JST tall ship at the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

At 65m, the Jubilee Sailing Trust tall ship Tenacious will be the largest tall ship moored closest to Tower Bridge in the ‘Avenue of Sail’ through which the smaller vessels of the Pageant Flotilla will pass during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday 3 June.

Tenacious is a tall ship with a difference because she was purpose-designed to combine traditional square-rig with special features that make it possible for physically disabled people to take a full and active role in crewing the ship side by side with able-bodied people. 

Such features include wheelchair lifts between deck levels, a joy stick for people who want to steer the ship but who cannot hold a wheel and an audio compass for those who want to steer but cannot see.

The ship has been selected by both the BBC and Sky News as a platform for some of their coverage on the day. There are plans to interview some of the special guests on board. These include Jon Button, a triple amputee who has climbed unassisted right to the top of Tenacious’ mast, Nick Pilgrim whose life was devastated by meningitis aged 18 and since then has sailed nearly 60 times with the JST and David Sage, whose fundraising efforts have meant that dozens of injured service personnel have benefited from a voyage with the Jubilee Sailing Trust, JST.

Tenacious is operated by the JST, a charity that was founded in 1978 especially to enable people of all physical abilities to work alongside each other as equals while enjoying the challenge of tall ship sailing. The chief executive Alex Lochrane said: “Our Trust was originally founded thanks to a grant from the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Fund and so we were keen for Tenacious to represent this legacy and be part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations 34 years later. We are looking forward to giving our guests and supporters who will be on board the chance to be part of this amazing event.”

Services for Later Life conference

Age UK is hosting its annual Services for Later Life Conference on 12 July 2012 in London. The event will bring service professionals together to explore the opportunities and challenges in designing, commissioning and delivering high quality services for older people.

Services for Later Life 2012 will focus on how service commissioners, developers and providers can rise to the challenges faced in the current economic climate with the changing landscape of health and social care. Often the hardest of times can be a catalyst for the best and most innovative changes and Age UK says delegates will hear from high profile speakers covering a range of issues including refining services, integrating health and social care and the latest views on Social Impact Bonds (outcomes-based contracts).

Delegates from across the public, private and voluntary sectors will be able to find out more about how best to provide services for older people, whether they are free, charged for or co-produced. The speakers will include:

 Lord Adebowale the chief executive of social care organisation Turning Point and Dan Corry, chief executive of New Philanthropy Capital, who will talk about how the not-for-profit sector is responding to the challenges of cuts and public sector reform

Phil Hope the director of Improving Care, who will speak about social impact bonds and how they will effect service provision and Dr Gabriella Spinelli the director of the business strategy and innovation programme at Brunel University, who will discuss the importance of service design

Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK, said: “Despite tough economic times and sweeping changes to the health and social care sector, the outlook for services for older people doesn’t have to be bleak. The hardest of times can bring out interesting, innovative and novel changes in the way these services are provided. Age UK’s Services for Later Life Conference 2012 provides a timely opportunity for debate.”

To book a place and to get more information about Age UK’s Services for Later Life 2012 Conference see website www.ageuk.org.uk/SFLL.

Upgrading text relay services to benefit disabled consumers

Ofcom has revealed details of moves to improve communications services for people with hearing and speech impairments.

The independent regulator is proposing that all UK landline and mobile providers give their customers access to a next generation ‘text relay’ service approved by Ofcom.

Text relay services enable people with hearing and/or speech impairments to communicate with others through telephone or textphone equipment. Under the current system, a relay assistant acts as an intermediary to convert speech to text and vice versa for the two parties. Ofcom research has found that these conversations can be slow and sometimes fail to flow naturally.

The proposed new services would be faster and accessible via the internet through PCs, laptops, tablet computers and smartphones. 

Ofcom intends to consult on proposals on video-based relay services later this year. In the meantime, it is working with the government and disability groups to encourage the provision of video relay services by communications providers and other organisations and businesses voluntarily.

Queen’s study could lead to new treatments for MS

A study at Queen’s University Belfast which could eventually lead to new treatments for Multiple Sclerosis has been awarded £425,000 by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, BBSRC.

There are currently about 100,000 people in the UK with MS which affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord and eye, to communicate with each other effectively.

The research at the Queen’s Centre for Infection and Immunity, will investigate how parts of the immune system can help repair the damage caused by MS attacks. 

The project is being led by Dr Denise Fitzgerald, who experienced a condition similar to MS, called Transverse Myelitis when she was 21. As a result of inflammation in her spinal cord, she was paralysed in less than two hours.

Dr Fitzgerald had to learn to walk again as the damage in her spinal cord repaired itself over the following months and years. It is this natural repair process that often becomes inefficient in MS.

Dr Fitzgerald said: “Nerve cells communicate by sending signals along nerve fibres which are contained within a fatty, insulating, protective substance, known as Myelin. In MS, Myelin is attacked and damaged. This research project centres around understanding Myelination, a process of insulating the nerve fibres with Myelin, and Remyelination, a natural regenerative process that replaces damaged Myelin.”

E-petition to beat avoidable malnutrition and dehydration

 The chair of the Nutrition & Hydration Action Alliance (NHAA) Dr Mike Stroud has launched an e-petition to drive a debate in parliament on eliminating avoidable malnutrition and dehydration.

“Too many individuals – adults and children – are not getting the nutrition and hydration help and treatment they need to maintain health or combat disease and trauma,” said Dr Mike Stroud. 

“Many pledges have been made over the years by successive governments to improve hospital food. But the time for talking is over – comprehensive action is needed now.

“We need a minister to take responsibility; a National Clinical Director to champion the cause; malnutrition and dehydration to be public health priorities; training in nutrition and hydration in place for all caring for others, and the National Commissioning Board to monitor prevalence and progress.”

