August 2012 Edition 02
The City and County’s Trusted User Led Organisation for Disabled People
Claire Lomas exclusive interview See inside for full coverage
Medical Model of Disability VS Social Model of Disability
Contents Welcome to the second edition of LeicestershireCIL Voice by Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living (LCIL). We would like to thank all our readers who took the time to send us very positive feedback about edition one. We hope this one is just as good, if not better.
Dates for your diary……………………………………………………..
Page 3
Headline News
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Page 4
Social Care Portability Bill…………………………………………………..
Page 5
Possible Blue Badge Reform ……………………………………………..
Page 5
Exclusive Interview with Claire Lomas……………………………..
Page 6 & 7
Pull out poster: Social vs Medical Model……………………………...
Page 8 & 9
New Deaf Club Launch……………………………………………… ……...
Page 10
Meet the Trustees………… ……………………………………………………
Page 11
To give or not to give? …………………………………………………………
Page 12 & 13
Projects Updates …………………………………………………………..……
Page 14
Zanna’s Blog….…………………………………………………………………….
Page 15
Throughout the newsletter you will see a barcode like image. This is called a QR code and can be scanned with smart phones for direct links to websites. This one on the right is for LCIL. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of LCIL or the editors. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the facts are correct, we do not accept any liability for errors. Thank you to Crippen for allowing us to use his publications. Produced and edited by Shivani Shah, Sophie Mason and Tejal Patel. If you would like this newsletter in an alternative format then please contact us and we will do our best to meet your access needs.
Dates for your Diary LCiL invites you to their AGM at 3:30pm on Thursday 6th September 2012 at the Leicester Tigers. Keynote speaker: Jeremy Moore, Director of Independent Living and the Office for Disability Issues. Why not start the weekend early and join us as we host the black tie dinner and dance on Thursday 6th September 2012 for Matt Hampson at the Leicester Tigers. Call 0116 222 5005 for more information.
Don’t forget: Paralympic games are on 29 August – 9 September 2012.
Headline News Access to Elected Office Fund Launched The Government launched the Access to Elected Office Fund to provide practical support for disabled people who want to become an elected representative. The Fund has been made available to help meet the additional support needs that a disabled person has that are associated with their disability.
Using the law to fight cuts to Disabled people’s services A practical guide for campaigners – disabled people, families, carers and local groups. This paper is intended to help campaigners – including disabled people and those supporting them – understand how the law can be used to help fight cuts to valued services in their area.
Disabled people point to issue of ‘benefit scroungers’ as discrimination increases Almost half (46%) said people’s attitudes towards them have got worse over the past year. 73% experienced the assumption that they don’t work; 83% say coverage about benefits scroungers can negatively affect attitudes.
Personal Independence Payment and eligibility for a Blue Badge This Department for Transport consultation considers the options for changing the Blue Badge eligibility criteria in response to welfare reform changes and the introduction of personal independence payments (PIP).
DLA cuts will cost motor economy ‘hundreds of milions of pounds’ say campaigners Coalition cuts to disability living allowance (DLA) could cost the economy £650 million a year and lose the government £80 million in taxes, because of the impact on the car industry, says a new report. For details of these stories please go to www.lcil.org.uk If you do not have access to the internet please contact us on 0116 2225005 and we will post you details of the stories you are most interested in.
