Kidz to Adultz Magazine Issue 9

kidz

to

ADULTZ

MAGAZINE

ISSUE 9 / SEPTEMBER 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE...

I’M A CELEBRITY ‘GET ME OUT OF HERE’ – WHAT’S OUR CONNECTION? NEUROPLASTICITY DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPY A LIGHTBULB MOMENT – MAKING MONEY OUT OF AN IDEA FROM VENUE TO VIRTUAL – A NEW KIDZ TO ADULTZ INITIATIVE AND ITS GLOBAL! DISNEY ADAPTED FANCY DRESS

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Welcome!

WELCOME TO OUR LATEST ISSUE

W

hat summer we had, it is now a distant memory, but at least the children are back in school and able to mix with their wider friend’s groups.

For parents, I am sure it is of some relief to get an element of ‘normality’ back into your lives following the challenges of the last six months. For our professional colleagues, who may not yet be back in the workplace, I think you may see a very different way of working and the Kidz Team will be there to support you in whatever way we can.

Due to Covid restrictions continuing for large exhibitions, and to ensure the health and wellbeing of the people who visit our events, Disabled Living took the decision to cancel the remainder of the 2020 Kidz to Adultz exhibitions.

However, we want to bring you something a little different in November this year, when Kidz to Adultz North should have taken place in Manchester. Carry on reading this magazine to find out about ‘From Venue to Virtual’ – accessible globally, so no one misses out!

We have some fabulous content in this edition. An excellent article about Neuroplasticity Development Therapy from bibic, there is an update from the Children’s Disability Partnership, we have a round-up of some new publications – people have been busy during lock-down! There is an article, ‘A Lightbulb Moment’ from Debra, our Chief Executive, which will hopefully encourage all those readers who have ideas about developing products to take the next step.

CONTENTS...

When I Grow Up....................4 What’s new at Disabled Living......................................7 Beach boy!.......................... 11 Neuroplasticity Development Therapy..... 12 Travelling abroad with a disability: Is now the right time?................................... 14 Left in lockdown................ 16 Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions supplement........................ 19 Family Fund grants make a difference . ......................... 26 A lightbulb moment!......... 30 I’m a celebrity, get me out of here................................. 33 National Disability Sports Organisations.................... 34 The Book Corner................ 36 New range of shopDisney. com adaptive roleplay costumes............................ 39

Carmel Hourigan Editor & Manager Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions Disabled Living #kidztoadultz

FANCY BEING IN THE NEXT ISSUE?

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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When I Grow Up

– FILM STARRING IDENTICAL

TWINS WINS NATIONAL AWARD A FILM WHICH HOPES TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS EMPLOYING SOMEONE WITH DOWN’S SYNDROME, HAS WON A NATIONAL AWARD

‘W

hen I grow up’ was a collaboration between the Down’s Syndrome Association and internet sensations Ollie and Cameron. It shows the seven-year-old identical twins testing out jobs at the fire service, a café, hairdressers and supermarket, and promotes the message that children who have Down’s syndrome should grow up expecting to be employed in the same way as everybody else.

“We are so chuffed that the film has been named ‘Charity Film of the Year’ at the Charity Today Awards 2020. It was incredible to be part of a film that portrays such an important message and having lots of fun in the process

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was an added bonus! The boys had a blast, especially with the fire hoses!

I hope that the film helps employers to think about people with Down’s syndrome as potential employees, people with hopes, dreams and ability. I also hope that it encourages parents to talk about employment opportunities with their children so that they have a presumption of seeking employment when the time comes” said Elaine Scougal, Ollie and Cameron’s mum.

The film beat off competition from across the UK to win the accolade. It was made by the Down’s Syndrome Association for their employment programme WorkFit. The scheme

brings together employers and jobseekers who have Down’s syndrome and is a tailored service dedicated to training employers

about the learning profile of people who have Down’s syndrome so that they can be supported in the workplace.

Statistics show that nationally, just 5.9% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment in England, which is a downward trend year-on-year.

“I think there are lot of outdated perceptions out there about Down’s syndrome, and learning disabilities in general are a barrier to people getting jobs. There’s an assumption by many that people with Down’s syndrome don’t have the competence or ability to work and that a voluntary role is more suitable if anything.

It’s about creating the ethos of seeing each employee as an individual, not as a condition or disability, and evaluating how their individual needs can be met within any employment context. That takes an open mind, but I believe, slowly, more minds are opening to employing people with disabilities and tailoring training to meet needs.”

Elaine Scougal.

WorkFit hopes that the new film will encourage more businesses to consider signing up to the programme.

“I am delighted to hear that Ollie and Cameron’s film has won the Charity Film of the Year award.

We’ve had some wonderful feedback about it from so many people who found it uplifting and felt that it perfectly captured the excitement and prospects of the world of work. WorkFit continues to support employment opportunities in a

growing range of industry sectors, and we take the view that everyone can work if they want to. We are committed to supporting people who have Down’s syndrome to shape their own destinies and celebrate their success, and now have more than 1,000 candidates registered, all at different stages of their career pathway.” WorkFit Employment Development Manager Alison Thwaite.

Ollie and Cameron, who are from Dundee, have become internet sensations since Elaine set up a Facebook page when they were just weeks old. It now has more than 230,000 followers who enjoy watching videos of the boys and reading about their latest updates.

Elaine explains why she set up the page. “After a few weeks of hearing some stereotyped views and pitying reactions to Cam and Ollie’s diagnosis after birth, we decided we wanted to spread the word that our children were children, not defined by their chromosome counts. We set up the Facebook page and it took off so quickly, I think due to identical twins

with Down’s syndrome being quite rare, occurring at a rate of about one or two in a million births.

Through the page, we have documented their journey as they’ve grown from three weeks old to nearly seven years old through videos, photographs and stories.

We get messages regularly stating that the page has opened their eyes about Down’s syndrome in terms of rebutting stereotypes they might have held. Some people also comment that they were very aware that the boys had Down’s syndrome when they first started following but now they’ve forgotten. That’s a big thing - that the diagnosis just fades into the background and people just see them for who they are, Ollie and Cam. That’s what we hoped for.”