 He is urging everyone to sign the e-petition and pass the request on to 10 colleagues.

 Access the e-petition here http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/34303

£8 million legacy investment fund to help sport deliver for disabled people

Former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has teamed up with Sport England to launch an £8 million fund to get more disabled people playing sport.

A wide range of organisations with the ideas and expertise to open up more sporting opportunities for disabled people will be able to bid for £10,000 and over of National Lottery funding from Sport England.

The fund – Inclusive Sport – will help to tackle the opportunity gap that sees just one in six disabled adults playing sport regularly, compared to one in three non-disabled adults. Currently 17.6 per cent of disabled people play sport at least once a week, up from 15.1 per cent in 2005/6 when the Olympic bid was won.

The investment is part of the Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the inspiration and magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities all over the country. Details of the fund can be found at www.sportengland.org/funding. Bids to Inclusive Sport will be accepted until 5pm on 13 August 2012.

Changing lives through colour

Sally Webb at Connect 2 Colour believes all of us can benefit from an amazing new creative art process which is captured on canvas. Newly launched Connect 2 Colour offers creative, inclusive workshops for special educational needs (SEN) children and adults using a unique technique with paint, glitters, stones and other embellishments with not a paintbrush in sight.  

Sally Webb has a brother with severe learning difficulties and a daughter with special needs. She has also been working with special needs individuals and families for the last 25 years and knows quite a lot about how to make activity inclusive.

Sally Webb said: “In the children’s workshops everyone learns the new skills together. This encourages the children to communicate with each other and find a connection that is fulfilling and positive. This is much the same for adult groups.”

Launching a new charity in June she hopes the Connect 2 Colour Community Fund will ensure that low income families and groups can access the Connect 2 Colour experience.

For more information see www.connect2colour.com.

DysNet chairman appointed to board of Disability Rights UK

DysNet, the newly-launched limb difference network, is delighted to announce that its chairman, Geoff Adams-Spink, has been appointed to the board of Disability Rights UK.

Geoff Adams-Spink leads both DysNet and its European NGO parent EDRIC (European Dysmelia Reference Information Centre).

DysNet has been launched to bring together the world’s congenital limb difference (Dysmelia) groups and organisations. This month also saw the launch of the DysNet RareConnect community forum under the auspices of EURORDIS and NORD, the world’s leading rare diseases organisations.

Disability Rights UK, was formed at the start of 2012 through a unification of Disability Alliance, Radar and National Centre for Independent Living. 

Geoff Adams-Spink is a former BBC disability correspondent and a survivor of the morning sickness drug, Thalidomide. Women who took the drug for morning sickness while pregnant, gave birth to children with shortened or missing limbs and other disabilities. Thalidomiders are this year marking the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of the drug.

Geoff Adams Spink said: “I am delighted to be joining the Disability Rights UK board. There are many important issues being faced by people with disabilities and DRUK has a strong voice to campaign on their behalf. I believe our work at DysNet for people with limb differences with be enhanced and strengthened by this new link.”

Mayor meets members of puppet drama group

The Mayor of Hereford has praised the work of national support provider Affinity Trust during an official visit to its opportunities service.

Councillor Julie Woodward visited the Trust’s SCORE opportunities service, in Hereford city centre to meet members of the Puppets Drama Group. Explaining the mayoral role and watching the new production of Little Red Hen – which will be rolled out to local primary schools over the summer – Councillor Woodward said: “It is so important that centres like this exist, giving people with learning disabilities the opportunity to develop their skills through art, drama and sport. 

“The performance was a delight and every member of the puppet group should be very proud of what they have accomplished.” 

The puppet drama group has eight members and is just one of the activities offered by SCORE as part of its weekly programme to support adults with learning disabilities.

The Mayor of Hereford Councillor Julie Wooderson, centre, meets drama group members Nick Childs, left, and Jody Gorle

The Big Jubilee Lunch for Motability

Motability, the national disability charity is calling for people across the UK to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by hosting a ‘Big Lunch’ to raise money for their Charitable Grants Fund.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations are happening all over Britain from 2 – 5 June 2012 and anyone can get involved by holding a lunch, raffle, cake baking competition or tombola with proceeds going to Motability.

Lucy Lomas, Motability’s corporate and trusts relationship manager, said: “Every year we need to raise over £2million to help disabled people achieve independence with an adapted car or to fund lessons for young disabled drivers. Every lunch or raffle held, no matter how small, will really make a difference.”

Individuals, companies and schools are invited to take part and to get as many people involved as possible. 

For further details and a free fundraising pack telephoning 0845 166 8786 or e-mail fundraising@motability.co.uk. The pack can also be downloaded from the Motability website www.motability.co.uk in the support us section.

Lord Howe reviews digital app Buddy

Buddy, the digital tool for mental health service users, bridges the gap between formal and informal care, and is being adopted by a number of NHS trusts because it helps improve services provided by therapists. 

Buddy presents a number of ways to improve efficiencies at a time of increasing strain on NHS budgets.

Lord Howe, parliamentary under-secretary of state in the department of health, recently visited South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS trust to review Buddy in advance of the launch of the government’s £4million investment in NHS innovation through the Small Business Research Initiative.

Earl Howe said: “Technology and innovation have an important role to play in helping to address the healthcare challenges facing the NHS. That is why we are investing £20 million in new and creative ideas and projects which can make a difference to patients’ lives.’

