DRM - Disability Review Magazine - Summer 2022

DRM DISABILIT Y REVIEW MAGA ZINE

SUMMER - 2022

DISABILITY NEWSBEAT EVENBREAK Career Hive is Buzzing

EMMA BROWN AND ZARA MUSKER:

MOTABILITY One Big Day is Back

Football and Friendship

DISABILITY RIGHTS UK Representation Matters

CONNECTING FOR GOOD with BT REAL STORIES: Benefits of playing golf / How orthotics changes lives / Breaking relationship barriers CONSIDER THIS! The DIVERSITY AND CurlyINCLUSION Hair Project Smashing autism IN THE WORKPLACE stereotypes

INDEPENDENT LIVING MONEY SAVING TIPS Reside with Progress & DISCOUNTS FOR revolutionising DISABLED PEOPLE accessible housing

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Life changing careers

We are included We are respected We are valued Are you?

Join Cygnet We believe everyone matters. Right now we’re looking for more people to join our diverse and inclusive team. If you want to join a place where you will be valued and respected then get in touch: recruitment@cygnethealth.co.uk careers.cygnethealth.co.uk

Life is equality We’re home to more than 1,800 lawyers from all backgrounds, working across 27 international offices.

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

Get the full story at www.mayerbrownfutures.com Americas | Asia | Europe | Middle East

E D I TO R ’ S L E T T E R D R M

Editor’s Letter

Hello again,

Change seems like the only constant in this world. And a lot of the time change can be scary. It can also be good. In this issue of DRM there is reference to a lot of change, a lot of celebration, a lot of new ideas and ways of being. Take Designability for instance, they have responded to a need in the disabled community for wheelchair friendly pushchairs, and are taking the steps to design a product for parents that will change their lives.

There is the adaptation of the “Football Your Way” campaign via the Football Association, changing the way we make sport more accessible and safe during the pandemic.

And of course, Evenbreak, who are changing the way disabled employees can build their confidence to break into the job market.

There is a lot of change for DRM as well, as this is my last issue as editor.

I am feeling really sad to go, but so immensely grateful to the DRM team and community for making me feel so welcome in this space. I was brought onto the DRM team on account of my lived experience with disability, that I could shape the magazine to become even more reflective of the wider disabled community. My only hope is that I have achieved this…

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

I have a new adventure I am starting, as the national disability affairs reporter with the ABC, in Australia. This is a role that will take me out of my comfort zone, challenge me, and help me grow professionally and personally, and I am excited for it. I will miss you all, but I know that I am leaving you in good hands.

As I make my big move to Australia, I would like to introduce you to DRM’s new editor, Chloe Johnson.

Knowing Chloe as I do, I know that she will take DRM in her own wonderful direction, including bringing a more culture-led perspective on disability. Chloe has an energy that will see DRM grow exponentially, embracing all facets of the lived experience of disability. I am excited to see what she brings to the next issue.

On that note, all I have left to say is thank you, thank you for your support, your contributions, and your ever growing sense of joyful community. DRM provides the representation that we all crave, to be seen as worthy to take up space, and I am so proud that I have been a part of this journey with you.

Liz

El i za b et h Wr i g ht Tw i t te r - @ es i ou l I n s ta g ra m - @ e l i z a b et h lwr i g h t

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D R M CONTENTS

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20 CONTENTS Our Cover Star...

Emma Brown and Zara Musker are both on the England Women’s Deaf Football team.

Both have played at the highest level of the sport for a number of years and are encouraging the next generation of players.

Employment & Education: 22 Careers for Disabled People

Check out the Evenbreak Career Hive.

Independent Living: 16 Living Independently is Possible

Reside With Progress are revolutionising accessible housing.

26 Disabling Relationship Prejudices Intimate relationships are important for disabled people.

28 Orthotics Changes Lives

Exclusive interview with DM Orthotics Patricia McCotter.

30 The Impact of Sight Loss

Sight Scotland providing wellbeing services for families.

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CONTENTS D R M

COVER CREDITS: The Football Association Image Library thefa.com

Executive Editor: Lee Gatland

Art Director: Richard Hejsak

Managing Editor:

33 Amo’s Advice Column

Why lived experience is crucial in disability services.

Elizabeth Wright liz@sevenstarmedia.co.uk

Sales Team:

34 Connecting for Good

How the BT Phone Book is building on its legacy to connect more people than ever before

38 Breaking Down Barriers

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How we see ourselves matters…

74 Consider This!

Alis Rowe and The Curly Hair Project.

Motoring and Mobility: 47 One Big Day is Back!

Motability showcasing accessible cars.

Travel and Leisure: 48 Changing the Lives of Disabled Parents

63 Friendship and Health Through Sport

Healthy Eating: 64 Pizza with Friends

Try this healthy, delicious pizza.

65 Summertime Dessert

Enjoy this light and sweet Eton Mess.

Disability Sport: 50 Inclusive Football

The Football Your Way campaign.

54 Women’s Deaf Football Team Role Models 59 Sporting Change This Summer The Get Yourself Active campaign.

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

Published by SEVEN STAR MEDIA LTD 184 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent Tel: 01959 543659 disabilityreviewmagazine.co.uk

The benefits of playing golf

Designability creating a pushchair for wheelchair users.

Meet Emma Brown and Zara Musker.

01959 543 650 sales@sevenstarmedia.co.uk

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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.

DR M | S U M M E R - 2 0 22

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DRM

D R M NEWS

DISABILITY NEWSBEAT

Icon Theatre and D-Live! launch digital theatre project Big Dreams to give a voice to deaf young people in Medway Deaf-led theatre company D-Live! will explore the unique challenges faced by deaf young people in new project Big Dreams, commissioned by Theatre31, Icon Theatre’s youth programme. Since March 2020, the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic have been felt across the UK with many young people facing isolation, grief and disruption to their education. In response D-Live! are working in collaboration with Theatre31 on this exciting digital theatre piece with young artists from The Thomas Aveling School, giving deaf students a chance to share their experiences of the pandemic.

The young people aged 11-14 will work with D-Live!’s team of artists, spearheaded by Artistic Director Steven VeversWebb, who brings over twenty-five years of experience as an actor, director, writer and workshop facilitator. Together they will work through a series of workshops that will develop the young people’s skills in filmmaking, editing, 3D art and visual storytelling. d-live.org.uk

Simplyhealth funding helps young wheelchair users with valuable equipment

A donation from Simplyhealth, the UK’s leading health solutions company, is helping more young wheelchair users in the UK gain independence, sponsoring their mobility equipment through the charity Whizz-Kidz.

It is estimated 75,000 young people in the UK need a wheelchair to be mobile and most aren’t getting a chair that meets their needs through local services. Simplyhealth’s donation will support around 15 young people to experience the life-changing impact that having the right wheelchair brings, empowering them to enjoy fun, freedom and independence. WhizzKidz support around 1,000 children and young people each year with vital mobility equipment and aim to double this by 2025. whizz-kidz.org.uk

The valuable 500 launch world’s first global directory of disability inclusion specialists On International Women’s Day, the Valuable 500 launched the world’s first independently expert reviewed global directory of B2B consultants and service providers specialised in disability inclusion and accessibility – over half of which are female founded or led. The Directory convenes business disability intelligence and experts from across the globe spanning 6 continents and 19 countries to assist the Valuable 500 collective in advancing disability inclusion within their businesses.

These consultants and experts boast a strong diversity of expertise within digital, physical and cognitive accessibility as well as tools for inclusive recruitment and branding practices. With social entrepreneurship and impact investment on the rise, expanding corporate supplier diversity programs to include disability industry is a critical step towards future growth for disabled owned companies. thevaluable500.com

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NEWS D R M

Shani Dhanda announced as Scope Ambassador

Deaf teen, who inspired over 80,000 Brits to learn sign language in lockdown, is back – in animated form!

A Deaf teen who inspired over 80 thousand people to start learning British Sign Language during the UK’s first lockdown, has become the animated star of a new product aimed at raising money for charity and getting more people using BSL. Tyrese Dibba, from Birmingham, made the headlines in 2020, then aged 15, when he teamed up with the disability charity Sense, to launch free online BSL classes to the public during the UK’s first lockdown. Deaf and partially sighted, Tyrese plays the role of ‘Mr Tyrese’ when he is giving his lessons, dressed in braces and orange tie. He would go on to be awarded the ‘Stephen Sutton Inspiration Award’ at the Pride of Birmingham Awards 2021, as well as the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award, in recognition of his efforts.

Tyrese, who is supported by Sense, now features as ‘Mr Tyrese’ in animated form, the star of ‘Sense Sign School’, a new monthly subscription product, by Sense, that aims to teach people of all ages basic British Sign Language in a fun way. Subscribers receive a monthly lesson pack in the post, which includes illustrated flash cards, a conversation guide leaflet as well as access to digital lesson pages and sign animations to aid learning.

You can sign up to Sense Sign School at: sense.org.uk/sensesignschool disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

UK disability charity Scope has announce that Shani Dhanda, a global champion for disability equality, is their newest Scope ambassador! As a multi-awardwinning disability specialist, campaigner and social business person, Shani will help us fight Credit: Andy Fallon injustice and create an inclusive world for disabled people.

Shani is a champion of disability inclusion, especially in the workplace. She is also one of the most high-profile disabled women of colour in the UK. She appears regularly on our screens, for example, in LinkedIn’s first ever TV campaign, and as a panellist on ITV’ Loose Women. As an influential woman in leadership, Shani has taken change into her own hands and founded organisations to improve representation and challenge social inequality globally.

These include Diversability (diversabilitycard.co.uk), a discount platform for disabled shoppers, the Asian Woman Festival (asianwomanfestival.com) and the Asian Disability Network. (asiandisabilitynetwork.com)

Amici Dance Theatre Company celebrate their 40th anniversary The renowned Amici Dance Theatre Company, the world’s first disability-inclusive professional dance company, will celebrate their 40th anniversary with the world premiere of One World: Wealth of the Common People.

After delaying the premiere from 2020 due to the pandemic, this pioneering dance-theatre company are bringing together an 80 strong cast of disabled and non-disabled performers.

Choreographed by acclaimed Wolfgang Stange, One World is a moving production that looks through the eyes of those who have experienced first-hand what it’s like to be marginalised by difference. This ambitious spectacle mixes projection, dance, spoken word and live music in an explosive celebration of joy, life, protest and the beauty of uniting people from different cultures across the globe. Performances start on the 29th June. Grab your tickets here: lyric.co.uk DR M | S U M M E R - 2 0 22

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ADVERTORIAL D R M

ACCESSIBLE HOMES IN THE HEART OF LONDON

Southern Home Ownership is dedicated to providing stylish, high quality and contemporary new homes for sale on a Shared Ownership basis.

FROM picturesque Surrey towns to innercity London neighbourhoods, we have something for everyone.

Corner Place is a fantastic development of stylish one, two and three-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments located in Bethnal Green, East London, coming in Early summer 2022.

There will be five specialised, wheelchair accessible apartments available at Corner Place on a Shared Ownership basis, spread across five floors of the building.

These apartments will all include two spacious bedrooms and benefit from winter gardens. They have been designed to accommodate wheelchair users with great layout options.

Each of the apartments boasts a modern, open-plan layout, designed with entertaining and family life in mind.

Every kitchen features a sleek design with handleless cupboards and fitted premium integrated goods, such as a Zanussi washer/ dryer, a Bosch oven with a touch-control hob, a fridge/freezer and the all-important dishwasher.

The walls and ceilings have been painted white, and the living areas have soft oak laminate flooring throughout. It’s the perfect blank canvas to make your own.

The new apartments, designed without limits, are conveniently located to offer easy transport links into central London via Bethnal Green Station, allowing residents to reach Oxford Circus in just 12 minutes.

To receive exclusive email updates about this development, including floorplans, images, open day details, launch dates and

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

prices, register your details on our website now: https://shosales.co.uk/corner-place VODION, our latest Shared Ownership development on Dace Road, Hackney, East London, is a collection of specialised and accessible one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

This iconic development is nestled in Hackney Wick between the green spaces of Queen Elizabeth Open Park and Victoria Park, a flourishing area perfect for Shared Ownership and first-time buyers in East London.

Homes at VODION are designed with great layout options to accommodate wheelchair users. The development features:

The new apartments, designed without limits, are conveniently located to offer easy transport links into Central London via Bow Road and Stratford stations.

With Hackney Wick underground station just 0.5 miles away, VODION is in an ideal location for commuters and those who want quick and simple access to London’s vibrant nightlife and culture.

Dace Road is also a great location for families with children and young people of all ages, with several Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ primary and secondary schools.

Prices at Vodion start from £113,750 for a 25% share.

Viewings are now open so be sure to head over to our website (shosales.co.uk) to book your slot and visit our beautiful show homes. Our friendly sales team will of course be on site to show you around and answer any questions you may have.

Life’s great when you’re in the right place!

Au t h o r: S o u t h e r n H o m e Ow n e r s h i p We b s i te: s h o s a l e s .c o.u k

Level access shower/wet rooms Wider-than-standard doorways Ramp entries and exits Adapted kitchens with lowered working surfaces

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UNBELIEVABLY LONDON UNBELIEVABLY collectionof ofluxury luxuryapartments apartments at at London’s AAcollection brightestnew newplace placeto tolive live brightest and33bedroom bedroomapartments apartmentswith withaccessibility accessibility as as a a • • 1, 1,2 2and fundamentalprinciple principle fundamental Setinineight eightacres acresof oflandscaped landscapedgardens gardens and and a a new new fi five ve acre • • Set acre park park • Next to Westfi eld London • Next to Westfield London NexttotoImperial ImperialCollege CollegeLondon’s London’snew new 23 23 acre acre campus campus and • • Next and within30 30minutes minutesof offour fourof ofLondon’s London’stop top fifive ve universities universities within TwoZone Zone22Tube Tubestations stationsaatwo twominute minute walk walk away* away* • • Two • Private residents’ facilities including beach and pool • Private residents’ facilities including beach and pool

Prices on application Prices on application Computer generated imagery is indicative only and subject to change. *Travel times from google.co.uk/maps Computer generated imagery is indicative only and subject to change. *Travel times from google.co.uk/maps

To Todiscover discovermore more contact us today: contact us today: 020 0203002 30029462 9462 whitecityliving@stjames.co.uk whitecityliving@stjames.co.uk Sales Sales&&Marketing MarketingSuite: Suite: 54 Wood Lane White 54 Wood Lane WhiteCity City London LondonW12 W127RQ 7RQ

Westmont Club Residences is the latest chapter at White City Living, a major west London regeneration scheme in W12, by St James. Designed with wheelchair users in mind, Westmont Club Residences offers lift access throughout, allowing everyone to enjoy its extensive range of unique, premium resident amenities.

These one, two and three bedroom apartments, have access to the remarkable 11th floor rooftop which is dedicated to a Mediterraneaninspired Beach Club, exclusively for residents. This, coupled with access to the expansive existing facilities at White City Living provides an unrivalled lifestyle offering, setting a new precedent for residents’ facilities in London.

A LIFESTYLE CLUB LIKE NO OTHER Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to west London, Westmont’s Club Residences features a rooftop beach, pool, terrace, olive grove, indoor and outdoor lounge and bars – all with wheelchair-friendly access.

Ideally positioned above the hustle and bustle of west London, the rooftop pool and beach has a series of sun lounges and informal seating areas – designed to create the perfect space for everyone to enjoy spectacular views across the city.

Sitting at the heart of the Beach Club is the Olive Grove. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind, with a path that gently winds through the trees to the beach and pool area, whilst the outdoor terrace bar and dining area is a perfect location for an alfresco drink with friends. This outdoor area flows seamlessly into the indoor lounge and bar.

Neil Ramsdale, Managing Director, St James, White City, said

“Westmont Club Residences builds on the success of what we have already delivered at White City Living and has been designed to ensure everyone can enjoy it. A rooftop Beach Club provides an offering rarely found in London.”

SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR LIFE IN THE CAPITAL With more than 2,300 new homes, White City Living brings together inspirational architecture from Patel Taylor, outstanding landscaping from Murdoch Wickham and exemplary facilities and amenities in a wellconnected location.

While the homes are ideally placed within eight acres of parks and gardens, residents are also surrounded by world-class retail, entertainment, education, culture and commerce – including the renowned Westfield Shopping Centre.

Alongside its outstanding leisure facilities and amenities, White City

From the Beach Club, residents can descend in the lift to Minus One – a level dedicated to wellness and relaxation, with yoga studios, relaxation rooms and a spa. Further amenities include an entertainment area with cinemas, games room and residents’ lounges.

Photography of Residents’ private Magnolia Garden

Living is located within 30-minutes of four of London’s top five universities including Imperial College London, which is currently developing a new 23-acre campus and innovation hub adjacent to White City Living. Families are also well catered for, with the prestigious Notting Hill Prep School and St Paul’s Girls School located close-by, while Eton College and Harrow School can be reached within 40 minutes.