Find out more about WorkFit at www.dsworkfit.org.uk ‘When I Grow Up…’ starring Ollie and Cameron can be watched at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=gwqNptOHzY&feature=youtu.be

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What’s new

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All Disabled Living’s services are ‘Up and Running’!

Get in touch, we would love to hear from you – info@disabledliving.co.uk

FREE VIRTUAL MOVING & HANDLING AWARENESS SESSIONS FOR CARERS The Training Team are providing free virtual interactive moving and handling awareness sessions for carers. They have dates available in October and November. For more information email info@disabledliving.co.uk

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WE HAVE A NEWSLETTER Talk About... Our Bladder & Bowel UK (BBUK) team have recently launched a new quarterly newsletter to support adults and children who have bladder and/or bowel issues.

The e:publication is at the request of the many thousands of people who contact the BBUK advice service. There are personal stories and articles alongside information relating to products and services.

Email bbuk@disabledliving.co.uk for your free copy

WE HAVE

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TELEPHONE NUMBERS Disabled Living General Number & Equipz Helpline 0161 214 4590 Bladder & Bowel UK Helpline 0161 214 4591 Kidz to Adultz Team 0161 214 4592 Redbank House 0161 214 5959

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mour, a cuddly cape y e S y t e f a d I’m S n t o i o s s s i p read the am n o r e d a word crus rs of carbon monoxid e g n a d e h e. on t

CHECK OUT OUR ACTIVITIES ONLINE

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I am on the lookout for new recruits to help me in my quest to rid homes of the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) and to keep you and your families safe.

Will you join me and become one of my Safety Assistants?

Carbon monoxide can be very dangerous and can make you very ill.

You can’t see it, hear it, smell it, taste it or touch it and it is called the silent killer. So, it’s really important that you learn how you can spot if there is carbon monoxide in your home, and what to do if you do spot it.

I have lots of fun films and activities for you to watch and try to find out all about carbon monoxide and how you can protect yourself.

You can also join me on my adventures and discover where I come from and how I started on my mission to teach you about carbon monoxide.

Are you ready to help me? www.safetyseymour.co.uk

Get Creative, Be Safe Why not keep busy by entering our competition and helping me spread the word on the dangers of carbon monoxide?

We’re looking for entries from children aged between 5 and 11 and you can write a story, poem, or even star and direct in your own film!

Find out how to enter at www.safetyseymour.co.uk/competition Closing date 30 September 2020.

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T

homas was six years old when he got to go on his first ever beach holiday. He was born with cerebral palsy and this affected his legs to the extent that he was unable to walk and had to be carried.

Then came breakthrough surgery to release his tight muscles and free up the tendons. At last there was an opportunity to move independently with the use of a Kaye Walker and soon Thomas was mobile!

But have you ever tried using a walker on a sandy beach? Or a wheelchair? Even pushing a buggy is impossible, you just sink in the sand! What Thomas needed was some new wheels that would make walking on the beach more achievable.

Mum, Nicci, got in touch with Remap Oxfordshire to see if they could help. Before long one of their

volunteers came to visit Thomas along with a therapist from the Children’s Integrated Therapy Team based at Oxford Health Foundation Trust.

Everyone wanted Thomas to be able to participate equally in the fun on the beach and it was quickly agreed that the Kaye Walker should be adapted for him. Remap volunteer David Atkins designed some new parts and was able to fit big clip-on wheels that don’t sink in the sand. Nicci picks up the story: “The holiday was a great success, a really joyous occasion! Not only did we all get away on our first ever family beach holiday, but we got to see Thomas really enjoy

himself on the beach, alongside his twin brother Dylan. Both boys star in the film we’ve shared online” You can watch Thomas jumping in the waves at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=DsWps1rvdVo Remap is a UK charity that helps disabled people of all ages to live more independent lives by designing and making customised equipment free of charge. For examples of Remap work, visit the stories section of their website. To find out more, simply contact the national office or find your local group through the website.

Remap contact details: 01732 760209 data@remap.org.uk remap.org.uk facebook.com/Remap.org @RemapUK @RemapUK

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Neuroplasticity b

DEVELOPMENT THERAPY

ibic pioneered the use of neuroplasticity developmental therapy nearly fifty years ago which harnesses the brain’s natural ability to create new, strong pathways to form new habits and behaviours. We assess children to understand their challenges and teach their parents/carers to carry out therapeutic strategies to help their child manage their social, communication, sensory, motor, and learning difficulties. We are a national charity so help children, young people and their families from across the country. Our digital therapies have made this even easier and has lessened the travel costs for many families. We are unique because we focus on the whole child rather than the diagnosis; not limiting ourselves to just one condition but looking at the child holistically to determine their specific needs.

WHAT DO WE DO? The therapy team provide a range of bespoke assessments which encompass all areas of development.

Using tests, observation and conversation they create an

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appropriate and individualised therapy plan. The family receives an extensive report detailing the assessment and subsequent therapies post assessment.

OUR IMPACT bibic’s neuroplasticity developmental therapy transforms the lives of children and their families. The therapy programme is personalised to the interests of the child and to the habits and routines of the family, making it sustainable. The child has ownership over the therapy and naturally uses its techniques when they start feeling the positive effects. The therapy helps the children to manage their sensory needs, improve their communication skills, express their feelings, reduce their anxiety and keep challenging behaviour to a minimum.

Similarly, parents become more aware, confident, and able to support their child. As a result of a survey conducted last year of all the parents who attended bibic: Our Services (All can be delivered either face to face or digitally).

FULL ASSESSMENT Our two-day assessment assesses the whole child discovering their strengths and weaknesses. We use tests for understanding the child’s ability levels, language abilities, processing, working memory, visual perception, Dyslexia, ASD, ADHD, sensory screeners and movement screeners. You will receive a bespoke therapy plan specific to your child on the second day of assessment and then a comprehensive report 3 – 4 weeks after the assessment. For

ongoing support, you will also get 6 months of key working with your allocated therapist to support you in taking to your child’s school and other professionals.

SCREENERS If you are seeking evidence to support you on your journey then we can just administer specific screeners. These cover Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. You will receive brief strategies, and a report after the assessment.

SHORT ASSESSMENTS We also deliver specific short assessments where you will receive a report strategies and 3 months of key working these cover: behaviour, sensory, wellbeing and developmental assessments (for the under 5s).

