Kidz to Adultz Magazine Issue 17

ISSUE 17 / MAY 2022

IN THIS ISSUE...

AAC – CONNECTING THE WORLD AROUND US SIBLING CARERS BEDWETTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE RELATIONSHIP & SEX EDUCATION TRAINING PROGRAMME KIDZ TO ADULTZ SOUTH – PLAN YOUR VISIT

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Welcome!

WELCOME TO OUR LATEST ISSUE

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have been delighted by the volume of emails we have received since the publication of the last issue of the Kidz to Adultz Magazine, with suggestions for future articles. The team are busy contacting experts in their field to ensure that over the coming months, we continue to deliver the varied content that you, our readers, have been enjoying.

We have an emerging theme of inclusion and accessibility in the May issue. Becky Martin describes how better access to communication can gives every person the chance to become the best version of themselves and introduces AAC and assistive technology.

I am delighted to feature Helen Dunman, a specialist teacher who has a training programme around relationship and sex education for people working with children and young people with disabilities, and Pete Donnelly, who shares his experience of setting up the Wheelchair Skills College as well as his own personal journey.

We hear about inclusivity in sports from the Halifax Panthers and learn how they are inspiring the next generation of disabled athletes. We also catch up on the much-needed progress towards disabled representation on TV, and a visit to Derwen College from a TV actor and writer who aims to inspire a new generation of stars.

How do we encourage solutions to exclusion? Open Inclusion has launched the ‘Simply Open Awards’ which aim to recognise people who have created or adapted an existing solution that has helped reduce barrier or exclusion. The winners will receive a share of the £25,000 prize fund. Read all about it inside.

Finally, we look at advice on bedwetting for parents of children and teenagers. Davina Richardson, Bladder & Bowel UK’s specialist nurse, has more information on this treatable condition.

And of course, the Kidz to Adultz Exhibition in Farnborough is fast approaching. Find out all you need to know in this issue, including full seminar timetables and more.

If you do have a story for our next issue at the end of June, then please get in touch by sending an email to: magazine@disabledliving.co.uk

CONTENTS...

AAC – its many forms and their value for connecting with the world around us....4 The Sex Factor......................8 Simply Open Awards offers £25,000 for disabled solutions............................ 11 The Wheelchair Skills College..................... 14 Bedwetting in young people..................... 16 Kidz to Adultz South......... 21 How did the pandemic change life for sibling carers?................................ 26 ‘A world of difference’: New Changing Places toilets announced............. 28 Encouraging a new generation of talent.......... 30 The power of Rugby League: A safe space for all............ 32 Championing accessible tourism in North Wales.... 35

FANCY BEING IN THE NEXT ISSUE?

Carmel Hourigan Editor & Manager Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions

If you would like to talk to us about promoting your company or organisation in the next issue of Kidz to Adultz magazine, call us on 0161 214 5959 or email us at magazine@disabledliving.co.uk

Disabled Living, Burrows House, 10 Priestley Road, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2LY

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AAC

– ITS MANY FORMS AND THEIR VALUE FOR CONNECTING WITH THE WORLD AROUND US

BECKY MARTIN IS CLINICAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIST AND SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST, AT SMARTBOX ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY. BECKY SHARES AN INTRODUCTION TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ACC.

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AC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and assistive technology can enable children and adults to connect with the world around them and their loved ones, in so many ways!

Communication to one person may look very different to another regardless of ability, age, or life situation. But fundamentally, it matters to everyone which means everyone should have access to

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methods of communication. They should understand and share all their reasons for communicating and be able to do this whenever those opportunities arise for them.

Every single person should have the chance to become the best version of themselves and once again, this comes back to that underpinning fundamental skill, communication.

Here at Smartbox, we are

passionate about creating and providing technology with an AAC focus. We know how important it is to value and nurture every way that someone shares information. It is essential that AAC has many forms.

In fact, without even realising we all use multiple forms of alternative communication every day when we send an email or text message, for example.

Assistive technology enables

people to begin a journey of possibility, with many twists and turns. This is best supported and navigated when an individual has access to effective communication.

Like any journey, accessing, understanding and interacting with assistive technology can often take time. It may even feel like there are multiple barriers which can limit engagement with the technology.

It may simply be, however, that the person needs time to adjust and get familiar with it.

Support to feel inspired about the possibilities that come with AAC can also make a big difference. We recognise that whilst it is an exciting prospect, getting started with assistive technology can often feel overwhelming when the kit arrives and the dust settles!

At Smartbox we recognise it can be difficult to navigate through the vast and ever-growing world of AAC, and so we have a range of vocabulary options with a robust focus in mind.

This means all AAC users are given the opportunity to be exposed to core vocabulary, topic language and a variety of keyboards, at a level that supports their skills and drive.

called Voco Chat on her Talk Pad communication device she suddenly has a visual storehouse of language to refer to, take inspiration from, and simply explore. This is all part of learning a language. The vocabulary offers opportunities to build and improve how she communicates throughout daily situations. As conversation partners, the support staff around her instantly have a visual reference they can also use to help support Sarah’s understanding of spoken and auditory language.

A person’s comprehension skills are a huge factor in communication.

Anchoring unfamiliar words, abstract concepts and new terms in real life with support from symbolised vocabulary gives Sarah an enriched way to learn about language. In time, this will help her use these terms spontaneously for herself.

Using Voco Chat, Sarah’s support staff are also able to model language instantly at any given moment which has the benefit of reinforcing new and less familiar concepts, for example, to real life scenarios. This is often the way people attach meaning to vocabulary as they start to use it themselves.

Voco Chat is a pragmatic approach

to learning and building language with a low cell count per screen. For someone using alternative ways to access their device (e.g. switch scanning) this instantly speeds up sharing information with a conversation partner. The pragmatic approach to language also means pre-loaded powerful phrases, questions and statements are just a click away for those many occasions where conversations are fast-paced and topic shifting.

KEVIN* – A SUPER CORE USER Kevin* is an adult AAC user who is able to extend his communication using the symbol vocabulary Super Core on a Touch Pad communication device.

Kevin's AAC journey started at an earlier stage in his life. Through Super Core he can explore and play with new language, formulate his own messages, and pre-programme quick statements and personalise phrases.

