity is often seen as treating everyone in exactly the same way. But to provide real equality of opportunity, people need to be treated differently in ways that are fair and tailored to their needs, and also in ways that are aligned to business needs and objectives.

The ‘business case’ arguments build on the social justice arguments. They are not an alternative. It’s important to consider diversity and inclusion in both lights, because good decisions about people practices benefit workers, wider society, but also organisations as well. There are three main strands to building the argument for going beyond what is required by legislation: talent, market competitiveness, and corporate reputation. Relevant standards also play a role. To be competitive, organisations need everyone who works for them to make their best contribution.

Increasingly, employers recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion in recruiting and retaining the skills and talent they need and the importance of designing appropriate and fair people propositions to be successful.

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in workplace inthe the workplace MANAGING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Overcoming prejudice and changing entrenched negative attitudes about equality and diversity issues can be difficult. To ld progress diversity, g organisations should es to focus on developing inclusive approaches to employment ces policies and practices and personal behaviours by managing issues ways that also support business and circumstances. and diversity issuesDIVERSITY inequality waysand that also support business contexts and UltimateManaging Director of TBT UltimateRecruitment, Thisinmajor milestone in the take up circumstances. of contexts MANAGING & diversity ly, action should be underpinned by the principles of coincides equal opportunity, fairnessScott andJeffrey, transparency.

Businesses says: We’re delighted to the new scheme with The e underpinned by the principles of equal opportunity, fairness and transparency. Businesses INCLUSION need to move from minimal compliance with legal duties and focus on understanding in up beemployees’ the 5,000th organisation to sign Guinness Partnership becoming theengaging minimalOvercoming compliance with legal duties and50th focus on engaging employees’ understanding in Being prejudice andpersonal changing ways that influence behaviours at work and also operational activities delivery of products asregarding Disabilitythe Confident. part of organisation to achieve the status entrenched negative about e personal behaviours attoattitudes work also operational regarding products and services meet and diverse customer and clientactivities needs and preferences.the delivery the schemeofsupports our commitment of Disability Confident Leader. equality and diversity issues can to providing qualified candidates from et diverse customer and client needs and preferences. of employers from small start-ups candidates from a diverse range be difficult. To progress diversity, a diverse range of backgrounds to The to housing association has joined influential businesses like The of backgrounds to construction, organisations should focus Five thousand UKon from small construction, railrange andprojects highways other employers in making a TBT of employers start-ups candidates from a and diverse Guinness Partnership and rail highways all projects over developing inclusive approaches to allthe over the UK. commitment to encourage and to influential businesses like The of backgrounds to construction, Recruitment are making a support public UK. employers are now employment policies and practices other businesses in network commitment improve Guinness Partnership and TBT to their rail and highways projects all over and personal behaviours by managing Disability Confident Almost to improve support disabledpeople. opportunities forfor disabled Almosta fifth a fifthofofthe theworking workingage age Recruitment are making a public the UK. equality and diversity issues in ways population disabled, and thethe vast employees. populationisis disabled, and Recently, construction that also supportcommitment business contexts to improve majority of these people will develop If they can do it, every one of the vast majority of these people will recruitment specialist TBT and circumstances.

Ultimately, 100forcompanies can take develop their or condition opportunities for disabled people. a fifth of the working age or during their condition impairment The FTSE Minister DisabledAlmost People, Work Recruitment became the 5,000th actionorganisation should be underpinned the first step byMordaunt, signing upsays: to be is disabled, impairment during their working life.thetheir working and the Health, Penny to become by Disability population and tion principles of equal opportunity, fairness Disability Confident too. life.

A fantastic range of employers from Confident,If they can do it, every one of the vast majority of Over these people will ist TBT and transparency.

Businesses needtoto the last four years almost pledging their commitment Over the last four years almost 600,000 small start-ups to influential businesses FTSE can takepeople develop their condition or havepeople make up a 600,000 disabled have move attract, from minimal compliance with me the 5,000th recruit and100 retaincompanies disabled disabled people entered the like Disabled The Guinness Partnership and of the entered theworking workforce. the first step by signing up to beproportion impairment their legal duties and focus on engaging workers. come Disability workforce.

TBTsignificant Recruitment are making a public during potential to workforce, and employees’ understanding ways DisabilityinConfident too. life. commitment improve opportunities employers must ensure they don’t Further progress is being made This major milestone in the take that influence personal behaviours at Further progress is being made through for disabled people. the last four years almost mitment work to and miss out on some of Over the best through increasing the number of up ofalso theoperational new scheme coincides activities increasing the number Disability Disabled people make up a in their community.

600,000 disabled people have of Advisers talent Disability Employment in retain disabled with the Thedelivery Guinness Partnership regarding of products and Employment Advisers in Jobcentre If they can do it, every one of the FTSE I urge our country’s top Jobcentre Plus centres and significant proportion of the entered the workforce. becoming the 50th organisation services to meet diverse customer and Plus centres and raising 100 companies can take the first step by raising awareness of awareness of achieve the status of Disability andbusinesses to use their power workforce, client to needs and potential preferences. programmes like Disability signing up to be Disability Confident and influence to set the agenda programmes like DisabilityConfident Confident employers Leader. must ensure they don’t Further progress is being made and Access to Work. too. on Disabled people make up for a ne in the take disability employment Confident and Access to Work. significant proportion of the potential miss out on some of the best through increasing the number of companies everywhere.

Five thousand UK employers are me coincidesThe housing association has workforce, and employersDisability must ensureEmployment Advisers in talent in their community. joined other employers in making now Disability Confident Partnership they don’t miss out on some of the a commitment to encourage and top I urge our country’s Jobcentre Plus centres and organisation Recently, construction recruitment Director of TBT I urge bestManaging talent in their community. support other businesses in their businesses to for use their power raising awareness of specialist TBT Recruitment became us of Disability Scott Jeffrey, says: our Recruitment, country’s top businesses to use network to improve support and influence to set the agenda programmes like Disability the 5,000th organisation to become We’re delighted to be the 5,000th their power and influence to set the disabled employees. organisation to sign up as for and Access to Work.

Disability Confident, pledging their on disability employment for Confident agenda on disability employment Disability Confident. Being part of commitment to attract, recruit and The Minister for Disabled People, companies everywhere. companies everywhere. iation has the scheme supports our retainWork disabled andworkers.

Health, Penny yers in making commitment to providing qualified Mordaunt, says: A fantastic range

UK now fident

ncourage and Managing Director of TBT nesses in their w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k Recruitment, Scott Jeffrey, says: e support for We’re delighted to be the 5,000th s.

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June moving from isolation to celebration.

That’s when it hits home.

June felt lonely and isolated before moving to her Home Group home. Now, she’s enjoying a vibrant social life, organising birthday parties for neighbours and cooking community Christmas dinners. Join us, and help more people like June put the fun factor back into their life.

At Home Group, you’ll get to experience moments like these.

That’s because we’re changing things for the better. Salessavvy managers, compassionate support workers, IT gurus and customer solutions pros.

Our diverse and dynamic roles are open to brilliant people like you.

www.homegroup.org.uk/careers Home Group Limited (Charitable Registered Society No.22981R) Home and Communities Agency Registered No: L3076

Join us as a valued Certitude support worker Great training and career development opportunities For more information Call 020 8772 6202/6237 Email recruitment@certitude.org.uk Visit certitude.org.uk/work-for-us

Join A London social care provider Certitude Support | A charity incorporated under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Society Act 2014 30891R

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TAKE A LEAP Join a team as unique as you are

Expert | Impartial | Innovative

Our vision at the British Geological Survey is to be a global geological survey developing understanding of geological processes that matter to people’s lives. To achieve that vision we value and respect the diversity of all of our employees; we believe that a rich diversity of experience and backgrounds leads to better science, better decision-making and improved innovation. As a result, we promote equality and diversity across our organisation and we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all of our staff regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, age, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status and religion.

Find your job opportunity of a lifetime at

www.bas.ac.uk/jobs

We welcome applications from people who are passionate about earth science and who share our commitment to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.

Committed to equal opportunity Audit Scotland is an independent public body responsible for auditing Scotland’s public organisations, to check that public money is spent properly and provides best value for money.

We are committed to equal opportunity and to a culture that respects difference. As an employer, and in our audit role, we play a leading part in the promotion and application of diversity and equality.

Visit www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/careers to learn more about working with us.

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Scotland’s Rural College Welcomes You With our head office based in Edinburgh, Scotland’s Rural College delivers comprehensive skills, education and business support for land-based industries throughout Scotland and the north of England, founded on world class and sector-leading research, education and consultancy.

At SRUC we are committed to and strive for equality of opportunity for all students and staff and we recognise and celebrate diversity.

We are committed to creating and celebrating a positive, inclusive atmosphere, based on respect for individuals’ differences, in which students and staff are actively encouraged to reach their full potential.

For more information about our organisation, current employment opportunities and to view our full range of courses and business activities please visit:

www.sruc.ac.uk E

CU E

C HA R T E

R

GEND

R

Scotland’s Rural College Leading the way in Agriculture and Rural Research, Education and Consulting SRUC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC003712 363068 AD 31.5.2018

Imperial College London recognises that our reputation relies on the people who make up our diverse and high achieving community.

We value our disabled staff and make every effort to ensure that they are supported within their working environment for their duration at Imperial. We have a flagship leadership programme called Calibre for disabled staff to enable them to realise their potential.

Imperial is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from disabled people for positions at Imperial: www.imperial.ac.uk/employment

At Royal Holloway, University of London, we are a close-knit community and proud of the egalitarian spirit of our founders, which we continue to foster today. We value diversity and promote equality of opportunity for students and colleagues, whether they work in academia or professional services. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly people with disabilities, both students and staff. https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk

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The Disability Confident scheme aims to help you successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions. Being Disability Confident is a unique opportunity to lead the way in your community, and you might just discover someone in your business you couldn’t do without.

It was developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives to make it rigorous but easily accessible – particularly for smaller businesses.

The scheme is voluntary and access to the guidance, self-assessments and resources is completely free.

There are 3 Disability Confident levels to support you on your Disability Confident journey: • • • • • •

Disability Confident Committed (level 1) Disability Confident Employer (level 2) Disability Confident Leader (level 3)

You must complete each level before moving on to the next.

Your level 2 journey starts with: • • • • • •

reading this guidance undertaking a self-assessment agreeing to all core actions agreeing to at least one further activity

Level 2 explained This self-assessment is designed to enable you to focus on what you are doing and what additional steps you may need to take. It is about actions, not words.

