A blog for deaf people to tell us about their experiences of visiting their doctor or hospital

SignHealth is the national charity for deaf people and is trying to change the system to make it easier for deaf people to communicate with health care professionals in a way that is right for them.  We talk with people at the Department of Health. We regularly contact people at all levels of the health service. But change will only happen if deaf people work with us to make it happen.

SignHealth recently published a report which showed for the first time the difference in service experienced by deaf people when seeing their doctor.  It showed that deaf people make more appointments with their GP; they suffer more ill health generally and are less satisfied with many aspects of the service they receive.

Deaf people have the right to support with communication when accessing health services.  But we know that this is rarely available, especially when appointments are made at short notice.

We want to hear about deaf people's experiences when accessing health services either at the doctors or in hospital.  So, if you have struggled with communication or found it difficult to get an interpreter, let us know.  If you find it difficult to make an appointment yourself or if you have to have a member of your family with you on such occasions, we want to hear about it.
You might be a friend of a deaf person or a family member, so you may also have something to tell us about.

With this information, we can make people listen and make the system change.

 

www.deafhealthtalk.org.uk

Gurkhas - Gordon Brown is WRONG!

Gordon Brown and his idiotic immigration minister, Phil Woolas have got the Gurkhas appeal for  the right of settlement in the UK completely wrong.

Phil Woolas claimed that : "Gurkhas and their families will be allowed to stay in the UK if they meet at least one of five requirements.

These are three years of continuous residence in the UK, close family in the country, 20 or more years of service, a level one to three bravery award, and a serious medical condition caused or aggravated by service.

Alternatively, veterans can gain residency if they meet at least two of an additional set of three criteria.

These are having been awarded an MoD disability pension but no longer having a chronic condition, having been mentioned in dispatches, and 10 years' service or a campaign medal…" (Source:  BBC NEWS).

Woolas claims this will allow 4,500 to claim residency, in reality according to the campaign  Gurkhas for  Justice barely 100 Gurkhas will qualify.

Woolas paraded himself on TV news programmes claiming if the government met the demands of the Gurkhas over 100, 000 would be settling in the UK. This man, Woolas is dispicable, is he playing with numbers to stir up immigration fears?

Hopefully, members of parliament across party lines will reject the new rules and give the right to all Gurkhas for residency in the UK to do otherwise is a grave injustice.

Zebra-Mbizi, 29th April 2009

Police's 'Take Me Home' program seeking community's assistance

An idea From the United States ...

 

With help from a new program called "Take Me Home," Monroe police hope to enlist the help of the community when people with disabilities and young children wander away from home.

 

The program will enable police to put out automated telephone messages to residents in the area where an individual was last seen. The message will provide a description of the individual and ask residents to step outside and look for the lost person.

 

Police Chief Ron Schleuter said he learned of the program at the Louisiana chiefs of police conference in March and heard that it had been successfully instituted in Slidell. A Pensacola, Fla., police officer developed the program.

 

The only cost associated with instituting the program will be printing informational materials.

 

"This will be a valuable tool not only for the Monroe Police Department, but also the families," Schleuter said.

 

"When we get a call, our commanders can bring up their information and get any special information on the individual."

 

The program will be of particular importance for autistic people, according to Lynda Huggins with the Northeast Louisiana Autism Society.

 

"They are runners," Huggins said."They will run away and they are drawn to water," she said. "The most common cause of death among autistic children is drowning."

 

Autistic individuals also have "trigger mechanisms" that can scare them and cause them to run away from police, Huggins said.

 

Triggers can be things like flashing lights or loud sirens. Schleuter said the new database will allow families to note the triggers so police will know how to approach autistic individuals.

 

The program is also aimed at individuals with Alzheimer's disease, who sometimes can't tell police where they live.

The Monroe Star (US), 28th April 2009

Airport security 'humiliated' man

A man who was told to remove splints by security staff at Belfast International Airport has been paid £1,500 to settle a disability discrimination claim.

Paul Hamilton, from Newtownards, took the claim against ICTS UK which runs security at the airport.

He said staff had shown "a complete lack of consideration for those with mobility problems".

The company accepted it had subjected Mr Hamilton to less favourable treatment on grounds of his disability.

Mr Hamilton, who has mobility and hearing impairments, was making his way through airport security when he was asked to remove his shoes before passing through the security arch.

He claimed that he explained to the security guard that he wore splints.

Humiliating

However, he was asked to remove his shoes and splints which were passed through the x-ray machine and then he had to walk through the security arch.

This proved very difficult as his balance is badly affected without splints.

He said he found the request "extremely difficult and humiliating" as he had to remove his splints in the full view of other travellers.

Mr Hamilton said: "I found the whole experience very embarrassing and unsettling.

"Alternative arrangements should have been in place to screen disabled people in line with their security requirements.

"Their insistence that I had to walk without the aid of my splints was unreasonable, removed my dignity and showed a lack of understanding of the needs of disabled people."

ICTS UK also apologised to Mr Hamilton for the hurt and distress caused by his treatment.

BBC, 29th Aoril 2009

Back in touch

By tutoring blind and disabled people in digital IT skills, a charity is helping to boost greater independence.

Steve Longridge, who is registered blind, is able to read his own letters for the first time without relying on a friend. He can email his brother in the Philippines, rather than make expensive phone calls, and he can hone his general knowledge online before taking part in his local pub quiz. These significant steps towards greater independence, which are transforming his social life as well as boosting his employment skills, come 18 months after he enrolled on a digital training course offered by the charity UCanDoIT.

Longridge, 44, who lives in south-west London and has been out of work since being made redundant from his bank job nearly three years ago, says: "I am hoping to learn skills I need for employment, but also for leisure, such as buying tickets online." He never learnt about computers at school because his statutory education finished before the dawn of the digital age. Although he tried to pick up the skills at college, he dropped out because the tutors knew little about the specialist software he needed, and lacked the skills to work with somebody who was visually impaired.