Kevin is now able to go beyond his previous methods of communication

SARAH* – A VOCO CHAT USER Sarah* is an adult AAC user who seeks interaction, and wants to connect and experience two-way engagement with those around her. Her ability to spontaneously generate what she really means, however, is influenced by her autism and learning disabilities.

Using a symbol vocabulary

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and share more of what matters to him, from specific sandwich fillings or what he wants to drink at a coffee shop, to asking for assistance with various situations in his flat.

Previously he would have relied on staff guessing his wants and needs.

Super Core was created by Smartbox Speech and Language Therapist, Daisy. After extensive research and careful consideration, she developed a robust vocabulary system (core and topic with a keyboard function).

Super Core is an ideal vocabulary for anyone learning to form their own messages from scratch – whether that’s through single words, connected sentences, questions or phrases. After all, we don’t always have to answer in full sentences, and can all be faced with times where we respond in brief terms!

Smartbox is proud to be supporting those who benefit from specialist equipment and content.

We are continually developing our

services and technology to help people find ways to communicate, connect with the world and live more independently. * The names of AAC users have been changed for the purpose of this article.

For further information email becky.martin@thinksmartbox.com or visit www.thinksmartbox.com

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CHAILEY HERITAGE FOUNDATION, A REGISTERED CHARITY, IS A PROVIDER OF A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH COMPLEX DISABILITIES, INCLUDING ITS OFSTED OUTSTANDING SCHOOL. IN THIS ARTICLE, WE HEAR FROM ONE OF ITS SPECIALIST TEACHERS, HELEN DUNMAN, WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING RELATIONSHIP & SEX EDUCATION (RSE) AND IS DETERMINED TO SPREAD THE WORD THROUGH HER TRAINING PROGRAMME, THE SEX FACTOR. 8

T

here is a general misconception that Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) is not needed for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities. Through research, Chailey Heritage has found: • Limited adapted RSE education for children and young people to learn, stay safe, understand their bodies, relationships and sexuality in full • That staff are ill-equipped to teach RSE to children and young people with complex neurodisabilities • There were no appropriate resources for teachers/parents/ staff • Lack of specialised openly descriptive/visual training regarding personal care • That families and carers may also be unaware of the need for RSE or uncertain how to address this subject Helen has over 30 years experience teaching pupils with special educational needs and has created The Sex Factor; a revolutionary toolkit of resources to help teach RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) to young people with complex neurodisabilities. We caught up with Helen to ask her about why she created this resource and what the reaction has been so far.

WHY DID THE SEX FACTOR COME ABOUT? There was just nothing out there and the only resources available to teach RSE were not accessible for people with complex neurodisabilities.

I recognised the opportunity to educate our students about RSE through drama, by using storytelling, anatomically correct dolls, sensory teaching aids and mirrors.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Equipping those who work with individuals to confidently teach RSE can make a huge difference to peoples’ lives. Educating people

about their bodies, puberty, sexuality and ‘keeping safe’ helps them to have healthy relationships with themselves and others. This is particularly important for the young people we work with, as some have never seen or explored their own bodies, and rely on receiving intimate care from others.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE REACTION? Seeing the young people excited to learn has been fantastic! We create a drama circle so that there is a tangible boundary between real life and drama, so individuals are free to explore the many aspects of the lessons in a safe space. Aspects of the training have been incorporated elsewhere too, for example mirrors in the hygiene unit so the young people can see their bodies, understand what is happening and actively participate.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Getting it off the ground! There has been so much to create, from lesson plans and videos to all the teaching resources. All the while people were asking, “When is it going to be ready? We’re desperate to learn how to teach this!” Also, unfortunately there are still some outdated attitudes that RSE isn’t relevant for people with complex disabilities. The Sex Factor can only help to educate, inform and change that perception.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT? Empowering people. Before we created the Sex Factor, people told us they lacked confidence, were embarrassed or afraid to teach the sensitive subject. We have had so much positive feedback from people feeling empowered to teach this now.

We have trained teachers, teaching assistants, care staff, governors,

parents, speech and language therapists, social workers, head teachers, senior management and care managers, so it’s wide reaching which is just fantastic!

To find out more about the Sex Factor please visit https://www.chf. org.uk/rse-training.html

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hailey Heritage Foundation provides education and care services and is one of the UK’s leading centres for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities.

Most of the young people accessing their services have severe cerebral palsy, many have visual and/or other sensory impairments. All are wheelchair users and very few have verbal communication.

Their expertise is in maximising independence and choice, developing effective communication and providing powered mobility opportunities.

Chailey Heritage Foundation will be exhibiting at Kidz to Adultz South on Tuesday 17th May and delivering a seminar on The Sex Factor. https:// www.chf.org.uk/

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new group of awards, the Simply Open Awards, has been launched by Open Inclusion. The awards, created in partnership with Enable India, a disability-led organisation, have been announced in time for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) – and winners will win a share of £25,000.

The Simply Open Awards offer people with any disability or other specific access needs, (or a person such as an assistant, friend, colleague, teacher, or family member) to demonstrate a solution they have created to better manage access challenges in a way that enhances independence, capability, or joy. This can be something new

or adapting an existing product or solution to fit that person’s requirements. Applicants can submit to one of five categories to which people can apply, with £3,850 of awards per category, or £25,000 in total.

Open Inclusion specialise in market research and user insights around people with impairments and/or additional needs. Christine Hemphill, managing director, says: “Open Inclusion is delighted to launch the Simply Open Awards to help people with disabilities share and find solutions that remove barriers in a range of areas in our lives. We have the opportunity to find and celebrate creative ingenuity! With global disability-inclusive brands

as sponsors, we can accelerate the awareness of where difficulties arise in people’s lives.”

Darren Rowan, Accessibility Lead at Eli Lilly says, “Lilly is excited to be the global sponsor for the Daily Living and Well Being category of the inaugural Simply Open awards. As we continue to develop innovative medicines and healthcare solutions for millions of patients worldwide, the well being of our employees remains a company priority. A core element of our global accessibility strategy is to better understand the barriers faced by people with disabilities, and we believe these awards will spotlight the solutions people with disabilities create to remove barriers in their daily lives.”

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Sarah Hore-Lacy, Board Account Director at AMV BBDO, another sponsor of the awards, says “At AMV, we believe creativity is one of the greatest tools we can use to break barriers and drive positive impact. That’s why we’re so excited to be the global sponsors for the Communications Category at the Simply Open Awards. We can’t wait to read the submissions.”

