DRM- Disability Review Magazine

DRM DISABILIT Y REVIEW MAGA ZINE

ISSUE 1 2020

DISABILITY NEWSBEAT THE MOTABILITY SCHEME Driving with MS

ZEBEDEE MANAGEMENT: Supporting the careers of disabled models and promoting fair representation in the media

CHAIR YOGA for wheelchair users DIGITAL HEALTH for disabled and elderly PARASPORT Changes Lives!

REAL STORIES: Hayley Jordan’s travel dreams | Sarah Lucia’s travel tips | Sian Evans releases past trauma DIVERSITY AND INDEPENDENT LIVING INCLUSION The right to choose IN THE WORKPLACE

MONEY SAVING TIPS CONSIDER THIS! & DISCOUNTS FOR Rethinking Refuelling DISABLED PEOPLE

FITNESS ADVICE INDEPENDENT FILM: FOR WHEELCHAIR Out on a Limb USERS

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ASPIRING FOR A BETTER FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT LIVING

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INSPIRATIONAL SEMINARS

LISTEN IN TO OUR UNPARALLED LINE-UP OF SPEAKERS THAT IS SURE TO LEAVE YOU FEELING UPLIFTED AND EMPOWERED.

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LIVE SPORTS ARENA GET INVOLVED, STAY ACTIVE AND DISCOVER YOUR NEXT PASSION.

PANEL SESSIONS JOIN OUR INDUSTRY-EXPERTS AS THEY DEBATE THE HOTTEST INDUSTRY TOPICS, AND HAVE ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

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D R M CONTENTS

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WELCOME

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WELCOME to DRM, which includes our popular Disability News Beat, plus information on all disability categories – vision impairment, deaf and hard of hearing, mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, autism spectrum and physical disability.

This issue we have more inspirational stories and informative features to prove that you can run, drive, ski, play sport, model, travel the world, and more, despite your disability. We believe in you, and in your dreams.

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CONTENTS Employment & Education: 14 Careers in modelling Find out more about the modelling agency that represents disability models

16 The Arts Business is for everyone!

Some advice from creative talent for those wanting to train or get a job in the arts

24 Collaboration is Key Helen Cooke discuss the effectiveness of the Disability Act

Independent Living: 30 Affordable Home Ownership Advice on buying your own home with a government led scheme

38 Digital Health Care

Best wishes The DRM Team

Ben Whittaker from The Digital Line explains how technology is helping the elderly and disabled improve independence

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CONTENTS D R M

COVER CREDITS: Model: Sara with Down Syndrome represented by zebedeemanagement.co.uk

Photographer: Aaron Cheeseman instagram.com/ched53/

Executive Editor: Lee Gatland

Art Director:

40 A life with unresolved trauma...

Richard Hejsak

Sian Evans shares her story

Managing Editor:

44 Independent living in a supported environment

Jordan Martin Jordan@sevenstarmedia.co.uk

A feature from Eden Futures

47 Living Life Chris has MS and talks about living life independently in a wheelchair

Motoring & Mobility: 48 CONSIDER THIS! Simon Sansome addresses the need to rethink refuelling options for disabled car users

50 My Journey Ian Cook shares his story of how The Motability Scheme helped him gain independence and informs how others can also drive despite disability

53 Chair Yoga

66 61 Prep, pack and travel Hayley Jordan travels the world despite her auto-immune disorder

65 A baby. Several disabilities.

Seven countries – fourteen planes...

Sarah Lucia provides travel tips for other people with disabilities wanting to explore different countries

Disability Sport: 66 Out on a Limb

Rosanna Kalliabetsos demonstrates beneficial postures that can be done seated and can improve circulation, mobility and mind-set

The Adaptive Ski Documentary that took three wheelchair users on the ride of their lives

Travel & Leisure: 56 Andy’s Story

Read how Parasport powered by Toyota has changed people’s lives Jonnie’s Story | Keira’s Story | Jaspal’s Story

Mechanic comes back from the brink to help others rebuild their lives

Adoption & Fostering:

59 In this post-modern world we live in, what can art do for us?

74 What is special about Special Needs Adoption?

Sophia Love of Affected talks art and all its benefits

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69 Parasport

Find out how adopting or fostering a child with a disability can be rewarding

Proofreader: Ara E Lee Ara@sevenstarmedia.co.uk

Sale Team: 01959 574 556 sales@sevenstarmedia.co.uk

Published by SEVEN STAR MEDIA LTD 184 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent Tel: 01959 543659 www.sevenstarmedia.co.uk Disclaimer: Disability Review Magazine (DRM) is published bi-annually (twice per annum) by Seven Star Media Ltd. No part of DRM may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted to any form without permission. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Seven Star Media Ltd, and are included to provide advice only. No content is a substitute for professional medical advice. During printing, images may be subject to a 15% variation. © Copyright of content belongs to individual contributors with the magazine copyright belonging to Seven Star Media. All rights reserved. Please either keep this magazine for future reference, pass it on for somebody else to read, or recycle it.

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D R M NEWS

DRM

DISABILITYNEWSBEAT

Have you heard of Mixed Ability Rugby?

Virgin Atlantic’s offical launch...

It’s a sport for people of ALL abilities and disabilities. It is contact and non-contact rugby in the same game and perfect for those with mental health problems, physical disabilities, learning difficulties, those returning to fitness or trying the game out for the first time. Worcester Mixed Ability is run out of Worcester RFC on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6-7pm. Join this fun, inclusive sport for adults with disabilities. Find us on Facebook for more info or just pop along and ask for Tom or James: https://en-gb.facebook.com/WorcsMixedAbilityRugby/

Virgin Atlantic has announced the official launch of its Hidden Disabilities scheme, which includes extensive training for staff, and a discrete identifier to help passengers with hidden disabilities get the assistance they need.

No RESPONSE from FACEBOOK! Deaf children falling behind in schools Research “... by the National Deaf Children’s Society found that deaf children were falling behind at every stage of school, starting as early as key stages 1 and 2. By the time they reach their GCSEs, they’re an entire grade behind.” This was reported in The Guardian by Frances Ryan in an article addressing the education challenges faced by children with mental or physical disabilities.

The full article can be read online: https://www. theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/aug/15/a-levelresults-day-pupils-with-disabilities-support-services-cut

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“While Facebook said that improvements are going to happen and training will be updated relating to disability discrimination, we’ve heard nothing from them and don’t expect to hear anything from them. With all the millions of hits that Ability Access received following their comments on the photograph of Vicky Balch, who lost her leg in the Alton Towers accident in 2015, along with the worldwide coverage, I do hope they take it as a learning exercise and improve training for members of staff.”

Simon Sansome www.abilityaccess.blog

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NEWS D R M

DRM

LEISURE

‘Start Together, Finish Whenever’ Parallel will host its first regional event in partnership with the University of Nottingham on 17 May 2020 on the University Campus.

Parallel is the world’s first inclusive mass participation event, with disability at the heart of the experience. The award-winning event welcomes all ages and abilities; which combines multi-distance mass participation with a festival of inclusivity. For more information on the event, please visit www.parallellifestyle.com.

NEWS SNIPPET: Eight-year-old Mikey Poulli who lost his sight due to a congenital eye condition two years ago has been scouted for his football skills and is being trained by the Football Association.

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish activist who, at age 15, began protesting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 about the need for immediate action to combat climate change.

She has since continued with her quest to make a difference as an environmentalist. The teenager has Asperger’s and shares her activist adventures on her Instagram page... follow her to stay up-to-date with her next quest: www.instagram.com/gretathunberg

Guardian reports a Government U-turn Affected is about challenging the stigma around mental health issues. Affected is about art, design, poetry, illustration, graphics, photography, choreography, music and film. Affected is a charitable group aiming to let those affected by mental health issues have their own voice through the arts. Affected needs your help with supplies and costs and support all the way to exhibition.

For more, visit: www.affected2019.co.uk

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”Campaigners have forced a government U-turn after demonstrating that chronically ill claimants suffering severe pain were wrongly denied disability benefits on the basis that they were not taking powerful, opiate-based painkillers.”

Read the full article on: www. theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/09/ bristol-charity-campaign-leads-tobenefits-claims-change

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NEWS D R M

DRM

DISABILITYNEWSBEAT

Access Success as Thousands Attend Disabled Access Day The day was founded against the backdrop of wanting to make it easy for disabled people to try something new.

Often the thought of trying something new amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life can create a sense of anxiety and fear. Holding specially designed events on a specific day provides the opportunity for disabled people and their families and friends to have new experiences in a safe, welcoming and unhurried environment.

OFTEN THE THOUGHT OF TRYING SOMETHING NEW AMONGST THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF DAILY LIFE CAN CREATE A SENSE OF ANXIETY AND FEAR. This year, as well as organising an event or experience out with their day-to-day offering, businesses were asking to either have, or be close to a Changing Places facility. This requirement removed a major barrier that can often prevent the 250,000+ people who require access to Changing Places toilets to participate in the activities which the majority of the population take for granted.

In total, 153 places took part hosting a vast array of events and in a variety of locations across the country. Those with an interest in history could explore castles and museums, while others ventured out to waterparks or to watch film screenings or musical performances. Sporting events included wheelchair basketball, adapted bicycles, accessible archery, boccia and horseriding.

Technology was the theme for the headline supporters, Barclays, who held awareness events in a number of branches to demonstrate their accessible services;

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including Talking ATM, high visibility debit cards and contactless wearables.

Disabled Access Day, the brainchild of Paul Ralph, was founded after he visited an open day at a local bus depot and was able to get his powerchair on and off a bus for the very first time. Transport is still an important theme of the event and this year people were able to try-a-bus, try-a-tram, try-a-taxi, or even try-a-hovercraft!

Paul Ralph is delighted to see that the day is now enjoyed by so many people, he said: “Every Disabled Access Day I am blown away by the stories people share of the excitement, fun and opportunity that this day creates. Seeing the event grow from that initial idea I had at the bus depot is amazing. I hope that the next Disabled Access Day in 2021 will see even more people, places and organisations coming together to take part in new experiences.”

Information and ideas of how to get involved in Disabled Access Day 2021 can be found in the review of Disabled Access Day 2019, visit www.disabledaccessday.com to read the review.

Disabled Access Day is powered by Euan’s Guide, the disabled access review website. Find out more on Page 11

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D R M NEWS

DRM

DISABILITYNEWSBEAT

Disabled people asked to rate the UK’s accessibility Euan’s Guide and Disabled Access Day are calling on disabled people and those closest to them to take part in the UK’s longest running Access Survey.

The survey is carried out online between October and December each year and it enables anyone with a vested interest in disabled access to have their say. Questions include how confident people are in visiting new places, what action they take if a venue has not shared its disabled access information, and what they do after visiting somewhere with good disabled access.

Now in its sixth year, the survey shows an increasing trend toward disabled people visiting places which have been recommended by someone with similar access requirements or where they can see pictures and read reviews before visiting. This is likely connected to the fact that confidence remains low when visiting new places and experiences of getting inaccurate disabled access information from businesses still remain rife.

People are also asked to rate the accessibility of different kinds of places, including restaurants, shops, hotels and hospitals. Museums and galleries have consistently come out on top with the majority rating then as having typically good or excellent accessibility. The 2018 survey revealed that accessibility in pubs and bars was deemed to be the lowest, meaning that more people consider pubs and bars to have poor access than they do historic places built for a different century.

The survey is an important resource for showing the perceptions and attitudes of disabled people - and those closest to them - when it comes to visiting public places.

The survey is open to disabled people, their family and friends as well as individuals who work closely with disabled people such as carers or healthcare professionals.

It is run by Euan’s Guide, the disabled access charity

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with an established review platform where people can find and share disabled access reviews, and Disabled Access Day, a biennial event where disabled people are encouraged to visit new places and try new activities.

Euan MacDonald, co-founder of Euan’s Guide said: “The Access Survey is an important source of information documenting the problems that disabled people face when visiting somewhere new. We ask for people to take part each year to show how accessibility and people’s behaviours and attitudes toward it are changing.”

You can take part in the survey by visiting www.EuansGuide.com/2019survey.

Euansguide.com is the disabled access review website where disabled people, their family, friends and carers can find and share reviews on the accessibility of venues around the UK and beyond. Having access to good quality disabled access information inspires confidence and removes the fear of the unknown. It breaks down the barriers of exclusion and makes it easier for disabled people to find great places to go.

The charity was founded in 2013 by Euan MacDonald MBE, a powerchair user and his sister Kiki after Euan was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and a lack of disabled access made every day experiences stressful. The website now holds thousands of reviews and is an invaluable tool for many disabled people.

Let’s talk

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D R M E M P LOYM E N T & E D U C AT I O N

Careers in modelling Zebedee Management is a modelling agency that represents models of all abilities – We were fascinated to find out more...

1. What is the story behind the setting up of the agency?

The initial idea for Zebedee Management was formed whilst Laura Johnson and Zoe Proctor were taking their dogs for a walk together and were talking about opportunities (or lack of) for the performing arts students that Zoe teaches and it was just a lightbulb moment of – ‘If no one is out there willing to represent people with disabilities, then why don’t we do it?!’ And that was it!

They went straight home and started putting ideas on the table, and within a few weeks, they were holding their first casting and portfolio sessions, trying to build contacts and develop marketing materials. It has been such a whirlwind ever since!

2. At what point do you believe the modelling industry began to recognise the need to represent diversity?

The Modelling Industry has developed so much in more recent years in terms of ensuring that advertising is more representative of our diverse society. It’s been more commonplace to see models from different ethnicities, ages as well as plus-sized models, however, disability diversity has only just started to gain some interest very recently... but it’s still not where it needs to be.

Disappointingly, disability has often been left out of the diversity debate, and we often receive casting calls looking for ‘diversity’, but with no mention of disability.

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“DISAPPOINTINGLY, DISABILITY HAS OFTEN BEEN LEFT OUT OF THE DIVERSITY DEBATE.” Model: Roni :@ Photographer ar TheDanCl ke

Model: Neisha

Photographer: @Ched53

ette Model: Bernad 53 ed Ch :@ Photographer

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E M P LOYM EN T & ED U C AT I O N

Models Abov e:

Joseph Family

Model: Roni Photographer : @Th

Brands are typically looking for unique, inspiring individuals with a back story that can inspire others, and we have plenty of them – our models are amazing!

4. What are the career possibilities for disabled models?

People with disabilities are just like anyone else. They want to be independent, they have career aspirations, they’re talented and enthusiastic and want to work – and why shouldn’t they! We are very early on in our journey towards a society that is fully inclusive, but Zebedee is getting busier every week.

We don’t know what the future holds, but in theory there could be w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

Artists, and provide chaperones where necessary. However, we do still find that, whilst some Casting Directors are willing to consider Artists with disabilities, castings sometimes take place in buildings without disabled access or facilities. This is really frustrating when we have brilliant Artists that, through no fault of their own, would otherwise be perfect for the job.