Social Care Portability Bill A disabled peer has re-introduced a bill that would allow disabled people to retain their council-funded support when they relocate to a different part of the country. Baroness Jane Campbell’s social care portability bill received its first reading in the House of Lords. Her private members’ bill (which reached the first reading stage when it was introduced last summer) would provide continuity of support for disabled people who relocate to another local authority area in England or Wales. The bill would place duties on councils to work together to ensure disabled people have equivalent care and support in place when they arrive at their new home, rather than having to renegotiate their package from scratch. The government has said that it wants to see greater “portability of assessment”, but this would only ensure that disabled people do not need to be reassessed when they relocate and not that they would secure the same level of support in their new home. Disability Rights UK (DR UK) and the lack of portability was a “significant breach of basic human rights, depriving people of choice and control over their lives, denying them job and education opportunities or the chance to live closer to family or friends”. Source: Disability Rights UK
Possible Blue Badge Reform The Department for Transport is consulting on how to bring the process for assessing eligibility for blue disabled parking badges in to line with the wider reform of disability benefits announced by the Department for Work and Pensions. The Department’s preferred option for bringing the process in line with new legislation is not expected to significantly affect the overall numbers of people entitled to blue badges. Currently, people are entitled to a blue badge if they receive a certain component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) that relates to mobility. The DLA is being replaced by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The consultation published on July 9th outlines the options under consideration. The Department’s preferred option is to ensure decisions are consistent, using the criteria in the new PIP system that most closely correspond to those currently used by local authorities to carry out their own assessments. The consultation can be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-30/ Source: Department for Transport
Exclusive Interview with Claire Lomas 1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I am the proud Mummy to Maisie, who is 18 months and I love being a mummy it is the most amazing thing ever, in fact I never realised I gave my parents so much pleasure! I was paralysed from chest down in an eventing accident at Osberton Horse Trials in May 2007. I collided with a tree which resulted in fractures to my neck, back and ribs. I also suffered a punctured lung, pneumonia, and had to have a tracheotomy to help me breathe and I was in intensive care for 10 days. The fracture in my back caused damage to my spinal cord resulting in her being transferred to the Northern General Hospital's Spinal Injuries Unit. I left Sheffield after 8 weeks - the shortest time anyone has ever spent in that hospital with my type of injury. In some ways I thank my accident for giving me the chance to visit so many inspiring people and places, it helps you to realise the important things in life. Sports at a high level can make you selfish - focusing on yourself all the time, which of course you need to do. If I can help others in any way, it is a great feeling and I feel I owe so much as people have helped me through the tough times. So with this as a motivator and a change in circumstance I had to find new interests and this is how I keep getting myself into these challenges! 2. Why did you decide to start raising money for Spinal Research? Spinal Research (SR) are getting closer to a cure. When I was in hospital there were so many people (often young) who had suffered the catastrophic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), a lot losing the use of their arms as well and they had not got the support I have. For this reason I wanted to raise money - they won't achieve it without the funds. 3. Who are Spinal Research and what are they currently doing? Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research around the world to develop reliable treatments for paralysis caused by a broken back or neck.
4. What inspired you to do the London marathon using your ‘legs’? Raising funds for SR, awareness of SCI and a personal challenge. 5. How did you feel after finishing the London Marathon? Overwhelmed and tired! Also very happy! A massive thank you to everyone who has donated. With your help over £203,000 has been raised. I NEVER thought I would reach £50K let alone £200K. Unbelievable! 6. Can you tell us about your ‘legs’? Do you use them for day to day use as well? I don’t have my own yet so used the clinics ReWalk suit to train and do the Marathon. I will eventually use them at home for rehab and some social events. 7. We have seen that your next fundraiser is to bike from Paris to London what inspired you to take on this challenge? I am using a special FES (functional electrical stimulation) bike that makes my legs muscles work. It has never been done on the road before but with a lot of training and a great team I hope it is possible. I am doing it for SR again. The success of the marathon inspired me although I am not expecting it to be the same but hoping it will be a success. I am in the process of getting very fit for the 2013 challenge. I plan to cycle from Paris to London April 2013. My aim is to do it with my paralysed legs. I am training on my static FES bike trying to get my legs as strong as possible. The FES bike has electrodes that are placed on my legs that make my muscles contract in the correct order to get the pattern of movement for cycling. It is as hard work as anyone cycling but the signal to pedal usually goes from brain to legs via the spinal cord, with me the signal is straight onto the muscle. I have used a static bike for 3 years, but I am increasing my hours on the bike. 8. You inspire many people with your commitment and strength to reach your goals but who inspires you? My parents and husband inspire me as they are so supportive and positive. Also Matt Hampson for his incredible attitude. To find out more about Claire and follow her on her next challenge please visit www.get-claire-walking.co.uk
MEDICAL MODEL vs SOCIAL MODEL Of DISABILITY The Medical Model way of thinking focuses on the impairment of the disabled person as the problem which leads to a society that has negative views about disability. This way of thinking assumes that a disabled person’s medical condition is the reason why they are prevented from leading a full life. e.g. is cared for and controlled by others.
The Social Model of Disability has been developed by disabled people and the organisations which they control and run. It locates the ‘problem’ outside the disabled person. It says we are restricted by the way society is set up, rather than our bodies.
Their life is dominated by social workers, GPs and professionals
Is a victim of prejudice?
Housebound
They are faulty
Invisible and impairment becomes focus of attention
Example: A wheelchair user can’t get up the steps into a restaurant The Medical Model says the problem is that she can’t walk The Social Model says the problem is that she is discriminated against by the lack of wheelchair access. LCiL follows the Social Model. The above are LCiLs small number of examples and there are many more other examples available.