UCanDoIt estimates that there are around 150,000 disabled people living in the UK who are digitally excluded and could benefit from its programme, which offers one-to-one tuition in the student's home. Tutor Debbie Brixey says: "It's all well and good to talk about digital inclusion and disabled people, but if you can't provide the specialist training it's meaningless. The government's ideas about access are different to mine. To them it means there is a college with a computer in it, but that doesn't mean that a disabled person can get to it and use it."

The charity has helped 3,000 people since 2000, and has been lobbying the government for the £3m it estimates it would need annually to deliver its model of training across the UK.

The campaign is timely as digital inclusion minister Paul Murphy announced this week results of the public consultation on the government's action plan, which included proposals to appoint a "digital inclusion champion" and to establish a taskforce to promote digital inclusion across government departments.

There is little in the document that exclusively addresses the digital exclusion of people with disabilities, although it does propose meeting an EU directive to reduce the number of disabled people who are digitally excluded by 50% by next year.

While Murphy says he is "exploring" the need to open up technology to disabled people, Longridge points out: "We need more money from the government for organisations like UCanDoIT because there are only so many people they can help with the funding they have."

The Guardian, 28th April 2009

Diabetes UK Launches DVD To Help People With Learning Disabilities

Diabetes UK has launched a DVD for people with Type 2 diabetes who have learning disabilities. The new DVD, which is called 'Diabetes - Living a healthier Life', will enable this audience to have access to the same information about the condition as people with Type 2 diabetes who do not have learning disabilities.

Diabetes UK teamed up with Speakup, a self-help advocacy charity for people with learning disabilities, to produce the DVD. It covers a range of topics including an explanation of what Type 2 diabetes is, how to prevent it, how to manage and understand the condition, and the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity.

Meeting a real need

"Information for people with learning disabilities and diabetes has been very much lacking and this will go a long way to change that," said Jenne Dixit, Equality and Diversity Manager at Diabetes UK.

Addressing inequalities in accessing care

"We hope that this resource will help raise awareness of Type 2 diabetes and support the management of diabetes in a community that is at risk of developing the condition but faces inequalities to accessing care."

Learning disabilities

Learning disabilities such as dyslexia (or specific reading disability) and dysgraphia (or writing disability) are brain disfunctions that lead to significant gaps between skills and intelligence. In the UK, there are nine million people with learning disabilities and it is estimated that 270,000 people from this group have Type 2 diabetes.

Accessible resource

Diabetes UK and Speakup have worked on this project for more than a year, holding a number of focus groups for people with learning disabilities and diabetes to help shape the final outcome of the DVD. All the messages in the final copy are in a format and tone that is accessible to this particular audience.

How to order the DVD

You can order the DVD by calling 0800 585 088 and quoting the product code 3527.

You can also order online by visiting our web shop: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/healthierlifeDVD.

Source
Diabetes UK Press Release, 28th April 2009 

Pensioners' incomes 'insufficient'

Many pensioners may not have enough income to meet their needs as they get older and need more care, a think tank has warned.

The Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) said pensioners may not have sufficient resources to cover the additional costs of later life, such as disability, being widowed or needing long-term care.

Research carried out by the group found that people's needs and expectations for their retirement income changed during the course of their post-working years.

It said people tended to spend a large proportion of their income on leisure and recreation in the early years of their retirement, but this typically decreased between the ages of 75 and 85 as they lost their mobility.

Spending tended to increase again around the age of 85 due to people developing disabilities, being widowed and needing long-term care.

But the PPI said most pensioners' income declined during retirement compared with the incomes of the rest of the population, because pensions tended to increase each year in line with prices rather than earnings, although the basic state pension will rise in line with earnings in future.

Niki Cleal, PPI director, said: "Pensioners may not have sufficient resources to meet all of their extra needs in later life, such as to meet the additional costs of disability, widowhood or the need for long-term care and to maintain their desired standard of living.

"This research shows that pensioners will need a range of assets and sources of income to help them cope with the uncertainty and extra costs they may face later in their life as a result of the onset of disability, widowhood or the need for long-term care."

Liberal Democrat shadow work and pensions secretary Steve Webb said: "Labour's changes to the pension system will do nothing to prevent pensioners becoming poorer as they get older.

"The basic state pension is simply too little to live on for the millions of pensioners who have no other income. Pensioners should not be forced to rely on complex means-tested benefits in their retirement, which has put many off from even claiming."

North Wales Daily Post, 28th April 2009

Research hope to skin blister boy

The family of a young boy suffering from a skin blistering condition hope new research will save his life.

Tie Davey, two, from Llangefni, Anglesey is one of 5,000 people in the UK with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

The genetic condition causes his skin to blister and rip at the slightest friction, and also affects him internally.

Professor John McGrath at King's College London said first results from a new treatment were 'remarkable'.

The condition is caused because Tie's body is unable to produce a type of collagen which means his skin breaks down easily.

Fund raise

"When Tie's eyes blister he has to spend his time in a darkened environment until they have healed," said Tie's father Peter Davey, 34.

"Every day he has to be examined several times for new wounds and blisters, and old wounds have to be redressed.

"All this is time consuming and distressing for Tie, who has to be given painkillers and morphine to counter the pain he suffers every day and night," he added.

The family have been constantly raising money to help pay for research into the condition, with the latest event being a series of bike rides and walk on 25 May.

Mr Davey said he and his wife Claire, 28, were "shaking with excitement" that the new treatment could help Tie as the current prognosis was not good.

Future

"His future prognosis is one of gastric tubes, and severe disability following the webbing and fusion of fingers and toes. Eventually he will develop aggressive cancer, and his best life expectancy is 30 years," he said.