6. What do aspiring models need to consider prior to applying to Zebedee?

Disability seems to be the last taboo, but we’re working to help change this. We want to see advertising using people with disabilities as the norm.

3. With an increasing awareness of the need to represent fairly and accurately in advertising and fashion – what are brands looking for in a model from your agency?

eDanClarke

DRM

Before applying, models (or their parents/carers) need to consider the following: Does the model want to do it? (Not just the parent/carer.)

Does the model feel confident in front of the camera?

Is the model well enough to travel to different locations at short notice?

Zoe Proctor and Laura Johnson, Zebedee’s

Founding Directors:

Photographer: @Ched53

full-time modelling opportunities for people with disabilities on the horizon! We’d really like to think so and can’t think of any reasons for why there shouldn’t be.

5. What are the procedures that you need to consider as an agency when your models attend jobs?

We make sure that jobs/castings have appropriate facilities for our

Can the model take direction well?

Is the model’s life flexible enough and do they have the availability to attend castings and jobs in London with little notice.

Is the model comfortable with new surroundings, busy environments, loud noises, camera lights, getting changed into unfamiliar clothing, working alongside other people with disabilities, and other unfamiliar people?

Website: zebedeemanagement.co.uk Our blog: zebedeemanagement.co.uk/blog Twitter: twitter.com/ZebedeeMan Facebook: facebook.com/zebedeemanagement Instagram: instagram.com/zebedee_management Applications to: apply2zebedee@gmail.com

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D R M E M P LOYM E N T & E D U C AT I O N

The Arts Business is for everyone!

It is important to recognise that just because somebody is coping with a physical, mental or emotional condition, disability, disease or syndrome, they can still have dreams, they can still enjoy creative arts and still embrace career opportunities...

journey is different and I can’t tell anyone what is right for them and when to do it, but I wish to abolish the stigma or misconception of thinking you have to be ‘whole’ or have to have overcome your mental health issues or physical conditions before you start a business.

You may not have to, as the journey itself may help you overcome it. Art has taught me so much about myself.

www.tinanikolovski.com

Valentina Karellas Designer Claire’s band photography

Tina’s Fashion Photography

I had been struggling for years with a lack of energy and unexplained pain and discomfort, and I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and Fibromyalgia in late 2009 (both conditions are known as invisible chronic conditions).

What advice would you give to those who have faced health-related diagnosis or mental illness, but still wish to start their own business?

CLAIRE: PHOTOGRAPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN SIGNIFICANT IN MY LIFE. I have to pace my life accordingly which makes it hard to be spontaneous. It also means I am unable to have a job like most people. Photography has always been significant in my life, but at this point of diagnosis it became a way for me to cope and gave me a reason to ‘keep going’ prior to becoming a mother. I was able to plan around music events and by making sure I allocated plenty of rest before and afterwards.

It can take me days or even weeks to get over an evening out photographing, but I love it and it gives a positive creative activity that is manageable.

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I would say to anyone who has the intention of starting their own business to GO FOR IT! Mental illness (particularly depression and anxiety) haunted me before and during my journey of becoming a ‘business owner’.

TINA: MY PASSION FOR ART WAS A LIGHT, THROUGHOUT MY VARIOUS STAGES BATTLING MENTAL HEALTH. Whilst at times it was certainly difficult, the times that I temporarily gave up what I love (photography, art) were the times when I felt the most ‘empty’. My passion for art was a light, throughout my various stages battling mental health. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone but also gave me so much comfort. It gave me an escape whilst also allowing me to travel to new places, meet new people and see more of the world. Everyone’s

What advice would you give to those who have faced health-related diagnosis or mental illness, but still wish to start their own business?

VALENTINA: MY LOOK BOOK REPRESENTS MODELS WITH DISABILITIES. Starting your own business is extremely difficult, time consuming, mentally draining and a constant struggle for all people. Having a physical or mental illness on top of these ‘every day’ challenges adds a lot more pressure to this. It’s something not to take lightly, however, I do not want to discourage anyone from starting a business, it can also be incredibly rewarding, especially to celebrate the small wins of your day or week. Sometimes using your disability or your condition as an advantage to help other people and turning your passion into a business, no matter what your situation or background, starting a business can bring you and others so much joy... I make sure my look book represents models with disabilities – every industry is for everyone.

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GET THE SUPPORT YOU DESERVE WITH A UNION

Unfortunately, at work, things can go wrong when you least expect it, and that is why we are here.

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We work tirelessly to represent those working in the education sector, early years and childcare to ensure that our members have the support, guidance and representation of a strong and approachable union.

It’s our mission is to support, protect and listen to our members and help them get the most from their career. We believe that everybody has a right to be heard, but that not every member is the same.

Working in Special Education Needs poses unique concerns, issues and hazards, and that means you need a union that understands your role in education, your workplace and the life of the children and pupils you support each day.

At Voice we never offer members a one-sizets-all solution. We’re dedicated to providing a personalised service to each of our members to ensure they get the best support, advice and representation to resolve their issues and concerns.

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D R M ADVERTORIAL

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Parental support & advice

With over 20 years of experience working with children and young people, Cambian are committed to supporting everyone in our care with achieving their personal best.

We train all staff to promote consistent good practice across the school environment and advise on how to apply this within a home setting. We aim to educate all staff, parents and individuals in using specific strategies and approaches; including enhanced communication and positive behaviour management.

Knowing how difficult it can be to entrust a child’s care to someone else, we ensure our parents have all the insight and reassurance they need to help make this difficult decision.

We understand how difficult the journey can be to find the right provision and to meet the specific needs of your child.

Our provisions include 38 to 52week placements including both day and residential facilities supporting a waking day curriculum. We work alongside every student in order to help them discover their own personal strengths by providing the specialist support required in order to enhance their learning experience.

A combination of specialist education, a person-centred environment, therapeutic planning and measurement of progress helps our students to embrace both independent learning and living.

A multi-disciplinary team including Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Speech & Language Therapists provide the appropriate therapeutic support to reduce the frequency of challenging behaviours and enhance the quality of life for an individual with learning or communication difficulties.

Transitions

Our team is always here to help As well as offering advice and support on SEN, we can help you with queries on Cambian specialist schools and services for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome and complex needs.

Our track record in engaging students in further education, training or employment, beyond the age of compulsory schooling is excellent. This is due to our extensive focus on supporting students with independent learning and living, employability and social skills.

“When I had my interview, the Head Teacher said ‘We think you would fit in and do well here’.

No school has ever said that to me.

They always seemed to find reasons why I wouldn’t fit in.”

A Cambian Student

If you would like more information on the services offered

by Cambian, please visit: www.cambiangroup.com

Photos for Illustrative purposes only

Our schools, colleges and residential provisions cover a range of specialisms including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH). The children we work with may also present signs of other associated behavioural or learning difficulties, such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety, dyslexia or sensory issues.

Are you considering Residential Specialist Education for your child?

If you would like some help in making an informed choice based on the needs of your child, then we invite you to join us at our

FREE Parent Workshop on Wednesday 15th January 2020 An integrated residential education placement can often be the best option for children with special education needs such as Autism and Asperger’s.

Having specialist educators, carers and therapists working ‘around the young person’ can lead to greater academic achievements, increased independence, improved health and happiness and ultimately enhanced life opportunities.

Our focus will be on the benefits of residential care and how to obtain a placement:  A parents journey (in her own words) to obtain a placement and the positive impact this has had on her child  SEN legal advice in obtaining an integrated residential education placement  An explanation of the benefits of residential education provisions  The chance to speak to those working within these residential services (Southlands School and Wing College) for advice with any day to day difficulties you may currently be facing with your child

Date: Venue: Time:

Wednesday 15th January 2020 St.Bride Foundation, London EC4Y 8EQ 10:00 Welcome and Registration

To request a place at this event or to register your interest for any future events please contact us at: www.cambiangroup.com/drm At Cambian we believe that every child deserves the chance to achieve their personal best

www.cambiangroup.com

How the service works Discharge from hospital following injury or illness

Brain Injury Community Service

A child can be referred at any point following their injury or illness.

For some children this may be some years after the initial event .

Supporting children and young people with acquired brain injury in the community

Clinical screening A clinical specialist from the Brain Injury Community Service will make contact with the child/family to complete a detailed telephone interview.

Visits and telephone calls

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. We work with children and young people aged 0-18 from across the UK with acquired brain injury, neurodisabilities and complex health needs delivering rehabilitation, education and community services through a highly skilled team.

Following the initial screening, our clinical specialist may visit the child and their family, either at home or in school. Contact will also be made with other professionals involved in the child’s care.

Onward referral

Our Brain Injury Community Service provides goal-orientated rehabilitation delivered in the child’s environment.

If the child has needs which require additional support, our clinical specialist will make the necessary onward referral into local community services, or our specialist multidisciplinary team.

Delivered by specialists from a range of clinical backgrounds, we work with the child and their family focusing on the needs which result from an acquired brain injury. These may be social, emotional, cognitive, communicative and behavioural needs.

Our ultimate goal is to maximise the child/young person’s participation in their everyday life We provide a range of support centred around the child or young person, including clinical screening, advice and onward referral completely free-ofcharge for children and young people with an acquired brain injury, including those with a concussion.

Subject to funding we also offer community-based neurorehabilitation skills packages delivered by our multidisciplinary team.

This service provides the initial support needed when a child is discharged from hospital to home and can also be accessed after an initial injury or illness which, in some cases, can be many years later. This may be because the effects of the injury may not be obvious for some time.

Registered Charity No. 288018

Community-based neurorehabilitation skills packages Delivered by The Children’s Trust Brain Injury Community Service, skills packages include: • Understanding acquired brain injury (ABI) • Developing learning skills • Developing study skills • Attention and concentration management • Memory management • Fatigue management • Developing access to community/leisure • Developing identity awareness • Developing independence in ABI • Developing social and interaction skills • School-to-school transition support • Teenage ABI safety

Additional support delivered by local community services The child’s needs will be met by services in their area.

Long-term Our long-term register provides systematic monitoring of a child’s needs at key stages.

Meet Lewis After a serious illness, 15 year old Lewis was left with a brain injury affecting his movement, communication and cognition. Lewis’ return to school was a struggle, his extensive fatigue and memory difficulties affected his grades and his difficulties with communication affected his friendships. He became increasingly frustrated and socially isolated.

The Children’s Trust Brain Injury Community Service worked with Lewis to support his transition to college. Lewis worried about making new friends, coping with college demands and also the support he would receive.

Lewis, his family, college staff and local therapists were supported by the team’s Occupational Therapist and the Speech and Language Therapist to understand his difficulties and improve his skills.

College is going really well for Lewis. He feels more confident communicatively and manages his fatigue, allowing him to attend college and still have the energy to do things at weekends. He has the right support in his lessons and is positive about his future. He hopes to go onto university and is keen to learn new skills to live independently when he is older.

Making a referral is simple and can be made by anybody involved in the child’s care. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/bics bics@thechildrenstrust.org.uk 01737 365 864

Has your child suffered a concussion, nasty bump to the head or any type of acquired brain injury?

If the answer is yes, the Brain Injury Hub website can also provide you with helpful information, advice and tips on supporting your child.

What is the Brain Injury Hub and how can it help you?

• A website created by doctors, therapists, brain injury specialists and educational professionals.

• Includes information on every stage from being in hospital, back at home and school.

• Real stories from other families affected by acquired brain injury.

• Rehabilitation tips that you can do at home to support a child with acquired brain injury.

• The information is based on evidence-based research.

• Approved by NHS Information Standard.

braininjuryhub.co.uk

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aspire to work, to recognise the benefits that employment brings, to want to contribute to society and to see what is possible.

To close the employment gap between those who have a Helen Cooke, disability and those Director of MyPlus who don’t there is still much work to be done. However, it is achievable if everyone recognises the role they have to play and ensures they deliver their part.

Working together, we can maximise the chances of successful employment outcomes and realise that they can for disabled people work and can contribute. and benefit from the Yet herein lies another huge talent pool that is challenge: Far too often, waiting to be tapped into. disabled people either don’t want to Our vision at MyPlus is to ensure that work or don’t realise that they can. There having a disability or long-term health is much work to be done to raise the aspirations, and motivations of disabled condition doesn’t prevent anyone from people to aspire to work, to achieve and to having the career that they want to have. contribute in the same way as their nonTo help achieve this, our focus covers a disabled counterparts. number of the areas mentioned above.

The third area that is absolutely crucial We work with employers to ensure are role models. I am not talking about they recognise the talents of disabled Paralympians or the other high-profile individuals and help them adapt their disabled people we often see in the media, recruitment and development processes since these are difficult to relate to. Rather, to be truly inclusive. We provide career I am talking about ‘normal’ disabled advice and support to disabled students people, who enjoy a successful and and their parents/carers to help them fulfilling career despite their disability. raise their aspirations. We work with And finally, there needs to be the universities to ensure they share the infrastructure in place; this includes resources we create with their students. accessible transport, housing, affordable We provide a platform for every day role parking in cities, moveable benefits, models; disabled students and employees and so on. If this isn’t easy to access, it to share their stories of realisation and prevents a huge barrier which can appear success to inspire disabled individuals unsurmountable. with a desire to progress.

So, who’s responsibility is all of this?

I would argue that the stakeholders are numerous and to make real progress we all have to recognise the different roles we For more information : have to play. From employers who need Students’ Club website for to recognise the talent pool and ensure they are genuinely inclusive; to parents careers advice and suppor t for and teachers who must enable young disabled individuals : https :// people to see what is possible and raise myplusstudentsclub.com their aspirations. It includes medical and Recruiters’ Club page for employers : rehabilitation staff who must promote the https ://w w w.myplusconsulting. benefits of working to those who become com/about - recruiters disabled, and careers advisers and job Universit y page for careers/ centre workers who must be trained to disabilit y advisers : https :// provide specialist careers’ advice to those myplusstudentsclub.com/forwho have a disability. universities/ It obviously includes our government Stories page for careers inspiration : who must ensure the infrastructure is https ://myplusstudentsclub.com/ in place. And finally, to the individual stories/ themselves who has a responsibility to

Collaboration is Key Director of MyPlus Consulting, Helen Cooke discusses the effectiveness of the Disability Discrimination Act in the year of its 25-year anniversary When it comes to employment, the facts are stark: there are 7.6 million disabled people of working age in Britain, of whom 51.5% are in employment, compared to 81.7% of non-disabled people. This suggests that, whilst progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. But what is it that needs to be done, and who needs to do it?

Let us start with the what: Firstly, we need to ensure that employers recognise the huge talent pool of disabled people that, if the statistics are anything to go by, are still being overlooked. We also need to ensure that employers are knowledgeable and capable of engaging with disabled people, supporting them through the recruitment process and continuing to provide support once they have joined the workforce. Employers must also be able to retain individuals who become disabled and enable them to continue to reap the benefits of being able to work.

However, for employers to successfully recruit and retain disabled individuals, disabled individuals must want to work,

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childhood where their mum could tuck them into bed and read them a book.