84% OF CHILDREN WERE HAPPIER

statutory financial support; therefore we also have a fundraising team who work to obtain donations and grants.

We also increase the awareness of bibic through campaigns, public relations and marketing, spreading the word of bibic.

71% OF CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR HAD IMPROVED

CONSULTATIONS Our consultations are there to support you on an adhoc basis or for ongoing support. The consultations are a trouble shooting session with the therapist working through specific behaviours and coming up with strategies to help and support the whole family.

POST-DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT SESSIONS For those parents who have received a diagnosis for their child but have not received any support. These sessions are with a therapist, they can help and guide you with specific strategies to support your family.

WHAT ELSE DO WE DO? The therapy team also provide training for schools, professionals and the prison service in an advisory capacity. All of our training is CPD accredited and covers a wide variety of subjects including; sensory processing, managing extreme behaviour, supporting and developing independence, language and many more. We also offer bespoke training combining different elements such as sensory and sleep.

The charity does not receive any

Here’s what the families say: “We have both found the assessment process online really useful and empowering in being able to fully understand our child's needs.

It confirmed our observations but allowed us to see the connections between his difficulties.’

“It has been invaluable in helping us to understand our son better and strategies in order to make his life better and for helping him to understand himself too.”

“The team at bibic really took the time to get to know our child and tailored their advice and recommendations to us as a family.

Having been apprehensive at first, our daughter really enjoyed the assessment days and we have all benefitted greatly from the experience and the help and support the team have given to us.”

“I am going away armed with the information I need to help my daughter achieve and be her very best. She enjoyed her time at bibic.”

SHORT CASE STUDY E is 10 years old, his mother came to us with concerns regarding gross motor skills, academic achievement and visual processing difficulties.

The family were happy to move to a digital assessment which also meant they could move their assessment forward and be seen quicker, which was beneficial to them. There is a family history of ADHD, but they have had no luck getting support for E. During the assessment it was found that E had difficulties with his expressive language which meant he struggled to communicate effectively his wants, needs and interests.

It was also found that he is likely to have Dyslexia and has visual

85%

OF PARENTS STRESS LEVELS REDUCED

perception difficulties. This means that he struggles within academic tasks and can struggle with sports.

His movement difficulties were also assessed which showed that his difficulties severely impacted upon his daily activities. His assessment of his sensory system showed that he had some sensory dysfunction too.

The therapy plan included strategies to support his expressive language using activities to help speed up the rate at which he can retrieve words. Specific recommendations were made for school to enable him to access the curriculum to help him reach his potential. Movement and coordination’s activities were also given which he needs to complete every day to help support and improve his movement difficulties.

Overall, his parents were very happy with the assessment and have arranged a meeting with the school to discuss E’s difficulties so they can move forward and help E achieve. E loved the assessment being done digitally as this meant he could use the equipment that he was familiar with to support his concentration such as using the trampoline in their garden for movement breaks.

To find out more go to: www.bibic.org.uk To make a referral please call 01458 253354 or complete an enquiry form: https://bibic.org.uk/services/ enquire-about-your-child/ bibic is a registered charity: 1057635

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TRAVELLING ABROAD WITH A DISABILITY

Is now the right time?

JOSH WINTERSGILL FOUNDER OF EASYTRAVELSEAT SHARES WITH US THE RESULTS OF A RECENT SURVEY, WHICH HIGHLIGHTED DISABLED PEOPLE’S CONCERNS IN RELATION TO AIR TRAVEL

D

uring the last 6 months, 14% (circa 2m) of the UK’s disability population have been advised to shield1.

That's not to say 86% may have been shielding out of choice for their own safety. However, it raises an interesting point - we now live in a world where the majority of us are more conscious about our risk appetite to do things whilst trading it off against our safety. Such as going for a walk, to the shops or on holiday. Everyone’s risk is different, regardless of having the same disability.

Back in May, easyTravelseat conducted an aviation survey2 to gather insight about disabled people's views on travelling abroad, which found: “1 in 3 people … will not travel by air until a COVID-19 vaccine is available.”

“38% of individuals stated they may still travel before a vaccine.”

Common causes of concern: • Lack of clean circulated air inside the cabin • Social distancing not being followed at the airports and onboard • Being in a confined space and close proximity to others

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•

Special assistance having to assist passengers through the airport including on and off the plane • Catching the virus abroad • Insurance Since the survey was published, airlines and airports have worked tirelessly to ensure passenger safety and confidence is an utmost priority.

With many creating advertising campaigns around the procedures and measures they have put in place.3 It seems even now with these measures in place, the difficulties of obtaining suitable travel insurance,

getting stuck in another country if a local outbreak occurs or being quarantined the moment you arrive back in the UK (like we have just seen with France) is still a major concern for people regardless of their risk appetite.

The answer in short, is yes. It is the right time to travel if you believe your risk appetite is low enough and feel confident in the timings to travel to your selected destination.

1 www.scope.org.uk/media/disability-factsfigures/ 2 www.easytravelseat.com/2020/05/20/covid19-flying-with-a-disability-survey/ 3 www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kqCkr8o7uRU&feature=youtu.be

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LEFT IN

lockdown THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON DISABLED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

H

ome schooling children whilst simultaneously working from home and trying to source food and essential supplies: lockdown was challenging for all families. But for families living with disability, the impact was particularly severe and has continued even as lockdown has eased.

In May, the Disabled Children’s Partnership – a coalition of more than 70 organisations who campaign for better services for disabled children and their families – asked parents how lockdown was affecting their families.

Parents responded in their droves – more than 4,000 completed our survey – and their responses painted a stark and sobering picture.

It is important to look at the results in the context of a system of support that was already in crisis. Previous research by the DCP had revealed an annual funding gap across health and social care of £1.5 billion, with only four per cent of parents saying they got all the support they needed to care safely for their disabled children.

But, in many cases, even that little support families had previously received stopped altogether, at the same time as they lost the respite offered by the school day; and as lockdown rules robbed families of their wider support networks.

Parents told us how they had been left feeling exhausted, stressed, anxious and abandoned by society.