Professor John McGrath, at King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, has treated eight patients with the condition.

He said so far, results are only available for five, but all have shown improved wound healing and a reduced tendency to blister.

"Although there is currently no permanent cure for EB, this new form of cell therapy is the most helpful clinical intervention I have done in a long time - wounds heal rapidly and the skin looks and feels better," he said.

"It is nothing short of remarkable," he added.

"We need to fund more research to work out exactly how the cells promote faster wound healing, but it's very satisfying to be able to deliver a treatment that makes a big difference to someone's quality of life," he said.

BBC, 28th April 2009

Don't suffer in silence with hearing problems

Around nine million adults in the UK suffer from hearing loss, but only two million seek professional advice to do anything about it.

New research by The Hearing Company reveals that while 92% of us have had our eyesight checked in the past 10 years, only 31% of us have done the same for our hearing.

Despite the fact that one in four have to turn the TV up loud to hear it properly and more than one in five find themselves frequently having to say "pardon", fewer than 15% will subsequently get their hearing checked. While hearing experts recommend we have our hearing checked at least every two years, this informed advice is falling on deaf ears.

Stuart Spencer, professional services manager for hearing aid retailer The Hearing Company, says more often than not it's simply human nature getting in the way. "Hearing loss is a form of disability and our natural reaction is to shy away from admitting it's actually happening to us.

"In the majority of cases the degeneration is gradual, so much so that we don't realise how bad the situation has become until someone else points it out for us. It can take up to 15 years from the first signs of hearing loss to the point when the individual can't take any more and finally seeks professional help."

Stuart points to five distinct stages of hearing loss, each with their own impact not just on the person's physical health but also mental wellbeing.

Stage One: Putting it off
The first clues are missing bits of conversation in busy environments where there is lots of background noise.  The typical reaction is: 'if it becomes any worse, I'll do something about it'.

Stage Two: Denial
Degeneration continues.  You increase the volume settings on the TV and radio.  But you deny the problem is down to your hearing failing.  

Stage Three: Realisation
Something triggers your recognition of a problem, often a social occasion with family or friends.  You should seek professional help now.  However, it's more likely that the unfortunate stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids will actually make you avoid telling anyone.  

Stage Four: Isolation
Your hearing loss is so bad it is now affecting your daily routine.  You don't engage in conversation for fear of looking foolish, you purposely avoid people when out in public.  

Stage Five: Final Straw
It's now up to 15 years since your hearing first started to deteriorate.  Desperation forces you or a member of your family to seek assistance from an independent hearing care specialist.

For more information or to take an online hearing test visit www.thehearingcompany.co.uk

 

UK Parents Lounge, 28th April 2009

CHARITIES TO BENEFIT FROM FOLDING BIKE CHALLENGE

Disability charity Scope and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) have been announced as the two charity partners for Europe's first ever Folding Bike Challenge from London to Paris.

The two charities will each receive a share of the sponsorship money raise by folding-bike enthusiasts who have signed up to take part in the four-day event.

Participants will set off from the capital's London Eye on September 9 and cycle 240 miles through the south of England, over to rural France, through Normandy and eventually arriving in Paris through Versailles.

Scope and the BHF are each hoping to raise about £40,000 from the event.

Jason Suckley, director of fundraising at Scope, said: "We're very proud to have been picked as the charity partners for this unique event alongside the British Heart Foundation.

"The folding bike challenge is a great excuse to have fun, get healthy and raise money for two very worthwhile causes."

Scope is a disability organisation which focuses on people with cerebral palsy. Its mission is to drive change to help disabled people achieve equality. To find out more visit www.scope.org.uk.

BHF is the UK's heart charity and raises money to fund life-saving research into the causes and treatment of heart disease. It is dedicated to saving lives every day through pioneering research, caring for patients and families, campaigning for change and providing vital information to help people care for their own heart health. Visit www.bhf.org.uk for further information.

There is still time to sign up for the event. It costs £99 to register and participants are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,200. For more information or to book a place visit www.foldingbikechallenge.com or call 020 7354 1450.

Community Newswire, 28th April 2009

Fitness Facilities Make Their Mark For Inclusive Fitness Week 2009

Inclusive Fitness Week 2009 will take place between 11^th-17^th May uniting fitness facilities across the country, providing as many people as possible with the opportunity to experience new activities, or simply to understand that exercise really can and should be for all.

This year marks the 2^nd annual awareness event which was developed by the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) in 2008 bringing together IFI accredited facilities. Focusing on introducing disabled people to local leisure and physical activity opportunities, the event places inclusion firmly at the forefront of the fitness and leisure agendas.

This year’s event promises to be even more significant with a focus on the nine facilities that have recently achieved IFI Mark Accreditation and who are set to officially launch as IFI Mark Facilities throughout the week.

These facilities have been awarded the nationally recognised standard of inclusion for the fitness industry, the IFI Mark. Of the nine facilities, six facilities have achieved IFI Mark – Registered Level with the others having achieved IFI Mark – Provisional Level. Through attaining the IFI Mark, facilities have been assessed in the areas of facility and service provision including accessibility of facilities, provision of inclusive fitness equipment and staff training, ensuring that staff are trained in disability equity, in addition to having suitably qualified fitness instructors in Exercise Programming for Disabled People.

Facilities that will be launching during Inclusive Fitness Week 2009 include:

Chesham Leisure Centre, Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Southampton, Hampshire

Haslingden Sports Centre, Helmshore, Lancashire

Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire

Larkfield Leisure Centre, Aylesford, Kent

Leigh Indoor Sports Centre, Leigh, Greater Manchester

Roehampton University, Wandsworth, London

St Johns Sports Centre. Worcester, Worcestershire

The Stour Centre, Ashford, Kent

Each facility will be holding their own celebratory events and activities throughout Inclusive Fitness Week 2009, of which further details can be found by visiting www.inclusivefitness.org.