Many disabled people know what it is like to suffer within our own homes.

Habinteg’s poll is right to point out the number of British people who don’t believe their home is accessible for a wheelchair user to visit, but it is also crucial to draw attention to the number of wheelchair users who still have nowhere suitable to live. I know first-hand just how detrimental this is on mental and physical health.”

Commenting on the findings, Sheron Carter, CEO at Habinteg, said:

Accessible homes for all Most people in Britain are not able to welcome wheelchair users into their homes due to poor access, according to a new YouGov poll commissioned

by Habinteg. The poll follows research that revealed under a quarter (23%) of new homes outside London are planned to be accessible, despite a rapidly ageing population.

The YouGov poll, commissioned by accessible housing provider Habinteg, surveyed 2,014 people on 21 August in England, Wales and Scotland, and reveals: Only 1 in 5 (21%) say a wheelchair user would reasonably be able to access all areas of their home Almost 7 in 10 (69%) confirmed that such manoeuvrability would not be possible Under a third of respondents in England (31%) felt that wheelchair users would be able to make use of the appliances in their home including accessing the wardrobes and opening fridges/ovens

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Typical reasons why homes are inaccessible include steps into the front door, width of doors into and around the house, and bathrooms that are located upstairs. This shocking level of poor access is having a detrimental impact on the health and quality of life of disabled people and their families.

Disabled campaigners from across the country are demanding the government change policy on accessible housing.

“Habinteg’s founding mission was to ensure that disabled people and non-disabled people can live together as neighbours.

Today’s poll results show how far we have yet to go as a society. They reinforce what we have known for a long time: the government and local authorities are simply not doing enough for our disabled and older population...

“OVER TWO THIRDS OF BRITS SAY THEIR HOMES ARE NO-GO ZONES FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS”

“I’ve been forced to physically drag myself up each step into my house, heaving my wheelchair behind me...

We are calling on the government to urgently change national policy to ensure all new homes are built to accessible and adaptable standards. This was promised by former Prime Minister Theresa May in July as part of a new consultation, and we now need the new PM to honour that pledge”

I’ve had countless experiences where I’ve had to decline an invite to a colleague’s/ friend’s house due to the pure anxiety of not knowing whether I’ll be able to go to the toilet or even reach the sink to wash my hands.”

H a b i nte g’s Fo r Acce s s i b l e H o m e s

Sarah O’Connor, a qualified nurse and wheelchair user from London, said:

Fi Anderson, another disability campaigner and wheelchair user from Bolton, said: “My eight-year wait for a suitably accessible property meant my kids were denied the chance to have a normal

ca m pa i g n r u n s eve r y ye a r to h i g h l i g ht t h e po s i t i ve i m pa ct h a v i n g a n a cce s s i b l e ho m e h a s o n d i s a b l e d pe o p l e. To f i n d o u t m o re fo l l ow t h e m o n Tw i t te r : @ h a b i nteg o r v i s i t t h e i r we b s i te : ht t p s ://w w w.h a b i nteg . o r g .u k/fo r a cc e s s i b l e h o m e s

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The perfect Venue for accessible living

Finding a high-quality apartment in London that is an inclusive and accommodating environment for Venue provides excellent accessibility for local accessible for wheelchair users can be tricky. people who use a wheelchair. amenities, with James Dixon Primary School, Anerley station, a supermarket, petrol station, GP According to research from The English Housing “Our adaptable apartments are very spacious, surgeries and Anerley Town Hall all within easy Survey, just seven per cent of homes in the UK meet basic accessibility standards, making it difficult for with clear access routes across all rooms, and there reach of William Booth Road. the approximately 13.9 million disabled people in is also lift access to all floors of the development.

Prices at Venue start from £368,000 and the the country to find suitable accommodation.

“Each of the 18 accessible homes at Venue has London Help to Buy scheme is currently available At Venue, Fairview New Homes’ development its own dedicated car parking space within close on all properties. in Anerley, South London, great care has been proximity, and the scheme’s shallow gradients will For more information about the wheelchairtaken by the developer to ensure that a number offer easy access to the development’s communal accessible apartments at Venue, call the sales team of apartments are accessible for buyers who use a outdoor areas.” on 0203 918 2660 or visit www.fairview.co.uk. wheelchair.

Located off William Booth Road, Venue comprises a selection of one, two and threebedroom apartments, 18 of which have been specifically built to cater to the needs of wheelchair users.

These wheelchair-friendly apartments have all been designed to accommodate extra floorspace to ensure clear turning circles throughout and each apartment has two sizeable bedrooms.

Outside, the development’s courtyard has shallow gradients, enabling wheelchair access to the garden area and car park.

Andy Georgiou, Sales and Marketing Director for Fairview New Homes, said: “Our development at Anerley has been carefully designed to provide

Venue / William Booth Road, Anerley, London SE20 8BX

STYLISH LIVING IN ANERLEY Venue, a collection of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom wheelchair adaptable apartments in a Zone 3 location close to Crystal Palace.

• White high gloss kitchens with black worktops and integrated appliances • Private terrace or balcony to every apartment • Allocated parking to many homes • Zone 3 location with trains to London Bridge in 26 minutes† Prices from £368,000 Call to book your viewing today!

Sales and Marketing Suite & Showhomes Open daily 10am – 5pm

fairview.co.uk/venue

Venue has great transport connections ANERLEY STATION 0.3 miles from Venue‡

CRYSTAL PALACE OVERGROUND 0.6 miles from Venue‡

CRYSTAL PALACE TRIANGLE 1.3 miles from Venue‡

anerley.sales@fairview.co.uk

020 8108 3372 †From Anerley station. ‡Journey times approximate. Source: TFL Price and details correct at time of going to press. Images shown for illustrative purposes only. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants should seek independent financial advice, and get information and guidance on applying for a Help to Buy: Equity Loan at www.helptobuy.gov.uk.

Newlon Living offers high specification homes for Shared Ownership and Private Sale at excellent locations across north and east London.

Our experienced sales team will support you through every stage of the buying process, helping you to find and settle into your new home.

Further information: NewlonLiving.co.uk

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0800 058 2544

Great News...

Shared Ownership? We’ve got it covered.

Newlon Living have 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments for sale in Enfield, Islington and Waltham Forest.

We have more options at newlonliving.co.uk

Enfield EN3

Waltham Forest E10

NEST 1, 2 & 3

NEXUS 1&2

Islington N4

CITY NORTH 2

A brand new development in Leyton comprising 61 one, two & three bedroom shared ownership apartments & 12 for private sale.

29 superbly presented one & two bedroom homes forming part of a larger development with outstanding views across the Lea Valley and beyond.

11 contemporary two bedroom apartments, forming part of a larger development close to Finsbury Park.

Nearest Station: Leyton

Nearest Station: Ponders End

Nearest Station: Finsbury Park

D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

Affordable Home Ownership The housing market can be a slightly daunting and confusing place, especially for first-time buyers, but there are products available which aim to make getting started simpler, easier and cheaper. Here we take a look at some currently available options – and why they might appeal to those with particular requirements...

to buy. They can guide you through your purchase, from providing general information about the scheme to dealing with your application.

You can find an agent here: https://www.helptobuy.gov.uk/equityloan/find-helptobuy-agent/ Or look out for the Help to Buy logo on new-build developments and ask about the scheme there. Once you’ve found a property you want, you can apply for a mortgage through a participating lender.

SHARED OWNERSHIP The Help to Buy: Shared Ownership scheme enables you to buy a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining

HELP TO BUY: EQUITY LOAN Newly-built homes are attractive because they can be adapted at an early stage for the requirements of modern disability living – and the government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan is restricted to new-build properties in England, with a maximum purchase price of £600,000.

To qualify, you need to be able to offer a deposit of 5% of the total property price. The government then lends you 20% of the property price, so you only need a mortgage for the remaining 75%.

If you’re buying a property in London, the government will lend you up to 40% of the property price. With your 5% deposit, that means you only need a mortgage for 55% of the property value. The loan can only be used to buy your main home, and not a buyto-let property, and these particular rules only apply in England, although similar schemes are run in the other UK nations.

TO QUALIFY, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER A DEPOSIT OF 5% OF THE TOTAL PROPERTY PRICE. The Help to Buy equity loan is interestfree for the first five years. You have to pay a monthly £1 administration fee from the outset. After five years, you start to pay an interest fee of 1.75%,

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which rises every year by the rate of inflation, plus 1%.

The loan must be repaid when you sell the property or after 25 years.

You can also pay it off in full when you remortgage, or in two parts using savings. This scheme will finish in its current form in March 2021, when it will be replaced by an equity loan for first-time buyers only, which will run until 2023, when the scheme will close altogether.

HELP TO BUY AGENTS If you would like to apply for a Help to Buy: Equity Loan, your first step should be to get in touch with a Help to Buy Agent in the area you want

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part, with an option to buy a bigger share later. Under the scheme, you can buy between 25% and 75% of the property’s value at the outset. You can then buy further shares in future when you are able to. The rest of the property will be owned by a Local Authority or Housing Association.

You can qualify for Help to Buy: Shared Ownership if your household earns £80,000 a year or less outside London. This rises to £90,000 if you live in the capital. You must be a first-time buyer, or have previously owned a property, but now can’t afford to buy one, or you already own a share of your home, but want to move.

You’ll need to take out a Help to Buy: Shared Ownership mortgage to pay for your share of the property.

With Help to Buy: Shared Ownership you can also sometimes buy a newly-built home or an existing one through Housing Association re-sale programmes. You’ll need to take out a mortgage to pay for your share of the home’s purchase price, or fund this through your savings.

Shared Ownership properties are always leasehold, meaning you will never own the property outright (i.e. freehold), but have the right to live in it for the length of the lease term, most commonly 99 years.

THE HELP TO BUY EQUITY LOAN IS INTEREST-FREE FOR THE FIRST FIVE YEARS.

help you buy any home that’s for sale on a Shared Ownership basis if you have a long-term disability and other Help to Buy scheme properties don’t meet your needs; for example, because you need a ground-floor property. With this scheme, you can buy up to 25% of your home.

Disabled buyers can also apply for the general Shared Ownership scheme and own up to 75% of your home.

Older people Only military personnel are given priority over other groups through government funded shared ownership schemes.

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

People with disabilities Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disabilities (HOLD) can

If you are aged fifty-five or over, you can get help from another home ownership scheme called Older People’s Shared Ownership.

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

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

#MakingHomesHappen Find out more and help make this happen: www.gov.uk/ government/publications/homesengland-strategic-plan-201819to-202223

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WELCOME HOME

Finding an affordable home to call your own is made possible through our Shared Ownership scheme From young families to retired people and those who struggle in the market, everyone deserves a good quality home. That’s why Clarion Housing is here. A home is the beginning of everything, so providing that home is a role we take seriously.

We have a range of homes across the country providing many different options, from social and affordable rented homes, through to key worker homes, homes for over 50s and market rent properties.

We also offer homes through Shared Ownership, which help first-time buyers get a step onto the property ladder.

This includes offering high quality wheelchair accessible homes within some of our most sought after locations.

The UK’s chronic shortage of housing impacts people of all backgrounds.

Not only is there a shortage of housing stock, but only seven per cent of it is considered to be suitable for the 1.8 million households with accessibility needs. We work closely alongside local authorities and other registered social landlords who refer residents to us to help to address this requirement.

Shared Ownership is an affordable way of getting on to the housing ladder, with buyers able to purchase a percentage of their home, with the option to purchase more in the future.

Most buyers purchase between 25 and 75 per cent and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.

HOW TO GET STARTED Visit myclarionhousing.com/accessiblehomes where you’ll find details of our Shared Ownership schemes that are wheelchair accessible, as well as further information on eligibility criteria and support.

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

That’s why we’re here.

Find out more about Shared Ownership at myclarionhousing.com/sharedownership You can also contact us direct at shared.ownership@myclarionhousing.com or call 020 7378 5638

Shared Ownership from Clarion Housing As the UK’s largest housing association we are dedicated to providing a variety of affordable and stylish houses and apartments to meet a huge range of requirements across the country.

Bramwell Apartments Anerley SE20

Harp Point Barnet NW9

Lowen Apartments Havering RM13

A stunning collection of one and two bedroom apartments located in Anerley, Bromley. Only moments from Crystal Palace’s expansive parkland, Bramwell Apartments offers wheelchair accessibility all with private allocated parking and private outdoor space.

Now available, these one and two bedroom apartments are situated on the prominent intersection of West Hendon Broadway and Cool Oak Lane.

Offering wheelchair accessibility, private allocated parking in the secure underground car park and private outdoor space.

Ideal for first-time buyers, Lowen Apartments is a collection of one and two bedroom homes arranged in an elegantly curving contemporary block over five storeys. Close to leafy nature yet perched on the edge of London, all homes come with allocated parking and private outdoor space.

NOW SELLING register now

NOW SELLING register now

COMING SOON register for updates

Find out more

020 7378 5638 shared.ownership@myclarionhousing.com *All train times from nationalrail.com. To find out more about Shared Ownership homes from Clarion Housing please visit myclarionhousing.com/sharedownership. Eligibility checks and Terms & Conditions apply. Speak to our sales negotiator for further details. Images displayed are indicative only. Values and availability are correct at the time of going to print. Clarion Housing Association Limited is a charitable Community Benefit Society (FCA No. 7686). Registered with the Regulator of Social Housing (No. 4865). VAT No. 675 6463 94. Registered office: Level 6, 6 More London Place, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2DA. Clarion Housing is part of Clarion Housing Group.

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Nurturing Independence

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

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

In the Driving Seat... halow aims to put young people with a learning disability in the driving seat and help them take control of their own lives by providing opportunities and support to: • make and meet friends through social activities • build confidence and life skills • access meaningful work and homes of their own halow currently supports over 170 young people (aged 16-35) throughout Surrey and the surrounding area.

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

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

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

01483 447960 info@halowproject.org.uk

Sarah “I really love halow because I have good friends and I know the halow staff really well” Gareth “Living with Buddy support from halow means that I have my own space which is important”

Reg. Charity No. 1116773

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Digital Health Care Ben Whittaker examines the importance of being able to utilise technology in a way that will improve the lives and independence of the elderly and those with dementia...

TECHNOLOGY is making the world move faster than at any previous period in our history and almost every aspect of our lives is now influenced by it. From automation to entertainment, business to education, nothing is beyond the reach of digital transformation.

Health and the care of the elderly is another sector benefiting from the rise of technology and leading consultancy and publication group, The Digital Line (TDL) has spent the last two years introducing a variety of global-first technology solutions to the residential care sector, including voice activated assistants, innovative VR/ AR experiences and the deployment of emojis as part of a unique project to communicate with dementia sufferers.

Director and Co-Founder of The Digital Line, George R Vaughan told us, “Our experience of activities for the elderly in residential care weren’t that innovative and in many cases, they seemed a little out of step with the real world.