In addition to the guidance and information, a list of organisations, groups and providers offering help and support is available www.gov.uk 66

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To take the second step, from being Disability Confident Committed to being a Disability Confident Employer, you will need to self-assess your business against a set of statements grouped into 2 themes: • • •

theme 1 – getting the right people for your business theme 2 – keeping and developing your people

For each of the 2 themes, you will need to agree to take all the actions set out in the core actions list and at least one from the activity list.

Where it is indicated that you must do something, this is a legal requirement. For example, an employer must make reasonable adjustments for a disabled employee if the employee has indiciated they want them.

The word ‘should’ indicates that we see the actions as good practice for a Disability Confident Employer. We also provide examples of what you could be doing to be a Disability

Disability Confident Employer.

These are not exhaustive and you may have your own examples that you can record in the self-assessment template.

Use the self-assessment template to record your evidence, further actions and comments for consideration as you go through your self-assessment. This will help you if you want to become a Disability Confident Leader and have your self-assessment validated.

Theme 1 – getting the right people for your business: core actions As a Disability Confident Employer I must ensure that my business is carrying out all the theme 1 core actions: 1. Actively looking to attract and recruit disabled people To achieve this, your business should: •

commit to employ and retain disabled people and ensure this is reflected in job adverts, at all levels w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

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•

•

• •

• • • • •

connect with local (and, if appropriate, national) disability organisations to access networks of disabled people who want to work – as an example, see the Leonard Cheshire Disability – Change100 for business case study run, support or participate in local disability jobs fairs or targeted recruitment campaigns – contact your local Jobcentre Plus to see if there are any being organised near you develop links with Jobcentre Plus and access government resources (for example the Work and Health Programme) to advertise your jobs and attract disabled people to apply for opportunities work with and place job adverts in the disability press or on disability websites such as Vercida and Evenbreak

2. Providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process To achieve this, your business should: • identify and address any barriers that may prevent or deter disabled people from applying for jobs, including where you • advertise, the words you use and how people can apply • make sure online or offline processes are fully • accessible – for example, provide a named contact, telephone number and email for applicants to • request support or ask questions • test the recruitment • process with disabled • people, and if there is a • barrier either remove it or w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

• •

• • • • • • •

•

provide an alternative way to apply provide a short but accurate job description that clearly sets out what the jobholder will be required to achieve, accepting there are different ways to achieve the same objective make sure all documentation is available in different formats, if required accept job applications in a variety of formats make sure people involved in the recruitment process are Disability Confident and know how to support disabled applicants

3. Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job Some employers will be able to offer a guaranteed interview.

If employers do not advertise a formal guaranteed interview they should make it clear in their recruitment material that if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job (this is the description of the job as set by the employer), they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.

The aim of this core action is to encourage positive action. An employer can take steps to help or encourage certain groups of people with different needs, or who are disadvantaged in some way, to access work or training.

Positive Action is lawful under the Equality Act. In times where you need to limit the overall number of interviews, it’s important to select the disabled and nondisabled applicants who best meet the minimum criteria for the job.

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To make interviews work well for disabled applicants, your business may have: • • •

• •

• • •

made sure your recruiters, internal or external, know how to support disabled applicants identified the core elements of the job and made these known in your job advert, job specification and online content provided an opportunity for disabled people to indicate that they are disabled or have a long-term health condition and are requesting an interview made sure you invite disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job when sifting job applicants

4. Flexibility when assessing people so disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job • • •

• •

plan for reasonable adjustments to, the assessment and interview process – such as allowing candidates to complete a written test using a computer offer extended interviews to enable disabled people to demonstrate their potential make sure people involved in the interviewing process understand the Disability Confident commitment and know how to offer and make reasonable adjustments – for example, a later interview time that takes account of the longer journey time a disabled person may need

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5. Proactively offering and making reasonable adjustments as required Making reasonable adjustments, such as changes to working patterns, adaptations to premises or equipment and provision of support packages, will ensure disabled workers are not disadvantaged when applying for and doing their jobs. This includes contract workers, trainees, apprentices and business partners.

Often these adjustments will cost nothing or very little. The Access to Work scheme may be able to provide advice and assistance if there are extra costs involved.

It’s important that your employees at all levels, and any agencies you use, know what to do and know where to turn to for advice.

6. Encouraging our suppliers and partner firms to be Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident Employer, you can encourage your partners, suppliers and providers to demonstrate their commitment to being Disability Confident. You may wish to consider setting clear performance indicators in contracts or frameworks for your supply chain and partners.

7. Ensuring employees have appropriate disability equality awareness A Disability Confident Employer will ensure all employees have sufficient disability equality awareness, taking into account their role. Disability equality 68

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training explores the concept of people being disabled by society’s barriers and attitudes, highlighting the role society has in the removal of those barriers and in the changing of attitudes.

The training may include customer care, etiquette and appropriate language for instance.

Theme 1 – getting the right people for your business: activity 1. Providing work experience Work experience is usually for a fixed period of time that a person spends with the business, when they can learn about working life and the working environment.

Some work experience positions offer people the chance to try particular tasks. Others can provide an opportunity to watch and learn.

Work experience also provides an opportunity for disabled people to demonstrate their abilities and helps build the resilience and behaviours they will need to succeed.

2. Providing work trials This is a way of trying out a potential employee before offering them a job. It can be informal or by agreement with Jobcentre Plus.

If this is agreed with Jobcentre Plus, an employer can offer a work trial if the potential job is for 16 hours or more a week and lasts for at least 13 weeks.

The work trial can last for up to 30 days.

3. Providing paid employment (permanent or fixed term) As well as providing employment opportunities, a Disability Confident Employer will encourage disabled people to apply for their vacancies and support them when they do.

Jobcentre Plus has a range of recruitment services that can help an employer seeking to recruit staff. An employer can get: • recruitment advice, • including specialist support for businesses • help setting up work trials to give an opportunity to see potential recruits in action in the work environment • help through the Work and Health Programme, • other employment schemes including Work Clubs, and help with work experience 4. Providing apprenticeships These are for new or current employees. They combine working with studying for a work-based qualification. As well as providing apprenticeship opportunities, a Disability Confident Employer will encourage disabled people to apply for their vacancies and support them when they do.

Employers based in England may be able to get a grant or funding to employ an apprentice. Apprentices must be paid at least the minimum apprenticeship wage.

The apprentice must: work with experienced staff learn job-specific skills study for a work-based qualification during their working week, such as at a college or training organisation

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5. Providing a traineeship Traineeships are designed to help young people who want to get an apprenticeship or job but do not yet have appropriate skills or experience.

6. Providing paid internships or supported internships (or both) A paid internship is a period of paid work experience between 1 and 4 months, aimed at college or university students and usually taking place during the summer. Typically, the intern will work full time for a certain employer, where they will gain experience and basic knowledge about a particular business discipline. This valuable experience can be built upon during a placement year as well as in graduate employment.

A supported internship is aimed at disabled people still in education who are seeking work experience and knowledge about a business discipline but whose disability is such that they need special support, often including a support worker or work coach to help them in the workplace.

Supported internships do require time and commitment to set up, so might be most appropriate for a larger employer who could offer several of them at once or in succession, sharing support costs and setting up time.

7. Advertising vacancies and other opportunities through organisations and media aimed particularly at disabled people This can help ensure the opportunities are seen by disabled people. Appropriate organisations include: • • •

Vercida Evenbreak RNIB

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

your local council for voluntary service your local disability rights organisation provider websites 8. Engaging with Jobcentre Plus, Work and Health Programme providers or local disabled people’s user led organisations (DPULOs) to access support when required this includes: identifying and connecting with national local disabled people’s networks and organisations (or both) identifying and connecting with the Work and Health Programme identifying and connecting with job clubs building links to specialist schools and colleges identifying pre-trained and supported talent, for

• • •

example through supported apprenticeships and internships working with advocates

Providing human resource managers with specific Disability Confident training Give managers specific and continuing training to make sure the organisation is following current best practice in supporting disabled people.

Disability Confident branding

The Disability Confident branding guidelines provide guidance on how to promote the Disability Confident scheme in your business.

If you require a copy of your Disability Confident badge in a different format, please email the Disability Confident team dwp.disabilityconfident@dwp. gsi.gov.uk.

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Could you be a Short Breaks Foster Carer?

Did you know that as a short breaks foster carer you can still work full time and offer short breaks to children with disabilities? This could be for as little as one weekend a month which could make a huge difference to a child.

These regular short breaks will allow you to build a warm and nurturing relationship with the young person and their family. This allows families to take a break from the demands and routines of daily life and the child to experience new activities outside of their home and meet new people.

As well as local support and excellent training, short breaks foster carers will also receive a fee for their time. You will need to patient, creative and enjoy caring for children with a range of disabilities.

If you have significant experience of caring for children with disabilities, our specialist fee-paid short breaks scheme enables professionals to care for children with more complex needs. This would be within your own home as an approved foster carer. You would be carefully matched with children needing respite either part time, three nights a week or full time five nights per week.

Fee-paid short breaks foster carers will receive £485 a week plus £52 per night for five-nights and £300 a week plus £52 per night for three-nights.

This scheme allows us to provide an alternative arrangement to respite within residential care and provide a family environment to children that would benefit from it.

Emma West, a short breaks carer, shared her experience: “Short breaks allows us to broaden the skills and talents of each young person whilst giving valued time back to families” Seb, her 14 year old son, added: “It has given me a better understanding of the different complexities of the children’s needs” “We as a family enjoy each and every child that comes into our home, and they are a part of our family”.

Think Fostering, Think Essex County Council…

We are looking for caring, passionate individuals who can offer regular and sustained breaks for children with a range of disabilities.

This is a truly rewarding role for someone who has the commitment, time and experience to make a real difference to the lives of children in Essex.

Could you or someone you know foster? essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering 0800 801 530 @essexadoptandfoster

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Like working with children?

Manchester City Council is recruiting short-break foster carers – people with experience of working with children who have a physical or learning disability.

You’ll help to look after a child in your own home from between one and four nights a month, helping to give the child’s family a break. You can fit caring around your permanent job and we’ll provide you with training and development to help you through your fostering career.

Interested?

If you live in the Greater Manchester area and want to offer a parent the time to relax a little, knowing that their child is being well cared for, then contact our friendly team on 0800 988 8931, or visit manchester.gov.uk/fostering to see if you’re eligible to foster.

North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) is a local government organisation employing over 300 people, with offices based in Lethworth Garden City.

We are committed to equal opportunities for all our employees and actively welcome people from all backgrounds.

No matter which service area you join, you’ll find there are plenty of opportunities to develop a rewarding career.

Visit: www.north-herts.gov.uk and click Jobs and Careers

Taff Housing Association

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As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to any applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for a job and consider them on their abilities. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure disabled employees can develop and use their abilities and make every effort when employees become disabled to support them to stay in employment.

To find out more about working for us please visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/jobs

Come and join us.