Buddy was developed by startup expert Sidekick Studios in partnership with SLaM, and uses simple, cheap consumer technology to enable therapists keep in touch with their patients, helping to improve recovery rates.

www.buddyapp.org. Follow Buddy on twitter @buddyapp3

Lord Howe with Buddy managing director  James Seward

50,000 older people in Wales starving in their own homes every day

The British Dietetic Association, BDA, has tabled a hard-hitting motion at this year’s Wales Trades Union Congress to highlight levels of malnutrition in older people living in their own homes in Wales, and in the wider UK, which was support unanimously.

This year’s Wales TUC took place in Llandudno 22-24 May 2012.  The BDA motion (number 41) was heard on 24 May.

The BDA’s current campaign called Mind the Hunger Gap involves highlighting the “disgrace” that involves around 1,000,000 (one million) older people in the UK (50,000 in Wales) suffering from malnutrition on a daily basis.  

This figure does not include those older people in a hospital or care setting, it is those older people living in our community or, as they have become, the ‘invisible’ population.

For more details about the campaign see www.mindthehungergap.com. The BDA website can be found at www.bda.uk.com.

More people realise that vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin

The National Osteoporosis Society has launched its fifth Sunlight Campaign to remind people to get outside in the sun for a few minutes every day between May and September to keep their vitamin D levels topped up. 

A survey carried out by the society has revealed that more people than before – 62 per cent – now know that sunlight is the best source of vitamin D.

But there are still too many who mistakenly believe that it is necessary to wear sunscreen to obtain vitamin D – which the society says unwittingly puts them at risk of deficiency and unhealthy bones.

 The National Osteoporosis Society points out that while they are correct that sunscreen is needed to protect the skin, it is important to allow a few minutes of sunlight to make vitamin D – taking care not to burn if you have sensitive skin.

 Dr Helen Macdonald, the chair of the National Osteoporosis Society’s Nutrition and Lifestyle Forum said: “Vitamin D has been long known to improve bone health, by helping our bodies process calcium effectively – it is essential for bone and muscle health as it promotes calcium absorption from our food. Our bones need the added mineral to make them strong and supportive; and vitamin D may play an important role in muscle function. We are encouraged by these survey results, but clearly there is a long way to go in improving awareness of vitamin D.” 

Student earns international research role to explore performance and disability

An Edge Hill University drama student has been selected to join a international research panel for her innovative work on performance and disability.

Kara Spencer, a wheelchair user due to the condition Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, ME, is part of the International Federation for Theatre Research which promotes the exchange of information between individuals and organisations concerned with theatre research.

The 21-year-old from Derbyshire, who is in her third year on the BA (Hons) Drama degree programme, was chosen after her investigations to ensure people with disabilities could enjoy the same type of theatre experiences as mainstream audiences. 

Kara Spencer said: “I’m very passionate about this area of work. I am a performer myself and I’ve been looking at ways to ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy a full interactive theatre experience without detracting from the artistic values for my current production. 

“For people with hearing problems, I would have subtitles right underneath the stage. My other idea is to develop the audio description concept further by introducing a poetic element so that those with visual impairments can still feel the emotions, rather than just listen to the words.

“My boyfriend is blind and when we go to the cinema I describe to him what is on the screen, but I do it in such a dramatic way that he can understand the feelings and hopefully visualise the scenes.”

Kara’s research and ideas impressed members on the group so much that she has also been invited to attend their annual conference Mediating Performance in Santiago, Chile, in July.

Wage incentive scheme for young disabled people

 A new scheme to encourage employers to give young disabled people further work opportunities is being announced today by the minister for disabled people.

 A payment of up to £2,275 will be made available for employers who recruit young disabled people through Work Choice – a specialist disability employment programme that provides tailored support to help disabled people who have the most complex support needs.

 This extra support will sit alongside the recently launched Youth Contract, which the department for work and pensions said is already boosting the employment prospects of this country’s young jobseekers.

The minister for disabled people Maria Miller said: “Through this wage incentive we are encouraging employers to hire more young disabled people by providing some money ourselves.

“By creating a partnership between government and the employer, it will give more young disabled people the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the workplace, so that the employer will keep that young person on beyond the six months of the subsidy.”

The new wage incentive will be made available in July.

The minister for disabled people Maria Miller

One in four adults with a learning disability stuck at home due to cuts

One in four adults with a learning disability now spends less than one hour a day outside their home due to cuts to day services, according to a new report from Mencap.

And the charity found nearly a third of local authorities have closed day services in the last three years.

The findings, outlined in the report Stuck at home follow a freedom of information request by the charity to 151 local authorities in England that provide day services and a survey of 280 people with a learning disability and their families and 194 professionals who work with people with a learning disability.

The freedom of information requests also reveal more than half of people with a learning disability who are known to social services do not receive any day service provision, compared to 48 per cent in 2009/10.

In addition, three in five (60 per cent) of local authorities have increased charges for going to day services and for vital services such as transport to a service, on average by 70 per cent.

Mencap says families have also been hit hard, with almost one in four family carers stating that their family is financially worse off due to the changes to day service provision, and a further one in five (19 per cent) fearing that they will be forced to give up work to look after their child or family member. Nearly three quarters of carers (72 per cent) fear that their child will not receive the support they need to live a full and independent life.

Mark Goldring, the chief executive at Mencap, said: “Our social care system is letting down this country’s most marginalised adults. It is deeply worrying that progress towards greater participation of disabled people in the community and mainstream society risks being undone.

“While we support the modernisation of day centres, we urge local authorities to find other ways of saving money that do not take vital services away from vulnerable people, and we urge the government to make a strong commitment to addressing the social care funding crisis through its forthcoming White Paper and draft Bill.”

Wembley Central becomes latest step-free Tube station

 Three new lifts and one stair lift have been installed at Wembley Central station making it the 65th Tube station to become step-free from street to platform level before the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 This will give easier access to passengers with luggage and buggies as well as wheelchair users at Wembley Central station, whether they want to get to a London Overground, National Rail or a London Underground Bakerloo line platform.