In addition, over 70 IFI Mark facilities across the country will also be staging events and activities throughout the week, encouraging disabled people to try the facilities on offer and emphasising how small behaviour changes can be incorporated into people’s lives with a specific focus on physical activity and what a significant impact this can have.

Emma Peachey, the IFI National Manager stated,

“The IFI, in partnership with the fitness industry, has made tremendous strides to ensure that disabled people have access to inclusive physical activity opportunities. Inclusive Fitness Week is paramount to ensuring that, not only are we creating inclusive environments, but that we are encouraging more people to access them”

For more information on the event or to find out how your local IFI facility is supporting Inclusive Fitness week 2009 please visit www.inclusivefitness.org.

Alternatively please contact the IFI Activator and Marketing Manager, Amy Smith on 0114 257 2069 (Text phone users add prefix 18001) or email amy@inclusivefitness.org

Inclusive Fitness Press Release, 28th March 2009

Rover helps disabled become mobile

TAMPA - Engineers at the University of South Florida have developed a device that will literally change people’s lives. It’s called the Mobili-T Rover and will give disabled people access to places they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to travel to on their own.

You might call Michael Foradori the first test pilot for the new machine. The 23-year-old from Mississippi was paralyzed after a fall nine years ago but has since regained some function.

“Over time, I found I could brush my teeth. I can feed myself a little bit. So, even though I’ve been hurt, the longer I’ve been hurt, the more I’m progressing,” Foradori said.

The prototype for the rover was developed by an engineering student named Travis Watkins. His own father was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

“This is one of many, but it’s probably one of those that’s most exciting because it’s very very innovative. Something that’s creative, something that’s completely out of the box,” Watkins said.

The rover doesn’t require any power of its own. It basically becomes an extension of Michael’s motorized wheelchair.

A company called “Rehab Ideas” was created to take the concepts developed my engineering students to the marketplace.

“It’s a great opportunity not only for me, but there are other people out there, you know, that might be lacking this experience. You know, something that can give people hope because everybody else can go out and ride a four wheeler. Now I can too,” Foradori said.

In fact, with his new found freedom, Michael doesn’t believe there’s much he can’t do. Before returning home to Mississippi with the rover in tow, Michael will be fitted for the device. He’ll also meet with other specialists to help him maximize his mobility.

My Fox Tampa Bay (US), 28th April 2009

New mobility products unveiled

KINGKRAFT, the Sheffield company that specialises in products for people with disabilities, is unveiling a series of new products for people with limited mobility.

 

The expanding company, based on the Dore House Industrial Estate, is launching a new manually adjustable, variable height bath on display at Naidex, the UK's biggest homecare, disability and rehabilitation exhibition, which starts in Birmingham today.

 

The company is also unveiling brand new sensory cushions and blankets designed to help children with learning and concentration difficulties.

 

The Star (S. Yorkshire), 27th April 2009

Arthritis victims miss out on tests

Thousands of rheumatoid arthritis patients are not being given vital tests to track the progress of their condition, it has been claimed.

A tenth of sufferers questioned for a survey said they had never had their disease activity score (DAS) measured, despite undergoing regular hospital check-ups.

DAS is used to assess the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and monitor how well the disease is being controlled.

It helps doctors to make important decisions about treatment. Under guidelines issued by health watchdog Nice, the National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence, a DAS assessment should be carried out at least every six months.

An estimated 487,000 people in the UK suffer from RA, an auto-immune disease that attacks the joints and causes long-term disability. The direct and indirect cost to the NHS of tackling RA is put at between £3.8 billion and £4.75 billion a year.

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of DAS among RA patients.

Results of a survey by the charity suggest that 90% of RA sufferers do not know their DAS score. The survey of 100 patients from around the UK also found that almost 20% of those questioned did not know if they had undergone a DAS examination. Ten per cent said they had never had the test.

A DAS assessment involves a systematic search for signs of swelling and tenderness in different limb joints. Scores for each part of the body are added up to provide a measurement of disease activity.

Professor Peter Taylor, from Imperial College London, co-author of a new guide on managing RA published by the NRAS, said: "Rheumatoid arthritis can often be well controlled by treatment and much research shows that this is best achieved when a regular measurement of disease activity is undertaken in order that appropriate adjustments to treatment are made.

"A number of measures of disease activity are available of which DAS is one of the most widely used in trials and everyday clinical practice. I encourage my patients to take an active role in their disease management and we work closely together to achieve the best treatment outcomes and prognosis."

Press Association, 27th April 2009

Harman facing fight against diversity bill

BUSINESS groups are preparing to do battle with Harriet Harman, the Equality Minister, tomorrow when she unveils new diversity legislation which they argue will strike the private sector while it is down.
The Equality Bill will receive its first reading in Parliament and businesses are bracing themselves for a raft of measures which they fear will place unwelcome financial and bureaucratic burdens on enterprise at a time when many firms are struggling to stay afloat.

 

The bill is intended to improve opportunities for female, disabled and ethnic minority employees with obligations that are likely to include forcing companies to carry out regular audits into the gender and ethnic background of their staff. It is understood the audit, which will apply to companies employing more than 250 people, will also include reporting salary differences between male and female staff, although this is not expected to be made compulsory until after 2013.

 

The bill is also likely to dictate that firms discriminate in favour of a woman, disabled person or an applicant from an ethnically diverse background where companies have to choose between two equally qualified candidates.

 

While not opposed to many of the principles behind the bill, business organisations such as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have vowed to delay the legislation, which they say the Equality Minister could not have introduced at a worse time.

 

They argue that not only are companies fighting one of the worst recessions in recent memory, but the blow also follows hot on the heels of the 50p tax rate, which the private sector fears will lead to an exodus of talent from the UK and discourage entrepreneurship. The new "tax on the rich" was unveiled in last week's Budget.