307 - 315 Cowbridge Road East Cardiff, CF5 1JD info@taffhousing.co.uk 02920 259100

Oxfordshire County Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting equality and social inclusion. We have a wide range of interesting and varied jobs, with great learning and development and career progression opportunities.

/taffhousing @taffhousing Taff Housing Association

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Coming Soon

An exciting new development including stunning 2 & 3 bedroom wheelchair adaptable apartments.

Ninety Five Peckham Road is a development of just 33 contemporary apartments with a delightful treelined courtyard garden by award winning architects Peter Barber. Set on Peckham’s vibrant cultural mile alongside Theatre Peckham and the South London Gallery, and close to the thriving café and restaurant scene of Rye Lane. It is particularly well connected with frequent direct trains from Peckham Rye to London Bridge, Victoria, Blackfriars, St. Pancras, Clapham Junction and Farringdon.

Register your interest now: 020 7089 6566 / acornnewhomes.co.uk

Because good homes make everything possible

Want to work for a forward thinking and ambitious organisation that embraces diversity?

Situated in the picturesque Forest of Dean, Two Rivers Housing is far from average.

In 2003 we started to provide affordable, high quality housing for local people. We’ve already come a long way. Committed to improvement when it comes to caring for our tenants and staff, we’ve established

new communities and encouraged a real sense of togetherness. For details of any of our current vacancies, please look at the careers section on our website.

Visit www.tworivershousing.org.uk Alternatively, you can contact Customer Services on 0800 316 0897 or email recruitment@2rh.org.uk Two Rivers Housing, Cleeve Mill Lane, Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1DS Tel: 0800 316 0897

As a diverse organisation we’re not looking for one type of person. With over 500 employees we’re a well established and award-winning housing association.

We work in many different areas which means that we can offer careers in a variety of professions, from buying land and building new homes to the long-term successful management of thriving communities.

41178 Tworivers recruitment eigth to fit

We’re recruiting

Whether you’re delivering front-line services to our residents, supporting our operations from a valued office-based role or even being involved in getting our new homes built, there’s room for all kinds of committed people here.

To see all our current vacancies, visit: www.networkhomes.org.uk/careers/vacancies

Join one of Hightown’s dedicated care and supported housing teams in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Berkshire. hightownha.org.uk/careers

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EastRiding RidingCollege College East

Askham Bryan College is one of the leading land-based Askham Bryan College one of theprovider leading land-based colleges in the UK and isisthe largest of specialist colleges in the UK and is the largest provider land-based further education in England. of specialist land-based further education in England.

We are pleased to support the work of Living With Disability We pleased to the work of Living With Disability andare endeavour to support provide a supportive and enriching and endeavour to provide a supportive and enriching environment within which employees and jobseekers with environment within which employees and jobseekers with disabilities can pursue worthwhile and enjoyable careers. disabilities can pursue worthwhile and enjoyable careers.

East Riding College is a great place to work and study.

East College is abygreat to workas and study.

WeRiding were accredited Bestplace Companies One to Watch as part of the Sunday Times best companies to work for survey.

We100 were accredited

by Best Companies as One to Watch as part of the Sunday Times 100 companies to work survey.

Thebest result was based on a for comprehensive and independent survey of our staff.

The on a comprehensive independent survey of ourwe staff.

Weresult havewas beenbased recognised as a disabilityand confident employer because have made a to employ,as keep and develop the abilities of disabled staff.

Wecommitment have been recognised a disability confident employer because we have made a commitment to employ, keep andtodevelop abilitiesrole of disabled staff. of the College and Every employee is supported play an the important in the success we are firmly committed tototraining development.

Every employee is supported play anand important role in the success of the College and weThe areCollege firmly committed to training development. made a pledge to theand Armed Forces Covenant, supporting those who serve in College the Armed Forces and to their The made a pledge thefamilies.

Armed Forces Covenant, supporting those who serve in Our the Armed their for families.

CollegeForces valuesand respect others and equal opportunity for all.

Our values respect for of others and and equalweopportunity forfriendly all.

WeCollege offer an excellent range benefits have a really and supportive Weculture. offer an excellent range of benefits and we have a really friendly and supportive culture.

To find out more about working at East Riding College, call 0345 120 0044 or Tovisit find www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/vacancies out more about working at East Riding College, call 0345 120 0044 or visit www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/vacancies

Learn more about us at www.askham-bryan.ac.uk Learn more about us at www.askham-bryan.ac.uk

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Disab Employment Advisors Disability ility E mploy

ment

If you h av affects e a health co your ab n ility to dition or o dis When you start looking for work, keep an eye out for the If you haveandaadhealth work, y r aa vice on condition a ou can bility that ‘positive about disabled people’ symbol with two ticks. This returnin speakin g e g g to a W your tability t assist the com disabilityPthat work, ance symbol ork Coa o the worto lus. Whaffects pany w by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have kplac c your aisbawarded ho will been o ether you hav h at your loc e by then co retain and develop the abilities il iti es. a ut of w you can tget assistance and e just loadvicel Jon made commitments to employ, nsider o b c ent ork st you fair rained to be a for a long tim your job or h re of odisabled staff.

If you have a disability, youlysee on this symbol u h a b v ave gainto e e le returning workplace by speaking , c t a e o nethe r W t h a ork Coa elp you w skills in il r ln ig essjob h on the advert and also meet the minimum criteria for the t ch is s for a jo to find prepar o a r ff disabilit o ed ation, r at your b ey work o from to you with the company who to a Work Jobcentre y which anrdinterview ecruitm . Thlocal r to c p job, you are guaranteed even Coach a o n if t e h y n a e o tial dis confide re ther lp with u have apply in criminafairly eyour nce bu ent, interview w to prabilities. will thena consider otect y an tion aon Plus. job inte you ilding. coachin ork o n ou n d r ly v t g he iew situ allowe and The Wo d to as ation. T se rights also rk any dis k q h u e assessm Coach can c ability estions e ploy ar if t e ab certain rights afforded tomyou eif you have an ‘rYou easonhave suit yo nt to find ou ry out an emp able ad hey are askin out your hea r is u t lo w g b ju lt d y e h a h or you from e s m hether you have just lost s a b t c t t illness or disability which are there to protect m o e . id k u n B e e in t t employ y takin n if d of wo g an can do ts’ you may r any menthave rk wou part of youpotential your out assesbeen e s will bejob or o discrimination and these rights also q ld t m u h sment, able A reaso e job you are ething which ire or to you id ofework long ore etime, n is in a ntify yofortoa m apply in a job interview situation. t a b e n essen le adju asily ur stre stment rviewing for. tial aabilWork ngtrained is ities anCoach t in h s t The employer is only erms o and d your f the ap ill beyou W ork to be able to w help work plicatio to ask questions abletotofind allowed n create Coach action a to hfor plan of or to gain new skills ay job. They e lp about your health or any employ ou mee mepreparation, t your can help with nt empwork disability if they are asking loymen goals. To take t coaching a recruitment, firstinterview have a assessment y n about any ‘reasonable n inter work c and even confidence view w ou will oach abuilding. adjustments’ you may it h your nd t about a ny prev alk to them require or to decide if you ious wout perien can carry The WorkexCoach ork an c can do something which is an your em e, talents, sk ills employment assessment ployme to find nt goals , and essential part of the job you . out what kind of work would The len are interviewing for. gth otaking f time aan suit you embest. ploymBy n A reasonable adjustment e n t a ssessm you varies b assessment, employment ent tak ased o in terms of the application e n s n y ou eds ato will beeable easily nd more can las r individual lo and interview process may n t g a hand er. A strengths identify your alf a da y or assessm fter your require the employer to provide abilities andenyour t, youWork a plan will agr o documents in alternative formats f ee on actiable Coach be o to create incluwill de train n with your W such as audio CD’s.

In terms of in to help you o a plan action take of part in g or they cou rk Coach, wh a ic ld a reasonable adjustments to the job, h p nd inte re rogram Resid meet your m entiaemployment rview p me suc commend yo ay l T r p r a o r h u in o C c a v e oachTo this may be a specialist piece of s Ac ide d ss m goals. aninemployment go catake lso pro r Work Choic cess to Work audio C ocuments in ay require th psycho n ayou , videfirst e.interview e a equipment you require.

D assessment will have an with lt e T ’s logist, e m h . r r e e In n p ferra Work ativ loy te the job if need employ to a sabout , this m rms of reason e formats su er to e for tolsthem p mencoach your work any previous work e c ia c t asses andd,talk a a h you re y be a sment. a more detail list work speciali ble adjustme as experience, talents, skills, and your employment goals. quire. ed nts to st piece W hen yo o f equip What i ment for the u start lookin s the Jo g for w ‘positiv Jo b c e What is the JobCentre Plus? n b o tre Plus e r with C k a , e b k o s e n When you start ociaan ut d lookingepfor two is a g tre Plu l s eye a work, keep it is to ecurity office overnment-fu Plus to ticks. This sy isabled people n eye out s ? he th nded e mbol is em loy the ‘positive ’ symdisabled It people’ mpPlus was lp people o at can bJobcentre bo lo is a government-funded employment e aw about er employoutpfor Benefitsformed when f working ag found in mos yment agenc , retain s who have m arded by Job l ya e find e t cities, c and de staff.symbol ade coThis symbol part of Agency and the Employagency mand wsecurity ploymsocial hose nd office that can be found in me If yo withvtwo ticks. awarded the Dep mmitm entre is w e artmen as renamed nt Service me ent in the UKaim ents to the job u have a disa lop the abiliti Jo en rged w aim .it is to help people of working t for W most Jobcen es of d bility, y advert tre whose ith ork and bccities, e Plus p isabled who ou seto Jobcentre Plus an for the by Pension Plus in 2002 the find wotrhave rovides e themployers . It is s job, yo d also meet age find employment inathe UK. It was formed when the rk is (D , W th s re ymbol rough Jo P).

Jobsee s o u are g the min u rc e ke ire s to en on w uarant made commitments retain able jo ct (tele bpoints (toucEmployment ebsite. r Dand umemploy, Service merged with the Benefits Agency and eed an imto criteria b the chro They offer in phone servic h-screen co -searchers to intervie mputer ewas nicly un formati ) and renamed w s Jobcentre Plus in 2002. It is a part of the w u th te c o e it develop the abilities of disabled h a staff. m rm e Jo n h

Advis

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W

a p Allowa s Income Sup loyed. They a bout training bcentre Plusinals), port, In nce. oppofor Department iniste rt Work and Pensions (DWP). capacitdm y Bene r claims for unities for fit, and b The length of time an employment assessment takes varies based Jobsee enefits ker's

on your individual needs and can last a half a day or longer.