 Howard Collins London Underground’s chief operating officer said: “The lifts will make it much easier for customers with mobility impairments, heavy luggage or buggies, to use the station. For passengers going to Wembley Stadium or Arena it will complement Wembley Park Tube Station, which is also step-free and will be a lasting legacy long after the Games have finished.”

Network Rail installed the new lifts and constructed a new corridor linking the ticket hall with all the platforms, which means that National Rail customers are now under cover on their way to catch a train.

 Network Rail is delivering the Access for All programme on behalf of the DfT. Access improvement works at more than 90 National Rail stations will be completed by the opening ceremony. They include lifts being installed at Camden Road, Gospel Oak, Hackney Central and which will all have step-free access in time for the London Games.

Association calls for wider access to alternative formats

Proposed changes to copyright law should go further in making it easier for disabled people to access alternative formats of documents, music, films and photographs, says the British Assistive Technology Association.

 At present, the Intellectual Property Office proposes to relax restrictions on copying to allow anyone to copy materials that they own to any format or device, as long as it is for their personal use.

 “This is terrific news for print-impaired people, because it would mean that they can shift digital material from one format to another at will,” says Ian Litterick, a council member of BATA and chairman of assistive software company iansyst.

 “They could, for example, take a document, scan it and adapt it to large print with blue type on a yellow background, if that is what they find more comfortable to read. Or they could take a PDF file from the web and convert it to an audio file to listen to on their iPhone as they commute to work.

 “This change could be hugely beneficial to people with a reading impairment – not just visually impaired or dyslexic people but also those with mobility problems and general learning difficulties.”

 Up until now disabled people have had to rely on an exception to the Copyright Act, made for visually impaired people. But this exception has not applied, for example, to people with dyslexia, who have been left in many cases to break the law if they want to adapt something so that they can read it.

 However, BATA, which represents leading assistive technology organisations, professionals and users, wants to see the Government go further and allow an individual to copy material not only that they own, but also that they have legal access to.

More support for campaign

Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Fatima Whitbread have recently added their support to the Undefeated campaign and resource dealing with disability and justice that sees its launch on Monday 21 May

 More than one billion people experience some form of disability. If they all became one country, they’d be the third largest nation on earth with the world’s highest rates of homelessness, unemployment, divorce, abuse and suicide. Undefeated, developed by a partnership of Christian churches and agencies, seeks to challenge this unjust and unnecessary struggle faced by disabled people throughout the world.

 The Undefeated resource, endorsed by top sporting celebrities, has drawn on the experiences of four of the UK’s leading disabled athletes and seeks to harness the potential of the Paralympic Games to educate schools and churches. It addresses the issues faced by disabled people across the world.

Human rights must be factored into housing benefit

• Burnip v Birmingham City Council (respondent) and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (second respondent)
• Trengrove v Walsall Metropolitan Council (respondent) and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (second respondent)
• Gorry v Wiltshire Council (respondent) and Secretary of State for work and Pensions (second respondent)

A human rights case in which the Equality and Human Rights Commission intervened, has established that housing benefit must take into account the extra needs of disabled children and adults.

 The Commission agrees with the ruling on all three cases heard by the Court of Appeal. It says the decision will help stop disabled people from being evicted if the housing benefit cap means they or their parents do not get enough money to pay all the rent for a suitable home.

Mr Burnip has carers 24 hours a day to help him as he is severely disabled. He only got housing benefit for a one bedroom flat, as that was all he was entitled to at the time, but needed a second bedroom for his carers to sleep in overnight. Ms Trengrove, who has died, was in a similar situation.

 Two of the three siblings in the Gorry family are disabled – one has Down’s Syndrome, another has Spina Bifida. The family could only claim for a three bedroom home, so the two disabled children would have to share a bedroom. Their disabilities made this impossible.

The government has already changed the regulations for calculating housing benefits for disabled adults, but will now have to change it for families with disabled children.

 John Wadham, general counsel, Equality and |Human Rights Commission said: “Our intervention in the Burnip case has helped to ensure that all disabled people claiming housing benefit do not face indirect discrimination. If it was not for the Human Rights Act, disabled people may be more likely fall into rent arrears because they cannot afford the home that meets their needs and then face eviction.

“The rulings underline our analysis of the government’s 2010 spending review, which looked at potential effects of those decisions on women, ethnic minorities and disabled people. It calls for the development of a common model of analysis to predict the likely equality effects of policy and earlier use of the equality duties to ensure better targeting of funds and greater value for money.”

Sign language provider marks 30th anniversary

The provider of British Sign Language qualifications Signature is marking 30 years of successfully promoting excellence in deaf communications this week – but its chief executive says there is still a long way to go to achieve full accessibility for deaf and deafblind people in society.

The charity started in 1982 and has grown from a small organisation to become the nation’s largest awarding body for BSL qualifications – over 300,000 people from across the UK have achieved Signature BSL or Deaf Awareness qualifications.

The charity started in 1982 and has grown from a small organisation to become the nation’s largest awarding body for BSL qualifications – more than 300,000 people from across the UK have achieved Signature BSL or Deaf Awareness qualifications.

Chief executive Jim Edwards praised the work of the people that had helped make Signature, previously known as CACDP, such a success.

He said Signature had grown to become far more than simply an awarding body for qualifications – it is now a leading voice in BSL learning, as well as a powerful lobbyist for equality and accessibility for the UK’s deaf community.

He said: “For 30 years Signature has campaigned for better inclusion and accessibility for deaf people across the UK, improving lives and enhancing independence.

“Our success is testament to the many hard working, talented people in the organisation who have dedicated so much to helping deaf people overcome barriers to communication.”

