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ABILITY NEEDS

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The essential journal on disability

£2.00 Quarterly

SPRING Q2 2021

Motoring and Mobility

Adapting Your Home

Exercise at Home

Exhibitions

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

To arrange a test drive please visit www.fiat.co.uk/motability

THE FIAT FAMILY AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME* Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Fiat range (including mild hybrid) in mpg (l/100km): Combined 34 (8.3) – 53.3 (5.3). CO2 emissions 192 – 119 g/km. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range (if applicable) figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. PHEV vehicle figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. BEV vehicle figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. Both PHEV and BEV vehicles require mains electricity for charging. The values of CO2, electric range (if applicable) and fuel consumption may not reflect real life driving results. Motability Terms & Conditions: Vehicles 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 and 30th June 2021. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time.

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Switch Designed to help with standing and short transfers D

HE OXFORD SWITCH is an assistive device to help people with reduced mobility,

stand from a seated position and enable their onward transfer to another surface. The Switch is an excellent rehabilitation tool, actively encouraging user participation,

improving strength and natural function.. With a safe working load of 180kg (28st), the Switch maintains a compact footprint and can be wheeled and stored with ease. For added convenience, it quickly separates into two components

for effortless storage and transportation, in the boot of a car, for example.

The Oxford Patient Handling Belt can be used in combination with the Switch. Available in a

choice of sizes, it provides added reassurance and support when standing and during transfer. It

also provides a means for caregivers to assist the user in rising from a seated position. This Oxford Switch is available now. information, contact For more Joerns Healthcare on 0344 811 1158, send an email to info@joerns.co.uk or visit our website at www.joerns.co.uk.

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Switch A simple aid for standing and short transfers Designed to help someone with reduced mobility to stand from a seated position and enable their transfer to another surface. The Switch actively encourages users to participate in the process, enabling rehabilitation and helping to improve strength and natural function.

Key Features

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Safe Working Load 180kg / 28st / 397Ibs Compact and easy to manoeuvre Quickly dismantles for easy strorage and transportation Optional handling belt for additional support 5 Year Warranty for peace of mind!

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Ability Needs Magazine

ABILITY NEEDS

7 Montgomerie Terrace, Contents Ayr, KA7 1JL 1 Motoring and Mobility - Featuring the latest vehicles and products available Tel 01292 287574 in the mobility marketplace Fax 01292 266656 16 Tanni’s View email: abilityneeds@btinternet.com web: www.abilityneeds.co.uk

All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors and omissions. No responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for any claims made by the advertisers in this publication.

ABILITY NEEDS The essential

SPRING Q2 2021

journal on disabil ity

Front Cover photograph co Jeep urtesy of

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£2.00 Quarterly

Motoring and Mobility

Adapting Your Home

Exercise at Home

Exhibitions

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

- Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE – Tanni wonders what the impact of COVID on disabled people will be and if it has changed people’s views towards them

Eddie Peacock

- Arthur and Gladys - Eddie explores the pitfalls of using the internet for the supply of mobility goods and demonstrates that your local mobility shop is a better choice for peace of mind

Industry Insight

- More responsibility and accountability from our senior civil service – Angus looks at examples of inefficiency, waste, incompetence and unaccountability from senior public officials

Holidays

- One Day Perhaps – John reminisces about past trips and wonders when we will be able to travel again

Tea Break - Take a break and put your knowledge to the test

Purchase a digital copy of Ability Needs at www.magzter.com

Rachel Odell, Wessex DriveAbility Centre Manager (left) and Constable Heidi Muxhan, Road Casualty Reduction Officer for Dorset Police

Ability Needs Magazine

LEGENDS AREN’T BORN. THEY’RE MADE.

JEEP RANGE AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME FROM £195 ADVANCE PAYMENT* For more information or to book a test drive visit www.jeep.co.uk/motability or visit your nearest Jeep Retailer.

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Jeep® range mpg (l/100km) combined: 25.7 (11.0) - 48.7 (5.8). CO2 emissions: 259 - 148 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 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 accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *Jeep Compass and Renegade available on the Motability scheme. Models shown: Jeep Compass 1.4 MultiAir II 140hp Night Eagle (with additional bi-colour paint @£400). Available on the Motability Scheme from £1,295 advanced payment. Jeep Renegade 1.0 GSE T3 120hp MT 4x2 Limited (with additional bi-colour paint @£400). Available on the Motability Scheme from £995 advance payment. Vehicles only available through Motability accredited participating Jeep retailers and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. These offers are valid for orders placed from 1st April and 30th June 2021.Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time.

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New Driving Mobility website delivers greater guidance on assisted driving and independence

RIVING MOBILITY, the charity that accredits a network of driving assessment centres, has relaunched its website to provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of adapted driving, accessible travel and personal mobility. Supported by the Department for Transport, Driving Mobility is the umbrella organisation that coordinates 20 independent driving assessment centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. With over 70 outreach facilities, centres are individually managed by separate charities and NHS departments – all providing clinical ‘fitness-todrive’ assessments commonly for people who have experienced a life changing diagnosis. Client can also benefit from a range of other services and either self-refer or are signposted from the DVLA, Motabilty, Police and NHS. In addition to clinical recommendations regarding driving with a disability, professional advice is available on wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), mobility equipment, using public transport and accessible lifestyles. Healthcare professionals are also supported with CPD training and events. Driving Mobility is regarded as ‘the national voice of assisted driving and independence’ and its improved website now reflects this

position of authority. Driving Mobility boasts the UK’s largest knowledge base in terms of accessible driving. Its team of Occupational Therapists (OTs), Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), management staff and trustees, bring together vast experience in assisted driving and accessible travel. This wealth of expertise ensures the new Driving Mobility website is a vital gateway to accessibility for all. Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO, explains: “When you or a client experiences a change in mobility, there is always a need for qualified advice so informed decisions can be made to remain independent. There is a raft of information on the internet however identifying solutions to individual needs can be impossible. This is why our new website has been significantly strengthened and redesigned with extra content – to facilitate easier access to many answers regarding driving with a disability. Add to this, solutions for living without a car, condition specific suggestions and HUBs information, the new Driving Mobility website represents an invaluable tool for all consumers and professionals seeking qualified guidance on personal independence.” For more information go to www.drivingmobility.org.uk

Launch Brand New Website OERNS HEALTHCARE is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new redesigned website at www.joerns.co.uk. The new website features a comprehensive list of visual and technical enhancements, including a variety of usability improvements for mobile and tablet users, several site speed refinements to decrease load times, streamlining the interface for ease of access to vital information and, most of all, a modern, colourful, and aesthetic overhaul of the design. Our primary goal during the redesign process was to create a more valuable, user-centric and responsive resource across all platforms and devices. Specifically, we wanted to focus on making it easier for our users to learn and locate key information about our wide range of safe patient handling equipment, not only at a desk, but on mobile devices too. The brand-new website enables Joerns Healthcare to fully convey all their products and services, as a leading supplier of safe patient handling equipment (www.joerns.co.uk/products). We also have a new blog section that website visitors can benefit from too. Here they will be able to find out more information about our

company, products, services, helpful guides, tutorials, and latest news regarding the sectors that we work closely with. We will update our blog regularly with new, exciting, and informative content that is exclusive to our readers (www.joerns.co.uk/blog). Speaking of the new website for Joerns, Curtis Jordan, UK Marketing Manager said, “Our previous site had been in place for some five years and we thought it was due a rethink and overhaul. Things move on so rapidly in the digital world and it’s important to keep abreast of these developments and ensure your resources remain current and fit for purpose and to that end, we have significantly upgraded our hosting set-up to ensure speed and availability is better than ever. Product information is more accessible on all platforms. We’ve made it easier and more convenient for visitors to get in touch and we’ve launched a new, regularly updated blog section that will cover a range of industry topics. Coupled with our social media accounts and other online resource portals, we believe our offering is among the most comprehensive in the market today. We are confident our new site will not only meet but exceed the needs of our audience”.

If you would like to find out more about Joerns Healthcare and their products, then please visit the website for more information (www.joerns.co.uk). Alternatively, you can call +44 (0)344 811 1158 to speak to a member of our friendly and helpful team.

Ability Needs Magazine

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Music, Arts, Sciences Improve Societies (MASIS) T IS CERTAINLY without doubt that from early 2020 we have become increasingly aware of the vital work undertaken by all members of the healthcare profession as well as the highly qualified research scientists who ensure that everyone’s health and wellbeing is maintained at the highest possible level. Regrettably, I believe that their efforts are all too often overlooked or taken for granted. Medical sciences and related healthcare skills and disciplines are essential ‘ingredients’ in society.

MUSIC AND ARTS. ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

All of us will have different ways in which we choose to spend our leisure time. Outdoor pursuits and sporting activities being among these options. However, it has been proved that music and singing as well as the arts (either of a performing or creative nature) offer therapeutic benefits to those who choose to participate in these activities and allow us to express ourselves in different ways. I choose to express myself with a paintbrush, as a watercolour artist specialising in painting British landscapes of a very detailed nature, many of which have been commissioned. From starting with a blank piece of paper and sketching the picture before the first brush load of paint is applied to seeing the completed picture after several hours of time consuming effort gives me considerable satisfaction. I am delighted to inform readers that MASIS has now established collaborating relationships with David Stanley B.E.M. who is Founder of the Music Man Project. David is not only a multi-talented and award winning musician, conductor and composer of national and international renown, he is also a Churchill Fellow and Global Peace Ambassador for Disabled Children. The Music Man Project encourages young people (especially those

F OR INCLUSI ON AND EQ UA LITY

affected by learning disabilities as well as certain physical disabilities) to perform in the company of nondisabled singers and musicians. More information can be found by visiting the Network and Collaborate page of www.masis.org.uk MASIS intends to help encourage the development of more music education hubs both nationally and internationally. Another musically related networking relationship is in the early stages of development and if successful, will be of particular benefit in enabling talented disabled musicians to express themselves either vocally or (should it be required) through using assistive technology which will enable them to play specific musical instruments. For more information on The Music Man Project visit https://linktr.ee/MusicManProject or watch the following videos on YouTube https://yourtu.be/CKspkg3yboU https://youtu.be/PvlQiDog2g8

INTERESTED? (PLEASE CONTACT MASIS) If having read this article you believe that you can offer appropriate assistance (either in a professional or voluntary capacity) to help with the development of music and arts (performing arts and dance as well as creative arts are subjects which MASIS is also keen to consider) as therapies, please contact MASIS by using the CONTACT FORM displayed on the homepage of www.masis.org.uk and your enquiry will be dealt with as quickly as possible. Thank you, Peter Lyne Founder Mobility and Support Information Service (MASIS)

FOR INCLUSION AND EQ UALITY

Ability Needs Magazine

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Dynamic. Now with an advance payment of just £1,499.

Get back out there and explore with the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid. It’s an automatic 4WD SUV with up to 28 miles EV range, packed with features to make your journey easy. Blind Spot Warning and a rear view camera keep you safe on the road and an electric pre-heater warms the cabin to keep you comfortable. All of this available with an advance payment of just £1,499.

Motability Stock Available Visit mitsubishi-motors.co.uk to find your nearest dealer.