After your assessment, you will agree on a plan of action with your Work Coach, which may include training or they could recommend you take part in a programme such as Access to Work, Residential Training or Work Choice. The Work Coach can also provide referrals to a specialist work psychologist, if needed, for a more detailed employment assessment.

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Jobcentre Plus provides resources to enable job-searchers to find work, through Jobpoints (touch-screen computer terminals), Jobseeker Direct (telephone service) and the Jobcentre Plus website. They offer information about training opportunities for the chronicly unemployed. They administer claims for benefits such as Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

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DRM

Our teams change people’s lives – could you?

Sense is a national disability charity that supports people with complex communication needs to be understood, connected and valued. Sense has a proven record of offering high quality, pioneering services.

We’re an organisation that puts people first. We offer an excellent range of employee benefits, such as training and development, employee assistance programmes, childcare vouchers, flexible working and a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 24 days per year.

We have a number of exciting opportunities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the following areas: • Social care • Retail • Education • Fundraising • Holidays and volunteering • HR, finance and much more!

To find out more and view our current vacancies visit www.sense.org.uk/jobs Follow us on Twitter @sensecharityhr Registered charity number 289868

Are you raising a disabled child or young person?

Our grants may be able to help

Ge t h c in tou E m ai

l us :

rg.uk und.o milyf a f @ info us :

Call 055 4 5 50 9 1 0 0

re g e’ itin W ru c Re

• A fantastic induction • The highest standard of training • Great supportive team • Competitive pay • Wellbeing and work/life balance • Long service and excellence awards • Pension and Life Assurance

www.familyfund.org.uk Private company limited by guarantee. Incorporated in England and Wales. Registration no. 3166627.

Registered charity number 1053866. Scottish charity number SC040810.

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• Rising annual leave

careers.seeability.org Charity number 255913

ly p y Ap da to

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Eastleigh College is not just a place for learning!

We employ over 600 staff in teaching, learning support, assessing, administration, sales, enrolment, IT and more, from apprentice to managerial.

Staff benefits include: • Flexible working procedure and free health screening • Denplan dental cover • Cycle to Work scheme • On site staff discounts including the gym, vehicle maintenance workshop and hair and beauty salons • Health cash plan • Eye tests and spectacles • Employee assistance and development programme (counselling service)

“Eastleigh College is an extremely supportive place to work. They actively encourage staff development and as a result I have undertaken a variety of training, including sponsored professional” Lynsey King, Marketing Manager

www.eastleigh.ac.uk

Be Curious Dream Big Give Back winchester.ac.uk

Treloar School and College provides education, care, therapy, medical support and independence training to young people with physical disabilities to prepare them for adult life.

For further details, visit our website www.treloar.org.uk.

Charity Number 1092857

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Nurturing Independence

DRM

In the Driving Seat... halow aims to put young people with a learning disability in the driving seat and help them take control of their own lives by providing opportunities and support to: • make and meet friends through social activities • build confidence and life skills • access meaningful work and homes of their own

The halow project supports young adults with a learning disability to live the life they choose as independently as possible.

We believe that the young people we support have a right to the same life choices and chances as any other young person.

halow currently supports over 170 young people (aged 16-35) throughout Surrey and the surrounding area.

Kyle “halow has been a big part of my life and has helped me a lot”

Sarah “I really love halow because I have good friends and I know the halow staff really well”

halow offers a range of activities including: • Social Activities • Parent2Parent • Building Futures • Buddy Service • A Reason To Get Up • Supported Living

Gareth “Living with Buddy support from halow means that I have my own space which is important”

Please visit

www.halowproject.org.uk for more information or call us on:

01483 447960 info@halowproject.org.uk Reg. Charity No. 1116773

At halow, out mission is to create opportunities and break down social barriers for young people with a learning disability. We are working with local authorities, community partners and local businesses to find new ways to help young people build confidence, life skills and pathways to an active, meaningful life.

Over the next year we will be seeking to recruit new Trustee Directors to our board. Our current board of trustees has a lot of experience background in business, charity, fundraising as

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well as providing a parent perspective on the quality of services. We aim to strengthen the skills of the board in key areas to support staff in halow project and halow care in meeting the challenges of the changing care environment. To this we are seeking Trustees with background/qualifications and experience in; • • •

Care Commissioning/Provision Human Resources/Staff Welfare/Training Fundraising/IT/Compliance

If you are interested in applying for any of these roles and are based either in or within access to Surrey, please contact Ann Kenney, Director at ann.kenney@halowproject.org.uk or 01483 447 960 for an informal conversation.

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: Higher Education Introduction Introduction: Higher Education Higher education is a fantastic opportunity to study a subject you enjoy, taking your education to a higher level sucheducation as a Bachelor’s Foundation degreetoorstudy higheraapprenticeship.

Higher is adegree, fantastic opportunity subject you enjoy, taking your

education to a higher level such as a Bachelor’s degree, Foundation degree or Many people lookapprenticeship. back on their higher student days as among the best years of their lives; a time spent any people look clubs back making new friends, joining their student days as and societieson and sharing ideas among the best years of with people from different their lives; a time spent backgrounds. making new friends, joining clubs There will be plenty of and societies and sharing ideas with entertainment – bars, clubs, people from different backgrounds. theatre performances concerts There will be plenty ofand entertainment – –asbars, wellclubs, as thetheatre opportunity to use performances modern IT and laboratory facilities, and concerts –as well as the sports centres,tolibraries and IT other opportunity use modern and resources. laboratory facilities,sports centres, libraries and other resources.

It’s It’s important to think about the important to think about the value of value of these experiences when these experiences weighing weighing up tuitionwhen fee costs and up tuition fee costs and student loans. student loans.

At graduate level, disabled people achieve very similar levels of job success to non-disabled people.

can be a key part of the experience.

The great advantage of higher education is that it provides a safe about what you want to get For some careers, such as nursing, andThinking supportive environment for this out of higher education will make it law and teaching, you need to study to happen.

For some careers, such as easier to decide if you want to go and a particular vocational degree. All nursing, law and teaching, you where about you want to you study.

Talking to a of these professions can be made Thinking what want to get need to study a particular careers adviser at this stage could be accessible to people living with a out of higher education will make vocational degree. All of these very helpful. Schools must make sure health condition or disability. it easier to decide if you want to go professions can be made all Year 8 to Year 13 pupils receive where you want toguidance. study. This accessible to people livingsimply with alook andindependent Lots of other employers careers Talking to a careers adviser at about this health condition or disability. for degree level qualifications. For should include information stage could be very helpful. them it’s not necessarily the all the opportunities available – at Schools must make sure all Year 8 to in-depth knowledge of your subject college, university, apprenticeships Lots of other employers simply that makes you more employable.

13jobs pupils receive and with training. The advice look for degree level qualifications. Year Instead they value the transferable and guidance should be impartial independent careers guidance.

This For them it’s not necessarily the skills you develop in higher and promote your ‘best interests’. should include information about in-depth knowledge of your education such as communication, Schools must give you an outside opportunities available – at subject that makes you more and all the presentation, problem-solving perspective, for example through university, apprenticeships employable.

Instead value the college, teamwork. And for they disabled people providing externalThe careers and jobs withan training. advice skillswork youexperience; develop in without much By going into higher education you’re transferable adviser, organising college and By going into higher education and guidance should be impartial education such as course placements, internships and also making a calculated investment higher employer visits or using websites and you’re also making a calculated and promote your ‘best interests’. university linkspresentation, with business and communication, in your employability. The number helplines. Colleges can also provide investment in hired your employability.

Schools must giveand youguidance. an outside industry can alland helpteamwork. the transition of graduates by organisations careers advice problem-solving The number of graduates hired by perspective, for example through into Studying at in the Times Top 100 Graduate And foremployment. disabled people without organisations in the Times Top providing an external careers university or college is course different from Employers rose by 1.6% in 2016. More much Under the Children and Families work experience; 100 Graduate Employers by adviser, college and being at school.

Tutors can give you recent research indicates rose that the Act inorganising England, local authorities placements, internships and advice and guidance, but you will 1.6% in 2016. recent employer or using websites graduate jobsMore market is expected to should visits support all young people university links with business and have less contact with them than strengthen in the next with specialColleges educational needs research indicates that few the years with industry and helplines. can also can all help the transition with teachers at school. In higher an 11% rise vacancies in 2018.

(SEN)careers or a disability to prepare for graduate jobsinmarket is expected provide advice and into employment. education it will be up to you to adulthood. Discussions should focus to strengthen in the next few years guidance.

Studying atyour university or college organise workload and decide In 2016, on average a working in age on what you want to achieve and the with an 11% rise in vacancies is different from being at school. how much effort to make.

However, graduate earned £9,500 more than a bestthe wayChildren to support 2018.

Under andyou.

Families Act Tutors can givemean you you advice and this doesn’t can’t get help non-graduate. For disabled people In 2016, on average a working in England, local authorities should but you will have less with your studies. especially, having a higher education guidance, For young people with Education, age graduate earned £9,500 more support all young people with contact with them than with qualification means a much lower Health and Care (EHC) Plans, local than For disabled special educational needs (SEN) or a Greaterat independence, including risk aofnon-graduate. unemployment.

Research authorities must ensure that the teachers school. In higher people especially, having a higher disability to prepare for adulthood. for some itstudents leaving home from the Association of Graduate review at Year 9 and every review education will be up to you to education qualification means a should focus on what and learning to live by and themselves, Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) afterwards, includes a discussion organise your workload decide Discussions much lower risk of unemployment. you want to achieve and the best canmuch be a key part the experience. shows that disabled people have about your future. This should cover how effort toofmake.

The great advantage of higher Research the Association of if way to support you. radicallyfrom improved job prospects your education and employment plans, However, this doesn’t mean you education is that it provides a safe they continue with their education. housing needs, social and health care, Graduate Careers Advisory can’t get help with your studies. and supportive environment for this Forincluding At graduate level,shows disabled at university.

Services (AGCAS) thatpeople young people with Education, to happen. achieve people very similar of job disabled havelevels radically Health and Care (EHC) Plans, local Greater independence, including success to non-disabled people. improved job prospects if they authorities must ensure that the for some students leaving home continue with their education. review at Year 9 and every review and learning to live by themselves,

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DRM

salary reaches aproviders certain level.