Charity calls for Government to do more to help access to employment

National charity Livability warns that unless more investment and new innovative employment schemes are developed, disabled people will continue to be excluded from the workplace.

As 34 Remploy factories are being closed and more than 1,500 disabled people are due to lose their jobs, the charity believes that a new strategy is needed to better support people with disabilities back into employment or self-employment. 

The charity runs its own Enterprise Agency that helps disabled and disadvantaged people start their own businesses and Livability wants to see similar innovative schemes put in place across the country.

Mike Smith, chief executive of Livability said: “We believe that more needs to be done to tackle long term employment issues with disabled people in general. The current Access to Work programme is not effective and not value for money as the outcomes are poor. We believe the government should be more innovative and look for viable options and alternatives for disabled people to get into work.

“Livability’s self-employment programme is an example of how disabled people can be introduced into sustainable employment generating income for themselves, and the government through the payment of taxes and the removal of the need to pay benefits.

“Government support for these effective programmes is currently woefully inadequate and JobCentre Plus should be tasked with an urgent review to explore other options for employment that are specifically targeted towards disabled people and their particular needs.’’

The Livability Enterprise Agency, launched in 2011, provides one-off workshops to help people start thinking about self-employment as well as longer courses covering business planning, book-keeping and marketing. Clients are also able to receive advice on the benefits and other financial help they are entitled to while making the transition to self-employment.

Livability is also concerned that the current closure of the Remploy factories is being poorly thought through.

Mike Smith said: ‘’In the current economic climate and with high levels of unemployment, the Remploy factories closures are devastating for thousands of disabled people and their families. Although we understand that in some instances it might be necessary to close expensive and loss making factories, we do not support the urgency with which this is being done. More time and support should be allowed to enable Remploy’s disabled workforce to find other employment.’’

Earlier this year, Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller announced that 36 out of 54 Remploy factories are due to close. More than 1,500 disabled people will lose their jobs.

Naidex hailed an outstanding success

Building on the success of three Naidex shows last year the first of the 2012 events has now drawn to a close. There was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the three days which was heightened on day one by the appearance of Simon Weston, who called Naidex National a “fantastic event which is a must for anyone affected by disability to attend”. 

The first day of the show was a particularly early start for some as BBC Breakfast News broadcast live links from the event between 6am and 9am. Various exhibitors were interviewed by business presenter Steph McGovern and the appearance of Naidex National on national television got everyone talking about the show.

Despite the rain, visitors flocked to the event to see the latest developments in wheelchair accessible vehicles, home adaptations, rehabilitation equipment and many other independent living solutions that enhance the lives of those affected by disability or long term illness. 

Naidex National is all about bringing together the best manufacturers and suppliers of disability products so that visitors can test and compare the solutions they need. 

Maria Brown’s son Angus has Duchene’s muscular dystrophy and she says that Naidex National is a key date in her family’s diary. “We come to see what new equipment is available and get the wonderful free help and advice that’s on offer. We need a new car and a powerchair and at Naidex we can see both in just one day. What’s amazing is that we get to try all sorts of things at once and we always discover new products we didn’t know existed. Naidex is the place to come to find what you’re looking for and I recommend visiting to everyone.” 

It was Angus’ first time at Naidex and he also thoroughly enjoyed his day, saying: “It was lots of fun and I’m really excited about our new car, too.” 

As well as the many families visiting the show healthcare professionals attended in their hundreds, all taking full advantage of what the free Naidex Conference had to offer. With dedicated streams for all professionals including OT’s, physios, case managers and speech and language therapists the three seminar theatres remained full throughout. 

Sam Harris, chair of Case Management Society UK, recommends the seminars to all case managers and other professionals who want to keep up to date with the latest products and practices and occupational therapist Julie Hardman said the programme was ‘extremely beneficial and not to be missed’. 

Naidex South is coming to London ExCeL on the 17-18 October. For more information and to register for tickets see website www.naidex.co.uk.

College’s response

The College of Social Work has responded to the release of adoption scorecards for local authorities. Professor Corrine May-Chahal, interim co-chair of the college said: “The college is keen to support all measures that enhance the very best in social work practice but is sceptical about the benefits of adoption scorecards when applied to complex decisions that profoundly affect the future of children and their families.

 “We are concerned that the evidence presented in adoption scorecards should not be viewed in isolation. They cannot be used as a blunt instrument to assess local authority performance in a similar way as schools and exam results.

 “The scorecards may provide a snapshot that is indicative of how local authorities are performing, but this must be mapped against local conditions on the ground, such as levels of deprivation and percentages of different faith groups for which solutions such as special guardianship may be a preferable solution.

 “There are many reasons for delays in adoption, some having more to do with the justice system than social work. All those who practice in this area are putting the interests of children first, and only through high quality assessments and good judgements with necessary support can we ensure that our adoption placements are a success.

 “Not all areas are facing the same challenges, and as social workers know many of these challenges can be complex.

 “We welcome the Government’s aim to explore the specific circumstances that different local areas face and we hope they will do everything possible to ensure that struggling authorities are supported with appropriate resources to enable them to improve.”

Charity offers campaigners party conference platform

Leonard Cheshire Disability is offering disabled campaigners a unique opportunity to have their say at the 2012 party conferences.

 The scheme has been launched to ensure politicians hear directly from disabled people about what needs to change. Three disabled campaigners will have the opportunity to attend this autumn’s party conferences to tell politicians and party supporters about their campaigns.

Leonard Cheshire Disability will pay for a conference pass, accommodation and travel costs for one disabled campaigner at each of the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences. A pass, accommodation and travel for a carer can also be arranged if extra support would be helpful to attend the conference. After the event the campaigner will be invited to share their experiences and report back.