Many have experienced declining mental and physical health for both themselves and their children. As one parent said;

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“The impact is huge, absolutely no break from caring. It’s really, really intense and quite overwhelming and you’re just left to it, no one seems to want to have the debate or talk about those with children with complex needs how they’re dealing with it. It isn’t just homeschooling, it’s living, breathing, physio, communication, lifting, feeding, stimulating, interaction, trying to keep yourself sane, home-schooling another child, the list is non-stop and endless and no one to help or make you feel like they actually care by checking on you.”

Parents reported an increased caring load, both for themselves and for their disabled children’s siblings.

They were particularly concerned about children’s behaviour and mental wellbeing; managing homeschooling; and what would happen to their children if they contracted Covid-19. Children’s friendships; learning and communications; and emotions and behaviour had all suffered. These impacts were felt by both disabled children and their siblings. And increased costs and reduced incomes were causing financial pressures for families, including pushing some into debt. You can read the full survey report on our website https:// disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk/left-in-lockdown/ Because the survey told such a clear story, we have been able to use it to help raise public awareness of the challenges faced by disabled children and their families. Too often, the realities of life for families are hidden from the general public. We were very pleased, therefore, to be able to gain widespread coverage of the

DON’T MISS THE FUTURE ISSUES OF KIDZ TO ADULTZ MAGAZINE

If you’d like to learn more about the Disabled Children’s Partnership, visit our website www. disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk and sign up to receive regular updates https://support. disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk

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www. kidzexhibitions .co.uk kidz ADULTZ

to

survey in national and local media, across TV, radio and newspapers, as well as on social media. There was even a question asked about it by Matt Dathan of The Sun at one of the daily government press conferences.

Of course, raising awareness in the media and the general public achieves very little if it does not lead to action. We have shared the findings of the survey with the government and have had a number of very constructive discussions with Ministers and officials.

They told us that they have been very struck by parents’ experiences, and that they are determined to address the issues raised. In fact, as a result of parents’ feedback, the government has already communicated to local councils and service providers that reinstating support - such as short breaks and respite - for disabled children should be a priority.

Once again, we all know there can be a big gap between government guidance and the reality on the ground. To help us get a feel for whether support was returning, we ran a short series of polls on twitter in the summer. They showed some progress in terms of short breaks services being reopened and therapies reinstated, but still a long way to go with many families still not receiving any support. At time of writing, it is just a few days into the new school year, but It is already clear that the return to school has not gone smoothly for all disabled children. We will be gathering more evidence over the coming weeks and will continue to campaign for more, and faster, action.

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.

MAGAZINE ISSUE 7 / MAY

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17

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair without the worry of owning and running one. Parents and carers can drive on behalf of the customer.

The vehicle should be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person.

Making life easier for disabled people

“We went on our first family camping trip.

Something we couldn’t have done without the new car.”

Sam, Elisabeth’s mum

Who can join the Motability Scheme?

You may be eligible to join the Scheme if you receive one of the following: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

What’s included on the Motability Scheme?

Insurance Breakdown assistance Servicing and repairs

How Motability, the Charity can help We can provide charitable grants for: • Car adaptations to help make travelling as comfortable as possible.

• Vehicle Advance Payments for larger, more expensive vehicles.

• Up to 40 hours of driving lessons, to ensure disabled people have access to driving tuition in specially adapted cars as necessary.

To find out more visit motability.org.uk or call 0800 500 3186

Tyres and battery replacement

To find out more about the Motability Scheme visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 093 1000

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No.299745) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No. 736309). The Motability Scheme is operated by Motability Operations Limited under contract to Motability. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.735390).

KIDZ TO ADULTZ EXHIBITIONS

supplement

KIDZ TO ADULTZ 2020

postponed!

The Kidz Team are devastated they could not deliver many of the Kidz to Adultz exhibitions this year due to COVID-19. We know these free events are an extremely valuable and key source of information and advice for many, many people. However, we do feel that postponing the events until next year is the right decision. Our priority continues to be the safety of all those involved, in particular our vulnerable children and young adults, their carers and the health professionals who support them, as well as our team, all the exhibitors and contractors involved in putting these amazing events together. We continue to follow government guidance and liaise closely with the relevant venues, so hopefully, (fingers crossed) as we move into 2021, we can get back on the exhibition floor in an environment that is safe for everyone. We will keep you updated as plans for next year’s events progress.

We have something NEW for November 2020...

• FROM VENUE TO VIRTUAL • EQUIPMENT ASSESSMENT CLINICS ... read on for more information

KIDZ TO ADULTZ EXHIBITIONS

supplement

FROM VENUE FLOOR

to Virtual Tour ...GET READY FOR AN ACTION PACKED WEEK!

9th–13th NOVEMBER 2020 To celebrate what would have been our Kidz to Adultz North event, and because sadly for the first time in almost 20 years we are unable to be on the exhibition floor, we are absolutely delighted to launch Venue to Virtual.

Venue to Virtual will be a week long event. The online platform offers visitors free virtual access to our many exhibitors - companies, charities and support organisations who will be showcasing their products, equipment and outlining details of their services at various times during week.

The online platform will showcase a number of videos which will go live at various timeslots throughout the week. You will also be able to download pdfs and brochures, with the additional bonus of an online chat facility where you can ask the experts questions and their advice on a wider range of products, issues and concerns.

Click here to register now!

EQUIPMENT

s c i n i l c t n e m s asses BATHING

WALKERS

SEATING

WHEELCHAIRS CAR SEATS

...and more!

S

ince lock-down in March, parents have been telling us they have struggled to have their children assessed for equipment. For one week from Monday 9th – Friday 13th November

2020, in a pilot scheme, with a number of equipment manufacturers and suppliers you will be able to book appointments direct with companies.

The assessments with take place at Disabled Living’s premises,

Redbank House in Manchester (5 minutes from the City Centre).

The assessment clinics are for any parents who are willing to travel to Manchester.

Register now for updates to find out which companies will be attending

KIDZ TO ADULTZ NORTH

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW VENUE FOR 2021

A

s a result of Covid 19, the team behind EventCity have taken the decision to close EventCity early next year and withdraw the plans they had for a new facility. Disabled Living have delivered Kidz to Adultz North from EventCity for the last seven years. We thought it was a fabulous venue and didn’t envisage a relocation, but it was not meant to be!