 

David Frost, director general of the BCC, said the Equality Bill could potentially cost firms many thousands of pounds in consultancy fees at a time when cash is extremely tight.

 

He added: "What sort of message is this sending potential investors around the world about the UK as a destination for inward investment?"

 

John Cridland, CBI deputy director-general, said: "If compulsory reporting of pay stats found its way into the bill we would strongly oppose it."

 

According to statistics released to Scotland on Sunday by the law firm DLA Piper, Scots firms are likely to face the greatest challenge in meeting the equality requirements. In a survey conducted by the firm, 63% of Scottish companies admitted that women and ethnic minorities are under-represented among their ranks, compared with 54% for the whole of the UK. More than half of Scottish firms have also never conducted any research into gender pay differences.

 

Russell Bradley, head of employment law at DLA Piper in Scotland, said positive discrimination measures could lead to lawsuits from other candidates who feel they've lost out unfairly. Bradley said: "The chances that managers could misapply positive discrimination could lead to disgruntled candidates suing and this may strongly discourage many organisations from applying it. On top of this, there are risks that colleagues may think someone got their job due to their race, sex or disability, which could cause significant friction at work."

 

It is understood the bill has already caused division within the Cabinet. Business Secretary Lord Peter Mandelson is thought to be sympathetic to the business community's case for delaying the legislation until after the recession, but Harman is determined to see it through Parliament as quickly as possible.

 

Frost of the BCC said he will lobby senior politicians including shadow business secretary Kenneth Clarke at the group's annual convention in Birmingham tomorrow.

 

The Scotsman, 26th April 2009

Essex County Council to suspend £2 disabled blue badge fee

ESSEX County Council (ECC) is to suspend its £2 fee for disabled parking and blue badges from Friday May 1.
The council issues about 20,000 disabled parking badges a year to residents in the county with severe disabilities.
It is recognised by councils across the county that the administration of the blue badge scheme is a costly process and ECC is looking at ways to reduce this whilst improving the process and reducing badge misuse.

The council is aware that growing numbers of people are using the badges fraudulently. Therefore it continues to strengthen its partnership with Essex Police and district and borough council traffic wardens to halt misuse.

Scrapping the fee is just one of a number of changes planned for this year. The council hopes to pilot a new face to face mobility assessment for new applications during the summer which will not only offer a robust assessment to support concessionary badge applications but also provide users with advice and guidance on ways to remain independent.

Cllr David Finch, ECC cabinet member for adults, health and community wellbeing, said: "We know our customers find it frustrating to send a cheque for £2 to us and our current way of working does not cover the fee charge - in fact, the administration of that £2 is more than doubled in staffing costs."

Cllr John Aldridge, deputy to the cabinet member, added: "With the reduction in administration we will be able to turn around applications more quickly. As one of our pledges is to offer value for money to Essex council taxpayers by transforming how the organisation operates it is crucial that we do this while continuing to provide a quality service"

 

The Harlow Herald, 26th April 2009

'Fat Tax'

UK budget airline Ryanair is considering taxing overweight passengers.

The company says a third of over 100,000 survey respondents voted to introduce extra charges for larger passengers.

Ryanair spokesperson Stephen McNamara said: "A 'fat tax' will only apply to those really large passengers who invade the space of those sitting beside them.

"The revenues from any such 'fat tax' will be used to lower the airfares for all Ryanair's passengers."

"The revenues from any such 'fat tax' will be used to lower the airfares for all Ryanair's passengers."

Legally it is not likely the company could introduce such a charge as it would most likely violate UK discrimination laws, or laws to prevent prejudice against disabled people.

The survey - asking which discretionary charges the airline should apply - also found 24 per cent of respondents would pay three Euros to smoke in a converted lavatory cubicle.

Female First, 25th  April 2009

Disabled flyer from East Knighton praises charity

NICK Poole has soared out from the depths of despair thanks to a charity that helps disabled people learn to fly.

The former Outward Bound instructor from East Knighton said his life has been transformed by taking up flying.

He has just been awarded a scholarship that will help him gain his pilot’s licence – and he is determined that will enable him to help mend other people’s broken lives.

But it was only last year that his spirits began to lift after the amputation of a leg confined him to a wheelchair or crutches.

Mr Poole, 57, said: “I was really desperate for a time. I was desperate for mobility. Then I discovered flying and that was it. “The first time I flew it was the most incredible feeling of freedom. Up there you leave your wheelchair and your disability behind.”

Mr Poole’s disability started 13 years ago when he underwent surgery in Scotland to fuse an ankle that kept dislocating.

He said: “They thought it would stabilise it but I got MRSA and had to have my leg below the knee amputated. And then four years ago I got a deep vein thrombosis and had to have the upper part of the leg removed.

“At that point I went into a terrible place. I feel as though I’ve gone from the depths of despair to flying high, literally.”

Mr Poole, who served in the Royal Navy for 23 years, had an artificial leg fitted and carried on in a new career as an Outward Bound instructor. But that ended with the second amputation.

He discovered flying for the disabled after reading a magazine article and got in touch with the British Disabled Flying Association.

He then applied and got a Flying Scholarship for the Disabled that enabled him to undertake five weeks training at Lasham airfield in Hampshire, where he has already clocked up five hours flying time.

His aim is to take other disabled people flying to help them experience the liberation and pleasure of becoming airborne.

Mr Poole, who moved to East Knighton ten years ago, has also been a social worker and he is keen to bring those skills together with flying to help others.

He said: “Since I started flying and got better there’s this need to help others really burning inside me.

“It doesn’t matter how ill you think you are – this charity will take you on.”