 Wendy Tiffin, campaigner and resident of Leonard Cheshire Disability home The Grange, who attended party conference in 2010 said:  “Going to party conference was a great opportunity to tell the Minister for Disabled People in person about the problems faced by disabled people locally and nationally and it really boosted my confidence in my campaign work. It is important that politicians hear from disabled people directly so that their decisions are influenced by real people’s needs. This programme gives an excellent opportunity for disabled people like me to do this.”

 Full details can be found on our website www.lcdisability.org/takeaction.

Autism poll calls for more accessible environments

Dimensions, a not-for-profit autism and learning disability provider has announced the results of a public survey which calls for shops, restaurants and supermarkets to become more accessible to people with autism. Two hundred and fifty people took part in the online poll during autism awareness month, voting for public spaces that they would like to see become more inclusive and sharing views around autism friendly environments.

Dimensions will be using the survey results to help advise businesses on the types of environmental factors that people with autism may find challenging and what simple but effective alterations they can make to become more accessible.

Restaurants were voted as the place most people would like to see made more accessible with 32 per cent of people making it their preferred choice. Supermarkets received 27 per cent of the vote followed by leisure centres (17 per cent), shops (10 per cent), theatres (9 per cent), events such as fireworks displays or sporting events (4 per cent) and banks with 1 per cent of the vote.

Dimensions’ autism lead, executive director of practice development Lisa Hopkins, said: “Accessibility is not just about wheelchairs and ramps. This is clearly something people feel passionately about. Dimensions is committed to working with the wider community to achieve positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities and people with autism and we believe that businesses and services can become more accessible by listening to the experiences of the autism community.”

Queen's Speech reaction

Commenting on the mention of a draft bill on adult social care in the Queen’s Speech, Sue Brown, head of public policy at the deafblind charity Sense, says: “We are disappointed that the Government has not delivered on its promises around adult social care. The White Paper is incredibly overdue and a draft Bill is not enough – we had hoped for a firm commitment to take a Bill through Parliament because older and disabled people need reform not more delays.  

“The Government has procrastinated too long – the sooner we address the social care crisis the less it will cost society in the long term. So along with the 85 other organisations who wrote to the Prime Minister yesterday, we are calling on the Government to make social care a top priority so that older and disabled people can do more than just survive because the social care system is in disarray.

“A deafblind person’s greatest need is social care that supports them to communicate with others and navigate the world. At the moment many do not receive support at all or are being forced to pay huge costs. Urgent reform of the system is vital to get the social care they need to access society.”

Ottobock joins forces with BT Paralympic World Cup

Prosthetics, orthotics and wheelchair specialists Ottobock have become the official technical service provider for the 2012 BT Paralympic World Cup.

 Ottobock, who have provided technical service to the BT Paralympic World Cup since 2007, will provide an expert team of orthotists, prosthetists and wheelchair technicians, to provide equipment repair and maintenance for competing athletes throughout the competition.

 The BT Paralympic World Cup launches an exciting summer of sport for Ottobock, who are also the Official Technical Service Provider of the London 2012 Paralympic Games in London. 

 Phil Yates, managing director of Ottobock, said: “This partnership with the BT Paralympic World Cup reinforces our strong commitment to Paralympic sport.

“Ottobock has been providing technical service at Paralympic competition since 1988 and we have the expertise, knowledge and skills to support the diverse range of equipment repair and maintenance needed at world-class sporting events. The BT Paralympic World Cup is a key event for many athletes preparing for the London 2012 Paralympic Games and our technical service team is proud to be on hand to support their preparations.”

Martin Bashir becomes patron of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Charity

Martin Bashir, the award-winning journalist, has become patron for Action Duchenne, the UK charity dedicated solely to raising awareness and funds for research into a cure and providing support for families living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. 

The disease affects one in 3,500 male births in the UK, and is the most common and severe type of muscular dystrophy. Sufferers are diagnosed, usually, by the age of five and rarely live past their twenties. 

Martin’s brother Tommy died from Duchenne at the age of 29. Since being established in 2001, the charity has successfully campaigned to increase awareness of the disease to improve standards of care and raised several millions of pounds to fund medical research and partnerships.  

Action Duchenne has recently donated more than £160,000 to Royal Holloway to support a ground-breaking project to develop a process for delivering full length dystrophin, which could provide effectively provide a cure.

Diabetes course to halt predicted pandemic

A diabetes charity has launched a new programme to help people at risk of Type 2 diabetes from developing the condition, after predictions that a diabetes pandemic could reach one in 10 UK adults by 2030.

X-PERT Health’s X-POD programme will help people with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance or a raised diabetes risk score to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – ideally, preventing it completely.

The six-week education course will encourage participants to adopt a healthier diet, increase physical activity, as well as encouraging heightened awareness of the effects their lifestyles can have on their health.

Diabetes currently takes up 10 per cent of the NHS budget – with £1m spent on diabetes every hour – but this is projected to rise to £16.9 billion over the next 25 years, or 17 per cent of the health service’s funds.. People diagnosed with the preventable Type 2 diabetes at age 40 face a reduction in life expectancy of eight years.

Dr Trudi Deakin, chief executive of X-PERT Health said: “X-POD will be offered free of charge through the NHS to anyone at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – for healthcare bodies, it’s a cost effective education programme that could reverse the Type 2 diabetes prevalence statistics and transform the health of the nation.”

A clinical trial carried out in Finland, involving 522 people, showed not one new case of diabetes in three years among those who achieved four or five of the diabetes prevention goals.

Helping young disabled people in the UK communicate through new technologies

For many of the young people studying and living at national disability charity Livability’s educational establishments, being unable to communicate with those around them is a harsh reality as their disabilities limit their speech and motor skills.