If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear from you! magazine@disabledliving.co.uk

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KIDZ TO ADULTZ EXHIBITIONS

It’s showtime!

SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR FUTURE EVENTS...

kidz ADULTZ

to

supplement

EVENTS

MIDDLE

Thursday 18th March 2021 Ricoh Arena, Coventry

SOUTH Tuesday 18th May 2021 Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Farnborough

WALES & WEST Friday 25th June 2021 The International Conference Centre (ICC), Newport NEW VENUE!

SCOTLAND Thursday 9th September 2021 Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

NORTH TBC 2021

NEW VENUE!

www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

UK's leading manufacturer of bespoke specialist beds & cots

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Our Family Support Hub is there for families caring for a seriously ill child.

GaryB ries

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Why buy GaryB? • • • • • • • • • • •

Handmade Waterproof Windproof Fully insulated Thermal lined Available in huge variety of colours and age appropriate patterns Will not get fall off or get caught in the wheels Machine washable up to 40° Suitable for tumble drying on a low heat Available in 5 generous sizes Different styles available

e of site for a full rang Check out our web d order online GaryB products an ie chairaccessories. www.garybwheel

Call our friendly team on 0808 8088 100 to: • • • •

Find services that can support you Talk through challenges you’re facing Join our Family Facebook Group Get involved in our wider work or share your story

Together for Short Lives is the UK’s leading charity for the 49,000 children living with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Visit our website to find out more www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/getsupport or email us at info@togetherforshortlives.org.uk With thanks to both Her Majesty’s Government, the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport and National Lottery players.

Tel: 00353 876266279

Email: info@garybwheelchairaccessories.ie

Facebook: GaryBwheelchairaccessories

Together for Short Lives is a registered charity in England and Wales (1144022) and Scotland (SC044139) and a company limited by guarantee (7783702)

Available online for free, to help people of all abilities start to plan their days out, a new, refreshed edition of The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is available.

ACCESSIBLEGUIDE.CO.UK

24

! s e s u a c d o o g g in lp e .h ..

You can generate funds for Disabled Living when you purchase goods from Amazon.

For every purchase you make, Amazon will make a donation to Disabled Living at no extra cost to you!

How to help us...

1. Visit smile. amazon.uk 2. Click â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Start Shoppingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 3. Login to your Amazon account 4. Confirm Disabled Living as your chosen charity

Choose Disabled Living as your charitabl e organisation and we will receive 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases!

25

FAMILY FUND GRANTS

make a difference

CORONAVIRUS HAS HAD A HUGE IMPACT ON FAMILIES ALL ACROSS THE UK. FROM LOSS OF INCOME TO ACCESS TO SUPPORT SERVICES AND ABILITY TO WORK, CORONAVIRUS HAS PARTICULARLY INCREASED THE EXISTING PRESSURES ON MANY FAMILIES RAISING DISABLED AND SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN

D

isabled children’s charity Family Fund, which provides grants to families on low incomes raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK, has received extra funding in response to this increased need. It received £10 million from the Department for Education to help families in England, and extra funding from Scottish Government to support over 500 more families in Scotland.

Family Fund provides essential grants for items such as computers and tablets, sensory toys, outdoor play equipment, furniture and kitchen appliances to help break down many of the barriers families face, and can make family life easier. Families are able to apply for what they think would benefit their child and their family the most, whether it be a day trip to the seaside, or a grant for new clothing and bedding.

Families who have not received a grant from Family Fund on or since 1 April, and who think they may be eligible for support can apply for a grant immediately.

THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON FAMILIES To understand more about the impact Coronavirus has had on the families the Family Fund have supported, they conducted a survey at the beginning of lockdown and then again at the beginning of May, to find out what issues have particularly affected families.

26

94%

of families said the health and wellbeing of their disabled or seriously ill children had been negatively affected, an increase from 89% in first few weeks of the lockdown.

89%

said their disabled or seriously ill children’s behaviour and emotions were being negatively affected and 82% reported a negative effect on their mental health.

65%

said their access to formal support services for their child, such as physiotherapy and mental health services, has declined since the Coronavirus outbreak.

You can read the full survey results at Family Fund’s website: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/news/ health-and-wellbeing-of-disabled-children-at-riskunder-pandemic-as-government-announces-extra-10million-funding-for-children-with-complex-needs

CASE STUDY: EVAN

E

van is 16 years old and has quad dystonic cerebral palsy. Grace, Evan’s Mum, says: “Evan is very physically disabled due to his condition. He relies on others for every aspect of his care and needs.”

“He communicates by eye-pointing to say yes, or no, and whilst he can understand what we are saying to him, it’s not always easy for Evan to communicate everything he wants to.”

Evan likes his routine. “He wants things to happen as he expects and if it doesn’t he can get himself a bit worked up which in turn, can trigger his dystonic spasms.” Dystonia causes muscles to contract and spasm uncontrollably.

“He can usually be calmed or distracted with music. Uptown Funk is his personal favourite and we frequently sing it – usually quite badly by me when I shower Evan, which he finds hugely amusing but also makes the process go a lot smoother.”

Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, Evan needed something to keep him occupied and distracted from the stress of Coronavirus. “Evan has been watching the government ‘Stay at Home’ adverts and advice between programmes and he has a tendency to take things very literally, so it has been a challenge to get him to agree to go outside, even into the garden.”

Grace applied for an iPad. “The grant has been fab. I’ve downloaded some music and Evan can watch his beloved Formula 1 channel while sat in the garden, and I can be sure he’s getting fresh air and vitamin D.”

HERE’S THE EASY WAY TO FIND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR...

The Disabled Living Supplier Directory provides information about companies and organisations that provide equipment, products and services to support disabled children, adults and older people.

You’ll find the Supplier Directory on our website www.disabledliving.co.uk

To find out more about Family Fund and whether you are eligible to apply, you can visit www.familyfund.org.uk, or contact them on 01904 550055, or via email at info@familyfund.org.uk

27

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28

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29

moment!