The five key categories for applicants to submit videos are: • Daily living and wellbeing • Employment and Advocacy • Education • Getting out and about • Communications APPLICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY Applicants must have a disability or have another specific access need.

Applications will open on Thursday 19th May 2022 and closes at 23:59 on Friday 2nd September 2022.

Applicants must be residents in the: United Kingdom and Ireland United States and Canada Australia and New Zealand Applicants can also be an assistant (carer), friend, colleague, teacher, or family member of someone with a disability or specific access need.

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The awards are not eligible for: Entrepreneurs who have created solutions that they plan to commercialize or already have.

Individuals or entrepreneurs who are not willing to share their solution publicly for others to learn from and adopt for their personal use.

Where intellectual property protection may be a concern.

Each category will be given £3,850 of awards, which is spread between the top 5 awardees per category:

1st - £2,000 2nd - £1,000 3rd - £500 4th - £250 5th - £100 For more information, please visit https://www.simplyopen.io/awards If you have any difficulties with submitting applications, have eligibility concerns or require an alternative format, please email simplyopenawards@openinclusion. com

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THE WHEELCHAIR

Skills College PETE DONNELLY HAS BEEN USING A WHEELCHAIR FOR 15 YEARS. HERE HE TELLS US ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE OF WHEELCHAIR SKILLS AND WHAT MOTIVATED HIM TO START UP THE WHEELCHAIR SKILLS COLLEGE.

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don’t remember the accident itself.

I think that a defence mechanism of the body is to block out the trauma.

What I do know is that when I woke up, life was in contrast to what it been a week earlier.

A motorbike accident at 19 years old had caused a shopping list of injuries. The most significant of my

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injuries was the break in my back that damaged my spinal cord causing paralysis from the chest level down and thrusting me into a life I knew nothing about and cared little to know about before this point.

Now that my legs didn’t work, I needed an alternative way to get around. Often seen as a symbol of

disability, I was going to learn that the wheelchair was going to become my freedom.

Having the skills to use any piece of equipment is essential to make sure that you can use it effectively. Having the skills to use a wheelchair is no different. It takes time, patience and dedication.

CASE STUDY

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Leaving hospital, I was keen to get back to things that gave me a sense of normality. It was a mix of going back to adapted ways of doing old things like going back to college and trying out new things as well – playing wheelchair sport and driving with hand controls.

It was only through wheelchair skills training that I got an insight into what could really be achieved using a wheelchair. It was brilliant.

No one can teach you as well as someone who has already walked, or rolled, that path.

There was no stopping me now.

I returned home and was pushing myself further than I had before. No pun intended. Learning these skills had such a big impact on me that I wanted to give something back. A year later I trained to be a wheelchair skills trainer and have been doing it ever since.

Learning wheelchair skills changed the way I looked at everything. All of a sudden, the world seemed a lot more… possible.

Growing up I’d always had aspirations to travel, but the barriers had always seemed too big to make these dreams a reality. Ironically, now I was using a wheelchair I no longer saw those barriers as something that was going to stop me, but obstacles that I needed to overcome.

I was lucky enough to go on a lot of trips over the next couple of years. The one that stands out as the ultimate test of my wheelchair skills started when I was volunteering at a spinal rehabilitation centre in

Bangladesh.

It was my first time out to the subAsian continent. Or any of the Asian continent, come to think of it. I had the best time over there and for me it’s what travel is all about. Different sights, smells, tastes, language, cultural norms.

In a moment of inspiration, or madness depending on how you look at it, I decided to travel back home to the UK from Bangladesh without flying. I called it ‘Rolling Back Home’ – 5,000 miles, 15 countries, 2 continents and 1 set of wheels.

It took me 5 months to roll back home. It was far from an easy journey.

Most of it was inaccessible and a real challenge. Exactly what I wanted.

There were a lot of times when my stomach dropped looking at the path in front of me. But I always found a way to keep moving forwards.

Wheelchair skills have made such a difference to my life. Everything that I have achieved has been built on a foundation of being able to confidently use my wheelchair.

That’s why last year I set up The Wheelchair Skills College, with the aim of teaching wheelchair skills to every wheelchair user - all ages, all abilities.

atie Chapman, PMLD/ Physical Development Lead at Watergate School Lewisham tells us about their wheelchair skills session.

The Wheelchair Skills College provided a fun and instructive session for our wheelchair sports team, the Watergate Whizzers.

The session was tailored to meet the needs of each child and they all made progress as a result.

Pete’s enthusiasm and a variety of activities kept them engaged and eager to learn throughout the morning.

Our pupils are determined to be as independent as possible and they all left the session with increased confidence and a greater ability to navigate their environments via self-propelling.

They also learned some new skills to use in our rugby games.

Each pupil demonstrated pride in their achievements and they were eager to show off their certificates!

The session was also beneficial to the school staff as they are now better equipped to encourage our children to be independent in using their wheelchairs throughout the school day.

To find out more about The Wheelchair Skills College visit www.wheelchairskills.org

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BEDWETTING IN

young people BEDWETTING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SOME CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN ALL CULTURES AND SOCIETIES. PREVIOUSLY IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT CHILDREN WOULD GROW OUT OF THIS IN TIME, THAT IT WAS LINKED TO STRESS OR PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS AND DID NOT CAUSE LONG-TERM ISSUES, SO DID NOT NEED TREATING. HOWEVER, SINCE THE 1980S IT HAS WIDELY BEEN RECOGNISED THAT BEDWETTING IS A MEDICAL CONDITION FROM THE AGE OF FIVE YEARS OLD AND IS TREATABLE. 16

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hile bedwetting is a very common problem in younger children, many people do not realise that it can continue for some into the teenage years and even adulthood. While it is not possible to fully predict who will get dry with time, it is now known that those who are wetting most nights or every night are least likely to become dry with time.

Furthermore, many young people find bedwetting embarrassing, distressing and difficult to deal with.

WHAT CAUSES BEDWETTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE? Bedwetting is caused by a combination of problems: • Not being able to reduce the amount of urine that the kidneys produce overnight. A chemical messenger, called vasopressin, usually gets released at night to tell the kidneys to make less urine than they do during the day.

This allows the bladder to hold onto all the urine produced without the need to wake and go to the toilet. If too little vasopressin is made, then the kidneys will make more urine during sleep than the bladder can hold.