Livability believes that these young people can become more independent and better able to interact with the outside world, but only if they have access to the right assistive technologies. The charity has just launched its new Switch On Independence Appeal to raise £67,500 which will allow it to purchase new computer equipment and upgrade its existing adapted technology provision.

Touch-screen computers can enable students whose lack of fine motor skills prevent them from using a mouse or keyboard, to simply and easily operate a computer, opening a whole new way of learning to them.

New technology also allows students who have speech problems to use symbol language software to communicate their thoughts and feelings more easily with their teachers and friends. As a result, their confidence grows and they can participate in class more easily.

Helen Deathridge, Head of Individual Giving at Livability, said: ‘’Many of us take access to computers and new technologies for granted and we rely heavily on them in our work and personal lives. For our disabled students, access to computers is even more crucial as they help increase their independence and enable them to communicate. Specially adapted computer equipment and software can be very expensive. We want to make sure that disabled young people are not left behind in terms of benefiting from new technologies. Through our appeal, we are raising funds that will be used to give them access to the right equipment and support, so they can have the best possible start in life.’’

Anyone wanting to support the Switch On Independence Appeal can send donations to: Livability, Supporters Services, Switch On Independence Appeal, 50 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4XQ or donate online at www.livability.org.uk/switchon.

Protest, march and lobby against proposed closure of factories

There will be a protest, march and lobby of Parliament in London on Wednesday 9 May, the latest event in a long line of events against the closure of Remploy factories that employ disabled workers. 

These and other events are organized by Remploy unions GMB and Unite. The lobby is sponsored by Ian Lavery MP.

Remploy workers and their many supporters are angry at the coalition government’s decision to shut 36 of the 54 Remploy sites this summer with compulsory redundancies for 1,752 people, of these 1,518 are disabled. It is envisaged that the remaining 18 sites will close soon after.

Paracycler is a golden boy

Paracycling world champion Colin Lynch dazzled the opposition with his golden prosthesis as he maintained his 100 per cent winning record in the Rudy Project National Time Trial Series. 

Following his latest victory, held around Lake Bassenthwaite in Cumbria, Colin was resplendent in his new PACE Rehabilitation provided golden prosthesis. His hat trick of wins means that he now has a commanding lead in the disability category of the series.

Colin’s prosthesis certainly stands out from the crowd, as he explains: “I did get ribbed about it at first, but the gold reminds me of what I am hoping to win at the games in September.” 

“I really appreciate the support that the team at PACE have given me. The prosthesis they’ve provided is incredible and the gold chrome finish makes it even more eye catching.”

Scott Richardson, PACE Rehabilitation’s business development manager, says: “Since we started supporting Colin in 2010 he has developed his own Midas touch.  Earlier this year, in Los Angeles, he won his second world champion title in  six months. So, in recognition of this and the forthcoming Paralympics, we’ve introduced some bling to Colin’s device.”

Colin is now taking a break from the Rudy Project Series to concentrate on his international duties and races. He does however plan to return for the final events in September, to try to secure overall victory and cap a golden season of competition.

Winner at Naidex

Scene and Heard, the fun communication iPad application from Therapy Box, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious New Product of the Year Award at Naidex National 2012 (1-3 May Birmingham NEC), as voted for by a panel of expert judges. 

It was recognised as the most innovative disability product on show at this year’s exhibition during an awards ceremony on the second day of the event. The ceremony also celebrated Rollerscoot as the winner of the People’s Choice New Product Award which was decided by visitors to the show who voted throughout the day. 

The winner of the Naidex Style Award was also revealed by judge Matt Whorwood, who felt the best looking product on show was the P Pod from Special Orthotic Services. 

The Naidex New Product of the Year Award is renowned within the disability industry for showcasing the best new products available. It is a great platform for exhibitors to launch their new products to a wide audience and get recognition for their innovative solutions. 

Russell Smith from Therapy Box said: “It is fantastic to win this award and get our product recognised by such a wide range of people. It will be a great platform for us to communicate the benefits of Scene and Heard and we are delighted.”

Theme park ticket discount for special needs groups

Theme park Gulliver’s is offering discounted tickets to special needs groups every Friday in May.

The family-run company, which has sites in Warrington, Matlock Bath and Milton Keynes, has extensive facilities for groups to visit its parks and attractions, including education packs to meet Foundation, KS1 and KS2 year groups, free risk assessment visits for two teachers and free teacher places depending on group sizes.

Gulliver’s also has free parking and provides complimentary admission and hot drinks for coach drivers.

Gulliver’s managing director Julie Dalton said: “Here at Gulliver’s we offer fantastic facilities to special needs groups. Our education packs are written by teachers, so they give our visiting teachers all the tools they need to plan a fun-packed day out that educates children in a really innovative and creative way.

“Our May Fridays special offer will hopefully give lots of groups a great opportunity to check out what’s on offer for less.”

The May Fridays offer will be valid for Friday 11 May, Friday 18 May and Friday 25 May; for more information telephone 01925 444888 or see website www.gulliversfun.co.uk.

Vision for Paralympic Games opening ceremony revealed

Circus skills are to feature in the Paralympic opening ceremony, showcasing the skills of deaf and disabled artists – and the directors promise a “spectacular celebration” of the inspirational spirit of the Paralympics that challenges perceptions of human possibility.

The ceremony on 29 August will open with a fly past by ‘Aerobility’, a British charity that trains disabled people to become pilots. 

All the host London boroughs are playing their part along with schools, and 50 specialist performers have just started an eight week circus skills training programme at Circus Space in Hackney. 

The programme, funded by Arts Council England, will see performers with disability, including established artists and people new to the arts such as rehabilitating soldiers and non competing Paralympians, learn circus arts skills. 