60your at thehousehold start of their course, where and notyou Local authoritiesincludes should plan a smooth afterwards, a discussion income, education canMany charge students will never reach the point of living with their parents can get transition to higher education before about your future. This should live or study, and your age. a between £6,000 and £9,000 having to pay back the full amount. maximum loan of £11,354 if studying your EHC Plan and support stops. cover your education and New students, aged under 60 at depending on their rating and in London and £8,700 if studying When your course place has been employment plans, housing needs, Onwhether the start or not they have an access the other hand, you need to accept outside London. For students living at confirmed, the local authority should social and health care, including at of their course, and not living with agreement. that your student loan is something home with their parents the maximum ask your permission to pass a copy your household income, where you education providers can charge university. their parents can get a maximum The increases in tuition fees since you’ll be gradually paying towards loan available is £7,324. of your EHC Plan to the college or loan of £11,354 if studying in been controversial or study, and your age. between £6,000 and £9,000 for2012 a longhave time,live probably the majority university at the earliest opportunity.

London and at £8,700 studying and not something that Disability of your working life.

Loans for tuition Local authorities should plan a Loans for costs if if you’re entitled Each authority must also produce New students, aged underliving 60 depending on their rating and Formore students living UKapply or other feesRights You can for astudent loan to cover tooutside benefits London.

You can get support a Local Offer.transition This is a document smooth to higher the start whether or not they have an access tuition fees.

The loan is paid directly at home with their parents the organisations necessarily agree with living costs if you qualify for showing all the local services available education before your EHC Plan to the provider on their your behalf.

In most benefits such as Disability to children and young of course, not living with agreement. maximum loan available is £7,324. with.

However it’s important notand to certain and support stops.people Whenwith your cases this loan will cover the total costs Living Allowance or Personal SENcourse or a disability.

It should include scare yourself off the idea of going place has been confirmed, their parents can get a maximum The increases in tuition fees since of your fees. Thiswith means that you don’t Payment. loan has information on the support colleges Loans for living costsThe if you’re to university the thought that Independence the local authority should ask your loan of £11,354 in 2012 have can been controversial have to find the money before you startif studying a maintenance element and a special and universities provide and entitled to benefits You can get you “can’t afford to go”. permission to pass a copy of your the course or while you are studying. support element.

The special support how to apply for Disabled Students’ London and £8,700 if studying and not something that Disability more support with living costs There are support measures in EHC Plan to the college or element will be ignored as income for Allowances. You should be able to tell place which can lessen the outside London.

For students living Rights UK or other student university at the earliest means-tested benefits. New students the local authority whether the Local Loans for living costs cost.

In any case you don’t opportunity. at home with their parents thetheir parents can get a organisations necessarily not living with Offer meets your needs.

The National agree can also apply forup a loan for help to pay cash front.

EachService authority mustcareers also produce Youneed maximum loan of £12,382 if studying Careers provides maximum loan available is £7,324. with.

However it’s important with not tomore living costs if you’re a full-time Even importanta Local Offer.

This is a document in London and £9,916 if studying advice through text, webchat, email amount can borrow scare yourself offtoservices the idea of student. going ly, youThe only start you paying showing all helpline the local outside London. For students living at and a telephone everyone varies according to your household back your loan when your with their parents the maximum aged 13 and over.

If you’re aged 19 or available to children and young for living costshome if you’re to university with the thoughtincome, thatwhereLoans youalive or study, and salary reaches certain loan available is £8,640. overpeople (or 18 and receiving an out-ofwithafford SEN or ato disability.

It to benefits You can get youbenefit) “can’t go”. your age. Newentitled students, aged under work you can also get face-tolevel. Many students will should include information on the support with living costs There are support measures in never reachmore face advice. the point of support colleges and universities

place whichand can lessen can provide how to applythe for Fees and funding Disabled Students’ cost.

In any case Allowances. you don’t You should be able to tell the local Publicly funded providers in England need to pay cashthe up front. authority whether Local can charge up to £9,250 per year for Offer Even more importantmeets your needs. full-time undergraduate courses if they have achieved a Teaching National CareersExcellence Service ly,The you only start paying Framework (TEF) rating of ‘Meets provides careers advice through back yourand loan when your Expectations’ an access text, webchat,have email and a salary reaches a certain agreement withhelpline the Office Fair telephone toforeveryone Access (OFFA).

Other higher education level.

Many students aged 13 and over. If you’rewill aged 19 providers can charge between £6,000 or over (or 18the and receiving an never reach point of and £9,000 depending on their rating out-of-work benefit) you can also and whether not they havethe an access having toorpay back full get face-to-face advice. agreement. The increases in tuition fees amount.

since 2012 have been controversial and not Fees something that Disability Rights and funding UK otherother student organisations Onorthe hand, you necessarily agree with. However it’s need tonotaccept that your Publicly funded important to scareproviders yourself offinthe England can charge up tothe £9,250 student is something idea of goingloan to university with per year for full-time thought “can’t affordpaying to go”. you’llthat beyou gradually undergraduate coursesinifplace they have There are support measures towards for a long time, which can lessen the cost. In any case achieved a Teaching Excellence you don’t needthe to(TEF) paymajority cash up front. probably of Framework rating of ‘Meets Even more importantly, you only start Expectations’ and have an access your back working life.

Loans for paying yourwith loanthe when your for Fair agreement Office

having to pay back the full amount.

On the other hand, you need to accept that your student loan is something you’ll be gradually paying towards for a long time, probably the majority of your working life. Loans for tuition fees You can apply for a loan to cover tuition fees. The loan is paid directly to the provider on your behalf. In most cases this loan will cover the total costs of your fees. This means that you don’t have to find the money before you start the course or while you are studying.

Loans for living costs

if you qualify for certain benefits such as Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. The loan has a maintenance element and a special support element. The special support element will be ignored as income for means-tested benefits.

New students not living with their parents can get a maximum loan of £12,382 if studying in London and £9,916 if studying outside London.

For students living at home with their parents the maximum loan available is £8,640.

You can also apply for a loan for help with living costs if you’re a tuition fees You can apply full-time student. The amount you Access (OFFA). Other higher you according qualify to for certain for a loan to cover tuition fees. can Theborrowifvaries w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

loan is paid directly to the provider on your behalf. In most

benefits such as Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence

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Universities and disability colleges are In equality. most larger providers, increasingly being asked to develop support services are on campus, You start repaying your loan in the inclusive teaching and learning arestrategies open alltoday and can be April following graduation and/or You start repaying your loan in the ensure course design, walk-in or by appointment.

In when you’re earning over £21,000 per April following graduation and/or delivery and assessment is accessible to year.

Above this level you pay 9% of smaller colleges disability support when you’re earning over £21,000 students living with a health condition your income.

Forthis example, your may be covered by staff in to or disability.

Recent changes per year.

Above level ifyou pay salary is £25,000, you will pay 9% of administrative departments, for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) 9% of your income. For example, if £4,000 (£30 per month) taken through example the Registry. mean that universities and colleges your salary is £25,000, you will pay the income tax system. are focusing moreservices on their staff duty to Disabled student 9% of £4,000 (£30 per month) make reasonable adjustments the taken through the income taxsupport are responsible for deliveringunder Access agreements – financial the Equality Act. Every year more university’s commitment to system. from providers Publicly funded people living with a health equality.

Universities and condition universities and colleges which are or disability consider higher education Access agreements – financial are increasingly being charging more than £6,000 have to put colleges as an option and the processes to make support from providers asked to develop inclusive teaching in place measures to recruit students sure they have an excellent learning Publicly funded universities and and learning strategies to ensure from poorer backgrounds – and also experience are well understood and colleges are charging more course design, andand colleges. supportwhich them when they are studying. recognised bydelivery universities than £6,000 havehave to put place These measures beeninagreed assessment is accessible Many students go in and to out of with an independent body called the measures to recruit students from students with a health student living services all the time so there’s Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

Each poorer backgrounds – and also condition orworry disability. no need to aboutRecent any stigma university offers its own scheme, support them when they are but changes totoDisabled Students’ attached using disability services. they generally means-tested studying.

Theseinclude measures have You can get(DSAs) help any timethat during your Allowances mean bursaries andwith scholarships as well as course, including if you move been agreed an independent universities and colleges are on to spending money on increasing access postgraduate studies. body called the Office for Fair focusing more on their duty to and outreach work. Outreach work Access (OFFA).

Each university make reasonable adjustments includes summer schools, mentoring offers its own scheme, but they under the Equality Act. programmes, after-school tuition, generally include means-tested AND SUPPORT EveryHELP year more people living with links with schools and colleges in bursaries and scholarships as wellto a health condition or disability disadvantaged areas and activities AVAILABLE asimprove spending money onsuccess. increasing retention and Check if consider higher education as an Disability services can help access andany outreach there are activitieswork. in your area. option and the processes and advise you on applying Outreach work includes summer to make sure they have an for Disabled Students’ schools, mentoring programmes, excellent learning experience are Disability support Allowances (DSAs) (see Section after-school tuition, links with well understood and recognised 9) and will arrange for any by services schools and colleges in universities and colleges. recommendations to be carried Universities andareas colleges a disadvantaged andprovide activities Manyout. students in and outrequire of Not allgo adjustments rangeretention of services and for students towide improve success. financial support through student services all the time soDSAs. that are separate teachingin Check if there arefrom anythe activities Forno example, time to finish there’s need toextra worry about any arrangements. These include money your assignment and tutors your area. stigma attached to using disability advice, accommodation, counselling, providing handouts inany advance services.

You can get help time health and wellbeing centres, careers and in alternative formats can be Disability support during your course, including if you and employment advice and disabled arranged through the disability services move on to postgraduate studies. student services. In most larger

Repayments Repayments

providers, disability support services Universities andare colleges are on campus, open allprovide day anda wide range of services for students can be walk-in or by appointment.

In that are separate from the smaller colleges disability support may be covered by staff in administrative teaching arrangements.

These departments, example the include moneyforadvice, Registry. Disabledcounselling, student services accommodation, staff are responsible forcentres, delivering health and wellbeing the university’s commitment to

careers and employment advice and disabled student services.

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adviser. Disability advisers are trained professionals and they HELPhave ANDlots SUPPORT AVAILABLE of experience working Disability services can and of with students withhelp all kinds advise you on applying for Disabled impairments. They may have Students’ Allowances information about types of (DSAs) (see Section 9) and will support and ways of studying thatfor youany might not have thought arrange recommendations before.out. to beofcarried

DI SAB ILIT Y R EVI EW MAGA ZIN E

student Not allDisabled adjustments requireservices financial support through DSAs. for For staff are responsible example, extra time to university’s finish your delivering the assignment and tutors providing commitment to equality. handouts in advance and in alternative formats can be arranged through the disability adviser.

Examples include: Disability advisers are trained professionals and they have lots of • Technology – specialist experience working with students software such as mind with all kinds of impairments.