• Not being able to hold onto all the urine that is made. This may be because the bladder is not big enough, or not working well enough. If the bladder is too small or gets ‘twitchy’ when it fills then it is more likely to empty overnight, even if the kidneys do reduce the amount of urine they make while the young person is asleep.

• The brain is unable to wake the young person up, when the bladder signals that it needs to empty. Not being able to wake up to bladder signals is the main reason for wetting the bed. Young people who can

wake up to go to the toilet will do so. It is the not being able to wake up that causes the wet bed.

Bedwetting is not caused by anything being done wrong by the young person or their family.

However, there are some factors that can contribute to bedwetting.

These include not drinking enough during the day, fizzy drinks, and having drinks with caffeine in. Eating salty or high protein foods just before going to sleep encourage the kidneys to make more urine at a time when they should be making less. Forgetting to empty the bladder before going to sleep means that the bladder starts the night already partially full, making wetting more likely. Being constipated, may cause bedwetting or make it worse.

Some young people may have previously been offered support to improve the bedwetting, that has not worked. If this happens, then they are less likely to want to follow suggested treatment, as they may feel that it is unlikely to work. Also, young people have a strong and natural desire to be like others. Having to follow treatment recommendations, may make them feel different and so reluctant to undertake what is being suggested.

Changing routines may help.

Things to try include ensuring that the young person is drinking plenty of water based drinks a day (about 1.5 – 2litres a day for most teenage girls and 2 – 2.5litres for most

teenage boys – but do ask a dietician for advice if one is involved in their care), that they are avoiding fizzy drinks and ones containing caffeine, including energy drinks, stopping all food and drinks an hour before bed and toileting just before sleep can all help.

If making the above lifestyle changes have not helped, then the young person’s healthcare professional may be able to offer assessment and some treatment, or refer them to an appropriate clinic for this.

The most common first-line treatments for bedwetting are an alarm or desmopressin. The alarm works by making a loud noise as soon as the young person starts to wet. This is designed to wake them, so that they can go to the toilet. Over a few weeks most people learn to either sleep through the night without needing to pass urine, or to wake before they are wet. Desmopressin is a melt or tablet that tells the kidneys to make less urine during sleep and is very effective for some people. However, Desmopressin does need to be prescribed and is not suitable for everyone, including those who have overnight feeds or wake for a drink in the night.

About 40 – 60 % of people do not respond to just one treatment for bedwetting. They may need to use both the alarm and the Desmopressin at the same time.

Some also need a medication

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to help their bladder to hold onto urine better. The medicines usually used are from a group called anticholinergics. Healthcare professionals should be able to discuss the most appropriate treatment(s) and explain what is involved.

It is often assumed that young people with a disability will inevitably have bladder and or bowel issues.

While conditions causing these may occur more often in those with additional needs, they are not inevitable. Therefore, assessment and treatment should be offered to all young people who are struggling with bladder and/or bowel control.

Constipation is a common problem for all children and young people and even more so in those with disabilities or sensory processing differences. The full bowel can push on the bladder, increasing the likelihood of urinary problems, including bed wetting. Therefore, all young people with a bladder or bowel problem should be offered an assessment and treatment tailored to their needs. The usual plan would be to improve any constipation and then any daytime bladder symptoms before treating the bedwetting.

Any young person who has been toilet trained for more than six months during the day, should be offered support if they continue to have continence issues at night.

Many of those with a disability would be able to use an alarm with support from their family and many would be able to take Desmopressin, although this does need to be prescribed and is not suitable for everyone.

Successful treatment usually results in undisturbed sleep through the night. However, some will continue to need to empty their bladder during the night and needing to do this up to once a night is considered normal. However, for young people who have a physical disability that makes them unable to access the toilet independently, there may be options such as a commode or urinal (female urinals are available for girls). These can be used in bed or in the bedroom and may be

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more convenient at night for some.

The young person’s occupational therapist or other healthcare professional may be able to advise.

It is important to remember that even if a treatment has previously been tried and has not worked, it may be successful when an individual is older. This is because the body changes as the young person grows and develops. Therefore, treatments that did not work before may work well later. Therefore, all options should be discussed with a healthcare professional. They may also be able to refer the young person to a local specialist service.

More information is available from Bladder & Bowel UK, a service of Disabled Living. They provide information that is free to access, download and print about bladder and bowel conditions and management solutions for people of all ages on their website at www. bbuk.org.uk.

There is also information on

bedwetting on the Stop Bedwetting website at www.stopbedwetting.org.

Bladder & Bowel UK produce a free quarterly electronic newsletter for the public, which is full of interesting articles, suggestions and information for people affected by bladder and bowel conditions. To receive this visit www.bbuk.org.uk.

While awaiting assessment and treatment, some families find it helpful to use disposable continence containment products at night.

A selection of these are available via the Bladder & Bowel UK shop, accessible through our homepage.

For more information on bedwetting visit www.stopbedwetting.org.

Bladder & Bowel UK supports bladder and bowel health for everyone. For support, or to contact the helpline, visit www.bbuk.org.uk or call 0161 214 4591.

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Researchers from the University of Oxford are conducting a study to understand the needs and challenges of urine collection in non-toilet trained children.

If you’ve had to collect urine from a non-toilet trained (pre-continent) child in the past 2 years, please go to our Researchers from website the University of us.

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a study to understand the needs and challenges of urine collection in non-toilet trained children.

If you’ve had to collect urine from a non-toilet trained (pre-continent) child in the past 2 years, please go to our website or contact us.

Seminar Room 1

Free CPD Seminars

The Sex Factor (Relationship & Sex Education Training) Chailey Heritage Foundation is one of the UK’s leading centres for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities. There is a general misconception that Relationship & Sex Education (RSE) is not needed for these children and young people and we have found limited adapted RSE for them to learn, stay safe, understand their bodies, relationships and sexuality in full. We have developed a unique way of teaching this difficult subject and have created a user-friendly toolkit consisting of training sessions and resources for teachers and staff to deliver quality RSE to this group of youngsters.

10.30am Paula Marten Assistant Head, Chailey Heritage Foundation

Stand V2

Paediatric seating: Do we have to choose posture over function for the complex client?