New Deaf Club Launch a Success On Wednesday 11th July around 40 people attended the launch of a job club specifically for the deaf, out of work people living in Leicester. Job seekers and other agencies were able to meet the team to find out how the new club will help people become more successful in the job market. The club will now run every Wednesday with a series of mini workshops that give advice on interview technique, CV and cover letter writing, presentation skills, networking skills and volunteering opportunities. Members will also be able to share in each other’s job-hunting and career experiences and encourage each other in the search for a new job. The club is run by an experienced deaf employment advisor using British Sign Language. Director of Signing Network CIC (Community Interest Company) Karen Sly said, “It was great to see the community we work for taking ownership of the event and ensuring the new service, which they requested, got off to an amazing start. Signing Network CIC secured a grant from The European Social Fund to offer this service free of charge between now and Christmas 2012. Deaf job seekers living in Leicester are able to use the service alongside other support they already receive to try and improve their chances of finding work and being able to launch this service at the beginning of our second year is very pleasing.”
If you would like to find out more about Signing Network’s Deaf 2 Work Club please contact Wayne Brewin on Enquiries@signingnetwork.org.uk or Tony Barlow on tony.barlow@deaf2work.co.uk or SMS to 07970 418211. Source: Wyne Brewin Signing Network
Meet the Trustees John Hargrave I joined the Board as a Trustee last summer, together with my friends and colleagues Vilas Pankhania and Nirmala Jivan. The three of us hold other posts with other organisations which I will come to later. I was born in Leicester during the Second World War, and I am a Freeman of the City since 1963. I am married to Linda and we have three children and five grandchildren. I used to work at Walker’s Crisp’s for nearly 20 years as a Production Manager and finally the Factory Hygiene Manager. At that time I also volunteered at St. John Ambulance, becoming the Eastern Area Training Officer and a member of the county training team. I trained at Leicester Polytechnic in Industrial Management, at Southfields in Food Hygiene and at Melton College of FE in Supervisory Management. I even did a summer course at New College, Oxford, in Environmental Management. Sports wise, I am a big fan of the Leicester Tiger’s. In 1995 I had an accident that caused spinal problems and I am now a full time wheelchair user. At present I pass my time at the Douglas Bader Centre following some of my favourite pastimes like photography, computing and exercise. I am also the Chair of the Client’s Committee. I also am the Chair of the Leicester Disabled People’s Access Group, so I have gained a great deal of experience over the years. Being a trustee at LCIL has broadened my horizon’s even further and I look forward to using my knowledge and expertise to help the team progress even further. These are exciting times so fasten your seat belts.
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To give or not to give? Charity, volunteering and giving is far more complicated than I’m sure most realise. Many methods known to organisations as a vehicle for collecting monies are today believed to actually add to the issue and not solve it. Sadly a common strategy to exploit, is using the misconception of the tragedy. In many cases, this charity model depicts disabled people as victims of circumstance, deserving of pity. This, together with the medical model are probably the ones most used by non-disabled people to define and explain disability. Traditionally, we have seen many TV and other media appeals in which disabled children are depicted alongside young "victims" of famine, poverty, child abuse and other circumstances. These strategies are commonly used by charities operating in an ever-increasing competitive business environment of fund-raising and have not only raised concern but condemnation by critics who quite rightly view these tactics as indeed disenabling and the cause of much discrimination. Such activities are generally perceived by disabled people as the biggest problem that we have, in that the non-disabled are only comfortable when you see us as icons of pity. Very often, disabled people are seen as tragic, or indeed victims, and in need of care, unable and incapable of looking after themselves or managing their own affairs. Charity is seen as a necessity in order for disabled people to survive. Whilst these appeals can raise considerable funds for services and equipment, which are not provided by the State, many disabled people find the negative victimimage thoroughly offensive. In fact, Children in Need has been described as, ‘televisual garbage… oppressive to disabled people’, (Oliver M, Disabilities and Discrimination Issues for the Nineties, 1992). Some go as far as interpreting the tragic portrayal as a means of maintaining a flow of donations and keeping ablebodied people in work. Tragedy and pity stems from a culture of "care". Although highly praiseworthy in many respects, it carries certain dangers. Numerous charities exist to support and care for people with a particular type of disability, thereby medically classifying, segregating and often, as with the Medical Model, institutionalising many disabled people. Many adults in Great Britain are affected by institutionalisation and given the choice, many, if not most, would opt for community life with adequate support.