They mapping, speech to text, may have screen information about types readers, Brain of supportinand ways of studying Hand (which gives that you might notaccess have thought of students to support before. using their phone), voice Examples recognition include: and ‘lecture capture’ technology whereby you can listen to • Technology – specialist or view lecture on the software such as a mind mapping, mobilereaders, device; speech toweb text,orscreen

Brain in Hand (which gives • access Equipment – an using students to support ergonomic chair, a their phone), voice recognition fridge in your room to and ‘lecture capture’ technology store medication and whereby you can listen to or view adjustments to doors; a lecture on the web or mobile device; • Personal support – a • Equipment – an you ergonomic person to help make chair, a fridge in your room store notes or help in thetolibrary, medication and adjustments someone to assist into doors; the laboratory, specially • Personal support –a trained staff to support person toyou helpif you you make have anotes sensory for example or help in impairment, the library, someone to a sign language specially interpreter assist in the laboratory, or atomentor to you support you trained staff support if you adjusting to university have a sensory impairment, for life; example a sign language • Study – interpreter or a arrangements mentor to support extra support for planning you adjusting to university life; assignments, reading lists • Study arrangements – in advance, accessible extra support for planning study materials, extra time assignments, reading lists in in exams or assessments; advance, accessible study support with field work materials,orextra time in exams or work experience assessments; support with field arrangements. work or work experience arrangements. w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

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DRM

Being Being open open about about your your disability disability You might be unsure whether to be open with the university or college about your health condition, You might be unsure whether or to wondering be open with the the university or college about your learning difficulty or disability about best time to do this.

It can behealth helpfulcondition, to think Being open about your disability learning difficulty or disability or wondering about the best time to do this.

It can be helpful to telling think about what you expect to happen. Colleges and universities sometimes describe the process of aboutabout what you to happen.

Collegesaand universities sometimes describe the process of telling them yourexpect impairment as ‘disclosing disability’.

You might be unsure whether to be open with the university or college about your health condition, them about as ‘disclosing disability’.

You your mightimpairment be unsure whether to beaopen with the university or college about your health learning difficulty or disability or wondering about the best time to do this. It can be helpful to think AFTER ARRIVE condition, learning difficulty orColleges disability oruniversities wondering about the bestYOU time toprocess do this.ofIttelling can Someabout students areyou happy to be feel that their situation countssometimes as what expect to happen. and describe the AFTER YOU ARRIVE The first few weeks at Some students are happy to be feel that their situation counts as open them about their impairment having a disability, see it Colleges as beabout helpful to impairment think aboutas what you expect todon’t happen. andfirst universities your ‘disclosing a disability’.

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because hadand support at having their ability school orthey college they know to study,any or effect simplyon don’t like being Some students are happy to be feel that their situation counts as school or college and they know to study, or simply don’t like being they want similar support in higher labelled in this way. open about their impairment having disability, see it as they want similar support inopen higher labelled inathis way.ordon’t their ability to study, simply don’t Some students happy to be education.

Theare UCAS application is There’s no clear-cut answer as to because they had support at having any effect on their ability like being labelled in this way. about their impairment because they education.

The UCASto application is an early opportunity do this. The There’s no as to whether or clear-cut when youanswer should tell school or and they know to study, or simply don’t like being had support at college school or college and an early opportunity to do this.

The personal details section gives you whether or you should tell want support in higherpeople labelled inwhen this way.

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You whether or when you should tell people in option higher education.

The UCAS education. The UCAS application is need to use your own judgement the optioncategory of an choosing a There’s no clear-cut answer as to disability and about to your disability.

Youyou. need to use application early opportunity to Theabout need use your own judgement an earlyis opportunity to do this. what’s best for whether or when you should tell disability category and describing any additional study your own judgement about what’s best do this.

The personal details section personal details section gives you However, about what’s best for you. this section has some about this yoursection disability.

You describing anyoption additional study forpeople you. However, has some gives you the of choosing support needs.

You can also the option of choosing a a However, this section has some information worth considering: need to use your own judgement information worth considering: disability category and describing any support needs.

You can also mention your impairment disability category andin your information worth about what’s bestconsidering: for you. additional study support needs.

You mention your impairment in your personal statement, particularly describing any additional study However, this section has some can also mention your impairment in personal particularly if yousupport canstatement, present it You in a can wayalso that needs. your personal statement, particularly if information worth considering: if youmention can present in a way and that shows evidence of itcharacter your in your you can present it inimpairment a way that shows shows evidence of character and personal statement, particularly achievement. evidence of character and achievement. achievement. if you can it in a way that Universities andpresent colleges should shows evidence of character and Universities and colleges should give you further Universities and opportunities colleges should give achievement. you further opportunities to be open give further to beyou open aboutopportunities your disability yourabout disability throughout the and colleges should toabout be Universities open your disability throughout the admissions and admissions and induction process give you further throughout the admissions induction process andopportunities duringand your andto during yourabout course,your for example be open disability induction process and during your course, for example in the run-up in the run-up to exams or before you THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF HIGHER throughout theyou admissions and course, for example in the run-up to exams or before start work startinduction work placements.

Whenever THE PROVIDERSOF HIGHER process and during your EDUCATION THERESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES toyou exams or to before start work placements.

Whenever you choose choose tell theyou university you course, for example in the run-up Universities EDUCATION PROVIDERS and colleges have OFTHE HIGHER EDUCATION placements.

Whenever choose to tell the university youyou should should contact the disability adviser in RESPONSIBILITIES OF HIGHER to exams or before you start work Universities and colleges have been covered by the Disability student services. contact theuniversity disabilityyou adviser in to tell the should PROVIDERS EDUCATION PROVIDERS placements. Whenever you chooseDiscrimination Actthe since 2001 and been covered by Disability student services. contact the disability adviser in Universities and colleges have Universities and colleges have to have tell the university you should the Equality Act since 2010.

This Discrimination Act since 2001 and If you a visible impairment but been covered by the Disability If youcontact have a visible impairment in student services. been covered by the Disability disability feel unhappythe about puttingadviser personal means they have well-developed theDiscrimination Equality Act since 2010.

Thisand Act since 2001 but feel unhappy about putting If you have adetails visible impairment Discrimination Act since 2001 and the student services. or medical in your UCAS systems and procedures for means they have well-developed the Equality Act since 2010.

This Equality Act since 2010.

This means personal or medical details in your but feel unhappy about putting If you have visible impairment application, youacould wait until admitting disabled systems procedures for and means they havestudents well-developed they haveand well-developed systems UCAS application, you could wait personal or medical details your youbut receive an offer and then contact feel unhappy about in putting making sure they progress in their admitting disabled students andsystems procedures for admitting disabled and procedures forand until receive an offer andwait then the you university ormedical college Disability UCAS application, you could personal or details in your students and making sure they studies.

It would be unlawful making sure they progress in their admitting disabled studentsfor and Service.

If application, you have less obvious contact the university or college until you receive anaoffer and then UCAS you could wait progress in their studies.

It would be them to refuse you a place or treat studies.

It would be unlawful for making sure they progress in their impairment, you may wonder if Disability Service.

If you a then unlawful for them to refuse you a place until you receive an offer and contact the university orhave college you less favourably because of your studies.

It would be unlawful for them to refuse you a place or treat it’s safer just to keep everything less obvious impairment, you may contact the university or college Disability Service.

If you have a or treat you less favourably because of private. Some people worry that them to refuse you a place or treat disability.

There is also pressure on you less favourably because of your Disability Service. have wonder if it’simpairment, safer justIftoyou keep less you maya your disability. There is also pressure theobvious university or college might act you less favourably because of universities and colleges to widen disability.

There is also pressure on lessifobvious impairment, you may on universities and colleges to widen your everything private.

Some people wonder it’s safer just keep in a discriminatory way to and that disability.

There is also pressure access and deliver a better learning universities and acolleges to widenon access and deliver better learning wonder if it’s safer just to keep worry that the university or college everything private.

Some people admissions staff might deny them universities and colleges to widen for students to justify access andfor deliver a to better learning experience students justify the everything private. people experience might act inthe a discriminatory way a place.

Others don’t feel Some that worry that university or their college access and deliver a better learning increasing fees and the increasing fees the implementation experience forand students to justify worry that the university or collegethe situation counts as having a disability, and that staff might might actadmissions in a discriminatory way experience for students to justify of the TEF. of the might act in a discriminatory the increasing fees andTEF. the don’t seeadmissions ita asplace. having any effect on way implementation deny them Others don’t and that staff might the increasing fees and the and that admissions staff might implementation of the TEF. deny them a place. Others don’t implementation of the TEF. deny them a place. Others don’t w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

AFTER YOU ARRIVE very exciting and canIt’s also be a little nerve-wracking. good The first few weeks at little nerve-wracking.

It’s good to allow YOU yourself some time to AFTER ARRIVE university or college aretime usually to allow some to settle intoyourself a routine.

Sometimes very exciting and can also be a The first few weeks at university or settleare intopractical a routine.

Sometimes there difficulties, little are nerve-wracking.

It’s good college usually verydifficulties, exciting and there are practical but these can usually be resolved can be ayourself little nerve-wracking. toalso allow some time toIt’s but to these usually betime resolved without toocan much trouble.

Iftoyou good some settleallow into ayourself routine.

Sometimes without too much trouble.

If you dothere experience any difficulties, settle intoare a routine.

Sometimes there practical difficulties, do experience any difficulties, are practical remember disability services are but thesedifficulties, can usuallybut bethese resolved can usually be resolved without too remember disability services are there to help you. trouble. If you without too much much trouble.

If you do experience there to help you. do experience any difficulties, any difficulties, remember disability remember disability services LEARNING SUPPORT PLANS are services are there to help you. there to help you.

LEARNING SUPPORT PLANS Most providers will have a Most providers will have system in place through which LEARNING SUPPORTa your system inneeds place through whichand your LEARNING SUPPORT PLANS individual are identified PLANS Most providers will have a individual needs areare identified documented.

These usually and Most providers have are a system inyour system in place through which documented.

These usually referred to aswill Learning Support place through which your individual individual are identified and referred toneeds as Individual Learning Support Plans (LSPs) or Learning needs are identified and documented. documented.

These are usually Plans(ILPs).

(LSPs) or Individual Learning Plans These are usually referred to as referred to ashad Learning Support Plans (ILPs).

You may have an(LSPs) Educational, Learning Support Plans or Plans (LSPs) orhad Individual Learning You may have an(EHCP) Educational, Health and Care Plan Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).

You Plans may have(ILPs). hadyou an Educational, Health Health and Care (EHCP) written for at Plan school or You may have had written an Educational, and Care Plan (EHCP) you written for you atare school or college.

ILPs/LSPs veryfor similar Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at school or college. ILPs/LSPs are very college.

ILPs/LSPs areThey verywill similar to these documents. written for you at school or will similar to these documents.

They outline the kinds of support you’re to these documents.

They will outline the ILPs/LSPs kinds of support you’re college. are very similar likely to receive such as outline the kinds of support likely to receive such as adjustments to these documents.