Meanwhile London’s premier cultural attractions are moments away thanks to White City Living’s outstanding transport connections. White City and Wood Lane Underground stations are located either side of the entrance to the new park with the Central, Hammersmith & City and Circle lines providing access to Central London in minutes. These excellent transport connections mean the West End is less than 15 minutes away with Hyde Park just 1.5 miles away.

D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

HELPING PEOPLE WITH COMPLEX NEEDS TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY RWP (Reside With Progress) provides high quality supported living accommodation for people with support needs, such as learning disability or autism, or for those who have an acquired brain injury.

MARTIN, 44, lives in one of RWP’s properties in County Durham. He suffered a traumatic brain injury which had a devastating effect on his mental and physical wellbeing. With care and support from Accept Care he is now able to manage his finances and daily activities.

Martyn started out working as a dish washer in a high street restaurant chain and worked his way up to the position of Head Chef. In 2010, he was involved in a serious road traffic accident.

“I stepped off the bus and was knocked down by a car. I was in a coma for nine months and I ‘died’ three times. The accident left me with brain damage,” he explains. Serious injuries to his legs meant that Martyn had to undergo intensive physiotherapy and he was in a wheelchair for a while. “I got myself out of the wheelchair and now I have to use a walking stick”.

During his recovery, Martyn felt like his life had fallen apart: “I started drinking and taking drugs. I felt like my life was over”.

Before he was referred to RWP, Martyn was drinking heavily every day, and a

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stint in rehab didn’t help. He lived in a variety of hostels and care homes.

“I’ve been pushed from pillar to post,” says Martyn.

“I was in a hostel before I came here; it was awful with people breaking into my room and stealing my stuff.

I was referred to this property and I moved in straight away”.

With the care given by support provider Accept Care, everything changed for Martyn. “This place has actually saved my life - it got me off the drink and drugs and I’ve been clean for three years now.

It’s marvelous, I’ve had a wonderful experience. The staff are tremendous, they go out of their way to help me”.

The turnaround in Martyn’s life has been inspirational. He says: “I’m like a new man.

Thanks to the staff here I can now manage my medication, my finances and live independently. I do my own shopping and cooking”.

So what does the future hold for Martyn? “I’m looking for my own home now – I would love a two- bedroom bungalow. I’m feeling really positive!”

Accessible kitchen makeover

A recent kitchen renovation at a RWP property in Leeds had a big impact on James Martin and the people he shares his house with – they all have a learning disability and use wheelchairs. The kitchen renovation has included a lower level breakfast bar, so that it’s easily accessible for them. “James can now get into the

kitchen and is keen to do activities like baking or cooking prep. Before the renovation we had to do things like this at the dining room table which isn’t ideal,” says Nick Howe, their service support leader from CIC. In preparation for the new kitchen installation, everything was transferred to the adjacent sensory room including the fridge, which made life a little easier during the work.

The new kitchen appliances are fully integrated and an electric hob bas been installed which is safer than a gas hob.

The new modern kitchen was a big success. “It’s changed the whole dynamic of the house – it feels like a ‘Grand Design’ makeover!” says Nick. “All of the the people living here are in their senior years, and have had long spells living in institutions, so they deserve the home we’re making for them here.”

Now that restrictions are lifting, James and his housemates are able to enjoy days out again to the coast and trips to the cinemas and the bowling alley, supported by CIC staff. “We love going to Blackpool,” says Nick. “Lockdown was hard for us being inside. Having an old kitchen that the tenants couldn’t access didn’t help. It’s great that they can now use the space safely.”

To find out more about RWP, visit residewithprogress.org.uk. RWP is part of Progress Housing Group, and is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of supported living accommodation.

Author: Reside With Progress Website: residewithprogress.org.uk Twitter: @RWP_SL Facebook: @ResideWithProgress LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ residewithprogress/

disabilit yreviewmagazine.co.uk

Cardiff Independent Living Centre Cardiff Independent Living Centre is the base for the Promoting Independence Occupational Therapy practice and has been developed as a training centre, showroom, and assessment facility on the outskirts of Cardiff city centre.

We provide impartial advice and the opportunity to learn about the latest products and developments to Occupational Therapists and others.

OUR SERVICES The mission of the Cardiff Independent Living Centre is simple: we are here to promote your independence through provision of training, goods and services to the highest standard possible, at the lowest price possible, providing you with that 100% satisfaction you deserve.

CONTACT US:

(02921) 900 402 www.cardiffindependentlivingcentre.co.uk hello@promoting-independence.co.uk

Training Courses We organise training courses for Occupational Therapists throughout the year on a range of themes.

Organisations can also book the Moving & Handling Training room to run their own training.

Showroom At the Cardiff Independent Living Centre we have a range of equipment available to try (and also available to buy) so that you can ensure you have the best products to suit your (or your clients’) needs.

Sensory room We have a sensory room with an H track ceiling hoist for clients to be hoisted to floor. Visitors must bring their own slings. The room can be hired by the hour, half or full-day Monday – Friday.

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D R M NEWS

SURGERY ISN’T THE ONLY CHOICE FOR SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT Chloe Sharland shares how a brace from DM Orthotics supported her journey through scoliosis and dance.

KEEN dancer Chloe Sharland, from Exeter, was eleven years old when her mum took her to the doctor because she didn’t think her daughter’s spine looked quite right. The GP somewhat bluntly agreed it was twisted and referred Chloe to a consultant who diagnosed Scoliosis.

The consultant said “surgery was the only option and she should come back in six months’ time to see if it had progressed enough to have the operation.”

Scoliosis, according to the Scoliosis Association UK, is when the spine curves to the side. The spine can also have a twist in it, which then pulls the rib cage out of position.

Scoliosis isn’t a disease, but is a condition that a person can be born with, or develop as a child, teen, or adult. In most cases the cause is unknown, but it can develop because of a neuromuscular condition, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. The curve can happen anywhere along the spine, and can curve to the left or right.

Now 24, Chloe looks back on that traumatic time with understandable indignation, “there wasn’t any discussion – just an assumption that we’d do as we were told.”

Chloe’s condition quickly got more painful, so she kept as active as possible and avoided lugging a bag at school. The consultant suggested that Chloe have the operation as soon as possible, but that didn’t feel right for Chloe. Instead, Chloe and her mum looked for alternatives. That included arranging an appointment with clinical specialist orthotist Martin Matthews so Chloe could be fitted for a Structural Scoliosis Suit. Martin is managing director of DM Orthotics, the company he founded.

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“Chloe’s spine had a 50-degree curve and a twisted rotation which made her a fairly complicated case,” he said. “Her love of ballet meant she needed to be very mobile, so we used a suit with specially designed panels.

The aim was to reduce her pain and help improve her standing position so she could become more upright.”

Whilst in her early teens, Chloe grew quickly – making her spinal curvature worse. She continued to be monitored by the hospital, while making progress that the consultant didn’t think was possible with conservative measures. “The suit made everything more bearable because it was helping my body combat gravity,” she said. “My body wanted to collapse, but the suit held me together.

It helped me attend four lessons in a day rather than two and gave me that bit of extra energy to go to dance classes.”

When she was 15, temporary paralysis in Chloe’s arms and legs

necessitated a short time in a wheelchair and her curves worsened to 70-degrees. Since then progress has been slow, but constant, with a combination of treatment from the Rock Chiropractic Clinic in Exeter, her DMO® Suit and real determination.

“I believe that managing my Scoliosis holistically is the best way forward,” she said. “I’m working part-time at the Rock clinic whilst studying for a degree in nutrition and know how important it is to invest in yourself. Patients come here every day to get better and time and time again I’ve seen the difference a positive mentality can make. We’re all free to make our own choices and surgery was never the right one for me. My Scoliosis will always be there, but I can function fully and it is barely visible now. Thanks to DM Orthotics and the Rock Chiropractic Clinic, I feel I have a future that’s no longer restricted by my condition.”

For more information about DMO® products, visit dmorthotics.com

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Without Barriers

S S E N I S U B R U O Y IS ?

E L B I S S E ACC Take steps to make your business more inclusive for customers and employees who are disabled people, whether you’re in a retail premises, working on the move, or doing business online. You’ll find resources, training opportunities, checklists and more.

For more information visit: fsb.org.uk/bwb Or call us on: 0808 164 2656

Support | Advice | Accessibility #BusinessWithoutBarriers

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

A CAREERS SERVICE DESIGNED

BY AND FOR DISABLED PEOPLE Evenbreak is creating the hive within which you can develop your career.

EVENBREAK is an accessible job board where disabled people can find roles with companies who are proactively looking to employ more disabled candidates. We also support employers to become more inclusive and accessible, and remove disabling barriers. And over the years we realised there were some real gaps in the provision of careers support for disabled people who were looking for new or better work.

Our candidates were telling us that often they couldn’t find careers support which was suitable and accessible for them. Sometimes it wasn’t relevant to disabled candidates, and was perhaps delivered by careers coaches with little understanding of disabling barriers in the workplace. Or the provision had restrictive eligibility criteria – dependent on their post code, or their age.

So, last year we developed the Career Hive (hive. evenbreak.co.uk) which offers a wide range of relevant and accessible careers support specifically for disabled people looking for new or better work. We know that everyone needs different support at different times, and wanted to offer a diverse range of services for people to choose from.

We sought the views of our candidates about what support they needed, and built the service around their responses.

All of our services are free of charge to disabled candidates who are looking for real job opportunities, as the Career Hive is funded by the surplus income from the services we sell to employers. The hive can help you to:

want to duplicate existing services, so we created our own directory. There are many large and small organisations around – large national disability charities, and some local social enterprises. There may be one near you that you don’t know about. Local organisations are likely to have relationships with local employees, so may be better placed to help you than we are. You can search by postcode and by what kind of support you are looking for.

Access online resources There are many online resources on employability, but most don’t address the barriers that disabled candidates face. The dilemma about whether or not to mention disability, or ask for adjustments, for example. We offer a searchable range of resources – videos, templates, articles, etc., looking at employability skills through a disability lens.

“It was great to receive support from someone who understands the challenges of having an ‘invisible’ impairment, and I finally received the support I needed from Evenbreak’s Career Hive.” Natasha

Search for jobs on our specialist job board Employers who are looking for more disabled applicants advertise their roles on our accessible job board. You can search by location, employer, job type and others, and even set up job alerts so you can be informed if any jobs come up meeting your criteria.

Find support organisations near you We couldn’t find a comprehensive list of organisations who offer career support to disabled people, and we didn’t

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

“After trying for such a long time to get a role where I could really use my skills, the support I received from Evenbreak’s Career Hive gave me the confidence to apply for my dream job – and I’m now thriving in that role” Sarah

Attend online workshops and webinars We offer on live webinars and workshops on a range of subjects, including writing CVs and attending interviews, and also on some of the softer skills, such as networking, or developing resilience and grit. There is also a library of recordings of previous webinars, so you can find exactly what you need.

Come to ‘Meet the Employer’ events There are regular online events with our employers, who talk about the kind of jobs they offer, what the recruitment process looks like, and how to ask for adjustments. You have the opportunity to ask them questions as well, so you can get to know the organisation better before applying.

“It’s great to find careers support that is relevant and accessible, and tailored to my needs. I feel so much more positive about my future career path now.” Molly

Receive one-to-one coaching sessions from our Career Coaches Some candidates might need one-to-one support, and our team of careers professionals (who all have lived experience of disability) can offer this. It may be you just want your CV reviewed, or some preparation for interview. Or you may need some support with confidence building, or identifying transferable skills.

The support is tailored to what you need, and delivered in a way that suits you – video call, email, telephone, WhatsApp, with a BSL interpreter, or whatever is easiest for you. Our coaches won’t get you a job, (we aren’t an agency), but they’ll support you with the skills you need to do this yourself.

“There are so many amazing things that I can say about Evenbreak but their biggest attribute by far is the way that they treat all of their clients with such dignity, respect and compassion. Working with Rosa has given me the clarity and confidence to identify exactly what I want to do and take steps towards finding my dream role.” Nicky

Complete an e-learning course A range of e-learning programmes are being developed so you can learn the skills you need at a pace to suit you.

There is no charge, and no complicated eligibility criteria – if you are disabled, currently looking for new or better work and would like support in your job search, we are here for you. If we can’t help you (for example if you’re looking for supported employment), we’ll try to signpost you to somewhere that can. Pop in to explore what’s on offer, and access as many or as few services you need. We’re at hive.evenbreak.co.uk

Au t h o r: Ja n e H a t to n - C E O o f Eve n b r ea k We b s i te: eve n b r ea k .co.u k/e n Tw i t te r: @ Eve n b r eak Fa ce b oo k: @ Eve n b r eak

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The Orpheus Centre is a specialist college and charity working to support young disabled adults.

We’ve made a posiive commitment to employing people with disabiliies.

We are commiied to the promooon of equal opportuniies.

All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role will be guaranteed an interview.

“I really like working here.

I feel supported. When I do a good job I feel good.”

David, Catering Assistant

ORPHEUS.ORG.UK

Join us!

Let us know how we can support you through the applicaaon process via hr@orpheus.org.uk or call us on 01883 744664.

Please visit our website for available vacancies across a range of departments.

“Orpheus worked flexibly to support me with my reasonable adjustments.”

Moira, Chief Operaang Officer

D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

DISABLING THE PREJUDICES AROUND SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIETY

For many disabled people, denied support around sex and relationships, living the life they want can seem impossible. Angela Matthews shares her own experiences navigating dating and the healthcare system.

THE experiences of disabled people around sex and relationships are not a subject that is often discussed – not in the right way anyway.

This is why I was pleased to see Disability History Month back in December covering the issue and provoking a very healthy debate.

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Earlier in the year, the National Disability Strategy survey had asked disabled people and the general public if they would “feel comfortable in an intimate relationship with a disabled person”.

I’m not afraid to admit tears fell when I was taking the survey and read this question, and I didn’t feel much better when I read the survey analysis, published some months later.

The findings showed that just over half (56 per cent) of the general public said they ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ that they would feel comfortable being in an intimate relationship with a disabled person. Perhaps more worryingly though, just 65 per cent of disabled people said they would feel comfortable being in an intimate relationship with another disabled person.

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“THE DATING LANDSCAPE…TOO OFTEN REVEALS PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS DISABLED PEOPLE.”

I find myself wondering what’s worse – the fact that the Government asked this question, or what they found when they asked the question. Even a significant percentage of disabled people don’t feel comfortable to be in a relationship with another disabled person.

And then I wondered why such findings still surprise me. I am in my late thirties and I have an Inherited Metabolic Disorder (IMD) and a brain injury. These findings resonate with my own relationship experiences, relationships which appeared to be going well until we started discussing my disability.

Even just mentioning my IMD – no other details – led one guy to assume that I would need to be cared for (by him) later in life, even without knowing any details of my condition or how it will progress (or not) in the future. After a year of dating, another guy asked “When are you going to get better?” To him, this was all temporary and I would “get better”. To me, this is ‘normal’, it’s my life. I am not sick, my body just works differently to others.

But we must realise the above experiences – that many disabled people experience – are not limited to the conversations ‘behind closed doors’, in personal relationships, between two people. They are systemic, in policy (given the asking of the question about intimate relationships), and in our health system even.

Women with the same IMD as me will find that their sex life is an agenda item at every medical appointment. With disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

“WOMEN WITH THE SAME IMD AS ME WILL FIND THAT THEIR SEX LIFE IS AN AGENDA ITEM AT EVERY MEDICAL APPOINTMENT.” my IMD, my liver does not break down protein well. This could be “harmful” to an unborn child. By “harmful” the public health system means that a baby could be “disabled” or have “learning disabilities”.

Women with my IMD are told from a very early age that they “must not get pregnant by mistake”, and then the subject is discussed at every medical appointment thereafter, often at the detriment of other more urgent topics, such as funding for treatments and getting adaptations and support at home or work.

Some women with my condition feel humiliated by how much their sex life is discussed in clinics. Other women feel the health system is regressive in terms of gender equality and upholds a system which implies women’s default destiny is to have children. For me, the main feeling is sadness at the disgust innate in the public health system’s relentless drive to prevent pregnancy in women who may bear disabled children. The subtext: being disabled is bad and must be prevented at all costs.

The eugenics agenda – eugenics meaning literally “well born” – reveals the systemic discrimination running through our public health system and in our social life. Even in Facebook support groups for people with my IMD, we are contacted by newcomers to the group – pregnant women who want to know how to get a genetic test for our IMD to help them decide whether to terminate their pregnancy. It is what Professor Tom Shakespeare, a professor in bioethics and who has achondroplasia, said in a lecture at Birkbeck College last year, “It’s the negative effects of eugenics that we worry about: everything we do to prevent ‘inferior types’ from reproducing too much”.

The dating landscape which too often reveals people’s attitudes towards disabled people is merely a symptom of the discriminatory structures and prejudices that remain rife within public health and wider society. The National Disability Strategy survey showed all kinds of prejudicial attitudes people have about disabled people, which we must bring to the fore of our conversations about the social inclusion of disabled people.