A LIGHTBULB

H

ave you sat at home and thought, why can’t I find ‘this’ product or ‘that’ piece of equipment? You have scoured the internet - you still can’t find it. Surely, somebody has designed it. It’s not rocket science. Could it be you, that takes the leap into that big wide commercial world? Debra Evans, Chief Executive of Disabled Living, tells us about her experiences of people having that ‘lightbulb moment’.

During the twenty years I have been involved in the planning and delivery of the Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions, I have been delighted to work with many parents of disabled children who have built successful businesses out of their personal need to find a product, piece of equipment or service for their child. I spend my time at the Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions chatting to parents who have the most wonderful ideas, but don’t know where to start, to turn their idea or concept into a potential commercial venture. There is an abundance of support available to people who have a ‘concept’ or even a fledgling business if you know where to go!

I have chosen three companies who regularly attend the Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions, who have built successful businesses out of a need to ‘develop something different’. By highlighting their journey and making you aware of an organisation I work with, The Growth Company who offer advice and direction to develop Disabled Living’s services, I hope to give you the inspiration you need to take the next step and turn your business dream into a reality. What is even better is they offer free services for ‘start up’ or established businesses.

Meet the people behind the businesses...

30

E

mily Goodall the founder of BundleBean tells us what inspired her to set up her own business. BundleBean was originally a one-product company, selling a multi-use footmuff for babies, inspired by my own parenting experience and frustration with expensive and poorly conceived baby products on the market at the time.

Our first product hit the shelves in 2011 and our expansion into the disability market followed in 2015. We didn’t realise that so many of the customers of our baby products were using them for their children with a range of special needs; from toddlers with spica casts, through to older children in special needs buggies or with sensory processing disorders. As these children grew, their parents began to get in touch and request larger sizes. We launched at Kidz to Adultz North 2015 with a very small selection of child wheelchair cosies. By lunchtime we had sold everything and run out of leaflets, so we realised there was a clear

demand for practical, waterproof cosies in a jolly print!

Since that day, our range has expanded to include our signature fleece-lined waterproof cosies in adult sizes as well as a lightweight pocket-sized rain cover version. We have co-ordinating handlebar bags, spoke-guards and stuff sacs as well as practical travel items such as padded flight and storage bags and bag clips. This autumn sees the launch of our Bean Extreme Range – a two-part product that has been designed for maximum comfort and very cold weather.

The business has expanded across both markets and we are now on sale all over the world.

Expansion has been fastest in the disability sector and is now half of our business – not bad for something we thought would be a nice add-on to our baby range!

We have found that no-one else is making products like ours and we are proud of our position in a growing marketplace of fun, beautifully designed and highquality products for people with disabilities. We feel strongly that this sector has been overlooked for too long and will continue to look at ways to create products that are easy to use, eye catching and look nothing like medical aids in any way (we will NEVER produce anything in beige or burgundy!)

www.bundlebean.com 020 3795 7225

L

ucy Carr-Seaman is the inspiration behind Seenin and shares with us her ‘lightbulb moment’. My true passion has always been design and like many business ideas Seenin started accidentally. I have three children and my middle child, my daughter Hester, suffered from Acardi Syndrome which put her in the one in a million bracket and with profound and multiple special needs. She sadly lived only until she was 13yrs old.

Seenin started when I discovered how difficult it was to find a practical dribble bib for my daughter. I wanted a stylish bib that was waterproof and kept her clothes clean and dry. As I couldn’t find what I wanted, I decided to design my own. The bibs grew in popularity with fellow pupils at Hester’s school and hence the name “Seenin” came about. I developed sales further through exhibitions and mail order before progressing online through our website. Seenin is now run in Hester’s memory and we work with many parents and carers to produce practical products which

help solve everyday problems.

Seenin became an independent business in 2012. We specialise in a wide range of clothing and accessories for children and adults with disabilities including bibs, aprons, wheelchair covers, sleepsuits, changing mats and more! Everything we make has been specifically designed for additional needs, providing comfort and practicality without forgoing style.

For example, our bibs, aprons, and kerchiefs are all waterproof, machine washable and durable. Our anti-strip zip back sleepsuits are designed to keep little houdini’s in their clothes and their hands out of their nappies.

I am so proud of how Seenin has grown. We now offer a wide range of products including specialist bibs, aprons, wheelchair covers, sleepsuits, adaptive gloves, and overalls. In addition, we regularly update our range of products with limited edition styles and prints. I am lucky to work with talented staff who have each contributed to the development of Seenin. Using my

auren and Felix share with us the challenges they faced personally, which resulted in them launching what was to become a commercial venture.

Access Your Life (AYL) was launched in September 2018 with the hope of alleviating some of the struggles associated with having a disability. More specifically, ensuring people living with disabilities and carers do not have to fight so hard to gain access to the best medical resources and equipment for their individual needs.

Something Lauren and Felix (Company Creators & Directors) know all about following the sudden decline in Lauren’s health, and Felix’s life-long battles with Dyslexia. All of which inevitably lead to complex care requirements, difficulty accessing the right equipment, and endless battles relating to her quality of life!

It was because of these experiences they became determined to create a unique online platform built on user experiences!

Fast forward to 2020 and AYL’s online review forms are helping people living with disabilities, by assessing how well a device meets their individual needs prior to purchasing. Preventing them from having to make life-altering decisions, based on a sales pitch from a supplier, or unrelated online sources.

In addition to this, they have a communal blog and preloved equipment scheme, which allows people to list their unwanted products for sale AND receive help finding suitable buyers!

After analysing their directory of equipment reviews, the AYL team recently started working with manufacturers around the globe to provide discounts on the most durable and highly rated products; a method they wish to apply to other areas within the mobility industry in the coming months. Because of this, they hope to become “Trip Advisor” of the medical equipment industry!

L

own design experience and feedback from our customers we continue to develop our range of products that provide solutions and make everyday tasks a little easier.

We are always developing new products and currently have several ideas we are working on. Some are improvements to existing lines and others totally new. Keep checking on our website for new product launches! Also, we are looking forward to attending the Kidz to Adultz shows next year, meeting our customers and friends in the trade. www.seenin.co.uk 01434 634 457 info@seenin.co.uk

www.accessyourlife.co.uk 07787227778 contact@accessyourlife.co.uk

continued...

31

TAILORED BUSINESS SUPPORT...