Director and Co-Founder of The Digital Line, George R Vaughan

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We wanted to propose something different and whilst we were unsure of how our ideas might be received, even our aspirations were outstripped by the way the first users embraced the technology.

“We started with voice activated assistants and the transformation for both residents and carers was startling.

Their appetite to really push the devices meant that within a few weeks they were taking back control of their lives in a way that just wasn’t possible before. For bed-bound residents in particular, this meant being able to do everything from switching the lights on and off in their rooms to moderating the temperature and dictating their own forms of entertainment, whether it be music, movies or TV. “Others were able to conduct video calls with their families, have audio reminders to take their medication or drink water regularly, play interactive games and even hear the calendar of the home’s weekly events broadcast every morning.

“And this first step led us to offer so much more with Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and the first program anywhere of its kind to progress communication with dementia sufferers through the use of emojis that we called Emotive Eye. “But all of this is just the start of a much bigger plan.”

Now, TDL is developing on this concept by bringing these programs together as part of Digital Hubs, entertainment and research centres that provide residents with digital experiences to supplement their traditional activities.

Audio Book Clubs, interactive artwork and perhaps the most exciting proposition of all, the fully immersive experience, Stimul8. w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

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THEY WERE TAKING BACK CONTROL OF THEIR LIVES IN A WAY THAT JUST WASN’T POSSIBLE BEFORE

“Stimul8 is a concept that takes participants on a journey to eight different landscapes by blending sight, sound, scent, touch and taste as part of an experience that provides something never before seen in quite the same way in this sector.

“We use a mix of video, lighting, audio, smell and themed food pairings to transport people into a completely new environment without ever leaving their seats. The programs we have run to date have been really well received and we expect to branch out into a number of directions, always being led by the requests of our users.”

Whilst TDL clearly lead the field in this area of work, they recognise that they are still at the start of a much bigger journey of opportunity. They have started to expand their ideas to the disabled, especially those who have limited mobility at home, and the results have proved just as successful.

Says, Vaughan: “To us, technology is all about giving people more choice and we believe that choice shouldn’t be w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

limited to a particular section of society. Whilst technology companies might have traditionally marketed their solutions to a younger audience, they are starting to realise that as we live longer lives, they have to play a part in also making those lives better for everyone.”

“Clearly the larger tech companies have been key supporters of these projects, particularly Amazon and Samsung, but we also have some wonderful software and research partners without whom much of this would not be possible, including the likes of AR innovators Looking Glass, AI focused start-up Halo and the team behind the inventive design robot, Scribit.

“But it doesn’t stop there, and we’re putting the call out to all those involved in technology to join our cause and help us reinvent the activities of our more senior members of society because we don’t stop living, learning and making a difference to the world just because we happen to reach a certain age or retire.”

I f yo u wo u l d l i ke to l e a r n m o re a bo u t T h e D i g i ta l L i n e o r t h e wo r k i t co n d u ct s a c ro s s a va r i et y of d i f fe re nt s e cto r s i nc l u d i n g s po r t, reta i l, e d u ca t i o n a n d e nte r ta i n m e nt – a s we l l a s h e a l t h – t h e n v i s i t t h e i r we b s i te a t : w w w.t h e d i g i ta l l i n e.co.u k

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D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

A Life with Unresolved Trauma I’m Sian Evans and this is my story

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My symptoms held me back and kept me stuck for years, preventing any efforts at self-actualisation. Life was like dragging a parachute full of bricks through treacle. It required immense daily effort.

I wasn’t living, I was simply surviving.

I was somehow dependent on this feeling I was accustomed to. I needed to reclaim myself, get organised and feel back in control of my life. I felt worthless because of my history and struggled with what felt like a chaotic life as a result.

I now know that unresolved traumas have a lot to answer for...

They are unfair experiences we didn’t deserve and their effects play out every day until resolved.

They have the ability to shape and stunt our development and personal growth.

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Most people know they have a purpose, something special they’re meant to be doing yet they’re still not doing it. I used to be shackled by my history. My journey was routed in unresolved trauma and the subsequent fallout into adulthood...

My ‘symptoms’ were both mental and physical and included emotional eating, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Complex Post Traumatic Stress. I had experienced sexual, psychological and emotional abuse growing up and my weight was a huge struggle for years – I was very obese. This bothered me the most!

Weight hadn’t just manifested physically, but mentally and emotionally too. I was completely buried under it, and lost.

INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

They infiltrate every life area like a virus wreaking havoc. Everything that makes us human - mind, body and spirit are effected by trauma – even life expectancy can be shortened.

As daft as it may seem, I hadn’t credited my traumas as having such a powerful far-reaching effect on me.

At the time, I didn’t understand about unconscious processes which is why I struggled for so long to make sense of life and why I felt so powerless to change anything.

Everything felt impossibly difficult.

Common everyday struggles get brushed off easily, but struggling to lose weight, poor general health, lack of interest in life, lack of motivation, emotional eating, feeling worthless, constantly feeling under threat, addiction struggles, money worries, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trust issues, insecurities, feeling broken or damaged in some way, a disorganised life, panic attacks, gut issues, unfulfilled potential, lacking purpose, laziness, poor concentration, sleep issues, emotional difficulties, feeling guilty or ashamed and feeling powerless... All these can potentially be attributed to unresolved traumas.

To recover and move on I tried many conventional and alternative therapies and was put on medication to appease the various symptoms.

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“LIFE WAS LIKE DRAGGING A PARACHUTE FULL OF BRICKS THROUGH TREACLE.” Most treatments provided some relief but I found none of them dealt with the real problem. I still felt fundamentally flawed and broken inside and my life was overwhelming, chaotic, dysfunctional and out of control. I needed taking care of and to be nurtured and guided back to myself.

Nobody I turned to had a solution, they could only manage my symptoms.

People had little time to listen and didn’t seem to understand what I was telling them. With little support or resources, I had to find my own solution – I had to fix myself and not rely on anyone else.

I had to cleverly use the little resources I had available to me and get skilled at recognising when I needed them.

During my darkest days, I knew I needed to be on medication to help me, but I also knew I didn’t want to be on it for the long-term. It was a crutch to lean on whilst I sorted myself out.

I started researching alternative therapies and saving up any money I could spare so that I could ‘try’ any

therapy that resonated with me. What I didn’t realise was that during this process I was getting to know myself.

Learning my capabilities; my likes; my dislikes; my strengths and my interests.

I was discovering who I was and what I was naturally gifted at...

Slowly the depression and anxiety lifted, panic attacks ceased and I naturally began to lose weight and eat more healthily. Through my journey I had become educated, knowledgeable and experienced about the human condition. I trained and qualified in the therapies that had given me profound shifts and selfdiscoveries and I had developed an inner confidence and strength.

I had somehow managed to nurture myself and develope authenticity.

My actions were for myself and nobody else, and my behaviours were not dictated by my history. I felt a sense of liberation; I felt lighter and I was in control of my parachute.

There was even gratitude for the traumatic experiences, because of the journey they had created for me. My every life area had improved and I felt contented. My life looked remarkably different and so did I. Friendships had changed and I had people in my life who loved me as I was. I focused on my natural abilities and left my career to use my gifts. I’m still willing to learn and grow and I love to guide and mentor others to do the same now. https://www.facebook. com/SianEvansNurturedLiving/

Three Tips for Moving on from your past traumas: 1. Keep learning about human

nature, and research as many therapies as possible because the process is healing in itself.

2. Keep going, finance and

other setbacks may add to your symptoms, but a part of the healing is to push through these barriers.

3. Express gratitude for your life

path including the traumas, this will help you move onwards and upwards.

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“I have always found Smirthwaite to be caring. They care about the needs of my clients, they listen to what I need and they care about providing the child with the very best solution�

Claire, Occupational Therapist South West

Supporting children and their families for life

Supporting children and their families for life

At Smirthwaite, we help enhance the lives of children with additional needs using lovingly created specialist equipment.

To find out more visit smirthwaite.co.uk or call us on 01626 835552

Postural Support Effective Seating At the core of assessing each child for postural seating is the goal of support, comfort and inclusivity. However, finding the right piece of equipment can sometimes be overwhelming as well as time-consuming.

That’s why Smirthwaite, one the UK’s leading specialists for paediatric furniture and equipment, has developed a range of products and services to support children with additional needs - leading to happier more confident children.

Adjustability Finding the right postural equipment can be crucial to the support and development of children with special needs. However, as each child’s needs are unique so is their seating position, and this is where Smirthwaite offers real value. Each specialised chair comes in a range of sizes, and is adjustable so that the best position can be found and altered as the child grows – providing greater longevity and value. There’s also a range of accessories to accompany most Smirthwaite chairs to provide extra postural support, comfort and practicality where needed. Not only this, chairs are beautifully crafted and come in a range of contemporary colours to suit both home and school environments.

Dedication Smirthwaite’s dedication to finding the right solution remains loyal to its founding member’s motivation. It’s been over 30 years since Geoff Smirthwaite, a retired craft, design and technology teacher, was asked to create a chair suited to the specific needs of a boy with cerebral palsy. After the bespoke chair was made and presented to the boy, word soon spread and requests for more chairs came in thick and fast - the Smirthwaite business grew from there. Sadly, Geoff passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on.

Finding a Solution Today, Smirthwaite prides itself on its capability to meet each child’s unique needs, and has a team of dedicated technical advisors who work closely with therapists, children and parents to establish each

child’s requirements. More often than not, a solution will be found from Smirthwaite’s range of highly adjustable chairs. However, occasionally alterations to the design may be needed and this can be taken care of by Smirthwaite’s in-house product design team to ensure that the best possible result is delivered.

Investing in Innovation Over the past couple of years, Smirthwaite has made a significant investment in innovation to give some of its existing products improved usability. The latest addition is the new electric hi-lo base available on some of Smirthwaite’s most popular chairs. Designed for use with the existing Brookfield, Indigo, Strato and now the Samba chair (pictured left), users can smoothly lift and descend the chair to the desired height with a user-operated remote control.

Smirthwaite is also excited to introduce the Sta, a vertical and prone stander that is intended to gradually develop and maintain the users ability to weight bear by promoting excellent symmetry.

More Information As well as seating and standing, Smirthwaite offers a range of equipment to enhance the lives of children with additional needs, including frames, sleep systems, changing and showering. For more information visit: www.smirthwaite.co.uk

The new Sta, a prone and vertical stander

D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

Independent living in a supported environment Eden Futures enables people with Learning Disabilities and Autism to lead increasingly independent lives, through sourcing housing and support solutions, so beneficiaries retain the right to choose where they live and with whom...

‘BUILDING the Right Support’ is high on the agenda within health and social care, and there is a continued need to move people from locked environments into a home in the community where they could be closer to family and friends. Specialist properties are not easily available, and their development requires commitment from building developers, landlords, commissioners and care providers working together in order to bring new services to the market.

Through collaborative working, Eden Futures has developed a new specialist housing model that is meeting this demand. The model focuses on working with all stakeholders so that properties and care and support can be tailored to the needs of individuals who have been in locked environments for too long.

By working with Registered Housing Providers in this way, even the most complex individuals supported by Eden Futures take ownership of their own tenancy agreement, as well as benefiting from the expert specialist round-theclock support that is provided.

These bespoke developments are fitted with specialist adaptions and assistive technology as part of the collaboration between support provider, commissioners and clinical specialists. Design features such as recessed lights, sensor reactive induction hobs, locked medication cupboards and wet rooms can reduce unnecessary barriers, promote independence and keep people safe.

Assistive technology is fitted with the sole intention of increasing people’s independence – whether that be to give reassurance, monitor someone’s epilepsy, or keep people safe in other ways.

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Being person-centred is intrinsic to this approach as no two people will have the same support needs, interests or complexities. Getting the environment right can be the first step towards understanding and managing someone’s behavioural needs in the community.

Having something to get up for and to look forward to within your day is a powerful tool to inspire, and therefore leisure and entertainment is important for the health and wellbeing of the people that Eden Futures supports. They use an Active Support model that enables those with learning disabilities to engage more in their daily lives. According to the Centre for the Advancement of Positive Behaviour Support, Active Support changes the style of support from ‘caring for’ to ‘working with’. Where needed, Eden Futures uses a graded exposure approach, where staff introduce people to an activity little by little, but often. This allows them to pick up skills at their own pace, gaining confidence and moving on to the next set of skills or activity when ready.

Being brave and showing positive risk-taking are two of the values that Eden Futures lives by, ensuring people get the best possible chance of staying in their home within the community.

Staff training and development in Eden Futures’ specialist services is key to its success. The company has invested heavily in its specialist support team, with highly experienced professionals being at the centre of coordinating support for people with some very complex needs.

“BEING PERSONCENTRED IS INTRINSIC TO THIS APPROACH AS NO TWO PEOPLE WILL HAVE THE SAME SUPPORT NEEDS”

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INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

Eden Futures has a team of Behavioural Support Practitioners coached by an Autism and challenging behaviour specialist as well as a newly appointed Mental Health Lead and Positive Behavioural Support Lead. Eden Futures is a loud advocate for Positive Behavioural Support in managing people’s behaviours that challenges and supports the Restraint Reduction Network in its efforts to reduce the numbers of people subjected to physical and chemical restraint in locked and community settings across the UK.

Case Study: Eden Futures supports an individual with Learning Disability and Mental Health needs.

Before joining Eden Futures, he had been in an Assessment and Treatment Unit intermittently for many years and commissioners and other providers were unable to provide the right support to meet his needs.

Success has come from supporting the commissioning team to develop a safe and suitable home environment. Using positive risktaking Eden Futures were able to:

gradually increase his engagement within the community increase contact with other people The individual’s mental health and wellbeing were improved and the supported living provider prevented readmission. His family was very involved in the person-centred planning approach that ensured the best possible outcomes.

www.edenfutures.org

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D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Residential Services within the UK Cygnet Health Care have over 20 years’ experience of delivering the best outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, who may present with behaviours that challenge.

Our priority, within our residential services, is to ensure that the individuals we support enjoy the same right to a happy and fulfilled life as others. We offer our residents an organised and efficient care pathway delivered in environments that promote structure, security, consistency and understanding.

Our Resident Profile: Gender: Male / Female / Mixed

Age Range: 16/18+

For more info or to make a referral please call 0808 164 4450 or visit cygnethealth.co.uk

> Primary diagnosis of autism and / or a learning disability > May present with behaviours that challenge > Communication challenges

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/cygnethealthcare

@cygnethealth

/company/cygnet-health-care

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INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

LIVING LIFE I am Chris, and I am a wheelchair user... here is how I maintain my independence...

I got MS when I was twenty-two, and it wasn’t until I was about twenty-seven that I needed to use a wheelchair, because I couldn’t walk as well as I had been... and it is often a condition that worsens with time.

The wheelchair gave me the stability that I needed and that I still need at the age of forty.