With the important focus on 24-hour postural management, there are occasionally times when clinicians wonder how to prioritise between competing goals of posture and function for complex clients. In this talk we will explore the intricate relationship between these two elements and decode how to set-up a seat to best meet needs.

Learning outcomes: Understand the roots of 3 non-symmetrical postures Review how to set-up a seat to maximise function without causing other postural issues Recognise how the SATCo assessment can help determine functional goals Examine options where difficult choices have to be made in postural management

11.30am Laura Finney Clinical Director, Leckey

Stand C1

Supporting Challenging Behaviours, Sensory Processing and Sleep Disorders with a Safespace The Safespace is a multi-purpose room designed for users with complex needs. We’ll explore how it supports sleep, behaviour, self-management and sensory needs. A series of case studies will be presented from our 20+ years experience.

The Seminar Will cover: Improving sleep hygiene Addressing sensory processing needs Supporting behaviour self-management This Seminar is suitable for healthcare and education professionals, parents and carers.

1.00pm Sharon Baillie, Product Advisor, Safespaces

Stand R1

Autism Acceptance, Gaslighting and Thriving as a Disabled Women World awarded, Autistic and disabled insights into thriving as an autistic woman: Uncover the heart-breaking truth of unintentional gaslighting.

Discover the hidden challenges to overcome with an invisible disability, including stereotypes and ambulatory wheelchair use, and the detrimental impact of masking and shutdowns of physical capabilities.

Be inspired by a ‘power of yet’ mindset and redefine autism quirks & gifts while challenging misconceptions.

On completion, we hope you will gain an in-depth personal account of thriving as an autistic and disabled person.

2.00pm Joely Williams, My Autistic Wings ( formerly AspergerWorld)

Stand V5

Flying with a Disability - Accessing Support for your Journey Objective: to increase attendees knowledge of services available for disabled passengers who are wanting to fly. Learning Outcome: be able to answer simple queries about disabled aviation passengers and know where to get further advice.

Aviation industry progress to this point Goals for the future Free resources available to individuals, families and professionals Specialist independent advice on travelling Professional assessment in preparation for travel Other services (equipment hire, training)

3.00pm Kate El Bizanti, Children's Occupational Therapist MERU & Mobility Services

Stand V16

Entry is free on a first come, first serve basis. For professionals, certificates of attendance will be available on the day.

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Seminar Room 2 SEN & Transitioning to Adulthood: what support is a disabled young person entitled to to receive from statutory services?

Attendees should gain an understanding of: Special educational needs planning for post-16 and post-19 provision: The transition assessment process by social services: what, when and how: Adult social care assessments and funding: The right to a carer’s assessment: NHS funding to meet a young person’s primary health needs: The interplay between education, social care and healthcare – whose responsibility is it?: Decision-making for adults and young people post-16, and when a deputy is needed; Common issues that arise and tips for resolving them.

10.30am

Laxmi Patel, SEN Solictior James Pantling-Skeet, Associate Legal Executive Community Care, SEN & Court of Protection

Stand F2

Encouraging active movement in children with complex needs Active movement has the most evidence behind it for preventing, stabilising, maintaining and reducing contractures and deformities like scoliosis, knee flexion contractures and foot deformities. But active movement can be difficult for children who have severe learning disabilities, may be non-verbal, require hoisting and large pieces of equipment, have other sensory issues such as deafness or blindness, and require specific moving and handling techniques. We have lots of experience with these children and we know that active movement is possible! This seminar will look into ways of encouraging children with complex needs to actively move in the following ways: Gait trainers, trikes, swimming pools, trunk strengthening, and specialist pieces of equipment such as the Glider by Atelier Rehab, the MyWay with pedals, and the Motomed, which can all be used for passive movement. We will explore ‘cause and effect’ a skill almost all children have regardless of their learning disability, and how we can use cause and effect with gait trainers and trikes, to encourage active movement. We will also explore the benefits of active standing, and how we can adapt equipment to facilitate active.

11.30am Hannah Spink, Founder of BBP and consultant physiotherapist.

Bumble Bee Physio

Meeting the new guidelines for children with disabilities Children and adults with physical disabilities spend much of their lives in passive positions with the direct consequence of deteriorating health. Current research is recognising the value of adaptive cycling for health promotion. This session will provide current knowledge to support evidence-based justification for the clinical use of adaptive tricycles. Learning objectives: Identify the benefits of adaptive cycling for health as described by the ICF in the context of the child-centred educational health plan model. Explore and recognise up-todate research outcomes with adaptive cycling for individuals with physical disabilities.

Discuss product solutions for adaptive cycling that meet specific medical conditions to enable opportunities for physical activity in home and community.

1.00pm Lori Potts, Product and Training Specialist for Rifton Equipment

Stand E1

Top Tips for Toilet Training Many families need support to introduce their children to the skills that children need to learn to use the toilet. This is even more likely to be the case when children have physical, learning or developmental disabilities or sensory differences. This session is designed to help families and professionals know when and how to start working on the skills needed for children to successfully toilet train. It will include practical strategies, aim to address some of the difficulties, including when children do not sustain progress. Suggestions for useful resources will also be provided.

2.00pm Davina Richardson RGN/RSCN, BSc (Hons), Specialist Children's Nurse.

Bladder & Bowel UK (Part of Disabled Living)

Stand A1

Transition to adulthood for children with autism; Behaviours that challenge and strategies to help Transitions come in different sizes and impact on individuals in different ways. There are small transitions, for example from one activity to the next; medium transitions like getting a new teacher or big transitions, such as the transition to adulthood. Accompanying these transitions, many autistic people may engage in behaviours that challenge. This presentation will explore strategies to support individuals through these transitions and reduce the chance of behaviours of concern creating a barrier to successful transitions.

3.00pm

Matthew Wicks, Outreach Consultant, BeyondAutism

Stand V18

Entry is free on a first come, first serve basis. For professionals, certificates of attendance will be available on the day

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KIDZ TO ADULTZ UPCOMING EVENTS e m n a c 2022 S KIDZ TO ADULTZ SOUTH Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Farnborough

KIDZ TO ADULTZ WALES & WEST The International Convention Centre (ICC), Newport

KIDZ TO ADULTZ SCOTLAND Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

KIDZ TO ADULTZ NORTH New venue! Manchester Central, Manchester

KIDZ TO ADULTZ MIDDLE CBS Arena (Previously Ricoh Arena), Coventry

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March 2023

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC CHANGE LIFE FOR

sibling carers?