On the theme of ‘Enlightenment’ the ceremony by co-artistic directors Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings promises to be an electrifying celebration to mark the occasion when the Paralympic Games, which originated in the UK as the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948, will come home.

Jenny Sealey, artistic director of Graeae, the UK’s flagship disabled-led theatre company, said: “Bradley and I are relishing this opportunity. It is immensely exciting and always terrifying especially as the days are passing at the rate of knots. But we will be ready to show the world the story we have so carefully developed and nurtured.”

Co-director Bradley Hemmings, the artistic director of Greenwich+Docklands Festivals, said: “Jenny and I want our ceremony to be both spectacular and deeply human at the same time. We’re determined that the ceremony should speak from the heart.”

Artistic directors Bradley Hemmings and Jenny Sealey. Photo: ©Dave Tully at In Press on behalf of LOCOG

Comprehensive guidance for lone workers

A new web page has been launched to provide lone workers and their employers with a central point of information on health and safety, legal obligations, quality standards and advice on choosing a reputable supplier of lone worker devices.

Launched by the Lone Worker Forum of the British Security Industry Association, BSIA, the page offers easy-to-understand advice and links to guidance documents, which set out the individual rights and responsibilities of both employers and their lone working employees.

Patrick Dealtry the chairman of the BSIA’s Lone Worker Forum, said: “More than six million people in the UK work either in isolation or without direct supervision, often in places or circumstances that put them at potential risk. A wide variety of organisations and industry sectors employ people whose jobs require them to work or operate alone, either regularly or occasionally.

“The protection of lone workers involves a twofold approach; not only to provide safeguards but also to offer reassurance to the people involved. The BSIA’s Lone Worker Forum recommends that companies choose lone worker systems that are compliant to British Standard 8484.

“The launch of this dedicated web page means that employers can now find out more about the implications of BS8484, download useful guidance and locate reputable suppliers.”

For more details see the website www.bsia.co.uk/lone-workers.

Number of disabled people in poverty set to rise

A third of disabled people live in poverty – a statistic which is set to rise according to disability campainers, as the time-limit for claiming Employment and Support Allowance takes effect. 

Neil Coyle, the director of policy and campaigns, Disability Rights UK, said: “While we welcome disabled people being supported to enter and retain work, today’s measure is unlikely to incentivise work, penalises disabled people who have worked and leaves 280,000 disabled people and their families facing extreme poverty and exclusion.” 

The government has introduced a cut-off for ESA payments for people in the Work-Related Activity Group as part of the Welfare Reform Act. ESA was introduced from 2008 to replace incapacity benefits and is split in two: the Support Group for disabled people not required to undertake any work-related activity and the Work-Related Activity Group for disabled people expected to undertake some work-related activity.

Disability Rights UK said the 365 day limit is being introduced retrospectively which means disabled people who have received support from April 2011 will automatically have payments reviewed and many will lose financial support immediately. It points out the department for work and pensions statistics suggest more than 40,000 disabled people will immediately lose help and that, by 2015/16, 700,000 disabled people will be affected by this new measure.

Neil Coyle said: “The government must monitor the effect of time limiting out of work support closely and should better support disabled people into employment. We believe greater awareness of, and resources for, the Access to Work initiative is essential to help the 50 per cent of working age disabled people not in work get into and retain employment.” 

Research project to involve those with autism

A project to identify the priorities for future research into autism will be launched at a Parliamentary Reception this week. 

Research Autism said the need for a better understanding of the lifelong neurological disability, which impairs an individual’s ability to communicate, has never been greater. 

Remapping Autism Research: Identifying Priorities for the Decade Ahead will involve people with autism, parents and carers having their say in how an issue is researched, how it is funded and who undertakes the research. The charity said this re-mapping exercise will continue a much-needed dialogue between families and researchers, enabling parents and people with autism to shape the future UK research agenda.

The business secretary Vince Cable is due to attend the launch and speakers will include Professor Tony Charman from the Institute of Education and Claire Enders of Enders Analysis. The research project will be led by Professor Tony Charman and Dr Liz Pellicano from the Institute of Education.

Polio charity website

The charity supporting those in the UK living with the effects of polio and Post Polio Syndrome has launched a website.

The British Polio Fellowship’s interactive portal provides information about polio and PPS to The Fellowship’s members, their families and medical professionals along with details about its support services and links to its new social media channels Facebook and Twitter.

Ted Hill, the chief executive of The British Polio Fellowship, said: “We want our website to become central to the polio community in the UK. We’re still living with the legacy of this debilitating illness today and need the support of our members and partners to raise diagnosis rates and help treat those affected by it.”

For more details see the website www.britishpolio.org.uk, follow on Twitter @britishpolio or search for British Polio Fellowship on Facebook.

The new website from The British Polio Fellowship.

Dementia group has first meeting

Health and care leaders working to drive improvements in dementia services have held their first meeting. The Dementia Health and Care Champion Group, brings together representatives from the health sector, social care, local government and charities.

Co-chaired by Sarah Pickup, the president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, and Sir Ian Carruthers, the chief executive of NHS South of England, the group will focus on how social care services, the NHS and local government organisations can work together to effect change. 

It follows pledges by the Prime Minister to make the UK a world leader on dementia. The programme aims to deliver major improvements in dementia care, awareness and research by 2015. Three ‘Champion Groups’ are being established to lead the work on each strand.

The care services minister Paul Burstow said: “We are determined to go further and faster in bringing real improvements to the care and support people with dementia and their carers receive in all settings.

“Early diagnosis is key as it allows people to plan for their future. We must also ensure that, once they receive a diagnosis, people have access to the right information and high quality services wherever they live.”