The biggest difference from the time I was not in wheelchair is the ease of

finding a toilet when the needs are there – Now though, I really have to consider the whole public toilet process because I have to be near wheelchair accessible facilities. I must say that it is the wheelchair accessible toilet that causes the biggest problem in life in general for independent living... and because I can compare it to when I was younger, before I was using a wheelchair – I know how easy it could be.

Using a wheelchair does present other issues – especially here in the UK, but we are adapting to people using wheelchairs more, which is a good thing.

It is important to go out and do things yourself as much as possible, this isn’t just for the person in the wheelchair, but

it is important that able-bodied people get used to adapting to the needs of wheelchair users. Things such as blocking wider paths or entrances. And also, just communicating with people who have disabilities, treating us as you would treat any other person, but with consideration of our needs.

Some people say that it is tricky having children’s prams and pushing them around, and so it is the same kind of thing – it is just about understanding we all have some needs that are the same and some of us have needs that are different based on our circumstances.

FINDING A WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TOILET IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IN LIFE IN GENERAL I don’t have any children, I may meet someone, but thinking about having children and being in a wheelchair, just makes me wonder how I would cope with that.

I have to make sure I concentrate when I am getting in and out of the wheelchair so I don’t fall, but I do manage to generally be independent though. I am fortunate to have a carer who does my breakfast, lunch or dinner.

I love living in a one bedroom barrier-free apartment – with the wheelchair accessible toilet... so I don’t have to worry too much about going to the loo at home, it is a stress-free thing and I can be independent... more and more places have, over my time since being in a wheelchair, introduced wheelchair access and facilities. I haven’t noticed massive changes – they happen gradually, maybe a ramp is built instead of stairs, or there are lifts as well as stairs.

Generally, I go with the flow in life, I feel very fortunate that I have the things I need to be independent, and maybe it is this mind-set that helps too.

I have all I need to live my life in the wheelchair – which without it, I know I would be struggling.

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D R M MO B I L I T Y

CONSIDER THIS!

the other drivers on the forecourt.

Many think I am doing it at them and some get angry or give me strange aggravated looks.

Often, I just get ignored, so then I flag down another customer Simon Sansome of who is filling up their car. I have to explain that I cannot walk and Ability Access blog sets ask them if they can get a member out to empower people of staff to come out and assist me to fill up the car. It’s not even with disabilities, and worth asking if I can purchase a addresses the need to chocolate bar, drink or a carton of milk or loaf of bread from the rethink refuelling options petrol station. for disabled car users...

The car now having been filled up by the attendant, the next hurdle is paying for the fuel... the FOR most people filling up the car only way of doing this nationally with fuel is a simple task. You get out at the moment that I can see, is the car, you walk around the side of to give my PIN number to the the vehicle, take the hose and press attendant. I have no idea who the pump handle. You either pay at the they are. I have no idea how long pump or pay at the kiosk. It is a simple they’ve been working for the process that most of us have been company, and currently Tesco, doing for over one-hundred years. Yet Morrison’s, Asda, Sainsbury’s, for people with disabilities who are and the petrol station on the A47 unable to walk or cannot get out of in Leicestershire all have my pin the car without assistance it can be a number because it’s the only way nightmare.

I can fill up and pay for the fuel.

I travel a lot for work as a journalist Not ideal! and filling up the car can be quite a A new national system needs to difficult process. First of all, when be introduced where people with pulling into the petrol station I have disabilities who drive can either to get someone’s call ahead, text ahead or simply attention. This includes have a card available to them that waving my blue badge is pre-loaded so around and pressing they can fill up with WHEN PULLING my hooter until a fuel without giving INTO THE PETROL member of staff sees or their personal pin hears me.

STATION I HAVE TO number away to a The downside to person they don’t GET SOMEONE’S this is pressing my know. horn, which irritates ATTENTION

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It seems extremely unfair, even discriminatory that a disabled member of society has to give out this kind of personal information especially when we are frequently reminded by banks, police and so on, never to give out personal PIN numbers. But because we have a disability we have no choice but to do this. Running out of petrol on the motorway or elsewhere could cause more issues than it’s worth, so until there is a solution to this very real problem, I guess my PIN remains more public than personal.

Find out more: www.abilityaccess.blog

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D R M MOTO R I N G & MO B I L I T Y

My Journey Everyone with MS is bound to ask themselves at some point whether they are safe behind the wheel of their car. But where do we go to find out and who do we ask? I’m Ian Cook and this is my story of how I drive with Multiple Sclerosis...

MY own journey of discovery started when I had an episode of double vision. It got better quickly and I did not drive while it lasted, but the doctor recommended that I notify the DVLA. This was before my diagnosis with MS, and I thought the double vision was a one-off, caused perhaps by a bang on the head, so I did not tell my car insurance company. Looking back, it might have been best to tell the insurers at that point rather than wait until a second episode of double vision two years later.

When I was finally diagnosed with MS after this, I notified my insurance company as well as the DVLA. As my symptoms were fairly mild and the double vision had quickly gone away, I didn’t do anything else. Then, some years later, I started to have some stiffness in my legs and difficulty walking after long car journeys—at this point, I realised I needed some specialist advice.

I discovered an organisation called

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Driving Mobility—a national network of twenty independent centres which offer professional information, advice and a driving assessment if necessary.

I booked an assessment at my local centre (Birmingham’s Regional Driving Assessment Centre) which took a couple of hours and where my driving was judged by an expert assessor.

The Regional Driving Assessment Centre in Birmingham He said my driving was safe but suggested I consider looking at what adaptations I might need to keep me driving safely as my MS progressed.

The two main suggestions he made were for me to change to an automatic transmission and to look at hand controls which he had fitted to a car at the assessment centre.

At the centre, I had my first lesson using the assessor’s basic push-pull hand controls, which I used rather

“I STARTED TO HAVE SOME STIFFNESS IN MY LEGS AND DIFFICULTY WALKING AFTER LONG CAR JOURNEYS.” than foot pedals. I did so well that the instructor suggested we venture onto some major local roads and try things out. I was a bit wary at first but soon found the hand controls surprisingly easy to use.

After the session ended we agreed it would be better if I drove on a renewable three-year driving licence as my MS is progressive and things can sometimes change quickly. A three-year licence has made me feel a more responsible driver as I know my driving is being monitored. The other lesson I took away from my driving assessment was that it makes sense to try and get as much support as possible. w w w.sevenstarmedia.co.uk

MOTORING & MOBILIT Y D R M

I joined Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK), a charity which supports disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders. I also discovered the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, an independent, national charity which publishes high-quality disability information about many disability-related matters including driving.

As MS is a condition which can change over time, I have decided to join the Motability Scheme when I change my car later this year. The Motability Scheme arranges insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and repairs, and everything’s already included in the vehicle lease. With the complexities that come with MS, the simplicity of motoring with the Motability Scheme will give me one less thing to worry about.

The Motability Scheme enables you to exchange all or part of your higher rate mobility allowance for leasing a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. If you think the Scheme could be right for you, and would like to find out more, you can visit the Motability Scheme website at www. motability.co.uk/DRM or you can call one of their friendly advisors on 0800 093 1000.

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How the Motability Scheme works: A standard lease is over three years (or five years for a WAV) and payments are simply deducted from your higher rate mobility allowance every four weeks, then paid directly to Motability Operations Ltd. by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Every lease is all-inclusive, which means everything listed below is included in the price you pay. So, the only running cost you have for your brand-new vehicle is for fuel.

Insurance cover Servicing and maintenance Many adaptations at no extra cost Full RAC breakdown assistance Up to three named drivers for cars and WAVs (this doesn’t have to be you) Tyre, battery and windscreen repair and replacement Support from a dedicated UK based Customer Services team To find out more about the Motability Scheme visit www.motability.co.uk or call 0800 093 1000.

Am I eligible?

You need to be in receipt of one of the following allowances and have at least 12 months of your award remaining: Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement Armed Forces Independence Payment

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Go further this winter with autochair Milford Person Lift: Fits driver or passenger side Whether you need to load and stow your scooter or wheelchair into the boot of your car, or need help transferring from your wheelchair to the car seat, we have the solution to make it easy for you to go wherever you want to go this winter.

Get in touch today to request your brochure or free no-obligation home assessment and find out how we can help you maintain your independence.

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The Autochair Transfer Plate: Simple to install and operate

on the Motability Scheme*

£9 Motability Scheme Price is for the Autochair Transfer Plate. Terms and conditions apply on all offers. Prices valid from 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2019. Only available to Motability Scheme customers. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customer by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2019. Prices are correct at time of going to print, are subject to availability and may change.

*

M O T O R I N G & MO B I L I T Y D R M

CHAIR YOGA The benefits of chair yoga are extensive, increasing your mobility over time, focusing on building elasticity in your core muscles; pelvic floor, deep abdominal and back muscles – Rosanna Kalliabetsos, Senior Yoga Teacher (YAUK) and Founder of InJoy Yoga CIC and RozyGlow shares some adapted yoga postures for less mobile bodies and wheelchair users...

you breathe in. Allow it to deflate as you breathe out, without collapsing your chest.

4.

Hands on abdomen

Move hands to ribcage

Practice 1: Breathing deeply: Full Yogic Breath Yoga is the synchronisation of breath and movement combined, in order to harmonise all internal systems of the body practise breathing consciously.

1.

Have your back supported by cushions and your feet by yoga blocks/books. If pregnant make sure hips are higher than knees (place pillow under buttocks too if needed), otherwise have your hips and knees parallel.

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Finger tips on collarbone

One hand on chest, one on abdomen

2.

Place hands over lower abdomen.

If this isn’t possible physically then visualise yourself doing so. Lift your sternum (breastbone) to make more space for your breath.

Allow your focus to be on your breath, without trying to control it.

Notice if your abdomen expands or contracts as you breathe in.

Notice what it does as you breathe out.

3.

Practise relaxing your abdomen so it expands into your hands as

Once you have an easy rhythm, extend your outbreath gently a little each time; long out breaths lead to deeper in breaths and these will benefit your mood and energise/detox all your vital organs. This is great for babies too; a mother’s breath is her baby’s oxygen supply so deep breathing encourages healthy placenta function.

5.

Now move hands to rib cage; feel how lungs expand out to sides as they inflate. Master breathing from belly to ribs before moving on.

6.

Place fingers around collar bones and now breathe fully into your upper chest.

7.

Once ready, bring all three parts of breath together, and practise for at least three minutes a day, at least three times a day if possible. Focus on thoughts of appreciation, gratitude, care and compassion as you breathe and notice how you fill up with positivity.

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M O T O R I N G & MO B I L I T Y D R M

4.

Repeat several times before introducing a gentle drawing in and up of pelvic floor muscles (toilet muscles) as you exhale, releasing slowly on the next inhale.

Important note for pregnant women; practise drawing pelvic floor in and up on inhale and release on exhale to prepare the muscles for birth (babies are born on the out breath).

3.

Exhale, stretching arms to your left, grounding right sitting bone/side of pelvis down.

Breathe in and out here, before inhaling to centre and stretching to other side.

Repeat two to three times each side and bring arms back down to rest on exhale. Important note: If you have HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE; do not keep arms raised above head for more than five breaths, so repeat twice each side MAXIMUM before having a rest.

“THE WHOLE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IS TONED BY THESE POSTURES.”

Practice 3: Side stretch with tie/ shawl/yoga belt

From seated to cat pose, to cow pose and return to first position

Practice 2: Upright Cat-Cow: This posture strengthens, lengthens and tones the spinal muscles; supporting better posture, deepening the breath, and lifting your mood.

1.

Sit tall, extending the crown of your head upward, chin parallel to floor, whilst anchoring tailbone into chair/ cushion, placing hands on thighs. Adopt full yogic breath from Practice 1.

Side stretches are energising and create more space for the breath, encouraging mental clarity, focus and a sunny disposition.

Use whatever piece of material you have to hand – even a light tablecloth or a tea towel.

1.

Hold material a bit wider than shoulder width on your thighs.

Establish full yogic breath.

2.

Inhale, drawing arms above head; stretch arms up, whilst drawing shoulder blades down on to back and pressing down through sitting bones.

Remember it may not seem like you are doing much in chair yoga but you are working on and toning your entire nervous system – calming an overactive system, and energising a more sluggish one; so, whether you are highly strung or lack motivation, these poses will bring you into balance and can be used for those who have limited mobility.

Connect with Rozy online: www.injoy-yoga.com www.rozyglow.com www.rozyandkate.com

2.

Begin to inhale, drawing your chest forward, looking upwards and sticking your bottom out.

3.

Begin to exhale, rounding your back slowly and drawing your chin towards chest.

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Establish breath

Arms up, arch left

Centre and gaze up

Arms up, arch right

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Return to centre

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D R M T R AV E L & L E I S U R E

Andy’s Story Local garage owner Andy Kent is not your average mechanic – he came back from the brink to help others rebuild their lives...

From a brain bleed that technically killed him to the children he was told he couldn’t have, Andy has overcome some truly enormous challenges.

Sticking to the belief that no matter how bad circumstances are, there is always something worth fighting for!

Andy has dedicated his life to helping others. Now his incredible story is available as a compelling and heart-breaking book called ‘White Light’.

White Light is Andy’s tribute to everyone he loves; it’s an honest, courageous and inspiring account of a life lived full to the brim. Hilarious mishaps, adventures both planned and accidental, an impossible fundraising challenge, the charity he founded to help rehabilitate disadvantaged young people and a love story that will break your heart – Andy’s story has it all.

Meeting Andy – friendly, unassuming, wheelchair-bound – at the garage he owns and runs in Bar Hill, Cambridge, you wouldn’t have a clue what he’s been through.

Modest, kind and endlessly interested in other people, it’s only once you’ve been chatting a while you start to get glimpses of his astonishing history.

He is an ordinary man who has lived a truly extraordinary life.

Winner of the inaugural Institute of the Motoring Industry (IMI) Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in 2015, just one of many awards he has been recognised with over the years, Andy is widely respected in the motor industry.

“HE IS AN ORDINARY MAN WHO HAS LIVED A TRULY EXTRAORDINARY LIFE.”

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His garage, Andy’s Kars, specialises in adapting vehicles to accommodate disability, putting people back on the road and giving them back their independence, and he regularly takes on employees with physical or psychological challenges to help them develop life skills and professional qualifications.

In 2009, Andy founded his own charity, Andy’s Ark, as a centre to help young people to come to terms with their situations, giving them technical skills to help them find employment and independence, to encourage a robust, resilient and ‘can do’ attitude.

With a helping hand in many high-profile success stories to the centre’s credit, including Paralympic 100m gold medallist Johnny Peacock, Andy is extremely proud of the people he works with and has had many brushes with fame.

Depression, tragedy and heartbreak have all played their parts in Andy’s life, but he continues to battle his way through with characteristic optimism.

Everyone who meets him is inspired by his passion for helping others, his resilient attitude and warm, generous personality. Many people have contributed to the book, including some of the young people Andy has helped over the years and it’s truly humbling to read their accounts of his actions and the life-changing differences he’s made to so many people.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, described White Light as: “The extraordinary and inspirational story of a rather exceptional man, and a compelling read. It will leave you full of admiration for a life well lived; a life that was supposed to end almost forty years ago but which continues to enrich the lives of others.”