Medical professionals and government advisers should not be the ones leading the discussion on sex, relationships, and disability. Well done to Disability History month for causing us to have those conversations. Let’s make sure our voices don’t fall silent and that sex and disability is being discussed in the right way and by the right people.

Author: Angela Matthews, Head of Policy at Business Disability Forum Web s ite: businessdisabilityforum.org.uk Twit ter: @ Di sabili t y S mar t I n sta g ra m: @di sabili t ys mar t Facebook: @ Di sabili t y S mar t

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D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

Patricia McCotter & DM ORTHOTICS

CHANGING LIVES AND BUILDING INDEPENDENCE Patricia McCotter is the UK Clinical Manager and Clinical Specialist Orthotist with DM Orthotics. We spoke to her to find out what an orthotist does and how they can make a difference.

HAVE you ever wondered what an orthoses is or what an orthotist does and how they can support you? We interviewed Patricia McCotter to find out more about orthotics, her journey and what DM Orthotics can do for you…

Hi Patricia, can you tell us why you decided to become an orthotist?

I became interested in and aware of prosthetics when Rick Allen, the drummer from Def Leppard, lost his arm in a car crash. I was a big fan and thought I could make him

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a replacement! That led to me studying Prosthetics and Orthotics at Strathclyde University in 1994. It was orthotics that most interested me, though.

What does an orthotist do?

We specialise in correcting issues that result from neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions by prescribing orthoses (artificial external devices) that are specifically designed to help patients move in a way that is as painfree and energy efficient as possible.

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someone’s life for the better is amazing and the brilliant, caring and motivated team I work with is also a joy. It’s impossible to say what my aspect of my job is best – I genuinely love it all.

Working closely with physiotherapists and occupational therapists, we carry out an assessment of the whole body.

Once biomechanical problems have been identified, individuals are measured up for an orthosis that can significantly improve their quality of life.

When did you join DM Orthotics and what does your current role involve?

I joined DM Orthotics in 2015 as a clinical specialist orthotist and became the company’s UK Clinical Manager shortly afterwards. I continue to practice as an orthotist in Scotland and help patients throughout the UK by means of virtual appointments - a new way of working during COVID that has meant I can now assess people in the comfort of their own homes. I guest lecture undergraduate students at Strathclyde University and speak at country-wide educational days for other allied healthcare professionals. I also help the DM Orthotics team with their research projects, work with our physiotherapists and orthotists to provide excellent patient care and am involved in the development of new products.

Can you give us some examples of the difference orthoses can make?

Orthoses can be the difference between being able to walk or not, being able to lift a cup without spilling the contents and even between having to have surgery or not. For children with neurological conditions, early intervention is vital in ensuring the best learned patterns of movement are achieved or to correct their posture and prevent or slow down the progression of scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Adults who have suffered a stroke or have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis may have “dropped foot” – the inability to clear their foot when walking which can cause trips or falls. Correcting the problem might involve a dorsiflexion sock, an ankle foot orthosis or functional electrical disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

stimulation. Patients living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome are often referred to us too. The condition affects connective tissues and makes joints very unstable.

A DM Orthotics’ shoulder orthosis or DMO shorts can be used in such cases to prevent dislocations or subluxations and improve the body’s ability to sense its location, movement and actions.

Basically, orthotists are problem solvers who assess each patient, discuss their issues and concerns, then use their professional skill and experience to find a way forward.

“ORTHOSES CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING ABLE TO WALK OR NOT, BEING ABLE TO LIFT A CUP WITHOUT SPILLING THE CONTENTS.” What do you love most about your job?

I love everything about my job. Most of the people I see have lifelong conditions and remain in my care for a long time. That means I really get to know them and have even been invited to their weddings. Being able to change

DM Orthotics is a world leading creator of medical rehabilitation and sports performance products.

They provide elastomeric, dynamic movement orthoses to over 25 countries, helping to support people with a wide range of impairments and conditions.

Conducting research and further product development, their core aim is to improve the lives of the people they work with.

Their design and production process incorporates state-of-theart technology with traditional tailoring to produce individually custom-made dynamic movement orthoses that are unmatched in their function and quality. They work towards a single goal – to improve function and encourage independence for the user.

The clinical consultation process starts with a DMO (DM Orthotics) trained clinical specialist, who assesses the patient to see if a DMO product will assist in the management of symptoms associated with the patients condition. If DMO is considered suitable, the clinician will measure and prescribe an orthoses. The prescription is then processed in their factory, dispatched and sent to the customer to be fitted by a DMO trained clinician.

If you would like more information about DM Orthotics or are considering whether an or these would benefit you, you can check out their website here - DM Orthotics or contact them via their phone number - 01209 219205 Website: dmorthotics.com

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D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

FAMILY WELLBEING AT THE CORE OF SIGHT SCOTLAND Sight loss impacts not just the individual, but those that care for them as well. Sight Scotland’s Family Wellbeing Service ensures that all affected by sight loss are supported.

THERE are around 180,000 people living in Scotland today with significant sight loss. With that number set to increase by 30,000 over the next 10 years, Scotland’s largest visual impairment organisation, Sight Scotland, is on a mission to reach out to even more people affected by visual impairment.

The charity has been supporting people with sight loss for over two centuries, with expertise and services in education, including the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh and outreach education support, care, and the Scottish Braille Press in Edinburgh, which provides accessible formats. And the latest Sight Scotland service, the Family Wellbeing Service, which includes a national telephone support line in Scotland, takes the charity’s expertise and support into the community, increasing its reach across Scotland.

Sight Scotland’s Head of Community Services, Colin Hilditch, said: “Our Family Wellbeing Service, which is free to access, is available via telephone, online and within the community. It provides information, advice and support to blind and partially sighted people in Scotland, as well as their families, carers and friends.

“The service’s development stemmed from Sight Scotland research prior to the pandemic, including a community consultation, which found that many visually impaired people and their families said they had experienced a lack of support in the early stages of a sight loss diagnosis and in helping family members cope with the impact of their loved one’s sight loss.

“Anyone impacted by sight loss in Scotland can connect with our service directly through the Sight Scotland Support Line or by getting in touch through the Sight Scotland website.”

Agnes Stevenson, 78, of Prestonpans, East Lothian, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration four years ago. She says she struggled to come to terms with the impact of losing her sight, and to know how to live independently with

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sight loss, and so got in touch with Sight Scotland in early 2021.

“I didn’t know anything about macular degeneration.

When I was told I had it, I was devastated,” said Agnes.

“At that time, I got no information at all. It was a huge shock. If I had had support at an earlier point following my diagnosis, I don’t think I would have gone into such a depression. I had given up completely.

“MANY VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES SAID THEY HAD EXPERIENCED A LACK OF SUPPORT.”

It made me quite depressed, thinking that nothing else could help with my sight.

When I contacted Sight Scotland, I’d just thought, ‘I have to do something.’”

With support from the Family Wellbeing Service, Agnes has now been introduced to different types of disabilit yreviewmagazine.co.uk

INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

magnification to aid her independence at home been very helpful.” and received emotional support too. In addition Daughter Gail says the emotional support she has to telephone support, Agnes has also been able received has been invaluable, “I got in touch with to receive in-person visits from Sight Scotland’s Sight Scotland for my Dad and for me because I Family Wellbeing team. As a found it really difficult, and I result, she was able to regain her still do sometimes. I think the life-long hobby of sewing after main thing was the fact that he initially believing she would wouldn’t be able to see his family’s “THE CHARITY HAS never be able to sew again. Agnes faces again properly. Anita has said: “I feel I have some support been an absolute godsend for me, BEEN SUPPORTING now. There was somebody there I’ve had so many long chats with PEOPLE WITH SIGHT who would listen to me. I see her on the phone. Now we’re in LOSS FOR OVER TWO a future for myself and that is a much better place and I think thanks to Sight Scotland.”

Sight Scotland’s made a massive CENTURIES.” For father and daughter Charlie difference.”

Burns and Gail Burns, of Edinburgh, Charlie’s diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration also came as a huge shock. With If you a re impacted by s ight los s a nd a re ba sed a long wait for an eye hospital appointment, Gail made in S cotla nd, you ca n get in touch with the huge efforts to find out further information about sight freephone S ight S cotla nd S uppor t Line on 080 0 loss to support her dad. Both father and daughter have 024 8973, Monday to Friday from 9a m – 5 pm, or received practical and emotional support from the Family Wellbeing Service. vi s it sight scotland.org.uk for more information.

Charlie, 83, said: “The team have given us advice and ideas. Things that I wouldn’t have thought about. Anita O’Reilly, one of the Sight Scotland Author: Sight Scotland community workers who has been supporting us, Website: sightscotland.org.uk | Twitter: @SightScotland has been brilliant. She’s got a good nature, she’s a good listener and she’s very caring. Whether it’s Instagram: @sightscotland | Facebook: @SightScotland magnifier options or finding social groups, she’s

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Complete your family... talk to us about adoption.

Adoption Counts is the Regional Adoption Agency covering the adoption services of five Local Authorities in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Most of the children awaiting adoption have left their families under difficult circumstances. They come from a variety of different communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and some will have additional needs or disabilities. They all need a forever family that can nurture them and help them grow.

If you have been thinking about adoption, get in touch. Adopting a child is a transformative and exciting experience, and we will be by your side every step of the way. www.adoptioncounts.org.uk

INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

AMO’S ADVICE

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Amo Raju, the CEO of Disability Direct and author of ‘Walk Like a Man,’ shares his thoughts on why, as a collective, the disabled community need to advocate for more cohesive services IF like me, you have concerns that

services essential for your ability to live independently are in desperate need for review, you may agree with my thought process in how user-led organisations (ULOs) are in the best position to re-design, co-produce and then, (start the drum roll for radical idea) - deliver them!

Exactly which services are you referring to, I hear you ask? Well, I’m initially talking about assessments for Blue Badges, Personal Independence Payments, Access

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To Work… you may want to add to the list! Yet equitable access to just these three issues alone are regular frustrations for many. For many years I have run advice and support services and I can assure you, such topics continually top the list of enquiries.

To put my idea into perspective, ask yourself this question….Do you feel more comfortable in the knowledge that the person making a decision on whether you qualify for a Blue Badge, PIP or Access

To Work has actual lived experience of whatever impairment or condition you have or with someone who (and I mean this with no disrespect) can only read up on examples of others in your predicament or rely on out of date assumptions?

The concept of user-led organisations in each locality, is nothing new. Since the 1980’s many cities and towns across the UK enjoyed representation of disabled people in such mechanisms, which were highly effective. However, since the beginning of austerity cuts a decade or so ago, the numbers are ever diminishing. Many relied on grants or contracts with local authorities who themselves were fighting for their own survival. Today, there’s probably only a dozen or so active charities majority-led by disabled people able to provide services to their peers.

The reduced number of disability organisations should not deter decisionmaking bodies or commissioners to engage with ULOs. If the desire to work in this way is genuine, more disabled people will come together to meet the need. There are so many services which need to be at least co-designed now that we are hopefully exiting the pandemic such as mental health services, advocacy, community access to the new digitally committed NHS just to name but a few.

As a side effect, the longer-term benefit of this type of service delivery will be the creation of more disabled people in direct services who should endeavour to become leaders of tomorrow.

Again, if like me, as a disabled person you are saturated with requests to complete questionnaires about your views on existing or proposed new services, then consider taking my stance and make it clear that your voice is better heard as a collective. If you are not aware of the nearest ULO to you then drop me an email. I’m happy to steer you in the right direction.

Anyway, back to my proposal. If you work in local government or even with Boris Johnson (our PM at time of writing), refresh your approach. There’s a whole new generation of disabled people out there who are ready to work with you in true partnership.

Au t h o r: Am o Raju, C EO of D i s a b i l i t y D i re ct, Au t h o r of ‘ Wa l k L i ke a M a n.’

We b s i te: a m o r aju.co m a n d d i s a b i l i t yd i r ect.co m

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DRM

ADVERTORIAL

Connecting

FOR GOOD How The Phone Book is building on BT's legacy to connect more people than ever before

N

EARLY 150 years ago, we produced the very first BT Phone Book. Since then, it has been a trusted presence in households and businesses across the country, playing an essential role in British life.

The Phone Book has helped people in all walks of life find the services they need. It has given businesses, big and small, a chance to connect and flourish and has highlighted the great diverse range of organisations that make up Britain’s communities.

For most of its existence, the Phone Book has been exactly that: a large, physical book that arrived through the letter box every year.

With that heritage, you’d be forgiven for

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thinking it is still simply a physical product, but it has evolved with the times.

While 19 million physical copies are still printed and delivered annually, it now offers an unrivalled level of accessibility to more people than anyone else. The Phone Book is the only directory available across four channels, so as well as the print edition, you can also use it through an interactive online hub, through voice-activated services, or through Street Hubs – our unique digital street kiosks.

“WHILE 19 MILLION PHYSICAL COPIES ARE STILL PRINTED AND DELIVERED ANNUALLY, IT NOW OFFERS AN UNRIVALLED LEVEL OF ACCESSIBILITY TO MORE PEOPLE THAN ANYONE ELSE”

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Reflective of the trust the British public continues to have in the Phone Book, in December last year alone, 21 million people accessed the online service, meaning more people are getting connected in more ways than ever before.

That’s good news for people who rely on local organisations and businesses for services but find it simpler to access information online. That easy online access to the BT Phone Book can help people with disabilities to connect with the right organisations, regardless of their circumstances.

And it’s good news for businesses and franchises, too, who want to reach out to the potential clients who may otherwise struggle to find them. That’s why we call it a ‘find engine’ not a search engine!

We want the Phone Book to continue building these essential relationships for years to come.

So, we continue to work on refreshing its online and voice-based services to support more people and the organisations they rely on.

We are constantly looking for ways to bring you better and more useful content, and to improve usability. One of the most important areas we are looking at is building digital skills. We want however you interact with the Phone Book to be simple and seamless, so for those who aren’t as confident online we have developed a new ‘Find a Skill’ programme alongside our digital skills team. It helps you locate and suggest relevant courses, online guides and activities – including basic cybersecurity practices to protect yourself from scammers.

The goal is to help you make the most of life in a digital world and improve your confidence and capabilities online, so you have real choices about how you want to access the Phone Book’s information.

All this is part of our commitment to ‘connect for good.’ We are building on the Phone Book’s trusted legacy and long heritage to make sure it continues to support all members of our communities, also making it easier for people with disabilities to connect with others in their local area, including access to support groups and organisations., Throughout our organisation, we are fully committed to bringing forward new ideas and initiatives for responsible, inclusive, and sustainable technology. The trusted BT Phone Book is part of that. It is no longer just a physical product or a place online. It is now a highlyaccessible, inclusive and interactive service that you can use in the way that suits you best.

The one thing that hasn’t changed? The community-building connections it enables you to make.

“WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BRING YOU BETTER AND MORE USEFUL CONTENT, AND TO IMPROVE USABILITY”

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Without Barriers

E C A F S R U E N E R P Y E T I R L T I N B E A S I D , S E L D R U H M E H T MANY F O E N O E B T ’ N D SHOUL Hear inspiring and motivational stories from successful business owners who are disabled people in different industries across the UK. Discover advice for starting your journey to self-employment and support for running your own business.

For more information visit: fsb.org.uk/bwb Or call us on: 0808 164 2656

Support | Advice | Accessibility #BusinessWithoutBarriers

D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

HOW WE SEE OURSELVES MATTERS The Get Yourself Active campaign and the Centre for Ageing Better are banding together to create a new archive of images that will challenge the very idea of what being disabled means.

DISABLED and older people are used to seeing themselves depicted incorrectly by the media. Get Yourself Active, and the Centre for Ageing Better want to change this in our new Picture Yourself Active project, a new, publicly accessible image library of over 300 photos depicting older and Disabled people getting active to challenge pervasive negative stereotypes.

This launch is a big step because how people choose to show us matters. Pictures tell us a story of how society sees us and how we should see ourselves, and we need to see a change in how we are pictured.

A frequent issue

At Get Yourself Active, we know how much of a barrier false impressions can be for Disabled people. In 2019, research by the Activity Alliance Organisation found that just one in seven (14%) non-disabled people were aware that they had taken part in sport or physical activity with disabled people, and only half (48%) said they knew a disabled person.

Research conducted by the Centre for Ageing Better shows that public attitudes towards ageing are similarly negative.

Less than half (46%) of adults express a positive view of ageing and two in five

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This sentiment isn’t just found in the general populace, either. One of the most common barriers is a lack of confidence amongst sports and leisure facilities staff. Disabled and older people feel they don’t belong because the team at leisure centres and sports organisations don’t know how to work with or support them.

Pictures make barriers These barriers aren’t natural.

They occur because the visual media and the images we use to see ourselves and others make a big difference in how we think.