IT WASN’T SMOOTH SAILING FOR SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES BEFORE THE PANDEMIC – AND THINGS ARE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT NOW.

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or the estimated half a million children and young people in the UK supporting a brother or sister with a disability, their needs often go unmet, and the past couple of years have deepened this impact.

Children and young people growing up with a disabled brother or sister are under more pressure and have more concerns than their peers. They also often get less attention from parents, and are required to help with household tasks and physical care, as well as offering emotional support for their parents. Loneliness and isolation has hit families with a disabled member particularly hard.

Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, University College London Researcher and

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a Trustee of Sibs, the charity for siblings of disabled children and adults, says, “siblings are at higher risk of loneliness and/or lack of social support due to unexpressed emotions, fear of stigma, worries and awareness of community’s prejudice against developmental and health problems that their brother or sister face and fear of rejection.”

The Children’s Society report that as many as one in three young carers have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, a problem exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Staff on the ground have seen this first hand. Nicola Bell, Youth Engagement Officer for Carers Trust’s Scotland team, says,

“My engagement work with young carers and young adult carers over the past two years has highlighted the impact the pandemic has had on these young people and in particular, the impact on their mental health.”

This powerful effect on mental health was mirrored in a new report by Sibs, the charity for siblings of disabled children and adults, which showed that 81% of parents felt their sibling child’s mental health had worsened over the course of the pandemic.

Many support networks, including schools, clubs and mental health programmes, stopped overnight.

In a UK-wide survey commissioned

by Carers Trust in 2020, 69% of young carers and young adult carers

felt less connected to others since the outbreak of the pandemic, an increase on an already prevalent issue. Lockdown and social distancing meant that families had to fill the gaps themselves, affecting everyone. One parent told Sibs, “The siblings have missed out on support from me as their brother needs more help, and they never once complained.”

Even before the pandemic, Nicola says that young carers, “were all too often spending significant amounts of time caring for a relative in addition to the time they needed to spend on education, work and time for themselves.” The Carers Trust also found that since the outbreak of the pandemic, one in five young carers have reported an increase in their caring responsibilities by 20-49 hours a week. This time pressure means that children who care for a sibling are less able to relax and spend time with friends, both of which are important for healthy social development.

The responsibility of caring for a sibling increases the risk of falling behind on school. Ideally, a school will be aware of the young person’s situation in order to help support as possible, such as, allowing extra time on school work, homework clubs and allowing them to use their phone so they can check in with the person they are caring for. Schools can also offer or refer families to services that can connect them to young carer networks, or provide guidance and support. However, the pandemic and funding cuts mean that resources at schools and elsewhere are restricted.

One young carer interiewed by Carers Trust says “the support from the carers’ centre is amazing

but they are limited with what they can do due to the support/funding they receive.” The impact of the pandemic on an already poorlyfunded area has taken its toll. Clare Kassa, Chief Executive of Sibs, says “as one parent told us ‘they [siblings] are forgotten about more than the disabled child and the disabled child has been forgotten,’ so that says it all.”

Life for a young carer certainly isn’t easy, but Nicola from Carers Trust argues that, “there are many positive aspects of unpaid caring that shouldn’t go unconsidered.

Many young carers that we work with note that they value how close they feel to their family members and feel a sense of pride as a carer. Young carers and young adult carers also develop incredible skills through being a carer, like resilience, timemanagement and empathy.” There is a growing movement to recognise this: “On Young Carers Action Day 2021, young adult carers were calling on employers to recognise these skills to increase employment opportunities for young people with caring responsibilities,” Nicola added.

To address isolation amongst young carers, the Carers Trust is calling on the UK government to provide: • More commissioned breaks and respite for young carers and young adult carers.

• Priority access to mental health support.

• Greater monitoring of how local authorities are meeting statutory duties to identify and support young carers and young adult carers, including funded support packages which help young carers, young adult carers and their families.

In order to better support young family members, Nicola says that “as a society, we must break down the stigma attached to caring and raise awareness to ensure that young carers and their families are identified and fully supported,” as many young carers remain

FACT BOX:

SIBLING CARERS AND LOCKDOWN

43%

of siblings were providing more care in lockdown

40%

siblings were feeling isolated and missing support from family and friends

53%

of parents said that respite or a break would have helped siblings cope Source: Siblings charity, Lonely Lockdown

unsupported and struggling. Clare Kassa from Sibs adds: “Siblings should not be the forgotten children.

We call on government to make sure that siblings of disabled children are recognised as children in need of recovery support, as part of a whole family approach.”

It’s vital to make sure that adequate support is in place for a young carer to develop and thrive. As Nicola from Carers Trust says, “there are no limits to what young carers and young adult carers can achieve in their lives, when they have the right support.”

For advice from Carers Trust, visit www.carers.org For more information on young carer siblings or to get help if you are a young carer of a sibling, visit www.sibs.org.uk/youngsibs/

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‘A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE’:

New Changing Places toilets announced PUBLIC PLACES AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ACROSS ENGLAND ARE SET TO BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED TOILET ACCESSIBILITY, AS £23.5 MILLION IN FUNDING IS ALLOCATED TO 191 COUNCILS.

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hanging Places toilets are larger, accessible toilets with space for carers and equipment including a height adjustable changing bench, a

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peninsular toilet and a celling hoist.

Having a Changing Places facility available can be essential for people with severe disabilities to travel and visit public places.

Robert Burley, Director of Care, Communications and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), said: “Today’s announcement is lifechanging news for the thousands

of people and families who rely on Changing Places toilets when they are in public, because being able to use a toilet that is suitable for your needs is a basic human right.”

Campaigners such as Zack Kerr from Accringon, who have highlighted the issue of access to disabled toilets over recent years, celebrated the news, saying: “I have been a changing places campaigner for over 5 years now and so today’s news is amazing! It’s a day we’ve been campaigning and waiting for, for so long!”

26-year-old Zack, who has cerebral palsy, has campaigned for five years after struggling to appropriate facilities. “Life can be difficult enough in many ways, but when there are no accessible toilet facilities where I can be hoisted safely from my wheelchair and changed in privacy and with dignity, I face the choice between staying at home or restricting my social life because of my needs,” says Zack.