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Dynamic / MPG (l/100km) (weighted combined): 139.7 (2.0) /Electric energy consumption (weighted combined): 3.68 miles/kWh / CO₂ emissions (weighted): 46 g/km / Equivalent all-electric range: 28 miles The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st April and 30th June 2021. These figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO₂ and 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, accessories fitted (postregistration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

102856 Q2 2021 Outlander PHEV Ability Needs A4.indd 1

29/03/2021 10:17

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Motability COVID-19 Update INCE 5 JANUARY 2021 new national restrictions have meant that dealerships showrooms across the UK have been closed, but service departments in all areas have remained open for essential maintenance and repairs. Please be reassured that the Scheme also remains open to support new and existing customers during this time. The Government announcement on 22 February 2021 outlined the ‘roadmap’ in England for easing COVID-19 restrictions, this indicated that dealership showrooms would not reopen before 12 April 2021. Dealership showrooms in Wales and Northern Ireland are also expected to reopen on 12 April 2021, while in Scotland this is expected to be slightly earlier, on 5 April 2021. As dealerships have been closed for a number of months, it is expected that they will be very busy when they reopen, so if you are planning to visit a dealership, we recommend contacting them now to make an appointment.

VEHICLE HANDOVERS AND NEW APPLICATIONS I am due to collect my new car, am I still able to do this? The Motability Scheme will remain open and the handover of new Scheme cars can take place as long as your dealership is able to safely do this on their premises, which could include their car park, while complying with the current regulations. Please contact your dealership directly to understand how this might affect the collection of your new car. Please note that the dealership’s facilities are also likely to be closed. Am I able to place an application for a Motability Scheme car? We can accept new applications for the Motability Scheme if your dealership is able to place this application on your behalf within the current regulations. Your dealer may be able to manage your application without your needing to be at the dealership, however this will be down to individual dealerships and whether they have the capacity to manage your application within the regulations. I am an existing customer. When can I place an application for my next car? If you are in the final three months of your lease or have had your lease extended due to COVID-19 and you know which car you would like to place an application for, please contact your dealership and discuss whether they are able to place an application for you at this time. For your peace of mind, and to ensure we continue to offer you worry-free motoring, if you haven’t placed a new order, or you don’t return your car on the date your lease is due to end, we will automatically extend your lease for six months, even if you have already had a lease extension due to the COVID situation. You will also automatically receive a Certificate of Motor Insurance or a temporary cover note from RSA Motability (RSAM) covering this six-month period. You can place a new order, or return your car, at any point during this six-month lease extension.

Has COVID-19 affected car delivery times? The length of time it takes for your car to be delivered could vary considerably due to the disruption experienced by car manufacturers during this time. It is worth checking with the dealership if the car you are interested in is in stock or whether it will need to be ordered from the manufacturer, which may well mean a delay. There may well be a comparable car from a different manufacturer, so it is worth considering this before you place your order. I am an existing customer, but do not want to place an order for my next car at the moment, what are my options? Where possible, we recommend customers start their search in the usual way and place an order in the last three months of their lease. Social distancing and disrupted supply chains for manufacturers mean factories are producing fewer cars than usual which may result in a shortfall of new car supply in the near future. It’s possible that deliveries of some new cars will be delayed, others may be temporarily unavailable and, in some cases, prices may sadly have to rise. I had my lease extended by six months due to the COVID situation, when can I place a new order? If you had your lease extended due to the COVID situation you do not have to wait until the end of your six-month extension to place an application if your dealer is able to do this for you whilst operating within the current regulations. Please contact your dealership directly to understand whether they are able to place your application for you at this time. I’m thinking of applying for a Grant from Motability, the Charity, what do I do? The Grants team at Motability (the Charity) have reopened their charitable grants programme and are accepting applications from all beneficiaries. Their phone lines are open between 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Due to anticipated increased continued on page 12

Ability Needs Magazine

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Request The Right Lift HEN SPECIFYING your new mobility vehicle one important factor to consider is your lift manufacturer. Clearly, quality and operation are key considerations but what about the people and customer service behind the brand? Why should that matter? we hear you say, but if you want support and peace of mind for many years to come like the Scannell family from Suffolk then it does matter! The Scannells are a foster family and they purchased a used vehicle, that already included a Ricon lift but did not include a restraint system, to provide essential transport for an eleven year old boy who was joining them. They found the support of the Faiveley Vapor Ricon team, who gave timely advice and supplied additional equipment quickly, was imperative to ensure the boy was able to join his new family on time. “We purchased our Volkswagen Caravelle complete with an S-Series Ricon lift but upon closer inspection realised that there was no restraint kit, meaning for us, the lift was initially unusable,” said Mark Scannell Foster Carer and Faiveley Ricon Customer. “I contacted Faiveley Vapor Ricon and within minutes I was chatting to Michael Dickinson, sales manager, who was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful from the very beginning.” The Restraint kit works in conjunction with the lift securing the Scannell’s special needs pushchair inside the vehicle to ensure all passengers are safe whilst the vehicle is in transit. Crash and impact tested the kit is universally compatible with most pushchairs, wheelchairs, lifts and vehicle types giving users flexibility when changing mobility equipment. In addition to Mark’s eleven year old foster child benefitting from the new restraint kit another four year old girl who is supported through respite care with the Scannell family can now access the new vehicle with ease, simply and safety when she spends time with them each month. “It was a pleasure to be able to assist Mark and his family with speed and confidence to ensure his latest foster child was able to take up his place in the Scanell family as scheduled,” said Michael Dickinson sales manager Faiveley Vapor Ricon. “We were also able to guide him through fitting and using the lift and restraint

Ability Needs Magazine

making life just a little easier as they embarked on a new chapter in their lives.” Mark concluded; “Mike was unbelievably helpful, genuinely caring about our predicament rather than pursuing just another sale. From the moment we first spoke, right through to the aftercare we have received, I have been utterly impressed and as such wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mike and the Faiveley Vapor Ricon team to any wheelchair user who requires vehicles aids. Quite simply, their premium service complements their fantastic products and will most probably help lots of other people who potentially find themselves in unfamiliar or challenging situations just as we did.” Further information can be found at www.vaporricon.co.uk

Innovations In Ac Accessibility

Always insist on it be being a Ricon L Lift

erter to only fit a V Vapor apor Ask your vehicle converter Ricon Lift – like, for example, the K SERIES. • Automatic folding lift • Unobstructed view for driver and passenger • Easy operation and maintenance • 350KG lift capacity

Call us now on 01509 635 920

Email: sales@vaporricon.co.uk

www www.vaporricon.co.uk .vaporricon.co.uk

Vapor Ricon Europe Ltd. Falcon Works, Meadow Lane, Loughborough, LE11 1HS

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continued from page 10

demand, call waiting times may be longer than usual. For more information please visit their website motability.org.uk/grants. DURING YOUR LEASE I have a Motability Scheme car; how can I get help if I’m in temporary financial need owing to the COVID-19 situation? Until 31 July 2021, Motability Scheme customers who are experiencing temporary and exceptional financial need in relation to COVID-19 are able to access an advance of the £600 Good Condition Bonus (GCB) usually paid at the end of a lease. This GCB payment can be brought forward to provide support during the COVID-19 situation, ensuring that customers in need have access to money during a period when they may need it most. Please note that customers who choose to take this payment early would not therefore receive a further GCB at the end of contract – a point when some customers like to put this towards an Advance Payment on their new car. The advance of the GCB can only be paid once per customer. As customers use their mobility allowance for their lease instalments, paid directly from the Government, it is not possible to reschedule payments to be repaid later, so this arrangement offers an alternative route to flexibility for customers. You can call us on 0300 020 5050, but please bear with us, as we are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and you may have to wait longer than usual. Customers who have already received a GCB for their current car are not able to take advantage of this arrangement. The MOT is due on my car, what should I do? Any MOTs due from 1 August 2020 must be completed as normal. Servicing departments remain open for essential maintenance and repairs including MOT tests, so your dealer should be in touch to arrange this, but please contact them directly if your

test is due and you have not heard from them. If they are unable to complete your MOT for any reason, you can contact Kwik Fit and make an appointment at one of their centres. The Government previously announced an automatic six-month extension to any MOTs due to expire between 30 March and 31 July 2020. Most of these MOTs should now have been completed, however if you had a six-month extension applied (ie. It was originally due between 30 March and 31 July 2020) and you have not yet had this completed, please contact the dealer to arrange this. If you are unsure when your MOT is due, you can check this at gov.uk/check-mot-history. If your MOT has expired, it can legally only be driven to a pre-booked MOT appointment. You will need to arrange this with your dealer, or with Kwik Fit at one of their centres. If you are self-isolating you should book the MOT for after the period of self-isolation is over, or ask a named driver to take the vehicle to be tested. Please note, if you are due to hand back your car, the MOT will need to be completed before your lease ends.

I was due to be reassessed for my allowance but the DWP have suspended my assessment for 3 months; can I stay in my current vehicle? If your lease is due to end before your reassessment, please contact us on 0300 456 4566 so we can apply a lease extension for you. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have confirmed that they will continue to pay allowances where they have had to delay assessments. I am abroad with my Motability Scheme vehicle but I cannot get back due to the Coronavirus, what can I do? If your lease is due to expire we will apply a lease extension, however if you are unable to return to the UK, please contact us on 0300 456 4566.

One Big Day and The Big Event We are pleased to announce that The Big Event will move online for 2021. Following COVID-19 government guidance, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the One Big Day physical event programme for 2021, but we expect all of our live events to be back up and running in full in 2022.

For any future news on our One Big Day events, please keep checking our Facebook Page.

Ability Needs Magazine

Portland Advertorial ART.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2021 08:58 Page 1

Explore - Learn - Shine Based in the heart of Sherwood Forest near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, we have a strong history of enriching the lives of our learners and supporting them to achieve their goals.

Our tailored education programmes and wraparound support enables learners to develop their employability, independence and health and well-being, equipping them with everything they need for a positive future.

Residential Learning

We offer both day learning and residential learning programmes. For learners who live further away from campus, our Residential Learning Service offers a unique, inclusive learning experience that connects the classroom with residential life. To ensure we continually provide the best faciltiies possible, we have redeveloped our Firs building to become a modern residential hub, providing a homely environment in a supported setting. Our residential learners enjoy the advantages of staying on campus and living among a peer group that shares their academic goals and interests. As well as a bespoke learner journey, residential learners benefit from a range of enrichment activities and regular support staff throughout the day, providing continuity of care.

Amazing Facilities

Our 32-acre woodland campus has some of the best facilities around.

WOODLAND ADVENTURE ZONE

Our exclusive, fully accessible forest adventure centre is the perfect place for learners to stretch and challenge themselves in a safe and supported environment.

Newstart Hall

Opening later this year, our Newstart Hall is being transformed into a contemporary, multiuse sports and performance facility with an ultra-modern theatre and state-of-the-art sports centre with LED floor.