“WE WANT TO 18-34 year olds see older age as characterised by HELP CHANGE frailty, vulnerability and THIS NARRATIVE dependency.

This confusion often THROUGH THE leads to Disabled people PICTURE YOURSELF holding back from taking part.

ACTIVE PROJECT” Many tell us of their fear that they will lose access to benefits if they are seen being “too active” and don’t conform to the image society has in mind of what life is like for older and Disabled people. Too often, we decide not to get out and have fun because non-Disabled people might not understand it. disabilit yreviewmagazine.co.uk

INDEPENDENT LIVING

“THIS LIBRARY MUST EXIST TO CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES AND COMMUNICATE A MORE DIVERSE REPRESENTATION OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE OLDER AND DISABLED”

Sadly, they can often enshrine unconscious thoughts about what it means to be older and Disabled.

We want to help change this narrative through the Picture Yourself Active project. Too often, the images and media used to show Disabled people getting active shows them through a distorted viewpoint. We are either superhuman parathletes or objects of pity, nothing in between.

Not every Disabled person has to be a Paralympian to deserve praise, just as a Disabled person shouldn’t have to be seen as helpless to merit attention from the media.

We can all recall seeing the “hand on the shoulder” photo or images

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that only focus on those whose impairments are easily seen. There are also several commonly used negative and stereotypical depictions of getting older, such as the pictures of ‘wrinkly hands’ or the dominance of walking stick.

These stereotypes are not just offensive but indicate that Disabled people should be seen as a sort of sad spectacle. Images like these communicate the idea that we should feel grateful to get any chance to be active, rather than be people who are

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in control and able to direct our own lives. This only worsens as we get older, with ageism combined with disablism to suggest that our right to enjoy being active is an afterthought.

If providers can’t picture us correctly, how will they offer us the right services?

And if we don’t see ourselves accurately, how will we know what we deserve to enjoy?

Change is coming?

We think that the Picture Yourself Active campaign is a really strong starting point.

Together with the Centre for Ageing Better, we are taking big steps to address the imbalance of imagery. In making them free and publicly available, we hope that everyone will be able to take a minute, pause and reflect on your choice of images to depict older and Disabled people.

This library must exist to challenge stereotypes and communicate a more diverse representation of what it means to be older and Disabled.

We made sure that all our images are honest about our community. We worked with Disabled people to design the brief and create a list of dos and don’ts for the photographers to follow so they could be confident in their work.

Our images capture the reality of getting active, and we hope they leave Disabled people feeling empowered and optimistic about how they’re portrayed.

We have seen positive change around us over the last few years. We want our project to push this forward.

We want to see organisations take on the learning and advice that this work has provided to ensure that the lives of older Disabled people are no longer reduced to lazy stereotypes.

Author: Mikey Erhardt, Communications Officer, Get Yourself Active Campaign, Disability Rights UK Website: disabilityrightsuk.org Facebook: @disabilityrightsuk Twitter: @DisRightsUK

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We We all all welcome welcome a a little little extra extra assistance assistance now now and and again, particularly when travelling alone.

Thistle again, particularly when travelling alone. Thistle Assistance Assistance is is an an initiative initiative to to help help you you feel feel safer safer and more comfortable when using public transport. and more comfortable when using public transport.

thistleassistance.com thistleassistance.com

ADVERTORIAL D R M

RELIEVE TRAVEL ANXIETY The Thistle Assistance is all about helping to relieve travel anxiety, we want people to feel confident when using all forms of public transport across Scotland.

OUR research has highlighted that there is a need to improve the door to door journey for people with mobility challenges allowing them to access the public transport network more easily and with confidence – combining journey planning, wayfinding, and disability awareness into one easy to use and versatile platform. The platform would deliver in two key areas which respond to passengers needs as identified by the Campaign for Better Transport 1 disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

The South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) & Sentireal 2 are excited to announce a project that will look to meet this challenge, Thistle Assistance VoyagAR. Tom Houston CEO of Sentireal says: “Sentireal are absolutely delighted to be awarded the contract to deliver Thistle Assistance VoyagAR. Being part of the solution to help the most vulnerable in our community gain independence in travel is both a professional and personal win. We look forward to working with the team at SEStran to deliver a world class application. Financially this is a significant contract and further validation of our investment in local talent in software development, web development, content creation, and Artificial Intelligence.

VoyagAR will be the first wayfinding application to consider the individual needs of the user and create a journey most suitable to their circumstances. We will be reaching

out to charities and community groups to gain input and guidance as we move forward with development.”

The Thistle Assistance Programme is a key component of transport strategy in Scotland and delivers on the Scottish Governments ambition to have an inclusive and accessible transport system. People rely on public transport to access jobs, services, facilities, family, and friends.

While many of the barriers identified by disabled people and non-disabled people in undertaking journeys are the same, the impact can be different 3.

Jim Grieve SEStran Partnership Director says: “If we want people to make different travel choices, we must think more clearly about their whole journey, how each part of it connects, and how we can better integrate those parts. This applies to all citizens but is perhaps even more relevant to those members of our communities that have a disability.”

SEStran and the other 6 Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs), Scottish Enterprise, Disability Equality Scotland, Transport Scotland and Transport Operators are all working towards this ambition.

T h i s t l e As s i s ta n c e Voya g AR i s b e i n g f u n d e d by t h e S cot t i s h Ente r p r i s e Ca n D o I n n ova t i o n f u n d , s o, w h et h e r yo u a re p o p p i n g to t h e s h o p s , g o i n g to s e e a f r i e n d , o r t ra ve l l i n g s o m ew h e re fa ra wa y t h e T h i s t l e A s s i s ta n ce Pro g ra m m e i s a l wa ys t h e re to h e l p! B e ca u s e “A L i t t l e H e l p G o e s A l o n g wa y.” To f i n d o u t m o re v i s i t: t h i s t l e a s s i s ta n c e.c o m

REFERENCE: 1

Transport Research Laboratory

(2011) – Door to Door Journeys www. bettertransport.org.uk/files/door-todoor-journeys-full-report.pdf 2

https://www.sentireal.com/

3

https://assets.publishing.service.

gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/file/706248/ accessibility-action-plan.pdf

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ADVERTORIAL

Innovations in wheelchair VIBRATION DAMPENING Jordan Davies (BSc, IPEM), Rehabilitation Engineer at Wheelfreedom, brings us an extract from their CPD accredited course: Innovations in Wheeled Mobility and Seating.

W hen walking, a large percentage of the ground

reaction force or vibration is lost or absorbed before it can be transmitted beyond the thighs. When using a wheelchair, being in a seated position to move can mean increased vibration through the legs and upper body, and often for a prolonged period of time.

RESNA describes wheelchair users as “particularly at risk from whole body vibration”.

From a biomechanics perspective, it is ideal for vibration to be redirected at the earliest stage, or as distally as possible.

for the inclusion of shock absorbers at the connection between the top frame and subframe.

Another noteworthy innovation in this area is the Loopwheel. Loopwheels chose to move away from the traditional central axle with spokes, instead crafting a trio of carbon loops with a moving hub that houses the axle pin. The elliptical carbon loops work in unison with the “floating” hub, allowing the wheels to act as springs and resulting in significantly reduced vibration transmission to the wheelchair user.

MEASURABLE BENEFITS

CONSEQUENCES OF OVER EXPOSURE TO VIBRATION

Increased exposure to whole body vibration has been shown to induce or exaggerate back pain, neck pain, fatigue, spasticity, and pressure injuries.

The consequences of these for daily life as a wheelchair user are a serious issue.

VIBRATION DAMPENING SOLUTIONS

REDUCING VIBRATION TRANSMISSION LOWERS PAIN AND FATIGUE, WHILST PROTECTING SKIN AND MUSCLE TISSUE INTEGRITY Jordan Davies (BSC IPEM), Rehabilitation Engineer at Wheelfreedom

Previously the industry has looked to reduce the vibration that reaches a wheelchair user’s body with cushions or in the material of the chair, favouring titanium and carbon over aluminium frames. As healthcare equipment becomes more sophisticated, solutions have come to market that redirect vibration earlier in transmission which results in reduced end transmission to the wheelchair user.

Ki Mobility released an active chair called the Ethos which has an interesting two-part frame that shows substantial reduction in vibration transmission to the occupant. The top part of the frame is in contact with the wheelchair user (backrest, seat, footplate) and the subframe houses the propulsion and caster wheels. The design of most active chairs links the casters to the footplates resulting in undesirable vibration transmission. Isolating the top frame means there is no transmission directly up through the feet and legs. This design also allows

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Reducing vibration transmission is not just about short-term benefits such as reducing pain and fatigue.

Technology now allows us to record real time numerical data so we can observe the true impact of improved designs. There is real potential for measurable long-term benefit in protection of both skin and muscle integrity.

WHEELFREEDOM’S ACCREDITED CPD COURSE

At Wheelfreedom, our accredited CPD course provides Occupational Therapists and other interested healthcare professionals a chance to learn about exciting new developments across the mobility and seating industry.

It’s a great opportunity to get hands on with a diverse range of equipment whilst receiving expert and impartial advice from our specialist team.

Unit 61, Barwell Business Park, Leatherhead Road Chessington, KT9 2NY tel: 0800 025 8005 email: enquiries@wheelfreedom.com website: wheelfreedom.com

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PRESCRIPTIVE MOBILITY SPECIALISTS Wheelfreedom are specialists in supplying prescriptive products for over 14 years. Products include:

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

Wheelchairs Powerchairs Paediatrics Specialist seating Power add-ons Mobility scooters

One-to-one assessments are held at their industry leading showroom in London to provide tailored solutions.

Services include pressure mapping, custom-made seating and special controls.

Wheelfreedom are CPD accredited to support health professionals and Occupational Therapists. Gain 3 CPD points as you learn about the latest innovations in Wheeled Mobility at their showroom in London.

0800 025 8005 | www.wheelfreedom.com | enquiries@wheelfreedom.com

ALL-ELECTRIC FIAT 500

AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME* ^These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The New Fiat 500 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. There is a new test for fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures. The electric range shown was achieved using the new test procedure. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

Spark something beautiful with the all-new all-electric Fiat 500.

With a range of up to 199 miles^ which can be extended up to 285 miles* during an urban cycle when used purely for city driving.

Get ready to experience a whole new way of driving, the new 500 offers a “Sherpa Mode,” which intuitively saves energy where necessary to get you to your destination without hiccups.

The Fiat 500 is available with Passive Entry and a Wearable Key, Attention Assist, Lane control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Connected services.

*Fiat 500e available on the Motability scheme. Advance payment costs will vary depending on model/version. 500e Action Electric 24kw 93hp (auto) available on the Motability scheme from Nil advance payment. Model shown: 500e La Prima Electric 42kw 118hp available on the Motability scheme from £1,495 Advance Payment.

Vehicles are only available through Motability-accredited participating Fiat Retailers and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Advance Payments are correct at time of publishing and are subject to orders being placed between 1st April to 30th June 2022. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time.

A Scheme that puts you in the driving seat.

And even two others.

With insurance for up to three drivers included, you don’t need to drive to join the Motability Scheme with Lookers.

Talk to us about your everyday freedom

Visit: lookers.co.uk/motability Over 120 Dealerships throughout the UK and 22 Manufacturers represented we are sure to have the perfect solution for all your mobility needs.

We’ve got dedicated parking you can reserve for your visit. Just let us know and we’ll save you a space right outside.

The Motability Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. The facilities offered are for the hire (bailment) of goods. You will not own the vehicle. Agreement subject to acceptance and age restrictions may apply. The agreement can be terminated early with the consent of Motability Operations Limited and administrative charges may be applicable. Mileage allowance of 20,000 miles per annum over three- or five-year terms. To qualify you must be in receipt of one of, the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly hire rental. Attendance Allowance is a nonqualifying allowance. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Lookers is a trading name of Lookers Motor Group Limited, 3 Etchells Road, West Timperley, Altrincham, WA14 5XS, registered in England & Wales Reg. No. 143470.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker, not a lender and can introduce you to a number of lenders. Introducing you to a number of lenders means we receive a commission. Lenders pay commission at different rates either as a fixed fee or as a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow.

The commission that we receive does not affect the amount that you pay to the lender under the credit agreement.

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

THE BIG DAY IS BACK FOR 2022!

Motability are excited to bringing back their showcase days, being held in Exeter, Harrogate and Edinburgh.

THE Motability Scheme is excited to announce its face-to-face events are back for 2022 with the return of regional One Big Days across the summer months. These events offer the perfect chance to find out everything you need to know about the Scheme, and see the latest range of products available, as well as having your questions answered by Scheme experts.

One Big Day will be heading to the fully accessible venues in Exeter, Harrogate and Edinburgh in July, August and September. At these events visitors can browse a wide range of vehicles available on the Motability Scheme including standard production cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and cars fitted with popular driving adaptations, along with powered wheelchairs and scooters.

Visitors will have the chance to speak to helpful Scheme advisors, including Scheme partners: RAC, RSA, and Kwik Fit. At all the events you will also have the chance to enjoy on-road test drives with both standard production and adapted cars.

THREE REASONS TO COME ALONG TO A ONE BIG DAY: New for 2022 - An Electric Vehicle Info Hub

There’s no need to book in advance.

On the day just simply head over to our friendly test drive team who will help you book your test drive – don’t forget to bring along your full UK driving license.

For anyone who wants to try out the latest scooters and powered wheelchairs available on the Scheme, there is an indoor test drive track at each event allowing visitors to test drive in a safe environment.

Family-friendly

All our events are family-friendly and children can meet the Scheme mascot, Billy the Bear, who is always happy to take selfies. There will also be a children’s play area as well as cafés, plenty of seating, and accessible toilet facilities.

Ear defenders are available on request at all the events, and a sensory room, providing a quiet space can be found at each venue.

Showcasing a selection of electric vehicles, home charging points from our charging partners Ohme and Easee, the latest charging app technology as well as a chance to speak to electric vehicle experts.

The Electric Vehicle Info Hub will help visitors discover how an electric vehicle may be right for them.

Test drives

To help you find the right car for your individual needs, test drives will be available with professional driving instructors in a variety of cars, including a range fitted with popular driving adaptations.

”TEST DRIVES WILL BE AVAILABLE WITH PROFESSIONAL DRIVING INSTRUCTORS.”

For more information about all the events and test drive T&Cs, visit motabilityonebigday.co.uk.

For the latest announcements visit the Motability Scheme Facebook page (facebook.com/motability) or the new @OneBigDay Twitter profile dedicated to the events (twitter.com/OneBigDay).

We b s i te: m ota b i l i t y.o r g.u k Tw i t te r: @ M ota b i l i t yO p s L i n ke d I n: @ M ota b i l i t y

All the events are free to attend, with free parking, and everyone is welcome! The One Big Day dates are: Saturday 23 July, One Big Day at Westpoint, Exeter Saturday 13 August, One Big Day at Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate Saturday 17 September, One Big Day at Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

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D R M T R AV E L A N D L E I S U R E

A PUSHCHAIR FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS CHANGING THE LIVES OF DISABLED PARENTS Working with the disabled community, Designability’s newest project is user-led, making life more independent for disabled parents.

products commercially available for a wheelchair-attachable pushchair, as it is deemed unviable for manufacturers and retailers.

Disabled parents have spoken about the emotional impact of being reliant on others to go out with their baby or toddler.

As we face the long-term consequences from the pandemic of increased isolation and mental health challenges, providing a solution that gives disabled parents independence to go out with their baby and toddler has never been more critical.

Designability’s research suggests that over 16,000 disabled parents every year could benefit. The charity will make the product available through a free loan scheme which they hope to launch by early 2023, so that disabled parents can benefit regardless of their personal financial situation.

With a fully-working prototype, the project team have undertaken user

DESIGNABILITY is a national charity perhaps best-known for its iconic red Wizzybug – a powered wheelchair provided free of charge to young disabled children throughout the UK. Through the free Wizzybug Loan Scheme Designability has helped over 1,000 children and their families, providing opportunities for independence, exploration and adventure from a very young age.

Inspired by the successful loan scheme model, the charity is looking to expand its support in the realm of family mobility – a wheelchairattachable pushchair.

The ‘Pushchair for Wheelchair Users’ project, will see the creation of a pushchair which can be easily attached to a manual wheelchair, providing opportunities for independence for the estimated 16,000+ disabled parents who could benefit.

The need Parents who use manual wheelchairs have very few options when it comes to taking their children out and about independently. Whilst some use slings or other carriers, parents report that these are often uncomfortable and don’t feel safe. Yet there are no

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testing trials with disabled people from across the UK. The feedback and views of participants have helped to inform the finalised design which is anticipated this summer.

Matthew Ford, Head of Design and Engineering, explained, “We follow a user-centred design process which means that we listen to disabled people in our design work, so we have been working closely with parents (and prospective parents) who are manual wheelchair users.

“Their initial feedback helped us to design the first iteration of the prototype and now their valuable input and insights have helped to inform the final design.