They willyou’re adjustments to exams or support likely to receive such as tooutline exams orthe support classroom, kindsinofthe support you’rein such as note takers. the classroom, takers.in adjustments tosuch exams or support likely to receive suchasasnote the classroom, such as note takers. adjustments to exams or support in the classroom, such as note takers. www.thestudentroom.co.uk www.thestudentroom.co.uk www.thestudentroom.co.uk

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DISABILITY ASSIST Whether you’re an applicant, a current or international student, or progressing from one of our partner colleges, we will work with you to help you make informed decisions about any support that might help you with your studies.

WHAT DO WE OFFER? •

Individual appointments with a Disability Advisor. Guidance on disclosing a disability.

•

Advice if you think you may have dyslexia or another specific learning disability.

•

A Student support document to ensure you receive appropriate support from your teaching staff, and for any exams or tests.

•

Advice on accessing study skills support.

•

Help applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowance

•

Liaison with tutors and other university staff, services and external services where appropriate.

•

Support groups for ADHD and autism.

The mental health support service works alongside you to offer support if your mental health is having a serious impact on your life at university. We offer advice if you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s, mental health.

SHINE, with the University of Plymouth, is created by students, counsellors and researchers, and provides links to the best online resources and information about mental health and well-being.

Watch, read, listen and find useful apps.

THINKING OF CHOOSING THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH? Don’t wait until you have arrived at Plymouth; contact Disability Assist, das@plymouth.ac.uk, as early as you can to find out about the support available for study and living on campus.

We can arrange meetings with academic staff and a Disability Advisor prior to your arrival. Or come and talk to us at our stand at one of our Open Days: Saturday 27th April 2019 Saturday 26th June 2019

JAMES, BDS DENTAL SURGERY

D R M I S S U E : W I N T E R 2 018

Supporting mental health & well-being for children & young people across the UK Children’s mental health is finally being recognised as an issue that society needs to address. Unravel CEBPC is an organisation that sits between Educational Psychologists and CAMHS to provide prompt, bespoke mental health support for schools and families across the country.

Educational Psychologists

CAMHS

This pioneering new model is helping children, young people and those in their life, gain insight into what children and young people are feeling and more importantly offers the specialised action to drive positive changes in well-being.

What we do: l Act quickly. Most children and young people can be seen within 2 weeks l Work 1:1 with children and young people in schools and privately l Educate all involved in how best to support individual needs l In house training on issues around children and young people’s emotional and behavioural issues l Provide specific assessments on children and young people with appropriate and relevant recommendations l The same principles are subtly incorporated into The Blinks books which also support children’s emotional well-being.

Some results: At Unravel we work collaboratively to ensure each child or young person we work with progresses to the best possible level of well-being. Over our time, we have taken many children and young people from suicide to outstanding in well-being and academic progress. The graph below shows some negative behaviour score comparisons.

Name A B C D E F G H

Sept 16/Feb 17 39 19 161 88 (started 15/6-12/7) 16 = one month 80 95 88

Sept 17/Feb 18 6 0 66 33 2 (average monthly score Sept-Feb) 0 14 76

% difference 84% improvement 100% improvement 59% improvement 62.5% improvement 87.5% improvement 100% improvement 85% improvement 14% improvement

If you are interested in how can help you: Contact andreachatten@unravelcebpc.co.uk Or have a look at www.unravelcebpc.co.uk and www.theblinks.co.uk

The Blinks are a series of novels designed to help children and young people understand the core of emotions. Entwined in each story are subtle effective strategies to help move negative feelings forward so that they don’t impact too long on well-being

The series titles include Worry, Anger, Self-esteem, Sad, Shy and Love. They also tackle other social issues including bullying, bereavement, separation and divorce, school avoidance, elected mutism and running away. Alongside each novel is a Reference Manual so that parents, carers and professionals can be one step ahead in nudging their child’s emotional well-being more confidently in the right direction.

We are currently offering 10% off purchases of 3 or more. If you are interested visit www.theblinks.co.uk 84

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DRM

Powered by

myliferaft.com

CARE RADIO UK

WWW.CARERADIOUK.COM Caring for the Carers and those they care for

Care Radio UK is brand-new, independent on-line radio station supporting Carers across the UK delivering lifestyle support, health and well-being, news, views, conversation and real listening help. It’s an upbeat, entertaining and informative listen that celebrates Carers and the work they do every single day.

Care Radio UK broadcasts information that’s relevant. Music is popular and varied, designed not only to entertain but to stir memories.

What makes Care Radio UK really different are their features and editorial. Every day their interviews and topics will bring benefits to Carers including news of the latest technology and products available in care, interviews with world renowned medical experts and real life, uplifting stories of Carers and the people they care for.

Care Radio UK co-founder Gary Robinson said, “Care Radio UK is a much-needed service for the care community right across the country. With a growing dependence

w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

on Carers, the station is a focus- point for information, support and a medium for people to share their stories of resilience and experience.

It’s also about being an entertaining friend too. When you turn-on Care Radio UK, you’ll be entertained by a playlist of popular, recognisable music from artists from across the decades.”

The station also offers a range of specialist programmes such as jazz, classical, stage and screen soundtracks through to the very best of the seventies, eighties and more.

The radio station is supported by My Liferaft (www.myiferaft.com), which is an innovative and easy way to stay on top of all the information that comes with being a Carer and looking after the person you care for – and share it with the people who need it. It’s a secure place online where you can keep and update all the details about an individual’s health, care and wellbeing.

Care Radio UK has fun, interactive competitions with great prizes and a range of offers from Care Radio UK commercial partners with money-saving offers especially for the care community.

Nicola Murgatroyd, founder of MyLiferaft commented, “Throughout history, people have cared for others.

In the 21st century, husbands, wives, children, parents, neighbours and paid carers continue to underline what is human. Every second of the day and night, the silent army works. Care Radio UK is dedicated to carers, and those they care for. MyLiferaft is delighted to enable this support.”

The station is proud to support the UK’s Young Carers, giving them the opportunity to produce and broadcast their own programmes every week along with contributions from leading colleges and universities from across the country.

Visit the Care Radio UK website at www.careradiouk.com and download their highly interactive App makes it so easy to listen all day long! The Care Radio UK App is available for iOS and Android users.

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The Meltdown Kids is a series of seven illustrated books for children, families and professionals to understand and help children with sensory disorders, autism, ADHD and attachment problems.

From Mayhem Monday to Stressful Sunday, each book covers a typical meltdown scenario: the triggers, the form they take, and the impact they have on the children and people around them.

Written by an experienced Occupational Therapist, the books give effective sensory solutions so that everyone can feel more in control.

Designed to be read with children, the series takes a fun but informative approach to understanding and preventing common meltdowns.

You can buy our box set for only ÂŁ39.99 from meltdownkids.co.uk.

Individual books and e-books are available on Amazon.

Cairnsmoir Connections Book of the Month May 2018

I S S U E : W I N T E R 2 018

• •

With Cambridge Online Education, you can study anywhere with our state of the art interactive online classrooms.

•

You can study at a time that suits you, with MA and PhD qualified teachers for A Levels, Level 2 or 3 vocational or Ofqual regulated qualifications.

•

We’ll even support your UCAS application to ensure you get a university place!

There has never been an easier way to get to university, just visit:

cambridgeonlineeducation.com

•

• • •

DRM

We help students get to university and into careers Students can study entirely from home in our LIVE interactive classroom or via our video-recorded lessons archive Tiny group sizes and friendly PhD/MA qualified teachers We offer an online school with A Level College called Cambridge Home School We offer an online College of Art and Design offering routes to creative degrees at university We work with Universities and UCAS We work with employers offering work-based learning/CPD We work with local autorities and can help secure funding for students with special educational needs like autism/aspergers, ME/CFS, phobics and anxiety at school etc.

Call FREE on: 0800 612 0439

enquiries@cambridgeonlineeducation.com

SEND SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY We work with schools, colleges and local authorities (LAs) across the UK to offer SEND students opportunities to study GCSE / A-level / Vocational art, Design, Music and a full range of academic subjects ONLINE - students study from there own homes or a centre we may work with.

We understand the dilemma that parents, schools (SEND departments) and LAs face in trying to find the best educational environment for children who, whatever reason, struggle in mainstream education.

At Cambridge Online Education (COE) we provide opportunities for all students, their parents, schools and LAs to collaborate with us in finding the appropriate educational solution for them. At COE there is no necessity or requirement to communicate with peers. Teachers are fully qualified in teaching children with these challenges.

A full curriculum is available in a safe, secure online environment; no lesson time is lost as all lessons are recorded and can be reviewed later at any time.

All lessons are recorded and students can catch up from home or attend online LIVE curriculum. Webinars on modules/units/ assignments are regularly used, updated and ready to be accessed by the student. w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

A secure online environment with no pressure for social interaction.

However, optional interaction is available for students who would like to collaborate with their peers but there is never a pressure to socialise.

The student is able to build a portfolio of skills in parallel with knowledge acquisition, thus steadily becoming confident, independent learner.

Recorded and Live one-to-one lessons/tutorials; small group lessons.

GCSE, A-level, Art and Design foundation diplomas - many disciplines including Games design, Graphic design, Fashion design, Photography, Music and Music Technology, Business Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Instrumental/Vocal tuition graded courses/examinations at ABRSM and TCL, and Level 2 & 3 Vocational courses.

Call our SEND Team FREE 0800 612 0439 or visit www.cambridgeonlineeducation.com DI SAB ILIT Y R EVI EW MAGA ZI N E

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“People pity him because he is taking Care of you ... people are reluctant to criticise this saint or to think he Could be doing these terrible Disabled survivor of domestic violence

Disabled women and domestic violence - it’s time to take action

Leaving an abusive relationship is Difficult enough - it’s even harder if You are a disabled women - especially If your abuser is also your carer

There is help and support available: Go to www.womensaid.org.uk for the Women’s Aid Survivor’s Handbook, Available in 11 languages And audio version as well as the UK Domestic Abuse Directory

www.womensaid.org.uk/disability Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline

0808 2000 247

A DV E R TO R I A L

Support for disabled women

Disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic violence than non-disabled women (1995 British Crime Survey, also confirmed by data from other countries). They are also likely to experience abuse over a longer period of time and to suffer more severe injuries as a result of the violence.

Women’s Aid Annual Survey showed that: • • • •

95% of women suffered adverse effects on ..their mental health as a result of the abuse; 6.9% of women in refuge had a physical ...impairment; 1.9% had a sensory impairment; and 3.2% had a learning impairment.

If you are disabled, your abuser may also be your carer, or your personal assistant and you may be reliant on him/her for personal care or mobility. You can be subject to physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence in any or all of the ways that non-disabled women are abused, but in addition you may experience the following forms of abusive behaviour: • • • • •

Your abuser may withhold care from you or undertake it neglectfully or abusively.