“That’s just not fair. No one should have to face these decisions because of the lack of basic toilet facilities, but whenever we want to leave our homes for a trip to the cinema, to a concert, for a day trip, to travel to see friends and family, or just to go shopping, we are faced with these difficult choices.”

While the number of Changing Places toilets is increasing, there

are not currently enough to meet everyone’s needs and the number of people with complex disabilities is also increasing. When they’re not available, people are forced to resort to being cared for on dirty toilet floors, in cars, or using unsafe and inappropriate baby changing areas – or avoiding leaving the house or using the toilet altogether.

Sarah Rennie, a Changing Places campaigner from Birmingham says, “I can’t use typical accessible toilets because, without a hoist or changing bench, I can’t get from my wheelchair onto the toilet. This means that all too often, if I’m working in another city, attending a hospital appointment or going to a festival, I

can expect to wait 12 hours without accessing a toilet.

“This can make me feel ill and be quite painful. Changing Places toilets offer me - and my assistant - a safe and dignified alternative. It’s such a relief to know that there will be more of these throughout England which gives me a better chance to find a loo I can use and go about my day like everyone else.”

This funding, recipients of which were published on 22nd March 2022, comes from a previously announced pledge of £30 million by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

New facilities will now be built in the following venues: • Public parks and open spaces • Tourist attractions including historic properties, seaside resorts and zoos • Cathedrals • Museums, theatres and galleries • Shopping malls • Libraries and public buildings The next round of funding will concentrate on areas where there is very little or no access to Changing Places toilets, broadening access to these essential facilities. Robert Burley from MDUK says, “They really do make a world of difference to those who depends on them.”

For more information about Changing Places facilities, visit www.changing-places.org

ENCOURAGING A NEW

generation of talent

WE ALL KNOW THAT REPRESENTATION MATTERS. AT A TIME WHEN ‘DIVERSITY’ HAS NEVER BEEN A HOTTER TOPIC, YET PROGRESS AROUND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA IS STILL MOVING AT A SNAIL’S PACE, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MOTIVATE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PURSUE AMBITIONS OF WORKING – AND SUCCEEDING – IN TV AND FILM?

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March 2022 report by the Creative Diversity Network shows that while there has been some marginal improvement in diversity representation, this doesn’t include senior roles – and that representation of people with

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disabilities remains poor. In fact, both on-screen and off-screen, the TV industry falls far short of the 18% of the UK population who identify as having a disability, and this extends across all genres, broadcasters and job roles. The report notes that there

has been a decrease in contributions by disabled people in director, producer-director and producer roles.

What advice exists for young people with disabilities who have their sights set on a career in front of, or behind, the cameras? Performing arts students at Derwen College in Shropshire recently welcomed an actor and a screenwriter from Hollyoaks who spoke with the group about diversity in acting. Actor Gabriel Clark and writer Jayshree Patel, who has written 35 episodes of the Channel 4 soap, also gave advice from their own experiences to the students.

Student Anna Redding, from Shropshire, first contacted Jayshree Patel over Twitter. “I messaged her and she came straight back to me, and said she was happy to come along and would bring another member of the team. I had no idea who she was bringing. It was so exciting to meet Jayshree in person for the first time, and Gabriel Clark, who plays Ollie Morgan. I was completely starstruck!”

Jayshree, who has a daughter who is autistic, said: “I think it’s important, where possible, for an actor who genuinely has that condition to play these roles, rather than someone pretending.

“We have an actor and writer who are autistic. Being inclusive is not about doing people a favour, it’s about making the most of everyone’s differing skills and talents.”

Gabriel, who is gay and a proud champion for LGBTQ+ rights, agrees.

“Growing up, I didn’t see many gay actors and thought it would affect my career. I wished I’d had more acting role models growing up.”

Performing Arts student Amy Jude, from Herford, who is autistic and has a visual impairment, said: “It’s really important to see people with disabilities on television, and that there are a variety of different disabilities.

“I always wanted to see someone like me on television, to inspire young people like me.

People with disabilities in the limelight continue to push for greater inclusion. TV favourite Rosie Jones, who has cerebral palsy, is set to host Disabilty Comedy Extravaganza.

The 45-minute programme invites comedy talent to perform for an audience of producers and commissioners from across the industry, and will be broadcast on UKTV’s streaming channel and comedy channel Dave’s YouTube account.

Jones, who is known for her live shows, her appearances on panel shows, has also written on the second series of Netflix hit Sex Education. She says, “‘it’s so important that TV doesn’t overlook disabled comedians as we are a ridiculously funny bunch. It’s so exciting that this time viewers will get to join in the fun and watch too.”

When it comes to getting a foot in the door, Gabriel’s advice to the

performing art students at Derwen College was to be OK with making mistakes, and to have a good creative practice: “You have to accept that you’re never always going to get everything right. Take risks and don’t take yourself too seriously.

“Be the best storyteller you can be. Go to the theatre, enjoy film, television, books and art and approach everything with a child-like wonder. Make your own films, and create your own stories. Nowadays, everyone has a phone so anyone can make their own content and share their own stories.”

The visit from Gabriel and Jayshree has left performing arts students at Derwen College motivated to be part of the change. “Meeting Jayshree and Gabriel has made me want to go for it even more! I’m going to make a showreel to send to the show. I want to inspire people with disabilities to follow their dream,” says Amy.

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THE POWER OF RUGBY LEAGUE:

A safe space for all

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, WHEELCHAIR RUGBY LEAGUE HAS BEEN PROMOTING THE MESSAGE THAT SPORT SHOULD BE INCLUSIVE TO EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF PHYSICAL ABILITY. WHILE WHEELCHAIR RUGBY HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 1976, WHEELCHAIR RUGBY LEAGUE HAS BECOME BETTER AND BETTER KNOWN, AND WITH TEAMS OF MIXED DISABILITIES AND GENDERS, IT PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING OPEN TO ALL. 32

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ugby league team Halifax Panthers encourage children and young adults to take up the sport through its community interest company (CIC), the Community Panthers. In fact, the Halifax Panthers wheelchair rugby league team have broken new ground, becoming one of the most successful teams in the sport. As well as winning league and European championships, they also measure their success through their close links with the community of Calderdale, aiming to inspire the next generation of disabled athletes.