“The importance of working closely with disabled people throughout this process can’t be understated. It is core to our ethos that we create products that disabled people want to use and involving them at an early stage of the design process, and throughout, is an integral part of our approach.

“The most exciting part of this project though is the positive impact it will have on families across the country. To be able to provide the opportunity for disabled parents to take their children out independently is the motivation behind our work.

It’s a simple pleasure for non-disabled parents and something that every disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

“THE MOST EXCITING PART OF THIS PROJECT THOUGH IS THE POSITIVE IMPACT IT WILL HAVE ON FAMILIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.” parent should be able to do.

“By removing the barriers to disability we help to create a more equal society where disabled people are given the same opportunities as non-disabled people which is something we should all be striving for.”

Lynn’s story Lynn Broughton from Wiltshire has been helping Designability with the usertesting phase of the project.

As a manual wheelchair user and a parent, she knows all too well the struggle that disabled parents can face.

“As a manual wheelchair user trying to push my chair and transport my children has been a challenge!

“I have had to master pushing my

wheelchair with one hand whilst pushing a pushchair with the other. I can only manage this on very smooth flat level surfaces, so cannot take my little one out independently.

“It is also exhausting and requires a lot of core strength! This often means I can’t go out without my husband or PA which is very restrictive and means we spend a lot more time at home.

During lockdown in 2020 I couldn’t get out for walks as my husband was working and I couldn’t manage to push my son’s pushchair along the cambered and uneven pavements outside. We had to stay in and just look at the lovely sunny weather out of the window.

“I scoured the market when I first became a parent for any wheelchair attachable seat or pushchair, but found nothing except items that people had made as part of a research project that were not commercially available.

“Having a wheelchair-attachable buggy would allow me independence to take my son out. It would open up the world again to allow me to go off with my son with confidence. A good wheelchair attachable buggy would be life changing for me and allow me and my son some freedom.

“It seems like the world doesn’t expect disabled people to be parents and have the same needs as other parents do.

It makes me feel like society does not think someone with a disability can be a parent. Our needs are just not thought about and not seen as profitable so not important.

“Designability’s product would allow me to take my son out for a walk, which is the simplest thing most parents do with their babies. It would allow me the freedom to go out independently with my son without worrying whether I will manage.”

Website: designability.org.uk Twitter: @DesignabilityUK Facebook: DesignabilityUK Instagram: @DesignabilityUK

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D R M DISABILIT Y SPORT

INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL COMING YOUR WAY DRM spoke to Baroness Sue Campbell about how the Football Your Way campaign in encouraging disabled people to come back to the sport, their way.

With such a challenging time for many sports, how has the pandemic impacted disabled football, from grassroots to the elite players?

I think it is pretty common knowledge the pandemic has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities, on [their] confidence to go out and their vulnerability in terms of getting covid. We have seen a drop off in participation, which is now recovering, but there is still a lot of work to do to get back to where we were. In terms of the Talent Pathway, there has not been as

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dramatic an impact, simply because those are committed individuals, but we weren’t able to access them as regularly. And then for our national teams, a lot of camps that should’ve happened at St George’s Park didn’t happen because of Covid.

It also gave us a really good time to take a solid look at our own strategy and think through what we were doing, whether it was good enough, and what more we could do. We had the campaign Football Your Way, which was our way to try and get people to start thinking about coming back after Covid and encouraging them to think about getting out, being active and getting involved again.

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DISABILIT Y SPORT D R M

We had the campaign Football Your Way, which was our way to try and get people to start thinking about coming back after Covid and encouraging them to think about getting out, being active and getting involved again. And then we have developed a strategy; our passionate belief is that some people will want to compete, some people will want to become national players, but there are an awful lot of people that will want to play recreationally, play for friendship, play for social reasons, and we want to make sure that we are getting both right.

To encourage disabled people back into sport and football, England Football has launched the Football Your Way campaign, which you mentioned above, can you tell us a little bit more about what the campaign is and who it will impact?

I think conscious of the fact that we have seen this drop-off, we felt it was really important to make the point that football could be played for friendship, for fun, socially, even on your own.

It didn’t necessarily mean you had to go back and join a team if you weren’t feeling confident about going out or going somewhere.

Therefore the campaign is for every disabled person, wherever you are at, and wherever you wish to go with football.

It’s a really simple campaign, which achieved second place in the UEFA Awards. We were really pleased, and it had a really positive impact in terms of encouraging people to get the football out again and start to play.

create activity in your own home.

We all know that [physical activity] has a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. Getting active is a really good way to tackle anxiety and if your fear is of meeting others or going on public transport, then start really simply. Things are getting easier, but some of those anxieties are deep seated in people now and we have to be conscious of that and be very patient with people, and very supportive. We are not expecting you to go leaping about with lots of people in a strange environment; but rather that football can help you regain that feeling of self esteem that comes with confidence, all of those things have been hit badly by Covid pandemic.

“WE HAD THE CAMPAIGN FOOTBALL YOUR WAY, WHICH WAS OUR WAY TO TRY AND GET PEOPLE TO START THINKING ABOUT COMING BACK AFTER COVID.”

“EVERY YOUNG PERSON, WHETHER THAT IS A YOUNG GIRL, SOMEONE WITH A DISABILITY, OR SOMEONE FROM A DIFFERENT CULTURE, SHOULD BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY.” For us, football is probably one of the simplest sports to play, both on your own and with others. All you need is a ball, there’s not masses of equipment. Unless, of course, you are going to play seriously, you will want football boots and shin guards and all [the equipment]. But if all you want to do is go out into the back garden with a ball and just have some fun, that’s not difficult to do. That is the great beauty of the game really, it can be really simple.

With 78% of disabled people feeling worried and 42% of people with a health condition reporting high levels of anxiety about Covid-19, how does the Football Your Way Hub build confidence in those that do have worries still about the pandemic, to get out there and play football?

We are not saying you have to leave your home or you’ve got to go on public transport, a couple of things people are frightened of or anxious about, to enjoy the game. You can literally go into your back garden and disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

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D R M DISABILIT Y SPORT

As an advocate for disabled sport, what drives you to make positive and inclusive change for disabled people in sport, and particularly football?

In this country football is the national game. It has massive exposure on television; we have massive opportunities to play. Every young person, whether that is a young girl, someone with a disability, or someone from a different culture, should be given an opportunity to play and to feel the huge pride that we have in our national teams.

I am driven by the belief that this is our national game and we want to make it as accessible as possible, to understand different motivations to play or to watch. You might be an elite athlete that wants to be at the very top of their game or you might just want to play recreationally and that is all you want to do— meet your friends, have a nice social time and play some football.

Our job as the FA is to make sure that all of those opportunities are there, so that whatever motivates you, there is a place you can go to play or there is a

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group you can go and join.

A lot of the work is making sure the providers are thinking about accessibility, thinking about being welcoming. You have got to make people feel like they belong. Whatever the disability we want to give you an opportunity, it doesn’t matter if it’s an invisible or visible disability, we want you to have the opportunity to play the game, watch the game, enjoy the game and be a part of it.

What do you hope the ongoing benefits will be for creating the Football Your Way campaign? And what do you envision for the future of disability inclusive sport?

A lot of pioneers in this area have done some good work, long before I started trying to get involved in this. This has given us a foundation. I hope that this strategy will truly embed football for all people, in our communities, in our clubs, in our society, and be a beacon for what is possible, not just in sport, but also in life. We shouldn’t see it as someone else’s problem or someone

else’s issue, it’s our problem, it’s our issue and we need to own it. We need to embrace it. We need to provide the opportunities for people to be involved.

By 2024, I hope we will have moved everything forward. We certainly won’t be at the end of the journey, we will very much still be in chapter one. But I hope that we can build on that, post 2024, and keep building till we have embedded this in a way where we don’t have to think about it anymore.

It would be great if in a few years time inclusive football is a natural part of what the Football Association does, and whether you want to be an elite player or recreational player, there is an opportunity for you— then we will think of the campaign as having been successful.

Website: englandfootball.com/play/ disability-football Twitter: @England Facebook: @EnglandTeam

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Removing catheters shouldn’t be

A significant proportion of men and women find themselves in a position of not being able to urinate normally. People with voiding problems frequently find themselves having to make use of a catheter to drain their bladder when it fills and thereby engaging in regular clean intermittent self-catheterisation.

The experience of performing self-catheterisation, while straightforward for some, can be both difficult and painful for others.1

of people using hydrophilic coated catheters had blood in their urine 3 Over the years, various strategies have been explored to reduce trauma to the urethra when catheterising. This has included applying a gel lubricant to an uncoated catheter4 and creating catheters with a hydrophilic coating5 which the majority of people who self-catheterise use today.

It has been demonstrated however that during withdrawal, hydrophilic coated catheters can stick to the lining of the urethra. This is because the hydrophilic coating transforms from being highly slippery when fully wet to being adhesive in nature when the coating begins to dry out. This effect has been proven to cause stickiness in the urethra which can lead to trauma or bleeding.6,7,8 Additionally, the coating on the hydrophilic coated catheters as well as the gel lubricant applied to uncoated catheters can leave behind residuals, making cathing messy and leaving the user feeling unclean.10

of users rated GentleCath™ Glide with FeelClean™ Technology better than their usual catheter for comfort 9

Introducing GentleCath™ Glide, GentleCath Air™ for Women and NEW for 2022, GentleCath Air™ for Men

You deserve more than sticky, uncomfortable and messy cathing.

No sticking, minimal mess and residue and game-changing relief.10 Request your FREE sample now – it’s time to feel the difference.

Visit www.gentlecath.com/uk or scan the QR code.

of CISC users experience pain either before or after CISC1

of study participants said “I have pain (the catheterisation is painful)”2 To address these issues, ConvaTec have launched the GentleCath™ range of catheters which incorporate pioneering FeelClean™ Technology.

GentleCath™ catheters with FeelClean™ Technology use a next generation material that is intrinsically slippery when wet but without the need for a coating. They have low levels of friction during insertion and do not become sticky when removed thereby reducing the risk of trauma or bleeding and the pain this can cause.10 Without a coating, GentleCath™ catheters create minimal mess and leave behind less residue than other catheters.10 So users can feel clean inside and out, all day.

SCAN HERE

Are you an intermittent catheter user?

Do you experience pain or discomfort?

1. Guinet-Lacoste A, Jousse M, Tan E, Caillebot M, Le Breton F, Amarenco G. Intermittent catheterization difficulty questionnaire (ICDQ): A new tool for the evaluation of patient difficulties with clean intermittent self-catheterization. Neurourol Urodyn. 2016 Jan;35(1):85-9. 2. Roberson D, Newman DK, Ziemba JB, Wein A, Stambakio H, Hamilton RG, Callender L, Holderbaum L, King T, Jackson A, Tran T, Lin G, Smith AL. Results of the patient report of intermittent catheterization experience (price) study. Neurourol Urodyn. 2021 Sep 13. 3. Rognoni C, Tarricone R. Intermittent catheterisation with hydrophilic and non-hydrophilic urinary catheters: systematic literature review and meta-analyses. BMC Urol. 2017 Jan 10;17(1):4. 4. Wyndaele JJ, Maes D. Clean intermittent self-catheterization: a 12-year followup. J Urol. 1990 May;143(5):906-8. 5. Waller L, Jonsson O, Norlén L, Sullivan L. Clean intermittent catheterization in spinal cord injury patients: long-term followup of a hydrophilic low friction technique. J Urol. 1995 Feb;153(2):345-8. 6. Fader M, Moore KN, Cottenden AM, Pettersson L, Brooks R, Malone-Lee J. Coated catheters for intermittent catheterization: smooth or sticky? BJU Int. 2001 Sep;88(4):373-7. 7. Bager K and Thingbak FSW (Coloplast). A urinary catheter. (WIPO (PCT) Patent No. WO2020160738). World Intellectual Property Organization 2020. 8. Lundgren J, Bengtsson O, Israelsson A, Jönsson AC, Lindh AS, Utas J. The importance of osmolality for intermittent catheterization of the urethra. Spinal Cord. 2000 Jan;38(1):45-50. 9. A Multi-Centre Clinical Investigation to Assess the Performance of GentleCathTM Glide Intermittent Catheters. Study U378 GentleCathTM Glide Final Report. July 2018. Data on File. ConvaTec Inc. 10. In Vitro data on file, WHR 16933 TA 1369 AP-034657-GB ©2022 ConvaTec. ®/™ indicate trademarks of the ConvaTec group of companies.

D R M DISABILIT Y SPORT

FOOTBALL ROLE MODELS HITTING THE BACK OF THE NET DRM spoke to Deaf football players, Emma Brown and Zara Musker, about what it is like to be on the England Women’s Deaf Football team…

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DISABILITY SPORT D R M

Zara started her football career in the hearing world.

Now training to become an audiologist, Zara shares with us her football journey…

Can you tell us about your journey to football? What is it about football that you love so much?

I never looked at my hearing loss as anything different to anyone else. I went to all the mainstream schools and mainstream college. I’ve played in the highest level of mainstream girls football. I never knew the Deaf team existed… to be honest, I never knew another Deaf person until I stepped foot into St George’s Park, it was a completely new world to me.

In terms of playing, I started with my friends and it quickly became bigger and bigger and before I knew it I was playing at the highest level of hearing women’s football. We were training three times a week and playing at the weekends. I didn’t want to join [the Deaf team] at the beginning because my hearing loss doesn’t define me and I thought why would I go into a team that segregates other people. It was a rough couple of years. But, I just loved football. I remember kicking a ball and thinking, this is me.

world and away from here I don’t sign. But the team has changed my perspective on so many things and opened so many doors for me.

I think there is so much scope out there— so many kids, that if given the opportunity to do this, they would give their right arm for it.

With Rose Ayling-Ellis winning Strictly Come Dancing last year, there has been a massive raising of awareness of Deaf lived experience, how do you think Deaf women’s football can continue to raise awareness in the wider community?

Social media for Deaf women’s football is massive, and we are still trying to get the message out that there are teams within the FA that people can come and play for.

You can represent your country— I’ve got 4 England caps at home! I just want to raise awareness and just give people the chances and confidence coming up. I didn’t have role models, but they are needed.

I think it is going to impact massively and we needed something like what happened to Rose. It was only a matter of time before someone like Rose would step up on social media and say it is okay to be Deaf or hard of hearing.

What’s it been like to be a part of the Great Britain Deaf Women’s Football Team and what are your dreams for the future with football?

I was at Blackburn Rovers, and I still remember the day that one of the coaches at Blackburn said, “why don’t you give the Deaf team a try?”

The coach told me that I should take this opportunity, that there is so much out there for me. And at the end of the day this team has changed my life, my best mates are in this squad, I’ve made friends for life.

We went to Bulgaria in 2014 and we got bronze. It was the best two weeks of my life. I think it just changed my whole perspective on everything, society, the way that Deaf people get treated, hearing loss.

The rest of my life is in the hearing

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“I REMEMBER KICKING A BALL AND THINKING, THIS IS ME.” Above: Left, Emma Brown | Right, Zara Musker

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D R M DISABILIT Y SPORT

Emma is a senior player on the leadership team. Here she tells us about her journey, her dreams and goals…

Can you tell us about your journey to football? What is it about football that you love so much?

It started when I was 14 years old and the Manchester United Foundation came to my school, they were encouraging girls football.

I heard about trials at Manchester United, so I went, and I was lucky I got chosen for this squad. The only issue I had was communication, it was a struggle, but at the club they had a disability coach. They were spreading awareness with the coaches about how to communicate with Deaf people.

Whilst at the club the disability coach told me there was an England Deaf Woman’s Squad. I never knew there was an England Deaf squad and there were trials coming up. It’s a dream to wear that three lion shirt.

My mum drove me from Manchester all the way to Swindon. I had my trial and it was nerve wracking. I’ve been brought up in the hearing world, so speaking is my first language, and at the trial it was so different— everyone was signing to each other. The trial went well and I got a letter saying I had been accepted for the training camp. I couldn’t believe it!

I have been involved with the England team for 12 years now. I’ve played in multiple championships, including world championships, qualifiers, two Deaf Olympics… but to get this far I couldn’t have done it without my mum. My role model is my mum. She was a single parent and sacrificed so much for me.

a local club, and for my club I have been posting on instagram stories, saying I have gone through training camps and everyone got excited. There was this Deaf girl playing at my club who is under 13 and I thought, I have to meet this girl and be a role model.

What the FA have done is start a talent camp, and this is spreading the word. We have so many young players coming into the squad, which is brilliant. I often think, where are these players coming from.

There is talent out there, we just need to spread the word, spread the awareness and push it on social media where someone will see it. Giving them an opportunity, to go from talent camp to the senior squad.

What are your football goals Emma?

It is about grabbing every opportunity that you can. It means so much to wear that Three Lions shirt. My goal is to get as many caps as I want and play as many tournaments as I can, because there comes a point where your body can’t take anymore, so just grab every opportunity.