Your abuser may remove mobility or sensory devices that you need for independence.

Your abuser may be claiming state benefits in order to care for you – enabling him to control your finances more effectively.

Your abuser may use your disability to taunt or degrade you.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and you are disabled, you may find it harder to protect yourself or to access sources of help.

• • • • • • • •

You may be more physically vulnerable than a non-disabled woman.

You may be less able to remove yourself from an abusive situation.

You may be socially isolated both because of your disability and as a result of your abuser’s control of your social relationships.

You may find it harder to disclose abuse because you have no opportunity to see health or social care professionals without your abuser being present.

If you are disabled, you may have particular concerns about moving out of your home: it may have been specially adapted for you, or perhaps a care package has been organised and you are worried that you will lose your current level of independence if you are forced to move elsewhere. You may be reluctant to report domestic violence from a partner whose care you depend on, and which you believe enables you to stay out of institutional care.

Seeking help As a disabled woman, you may be regarded as a “vulnerable adult”, and in this case, the multi-agency Policies and Procedures for the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults will apply. All areas have had to develop these policies and procedures following on from the publication of the Government’s No Secrets guidance.

The criteria for being defined as a “vulnerable adult” vary from area to area – but if you do fit the criteria set in your area, than all agencies (both statutory and voluntary) have to follow these procedures.

You may be reluctant to report domestic abuse if you do not feel confident you will be believed or that your concerns will be taken seriously. You may also think that there is little that anyone can do, and nowhere for you to go. If you decide you want to leave your abuser, refuge-based support and other domestic violence services may not always be appropriate. Some refuge accommodation may not be accessible, and you may need help with personal care or other needs (such as sign language interpreters or transport).

There is help and support available for any woman experiencing domestic abuse. Many domestic abuse services are able to support disabled women and have outreach services or independent advocacy services which can help you. If you need safe accommodation many refuges now have full wheelchair access, and workers who can assist women and children who have special needs such as hearing or visual impairments, and some Women’s Aid organisations offer BSL interpreters.

For more information, contact the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 Useful links

Dial UK There are around 120 local Disability Information and Advice Line services (DIALs) throughout Great Britain run by and for disabled people. To find out if there is a DIAL that covers your area call: 0808 800 3333 You can also find out online at www.scope.org.uk/support/ disabled-people/local-advice Disability Alliance Disability Alliance has had to close their helpline due to lack of funding. However, it is the leading authority on social security benefits for disabled people, and the website contains regularly updated information about benefits, tax credits and community care.

RNIB helpline Information and support for anyone with visual impairment and sight problems. RNIB helpline is on 0303 123 9999 Deaf Hope DeafHope is the only sign-language based service designed to help Deaf women and children who suffer domestic violence.

They have a text service on 07970 350366 Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the RNID) Information service for deaf and hard of hearing people, their carers, families and professionals. Telephone: 0808 808 0123 (freephone) Textphone: 0808 808 9000 (freephone) SMS: 0780 0000 360

A DV E R TO R I A L D R M I S S U E : W I N T E R 2 018

MyLiferaft announces its new FREE subscription model.

With users in mind, MyLiferaft is now available free, no payment details are needed to create and use an account, and get immediate access to a wide range of tools to assist you in managing your care and health.

To give users choice, there is also the offer of a Premium account which offers a wider range of features.

Key Features

•

• •

Access the full range of MyLiferaft Reports. These can be downloaded or shared online with people in your care circle which helps remove repetition and duplication of information Use the full range of Trackers to track a wider range of your care and well- being such as medication, allergies, mood Use the full range of Goals feature to keep you motivated and track your progress and achievements

MyLiferaft gives you one secure place online to manage, update and share all your personal health, wellbeing and care information using a laptop, tablet or phone at any time of day or night.

These are just a snap shot of the features of MyLiferaft; to find out more about the difference MyLiferaft, please see www.myliferaft.com

With a Free account you can:

About MyLiferaft

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MyLiferaft is the brainchild of businesswoman and entrepreneur Nicola Murgatroyd who as a Mum to her daughter Faith, experienced 1st hand the difficulties in caring for a child with multiple complex care needs “My personal experiences gave me a first-hand insight into the problems and challenges faced by parents in caring roles. I realised that gaps in knowledge between parents, carers, education and medical professionals became huge issues, and wished there was something I could use to hold everything we as a family knew in one place. Nothing can ever really prepare you for parenthood, and caring for a child with additional needs carries extra challenges.

However, there are ways to make life easier for everyone whatever their circumstances, and that’s what we have created with MyLiferaft – a tool that supports true person-centred care.”

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Set up and manage an account for yourself, or someone else (i.e. a parent carer can set up an account for their child and/or elderly relative).

Share information with two people in your care circle Add and update vital information about you or the person you are caring for Capture and keep a history of yourself in terms of your health and well being Access information for completing forms to ensure accuracy and consistency Access the wide range of MyLiferaft resources, news and events Create calendar entries and reminders to help manage meetings and appointments Keep an online journal to record activities, progress, feelings

Upgrade to a Premium account and unlock unlimited features to: •

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Share information you select with as many people within your care circle as you choose

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For more press enquiries about MyLiferaft, please email info@myliferaft.com or call 03302 231192 w w w.bo l d m ed i a.o rg.u k

You know how much you wished everything was in one place?

www.myliferaft.com

It can be.

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keep the button on their blood glucose meter dry in the shower.

QOL Limited started business producing a waterproof cover to protect leg ulcers in the shower – buddy® medium leg. We now make waterproof re-usable covers for legs and arms in different lengths and sizes and for all ages to protect wound dressings from water in the shower or bath. Because of the way buddy® clings to the limb like a second skin when submerged in water, it is comfortable and kind to delicate skin (no latex) and not cumbersome.

We are a small innovative company adapting to customer demand trialling products for different problems, including animals. Our PICC line/ isolated wound covers with 2 apertures, designed to protect isolated areas, are used by clients to

Our latest range of covers are suitable for amputees - leg and arm, above and below joint in various size apertures.

One of our most popular products for knee operations is the long leg which reaches to the thigh and is available in small, medium and large size apertures.

Further information: www.buddycover.com, email sales@buddycover.com, Freephone: 0800 2700074/5

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We will be more than happy to answer any questions.

Amputee Limb Protectors Leg & Arm waterproof covers for wound dressings

Protecting amputee stumps from water in the shower and bath with a gentle waterproof re-usable cover.

www.buddycover.com Please contact us on freephone

Leg

0800 2700 074/5

Arm

or email

sales@buddycover.com Re-usable

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Soft & Flexible

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Light & Comfortable

Fits like a glove

Non Restrictive

Latex Free

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DRM

How well do you REALLY know Mrs Jones?

In the UK, we’ve been discussing personalisation for well over a decade, but somehow we still have very little to show for it.

Everybody knows it’s the right way to go, but how on earth do you define it? How do you measure it? How do you possibly begin to commission against it?

Digital care planning has finally made it possible.

It is now entirely possible to make sure that ‘Mrs Jones’ is receiving all her essentials in terms of her food, fluids and medications, whilst at the same time building the perfect care plan around her happiness.

It is now possible to set and, critically, to measure entirely qualitative goals alongside the quantitative necessities.

It is now easy to track progression along an individual outcome-focussed journey and to do so in real time. This means that care may be commissioned and measured and paid-for upon the basis of entirely subjective personal goals and preferences, rather than simply the number of minutes spent on site.

This approach can actually save money for the commissioner and the care provider because effort is far better targeted. The new INSIGHT dashboards with PASSsystem 2020 Edition finally make it possible to really know ‘Mrs Jones’.

New INSIGHT dashboards with PASSsystem 2020 Edition. Creating Happiness. Saving money. t. 0800 689 3068 e. demo@everylifetechnologies.com w. everylifetechnologies.com

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PRIORITISING QUALITY OF CARE NOT QUANTITY Would this help your business too?

Ultimately going digital means that our customers OF CARE can direct their carers to spend more time doing With requirements changing where adoption of technology in the care industry is concerned, relying on time and attendance software, whilst still vitally important, is no longer enough. And the facts support too – care providers using digital care planning systems gain more Outstanding ratings for supporting person-centred care than those services still using paper-based care plans.

Recent technological advancements within the care sector allow providers to focus much more sharply on quality of care over quantity of care, as digital care plan management software shifts attention from mere time and attendance to truly outcomes-based caring.

Can you afford not to consider these options?

The new fully-comprehensive comparison tool available with the PASSsystem allows 360° transparency of performance, giving you not just reports, but real insight into your performance.

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their jobs more effectively and efficiently which means that we hear reported return on investment of 8 to 10-fold.

If you would like to discuss the realities of implementing the PASSsystem into your business, of focusing on the quality of care over the quantity, whilst simultaneously improving your profit margins, then please do get in touch and we’d be happy to arrange a demo in your offices.

If you would like to schedule an informed, but informal discussion of how the PASSsystem may impact your company please call 0330 094 0117 or email demo@everylifetechnologies.com now.

Don’t settle for reporting when you can have INSIGHT New INSIGHT dashboards with PASSsystem 20:20 Edition PASSsystem: Creating happiness. Saving money.

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Do you know anyone on the Autism Spectrum?

We can help.

Residential • Supported Living • Day Opportunities Respite • Training and Consultancy • Support Groups

Contact us:

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0800 368 9433 info@ss4autism.com www.ss4autism.com

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IMPROVING LIFESTYLES AND EQUALITY FOR DISABLED PEOPLE AND CARERS FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE PLEASE VISIT www.masis.org.uk and complete the contact form stating your particular requirements.

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London has been our home for over 150 years. Make it yours.

We offer a range of accessible homes around London where people want to live, work and play, through Shared Ownership and Help to Buy London.

1. Ternary Place Ealing W5 1 & 2 bed Shared Ownership apartments from £118,500 (30% share) 2. Vale Apartments Lewisham SE13 1, 2 & 3 bed Shared Ownership apartments from £102,750 (30% share) 3. The Gallery Southwark SE5 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments and 4 bed houses launching late 2018 1 & 2 bed Shared Ownership apartments launching early 2019

4. Lucent Point Lewisham SE13 1, 2 & 3 bed Shared Ownership apartments Launching Early 2019 5. Aurora Point Lewisham SE16 1, 2 & 3 bed Shared Ownership apartments from £126,000 (30% share) 6. The Levers Southwark SE17 1, 2 & 3 bed Shared Ownership apartments from £141,000 (30% share) 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments from £465,000

Typical Peabody interior. Prices correct as of October 2018.

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5 3 2

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peabodysales.co.uk