G

rowth company Business Growth Hub* exists to significantly improve our communities by making businesses the very best they can be. Their experienced advisors spend time getting to know you and your business objectives, enabling you to create a bespoke growth plan which adapts as you and your company evolves. The tailored support they deliver is often fully-funded and includes: • One-to-one advice • Peer-to-peer collaboration • Specialist programmes • Events and interactive workshops • Essential online resources • Connections to networks and supply chains • Sector-based support If you have ever asked yourself the following questions, GC Business Growth Hub should be your first port of call… ’I HAVE AN INNOVATIVE IDEA AND DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO’ GC Business Growth Hub’s Innovation team makes access to expertise, funding, and knowledge simple, and helps businesses to identify and progress innovative opportunities from concept to implementation. Their innovation specialists understand only too well the difficulties in getting new

ideas moving and can help you to overcome these issues to bring your new product or service to market.

‘I HAVE A BUSINESS IDEA AND DON’T KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT A REALITY’ From the part-time hairdresser through to starting and growing a limited business, Business Growth Hub’s Start Smart Programme offers support through workshops, events and 1-2-1 specialist advice including: exploring your business idea and viability; legalities; business and cash flow planning; access to finance; marketing; recruiting and managing staff; new product development. Their service is designed to encourage and support entrepreneurs and growing businesses, to create prosperity and ultimately create jobs.

‘I AM SELF-EMPLOYED/A SMALL BUSINESS AND NOT SURE HOW TO TAKE MY VENTURE TO THE NEXT LEVEL’ You have done the hard work setting up a business or taking that step into self-employment, we are here to support you through the next stages of your growth and development.

EnterprisingYou is a governmentfunded programme where you could receive personal and professional development through training and qualifications via a Business Coach;

Colin Holmes, MD of Future Safety, applied for GC Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Vouchers last year to support the development of new safety helmet designs, which use modern manufacturing techniques and sophisticated new materials. Their participation in the scheme has since allowed the business of 14 staff to create two new positions and is bolstering their efforts to supply key workers including fire and rescue services, and paramedics, with the latest innovative safety products. Colin Holmes says: “Our business has been going strong for a few decades but until quite recently, we’d never really considered or had the knowhow, to join forces with a local university. The innovation vouchers scheme has been hugely important for our next phase of development, bringing access to a team of academics and professors at Manchester Metropolitan University.

It’s been a hugely valuable exercise, opening doors and enhancing our network which I’m proud to say now includes academic experts with a real understanding of the various challenges we face in our industry, and most importantly, of the environments in which our safety products are required.”

32

business advice via 1-2-1 support or workshops; peer and 1-2-1 mentoring to realise your ambitions.

Read about how the programme helped a local Personal Trainer develop her business over lockdown.

Sam Williamson, Hands on Fitness, ‘Just speaking to someone who validates you, your ambitions and understands your journey has been incredible and nothing is forced or patronising, it’s very bespoke to me and my business and I can’t recommend EnterprisingYou highly enough.’ enterprising-you.co.uk ‘I AM AT RISK OF REDUNDANCY/ HAVE BEEN MADE REDUNDANT AND AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FUTURE’ EmployGM: Keep Manchester Working is an initiative set up to help individuals and employers bounce back from the impact of Covid-19.

Combining a wealth of Growth Company support services such as GC Education and Skills, National Careers Service and Aspire Recruitment, individuals can access support through redundancy, boost their skills and find employment. Businesses can access support to help them innovate, upskill their team and diversify their offering to strive and thrive in challenging times as well as recruit as they grow. employgm.org These are just a few ways GC Business Growth Hub can help you grow your dreams into a successful career or business. Their support is diverse and far-reaching, so do please visit their website for the full breadth of their offering at businessgrowthhub.com, or call their friendly enquiry team on 0161 359 3050. *GC Business Growth Hub works with businesses and individuals in Greater Manchester. There are business growth hubs all over to UK to support your growth. Locate your nearest one in England here. Wales here.

Scotland here.

I’M A CELEBRITY

Get Me Out of Here – BUT WE CHOSE TO GO!

FOR YEARS WE HAVE WATCHED ANT & DEC IN THE AUSTRALIAN JUNGLE AS THEY PRESENTED I’M A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE. DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS ITV RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THE FORTHCOMING SERIES WILL HAVE A NEW LOCATION, GWRYCH CASTLE IN NORTH WALES

F

rom a distance it looks a very errie location, so the celebrities will be in for a few surprises and may not have signed up for the show if they knew the venue in advance.

By contrast, Disabled Living chose Gwrych Castle as a venue to highlight the work we had been doing on our own heritage project from ‘Donkey’s to Innovators’ which, in 2017 celebrated 120 years of Disabled Living’s history. Disabled Living as a charity were very active in the North Wales area from the 1950’s through

to the early 1980’s. Children who had stayed at our holiday homes talked about the castle on the hill, which at the time was not in the disrepair it is in today, they had fantasies about princesses, princes, knights on horses and all the other splendour associated with a fairy-tale castle.

We certainly didn’t want to get ‘out of there’, we wanted to be in there!

While we were visiting the Castle, we bumped into a celebrity who was larger than life, Lou Ferrigno who played The Incredible Hulk.

Read about the history of Disabled Living and our work with children going back to 1897. https://www. disabledliving.co.uk/about-us/ history/

33

NATIONAL

Disability Sports ORGANISATIONS

THE SEVEN NATIONAL DISABILITY SPORTS ORGANISATIONS (NDSOS), HAVE RELEASED A HANDY RESOURCE TO INFORM SPORTS PROVIDERS ABOUT THEIR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE TO KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY ACTIVE AND REACHING HARD TO REACH INACTIVE DISABLED PEOPLE THROUGH ONLINE AND VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES 34

DWARF SPORTS ASSOCIATION UK LimbPower Are the National Disability Sports Organisation supporting amputees and individuals with limb impairments in physical activity, sport and the arts. www.limbpower.com @limbpower

R

eview the exciting ways we are reaching more deaf and disabled people during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.

Like many organisations supporting people to get active our NDSO delivery programmes are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

We have created this resource so that sports organisations and providers are aware of the support we are offering disabled community members through a range of fantastic programmes and resources.