My next goal is the Euro Football Championship this year, we are preparing for that. Then the World Cup next year… I’m not getting any younger now, so I’m just taking every chance I get to collect more caps and that one day we get a gold medal.

Emma, as a senior player and part of the leadership team, how do you see your role in the team and the sport? What legacy do you hope to leave behind for the Great Britain Deaf Women’s Football Team?

I just want to be out there to spread the awareness. I live in Kent now and I play for

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DISABILITY SPORT D R M

THE COACHES: We asked the England Women’s Deaf team Head Coach Samantha Leigh and Assistant Coach Lauren Asquith a couple of questions…

Samantha, where would you like to see Women’s Deaf football go in the future?

I would like to see the deaf football exposure increased, so more are aware of what is available and for the support provided to continue to grow and develop. The support the FA are providing is fantastic and we will aim to reward that support in competition.

Possibilities to move into the Paralympics and for the pathway to run alongside and with all sporting pathways would be the step in the right direction and can’t wait to see where deaf football is in the next few years.

“IT MEANS SO MUCH TO WEAR THAT THREE LIONS SHIRT.”

Lauren, what is the most rewarding aspect of coaching these women?

Seeing the players develop is probably the most rewarding element of any coaching, that along with seeing players progress within the pathway and bring their own unique side to the squad. I’m very lucky to have worked across the FA Para Talent Pathway I’ve seen some of our players grow up and turn into amazing women on and off the field.

Witnessing someone achieve their dream is also special. Every little girl who loves football aspires to be a Lioness.

Website: englandfootball.com Twitter: @EnglandFootball Instagram: @EnglandFootball

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DISABILITY SPORT D R M

THE SPORTING CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE THIS SUMMER Sport has never been more important, for both physical and mental health, and wellbeing. Michael Erhardt, from Disability Rights UK, takes us through the impact of the pandemic on disability sport.

SINCE March 2020, everyone has been impacted by drastic political, social, and economic changes due to domestic and international responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These changes often negatively impacted the lives of Disabled people, putting them at risk and isolating them from their communities.

Sadly, the negative impacts of the pandemic on Disabled people’s sport and physical activity are still being felt.

Having the opportunity to get active in a way that suits us is a right that every Disabled person has. Our right to enjoy sport and physical exercise shouldn’t be an afterthought or treated as a “bonus” to the battles for equality we are fighting in other areas.

If we change the world of sport and physical activity, we change lives for the better.

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

More important than ever

Before the pandemic, the activity gap (the difference in the number of people who describe themselves as physically active) between Disabled people and nonDisabled people had started to narrow. The sports sector was making little, but steady progress by working in more inclusive ways.

The Active Lives survey found that before the onset of Covid, the number of Disabled people who said they were physically inactive had fallen to 34%, down from 41% the year before.

Bringing this number down is a key concern of our work at Get Yourself Active. As a National Partner of Sport England, we deliver award money from the Together Fund to Disabled People’s User Led Organisations (DPULOs) and local, communitybased organisations.

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D R M DISABILIT Y SPORT

levels. The latest Active Lives Adult Survey shows dramatic and worrying results. The report shows us that a significant number of Disabled people are not getting active, and the deficit between activity levels of Disabled and non-disabled people continues to widen.

Rethinking “Being Active”

We are keen to ensure that everyone can get active in a way that suits them. And we know how barriers to participation intersect with impairment, religion, race, gender identity, and class. We understand how important local and grassroots organisations are in redressing the imbalance.

We know that these are often run by the goodwill and dedication of local volunteers and the passion of committed community leaders.

We want to support them with the Together Fund.

The urgency of the current moment can be seen in the updating of the United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers’ (CMO) physical activity guidelines. These new guidelines provided physical activity recommendations for Disabled children and young adults.

Physical activity guidelines are a key element of any public health strategy. They are a necessary knowledge resource, and they can be used to guide national goal-setting.

Guidelines also crucially inform policy development. Together, all of these should help the public be physically active and improve health.

However, guidelines alone won’t enable Disabled children and young people to enjoy regular physical activity.

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“HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET ACTIVE IN A WAY THAT SUITS US IS A RIGHT THAT EVERY DISABLED PERSON HAS” More change is needed across the sector, so everyone can be active and have fun in the ways they want.

The longtail of the pandemic

As Disabled people search for places to get active safely this summer, many of us will be drawn to organisations and events outdoors.

Whilst being outdoors might be safer from a Covid perspective, outdoor spaces are not accessible to everyone.

We see many barriers, such as a lack of accessible toilets in parks, locked gates, and even areas that people cannot pass through using a mobility scooter.

Some people have lost support networks around getting active or find public transport feels unsafe. It’s not necessarily the inaccessible activity itself but the ‘ecosystem’ that surrounds it. The networks people had had have eroded away for many.

These issues are all backed up by research into Disabled people’s activity

The problem of the activity gap is not Disabled people’s to own. The world around us needs to change quickly.

The sports sector needs to change how they work, to co-produce with Disabled people to work together to reach a collective result.

A redistribution of power between users and providers could help attention focus not on what society feels Disabled people should do, but on what we want to do and what needs to be done to achieve that instead.

With so many barriers still in place, new guidelines need to be the marker of a fresh start. We need many changes to make these recommendations a reality across the country.

That change includes more inclusive environments and better spaces to be active in. We need more high-quality activities and cheaper equipment.

Ultimately, we need more staff who are confident in working with Disabled people. We need better trained social care, health, and education professionals to help promote physical activity with and to Disabled children and young people.

Disabled people have a right to get active. We want everyone to have the chance to feel good and have fun wherever we are and whatever our situation. Now is the time to see that become a reality.

Au t h o r: M i key E r h a r d t, C o m m u n i ca t i o n s O f f i c e r, G et You r s e l f Act ive C a m pa i g n, D i s a b i l i t y R i g h t s UK We b s i te: d i s a b i l i t y r i g h t s u k .o r g Tw i t te r: @ D i s R i g h t s UK Fa ce b oo k: @ d i s a b i l i t y r i g h t s u k

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These courses have varying routes to qualification including online assessment and portfolio, evidence based assessments.

TSS offers qualifications/courses in : English language (incl. functional skills) Maths (incl. functional skills) ICT (incl functional skills) Travel and Tourism (level 1,2,3) Sports and Coaching (level1,2,3) Business studies (level 1,2) Graphic Design (level1,2,3) Early Years Education (level 2,3) Support for Teaching and Learning (level 2,3,4) **We also deliver online GCSE and A-Levels**

All our courses are delivered live and online, by our experienced UK qualified and registered teachers

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DISABILITY SPORT D R M

FRIENDSHIP AND HEALTH THROUGH SPORT HAVE YOU CONSIDERED GOLF?

EDGA shares with us the social and mental health benefits of playing golf…

can work wonders, enjoyed in multiple formats (from simple putting or rolling a ball in rehab, to playing a few holes, or 18 holes), the choice is yours.

DURING the last few years, golf has been seen increasingly as inclusive and accessible, which has led to a recent growth in participation.

It is a true family game and people with all levels of health and disability can play together, made uniquely possible by the stationary ball, handicap system and players can easily choose how far to take the sport.

Golf’s ‘green spaces’, the social interaction and all the clear health benefits promote wellbeing and a sense of independence.

For these reasons people are increasingly checking out EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) and approaching more golf venues across the 34 nations in EDGA’s membership.

Whether in rehabilitation, or after a diagnosis, golf as an early intervention

Mental health

Welshman Mike Jones lost his leg in a motorbike smash and was severely depressed during his recovery on the ward. All that changed when he saw a video on YouTube of a fellow amputee playing off one leg.

Mike said: “I was obsessed with playing again. I really don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t had golf as a focus, it literally saved my life.”

Inclusion

Aimi Bullock was a busy accountant and cyclist when she received her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis just before her 40th birthday. Aimi chose golf as a new focus. She has competed

and won trophies at an international level and was selected to be an ‘EDGA Advocate’ (a volunteer recruiting others to join the game), before recently joining EDGA’s Board of Directors.

Aimi said: “So many of our players say golf is a lifesaver and it really is. I can compete, but also I love the camaraderie and I feel completely included.”

Friendship

Gavin Burden from Salisbury has suffered 75% sight loss since his early twenties. One day, a friendly bus depot manager offered to get him started at the local club.

Gavin says: “Golf has been absolutely fantastic for me. It’s wonderful to be out in the fresh air, enjoying great company, and able to compete. I love being part of a group of friends. Playing golf makes me feel so alive and is actually essential to my health and well-being.”

‘Golf is my medication’

Soldier Stewart Harris suffered severe injury to his brain and later PTSD when his Land Rover got blown up by a bomb in Afghanistan. One day a friend said, “Does anyone want to come golfing?”

“Golf is my medication… I am a healthier person for it… but it is also social,” he says.

“IT’S WONDERFUL TO BE OUT IN THE FRESH AIR, ENJOYING GREAT COMPANY”

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

Author: Ben Evans Website: edgagolf.com YouTube: edgagolf.tv Instagram: instagram.com/edga_golf

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6 D R M H E A LT H Y E AT I N G

PIQUANTÉ PEPPER PIZZA SO FRESH! Pizza is so easy to make and is the perfect sharing platter with friends. Feel free to add any extra ingredients you have on hand, or even swap out the base for a sourdough or gluten-free option.

INGREDIENTS: Store bought pizza base 10” 1 tbsp Tomato paste 1 small red onion, sliced 17g Italian Pepperoni 4g Baby Leaf Spinach 82g Mozzarella Cheese 31g Sweet Piquanté Peppers Sprinkling of Italian Herbs

METHOD:

1.

Prepare the ingredients by slicing the onion, quartering the sweet piquanté peppers and tearing up the mozzarella

2.

Lay out the pizza base and using a spoon, smooth the tomato paste over the base, add a sprinkling of Italian herbs over the tomato paste.

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3.

Place the torn mozzarella over the base and top with the Italian pepperoni, sliced onion and the sweet piquanté peppers.

4.

5.

Bake at 180c for 20 minutes

Remove from oven, cut into sections with a pizza slice, and top with some fresh baby leaf spinach

What to have with your pizza: Consider popping some delicious garlic bread into the oven, alongside the pizza. Or throw together a quick, simple side salad with mixed leaves, some cherry tomatoes, olives and a drizzle of olive oil to dress.

Enjoy!

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56 H E A LT H Y E AT I N G D R M

QUICK AND SIMPLE ETON MESS Nothing says summer dessert like an Eton Mess, and this version is so easy to make!

INGREDIENTS: 150g Strawberries 1 Kiwi fruit 2 tbsp double cream 2 tbsp icing sugar 1 ready made meringue

METHOD:

1.

Wash the strawberries and cut them into quarters. Add half the strawberries into a small saucepan with the sugar and simmer until the strawberries are coated in the syrup.

Take saucepan of the stove and let the strawberries cool

2.

Peel and slice the kiwi into quarters

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

3.

4.

Crush the meringue into pieces

Fold the double cream into the strawberries and syrup.

Stack the layers of fruit, meringue and cream into a bowl or glass

Alternatives: If you are not a fan of kiwi fruit or strawberries, you can easily switch these out for other fruits, berries, and treats, for example, pomegranates and tangerine slices, or banana slices and curls of chocolate.

Enjoy!

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D R M NEWS

BLOSSOM & BEST - BREAKING GROUND ON ACCESSIBLE CLOTHING We had a chat with Blossom & Best founder, Michelle Best…

You are the founder of Blossom & Best, a disability friendly clothing company for disabled children, can you tell us why you started the company?

I’m Michelle and I’m a 30 year old a mum of two— a daughter and a son, who are 8 and 6. My daughter is autistic and is the inspiration behind Blossom and Best.

I founded Blossom & Best in 2019.

It started off as a standard clothing company, but quickly turned it into a business that makes disability friendly clothing.

Can you tell us about the Blossom & Best ‘Magic Pants’?

Magic Pants were primarily designed and made for my daughter. When I realized how well they worked, I then reached out to other parents to trial them with their children. Magic Pants work because they look and feel like standard pants. When a child gets to a certain age they understand that their friends don’t wear nappies, magic pants are a discreet option that also provides many emotional and mental wellbeing benefits.

As a mum of an Autistic daughter, how have you seen your ‘magic pants’ impact her self esteem and confidence?

Her confidence and self esteem has greatly improved she loves the discreet

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option which has been amazing during school especially as she grows older around other children.

and new opportunities, they also helped me get through a major spinal operation in September,

Has your experience as a mental health care worker impacted the work that you do now to bring dignity and confidence to disabled children?

We also love your commitment to sustainability, how are you making sure that your products are just not increasing confidence and inclusion of disabled children, but also helping the environment?

Yes, I learnt a lot in my few months as a mental health worker. I don’t just make products, I make my products to help physically and emotionally for each of my customers. I am disabled myself and suffer with 2 rare spinal conditions, and I have Fowlers Syndrome.

“SINCE WINNING I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GROW BLOSSOM & BEST MASSIVELY.” You are one of 64 people awarded The Young Innovators’ Award 2020/21, how has this award allowed you to expand and grow the business?

Winning was amazing! Since winning I have been able to grow Blossom & Best massively. I am now working with the NHS, launching a website and look at manufacturing, and so much more.

The networking and support they gave has been invaluable and they helped me navigate business networking, meetings,

I only use certified fabrics and organic fabrics. I also will be manufacturing within the UK, all fabrics are supplied within the UK too. I only make reusable products, many of which can be washed and dried at home on a lower temperature setting.

Give us a sneak peek into the future, what are your plans for Blossom & Best 2022 onwards?

2022 is going to be jam packed with new products, working with the NHS, manufacturing and selling products. I am also looking to grow and open my own warehouse. I am also developing a neurodiverse employment programme that will begin when I start hiring people.

Where can we find you?

You can find out more about Blossom & Best at our website, blossomandbest.com.

Why not follow us on Facebook and Instagram - @blossomandbest disabilit yreviewmagazine.co.uk

An Independent Expert Prosthetic Provider Need a second opinion or help with a prosthetic issue? Limb Solutions’ prosthetist, Ian Jones, has more than 20 years’ experience in prosthetics, much of that working with military amputees. He has also led the service at DMRC Headley Court.

Ian can travel to your home or you can attend our family-run Hampshire clinic on a one-to-one basis.

We offer a professional and flexible service at realistic costs, and because we are not linked to a single manufacturer, our advice is wholly independent.

We are a provider of sports and elite products. Our aim is to provide a one-to-one quality and bespoke prosthetic service. We value people as individuals and build a friendly and trusting relationship with our customers.

We also offer expert witness reports and NHS clinical support. So contact us today to discuss any specific worries or requirements you may have and benefit from our: • 20 years’ experience in prosthetics • Lead prosthetist at DMRC Headley Court • Family-run practice • Flexible approach • Completely independent advice • Realistic costs • Sports and elite products We are proud to have received a highly commended award from BHTA.

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DRM

ADVERTORIAL

DISABLED PERSONS TRUSTS – MANAGING FINANCES WITHOUT IMPACTING MEANS TESTED BENEFITS A Disabled Persons Trust or Section 89 Trust (the Trust) is a way of managing assets for a disabled person. In simple terms, a trust is a wrapper for assets which are held by one or more people (the Trustees) for the benefit of others (the Beneficiaries).

However, the assets in a disabled persons trust can, in general, only be used to benefit the disabled person whilst the disabled person is alive. The key benefits of this type of Trust are that they receive beneficial tax treatment for income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax purposes. The Trust allows the disabled person to get a real benefit from funds held in the Trust, whilst also still accessing means tested benefits.

It might not seem politically correct these days to use the term “disabled person”, but that is the term that is used in the legislation itself. The legislation defines “disabled person” for the purposes of this type of Trust, as anyone who is in receipt of the following:-

Armed Forces Independence Payment Attendance Allowance Child Disability Payment Constant Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance for adults or Disability Living Allowance for children (either the care component at the highest or middle rate, or the mobility component at the higher rate) Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Personal Independence Payment

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“THE TRUST CAN BE SET UP

BY THE DISABLED PERSON FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT, PROVIDED THAT WHEN THE TRUST IS CREATED, THEY REASONABLY EXPECT TO QUALIFY AS A DISABLED PERSON UNDER THE LEGISLATION.” Or, is incapable of administering or managing their property or affairs because of a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983.

If you are a disabled person as defined above, or are a family member or carer

of a disabled person, this type of Trust is a great way of ensuring needs are met without impacting benefit payments or the support from local authorities. Assets held within the Trust can be used for the benefit of the disabled person without being included in any assessment for benefits or similar. For income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax purposes, the assets are usually taxed at a much lower rate than standard trusts.

The Trust can allow the disabled person to be financially independent by having access to their own funds without needing to limit their assets below certain levels so as to not lose access to their benefits. The Trust is also a useful tool for family and friends to provide for a disabled person during their lifetime or on their death by incorporating the Trust into their Will, again without impacting access to certain benefits for the disabled person.