Woodlands Trail 100m Zip Line Abseiling

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To book your place, contact our Admissions Team on 01623 499186

Portland College Nottingham Road, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 4TJ www.portland.ac.uk

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now gives more control to visually impaired customers ky Q, the award-winning TV box, is introducing Voice Guidance – a new feature that will make the platform more accessible than ever. Rolling during April, Voice Guidance will make navigating the platform’s TV guide, menus, Show Centres, collections, and onscreen messages much easier for those with visual impairments. Working in tandem with Sky Q’s Voice Control and existing accessibility features, Voice Guidance will make Sky Q will even more accessible. To start using it, simply say “Voice Guidance On” or “Voice Guidance Off” into your Sky Q voice remote, or find it in settings. You’ll hear spoken descriptions of the menu you’re currently navigating, a description of the option you’re hovering over or have selected, and instructions for how you can easily get to your favourite shows and movies. Voice Guidance joins a wide range features on Sky Q that are designed to give visually impaired and hard of hearing customers greater independence, including: • High Contrast Mode - highlights all entertainment with Audio Description available, • Subtitles - say “Subtitles On/Subtitles Off” into your Sky Q voice remote or find subtitled content in the On Demand, Sky Box Sets and Sky Cinema specific menus, and most recently on 500+ of the most popular kids’ content • British Sign Language zone (BSL Zone) – enjoy on demand content and entertainment for those who are

hard of hearing. Just say “British Sign Language Zone” into your voice remote to easily see all the content. • Accessibility remote – has tactile points, larger graphics, high visibility buttons, shortcuts for subtitles and audio description, as well as an easy grip design – designed to make it easier for those who have limited vision or dexterity. Alongside the new Voice Guidance feature, Sky Q is also rolling out more improvements to its Voice Control – as Disney+ content will now appear in voice and text searches, making it even easier to navigate and search for your favourite entertainment. For more information on Sky Q’s accessibility features: www.skyaccessibility.sky. And to find out more about Sky Q and begin your journey from just £25 a month, on an 18-month contract, head to: sky.com/tv.

The Big Event moves online for 2021 OVID-19 GOVERNMENT guidance, and the uncertainty regarding future restrictions, mean that we have sadly made the decision to cancel all physical events for this year, this includes The Big Event and all regional One Big Day’s. The safety and wellbeing of our customers, employees and Scheme partners are our key priorities, and in the current environment, with social distancing expected to be a fact of life possibly through to the autumn, these busy events can’t take place in the same way. Planning for the One Big Day programme normally starts at least a year ahead of the first dates, and owing to the uncertainties of the pandemic, it’s not been possible for us to plan for all eventualities so far in advance. For those keen to find out more about what the Scheme has to offer, including advice on adaptations, new car makes and models, and powered wheelchairs and scooters, the good news is that on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 August 2021, the Scheme will host a virtual version of The Big Event. In this

‘new normal’ world, we still want to try and give customers and their families a fun and informationpacked way to learn more about the Scheme’s worry-free motoring package. On both days, The Big Event will offer disabled people and their families a great way to find out more about leasing a car, WAV, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Scheme from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Registered visitors can look forward to online displays of the vehicles available on the Scheme, and our expert Speaker Sessions will provide helpful information to online audiences. Visitors will also be able to speak to all exhibitors through live chat on the day, as well as Motability Scheme advisors and partners. The good news is that we expect all our live events to be back up and running in full in 2022. Meanwhile, more details about the online event including how to register, will be shared soon on our website and Facebook and Twitter channels, stay tuned!

Ability Needs Magazine

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AN_p16_p17 tanni_18-19_AN306_Tani's_view.QXD 06/04/2021 12:12 Page 1

Tanni’s View Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE writes for Ability Needs

HE IMPACT OF COVID on the population will be discussed for many years to come. I remember at some point in March last year thinking that it was going to be about a year. But I have no idea why I thought that at the time. Whether there is a full investigation or not and what it will ever be able to find is a debate for another time. I always say that in the work that I do you have to learn from everything that you do to be better next time. But in my case, it is a speech in a debate which might last an afternoon, or a piece of legislation that might be a few weeks. It is much easier to go through all the notes and the speeches and see what could have happened differently. I am really interested in what the learning is for how disabled people have been treated and

whether it has changed the view of disabled people by wider society. There is no doubt that the impact on disabled people has been pretty severe. Not just with the ‘do not resuscitate’ orders that were placed on a number of disabled people, but the ongoing low level impact on daily life. The figures that came out last year about the number of disabled people (60%) who died from Covid only really got media traction this year. There is a lot of intersectionality in that data, but has what we have been through in the last year made life better or worse for disabled people? Working on the coronavirus legislation feels like so much more than a year ago. Care Act easements were some of the big parts that I worked on but there were many other parts in Ability Needs Magazine

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there that would have an impact on disabled people. It seemed like such small things at the time, but I remember trying to raise issue of access with the pavement culture. Don’t get me wrong, sitting outside having a coffee seems like a marvellous idea right now, but how that impacts on people moving around could have just a very low level negative effect. What is it about some of this that disabled people are not even thought about? Am I getting too pernickety? Or is this the outcome of lockdown where I am just getting tired of fighting for low level inclusion. One of the things that I received a lot of emails about was the impact of blue badge spaces being cordoned off to provide socially distanced queuing. Many emails I received said that no other provision was put in place and one person told me they received verbal abuse for parking across two spaces so that they could get their wheelchair out of their car. I have had a number of people tell me that as a disabled person they have been told that they shouldn’t be out. Is this because society cares about them and their safety, or because they are seen as an inconvenience? I wish that

I could answer some of these questions but sadly I think that it is more the latter than the first. Whereas a year ago I might have been trying to think of ways to deal with this, and I would have put it down to ignorance or many other things, now I spend more time thinking about what the wider impact is, because this is not a one off. This is happening to lots of people. It always has happened, but is it worse now than it was before? I certainly don’t think that the world has moved on in terms of rights. I was really pleasantly surprised last week when I found out that a disabled person who sat on an advisory group was being paid. How bad is it that I was excited that a disabled person was being paid for working? It came on the back of a conversation I was having about how often disabled people are sitting in quite important positions around the table but not being paid. What is it about the voice and experience of disabled people that is not being listened to? Changing big bits of legislation is one way to do it, but there needs to be more than this, so that we are no longer surprised when we hear about a disabled person being paid for their work. This should just be a given.

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We make simple belts and full supportive harnesses for all kinds of special needs, including challenging behaviour Ability Needs Magazine

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Workout with

HEELPOWER, the national charity for wheelchair sport has been providing opportunities for disabled people to play sport and lead healthy active lives for over 70 years from their home, Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Buckinghamshire, England. Through the hosting of annual events such as the Inter Spinal Unit Games, the National Junior Games, and with a wider programme supporting children and newly paralysed men and women, WheelPower supports thousands of disabled people every year throughout the UK. With the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 the charity sector, disability sports and disabled people were facing a growing number of challenges, and this was also the case for WheelPower. The facilities at Stoke Mandeville Stadium had to close, key fundraising events were cancelled and the disabled people we support were now shielding and isolated within their own homes. Within days of the first lockdown WheelPower began to set in motion plans to create new and exciting digital content that would enable disabled people to stay active in their homes during these uncertain times. On 25th March WheelPower released their very first Exercise at Home video which introduced disabled people to Adaptive Yoga. The three online Yoga classes were delivered by Nina Boswell-Brown from Sitting Fit Yoga and have been a huge success with the disabled community. To date they have been watched over 22,000 times on YouTube and continue to reach far and wide, spreading a positive message and showcasing the importance of exercise to our mental and physical wellbeing. During the early stages of lockdown Sport England launched the campaign ‘Stay in Workout’ that encouraged everyone to remain active during these difficult times and WheelPower were now playing a key role in providing new resources and creating greater opportunity for disabled people to ‘Exercise at Home’.

These first videos paved the way for many more WheelPower Workouts to be created and released fortnightly over the past year. Delivered by fellow wheelchair users Ben Clark and Ella Beaumont, over 38 fitness videos have now been produced by the charity, with the full series including cardio, circuits, and resistance bands training, alongside the original adaptive yoga content. “Our data has shown us that thousands of disabled people have benefited from the Exercise at Home videos, not only in the United Kingdom but around the world! The feedback has been very positive and we are delighted with the service we have provided to maintain and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of disabled people during these unprecedented times.” comments Emily Weller, Head of Sport and Physical Activity, WheelPower. Following the success of the workout videos WheelPower started to host Live Online Exercise Classes that brought together disabled people from across the United Kingdom. This free online class, hosted on Zoom, first took place in May 2020 as the three main instructors rotated between Yoga, Cardio and Circuits. These classes not only provided a new opportunity to take part in and enjoy fitness but they were also taking place in a friendly, inclusive and social space. Many friendships have been formed amongst the participants and as numbers continued to grow WheelPower extended the offer to our now three classes per week, which continues to this day. “WheelPower’s Online Exercise Classes were launched in response to Covid-19 to engage with disabled people to take part in a cardio, strength workouts or even a relaxing yoga session. This is a very informal and friendly session that provides an opportunity to have the social connection and interaction with peers and friends. During the pandemic these connections have become so important and something many are missing due to isolation, shielding and social distancing.” Emily Weller, Head of Sport and Physical Activity, WheelPower.

Ability Needs Magazine

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Ella’s Story LLA IS a former GB U25 Wheelchair Basketball player who has been supporting disabled people to stay active through the creation of workout videos and the delivering of live online classes. Ella is one of the WheelPower Workout instructors and she has become famous for her use of everyday equipment, such as brooms and baked bean tins within her classes. As Ella explains, “At the beginning of lockdown I was really missing the going to the gym and staying active. My mum and sister were taking part in online sessions with Joe Wickes and I used to look at them and wish there was something like that for disabled people. I did a quick search online, but couldn’t find much out there that was inspiring and motivating for me, so I decided to film and

ITH SPRING 2021 now upon us and after a whole year of lockdowns and uncertainty we now look ahead positively to a return to play, a return to facilities and return to events as we know them. It has been an incredibly tough year for the charity sector financially but organisations like WheelPower have adapted to the challenges faced during the pandemic and continued to support thousands of disabled people improve their health and wellbeing. Martin McElhatton OBE, Chief Executive of WheelPower comments “In response to Covid-19 WheelPower has focussed on supporting disabled people who have been isolated at home through our Exercise at Home programme. We produced new on-line resources including Yoga and fitness films and provided exercise equipment, advice and support. The weekly live classes have had a fantastic impact and we are so pleased to hear how much disabled people have benefited from regularly attending. It has been wonderful to see how the help we have provided has enabled disabled people to maintain their physical and mental health during the crisis and we thank everyone for supporting WheelPower during these times.”

edit my own workout videos! During these workouts, I hope to make exercise fun and exciting, whilst simultaneously working on exercising our upper body muscles, helping to keep us fit and active." “When WheelPower contacted me I was really excited about the opportunity to work with them as it meant I could reach a whole new audience, and help transform people’s lives through sport! WheelPower have given me so many opportunities throughout my sporting career so it is so lovely to be able to give back to this amazing charity!” Over the past year Ella has created a series of 10 circuits based workouts videos for WheelPower. She also continues to deliver a weekly class every Wednesday evening and recently produced a further 10 videos aimed specifically at primary and secondary aged children. Find out more by visiting www.wheelpower.org.uk/ella

Apply now for a FREE set of resistance bands from WheelPower The regular use of resistance bands is a great way to build up your strength and improve fitness. During the pandemic WheelPower has gifted over 500 sets of bands to disabled people throughout the UK. More information about this programme can be found at

www.wheelpower.org.uk/fundingbands

Find out more about WheelPower: www.wheelpower.org.uk Social media: WheelPower can be found on all channels so please do tag us into your posts using the following: @wheelchairsport (Facebook) @wheelpower (twitter) @wheelpower_official (Instagram) Exercise at Home: To find out more about the WheelPower Exercise at Home resources please visit: www.wheelpower.org.uk/homeworkouts All videos can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WheelPowerVideos Ability Needs Magazine