Dorset Echo, 25th April 2009

HOLLYOAKS STARS PUT IN A MARATHON EFFORT FOR CHARITY

"Hollyoaks Stars Run Marathon”
From left to right: Simon Lawson, Loui Batley, Nicole Barber-Lane, John Pickard and friend

Three of the stars of Channel Four’s teen drama, Hollyoaks, took to the streets of London yesterday as they completed the Flora London Marathon for three charities.

Loui Batley, who plays man-eater Sarah in the soap and her real life boyfriend, Simon Lawson, chose Whizz Kids as their charity. Whizz-Kidz gives young wheelchair-users independence through customised equipment, such as powered wheelchairs, and training. Loui finished the race in five and a half hours.

Loui and Simon said: “We're so happy to have finished the marathon - we wanted to do it in our own time, and are happy with 5 hours 30, especially as Loui's knee was hurt. We're just pleased to have done it, and to have raised so much money between us for Whizz-Kidz - a fantastic charity for young disabled people."

John Pickard who play heart throb Dom ran for Leonard Cheshire Disability, which supports disabled people to live life their way and campaigns to change attitudes to disability. John completed the Marathon in five hours and 25 minutes.

John said: "What an experience! I was disappointed that I injured my knee whilst training, which meant I had to walk some of the way, but luckily I was able to finish. The crowd kept me going and the atmosphere was amazing. I am proud to have run for Leonard Cheshire Disability because I know what a difference the right support can make to the lives of disabled people, having visited the charity’s Freshfields service in Merseyside. I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me!"

Nicole Barber-Lane, Loui Batley and John Pickard, who play Myra, Sarah and Dom respectively, raised vital funds with every step of the 26-mile feat for their chosen charities, The Prostate Cancer Charity, Whizz Kids and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Nicole who plays Myra, the infamous matriarch to the McQueen brood, ran for The Prostate Cancer Charity, the UK’s leading charity working with people affected by the disease and completed the race in six hours and 29 minutes.

Nicole said: “I ran the marathon for The Prostate Cancer Charity because my Dad was diagnosed with the disease last year. Throughout the run I was overwhelmed by the incredible support not only from the Charity but from the crowds of spectators also. The cheering and encouragement really helped to keep me going and made it an emotional and inspiring day. I think that the slower runners who finish long after the crowds have left are the real stars of the show. I know my Dad will be proud of me and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to give my support to the Charity and help the 35,000 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK."

To sponsor Loui Batley for Whizz Kids visit http://www.justgiving.com/louibatley and http://www.justgiving.com/simonjlawson

To sponsor John Pickard for Leonard Cheshire Disability visit http://www.justgiving.com/johnpickard and to sponsor Nicole Barber Lane for The Prostate Cancer Charity visit http://www.justgiving.com/nicolebarberlane

www.LCDisability.org

www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

Leonard Cheshire Disability Press Release, 27th April 2009

Meningitis baby recovers at home

www.disabledsouthwest.co.uk

A 16-month-old baby whose hands and legs were amputated after contracting meningitis is back home in Cornwall.

Marshall Janson from Carharrack was admitted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital on Boxing Day, before being transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital.

Doctors battled for hours to save his life after his vital organs failed three times.

An appeal has been set up by his parents, Stephanie and Moss, to help pay for artificial limbs for Marshall.

A pair of prosthetic hands will cost about £22,000 each, with a similar cost for legs.

Medics praised

"Because Marshall is so little, he's going to need a new pair of hands and a new pair of legs at least once a year, every year, until he's 18," his uncle Gerry Reilly told BBC News.

After months of operations and treatment, while his parents maintained a bedside vigil, Marshall was released from hospital just before Easter.

"We were so glad to be allowed to go home at last," Mr Janson said.

"While the medical staff have been marvellous, being in hospital for three months has taken its toll."

If you would like to find out more, please visit the website setup to raise money for little Marshall at: www.handstand.org.uk/

Disabled Southwest, 27th April 2009

Disabled passengers in boat fire

 

 

 www.disabledsouthwest.co.uk

Nine disabled passengers and their carers were rescued by lifeboats after a fire broke out on a leisure boat off the coast of Dorset.

Emergency services were called when crew saw smoke coming from the engine room of the 33ft long vessel Freedom off the coast of Weymouth at 1330 BST.

Lifeboats carried the passengers off the leisure boat and ferried them to safety. Nobody was injured.

The vessel was towed back to Weymouth Harbour after the fire eased.

Steve Williams, of the Portland Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, said: "The vessel has now been towed into Weymouth Harbour by the lifeboat. The smoke coming from the engine room has significantly reduced.

"The passengers were met by emergency services and Coastguard rescue officers who ensured their safety and well-being."

Disabled Southwest, 27th April 2009

Blind Kitty to open viewers' eyes

Blind actress Kitty McGeever says she thinks it's great that Emmerdale producers have made her character Lizzie Lakely more believable - by not painting her as a saint.

Lizzie arrived in the village on Tuesday, and it isn't long before she is causing mischief.

Talking about the way disabled characters are often portrayed on TV, Kitty says: "I think they're always very worthy. They always talk about their disability a lot and their stories are always about their disability."

She continued: "I just never wanted it to be worthy."

Revealing how the other villagers cope with her blindness, Kitty says: "Obviously it does come up and the residents of Emmerdale talk about her disability because they're all very shocked by her and they want to ask questions, so we certainly have a lot of fun with that as well.

"But she's certainly not a character who feels sorry for herself or ever wants to talk about her disability."

MSN, 24th April 2009

'Autistic Mia is our mini miracle'

BOYZONE'S Keith Duffy has made platinum-selling albums, sold out stadiums around the world and had a starring role in Coronation Street.

But last week his nine-year-old daughter gave him his proudest moment by simply blushing.

Mia is autistic. Her social skills are limited and her reactions different to 'normal' children's.

He says: "When the band got back together last year Mia learned all the songs and watched all the DVDs. She knows more Boyzone songs than me now.