Why did you write this book?

I wanted to say ‘thank-you’... To my family – my wife Jan, my children and grandchildren, to all the people who have played a part in my life. This is a tribute to them. I’ve wanted to get it all down for years, so it’s a great feeling to have finally got it all off my chest!

Why do you feel your story is important to share?

So many people are fighting invisible battles every day – with their bodies, their minds, their circumstances – and most of the time, you wouldn’t have a clue about any of it just by looking at them. These hidden challenges, like difficulties with speech or movement, or psychological issues, mean

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people need our support. That’s what I’ve always tried to do, give people a chance when no-one else will, and try to show them that there’s always another way. Whatever your circumstances I truly believe that life is always worth living – and that they can make it happen. I love giving people back their independence in the work I do with vehicle adaptations, and I just hope that reading this book will show people that there’s always hope.

What do you want people to take away from the book?

That there’s always a reason to live, to make the most of what you have. No, life doesn’t always go to plan, but with a bit of respect, motivation and selfreliance, we can achieve anything. That’s what I want people to know – that no matter what life has thrown at them, no matter how bad things have gotten, there is always a way forward, there is always something worth living for.

The book is a very personal account of your life – how do your family feel about it?

They’ve been incredibly supportive and they completely understand why I needed to write it.

They’ve read every word (and even contributed some of their own!) so although some of the memories are painful and, yes, very personal, I know that I have their blessing to tell this story.

Will you be writing any more books?

Never say never! The more I think back, the more I remember – so who knows. This book certainly doesn’t capture it all, so maybe there will be a sequel one day! w

W h i te L i g ht i s a va i l a b l e to o rd e r t h ro u g h t h e we b s i te : w w w.a d g kp u b l i s h i n g .co m I t w ill also be available w it h se le c te d local book s hops including Wa te rs tone s and W H S mit h, and online retail par t ne rs including Amazon: ht t ps://w w w.a mazon.co.u k / Whi t e -L ig ht-And rewKe nt/d p/1916050808

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D R M T R AV E L & L E I S U R E

Finding somewhere for all the family to holiday has always proved difficult‌ Until we found out about

MAISON DES LANDES HOTEL in sunny Jersey

Open from May to early October

Maison des Landes is a hotel catering exclusively for guests with disabilities of all ages and their families and carers.

The tariff includes full board accommodation, transfers to and from airport or port, daily Island tours and nightly in-hotel entertainment. Self catering and b/b available.

DRM To advertise, please call 01959 543 650

Find out all about us on our website CONTACT US NOW FOR DETAILS

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

Royal Albert Hall presents

Relaxed Performance: Carols at the Hall Monday 23 December | 11:00am Sing-along to beloved classics in the spectacular surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall this Christmas.

This event has been specially arranged for children and adults with additional needs.

royalalberthall.com Call: 020 7589 8212

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Chill-out spaces will be available and BSL interpretation provided.

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this ever-increasing social constraint?

Strangled by the energy capitalism and material values have overloaded you with? Stressed by life’s ritualistic neverending pressure cooker...

Art will rescue you — The simplicity of the creative intuition will nurture the part of us that has become manifest as void.

When that piece of music you hear sparks the tear jerk reaction; you know that the soul is not lost to all of the above. When the body sways in time to the music as the tear drop falls; we know that our soul is engaging with the higher self. The wholesome version of ourselves, which seeks the simple pleasures still present since childhood, like running, shouting and dare I say, ‘dancing like no one’s watching’.

Affected group

In this post-modern world we live in, what can art do for us?

Sophia Love of the charitable group Affected shares the benefits of art...

WE are structured by the hours of our working day. Motivated by the dollars that working day can provide. Engaged by the dynamic opportunities to spend those pounds on a plethora of situations, which are designed to allow us pleasures at the point of purchase. We are saturated with possibilities, which constantly arrive, on our timelines indicating that our material values are in need of attention. We are encouraged to work hard and play harder if we want to enjoy the delights on offer as often and instantly as possible, we are bombarded with algorithms specifically targeting our demographic. We are stacked against the odds when we engage in this pool. We w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

are bound to succumb to desire. Bound to choose the soft option. We are compelled to share our highlights via social media.

After all we do deserve a ‘good’, ‘happy’, ‘healthy’, lifestyle. Quite like the intensity of capitalism, our material goals are vital to our existence now. We need our wants to be satiated satisfactorily otherwise we have no quality of life… Or do we?

Suspend disbelief for a moment.

Breathe. No, really breathe; deep and controlled all the way to the depths

ARTS WILL RESCUE YOU. of the diaphragm. Now focus on your heartbeat. Listen to it. Perhaps the ideas in the paragraph above have been allowed to bombard your sensory perception.

Perhaps you feel like you are trapped by

Painting is a good example of this. You do need some basic equipment but this can be easily organised cheaply. Once you begin to spread the colour against a blank page you start to feel that same sense of naive satisfaction. There is a sense of rebellion in action. Rebellion against that which desires order. This is a petty victory – a petty freedom. The creation you have in front of you will tell you more about yourself than last month’s bank statement.

Simply putting pencil to paper will allow you time out of the world of organised order you are compelled by for twentythree hours a day. Allow art into that hour and your soul will feel the benefit that your body would feel at the gym.

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DRM

ADVERTORIAL

“ON THAT HOLIDAY I COULD FEEL ALL MY PROBLEMS FALLING AWAY”

Jim and Sylvia - Guests on 9 MindForYou holidays

MindForYou Persoanlised, supported UK breaks for people living with dementia Like ost people, Jim and Sylvia Wallace love a good holiday.

Having found each other later in life, the couple from Portishead in Somerset married in their sixties in 2003 – only for Sylvia to be diagnosed with dementia just seven years later.

As Sylvia’s condition progressed, Jim was keen for them to continue to enjoy time away. He approached many different providers, but none were able to provide the necessary support.

Then, back in 2015, he heard about a brand new company called MindforYou running their first ever trip to his native Scotland.

Jim was hesitant at first, “It was the fear of the unknown, I suppose. But on that holiday I could feel all my problems falling away. Everyone was so caring.

When I tried to say thank-you on the final day, I became very emotional.”

MindforYou is unique, the only UK organisation to focus solely on holidays for people living with dementia. It runs supported five-day trips across the year, for individuals and their carers to spend quality time together in thirteen

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locations across England, Scotland and Wales.

The small guest groups and high levels of experienced staff mean the holidays are not only possible, they’re fun and worry-free. A MindforYou break is a special alternative to traditional respite care – providing ‘me time’ for carers to recharge their batteries, knowing their loved-ones are in safe hands.

Every trip is personalised. All guests are visited in advance so their needs can be catered for – hand-picked dementiafriendly accommodation, tailored doorto-door transport, specialist equipment, food and drink for all tastes.

As a result, MindforYou holidays are more of a social gathering than a commercial undertaking. Guests are treated as friends and welcomed into the extended MindforYou family – able to access support and advice even after the holiday has finished.

MindforYou was founded in 2014 by Carol Sargent, who identified the unmet need for supported holidays through her own mum’s dementia.

Carol explains, “At the start, regular visits from Scotland to our home in Leicestershire gave Dad a well-earned break and Mum a change of scene.

When that wasn’t possible any more, we rented cottages in Northumberland.

Out of that came the idea for MindforYou. It’s what I wanted for my mum and dad.”

Initial research has indicated that a MindforYou holiday brings tangible benefits, including lower stress levels and better sleep for carers.

Today, more than 650 people have taken a break with MindforYou – individually, as couples or wider families. Many guests start out not having had a holiday for years.

Incredibly, 50% become repeat customers.

So what of the Wallaces? Sylvia has become more reliant on a wheelchair and has particular catering needs.

Dealing with unfamiliar places and experiences can be especially stressful – but not with MindforYou. She and Jim have now been on no fewer than nine MindforYou holidays, and former lorry driver Jim even recommends them to others he knows are living with dementia, “Every trip feels like a proper holiday and Sylvia loves going. We’re always doing fun things and the days fly by. The MindforYou team have been absolutely fantastic, I even get told off if I try to do too much of the caring! MindforYou is simply the best thing ever to happen to me.”

Sadly, Carol Sargent’s mother Elizabeth died in June, making her even more determined to spread the MindforYou magic – proving that a diagnosis of dementia shouldn’t mean holidays are a thing of the past.

Fo r m o re i nfo r m a t i o n a bo u t M i n d fo r Yo u ho l i d a ys, v i s i t m i n d fo r you .co.u k o r ca l l 015 0 9 3510 0 8 i n of f i ce ho u r s .

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Prep, Pack and Travel My name is Hayley Jordan, I have an autoimmune disorder (HLA-B27) and two different autoimmune diseases – Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, (a liver disease), and Ankylosing Spondylitis, (arthritis of the spine and hips) – These affect my day-to-day wellbeing and ability to travel... Despite this, I’ve moved from my home country of New Zealand to live and work in Manchester in the UK, and solo travel around Europe as much as I possibly can... Here are some of my travelling experiences...

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My arthritis is managed by injecting medication that requires refrigeration at all times: This has caused issues at airports and at some accommodations.

I have to use a special insulated travel bag that cost me more money than I’d like to admit – I had to buy a special one that would keep medication at a temperature between two and eight degrees celsius for twenty-four hours.

I have to prepare the ice-coolers two days in advance, and then I have to have evidence from my doctors that it’s my medication and I need to carry it on board.

When I moved to the UK I had a ‘stockpile’ of medication from New Zealand – Twelve injections in one cold bag, and because the travel time is around thirty hours I still needed to buy temperature monitors to keep everything in check and even ask for bags of ice from the flight attendants to keep my medication at the right temperature.

Going through security is anxietyinducing, especially American airports.

I never have a ‘normal’ security experience, I’m always pulled to the side and interrogated, usually for five minutes while they go through my travel bag and do extra x-rays or swabs.

Strangely enough, it was in Iceland, where I was held back for fifteen minutes while the security person called over her supervisor and they both searched and swabbed everything, asking me question after question like I was up to something suspicious.

In accommodations such as hostels I have to email ahead of my visit and let them know that I need to use the staff fridge for the medication (sometimes a bit of a struggle to explain with nonEnglish speaking countries). I can’t share a ‘community’ fridge as my medication costs six-hundred pounds per injection and I can’t risk someone taking it out or playing around with it.

Of course, these aren’t the worst things in the world, maybe timeconsuming and frustrating at best... But it all reminds me that I’m not ‘normal’ and I have to live a different life than able-bodied people. I can still do most of the same things, I just have to

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I CAN STILL DO MOST OF THE SAME THINGS, I JUST HAVE TO METICULOUSLY PLAN AHEAD - NOTHING CAN BE LEFT TO CHANCE!

meticulously plan ahead - nothing can be left to chance!

I easily get extremely fatigued. It’s sometimes difficult to travel with ablebodied people who don’t understand my full sleep schedules or my need for regular rests.

Often, I prefer to travel alone – this is a mixture of lonely and liberating at times.

I’ve had to readjust my idea of a fun holiday – I would never sign myself up for an Ibiza style party destination with friends, or do a twenty-to-thirties Eurotrip tour, because I would pretty quickly become the ‘wet blanket’ of the group when I’d have to leave early to sleep or rest.

I feel like I’m missing out sometimes, seeing people live it up at Glastonbury for five straight days or do a full moon party in Thailand; things I would never

feel comfortable doing now for fear of becoming the burden.

It does feel liberating to do short trips (two-three days) to cities in Europe, like Budapest, where I can come and go from my Airbnb as I please, check out a cool ruin bar for an hour and then head off when I want to, and go to sleep rather than do an all-nighter.

I get to do a holiday according to what’s best for me and what I enjoy doing.

But similarly, I am a firm believer that happiness shared is happiness doubled, so I try and invite a friend that I trust on some holidays. It’s important to feel like someone ‘has my back’ when I need to rest, or we both understand that it’s okay for them to go out and party but I’m going to head back to the hotel. I need to have that level of support and trust with people I choose to travel with, so we can both truly relax and enjoy the holiday, otherwise, I feel like I’m trying to overcompensate and ‘keep up’, when I know I can’t.

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Due to my liver disease, alcohol is out of the question. Being able to enjoy the nightlife and bar scene of any destination is not something I can do or particularly enjoy now that I can’t be involved.

I haven’t had a hangover in about six years now, so I love to get up and find a beautiful place for brunch or start walking the city while the heat is less intense and there are fewer tourists around! Walking around a new city with a coffee at nine on a Sunday morning is something I’ve really enjoyed doing. Many of my activities are much the same as anyone else’s – walking tours, sight-seeing, restaurants, galleries, shopping and so on. I just avoid latenight bars (I’m in bed by midnight most of the time!) and high-energy activities – going on a six-hour hike through mountains would probably kill me now, but a three-hour walk around a nature reserve is much more achievable.

I recently used some Lime Scooters in Budapest and it was amazing! I could travel double the distance in a day and see everything on my to-do list while using half the energy. Little things like that make travelling more accessible to me... and more exciting!

Most of the time I don’t bother with travel insurance anymore. I am immediately rejected for any pre-existing conditions cover, and companies are then wary about covering me for anything else health-related. I try to travel despite this and hope that my EHIC card will cover anything that suddenly comes up.

Find forums and support groups that chat about your illness or disability and see what others

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recommend regarding insurance. Different illnesses often have different quirks, and different insurance companies are more ‘educated’ than others. Some companies have a list of ‘absolute no-nos’ and they decline you immediately, others will have a set of questions about your illness and determine cover based upon your answers, for example, have you been hospitalised in the last twelve months? or have you had a transplant, and what medication are you taking?

Those in your support groups will have tried and tested so many companies that you’re sure to find one pretty quickly that they recommend. Also, I generally try to avoid high-risk activities... No bungee jumps off bridges, or mopeds through tiny European streets without helmets for me!

While I’m covered in case of an emergency such as a car accident, anything related to my spine or liver is just a no-go zone of pre-existing arguments. If I hurt my spine due to an accident, would they be happy to cover all resulting treatments?

What if my arthritis made the healing process take longer and they could argue out of paying for any of it? I don’t want to find out! Travelling means I take any level of risk with me, but I try, and I minimise what I am able to control.

The world doesn’t want me travelling. Living with disabilities and illnesses essentially rules me out as a ‘useful’ person to the economy.

I work full time in a good job, I haven’t been hospitalised since I’ve been diagnosed (five years now), but getting visas that cover healthcare or travel insurance that isn’t irresponsibly expensive means that I have limited options to live my life. I have dreams and aspirations like any twenty-something-year-old, but at twenty-two I had to say ‘goodbye’ to a lot of opportunities – that just closed-up in an instant. It’s been difficult, but I’m making it work...