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Eddie Arthur and Gladys Here is a parable. Names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty and possibly even YOU! The facts, however, are a true reflection on the possible perils of purchasing mobility products here in the UK in these digital days. NCE UPON A TIME, or possibly this week, in the tiny hamlet of Piddle on the Wold live Arthur and Gladys Sensible. They have been married for hundreds of years and have lived honest, peaceful and diligent lives. They have a large family but, like many these days, they all live some distance away. Arthur was a teacher who retired 10 years ago after 40 years of cramming mathematical data into the heads of indolent adolescents. Gladys worked as a district nurse and she also retired a while back so they could both enjoy their golden years together. They moved to their favourite, idyllic village, Piddle on the Wold where they have lived happily ever since. Whilst being fairly fit and healthy, the years have gradually caught up with them as their ageing bodies have left them less able to cope with the rigours of everyday life. Arthur`s eyesight and Gladys`s arthritis have meant giving up their car. The bus service into town has been cut and suddenly they find themselves isolated. Arthur thought that they could buy a couple of mobility scooters. This would maintain some independence and ensure that they could get to the supermarket on the edge of town. Arthur likes the cakes from the bakers shop and spending some time at the bowling club. Gladys is no slouch either and she has a busy time as a volunteer at Doctor Gupta`s surgery. They are not exactly an English version of Bonnie & Clyde but nonetheless they are living life to the full. Enthused by Arthur`s “good idea” they went into town to visit Ernest`s Mobility shop to see what these scooters were all about. Ernest has been running this shop for a long time. “Ever since Sitting Bull stood up” as he often tells his customers. He knows all about scooters, wheelchairs, rollators in fact anything that helps old legs, arthritic hands and even ageing bladders. He gave Arthur and Gladys the complete run

down on the huge variety of options available that would keep Arthur in cakes and Gladys volunteering. After an hour or so, Ernest helped them to decide on the ”Orgasmo Dream Rider” scooter. This would fit the bill for both of them and, as a special offer, he could supply them both for a very special price of £3,250. Now everything had been going swimmingly until this point. Gladys was jolly impressed both with the scooters and Ernest. He had answered all of her questions and made some very canny suggestions that would help them both. But there was a fly in the proverbial ointment. Arthur, being a careful sort of chap wanted to sleep on this and come back to Ernest later in the week. On returning home he wound up his laptop computer and started searching for scooters “online”. After a few hours he found just what he was looking for. The Orgasmo Dreamrider scooter on sale for only £1,500. Being a mathematical genius, he could see that 2 scooters would cost only £3000. All this from Scooters Worldwide Inc, “if you want it, we`ve got it” PO Box 9001, London SE92. Furthermore there was free delivery anywhere in the UK (including Piddle on the Wold). Feeling rather smug he simply sent his bank card details and sat back knowing that he would have 2 Orgasmo scooters delivered by the weekend. The big day arrived. The doorbell rang and Arthur opened it with great anticipation. He was therefore a trifle disappointed to be greeted by a van driver with a thick eastern European accent asking for his autograph. Beside him were two large cardboard boxes, each one roughly the size of a small boy scout`s hut. “Sign here please” slurred the driver, “and have a nice day”. Arthur had the presence of mind to ask the driver if he would unpack the boxes with him, but with one foot

Eddie Peacock has worked in the mobility industry for “rather a long time”. He enjoyed a challenging career having started by selling wheelchairs, scooters and stairlifts for Sunrise Medical, eventually working his way to the position of UK sales manager. After a period as a self-employed consultant he was invited to manage movingpeople.net, now Handicare Ltd, in

Ability Needs Magazine

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Peacock in his van he displayed his new found understanding of the English vernacular, “That`s not my job, I`m only the driver”. Being of an innocent disposition and a certain age, Arthur thought that someone would come to unpack the scooters, check them over, give him an overview of the controls and an explanation of running and maintaining the Orgasmo Dreamrider. He was wrong. He telephoned Scooters Worldwide Inc` to clarify the situation. After waiting long enough to hear the whole of Vivaldi`s Four Seasons Violin Concerto, he at last got to speak to someone. Explaining his dilemma he was dismayed to discover that not only did he have to unpack his scooters himself but that he should keep the packing “in case anyfink goes wrong”. If there were problems, it appeared that he had to repack the scooter and send it back to PO box 9001. On close inspection of his boxes he discovered to his horror that something had gone wrong as there was an ominous hole in one of them. After unpacking, admittedly with the assistance of his son who drove 2 hours to help, it transpired that the scooter had a broken casing and a punctured rear wheel. This meant that it had to be returned. On the bright side their service provided a “platinum quality” after sales scheme and there was no charge for collection and return! This procedure could take up to 3 weeks. The “Platinum quality” service scheme also offered a customer consolidation package for only £250. For this money someone would come and show them all there was to know about their Orgasmo Dreamrider. This could take up to 3 weeks. A couple of months later Gladys`s Dreamrider broke

the UK. In recent years he held the post of Marketing Manager for Mobility which also involved supporting and working with the BHTA. He has now retired and is looking forward to finding the time to perform useful tasks in the industry, playing drums in a blues band, travelling and most important, being silly with his grandchildren.

Ability Needs Magazine

down. The Platinum quality service facility did not include repairs. Arthur was to repack the scooter (remember he had to keep his packing!) and send it back to PO Box 9001. Repairs could take up to 3 weeks. By this time Arthur and Gladys were realising that there is more to buying a scooter than simply finding a keen price. Far from providing independence and mobility they had invested in anxiety and frustration. Even more seriously no cakes from that baker`s shop! At their wit`s end, they went back to Ernest at his Mobility Shop for help. Ernest was understandably peeved. “You came here to see as many scooters as you could, used my vast experience to help you decide and then went and bought the scooter from the internet. I could have offered you a little discount. In honesty I could not have matched the price you paid but I would have given you both peace of mind. Do you remember that I would have delivered the scooters personally and shown you both how to use them? I also provide on-going service and repair? Was it worth saving that £250“? Does this tale have a happy ending? Did Ernest relent and help them? Did they all live happily ever after? Having established a worthy relationship with a knowledgeable local supplier, did they then know where to turn when they needed a bath lift and a riser / recliner chair? I leave you to decide. Was there anything that Ernest could have done? It has been a long time “since Sitting Bull stood up”. Times change and so does business practice. A sales transaction carries responsibilities for all parties and common sense and honesty is important. The internet is a splendid source for a multitude of items but, I suggest, mobility products deserve guidance and counsel from a good trustworthy supplier. Whilst this has been a fictitious tale, all of the events related have been, and still are, common practice. Take care! To contact Eddie send an email to eddiepeacock@btinternet.com or write to him at Ability Needs, 7 Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, KA7 1JL 23

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Record breaker, Donald Campbell, honoured on his centenary year by unique art o commemorate what would have been her father’s 100th birthday on 23rd March, Gina Campbell has donated a piece of art, which depicts herself, her father and her grandfather, all of whom are world record holders. The Bickerton Grace gallery has taken this image and divided it by hand into 1,000 pieces in the iconic jigsaw shape, creating individual pieces of artwork. Each piece is mounted on a 24 carat gold leaf base, embellished with a 24 carat gold thread, numbered, signed and presented in a five inch box frame and is now available to buy for £50 per piece, with 100% of the profits donated to Speed Of Sight: http://shop.speedofsight.org/shop/sentiment-campbelllegacy/ Speed Of Sight is run by blind race car driver and multiple World Record holder Mike Newman and his cofounder John Galloway. The charity hosts driving experiences for children and adults with disabilities.

A women’s water speed record holder herself, Gina Campbell and her family are synonymous with breaking world records. Her father, Donald Campbell CBE, was a British speed record breaker who broke eight world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s and her grandfather, Sir Malcolm Campbell, held similar land and water speed records at various times during the 1920s and 1930s. Gina said: “I’m a Patron of Speed Of Sight and to help it in this way and celebrate my father at the same time, is very special to me. My dad was a very ambitious man and someone who has continued to inspire people after his death. His achievements were astounding, and I believe he’d be very humbled by this celebration of his life. A very happy birthday to my dad.” Speed Of Sight runs events which empower disabled people of all ages. These events, held nationwide, allow a disabled child or adult a chance to forget, if only for a little while, that they have a disability.

More information on Speed Of Sight can be found at www.speedofsight.org

WELCOME TO SCOOTER STORE LIMITED cooter Store Limited is an established company with over twentyfive years’ experience, which has become very popular especially with the elderly and disabled community nationwide. The concept of a small, easy to use store for securing mobility vehicles has been extremely well received by many local authorities. Housing Associations, County, City and Borough Councils as well as charitable organisations have installed Scooter Stores throughout the country with great success; whilst thousands have been exported to Europe. This has solved storage and independence issues for many people. In our experience we have found that many people who use mobility scooters find it very difficult getting their scooter in and out of their property without help or assistance. Storing them in living rooms and hallways is not always ideal as they take up a lot of room and can cause fire hazards. The scooter store itself is simple and was designed in response to a demand from the public. The standard unit is 1525mm long x 1220mm wide x 1070mm high and made of 2mm steel the store comes in a green finish. Bespoke scooter stores can be manufactured to different sizes to suit your specific mobility scooter requirements. Our Scooter Stores are delivered flat packed for installation to inaccessible places and are installed by our fully trained engineers. Our scooter stores are all push button controlled and fully lockable. A socket for charging the scooter is provided within the store. The Scooter Store requires very little maintenance. The Scooter Store is such a marvellous alternative which is secure and theft proof, and because it is so easy to use independence can be greatly improved for mobility vehicle users.

Our contact details are: Scooter Store Limited, Unit 11 Riverside Business Park, Cambridge Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2HE. Tel: 01279 453565. www.scooterstoreltd.com

Ability Needs Magazine

S T A N D I N G

W H E E L C H A I R

Providing independence & comfort through standing Designed and developed in the Midlands over the past 15 years the Genie V2 is one of the most advanced wheelchairs available. Combining advanced engineering and practical design, the Genie provides independence and comfort for all levels of dependency. At Genie Wheelchairs we pride ourselves on developing practical and affordable solutions that make your day to day life that little bit easier! Appropriate for all levels of dependency from our basic model through to a complete care system tailored to each individual.

The Genie V2 has been designed with your everyday needs in mind, providing upper and lower body support to allow washing, air circulation and relief from pressure pain. The ability to stand opens up many possibilities such as access to previously inaccessible places or even getting back into the workplace as many of our Genie users have, whilst providing everyday health beneﬁts such as aiding circulation and digestion. Standing is an important part of maintaining good health. The Genie can aid in the prevention of bladder problems and assist with bone development and pressure management. The Genie V2 is incredibly easy to manoeuvre, light and compact when stored. It is easily folded away into a cube which is ideal for transportation on planes or in non converted vehicles, enabling you to do more and go further in comfort. Providing independence for yourself and your carer is our main aim. With its range of control options from the attendant control system, which allows a carer or family member to drive, stand and manage comfort to our unique head control system allowing you to use all functions of the Genie just by head movement alone. The Genie V2 comes complete with hygienic, easytouse toilet facilities that can revolutionise your quality of life. All features are removable depending on your needs. When you can sit, recline, stand up and be mobile in safety without leaving the chair the possibilities are endless.