“Before I started playing wheelchair rugby league, I felt like I couldn’t play any sport because I didn’t think there was any that would adapt to my needs. But when I joined Halifax wheelchair rugby league club, I discovered that there are plenty of opportunities to play sports for a person with a disability,” says

Rob Hawkins, Halifax Panthers and England wheelchair rugby league player.

“With more and more coverage of disability sports like wheelchair rugby league and wheelchair basketball and the Paralympics getting shown on television, it’s showing other people with disabilities that no matter what you have gone through or what has happened there is inclusivity in sports.”

The sport’s commitment to inclusivity is one of the reasons for its popularity, and inclusivity has been one of the mantras of the Community Panthers CIC since it was established in 2005. This idea is put into action by community engagement officer Jack Duffy who is passionate about getting children involved in sport, regardless of ability or background. Being a part of the Halifax Panthers team has given him the ability to use the sport as a vehicle for connecting people, reaching out using local and national networks.

These networks include other charities such as Invictus Wellbeing and Calder Community Squash, who are similarly committed to making positive changes within Calderdale through health and wellbeing.

One new initiative between the Community Panthers and Invictus Wellbeing is the Tag Talks project.

Aimed at men aged 17-24, the pilot project will bring together tag rugby,

fitness, and men’s wellbeing, offering a safe space where issues around mental wellbeing can be talked about.

And for children and young people with disabilities who are finding their place in the world, sports such as wheelchair rugby league offer much needed role models. “The best part about playing a disability sport, aside from getting active, is meeting new people and learning about their disabilities and accidents,” says Rob Hawkins from the Halifax Panthers.

“My advice to children struggling with their disability is to don’t ever give up on your life because of certain accidents or illnesses. If you are nervous about getting into sport, take it one step at a time by first watching a few disability sports and see what stands out and interests you.”

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SUPPLIERS YOU CAN TRUST

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

CONTINENCE PRODUCTS EQUIPMENT TRAVEL FUNDING MOBILITY SERVICES AND MUCH MORE

am onwards at the pplierdirectory.

JOIN US w w w . s u10Quadrangle.

EVERY DAY disabledliving.co.uk For a full schedule of activites, THIS WEEK visit www.reallygreatsite.com

CHAMPIONING

accessible tourism

IN NORTH WALES

DAVINA CAREY-EVANS IS THE NEW HIGH SHERIFF OF GWYNEDD, NORTH WALES, AND SHE IS DETERMINED TO IMPROVE DISABLED ACCESS TO TOURIST ATTRACTIONS – TO BENEFIT BOTH DISABLED PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES

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s mother to a 27-year-old son with severe autism, Davina has first-hand experience of the barriers to accessing leisure facilities that exist for people with disabilities and additional needs. Now, in her new role, she is encouraging businesses to become accessible for all by highlighting the spending power of disabled people in the UK.

A new Access Card, carried by disabled people or their families, informs businesses and leisure providers of the support card holders need when accessing their services. It acts as a ‘disability passport’ to highlight what barriers the visitor may face, and which adjustments a business owner might need to implement to make the business welcoming to all.

The scheme has been introduced

by PIWS, a Community Interest Company established by Davina, in collaboration with the national charity Nimbus Disability.

Davina says: “I’ve had a lifetime of trying to visit locations where people have only catered for wheelchair users. This is one of the reasons why I set up PIWS which represents the so-called ‘purple pound’ – the

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spending power of people living with disabilities in the UK. “Accessible tourism is worth an estimated £15 billion per year in the UK alone and yet only 10 per cent of businesses in Wales – if that – are targeting that audience.”

With a background in events and marketing, Davina understands what encouragement and support businesses need to change. “There’s a fear among businesses of saying they cater for a disability because they don’t want to get it wrong but

instead find it easier to do nothing,” she says. “Leisure businesses need to offer more than just a policy or mission statement on their website with no real understanding of what it means. This is not about giving anyone a hard time. Attitudes need to change.

“What we are trying to create with PIWS is an opportunity for businesses to start their journey in a realistic way that they can manage without huge expense and to use the tools we are putting together.”

A key aim of the new scheme is to think beyond wheelchair access, and the educate hospitality businesses on the diversity of needs and accessibility issues that their visitors might experience, supporting them to make reasonable adjustments to improve customer experience and meet their legal obligations. In the next phase of the campaign, PIWS will roll out a training programme to create a cohort of Accessibility

Champions who can use their knowledge to make positive change within businesses, and pass on their training and skills to colleagues.

Davina is clear that the aim is to create a supportive environment in which businesses create positive local change. “As they gain that confidence, both PIWS and people with disabilities will constructively support them.”

For more information about PIWS, visit www.piws.co.uk

S E U S IS E R U T U F E H T S IS DON’T M . ..

E IN Z A G A M Z T L U D A O T OF KIDZ

As well as being distributed at each of the Kidz to Adultz shows, you’ll find each new issue online, so you can always keep up to date with what’s new and read all the interesting articles.

Just visit...

www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

Disabled

LIVING

THIS IS WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO….

DISABLED LIVING

A charity which provides impartial information and advice about products, equipment (assistive technology) and services for disabled children, adults, older people, carers and the professionals who support them. We have a range of services which you can access via our helpline, through the website or at our Kidz to Adultz exhibitions. www.disabledliving.co.uk

EQUIPZ

The team comprises occupational therapists, trusted assessors, moving and handling specialists, physiotherapists, nurses and continence specialists.

We respond to enquiries via our helpline and website. Some people opt to visit the Disabled Living Centre based in Manchester for a free equipment assessment.

Helpline: 0161 214 4590

BLADDER & BOWEL UK

The team provide information and advice for children, young people and adults with bladder and bowel problems. We provide a confidential helpline managed by a team of specialist nurses and knowledgeable information staff.

In addition, the website offers a wide range of downloadable free resources.

Helpline: 0161 214 4591 www.bbuk.org.uk

KIDZ TO ADULTZ EXHIBITIONS

We organise the largest FREE UK exhibitions totally dedicated to disabled children, young adults, their families, carers and the professionals who support them, with over 100 exhibitors at each event. We currently deliver five events nationally in Coventry, Farnborough, Newport, Edinburgh and Manchester. www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

TRAINING

We run a comprehensive training programme for professionals and carers.

Most of our courses are accredited by Open Awards and others provide CPD opportunities. Our training courses can be ‘tailor made’ to suit your organisations requirements and can be delivered throughout the UK. www.disabledliving.co.uk/training