I’m extremely lucky and grateful that I’m currently achieving one of my dreams – moving to England and starting a new life here. It wasn’t easy and continues to be difficult at times, but I have wanted to do this since I was young. Being away from my support networks in New Zealand has been the biggest challenge – having a chronic illness means I need help sometimes from the people who love and care for me, and I had to build that support network all over again once I moved here.

My other dreams are to continue travelling around Europe and to see as much of the world as I can while I’m still mostly healthy and as mobile as possible.

I don’t want to miss out on learning about new places, meeting new people, and experiencing beautiful things that make me feel alive. I want to do well in my career, keep creative and achieve work that I’m proud of. I also want to settle down and have a family sometime soon – that comes with its own set of challenges, but I’m hopeful that I’ll get to experience that too.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ HayleyfrmNZ

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DRM

ADVERTORIAL

Is there any other choice of holiday destination?

Yes! Dementia Adventure can support individuals to organise Bespoke Family Holidays. All bespoke holidays are organised under the premise that there are at least two people to support the individual living with dementia – one person who knows them well and a member of the DA team.

DA have a seven-seater vehicle with adapted wheelchair access, which can be utilised. They are also able to book train and flight tickets for international travel.

How much does it cost?

Dementia Adventure:

“IT IS POSSIBLE TO ENABLE PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA TO LIVE BETTER, ‘ADVENTUREFILLED’ LIVES”

Award Winning Holidays It is estimated that by 2021 there will be 1 million people in the UK living with dementia.

dementia and their partner/primary carer to have well-deserved breaks. No matter what your dementia care needs are, you can be guaranteed a warm welcome, plus personal care can be arranged if required.

Dementia Adventure is an award-

What’s a typical group holiday?

winning evidence-led registered charity, committed to helping people living with dementia to get outdoors; to connect with nature; and with themselves and their community, and to retain a sense of adventure in their lives.

So, although there is no current cure for dementia, organisations such as Dementia Adventure are firm in their belief that it is possible to enable people with dementia to live better, ‘adventurefilled’ lives.

Tell me more?

Dementia Adventure (DA), founded in 2009, offers unique breaks for small groups of people with dementia. They are dispelling the myth that a diagnosis of dementia means the end of holidays.

Trained Dementia Support Workers offer tailored support to enable people with

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At present, all of the group holidays organised by Dementia Adventure are within the UK. Currently, holidaygoers have a choice of the following destinations: Cornwall, Devon, Isle of Wight, Lake District, Maldon, Norfolk, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Wales and Kent.

Depending on your interests, each location offers something different.

One of the holidays to the Lake District is designed with walkers in mind; holiday goers are given supported access to some of the most famous fells in the Lakes. For lovers of the seaside – maybe a trip to Devon or Cornwall would suit you well. If you’re a sailor or just fancy giving it a go, then perhaps a barge sailing holiday in Maldon is just what the doctor ordered!

Typically, the cost of a UK-based group holiday ranges from £520 - £700 per person.

The price paid by holiday-goers covers a third of the holiday programme cost. Thanks to Players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and fundraising, Dementia Adventure can reduce the cost of these life-changing holidays, making them accessible for people who might otherwise not be able to afford them.

Testimonials: “(During the holiday) she woke up to being a real social butterfly, started eating food, sleeping through the night and joining in with activities. I am sure the team wondered what we had been worried about—the lady they saw was very different to the lady who was discharged from hospital a few days before! The transformation over the week was incredible to see.” - Holiday Client “From the carer’s point of view, it’s a long-term benefit. The DA holiday gave the best of both worlds. I got a holiday, a break and to spend time with the man I wanted to be with.”

“A positive fun time for the carer and the person with dementia. Very well led, and supportive staff who instinctively knew how to cope with our needs.”

O u r 2 0 2 0 H o l i d a y D a te s a re l a u nc h i n g a t t h e e n d of N ove m be r 2 019.

To j o i n o u r m a i l i n g l i s t s v i s i t w w w. d e m e nt i a d ave nt u r e.co.u k . O r co n ta ct t h e of f i ce o n : 012 4 5 2375 4 8 o r e m a i l : i n fo @ d e m e nt i a a dve nt u r e. co.u k .

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GO AND ENJOY YOURSELF! DO NOT LET YOUR DISABILITY DEFINE YOU!

A baby.

Several disabilities.

Seven countries – Fourteen planes...

I’m Sarah Lucia, and I have recently been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, Fibromyalgia and Hypermobility. But that’s nothing. Within three months of my first and only child being born in 2017, I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Heart Failure and pre-cancerous cervical cells. My daughter was also diagnosed as partially deaf and has since worn a hearing aid. Before she turned four-months-old, her father left us.

At that point, I thought I would never see the world… it seemed impossible! I could not have been more wrong.

Living with a disability – particularly an invisible one, can be difficult to say the least. Rarely discussed are the many different routines and preparations someone with a disability has to take when travelling.

After my initial diagnosis, I wrote a bucket list and we got our first passports

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in January 2018. My daughter and I have since travelled to seven countries (with my lovely mother accompanying us to one) and flown on fourteen planes.

Although I was terrified at first, I quickly learned that the only way in which someone with a disability can actually enjoy his or her holiday is by being prepared. And with that shared, here are my top five tips for travelling with a disability...

TIP 1 Take at least an extra three days’ worth of medicine and supplies when you travel, in case you have to stay for an extra night or two. Although I have never been stopped for my meds, it is important to get a note from your doctor detailing your medicines to show to security if you need to. Make sure you tell staff before you pass the metal detectors about any implants you might have.

TIP 2 Do not panic about flying!

There are systems in place for passengers’ safety in case of a medical emergency. There are also things you can do to make flying easier for yourself. Compression flight socks help reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated and your muscles and joints lubricated. Take advantage of the ‘Special Assistance’ in airports – particularly if you have reduced mobility.

Wheelchair users and those with babies or prams are often boarded first.

TIP 3 Plan ahead and research what the public transport is like for your destination. For example, Vienna has lots of accessible train stations. Paris does not. Think about the terrain too. I was well aware Vienna had lots of stairs, but I did not expect to be lifting a pram up and down fifty flights of stairs in three days! If I had been more prepared, I would have taken along a baby carrier.

TIP 4 Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance – an EHIC card only covers basic health care. Shop around for the best deals for you and read the small print. You might find it difficult to find the right insurance company to cover your disabilities, but they are out there. Do this well in advance of your trip. Know the emergency phone numbers and nearest hospital to where you are staying. If something happens and you need medical attention, there will be places for you to be seen. Preparation just makes this much less stressful.

TIP 5 Don’t worry if things go wrong.

Get to the airport three hours before departure so you are not rushing around and getting unnecessarily stressed. Go with the flow and remember that whatever goes wrong, it probably is not really that bad. Don’t forget your friends and family are still there back home – if you need to talk, simply pick up the phone.

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Out on a Limb Out on a Limb, The Adaptive Ski Documentary follows Isaac, Geoff, and Dan; three wheelchair users who embark on a mission to conquer the Swiss Alps and prove that having a disability will not tame their sense of adventure...

With expert training from disability sports instructors as well as volunteer helpers, the trio set out to learn how to master their adaptive skis and navigate the perilous mountain terrain.

They share how this week was both mentally and physically, one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives...

Isaac, what do you believe others will gain from watching ‘Out on a Limb’?

When people watch Out on a Limb it will be a surprise as most people probably don’t know that disability skiing is even possible. I experienced that surprise when I discovered I could actually go skiing.

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When the average person or someone else with a disability who is not usually adventurous sees this film, they will definitely experience a wow factor!

Out on a Limb will also showcase what people with mixed disabilities are able to do in life, may that be as simple as travelling to a new country or bombing it down the huge slopes in Geneva. This film will open people’s minds making them realise that even with a disability you’re still able to do great and amazing things.

I am looking forward to the reception that the film will get and seeing how people view disability afterwards.

Isaac

Geoff, what was it like for you travelling outside of the UK alone for the first time since the accident?

I am fifty-nine years of age, and in February 2013, I had an accident at work in which I sustained a Spinal Cord Injury T12 incomplete and I am now a wheelchair user. In March 2019, I travelled abroad alone for the first time since my accident. As you could imagine it was a daunting experience to travel abroad on my own. To my surprise everything went very well. The staff were very helpful from boarding to disembarking.

ISAAC: “...EVEN WITH A DISABILITY YOU’RE STILL ABLE TO DO GREAT AND AMAZING THINGS.” I would highly recommend anybody with a disability who is thinking of going abroad to go for it and not to let your circumstances hold you back.

I achieved two new goals thanks to the ski company: one – travelling abroad

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T R AV E L & L E I S U R E D R M

alone, and two – skiing for the first time.

The whole experience was amazing and I would definitely do it again.

Da n

GEOFF: “I TRAVELLED ABROAD ALONE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MY ACCIDENT.” Dan, what does being able to do sports such as skiing mean to you personally?

I’m thirty-four-years-old, and I have had a SCI for three and a half years now. Being able to ski is the best feeling ever! Being at the top of a snow-capped mountain is empowering in itself, and then to top it off, being able to ski down it at speeds in excess of 44mph is just mind blowing.

I’m a wheelchair user and this is what’s achievable. People are just so surprised by seeing all the pictures from the skiing experience that it spurs me on to do more adventurous things.

Sport in general has been a huge part of my rehabilitation from the start. It helps me keep to a regular routine with my personal health care like sleeping patterns, timing of medication and toilet needs. The physical activity and exercise keep me strong and are great for fitness levels, which aids recovery time from injuries and fatigue so I can get the most out of my days and don’t have to cut any outings short due to tiredness.

The mental health benefits are huge.

I feel good about the progression and achievements I make. It’s a great way to socialise and widen my friend and support networks because I meet liked-minded people and professionals with SCI.

For more: www.acebook.com/ adaptiveskidocumentary www.jamesjoeldann.com/out-on-a-limb www.swiftvideo.co.uk

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Life after traumatic injury can be challenging Blesma is here for all serving and ex-Service men and women who have experienced loss of limb, use of limbs, hearing, sight or speech, either during or after Service

Get in touch to find out how we can support you and your family Tel: 020 8548 7080 Email: membersupport@blesma.org Find out more: www.blesma.org

DISABILITY SPORT D R M

Parasport Parasport powered by Toyota, is a new digital hub to empower disabled people to become more active. It will create a vibrant online community for participants, coaches and parents to seek out opportunities and share their experience of the benefits of taking part.

The British Paralympic Association shares stories from people that have benefitted from disability sport in their local community...

Jonnie’s Story I remember when I was younger coming home from school and sitting in my room for six hours trying to search for disability sports that I could do. That evening I only came up with two clubs.

Two! That was it. I couldn’t find anything else.

I’m lucky that it worked out for me, but it would have been a lot easier and a lot less confusing had it all been in one place. That’s why I think Parasport Powered by Toyota is such an important tool for disabled people in this country.

It’s for anyone that wants to get active, and we are really talking about anyone here, it doesn’t matter whether you have a dream of being a Paralympian. That’s not what it’s about. It’s really just about getting involved in something and this website lets you just punch in your postcode and it will tell you everything available nearby.

From experience, I know how important it can be to get out there... and what you find – certainly what I found – is that there are a lot more people like you close by than you may realise.

My life changed when I met amputees who did sport. I looked up to them, and when I first went to a session it took literally half an hour with people like w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

that to change my whole perception of who I was in the world.

This was before I’d even thought about the Paralympics. I started by thinking that sport was for fun. That was always the main thing. Having fun and doing something.

It helps that I’m sport mad but even if you want to just make a few friends I’d recommend you have a look at the site and see what’s out there.

quickly in disability sport that there’s always a heck of a lot more you can do than you can’t.

Of course, it’s scary to start something new and to take that first step but I think most people spend their time worrying about things that will never happen.

It is bravery and putting yourself out there. But my advice would be ‘do it!’.

No one lies on their death bed and thinks ‘I wish I hadn’t tried wheelchair basketball that day’.

They sit there and they say ‘I’m so happy I tried that and made these friends’.

You have to focus on the positives. You could go and try a sport out and find your best friend, your husband, your wife, people you never thought you’d meet.

And that’s before we’ve even started thinking about the sport.

What’s the worst-case scenario? You don’t enjoy it and you have a bit of a bad day. That’s it... So, for everyone at home. Go and have a look, and see what’s available – it might just change your life.

I was really lucky with my impairment because there weren’t many things I couldn’t do, but I think you learn fairly

“IT TOOK LITERALLY HALF AN HOUR WITH PEOPLE LIKE THAT TO CHANGE MY WHOLE PERCEPTION OF WHO I WAS IN THE WORLD.”

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Kiera’s Story I loved running when I was younger.

It wasn’t because I was good at it, it just gave me an incredible sense of freedom.

I would get up early and run and it was that thing in my life that I just really, really loved.

After my accident one of the first things I said when I was still in hospital was that ‘I am going to run’. The physios told me I shouldn’t and that above-knee amputees don’t run... but I loved it too much to give it up.

I asked the physiotherapist ‘am I not able to run, or should I not run?’

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They said that it wasn’t good for me, but I said ‘let’s give it a go’ and, against their advice, I tried it.

Looking back, it was too soon and it was really uncomfortable, painful even. Running had been such a big part of my life, I found it really depressing to not be able to do it anymore.

My partner Robin suggested I take up cycling (he is a very keen cyclist) to build my physical strength and I found cycling that much easier, easier than walking at the time!

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I think that’s one of the most important things when it comes to getting into disability sport.

Be adaptable. Try lots of different things that you might not think you want to do.

I have tried a huge array of sports – trying to find the right thing for me... From shooting, sitting volleyball and climbing, to wheelchair dance, walking football and Nordic walking – and everything in between.

“RUNNING HAD BEEN SUCH A BIG PART OF MY LIFE, I FOUND IT REALLY DEPRESSING TO NOT BE ABLE TO DO IT ANYMORE.” At first, I cycled a lot and it gave me back that sense of freedom I had lost. I built up my strength, and as for running, it took a bit of a backseat.

It’s funny because when I was younger I did so much sport but the reasons I do it have changed so much over the years.

I was thirty when I had my accident, so sport became about rehab and I just found that the fitter I was the easier it was to be an amputee and to be mobile.

It can sound like it was a seamless journey to go back to sport but it can be difficult for people, I have periods where I am active and periods when I am inactive.

I feel so much healthier, happier, fitter and more energised when I am active, but wearing a prosthesis can get in the way of activity, and not having the right prosthesis for the activity can also be a problem.

It was only when my limb provider OttoBock brought out a running knee that I was able to get back to my preferred sport.

My dad was absolutely brilliant throughout the whole process.

He would say ‘there’s nothing wrong with you, you’re just an

amputee and you need to treat your prosthesis as part of you and just carry on’.

His optimistic outlook really helped and I didn’t face the psychological barriers that some people do because sport was something I wanted to do and I was determined to find a way.

But now it’s about staying healthy and setting a good example for my children. Before I wanted to prove that I could do things as an amputee, but now I’m driven by other things and I just want to stay healthy.