Everyone’s needs can change. All the Genie’s facilities and functions can be added or removed easily at any time to suit your requirements as an individual. Our base unit is easily adapted to accommodate a wide range of additional features, from vehicle docking systems to our unique head control system. And when it comes to one off customization at Genie wheelchairs nothing is impossible, from ventilator shelving to customised seating if you have any special requirements let us know. Nothing is too much when it comes to your comfort and independence.

• Easy transfers from bed to sitting or standing • Custom built to suit all needs • Comfortable & maneuverable • Enhances quality of life • Provides dignity, independence & mobility • Provides many health beneﬁts • Removes boundaries Designed & Manufactered in

GREAT BRITAIN

To arrange a free in home demonstration of all the Genie V2 has to oﬀer, call Easyrise on 01952 610300 or visit www.geniestandingwheelchair.co.uk

AN_p26_p27_industry_10_AN406_IL_Scotland.QXD 06/04/2021 12:15 Page 1

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Angus Long

More responsibility and accountability from our senior civil service

HE coronavirus pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges facing this nation for quite some time. As with all national crises, we have seen the best and worst of human nature. The nation clapped its appreciation for nurses and other key workers who stepped up to take on the virus. Many gave generously to the late Sir Tom Moore’s charity walk. In contrast, there was sheer bewilderment at some of the monumental incompetence by senior public sector managers who bungled and wasted billions mishandling the pandemic. And let’s not forget all the blatant commercial nepotism with their business pals. The corona pandemic has cost the nation a lot. Indeed, our national debt now stands at £2 trillion. This is a massive number. To put that into context, 2 trillion seconds is 64,000 years. We have been given a huge wakeup call and the country is no longer prepared to put up with

inefficiency, waste, incompetence and unaccountability any longer. The news that senior NHS and Public Health England (PHE) managers spectacularly failed to provide and deliver quickly and efficiently the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and the Test and Trace system was jaw dropping on its own, but almost every public sector department is no better. I have written before about the unaccountable public servants and others who oversee and poorly run our public sector. Perhaps one of the most controversial is the HS2 project. A clear example of a public sector project that has spiralled out of control. Mark Thurston, the person in charge of this white elephant, is paid a staggering £625,000 pa. That’s 25 times more than the average wage of an NHS nurse. No doubt Thurston and his fellow cronies will defend his whopping pay packet on the basis it needs to be that high to attract the best executive for the job. Ability Needs Magazine

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The HS2 budget has risen from an initial £32 billon to a now monumental £100 billon plus under his stewardship and not a single piece of track has yet to be laid. At about £1 billon a mile it seems an awfully expensive way to shave a mere 20 minutes from a rail journey between Birmingham and London. Well, these public sector mandarins have a very different definition of what a quality executive is to me. And I wager I’m not alone. Despite a massive national debt, the government has spent a whopping £2.6 million creating a press briefing room. Furthermore, the decor is blue so, no doubt, a future Labour government would spend another load of taxpayer’s money changing it to red? They can’t afford to pay the nurses more than 1% but plenty of money for fancy new décor. It’s no better at local levels either. For example, Newcastle city council chose to spend close to £40 million on a lavish refurbishment of the council civic centre? Yet this same council then blamed austerity as the reason it had to make cuts to essential public services. It simply beggars belief that the people in charge of providing public services deem new carpets, chairs and desks for themselves a priority over providing the vital services residents and ratepayers so desperately need. One of the biggest issues, in my view, is when times are hard, money is scarce and essential public services are facing cuts, is the enthusiasm for public sector organisations to waste finite time, money and resources engaging in knee jerk reactions to protests and vanity projects at the expense of the more mundane need to deliver the key public services of their primary remits. For example, following the BLM riots, London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has made much publicity of his plans for a ‘Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm’. A panel of fifteen will review London’s Ability Needs Magazine

statues, street names and ancient buildings that may have tenuous links to the commonwealth or the slave trade of 300 years ago. However, while on the surface this may appear a noble thing to do; it will involve redirecting scarce time, money and resources from providing essential public services. May I suggest that London Mayor Khan, and any other councils thinking about doing something similar, contact Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, and ask him just how much better life is now for the disadvantaged of Bristol since the removal of Colston's statue last year. I suspect his answer will be “not one iota”. So, it begs the question - why bother? However, there may now be some light at the end of the tunnel. It was reported recently that former chief magistrate, Judge Howard Riddle and retired High Court judge, Sir Richard Henriques, have urged that there should be an independent criminal investigation into five senior Metropolitan police officers at the centre of the disastrous Operation Midland sex abuse scandal. Home secretary, Priti Patel, has vowed to personally intervene as there are ‘outstanding questions’ that need to be answered. This is welcome news. It’s early days, I accept, but I do hope that if the enquiry finds these senior public servants guilty of misconduct that they are properly admonished and punished accordingly. If they end up being dismissed, banned from public office and stripped of any knighthoods or honours then we may see the start of a new era where, along with their six figure salaries, we will start to see proper accountability and responsibility from our senior public officials. Angus Long is owner of Writers4U Ltd 27

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Creating a safe space to get behind the wheel A driving school is raising awareness of how it is possible for almost anyone to give learning to drive a try, as it aims to be the UK’s most inclusive provider of driving lessons. oung Driver is the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school, offering driving lessons to youngsters aged 10 and above at private venues across the country. Because lessons take place on private property the scheme is suitable for anyone who either isn't allowed or doesn’t feel able to have lessons on the road, whatever their age. Pupils could have additional needs, may never be able to drive on the roads or may want to build up their confidence first. Automatic and specially adapted cars are available if needed. The scheme estimates it has delivered more than 10,000 driving lessons to young people and adults with autism, as well as welcoming anyone with additional needs. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are thought to be around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. It is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. Learning to drive is a skill that some people with autism may excel at, as it involves clear processes and rules. But every individual is different and for some there may be an element of nervousness which means they are hesitant to give it a go – which is where Young Driver steps in. George Stooks, age 22 and from the New Forest, has recently passed his driving test – however, with a diagnosis of severe autism no one was sure he’d ever be able to drive a car. When he was just two years old, George's mum Jane was told he would never talk, never function in society and that he would be better off in care. Thanks to Jane’s dedication and a visit to the US to study a home-based

therapy, George went to primary school at the age of nine, gained GCSEs, a BTEC in Childcare and has worked as a coach in kids’ camps. George started his lessons with Young Driver at age 19. As no one was sure if he would take to driving, the scheme provided a safe way for him to test the waters. He began having lessons with an experienced instructor in an automatic vehicle at Young Driver’s Southampton venue. Despite some initial nerves, he recently passed his driving test on his first attempt with zero minors, giving him muchneeded independence. George’s mum Jane runs a charity for adults with disabilities to enable them to socialise and reach their full potential, called Positive Path Foundation. She comments: “When he was young, we weren’t sure what George’s future held for him, but he has continued to amaze everyone by breaking barriers. Were it not for Young Driver we may never have attempted to even try George behind the wheel. His instructor understood George from very early on, building a rapport. He even helped us get George’s provisional licence - and it was a big help to be able to continue to use the same instructor when he then switched to lessons on the road. Being able to drive means George has some independence, it’s so important. I have already recommended it to lots of people in similar situations.” George Stooks added: “I loved going to Young Driver as I really wanted to learn to drive. Tony was the best instructor and gave me lots of help. Young Driver has really helped my confidence and now I have lots of independence because I passed my test."

For more information go to www.youngdriver.com. Young Driver operates at 70 venues across the country, offering lessons with qualified instructors in standard, adapted or automatic Vauxhall Corsa SE Premiums. Lessons will restart on 12th April, in line with Government guidelines. 28

Ability Needs Magazine

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As the pressure begins to mount on the NHS and homecare sector

COMING SOON A range of pressure relieving and manual handling products, supporting personal care protocols in all public, private and domestic care settings that are set to take the industry by storm These solutions are literally going to change the very nature of patient moving and handling Interested parties and distributors to call or email for further information or arrange initial meetings Writers4U Ltd (t/a Impression Marketing) Sinclair Court, Darrell St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 7DS Tel: 0191 432 6949 Email: info@impression-marketing.co.uk

Ability Needs Magazine

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AAT launches “game changing” concept in supported bathing or the thousands of people, young and old, in Britain who need help to bathe, bath time is fun again! AAT, the pioneering company behind stairclimbers and vacuum posture cushions, in partnership with disabled people, carers and OTs, has invented Aqua Liberty to plug the gap in supported bathing- and beyond. AAT Aqua Liberty is the first, and only, bath system that comfortably enables the bather to be properly and safely supported in the bath with minimal physical intervention from a carer. It means the bather can relax and enjoy the hygienic and therapeutic benefits of being immersed in water. Based around AAT’s innovative vacuum posture cushion, Aqua Liberty precisely forms to the bather irrespective of physical and/or neurological conditions, stabilising head, trunk and pelvis precisely and individually. The system comprises a pioneering mechanism for

securing the cushions in ANY bath. Secured into place with integrated suction cups, Aqua Liberty provides a stable, non-slip base during bathing, that can be easily removed for other members of the household to use the bath. Aqua Liberty provides a stable receiver for AAT’s innovative vacuum posture support cushions, which can be precisely, infinitely moulded to perfectly and comfortably support the occupant without pressure points or rigid structures. A range of cushions is available meaning there’s the perfect fit for all- any user, any bath. The system does more than just support in the bath. It is multi-purpose. The advanced neoprene covering of the cushions provides further sensory positive stimulation, whilst being waterproof, and wipe clean to COVIDsafe standards. The cushions can be detached and air-dry quickly, enabling their use to deliver postural support in any chair, static or wheeled- even in the car.

AAT is so confident of the value the British conceived, designed and developed Aqua Liberty brings, it is offering free assessment and free trail of the system. This can be arranged by telephoning 01978 821875 emailing sales@aatgb.com, or online: https://www.aatgb.com/aqua-liberty/

Survey: One-fifth of people do not know what cerebral palsy is ESEARCH CARRIED out by JMW Solicitors, which questioned 790 people, revealed that 20 per cent are unaware of the condition, highlighting a considerable lack of understanding around cerebral palsy in the UK. Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and coordination. It is usually caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth. Cerebral palsy is an irreversible condition that causes a range of lifelong physical and learning disabilities that range in severity. Of those surveyed, 40 per cent said their understanding of cerebral palsy was ‘poor’, while 10 per cent of respondents said their knowledge was ‘very poor’. This compared with 45 per cent who said they had a ‘good’ understanding, while 5 per cent said ‘very good’. Some 71 per cent of respondents didn't know that one in every 400 children are born with cerebral palsy, with 13 per cent estimating that it affects one in every 20,000 children. Meanwhile, 7 per cent thought it was more prevalent, guessing that cerebral palsy affects one in every 100 children.

Those living with cerebral palsy require lifelong support. However, the survey shows that there is a lack of awareness in relation to the extent of care required. While 87 per cent of respondents said they would claim compensation if their child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to negligence, only 30 per cent of people believe that more than £1 million is needed to provide specialist care and financial security for a child with cerebral palsy over their lifetime. Care for individuals who are living with cerebral palsy can include: • 24-hour specialist carers • A specially-adapted home • Specialist equipment • Assistive technology Eddie Jones, head of clinical negligence at JMW, said: “As a law firm, JMW has helped many children affected by cerebral palsy as a result of negligence at birth or during the newborn period to claim compensation that can run into the millions of pounds. Every penny is essential for assisting that individual, and it is alarming to see that so few people understand how much is needed.”