"She developed a bit of a crush on Shane.

"All the band came to my house for the first time in ages last week. Mia walked in and as soon as she saw Shane she blushed.

"Now that might not seem much but to see my gorgeous girl react so normally made me more proud than any father in the world.

"It meant we had come so far with her. It was the cutest, most beautiful thing to witness. She is our mini-miracle."

Keith is running the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of the National Autisism Society.

His passionate fundraising has raked in more than £3.5million in Ireland and he now hopes to roll out the programme he has helped introduce in his home country in the UK.

The singer turned actor and his wife Lisa, who also have a son, Jordan, 14, realised something was wrong when Mia was 18 months old.

He says: "She wasn't responding to us. We thought she had a hearing problem because her brother had needed gromits.

"When she was tested her hearing was perfect and we realised we were dealing with something more serious.

"It was very difficult to get a diagnosis because we were put on waiting lists everywhere. Through my job I managed to fast track her.

"We managed to get her diagnosed at 22 and a half months."

When they were eventually told what was wrong the news was devastating.

Keith says: "We were given the word but we had no idea what it meant or what to do next or where we had to go.

"Like most people in the world the first thing I thought about was Rain Man the Dustin Hoffman film but that didn't sound like my daughter. I realised later that is a very bad example of someone with austism.

"I had to get back to basics and realise it was a developmental disability that effects progression in different ways. Different autistic children can have different levels of speech, and motor skills, and social skills, and behavioural problems.

"Mia had difficulty socialising and she didn't speak until she was six."

The shockwaves hit the whole family.

Keith says: "Lisa went into denial for the first year. I felt huge frustration that I couldn't keep my wife happy and that I couldn't help my daughter because I couldn't understand her disability.

"I channelled that into fundraising. I was trying to sort the masses out while forgetting I had my own issues at home.

"Charity work did help me get through a difficult time. But then I realised I had to get my wife's head out of the sand and we had to help Mia together.

"'We had some very, very difficult months in our own relationship.

"'Thank God we came out the other side."

The Duffys organised Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for Mia.

Keith says: "That's an American system that people have been using for 30 years that has fantastic success rates. It's reinforcing positive skills and play through rewards.

"It's given us a mini-miracle with our own daughter.

"She was in a special needs school for the first five years with one to one teaching.

"They started to integrate her into mainstream just 20 minutes a week, then that built up to an hour a week, then a day, two days, all with a special needs assistant with her.

"She then went full time in the school with an assistant and after six months we decided it was time for her to stand on her own two feet and do without the assistant and she's now been doing that for 18 months.

"To us that is the most incredible achievement."

He adds: "Mia now is the most wonderful, beautiful, happy, smiling little girl you've ever met in your life. She speaks with an American accent because she didn't speak until she was nearly six and she picked up her speech from American TV shows like Barney.

"She can sound a little bit robotic but we're just delighted that she can communicate.

"The fact she can ask for things she wants is a great frustration gone from our lives. If she couldn't tell us what she wanted and that could make her go further inside herself where we couldn't reach her.

"For a lot of years I missed out on the affection from the Daddy's girl relationship. Mia was unable to give that and if she did she gave it to her Mum.

"Now I do have that relationship with her and I get the odd hug and kiss.

"Every day is still a challenge but you keep trying to go forward with her."

Keith is determined to use his music and acting to achieve the same incredible results for other families.

He says: "I knew someone in the music business who had a daughter with autism. He advised us what to do. Between us and with some other parents we started Irish Autism Action.

"If I can use my fame to kick the a***s of people in power to get services for children in all postal codes rather than just some then I will.

"My profile's high at the moment because of the Boyzone reunion so I'm going to exploit that to help the NAS.

'We've put in place early intervention for diagnosis and one to one applied behavioural analysis.

"Early diagnosis is essential for the child but trying to get that through the NHS or here in Ireland is almost impossible. It can take anything from 18 to 24 months which are crucial months in that child's development - you will never get them back.

"We went to the root of the problem and opened up our own diagnostic and assessment centre in Ireland. We've diagnosed 300 children in Ireland and helped 300 families.

"We have 13 schools around the country educating 400 autistic children. Every child is affected completely differently so they have to have individual plans and one to one teaching.

"We have full-time staff running a 24-hour helpline. It's all completely funded by us."

Even that's not enough for Keith.

He says: "However great that might all sound we still have a waiting list for maybe 100 children at each school which is not acceptable.

"I want to help families in the UK and let them know there is light at the end of the tunnel. If autistic children get the right intervention and care they can progress much better than they have been allowed to in the past.

"I love my daughter, I want to make her life as good as it can possibly be and I am passionate about helping other families too. These children need to be championed. People need to realise they are just as important as any normally developing child.

"It's up to us parents to make sure the awareness is out there.

"I want people to educate themselves to children's disability. People can be incredibly ignorant about disability. If a child with autism is having sensory issues in a supermarket and throwing a tantrum instead of judging the parents people should think about what be causing that behaviour. Autism doesn't show itself like Down's Syndrome for example."

So on Sunday when Keith makes it across the finish line with bandmate Ronan Keating - who's running alongside him - his first thoughts will be of his Mia.

"All I can hope for her is that each day is good," he says.

"I don't look at ten or even five years down the road because right now she's flying. I don't know if she'll be able to attend a mainstream secondary school. I really don't know which way her disability is going to take her and us.

"All Lisa and I can think is: 'today is a good day, let's hope tomorrow is even better.'"

• To sponsor Keith go to: www.justgiving.com/keithduffy

The SUN, 24th April 2009

Disabled kids excluded, claims study

Disabled children are too often prevented from leading normal lives, and more should be done to include them, a study claims today.

Canadian researchers surveyed over 800 families with children who had cerebral palsy to see how well they were integrated into daily life.