It can be difficult to start something, but I think I’d just say go and try things. Try everything you can until you find the thing that sticks.

If you’re afraid then that’s okay, but there’s always help available. You’ll be amazed how many people will try and help you if you ask them for it.

Be adaptable and be brave and take those first steps.

Eventually though I was able to run again.

It’s not pretty and I’m not brilliant but I’ve built up to about three miles.

It’s still not perfect but I can do it. It had been ten years when I returned to running, so there was a big gap but that feeling when I first got back running was the best feeling in the world. I was so happy.

I would get to one mile and then I couldn’t go any further. But I built gradually and that’s where yoga and Pilates came in.

I decided that if I wanted to run then I needed to be fitter and stronger and so I started those activities to stay strong and keep my flexibility. Now I practise yoga, I swim, I walk, I go to the gym when I can, and I run a little.

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Jaspal’s Story How did you get into sport?

It was through a physiotherapist at school who introduced me to wheelchair basketball when I was eleven or twelve.

I totally fell in love with it. It was the first time I got involved in any kind of sport really.

The school was a special needs school, which is why they had a physio and if it wasn’t for him then I would never have engaged in and then stayed in sport. I was very lucky in that respect.

Why was it wheelchair basketball that stuck?

After I tried wheelchair basketball I ventured into various other sports. I tried track racing, marathons, a little bit of swimming, some wheelchair tennis.

I stayed with some of them for a while but wheelchair basketball was always there. There was something about it that stayed with me and it was the sport that I stuck with.

How important was it that you had someone to guide you into sport?

The physio, Owen McGee, and his partner invested a lot of time picking me

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up and taking me to training. They were really important in my life, they were my mentors I guess.

I was very lucky to have them and sometimes it takes someone else in your life to have that vision for you and encourage you to do something and then support you along the way.

Did you feel or experience any barriers to get into sport?

I was participating from a young age so I never really experienced any barriers. I had help and then I was driving from a young age so from that point on I didn’t have any issues with public transport like some disabled people do.

There are various barriers for disabled people and transport is a very real one, so there is a heavy dependency on my car.

In the past, the availability of opportunities and the information were major obstacles, hopefully that is changing, and Parasport is part of that movement.

It’s also given me a social life; a lot of my friends have come through playing wheelchair basketball and playing sport has also opened a lot of doors in my life.

I went on to work in sport because of my involvement and I have since travelled to India to help establish wheelchair basketball in India.

It’s hard to imagine what my life would have looked like if I hadn’t have

started playing wheelchair basketball and enjoying sport in general.

What would you say to someone thinking of starting sport?

I would say to ‘go for it!’. You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy sport. Sport is for everyone at all levels and it can give you so much in your life.

Don’t think about winning medals or anything like that. Maybe that comes later, but I think the initial steps are all about fun, fitness and health.

It’s important that we stay active as a society and we all need to work together to make it as easy as possible for disabled people to get information about opportunities.

Yo u ca n re g i s te r yo u r c l u b, o r f i n d a ct i v i t i e s n e a r yo u a t w w w.p a r a s p o r t.o r g .u k .

“I TOTALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I GOT INVOLVED IN ANY KIND OF SPORT REALLY.”

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D R M ADOPTION & FOSTERING

What is special about Special Needs Adoption?

There are some differences between adoption and special needs adoption... these include challenges, but adopting a child with special needs is hugely rewarding.

You are making a massive difference in a child’s life by adopting them... and for those children who have had a harder start in life – the impact is life changing. Children with a background of neglect, abuse, and those suffering with physical, emotional or mental disorders, conditions or syndromes, all classify as children with special needs, and it takes special parents to step forward to care for them, understanding that they may require extra care, dedication and time from their adopted parents.

Whilst you may believe you and your partner are the special parents that could take on the added challenges that special needs children present, it is important you consider your options and the reasons for your options, ensuring you have everything in place that you’d need – and this means considering your own mindset, physical capabilities, your schedule, emotional strength, insurance, wills, and other finances.

Going through the adoption process can be daunting, but it is wise to embrace any questions, paperwork, meetings and

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so on with an open mind and open heart. You also need to be prepared, and because it is a long process – probably around a year from you expressing interest to the point of adoption – you will have enough time to research some of the common syndromes that children may be coping with, maybe start with a condition you have personal experience of – perhaps a physical disability or a friend’s or family member’s mental health condition, this gives further empathy and understanding.

Spina bifida, Feotal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, cleft palate, cerebral palsy, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, among other conditions are all worth researching. Read articles, watch documentaries and brush-up on the more medical and scientific terminology too.

Learning about new subjects can be very rewarding in itself as it leads to personal growth and development and the more parents understand about themselves, the smoother it can be for them to face challenges.

“CHILDREN WITH CONDITIONS CREATE A SENSE OF LIVING IN THE MOMENT FOR THE PARENTS”

Parents of special needs children do also state that without a wider support system, life would be tougher. Do you have friends, family, carers that can support you? If the answer is yes, this reinforces the reward from community.

Many parents of children with special needs report on the immense challenges that they face, both mentally and emotionally, as well as physically for some... but they also share how children with conditions create a sense of living in the moment for the parents, and they talk about deep bonds that are created as a result of having to find new and effective ways to communicate with their child.

They say that they appreciate the smaller things that perhaps other parents take for granted – the milestones such as walking or feeding themselves may never happen for some of these children, but when they show signs of doing anything that is independent or they have a breakthrough, it is almost like a mini miracle and being a parent of a child who can make these achievements daily is a miracle in itself.

Your child may have a condition that gets better, or never improves, or even worsens... but it is the parents’ jobs to nurture their child to have the best life they can despite these restrictions, and being able to give a child the opportunity to enjoy their best life is hugely rewarding. w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

Think Fostering, Think Essex County Council…

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

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

Local training, 24hr support and up to £745 per week.

I truly love my job and the support is great! “ It is without doubt the best job I have ever had! ” Sally, foster carer.

0800 801 530 @essexadoptandfoster essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering

DRM

ADVERTORIAL

PUSHING

FORWARD ideas that count Manchester-based Insync Bikes and inventor pushes ahead with special needs trike design...

enable more families with disabled children to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

Les, from Ellenbrook, Worsley, made the original trike in his garden shed to enable 13-year-old neighbour Lewis Flint to get out on the roads with his parents, Dawn and Andy.

Opportunity Knocks Seeing an opportunity to allow even more people to benefit, he knocked on the door of Abhishek Pratap Singh, head of Hero Global Design, and was given ten minutes to pitch his design.

Les said, “I talked my way into the office and showed Abhishek my plans for the trike and he said ‘everybody in the office gather around – this is why Hero has come to Manchester, to meet people like this.’ I couldn’t believe it”.

Lewis, who has an undiagnosed genetic condition, communicates through an aid, has no independent mobility and relies on other people for his personal care. He enjoys rock

A part-time inventor whose design for a trike for special needs children caught public attention earlier this year says progress is being made to bring the design to a global market.

Les McMahon and his trike shot to prominence in June when the media reported he is working with designers at Insync Bikes in Manchester; a company owned by India’s Hero Cycles, the world’s biggest bike maker by volume, to perfect the trike he has engineered for his young neighbour.

Media reports on the trike included BBC TV North West, which has been seen nearly 500,000 times on BBC News’ Instagram with a further 85,000 views on BBC NWT’s official Twitter feed, with scores of comments praising Les’ caring gesture. Meanwhile a Manchester Evening News report has received more than 700 likes and 70 comments on the MEN Facebook page praising the idea.

Les said that the trike – which will be much cheaper than expensive alternatives already on the market – is undergoing stringent testing at Hero’s site.

Once plans are finalised, it will be made available in a flat-pack kit or as a downloadable design under Hero’s ‘Insync’ family bike brand. This will

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the present trike models are way too expensive at £5000 for families with disabled children already shouldering a lot of additional costs.”

Les’ trike will cost in the region of £500 compared with alternatives that start at around £5,000.

“Our design team are making good progress with Les to develop his original design before we release it to a mass market, and we have already had interest from around the world. Insync Bikes’ partnership with Les matches our outlook and ethos to champion cycling as a force for good.” Danny concludes.

Prior to Les’ link-up with Insync, he teamed up with the University of Bolton, which incorporated the trike into its engineering degree course for two years.

It is likely that Les’ design will continue to have an impact on the wider disabled community worldwide.

climbing and skiing, but cycling was the one hobby his family had struggled with.

Les’ solution involves a ‘sidecar’ fitted to a bike, with a ramp to roll on the wheelchair. While Lewis is still enjoying his trike, Insync’s designers have recreated it in a computer programme to allow them to make and test alterations before it is rolled out to others. Areas they have concentrated on have included the attachment points, the flatpack design and the width of the vehicle. Work has also been carried out on the advantages of using weight-saving materials and the stability and weight distribution of the outer platform.

Les said brainstorming sessions with Insync’s experts had proven useful to address problems such as the width of the trike; which had always been its ‘Achilles heel’.

He said, “It might take ten goes for us to get the design right but bearing in mind we want this to go worldwide then we have to get it right. I’ve been amazed with the engagement and the interest we have had since the trike went public, which just shows that something like this is needed for disabled people”.

“THIS WILL ENABLE MORE FAMILIES WITH DISABLED CHILDREN TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF CYCLING.” said they were keen to get the trike just right to benefit more people around the world - “Insync is a family bike brand and we want to support families to improve their health and quality of life through cycling. We were given a lot of confidence in the concept when we first unveiled it to the media in June and saw the story go viral with reports across TV, social media and newspapers. All the public comments online showed us how much goodwill and support there is for this trike in the UK and overseas to help improve the lives of children with special needs.

“We have been absolutely blown away

by Les’ invention and his enthusiasm for helping Lewis. We now want to translate that and help families with a trike that is affordable. We have been told that

Some of the MEN Facebook Page Comments: Amanda Davidson: Fantastic idea and great to hear that a business is making it affordable for families rather than trying to rip families off!!

Sara Beverley Jones: What a guy, amazing that others can benefit from this too thanks to Hero Cycles.

Joanna Krowiak: That’s is incredible, well done.

Louise Pearson: This should be positive front page news. What an amazing gift to give the young lad and now he can do the family bike ride.

Stewart Allcock: Well done Les just goes to show there’s still people like you that have a heart of gold I applaud you sir.

Web: www.insyncbikes.com You Tube: Insync TV Twitter: @insyncbikes

Refining the Design Chief executive of Avocet Sports, the UK subsidiary of Hero Cycles, Danny Evans w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

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Search for jobs with Southwark Council

By visiting www.jobsatsouthwark.co.uk

www.jobsatsouthwark.co.uk

Exploring new horizons?

We’re recruiting

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

Find your job opportunity of a lifetime at

www.bas.ac.uk/jobs

Be Curious Dream Big Give Back winchester.ac.uk

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DRM

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

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

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

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

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

Charity Number 1092857

Eastleigh College is not just a place for learning!

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

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

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

www.eastleigh.ac.uk

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

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Shared Ownership

Because good homes make everything possible

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

Get on the London property ladder with a wheelchair accessible Shared Ownership home

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

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

Throughout 2019, we will have wheelchair accessible properties available at: • Greenwich Square, SE10

Find out more at

lqhomes.com

Registered society 30441R Exempt charity. Details correct at time of broadcast 10/19. Image is indicative of a typical L&Q show home. Your home is at risk if you fail to keep up repayments on a mortgage, rent or other loans secured on it. Please make sure you can afford the repayments before you take out a mortgage.

For full terms and conditions please visit lqpricedin.co.uk.

8848 L&Q GS 130x90 DR Mag ad.indd 1

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14/10/2019 10:30

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

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

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“Specialists in vehicle adaptions for people with disabilities”

v v v v v v v v v v

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

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

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

Get affordable legal advice.

Challenge unfair decisions.

Challenging the decisions made by your local authority can be daunting. So if you believe your child has been treated unfairly, you need specialist advice.

Janice Johnson is an experienced specialist educational-needs, direct-access barrister. She offers expert legal support to parents like you.

Janice can review EHCPs, draft appeal documents and be your advocate at the SEND Tribunal. As a sole practitioner, Janice is surprisingly affordable.

Let’s break down your child’s barriers to learning and make the most of their potential.

For a free initial enquiry, speak directly to Janice on 07976 396972 / 01986 781372 or email janicejohnson08@btinternet.co.uk

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D R M BEST WISHES

Best

WISHES The following people, businesses and companies would like to extend their very best wishes to all those affected by disability

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BEST WISHES D R M

A

A & S Engineering Aldersons Ingredients Association Of British Dispensing Opticians

B

Balgores Motor Group Brian Scholar & Co British Wireless For The Blind Fund Blesma

C

Clarke & Simpson Creative Interior Design Ltd Cambridge Online Education Childrens Trust (The) Cosmotrend Ltd (BS Foods)

D

Dementia Adventure Doncaster School For The Deaf

F

Four Communications (Clarion Housing Group)

H

Halow Project Hogan Lovells International LLP Hailsham Plant Howard Construction (Anglia) Ltd

I

iMEDicare Ltd Islington Borough Council ISB Typesetting Ivan Renshaw & Co

K

Katz & Co

L

Lea Boxes Ltd Lewis Concrete Ltd

M

Massive Dynamixx Ltd Mayer Brown International LLP Mind For You Michaels Bridal Fabrics Ltd

N

Newlon Housing Trust Neptune Oceangraphics Ltd

P

Parkanaur College

R

ROSPA Ltd R Burton Plumbing & Heating The Royal Albert Hall

S

Smirthwaite Ltd Specialist Vehicle Rental Southwark Council Sweet Cures Strand Bearings Ltd Supacleen Ltd

T

Tim Weeding Building Design Services Trans Continental Exports UK Ltd

U

Unravel Cebpc

V Voice

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WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ADAPTED VEHICLES ACCESSIBLE MINIBUSES

Mobility Vehicle Hire t/a Specialist Vehicle Rental provide dual controlled vehicles for, short, medium and long term rental.

Our team with over 25 years of combined experience are here to handle all enquiries on a case by case basis, add this to our team of delivery drivers which allows us to provide nationwide coverage.

Our fleet includes: Infra Red Controls Push/Pull Under and Over ring Accelerator Left Foot Accelerator Steering Ball Boot and Passenger Hoist Internal Transfer Drive From and Ride upfront WAVS Auto Tail Gate

0845 293 2799 www.specialistvehiclerental.co.uk customersupport@specialistvehiclerental.co.uk

Whether short, medium or long term hire our fleet all benefit and include the following:

A comprehensive, no obligation 1-2-1 consultation service A new/nearly new vehicle of your choice Full servicing, mechanical work & maintenance support A replacement vehicle in the event of a breakdown Full RAC breakdown assistance & onward travel services Accident, tyre and windscreen support Full Road Fund Licence Delivery & collection anywhere in the UK UK-based reliable & responsible customer service team No hidden charges