Being recipients of charity, and in many cases a recipient of voluntary support, can lead to a lowering of self-esteem of disabled people. In the eyes of "pitying" donors, charitable giving carries with it an expectation of gratitude and a set of terms imposed upon the beneficiary. The first is patronising, the second limiting upon the choices open to disabled people. Moreover, employers can view disabled people as charitable cases, rather than address the real issues of creating a workplace conducive to the employment of people with disabilities, employers may conclude that making charitable donations meets social and economic obligations. This very much breeds feelings of ‘having done their bit’, a tick box exercise in relation to their corporate social responsibility ‘commitments’ and indeed their equality obligations, overlooking the positive attributes a disabled person as an employee brings to the staff team. It is not the intention to advocate dismantling charities and outlaw caring, charitable acts, which enrich our society and bring badly needed funds. However, we do need to educate charity managers and professionals to review the way they operate and ensure that funds are channelled to promote the empowerment of disabled people and their full integration into our society as equals requiring our respect and not our pity. With all of that said, I’m sure it will be quite a surprise to see LCiL, holding a black tie event at the Tigers Stadium on the 6th of September. LCiL are actively supporting the Matt Hampson foundation, LCiL decided to support Matt’s vision to enable young disabled people to achieve in sport. This also gives LCiL a platform in which to evidence to the community that as an organisation of disabled people, part of our role is about taking the lead when raising monies for charity that uses sport to promote empowerment, leadership and choice and that LCiL as a charity does not see a role within its strategy as the recipient of giving. Stephen Cooper, Chief Executive Officer.
COME DINE AT THE TIGERS In aid of the Matt Hampson Foundation Thursday 6 September 2012 Call Sophie for more information 0116 222 5005
Project updates Transforming Local Infrastructure (TLI) LCiL is: alongside and in partnership with The Race Equality Centre (TREC) and The African Caribbean Citizens Forum Centre the development of a questionnaire is now being used to engage with the Communities in Leicester City & County, Rutland and Oakham to develop Improvements to access support for local frontline groups by better partnerships between local infrastructure groups. Creating a single ‘portal’ for support with an efficient referral system to ensure frontline groups get the right quality of support they need. The Department of Health’s ‘Improving the lives of Disabled People’ report has identified that Disabled People’s User Led Organisation (DPULOs) should be established in each local authority area. A good practice initiative was identified as one DPULO supporting the development of smaller groups. This initiative has reinforced our strand of raising the capacity and quality of specialist support for civil society groups. LCiL is: currently developing a guide for small groups and new emerging disabled people organisations who wish to become ‘User Led’. Being a DPULO means complying with the Department of Health’s 21 ULO Criteria which within that includes the importance of providing services to disabled people that promote independent living, choice and control. We know going down this path can be quite daunting, our guide will inform emerging organisation where they can find support, how they can sort out their internal structures, what is expected of them and all the key factors that make a successful DPULO. Sophie Mason Project Officer
LCiL is looking for an illustrator to help with this publication. We are looking for someone who can do pro bono work. Please contact Sophie Mason: sophie.mason@lcil.org.uk.
Zanna’s Blog As promised last time, I have been given my own blog space! How exciting. I have loads to tell you about. Firstly let me introduce myself. I am a guide dog Golden Retriever/Labrador cross, very cute looking may I add. I am 4 years old now, but still get loads of attention like a new pup! Last week I went on my summer vacation to Lake District. We go every year, me and my mum (Margret) and dad (Eric). I really look forward to going, and this year I had a summer romance. His name is Freddy, and his mum and dad are also called Eric and Margret. We spent most of our days taking long walks, playing, and taking in the fresh air. For those of you that want to see a few holiday snaps, I have added them at the bottom. I did have a lovely time with all the other guide dogs on holiday. It’s going to be hard not seeing Freddy, so dad has promised that we can have Skype dates every Sunday to keep in touch.
Zanna Guide Dog
Random Fact Did you know... Most humans sneeze from their nose and most animals sneeze from their mouths.
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LCIL is located under the archway on Upper Brown Street on the 2nd Floor
Office opening times: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living, 5-9 Upper Brown Street, Leicester LE1 5TE Telephone 0116 222 5005 Email: admin@lcil.org.uk Textphone: 07910 864 594 Fax: 0116 222 5008 Website: www.lcil.org.uk