For further information, please visit: https://www.jmw.co.uk/services-for-you/clinical-negligence/cerebral-palsy 30

Ability Needs Magazine

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joins with to open up services to more disabled people Driving Mobility, the national charity that accredits independent driving and mobility assessment centres, is delighted to remind readers that it is now operating the National Federation of Shopmobility (NFSUK) which is simplifying its name to Shopmobility UK whilst retaining all the benefits appertaining to the brand. Shopmobility UK traces its foundation to 1989 and is a non-profit organisation. Its schemes, such as mobility scooter and wheelchair loan stores in shopping centres, aim to ‘promote equality of access and to encourage the independence of people with disabilities (permanent or temporary)’. Managed by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) since 2014, the organisation has achieved impressive expansion of its services, however to increase opportunities further, Shopmobility UK is now to be managed by Driving Mobility. This development represents a significant milestone in Shopmobility UK history, and will ensure that awareness and accessibility to its services will be greatly enhanced. Driving Mobility is regarded as the national voice of assisted driving and independence. As a charity supported by the Department for Transport, its 70 locations support over 20,000 clients each year with solutions for independent driving and personal mobility. The majority of its provision focuses on clinically-led ‘fitness-to-drive’ assessments and recommendations regarding appropriate mobility equipment. Service users self-refer or are signposted to Driving Mobility centres via the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals. Every centre

operates with the expert guidance of Occupational Therapists, Approved Driving Instructors and specialist staff who strive to achieve positive outcomes for all clients with restricted mobility. Many of the Driving Mobility centres provide additional information and guidance regarding accessible transport options and alternatives to driving – known as HUBs services. The charity also leads in educational and research programmes associated with mobility and independent transportation. Driving Mobility has aspirations to be an international leader in the field whilst delivering holistic solutions at a local level across the UK. By being part of this larger network, NFSUK member Schemes will now benefit from greater engagement with local NHS Units, neighbouring schemes, independent clinics, retail outlets and the general public. Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO, comments: “We believe that managing the successful Shopmobility UK scheme will complement our current strengths and future aims. We will be launching a new Shopmobility UK website at the end of April to support our planned growth and have also expanded staff provision with Lisa Deacon now being full-time as Shopmobility UK Manager. Other resources from within Driving Mobility are also being deployed to strengthen the project and overall we are looking to grow the organisation in terms of numbers of member schemes across the country and breadth of benefits of membership” Driving Mobility is a membership organisation, driven by and for the benefit of, its member centres – an ethos which it will extend to the Shopmobility UK members who will have full involvement in its ongoing development. There will be a dedicated Driving Mobility staff member responsible for working with the scheme, and ensuring quality of service is maintained, Shopmobility will continue to follow the BHTA Code of Practice approved by The Chartered Trading Standards Institute. For more information visit The Shopmobility scheme based at the Eden Shopping Centre, www.drivingmobility.org.uk High Wycombe, is a popular service

Ability Needs Magazine

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Drinkup21 – the hands-free drinking system rinkup21, is an innovative hands-free drinking system, which can dramatically improve the health of those at risk of dehydration. The simple but effective product works on the same principle as a cup and drinking straw, but has been designed to enable anyone who cannot lift a cup to drink without assistance. Dehydration can lead to serious medical complications with the elderly and people with disabilities being most at risk. The Drinkup21 reduces this risk by enabling drinking (even when arm function is completely lost), making drinking easier, improving fluid intake, and reducing the workload of carers.

Drinkup21 consists of a 1 litre bottle with a cap, a body (holder), a multi-positioning clamp and a flexible arm assembly (which holds the drinking tube in position). It also includes a Consumables Parts Pack containing a drinking tube, bite valve (mouthpiece), elbow connector and a tube cleaning brush. The multi-positional clamp can be secured to beds, tables and wheelchairs, and is easiest to use when the flexible arm, drinking tube and bite valve are positioned horizontally at a similar height/level to the user’s head. However, research has shown that if it is positioned above the user’s mouth, gravity will reduce the effort required to take in fluid. This product can be used with water, fruit juice and thickened fluids that contain higher nutritional content. It is beneficial for those living with many conditions including spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, the effects of Stroke, Dementia and those who do not recognise the need to drink.

Ornamin – innovative eating and drinking aids n collaboration with Occupational Therapists (OTs) and nurses, Ornamin a market leader in eating and drinking aids who supply more than 2,000 care institutions around the world - have developed a range of attractive, intelligent and functional crockery for people with limited motor skills in their hands, necks or arms, or for anyone needing care. Ornamin’s range includes mugs with a unique cone-shaped interior design, which help anyone with limited neck and arm movement or who is bed bound to drink without assistance, plates and bowls that are non-slip with a sloped base, making it easier to trap the food (especially useful for those who have problems using their hands), and non-slip grip cutlery that provides a firm hold for a user with clammy, shaky or numb hands. Their stylish designs helps remove the stigma of using ‘special’ crockery, which in turn improves dignity, inclusion and independence, while also easing

the support needed from families, carers or care home staff. All the products are produced to a superior standard, using high quality materials which are 100 per cent recyclable. Additionally, they’re durable, light to lift, quiet to use and break-resistant. Elaine Ferguson, Mobility Services Manager of Fortuna Mobility, who have formed a UK partnership with Ornamin says, “We’re delighted to partner Ornamin and be able to offer this attractive, innovative range of tableware to both our customers and other retailers in the UK. “The Ornamin mission, which is based on maintaining independence and improving care by providing invisible support through intelligent design, whilst also protecting future generations by using long-lasting and recyclable materials, is one that Fortuna wholeheartedly endorses. We look forward to working with Ornamin, distributing their attractive and costeffective products, and displaying them in our showroom.”

For more information contact Fortuna Mobility by visiting www.fortunamobility.com, by email info@fortunamobility.com or by telephone 020 8805 2020

Ability Needs Magazine

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One Day Perhaps by John Killick NE DAY the pandemic will be, like the Spanish Flu, effectively a footnote in history and we will all be able to travel again. When depends much on how we, the world’s population, act. However, eventually we will be able to travel. I think it will look quite different from what we had pre-pandemic/pre-Brexit, but we will be able to travel. Because I am writing of what may happen in the future and did happen in the past, please remember that the future is pure speculation, and the past may have changed and thus require checking for accuracy.

A year ago, we got a message from my wife’s daughter that she would be travelling from her home in Australia to Paris for a few days to attend a conference. Well, we don’t get to see April that often, and it was my wife’s birthday, so a quick booking on the shuttle from Newcastle to Paris, and a lovely day ending with a superb meal was arranged. Now, wouldn’t it be lovely if the opportunity to do that again came along? Problem, we are no longer part of the EU. Therefore, I suspect that once we can travel again doing this is going to require a bit more paperwork! Since France is now a foreign country, I suspect we would require visas! Also, I can’t see any country allowing anyone in without a certificate to show you are covid negative, and quite probably had a vaccination! In the past I have written many articles on travelling in the States and Canada with my first wife and her wheelchair. Most countries today

Vancouver

The Bayou Swamp, New Orleans

are to a greater or lesser extent disabled friendly and accessible, but they all do things differently! Now I love both the USA and Canada but, if you can’t transfer out of your wheelchair, with one or two exceptions like Vancouver and I am told Florida, then you had best be advised that wheelchair accessible cabs are not an option!

San Francisco Bay with Alcatraz Island in the background Ability Needs Magazine

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Wild kangaroos near Southport Airport, Gold Coast, Australia

Brunswick Bay, New South Wales, Australia

So how are you going to get from the airport to your hotel? We always flew across the Atlantic by the shortest route possible to avoid the problems of calls of nature during the flight, then travelling on by train. If following our example, you must remember to book an accessible cabin on the train. These are well designed, comfortable and you will be attended by the car attendant since you will not be able to get to the restaurant car, with a great deal of old-world charm and elegance. We liked to book three or four days in each city we fancied visiting, travelling on to the next, possibly two or three days travel away by train. A beautiful and relaxing way to see a new country. Some destinations I can recommend. New Orleans, the jazz is great and you can find a band jazzing it up on any street corner. Possibly lesser well known is the possibility of a boat trip on the Bayou swamps! It is wheelchair accessible with a guide who knows the wildlife. Vancouver is, in my view, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The rail trip from Vancouver to Seattle is one of the best coastal rail trips in the world. Seattle I found fascinating and the rail trip through the Cascade Mountains to San Francisco is wonderful. We always found the people of both Canada and the USA very friendly and helpful but there is one country in the world which is even more laid back and

friendly and that is Australia. My first wife always wished to visit Australia but we never managed it. Wife number two, complete with a daughter who lives on the Gold Coast, made a visit possible. My second wife though is not in any way disabled! That made it difficult to assess from a disabled point of view. However, I saw few problems and I am certain you wouldn’t either. I can’t recommend doing this in a 24 hour flight (one of near 15 hours and the other of 8 hours), so why not break your flight with a stop off somewhere else. On our way out, we stopped off for a few days in Singapore. Now this is a very beautiful and, as far as I could see, disabled friendly place in the Far East for a visit.

Singapore’s Botanical Gardens

John Killick was the secretary of the Disabled Motorists Federation for over 20 years and was also the editor of 'The Way Ahead' magazine. He continues to be a freelance writer. He was born in Norfolk and brought up in Suffolk, married a Manx girl, and now lives in north east England. Ability Needs Magazine

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CHALLENGING MND JOINS FORCES WITH MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION TO BOOST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MND HALLENGING MND has joined forces with the MND Association to improve the quality of life of people living with motor neurone disease. The charity has gifted the MND Association with £100,000, which will be used to create memorable experiences and provide additional financial support for the MND community, in response to the pandemic. Challenging MND is a charity which aims to help those living with MND complete challenges and fulfil dreams to create lasting memories. The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Working together the two charities aim to make a real difference to the lives of those living with MND. Alex Gibson, Founder of Challenging MND said: “This is a call to action for fellow motor neurone disease sufferers. The pandemic has been hard for all of us. For anyone living with a terminal condition in these strange circumstances, it has been even harder. But there is help available. If you, like me are living with MND, or you are caring for someone with the condition, please get in touch. We want to help, and these grants are there for you – whether to boost your living costs or help you get away somewhere with your family when the restrictions allow. “Our aim as a charity is all about creating memories and achieving your dreams. We are a new charity – just two years old – and we are so proud of our amazing supporters who, in difficult circumstances, have put us in this position where we can pledge such a substantial amount of money. We have helped many people, but we want to help many more and joining forces with the MND Association enables us to do that. Get in touch, with us or the MND Association and you can benefit from the gift we have made.” The MND Association will use the gift of £100,000 from Challenging MND in two ways: MND Association Coronavirus Emergency Grant: £10,000 will be used to provide new Coronavirus Emergency Grants made between now and the end of April 2021. Grants of up to £250 are offered in response to the coronavirus pandemic to help people living with MND who may be struggling with additional living costs as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), such as food shopping or bills. MND Association Quality of Life Grants: Designed to make a difference to those living with or affected by MND. Grants of up to £500 are available. Challenging MND’s gift will provide the first £250 of each grant made with the balance of funding, up to the maximum limit set, provided by the MND Association. These grants will be made in line with the charity’s aim where possible will contribute towards Holidays & Short breaks, Hobbies & Entertainment or Complementary Therapy.