The Trust can be set up by the disabled person for their own benefit, provided that when the Trust is created, they reasonably expect to qualify as a disabled person under the legislation. For example, if they have been diagnosed with a degenerative disease or if they are suffering from a mental illness which is preventing them at times from managing their own affairs.

Gifts into the Trust by a loved one are not immediately chargeable to inheritance tax, unlike other trusts, but are considered potentially exempt transfers (PETs). Provided the gift into the Trust is survived by 7 years, there will be no inheritance tax to pay.

This is a niche area of law but could be invaluable to you or a loved one. It is important to obtain the appropriate advice as to whether this type of trust is suitable, and Wrigley’s can help steer you in the right direction as we have a wealth of experience and expertise in advising disabled and vulnerable clients and their families.

Au t h o r: D a n i e l C o o i l Em a i l: D a n i e l .C o o i l @ w r i g l eys .c o.u k We b s i te: w r i g l eys .c o.u k

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Wrigleys Wrigleys Solicitors Solicitors can canhelp helpyou youand andyour yourfamily family plan plan for forthe thefuture future Wrigleys ofof people who areare Wrigleys specialise specialiseininhelping helpingvulnerable vulnerableand anddisabled disabledpeople. people.We Wehave havea ateam team people who dedicated to looking after the best interests of clients either via a trust or through the Court of Protection/ dedicated to looking after the best interests of clients either via a trust or through the Court of Protection/ Deputyship.

Deputyship.

For Formore moreinformation informationplease pleasecontact: contact: Daniel Peter Clarkson DanielCooil Cooil Peter Clarkson t: 0114 267 t:t:0114 267 5581 t: 0114 2675306 5306 0114 267 5581 e:e:Daniel.Cooil@wrigleys.co.uk e: Daniel.Cooil@wrigleys.co.uk e: Peter.Clarkson@wrigleys.co.uk Peter.Clarkson@wrigleys.co.uk Alternatively write to Wrigleys Solicitors LLP, Derwent House, 150 Arundel Gate, Sheffield S1 2FN Alternatively write to Wrigleys Solicitors LLP, Derwent House, 150 Arundel Gate, Sheffield S1 2FN tel: 0114 267 5588 • www.wrigleys.co.uk tel: 0114 267 5588 • www.wrigleys.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

INTRODUCING

THE DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY CENTRE (DAC) Digital Accessibility Centre otherwise known as (DAC), is an organisation which tests apps and websites to ensure compliance with web standards.

THEY do this by employing testing teams of a wide range of users with various access requirements, such as users who are blind, who have dyslexia, low vision and limited mobility to name a few. DAC’s team of accessibility analysts, trainers, technical support and web developers use the accessibility options found in many devices to test the everyday tasks that a user would carry out, and provide a comprehensive report to their clients to help make an app or website more accessible for users who have additional access requirements.

different devices, in the way we choose, at any time of day or night. If users have additional requirements though, such as blind or low vision users, or users who have limited mobility for example, the way they interact with digital content and their device of choice may vary. A blind person would use a screen reader, which announces through synthetic voice what is on-screen, allowing them to read the information and fill out an online form if needed. Similarly using my example above, a user with limited mobility may use Voice Activation software, to dictate not just text in to a word processor, but to tell the

computer to perform a specific set of commands.

How do the people at DAC do what they do?

A team of analysts go to work on a website or app, using the assistive technology they use on a day-to-day basis. This means that they know what works, and the issues that would cause problems for a user with additional access requirements. Our team of technical auditors and technical support staff also check the results to identify code fixes, and help support DAC’s team of analysts as they test a client’s product.

DAC’s team of trainers provide training to clients on a wide range of topics including understanding the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG,) an general awareness of assistive technology.

Fo r m o re i nfo r m a t i o n v i s i t: d i g i ta l a cc es s i b i l i t yc e n t r e.o r g

What is accessibility, and why is it important?

Accessibility to goods and services is not only focused on access to premises, but also applies to online content. Technology enables us all to access banking, shopping, educational resources, social media and much more, using many

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Empowering Your Achievement Delivering personalised continuing professional development for the those within special education needs and disability community. Bringing together profiled presenters in their respective fields, to deliver informative awareness training sessions. To improve all educational professional’s with knowledge and deliver high understanding and ultimately and Empower Your achievement.

Up to 70 live Webinars per year

Online awareness courses

Over 200 past webinars

Accredited training courses

www.sendgroup.co.uk SEND Group Membership Why not become a member and enjoy unlimited access to our past webinars as well as upcoming live webinars.

From only £12.50 a month or £99 annually.

y A hand uide ‘go to’ g gs hin for all t SEND

The Things and The Stuff

Working in the world of special educational needs and disabilities is without doubt the most rewarding and fantastic job in the world but, at the same time, it can also be a bit of minefield!

The SEND Group are working with Beccie Hawes who has pulled together this mini guide that aims to provide you with lots of useful nuggets of information, which will save you time and will aid you and your colleagues in supporting the children, young people and families that you work with.

Order your copy today Printed Copy £12.99 inc P&P Digital Copy £9

www.sendgroup.co.uk/send-guide

D R M CONSIDER THIS!

THE CURLY HAIR PROJECT SMASHING AUTISM STEREOTYPES We spoke to Alis Rowe about her Autism journey and her social enterprise that is winning awards and breaking down barriers for the Autistic community.

Hi Alis, congratulations on winning the Deliveroo award for your social enterprise, The Curly Hair Project. Can you tell us more about what The Curly Hair Project is and why you started it and what the award means to you?

The Curly Hair Project is a social enterprise that helps people on the autism spectrum and the people around them. I wasn’t diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome until I was 23 years old and building The Curly Hair Project was a big part of my journey in learning about autism and myself.

There wasn’t a great deal of information available to support me when I was diagnosed, so I began creating my own resources. People told me I had a really good way of expressing how it feels to be autistic.

Receiving the Deliveroo Rider Award is really exciting and I am very proud. It is lovely to be recognised for my autism work outside of The Curly Hair Project!

Can you take us through your journey with autism and how you came to get a diagnosis?

I was very, very quiet and shy as a teenager. I was also very well behaved and did well at my schoolwork.

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CONSIDER THIS!

I didn’t cause the teachers problems and to the outside world there was nothing at all ‘wrong’ with me other than I was shy. I wasn’t able to communicate my anxieties or the way that I felt.

When I found out that I was autistic, I realised that autism was an explanation for my whole life! I had gone through my entire life feeling anxious, isolated and “different” from everybody else around me. I seemed to find life much less “self-explanatory” than others. It was very comforting and helpful to realise there was a name for what I was experiencing and that many others had the same problems.

My diagnosis as an adult came as a surprise to many of my old friends and the people that I know. It is hard to explain to people that I have all the problems that I have because they don’t see them.

Some of the problems are so simple that others cannot even intellectually conceive that they could be a problem.

For example, how do you explain that even though you like someone you don’t necessarily feel comfortable meeting them? How do you explain that even a minor change of plan in the day can cause your whole day to be ruined and not be able to sleep at night? How do you explain that it’s not obvious to you to know how to go through processes such as putting a train ticket through the ticket barrier because you can’t figure out where exactly to place the ticket or which barrier goes the right way?

Life is easier for me now that I am an adult because I understand myself more and this understanding only really accelerated once I had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. It also really helps that other people are far more aware of autism now.

What kind of services and resources does The Curly Hair Project provide families, professionals and communities, and how have you seen these services and resources help people?

Our resources include books, visual guides, infographics, animations, e-courses, training, webinars, a blog and songs. We have helped thousands of people around the world. They purchase our books on Amazon or they book tickets for webinars. They subscribe to our blog or enroll on our e-courses.

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

Frequently we receive very heartwarming feedback from others saying how much our work has helped them, for example: “Alis has really changed my life by her blogs and films.

It has been totally amazing as I was not diagnosed with Asperger’s until age 51. You are BRILLIANT Alis,” and “I can’t tell you how glad I am to have been recommended your website! My daughter has just been diagnosed with ASD and I was floundering around a bit trying to get some kind of framework to help us all communicate a little better, and this is just what I needed.”

“PEOPLE TOLD ME I HAD A REALLY GOOD WAY OF EXPRESSING HOW IT FEELS TO BE AUTISTIC.” As well as helping autistic individuals and families, we also provide materials for professional people such as those working in health and education. Our materials give them suggestions on how to adapt their working practices to better support those on the autism spectrum.

Your favourite hobby is Olympic weightlifting AND you are also an independent rapper and songwriter, can you tell us more?

I have been training the Olympic lifts for around 10 years. Weightlifting is my very special hobby and something that I have to do every day. It energises me for the rest of the day and gives me the motivation to do my computer-based Curly Hair work.

I like weightlifting because I can do it at home on my own. It is a very solitary sport. The movements are repetitive, which I find enjoyable.

When I was a teenager, I loved listening to rap music and I used to learn the lyrics to my favourite songs so that I could rap along. I used to study the lyrics in depth as I always found them fascinating – I don’t just mean the words, I also mean

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the clever ways the artists can make the words rhyme and the way they connect the lines. Rap music really helped me as an adolescence. I really related to many of the struggles that the rappers talked about. A lot of them seemed to be outliers in the world as well.

A couple of years ago I regained my interest in rap music and started making my own songs. Lyrics are another powerful way to express what it is like being autistic. I don’t talk a lot in real life, so all my thoughts and feelings come out through my books, films, blog articles and songs. Songs are another medium to teach people about the experience of autism. It’s also really important for me to always be developing myself by learning new skills so learning how to write songs and how to sing and rap is satisfying as well as very challenging.

What plans do you have for the future of The Curly Hair Project?

I’m currently working on a completely new venture – I’m making my first audiobook!

Right now, I don’t have any other plans for the future of The Curly Hair Project other than to continue the excellent work we are doing. I hope to reach more people and communities, particularly those outside of the UK, and make them aware of my work. Our new e-courses are especially accessible for people in other countries.

“AUTISM WAS AN EXPLANATION FOR MY WHOLE LIFE!” I always say I’m going to stop creating anything new and have a rest, then I have another idea and get on with that!

I seem to like creating work for myself.

Website: thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk Instagram: @alisrowe Twitter: @curlyhairedalis

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North West agency Adoption Now is seeking a family for a special little boy

Lincoln sees the world in his own special way and F inding a for L incoln family for L incoln F inding a family for L incoln Potential adopters whoforforforhave thespecial spacelittle ilittle n theiboyboy rboy hearts althoughNorth he is non-verbal he i s abl e to communi c ate agency Adoption Now isseeking seeking afamily family aspecial NorthWest West agency Now is a a North West agency Adoption Now is seeking a family a special little F inding a family Lforincoln North West agency Adoption Now is seekingfor a family a special little boy may havea family some worri shouldn’little t ruleboythemselves his wants andNorth needsWest usingagency recognisAdoption able soundsNowor isbutseeking for aesspecial Have you ever thought about the difference you out but have a conversation with a social worker first. guicoulddingmake his carers to the snacks or toys he wants. He to a beautifully unique child in need of love and support? currentl y goes to a smal l nursery and i s due to attend Children with some form of additional need or disability make up around 40% of those waiting to be If you could consider adopting Lincoln or aadopted SpecialbutEducati onal Needs School in September. unfortunately, they often wait longer than average to find their forever families. want to talk more about adopting a child with Lincoln is just one of those children who is looking for additional needs, call 01204 336 096 or visit aLinsafe, secure and nurturing family; whobut can help him col n struggl e s to gi v e eye contact he can be grow and reach his full potential, whatever that may be. very affectionate and loving with kisses and cuddles, www.adoptionnow.org.uk for more information.

Lincoln is a gorgeous and smiley, four-year-old who once he buildtos aberelonatiothenshiAutistic p and feelSpectrum s safe. Heand is s believed delayed in his development. He is an active and playful every PLEASE NOTE: – Child’s name has been changed enjdayoysandgilittletoggltheinboyg park, wiwho th hiwhere sloves carershe’llgoing duriplayngforonticwalks klhisingfavourite games Lincoln thrives with a good routine and is an excellent sleeper, he is described as a pleasant and happy swings and slides. and photo used to protect identity. and holding hands whilst jumping on his trampet. little stock boy who is always making achievements,

Finding a family for L incoln

Have you ever thought about the difference you could make to a beautifully unique child in need of love and support?

Finding a family for Lincoln

Children with form of additional needyou or Haveyou you eversome thought about difference Have ever thought about the difference you Have you ever thought about the difference you could make to a beautifully unique child in need disability maketoup 40%unique of thosechild waiting to be could make a around beautifully in need could make to a beautifully unique child in Have you ever thought about the difference you of love and support? of love and support? adopted but unfortunately, they often wait longer need than could make to a beautifully unique child in need of love and support? average of to love find and theirsupport? forever families.

Children with with some some form form of of additional additional need Children need or or Children with some form of additional need or disability make up around 40% of those waiting to be disability make upwith around 40% of of those waiting to be Lincoln is just one of those children who is looking for Children some form additional need disability make up aroundthey 40%often of those to beor adopted but unfortunately, they often wait waiting longer than adopted but unfortunately, wait longer than disability make up around 40% of those waiting to be a average safe, secure and nurturing family; who can help than him adopted unfortunately, often wait longer find their forever they families. average totobut find their forever families. adopted but unfortunately, they often wait longer than grow and reach fullforever potential, whatever that may average to findhis their families. average to find their forever families.

Lincoln is just one of those children who is be.

Lincoln is just one of those children who is looking looking for for Lincoln is just one of those children who is looking for safe, Lincoln secureisand nurturing family; whowho canis him justnurturing one of those children looking aasafe, secure and family; who can help help himfor a safe, and family; who can help him grow and reach his nurturing fulland potential, whatever that may a secure safe, secure and nurturing family; who can him Lincoln is areach gorgeous smiley, four-year-old who grow and his full potential, whatever thathelp may grow and reach his full potential, whatever that may growtoand his full potential, whatever and that may be. sbe. believed bereach on the Autistic Spectrum is be. be. delayed development.

He is an active and who Lincolninishis a gorgeous and smiley, four-year-old Lincoln is a gorgeous and smiley, four-year-old who Lincoln isbe awho gorgeous and smiley, who playful little going forfour-year-old walksand every is aboy andAutistic smiley, four-year-old who isLincoln believed togorgeous on loves the Spectrum is isdelayed believed to be on the Autistic Spectrum and is is believed to be on the Autistic Spectrum and day and to the park, where he’ll play on his favourite is believed be on the Autistic in histodevelopment.

He is anSpectrum active andand isis Lincoln thrives with a good routine and is an excellent delayed in his development.

He isactive an active and delayed in his development.

He is an and sleeper, he is described as a pleasant and happy delayed inslides. his development. is an and swings and playful little boy who loves He going foractive walks every playfulboy littlewho boy loves who loves going for walks every Lincoln thrives with a good routine and is an excellent playful little going for walks every boy who isa good always making achievements, playful little who loves for his walks every little day andday to theboy park, where he’llgoing playplay on favourite Lincoln thrives with routine andand is an excellent and to the where park, where he’ll on his favourite Lincoln thrives with a good routine is an excellent day and to the park, he’ll play on his favourite Lincoln thrives with a good routine and is an excellent sleeper, he is described as a pleasant and happy day and to the park, where he’ll play on his favourite recently learning how to do jigsaws for example; and swings and slides.

Peppa Pig and Theslides.

Wiggles are absolute favourites of sleeper, sleeper, he is described as a pleasant and happy swings and he is described as a pleasant and happy sleeper, he is described as a pleasant and happy swings and slides. little boy who is always making achievements, swingsand and he slides. little despite boy who always making achievements, who his ischallenges ismaking lovely and rewarding to Lincoln’s will do a happy little jig of excitement little boy who is achievements, little boy who how is always always making achievements, learning to do jigsaws jigsaws forexample; example; Peppa Pig and The Wiggles are absolute favourites of of recently recently learning how to do for andand Peppa Pig and The Wiggles are absolute favourites care for.learning how to do jigsaws for example; when they come on the television.

He is drawn to the recently and Peppa Pig and The absolute favourites ofof who recently learning how to do forrewarding example; Peppa Pig and The Wiggles absolute favourites who despite hischallenges challenges isisjigsaws lovely to and despite his lovelyand and rewarding to Lincoln’s and he will doare aare happy little of excitement Lincoln’s and he willWiggles do a happy little jig ofjig excitement music, colour and lights and will do his very own who despite his is lovely lovely and andrewarding rewardingtoto Lincoln’s and hehe will atelevision. little ofdrawn carefor. for. who despite his challenges is when they come on the television.

He drawn to the care Lincoln’s and willdo do ahappy happy little ofisexcitement excitement when they come on the Hejigjig is to the Adoption Now is happy to offer a tailored and nterpretations of the dances he sees.

He also music, colour and anddo will dois his very when they come onlights the television.

He totothe care for. for. when they come on thelights television.