By working collectively, we can reach and support more disabled people.

We, the NDSOs are mindful that many deaf and disabled people may require more support right now as many of our community members are at risk or shielding. We want to encourage disabled people to remain active and have adapted our programmes and delivery methods to meet this need and the changing environment.

To support Sport Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #StayInWorkOut campaign, we have individually and collectively looked at delivery methods to reach and support disabled people in their homes though sports specific resources, online classes, live exercise sessions and pre-recorded exercise sessions, virtual challenges and online chats and Q and A zoom calls.

The seven National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) are a good starting point for many

disabled people who want to be more active. NDSOs provide advice, support and opportunities for people of all ages with specific impairments.

The seven NDSOs are: BRITISH BLIND SPORT Cerebral Palsy Sport The National Disability Sports Charity supporting people with cerebral palsy to reach their sporting potential and putting people with cerebral palsy and their families at the heart of everything we do. www.cpsport.org @CP_Sport

SPECIAL OLYMPICS GREAT BRITAIN Set up in 1978, is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with Intellectual disabilities. www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk SOGreatBritain SpecialOlympicsGB SpecialOlympicsGB UK DEAF SPORT WheelPower The national charity for wheelchair sport which provides, promotes and develops opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity and lead healthy, active lives. www.wheelpower.org.uk @wheelpower facebook.com/wheelchairsport @wheelpower_official

Photos courtesy of CP Sport

35

THE BOOK

corner

PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST HANNAH WARD DEBUTS WITH TWO CHARMING PICTURE BOOKS THAT GIVE KIDS WITH DISABILITIES THE MESSAGE THAT IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT - IN FACT, IT’S GREAT!

“O

ften disability/ impairment or disorders are not regularly discussed within all family units,” says Hannah Ward, “and I think sometimes this is just simply because it is not directly present or affecting that family. Families may not know how to discuss topics around disability/impairment or disorder. But this is where I want to start encouraging and opening up regular and informative conversations within families and I believe my books can help make the unknown, known.”

In Clicket Cricket Joins a Band, there isn’t anything Clicket Cricket

36

wants more than to share his love of music. But he is too shy to do anything about it because he has a stammer that makes him very nervous to speak in front of people - let alone sing! But with his friends’ help, his dream could finally be in reach - if only he has the courage to get up on stage!

In Perm Worm and A Different Day, we meet Perm Worm who struggles with everyday life. You see, Perm Worm has autism which is something that just makes it a little harder for him to cope when anything changes in his day to day life. One day, Perm Worm has a very hard day and he struggles to find a way to show it. Luckily, with the support of his family, there may be a way forward. It just takes a big amount of courage from a small worm.

“My inspiration behind writing these books are both the children I have worked and working with as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist but also my own wonderful children,” Hannah explains. “I absolutely love working with the amazing, inspirational children and families in my care and I am in constant awe of them.”

The books are available from good book stores and from www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop They are also available as ebooks

5 free copies of Clicket Cricket & Perm Worm

the To celebrate the launch of us en giv has h nna books, Ha ail em ase Ple . ies cop e fre 5 @ your request to marketing ky luc 5 and .uk .co troubador random people will be chosen at

THE SPECTRUM GIRL’S SURVIVAL GUIDE

S

iena shares with us her inspiration for her first book.

When I was diagnosed as being autistic, I struggled to find an informative and practical book about autism written for autistic girls. Most of the books were written for autistic boys and were written by adults. Since there were no books specifically written for autistic teen girls I decided to write one. My book – The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic – addresses many of the issues that are unique to autistic girls and contains the type of information and advice I wish I could have benefitted from when I was growing up.

Just as importantly, I also wanted to write an uplifting and empowering book that encouraged autistic girls to embrace who they are.

I hope that my book challenges the

stereotypes and misconceptions that still exist about autism.

Unfortunately, there is still a huge gender imbalance in the way that autism is diagnosed, understood and supported.

Since many autistic girls and women behave very differently than the way autistic boys and men behave, we are much less likely to be diagnosed and as a consequence, miss out on

much needed support during our critical formative years. I am lucky in that I was diagnosed when I was 12. However, I frequently have people question whether I am autistic, because I can make eye contact and act differently to how they believe autistic people act. I also often have well-intended people attempt to compliment me by telling me that I look “normal.” These comments and assumptions are based on societal misperceptions of what autism is and what it looks like.

I hope that my book helps to broaden people’s definition of autism and to change people’s perceptions so that autistic girls get the support and understanding that they need in order to reach their potential and live happy and fulfilled lives.

The book can be purchased from: https://www.amazon. co.uk/Spectrum-Girls-SurvivalGuide-Autistic/dp/178775183X

MY MUMMY IS AUTISTIC

A

Picture Book and Guide about Recognising and Understanding Difference.

This original and imaginative book has been created by five-yearold Heath. In it, Heath illustrates his understanding of his autistic mother Joanna, giving insight into the different ways in which autistic and neurotypical people understand language.

In his simple and uncomplicated style, accompanied by bright and colourful illustrations, Heath explains why his mother’s brain understands words at a different rate than his own, and how they communicate in spite of their differences. Heath’s work is accompanied by explanatory notes

exploring Joanna’s own experience of autism and language.

Key features include: • A unique exploration of language processing differences told through the eyes and mind of a child.

• Bright, colourful pictures and simple language, perfect for inspiring conversations about neurodiversity between people of all ages.

• Explanatory text that can be read alongside the story.

• Autism portrayed as a positive and permanent neurological difference, not deficit.

The combination of story and commentary makes this book a unique tool for all people seeking to

explain and understand difference, regardless of age and experience.

Although focusing on autism as an example of neural difference, it can be used to explain and celebrate neurodiversity in all its forms and will help to build relationships across the divide of neurological difference.

Available from www.routledge.com

37

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Disney is launching this range of adaptive role play offerings with design features that will allow fans who use wheelchairs and have other accessibility needs to transform into some of their favorite characters!

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To view assets including imagery, links and pricing click here.

39

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

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BLADDER & BOWEL UK

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

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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 deliver 5 events nationally in Coventry, Farnborough, Newport, Edinburgh and Manchester. www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

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