The team chose families from France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, the UK and Ireland and interviewed them about ten topics including mealtimes, communication and recreation to gauge how well they interacted with their disabled child.

Those children who suffered the most from their disabilities - either in terms of pain or impairment of their basic skills - were found to be significantly less likely to take part in family life.

Participation also varied from country to country, with those in Denmark much more likely to be involved.

Now the authors of the findings, published today at bmj.com, are urging every country to draw up national guidelines to ensure disabled children are able to participate in daily life as much as possible.

And Professor Peter Rosenbaum, who led the study, has called on healthcare professionals to tailor treatment to include training in basic life skills.

He said: "If we can broaden our clinical thinking beyond the biomedical dimensions of diseases to include participation … we may help improve the quality of life and long term wellbeing of disabled children and young people along with their families."

Big On Sandbank, 24th April 2009

LDA's 2012 cultural fund boosts training in theatre, media and design

Young Londoners and disabled people are being given the opportunity to develop their skills in the creative industries thanks to funding from the London Development Agency (LDA).

Under the first phase of its new 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund, the £1.2 million programme will enable four art organisations in the capital to put on courses in theatre production, media and design.

The fund, managed by Arts Council England, will support strong community-based skills, training and employment support projects so that more Londoners can participate in the Cultural Olympiad and other arts related activities in the run up to 2012.

Two theatre groups – the acclaimed Young Vic and disability focused Graeae Theatre Company – have each been awarded round one grants worth around £50,000, as have East Potential and Cockpit Arts, which will provide training in media and design. A further £1 million will be awarded later this year.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said:

"The London Games are not just about what happens in August 2012 and sporting participation and achievement. The Cultural Skills Fund is designed to ensure the legacy of the Games will also be about the development of employment, expertise and ability in other areas such as the creative industries. Our world class creative sector remains a critical part of the London economy and - now is the time to ensure the capital retains this leading edge once we emerge from the recession"

Peter Rogers, LDA Chief Executive, said:

"The 2012 Games are an unprecedented opportunity for London to showcase its creative talents on a global scale and galvanise thousands of people to get involved in the arts. We want to support those individuals through the 2012 Cultural Skills Fund so arts and cultural groups can help Londoners to gain valuable skills that will improve their job prospects while also boosting our creative sector"

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London said:

"Arts Council England is pleased to be working with the London Development Agency to support the creation of new cultural opportunities for communities in London.

"The 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund awards will develop local talent and equip people with creative skills during the years leading up to 2012, bringing us a step closer to achieving our collective vision of inspiring and raising the aspirations of communities for years to come"

Projects to benefit from Round one funding
1. The Young Vic - Skills for Emerging Theatre Makers (Southwark)

To fund free intensive training courses to help 100 young people develop skills in directing, acting and technical production.

David Lan, Artistic Director, Young Vic, said:

"At the Young Vic widening access underpins our work on and off stage. Integrated with our artistic programme is a renowned participation programme which aims to break down barriers that prevent young people from experiencing theatre as participants - makers and/or audience.

"We are delighted to be able to expand and develop this programme in new ways with the support of the London 2012 Cultural Skills Fund"

2. Graeae Theatre Company – Against the Tide (Islington)

One of the UK's leading disability theatre companies is working with Australia's Strange Fruit Sway Pole company to train around 30 deaf and disabled artists to develop skills in new art forms. They will include sway pole performing, harness performing and a signed song chorus among film and scripted narrative.

Jenny Sealey, Artistic Director, said:

"Deaf and disabled people have been absent from the street arts performance arena but the LDA training will equip us with new skills to enable us to have a visibility and impact in this genre and we look forward to showcasing their skills at the Greenwich and Docklands Festival in June this year.

"We have just completed the initial phase of this programme which was the first ever sway pole performance training for deaf and disabled people. The team's response to individual physical achievements has been very moving"

3. East Potential (part of East Thames Group) - Film East (Newham, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Waltham Forest and Havering)

East Potential, a social regeneration charity working to benefit communities in east London and Essex, will offer media skills courses to around 70 young people across six east London boroughs. Film East will be offered to young people living in East Potential's foyers, which house and support 17-24 year-olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as young people living in social housing estates who could benefit from support to achieve their goals.

Pamela Gardner, Director of Social and Economic Regeneration at East Thames Group, said:

"We are really excited about this opportunity to engage young people in east London in creative media programmes. It's a vital part of our work to help young people and adults – including many who are vulnerable and marginalised - to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Film East will enable us to work with hard to reach young people in a way that will provide them with valuable skills and also, we hope, inspire them to take advantage of cultural opportunities arising in the run up to 2012"

4. Cockpit Arts – Creative Careers for NEETS (Westminster)

The charity will provide 10 NEETS (Not in education, employment or training) with business and skills training in designing fashion, jewellery and interior products. They will also receive mentoring with the goal of moving into employment or further training after the course.

Vanessa Swann, Chief Executive, said:

"As the UK's only creative business incubator for designer-makers, it is essential that we nurture emerging talent. The Cultural Skills Fund award has enabled us to collaborate with Head for Business to provide a unique new entry route for raw creative talent, with little or no formal education, to work alongside established designers in a professional environment"

Round two and three

Round two funding for the 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund is currently being decided and round three funding opportunities will be advertised through the LDA website and across the sector in June. For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/lcsf

The 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund is worth £1.2 million over two years with award grants ranging from £25,000 to £50,000 to projects across London. These could be anything from multi-media skills gained through a film project, to set design or set construction skills gained through work in a theatre.

The LDA will also be holding an event this summer involving various London 2012 partners to update the capital's creative and cultural sectors on cultural programmes and opportunities linked to the 2012 Games. There will also be advice about accessing CompeteFor - an online electronic service to bid for Olympic related contracts.

Web Wire, 24th April 2009