He isdrawn drawn the care music, colour and and will his very ownown Adoption Now Now is ispackage happy to offer comprehensive of totailored help andand interpretations of and the dances he sees.

He also Adoption happy to support offer a atailored oves Mega Blocks and his Abacus toy; but he will music, colour and very own music, colour and lights andwill willdo dohis his very own interpretations oflights the dances he sees.

He also recently learning how to do jigsaws for example; and comprehensive package of support to help Peppa Pig andMega The Wiggles arehisabsolute favourites of loves Blocks and Abacus toy; but he will comprehensive Adoption Now is to Lincoln offer tailored and Adoptionprovide Nowpackage to offer aamay tailored families thehappy care need,and from of that support to help interpretations of the sees. also interpretations the dances he sees.

He also playfully tell you offofin hisdances own way,he if you don’t play by loves Mega Blocks and his Abacus toy; butHe he will families provide the care that may need, from playfully tell you off hisAbacus own way, if of you don’t play who despite histhe challenges is lovely rewarding to Lincoln’s and heBlocks will do a inhis happy little jig excitement comprehensive package support toand help comprehensive oftoLincoln support to help provide care that Lincoln may need, fromand advocating on his behalf specialist therapeutic loves Mega Blocks and toy; but he will loves Mega and his Abacus toy; but he willby families playfully telldefinitely you off in his own way, if you don’t play by his rules, he knows his own mind. advocating on his behalf to specialist therapeutic and his rules, he definitely knows his own mind. families provide Lincoln may from families care that Lincolntherapeutic mayneed, need,and from on histhe behalf tothat specialist care for.provide when theytellhe come on television. is don’t drawn to the playfully tell you off in his ownhis way, ifyou you don’tplay play by advocating playfully you off inthe his own way, ifHe by disability support and much more. his rules, definitely knows own mind. disability support and much more. advocating on on his behalf to specialist advocating specialist therapeutic therapeuticand and rules, definitely knows own mind. hishis rules, hehe definitely his own mind. music, colour and lights and will do his very own Lincoln sees theknows world inhis his own special wayand and disability support and much more.

Lincoln sees the world in his own special way disability support and much more. more.

Lincolnalthough sees the in his he special way and disability Potential support adopters have the space in their hearts Adoption Now iswho happy tothe offer a intailored and is is able to communicate adopters who have space their hearts nterpretations ofhe world thenon-verbal dances he sees.

He also Potential although he is non-verbal hehis isown able to communicate Lincoln sees the world in own special way and Potential adopters who have the space in their hearts although he is non-verbal he is able to communicate Lincoln sees the world in his own special way and but may have some worries shouldn’t rule themselves his wants and needs using recognisable sounds or comprehensive package of support to help but may have some worries shouldn’t rule themselves his wants and needs using recognisable sounds or Potential oves Mega Blocks and his Abacus toy; but he will Potential adopters who have the space in their hearts although non-verbal he isable ableor communicate may some worries shouldn’t rule themselves out but have have a conversation with a social worker first. adopters the space in their hearts his wants and needs recognisable sounds guiding his carersusing to he the snacks toys he wants.orHe but although hehe is is non-verbal is toto communicate families provide the care that Lincoln may need, out but have a conversation with a social worker first. guiding his carers to the snacks or toys he wants.

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He but may have some worries shouldn’t rule themselves his wants and needs using recognisable sounds or If you could consider adopting Lincoln or advocating his behalf to with specialist therapeutic and agoes Special Needs School in currently totoEducational aato small nursery and is due due to attend attend out but but have haveon conversation aa social worker guiding his carers tothe thesnacks snacks or toys heSeptember. wants.

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He want to talkconsider more about adoptingLincoln a Lincoln child with If you could consider adopting or If you could adopting or currently goes to small nursery and duetotoattend attend disability support and much more. acurrently Educational Needs School September. aSpecial Specialgoes Educational Needs School inisis September. a asmall due needs, call 01204 336 096 Lincoln to struggles tonursery give eyeand contact but he can be want Ifadditional you could consider adopting Lincoln or toto talk more about adopting a or child with talk more about adopting avisit child a Special Educational Needs School in September. you could consider adopting Lincoln or with a Special Educational School in September.

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Lincoln struggles to give eye contact but hecuddles, cangames be additional www.adoptionnow.org.uk for more very affectionate and loving kisses and enjoys with hiswith carers during tickling but may have some worries shouldn’t rule themselves hisonce wants and giggling needs using recognisable sounds or www.adoptionnow.org.uk www.adoptionnow.org.uk for more information. very affectionate and loving with kisses and cuddles, he builds a relationship and feels safe.

He and stock photo used to protect identity. for more information. very he affectionate and loving with kisses and cuddles, and holding hands whilst jumping onsafe. his trampet. once builds a relationship and feels He NOTE: – Child’s name been changed out but have a conversation withhas ahas social worker first. once he builds a and feels safe.

He guiding his carers torelationship the orfeels toystickling he wants.

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He PLEASE NOTE: – Child’s name been changed enjoys giggling with his carers during tickling games PLEASE NOTE: – Child’s name has been changed and stock photo used to protect identity. enjoys giggling with his carers during tickling games and holding whilst jumping on his trampet.

– Child’s name identity. has been changed currently goeshands towith a small nursery and istickling due togames attend PLEASE enjoys giggling his carers during and stockNOTE: photoused used protect and stock photo totoadopting protect identity. and holding hands whilst and holding hands whilstjumping jumpingon onhis histrampet. trampet.

If you could consider Lincoln or and stock photo used to protect identity. aand Special Educational Needs School in September. holding hands whilst jumping on his trampet.

North West agency Adoption Now is seeking a family for a special lit le boy

Have you ever thought about the difference you could make to a beautiful y unique child in need of love and support?

want to talk more about adopting a child with Lincoln struggles to give eye contact but he can be additional needs, call 01204 336 096 or visit very affectionate and loving with kisses and cuddles, www.adoptionnow.org.uk for more information. once he builds a relationship and feels safe. He enjoys giggling with his carers during tickling games PLEASE NOTE: – Child’s name has been changed and stock photo used to protect identity. and holding hands whilst jumping on his trampet.

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SPECTACULAR VIEWS OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCES For further assistance, please call before you book 02392 857520 spinnakertower.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

CANTEBURY GRANDAD GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR AFTER AUDIOLOGIST SOLVES HEARING LOSS PROBLEM

IT’S EASY to take the amazing things our ears do for granted. In fact, most people haven’t given much thought to them. But when something isn’t right with your hearing, ear wax build up could be to blame and it can have quite an impact on day-to-day life.

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ADVERTORIAL D R M

LIFE was becoming increasingly difficult for Brian Lash, 74 - a retired company director from Kent - as hearing loss meant he struggled to understand his family and friends and he needed to have his TV on full volume constantly.

Since retiring, Brian enjoys keeping busy with DIY jobs around the house, travelling and looking after his grandchild Ara. However, unbeknown to Brian, ear wax build-up and incorrect hearing aids were causing problems with hearing loss. It got so severe that it started to impact his daily life significantly and he slowly began to lose confidence doing the things he loved.

Brian says: ‘My hearing loss was a slow and gradual change.

It became noticeable when my wife complained that I had the TV on excessively loud whereas I could barely hear it. There were also several occasions that led to me missing parts of conversations at family events and completely misunderstanding what people were talking about.

‘Unfortunately, it took me a while to go and get my hearing tested. I think I was in denial. Only when I had my hearing test and ear wax removed did I realise the extent of just how much my hearing had deteriorated - something that will never come back without the use of a hearing aid.’

Brian was seen by Michelle Merner, an audiologist at Specsavers Canterbury. When Brian first entered the store, Michelle could quickly tell that his hearing was still an issue despite wearing hearing aids. After conducting a simple hearing test, Michelle realised that not only did Brian suffer from hearing loss, but he had an excessive amount of earwax in his ears.

Michelle says: ‘After carrying out our earwax removal service, we were able to properly test Brian’s hearing and determine the best hearing aids for him. Once we’d properly fitted Brian with his hearing aid - the difference in hearing was noticeable almost immediately.’

Around one in six people in the UK have hearing loss, from children

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

who are born with it to people who lose their hearing as they age, as happened to Brian. This group notice the change in their hearing through having to ask people to repeat themselves, turning the volume higher than normal on the TV, radio or headphones and struggling to hear people on the phone.

What some don’t realise is the range of hearing aids that are now available and how advanced the technology is. Despite Brian’s negative experience with his first hearing aid at another audiologist, he was determined to find a solution and turned to his local Specsavers store.

Brian says: ‘The hearing test at Specsavers was extremely positive and I was impressed by the professionalism of the team. The test was quick, easy and totally non-invasive and I was thoroughly impressed with the additional services offered such as the ear wax removal.’

Brian continues: ‘Having had previous experience with other hearing aids, I was astonished at the technology of my hearing aids particularly the Bluetooth features and compact size. I have noticed many subtle sounds now that I never heard before and can join in

conversations readily now. My new aids have definitely changed my life and I would recommend Specsavers to anybody.’

Michelle added: ‘We’d encourage anyone to come and have a hearing test with us if they’re experiencing any issues. While your ear and all the structures of your ear process and transport the electrical impulses that make up sound, it’s your brain that actually ‘hears’ and translates this information into the things you recognise as words, music, or noise.

‘That’s why hearing and hearing loss can have such far-reaching impacts. And why more research is being done into how hearing loss can affect our mental health, as well as how we process and store information.’

To b oo k a h ea r i n g a p p o i nt m e nt v i s i t s p ec s ave r s .co.u k/book/ l oca t i o n?h ea r i n g = t r u e

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Based in Lancashire within 6 acres of countryside Electric track hoists from bedrooms to wetroom with profile beds available All overlooking our private fishing lake Luxury hot tubs with track hoists in 9 out of 12 cottages Additional equipment available to make your stay a home from home

W: brickhousecottages.co.uk E: info@brickhousecottages.co.uk T: 01253 702 122

Dog friendly in 5 of our cottages, assistance dog friendly in all Private hire of Hydrotherapy pool with sensory lighting & interactive sensory room both to hire with H-Track hoist Lakeside Bistro serving home cooked meals able to blend food as required & raise tables for larger wheelchairs Fully equipped Changing Place Toilet

Accessible for all / Terms and conditions apply

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You Know We Belong Together 18 – 20 August



‘clever, poignant and funny’ ArtsHub

BOOK NOW

Unlimited 7 – 11 September 2022

Extraordinary work by disabled artists

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Revitalising holidays for disabled people and carers

10% o

ff

for rea ders of Disabil ity Rev iew* q

uote D

R225

Enjoy a summer getaway! ӹ High quality, full board hospitality ӹ Live evening entertainment and daily activities ӹ 24/7 expert care support ӹ Fully accessible facilities ӹ Charitable funding and pay by instalments available ӹ Covid-19 infection control measures in place to ensure guest safety

Purpose built centres in Chigwell and Southport!

With nearly 60 years’ experience, we are the experts in creating a fun, relaxing and accessible holiday experience with the reassurance of care.

P: 0303 303 0145

E: bookings@revitalise.org.uk

W: revitalise.org.uk/respite-holidays/

*Not to be combined with any other offer. Please contact us for full booking terms and conditions. Registered charity number: 295072

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Exbury offers the perfect day out Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular 200-acre woodland garden and narrow-gauge steam railway located on the edge of the Beaulieu River.

Exbury covers 200 acres and has a variety of quieter spaces. Many of our paths are wheelchair accessible and The Steam Railway has carriages specially adapted to accommodate wheelchair users and their companions. We offer free wheelchair loan, accessible parking, free garden admission for carers and accessible toilet facilities.

For more information or to pre book, visit info@exbury.co.uk or call 023 8089 1203.

www.exbury.co.uk Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ

Exbury Gardens is a registered charity: 801349

TAKE FLIGHT OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

Visit our Website k

WITH CONFIDENCE

Award winning Accessible Travel

to Pre-Boeots your tick

offering the very best service to all of our passengers.

all.com www.thrigbyh

SCAN HERE TO BOOK

THRIGBY HALL FILBY GREAT YARMOUTH

N R29 3DR 01493 369477 www.thrigbyhall.com

%

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The place to visit

@hovertravelltd

/hovertravelltd

info@hovertravel.com

www.hovertravel.co.uk

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Making workplaces more inclusive We offer end-to-end solution-focused support to enable organisations to remove barriers to high performance through meaningful inclusion.

Delivering specialist consultancy, training and individual workplace assessments, we are passionate about supporting our clients to attract, build and retain an agile, high performing and diverse workforce.

We specialise in neurodiversity, mental health and unseen conditions, also known as hidden or invisible disabilities.

Kate Dean t: 07894 497687 e: kate@enabledi.co.uk w: www.enabledi.co.uk

Do you have a background in supporting young people or adults with learning disabilities to live their best life?

We have a number of fantastic roles across all levels at Lifeworks Charity, from Support Workers to Team Leaders in Dartington or Torquay.

We are a well-established charity that provides an excellent range of benefits.

To view our current vacancies, please go to www.lifeworksuk.org/vacancies or scan the QR code using your mobile camera For more information, email us on jobs@lifeworks-uk.org or call us on 01803 840744.

Looking to embark on a new adventure?

AD AWATING ALLOCATION Find your job opportunity of a lifetime at www.bas.ac.uk/jobs

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Discover a career in care.

All you need to start are your personal qualities.

For everything else there's training.

Find the right job for you at: hightownha.org.uk/careers

Join the team!

Working with adults with sight loss, learning disabilities and autism, in a supported living service.

• Full-time and part-time positions available •Competitive pay and benefits, and a high standard of training Apply today at recruitment@seeability.org 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

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk

Visit our website to find out more at careers.seeability.org

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Follow for more info

How Together for Short Lives supports families whose child has a serious illness: Helpline: phone, email, live chat Online Family Support Group Access to grants Free legal support Online information events 0808 8088 100 www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk helpline@togetherforshortlives.org.uk Together for Short Lives is a registered charity in England and Wales (1144022) and Scotland (SC044139) and is a company limited by guarantee (7783702).

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SAVE THE DATE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ADAPTATION CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITIONS The Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference and Exhibitions are organised

by Promoting Independence and run throughout the year across the UK. The one-day conferences are free to attend (including refreshments and lunch) and offer a full programme of CPD seminars as well as an exhibition to occupational therapists and all those involved in the field of accessible environments at all levels from students to commissioners.

THE REMAINING EVENTS FOR 2022 ARE: 7 September – Chester (The Queen Hotel by Best Western) 9 November – Reading (Hilton Hotel) 7 December – Cardiff (Vale Resort) Please see the OTAC website for 2023 dates and venues: www.otac.org.uk

Full details of each event and booking link can be found at: www.otac.org.uk

Cowal Mobility Aids A FAMILY BUSINESS, PROUD OF OUR PERSONAL SERVICE Based in Buckinghamshire we offer specialist vehicle conversions for disabled drivers and passengers.

DRM To advertise, please call 01959 543 650

Assessment, design, manufacture, and supply to our network of partners throughout the UK. www.cowalmobility.co.uk

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Are you suffering following an accident?

CRPS, Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia can be life-changing. Which is why Brian Barr Solicitors work tirelessly to secure our clients the compensation they deserve.

Brian Barr Solicitors represented a former health care assistant and mother of five, who twisted her ankle when she tripped over an unmarked and unlit step and tragically ended up with a below-knee amputation. With an eventual diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), she also suffered from fatigue and constipation and fibromyalgia, all of which resulted in a major depressive disorder.

Mid claim, a significant interim payment was obtained to allow for the purchase and renovation of a home suitable for her condition, followed by a final overall settlement of £4million which will assist allowing her to live the best possible life alongside her condition.

Brian Barr Solicitors helped to secure £4million in compensation for our client

Specialist Fibromyalgia, CRPS, Chronic Pain & Critical Illness Lawyers To start your claim get in touch: call us on 0161 737 9248

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Is it your time to foster a child or young person?

We will work with you and the fostered child, so together we can all build Fortitude.

We are a Community Interest Company (CIC), not for profit, ethical care service We pay our carers generously.

Support our carers and fostered children with additional funds by the CIC Transparent accounting, honesty, digital system (paperless).

www.fortitudefostering.co.uk

Company Registration 12763829 Ofsted 2618702 Phone 0330 122 4165

Explore our accessible homes

L&Q at

Available Summer 2022

Be Curious Dream Big Give Back

L&Q at

winchester.ac.uk

Coming 2023

DRM

New releases coming soon A collection of spacious wheelchair accessible homes exclusively available through Shared Ownership Register your interest on

lqhomes.com/accessibility

To advertise, please call 01959 543 650

For full L&Q terms and conditions visit lqhomes.com. All details are correct at time of print. Copyright © 2022 L&Q Group. All Rights Reserved.

disabili t yreviewmagazine.co.uk 2250 L&Q Elephant Park Disability Reveiw Mag HP Ad 90x130mm.indd 1

09/05/2022 14:09

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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 info@blesma.org www.blesma.org