•

Alex aged 43, founded Challenging MND following his own diagnosis. Throughout his life Alex has had a huge interest in sport and fitness, representing Great Britain in the decathlon and playing rugby for Barking; Brentwood; and Loughborough University. So far Alex has raised over £170,000 for charity. If you would like to find out more about getting involved with Challenging MND, please call Andrew Cappaert, Chief Executive, Challenging MND on 01268 813950, email: Andrew.cappaert@challengingmnd.org; visit: www.challengingmnd.org or join the CMND community on social media (Facebook; Instagram; and Twitter). If you would like to donate to Challenging MND, please go to https://www.challengingmnd.org/make-a-donation. Any money raised will be for Challenging MND, a charity which aims to help those living with MND complete challenges and fulfil dreams to create lasting memories. Ability Needs Magazine

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DISABILITY COMMISSION 50 BUSINESS LEADERS SIGN OPEN LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER AS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO CLOSE DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT GAP USINESS CEOS, including Dame Emma Walmsley of GSK, Dame Carolyn McCall of ITV and Amanda Blanc of Aviva, have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister urging him to deliver on his promise of a truly transformative National Strategy for Disabled People. The letter coincides with the launch of a campaign to halve the disability employment gap. The letter – organised by The Centre for Social Justice Disability Commission – has been sent to Downing Street and was published in The Times newspaper. In the letter, the signatories say, “disabled people have waited long enough; now is the time for action”. They urge the PM to consider the Disability Commission’s proposals and say, “we stand ready to play our part”. The CSJ Disability Commission is chaired by disabled Conservative member of the House of Lords, Kevin Shinkwin, and comprises both disabled and non-disabled members from the business, academic, disability and parliamentary worlds. Lord Shinkwin says, “The mounting pressure from business on the PM reflects the growing need to seize the once in a generation opportunity presented by his National Strategy for Disabled People. They know we’ve only got one shot at this. We’ve been so impressed by the clear appetite for change that we’ve decided now is the time to launch a campaign to halve the disability employment gap. It’s crucial we harness this exciting momentum.” According to the ONS, disabled people across the UK have been hit particularly hard by Coronavirus, including seeing a widening of the disability employment gap, and that is why concerted action by Government and business is crucial. Currently, just 52 per cent of disabled people are in employment compared with 81 per cent of non-disabled people. Alongside the letter, a ground-breaking new report called “Now Is The Time” has been published by the CSJ Disability Commission making five key recommendations to vastly improve the employment prospects of disabled

50 BUSINESS LEADERS CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER TO CLOSE THE DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT GAP: The CSJ Disability Commission hass just published a set of truly transformatiive policy proposals. We urge you to show in your Disability Strategyy th the Commission’s proposals haave been een giivven the careful consideration they deserve.

Disabled people haavve waited long enough; now is the time for action.

The CSJ CSJ Dis Disability ability C Commission ommission wants to thank everyone w he UK. “Now Is The Time” campaign to improve the employment prospects for disabled people across th Kevin, Lord Shinkwin, Commission Chair

David Forbes-Nixon, Commission Deputy Chair, Chair of DFN Foundation & D DFN Project SEARCH

FIND OUT OU T MORE AT AT CS CSJ J DIS DISABILITY ABILIT Y C COMMISSION OMMISSION

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people throughout the UK.

The recommendations include: - Increasing supported routes into employment - Introducing mandatory workforce reporting - Leveraging Government procurement - Reforming the Government’s Disability Confident scheme - Reforming the Government’s Access to Work scheme The Commission’s report argues that a central feature of the Prime Minister’s National Strategy for Disabled People must be the inclusion of robust measures focused on improving disabled people’s employment prospects. It says that until employment disadvantage is addressed, disabled people will continue to face social exclusion, financial hardship, and reduced well-being. The Commission was set up with the backing of the DFN Foundation to feed into the Prime Minister’s National Strategy for Disabled People. The DFN Foundation, founded by David Forbes-Nixon, is committed to developing a new enabling vision that will seize the disability employment agenda and drive tangible and sustainable change. David Forbes-Nixon, Commission Deputy Chair, says, “Having a disabled son has opened up my eyes to the inequalities in education, employment and life chances for disabled people in the UK. I hope the Commission’s recommendations, particularly in employment, will be embraced by the Prime Minister in his National Strategy for Disabled People so we can draw on this extraordinary and untapped talent pool.” Importantly, the report extends beyond employment to cover four other areas of life for disabled people: transport, education, housing, and access to goods & services. It makes extensive policy recommendations which, if enacted, would enable disabled people to participate more fully in society and realise their potential. Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE, gold medal-winning former Paralympian and a Commissioner, says, “Despite the very welcome improvements in legislation since the Disability Discrimination Act, the experience of the last 25 years shows that laws on their own aren’t enough. The political will to enforce them is crucial. Right now, disabled people feel that we’re going backwards. That’s why we really need the PM to keep his promise of a transformative strategy and drive change from the front.” For more information go to www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk

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Charity warns of increase in hallucinations due to sight loss HE ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BLIND PEOPLE (RNIB) is warning that ongoing lockdown and coronavirus restrictions could be causing a spike in hallucinations due to sight loss. These hallucinations, known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), are caused when the brain attempts to fill in gaps in visual information with invented images or patterns. The visions vary from person to person and range from simple lights or patterns to complex images. They are often distressing. Over the last 12 months, the number of people calling RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service to report CBS has increased – with sharp peaks in calls corresponding with coronavirus restrictions. In January, the number of calls about hallucinations increased by more than two thirds (67 per cent) compared to January 2020, and accounted for more calls than any other condition, including common complaints such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Although there is little research into the condition, it is widely believed that at least third of all people with significant sight loss experience these symptoms – meaning that it could affect more than 100,000 people, but it is often under-reported. Dr Louise Gow, Specialist Lead for Eye Health at RNIB, said: “The increase in calls and emails we have received about CBS during lockdowns has been dramatic. And the visions that are being reported are much more vivid than usual, which has left many people feeling particularly distressed – describing their hallucinations as ‘out of control’. “It’s as though the stress and anxiety of coronavirus, and the resulting restrictions, has had an impact on people’s symptoms. Although there is currently no research to confirm such a link, it would seem stress and lack of stimulation can increase symptoms.” Nina Chesworth is 38 and lives in Manchester. She has been visually impaired since she was two years

old, but didn’t experience CBS until she had surgery on her left eye. She said: “I could see waves and clouds of colour very vividly. I was convinced the surgery had improved my sight, but the doctor explained that it was my mind showing me these visions, rather than my eye. “After I left the hospital, the hallucinations intensified, and the colours I could see became shapes. The hallucinations seem to be affected by my mood, as sometimes the shapes become abstract faces or angry dogs which can be disturbing if I’m stressed, tired or feeling isolated. When I’m feeling happy the shapes look like bubbles, unicorns and rainbow spirals. “Since lockdown the hallucinations have become more intense, and sometimes they are there from the moment I wake up. They can detract from my other senses which I use to get around, which means that sometimes I walk into things and I’ve even fallen down the stairs.” In response to the issue, RNIB has launched a Talk and Support service specifically for people experiencing CBS. Created with CBS specialists Esme’s Umbrella, the service sees small groups of blind and partially sighted people regularly meet by phone or online for peer support. Judith Potts, founder of Esme’s Umbrella said: “During the lockdown period and since, it is clear that the need for support for people who live with CBS is all the more important, and so we launched Esme’s Friends, a telephone chat service, which has now joined RNIB's Talk and Support Groups. “Not having to travel means that the service is accessible for many more people than an in-person group. The calls provide peer-support and new contacts, all of whom understand what it is like to live in a world of vivid, silent, visual hallucinations. The calls can be joined by carers and family members who are too often forgotten, but who also need support. Through Esme's Friends, people living with CBS find they are part of a community which is developing its own voice.”

Anyone with sight loss who is experiencing visions or hallucinations – or any sudden change in their sight – should seek immediate help from an eye health professional or contact RNIB’s Helpline on 0303 123 9999. For more information, visit www.rnib.org.uk. 38 26

Ability Needs Magazine

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Social care providers race to protect the mental health of the workforce amid pandemic, according to newly published report hree in five providers dug deep into their own pockets during the last year to fund mental health first aiders as part of a raft of preventative measures taken to safeguard their staff, a newly published report reveals. Independent research commissioned by learning disabilities charity, Hft, found that Covid-19 has taken its toll on the social care workforce, with 62% of providers reporting a rise in absenteeism relating to mental health since the beginning of the pandemic. Compared to last year, this marks a 10% increase on average across the sector, during a time when care staff are playing a crucial role on the frontline to support vulnerable adults. The report, reflecting on the previous year, highlights a rise in a range of actions that were taken to promote mental health across the board in an effort to protect the workforce, despite more than 56% of providers reporting declining surpluses or already being in deficit. Nearly all providers (96%) reported signposting to mental health services, up from 67%, while 87% provided mental health awareness training. The number providing in-house mental health first aiders has also risen from 38% to 62%. This is Hft’s fourth annual Sector Pulse Check report, carried out by independent economics and business consultancy Cebr, and the first of its kind to focus primarily on learning disability providers. Based on survey analysis from social care providers, it provides an annual snapshot of the financial health and the challenges faced by the social care sector over the past year, and an indication of how providers anticipate the next twelve months will progress. The report also highlights that social care providers appear to be reaching a crisis point and have been forced to resort to measures to reduce capacity to tackle the persistent cost pressures over recent years. The main cost pressure cited was rising wage bills (79%) followed by lack of fee income

(63%). As a result, more than half (62%) said they have had to close down some parts of their organisation or hand back marginal contracts, up from 45% in the previous report. Around a third (29%) of providers have made redundancies, in keeping with the last two years, with one in ten saying they have had to offer care to fewer individuals. This is a trend that looks set to continue, with over half (51%) stating they are more likely to close down some parts of their organisation or hand back marginal contracts and 47% likely to make staff redundancies in response to Covid-19 cost pressures. Kirsty Matthews, Chief Executive for Hft, said: “Our Sector Pulse report shows that in a year where the social care sector has played a pivotal role on the frontline, providers have gone to great lengths to support staff, who are crucial role to supporting some of the most vulnerable adults in society. “It’s time to shine a light on the pandemic’s undervalued workforce and publicly recognise their efforts. It is vital the government provides a cash injection specifically to ensure frontline social care staff have the mental health support they deserve, and that it is not at the expense of an already beleaguered sector. “While the Covid-19 pandemic has seen some additional funding enter the sector, it falls far short of solving an enduring and underlying financial challenge. The precarious financial situation is a culmination of years of financial pressures, which have forced providers to take drastic action in order to remain sustainable. It is vital that the government brings forward a long term funding solution for adult social care to safeguard the future of the sector.” Hft is now calling on the government to ensure the future financial sustainability of the social care sector by providing immediate funding to stabilise the social care system while working towards an equitable and sustainable funding solution in the longer term.

To read the full report: visit www.hft.org.uk/sectorpulsecheckreport Ability Needs Magazine

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Study shows that hearing aids may protect against progression to dementia earing loss is known to increase a person’s risk of dementia, but new research demonstrates that using hearing aids for hearing difficulties can protect against the condition. An international team of scientists has found that people with mild cognitive impairment who use hearing aids have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia and experience a slower cognitive decline. The new paper, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, is the first to investigate the link between hearing aids and progression to dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The research team was led by Dr Magda Bucholc of Ulster University and used data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC). The researchers analysed a sample of more than 2,000 people over the age of 50 with hearing loss, whose cognitive status ranged from MCI to dementia. MCI involves decline in cognitive abilities greater than normal age-related changes but not severe enough to meet diagnostic criteria for dementia. Many individuals with MCI do not progress to dementia and may even regain normal cognitive ability. Dr Sarah Bauermeister of the Oxford Universitybased research organisation Dementias Platform UK, who co-authored this new study, said: “Our results clearly suggest that the use of hearing aids is independently associated with a decreased risk of a dementia diagnosis for MCI patients.” Dr Bucholc said: “We measured the time for progression from MCI to dementia in individuals using hearing aids and those with uncorrected hearing loss, and found that use of hearing aids was associated with a two-year slower conversion to dementia. The percentage of participants who had not developed dementia five years after the baseline MCI diagnosis was 19% for non-users of hearing aids and 33% for those using hearing aids.” “Some may say this constitutes a modest finding overall: however, in my opinion, given there is no disease-modifying treatment for dementia, even a small beneficial effect of hearing loss treatment in

delaying the disease can have significant implications for public health. In fact, studies show that delaying the onset of dementia by even two years would have substantial economic and societal effects.” The study also looked at how participants’ scores in a standard cognitive test for dementia changed over time. Researchers found that the mean annual rate of decline in cognitive scores for non-hearing aid users with MCI was nearly 30% higher than the average rate of change for hearing aid users. Dr Bauermeister added: “Gender, socioeconomic factors and cultural influences all play a role in the use of hearing aids. For example, we found that men had a much higher rate of hearing aid use than women.” In addition, people with MCI who used hearing aids were found to be older than their counterparts who didn’t use hearing aids – although the difference was only two years on average. It is not yet known with certainty why hearing loss is associated with increased dementia risk. Potential explanations include a reduction in people’s ability to engage socially, resulting in higher rates of depression or loneliness, and/or changes to the brain associated with the impact of sensory deprivation. There is also the possibility that hearing problems require greater use of cognitive resources when individuals are engaged in listening. Dr Bucholc said: “This is an important first step in triggering policy changes to encourage people with hearing loss who are at risk of dementia to wear hearing aids. However, what is still unclear is what effect the hearing loss has on the structure and function of the brain over the long term. This needs to be further tested in clinical trials.” Dr Ralph Holme, Executive Director of Research at the national hearing loss charity RNID, said: “It is well established that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of dementia, and this new research supports the growing view that the use of hearing aids may help slow its onset. Further research is needed to definitively show this, but clearly taking early action to address your hearing loss can only be a good thing. RNID is helping to fund vital research to understand why hearing loss and dementia are linked.”

Contact RNID Information Line on 0808 808 0123 or visit www.rnid.org.uk 40

Ability Needs Magazine

Arnot and wife Diane

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Welsh language support essential for stroke survivors TROKE SURVIVORS who speak Welsh should get an equal opportunity to rebuild their life, according to The Stroke Association. The charity is pledging to meet the needs of more Welsh-speaking stroke survivors with the launch of their new Welsh Language policy. Providing health care services in the language of someone’s choice has been long recognised as important to their care and for stroke survivors can be vital for recovery. Arnot Hughes, 74 from Llandaff, Cardiff had a stroke in February 2020, just before the coronavirus pandemic forced a national lockdown. He left hospital after 10 days with a common post-stroke communication difficulty called aphasia, “I could not speak at all when I

left hospital. I had six weeks of speech and language therapy online but this was only available in English and was not enough. I am bilingual but Welsh is what I speak day-to-day. I made more rapid progress with my English because of the online zoom sessions, but I struggled to speak Welsh with my family. “It was only the perseverance of my wife which has enabled me to start speaking Welsh. The hospital told me no Welsh language offer was available so it was her research that helped me in my recovery. We practice as a family but it would have been so much more beneficial to have speech and language therapy in Welsh. Perseverance is definitely the key and I can see the improvements I have made but it has been very difficult.” Arnot helped initiate the grŵp paned a sgwrs, which was recently set up as part of the Stroke Associations’ Community Steps project. It is an informal peer support chat group for people across Wales who want to converse through the Welsh language. The Stroke Association offers a number of services in the Welsh language including, information, the online stroke information tool “My Stroke Guide” and the Stroke helpline also offers a call back service with a Welsh speaker. For more information go to www.stroke.org.uk

Douglas Bader Foundation backs Team BRIT N INSPIRATIONAL charity which helps people affected by limb loss and other disabilities has pledged its continued support of Team BRIT. The Douglas Bader Foundation has provided valuable funding to the alldisabled racing team, which aims to enhance accessibility in motorsport. It has an ethos aligned to that of Team BRIT and aims to empower people to achieve their goals by giving them experiences they will remember for a lifetime. Team BRIT has its roots firmly in the military, as it was originally set up to support injured troops. It is still owned by linked charity KartForce, which helps injured military personnel with their recovery and rehabilitation through karting. In 2013, when KartForce needed funds to create hand controls for a Jaguar XF-S so a team of injured troops could race in mainstream events, that The Douglas Bader Foundation stepped in. The hand controls meant that the racers, some of whom were double amputees, could compete on a totally level playing field. Team BRIT founder Dave Player said: “We are delighted The Douglas Bader Foundation, an organisation that shares similar core values to our own, has pledged its support of our team once again. We’ve worked together for some time

Ability Needs Magazine

now, building a fantastic partnership with shared aims, and we’re so glad this is continuing, to help us support the future generations of disabled racing drivers.” In 2019, the foundation supported four disabled drivers, via a grant, giving them the opportunity to pass their racing certificates on simulators and a modified Golf. And in 2020, they equipped a driver Nerys Pearce, who is paralysed from the chest down, with a personalised seat, giving her the opportunity to start racing for the first time. Team BRIT, whose mission is to make history at Le Mans as the first ever British all-disabled team to participate, has previously supported the foundations’ Bader Braves Go Karting Days by adapting hand controls to allow children with lower and upper limb difference to participate. Team BRIT’s cars are fitted with world-leading hand control technology to enable its drivers to compete equally, revolutionising motorsport, with the aim of making it more accessible. Further information on The Douglas Bader Foundation can be found at https://www.douglasbaderfoundation.com/ 41

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LOOKING FOR PARTNER, INVESTOR or MOBILITY COMPANY/MANUFACTURER Hello, my name is Andrew Huntley. I have recently designed a product that I feel would greatly improve the independence of power chair/electric wheelchair users who suffer from disabling hand conditions.

EMOVE R O T G IN L G STRUG YS etc E K / Y E N O • NO MORE M TRIEVE E R O T S N E T GLOVES/MIT EEDED N E C N A T IS S AS RED R O E T R S A E C R / A E P N O O • N AVEL AL R T O T E C N E PEND • YOUR INDE Prior to commencing my project I had a worldwide patent search undertaken by my patent solicitor which returned no match. In early September I was informed by my patent solicitor that the UKIPO had completed their own worldwide patent search which also returned no match so at this stage I am very confident that a patent will be granted. I am therefore looking for a sole partner, investor or mobility company/manufacturer to help bring my Idea to the disabled community. If you are interested I would very much like to introduce my idea to you in the way of a professionally designed prototype with visualisation boards and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss further. ( a simple one page non-disclosure paper to be signed prior to our meeting)

Please feel free to contact me via email andysigbuy@aol.co.uk or Tel 07726623671 42

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Tea Break Quick Crossword Quiz Tea Break Quick Crossword Who Said That? Thought of the Day Wordplay Knowledge boosting...Trivia! Tea Break Quick Crossword Quiz Who Said That? Quiz Thought of the Day Wordplay Remember When . . . Knowledge boosting...Trivia! Tea Break Quick Crossword Quiz Thought for the day Who Said That? Thought of the “ ” Day Wo Wordplay: rdplay Knowledge boosting...Trivia! Am I? TeaWho Break Quick Crossword Quiz Who Said That? Thought of the Day Wordplay Knowledge AN_p43_TeaBrk_48_AN406_KidzSouth 06/04/2021 12:24 Page 1

CROSSWORD CLUES

ACROSS 1. Good times and bad times (3,3,5) 9. Too early (9) 10. Sticky stuff (3) 11. Neat (informal) (5) 13. Grid-type structure (7) 14. Bricklayer’s tool (6) 15. Claim (6) 18. Ludicrous (7) 20. Room at the top (5) 21. Contageous viral infection (3) 22. No longer necessary (9)

24. Not made to order (3-3-5) DOWN 2. Pastry dish (3) 3. Closely inspect (7) 4. Twice (6) 5. Blatant (5) 6. Failing to take proper care (9) 7. Prodigal (11) 8. Tame (11) 12. Something to eat (9) 16. Unswerving (7) 17. Irritate (6) 19. Break apart (5) 23. Everyone (3)

1. Which American physician travelled to the North Pole to give Santa a COVID vaccination? 2. Who were Spotify's three most streamed female artists in 2020? All these events occurred in the same year 3. Who was the English Premier League's top goal scorer in but in which year was it? the 2019-20 season? 4. As of December 2020, what is now 0.86m higher than • Movie ‘Rebel without a Cause’ was in the cinema previously calculated? • West Germany became part of NATO 5. Which so called 'quarantine drink' was the most searched recipe on Google in 2020? • Ruth Ellis was the last woman to be executed in the 6. Which English woman was the UK's 3rd most popular UK google search word in 2020 after Coronavirus and US • Clement Attlee retired as leader of the Labour Party election? 7. Which three multinational food and or beverage companies were named the top plastic polluters in 2020 for the third year in a row? 8. In February 2020, which small European country became ...Life is just a blank slate, what matters the first in the world to make the use of all public transport most is what you write on it... free? Christine Franklin 9. Which prestigious event did the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar win in 2020? 10. Which three countries with names ending with the letter "u" The word may seem familiar but do you know claim they have had no Coronavirus?

Sortie

what it means?

A – 18th century cravat B – Dish of sloppy food C – Raiding excursion

• A former professional footballer, I was born in Merseyside in 1980. • I was the captain of Liverpool as well as England. • I was awarded the MBE in 2007. I have 4 children with my wife Alex Curran. Who am I?

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TEA BREAK ANSWERS Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Ups and downs; 9. Premature; 10. Goo; 11. Nifty; 13. Lattice; 14. Trowel; 15. Assert; 18. Risible; 20. Attic; 21. Flu; 22. Redundant; 24. Off-the-shelf DOWN 2. Pie; 3. Analyse; 4. Double; 5. Overt; 6. Negligent; 7. Spendthrift; 8. Domesticate; 12. Foodstuff; 16. Staunch; 17. Needle; 19. Burst; 23. All

Quiz 1. Dr. Anthony Fauci; 2. Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande; 3. Jamie Vardy (23 goals); 4. Mt. Everest; 5. Dalgona coffee; 6. Caroline Flack; 7. Coca Cola, Pepsi and Nestle; 8. Luxembourg; 9. The Tour de France; 10. Palau, Nauru and Tuvalu.

Remember When . . . Word play

1955

C – Raiding excursion

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Steven Gerrard

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Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 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 accessories fitted, variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. This programme is subject to the standard conditions of the Motability Scheme hire agreement. Full written details and quotations available on request from a Ford Authorised participating Dealer of Motability Operations Limited. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers by Motability Operations. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 735390. To qualify, you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 1st April and 30th June 2021.