Aprilmaydigi

April/May 2014

magazine

Nothing is Impossible...

Jersey Beautiful beaches, stunning sights and much more...

Planning your big day

Accessible weddings

WIN Cover_april_may_final.indd 1

Sochi 2014

Relive ParalympicsGB’s fantastic performance

A HOLIDAY IN JERSEY! 01/04/2014 15:29

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01/04/2014 09:58

THE TEAM

ability

Welcome April/May 2014

Welcome to this issue of PosAbility. It’s been a dreary start to the

year in terms of the weather, so much so that many of you, like myself, will already be looking ahead to your summer holidays and the prospect of some fun in the sun. A holiday is such a great thing to look forward to – warm weather, the relaxing atmosphere and a change of scenery can all create the perfect setting for some much needed rejuvenation.

This issue we offer some inspiration for some top holiday destinations. If you would like to discover a new city, Mark Davidson tells us about all the Hungarian capital, Budapest has to offer. For those looking for a more relaxing break in the sun, we take a look at the beautiful island of Jersey. Or if you would prefer an accessible break in England or Wales check out our new-look holiday section with Can Do Holidays.

Tourism for All, have also very kindly shared their top tips with us to ensure you book transport and accommodation that suits the needs of you and your friends and family.

Now all you have to worry about is enjoying yourselves!

advertising their services to all the happy couples who are busy planning.

Organising a wedding is an exciting time for all involved but with so many magazines, wedding fayres and exhibitions out there, the wealth of options available can be quite overwhelming. However, if you are planning an accessible wedding, information and advice seem to be hard to come by. We talk to one bride about her experiences organising her accessible wedding and we also chat to Confetti about the hot trends for 2014 to give all you wedding planners a bit of inspiration for your big day.

Also in this issue we look at managing your money with the Financial Ombudsman and we congratulate the Spinal Injuries Association as the charity celebrates its 40th anniversary.

We hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine. It’s always lovely to hear from our readers so if you have any comments please email me at jennifer@2apublishing.co.uk.

As we make our way through spring, it is not just holidays that are on the agenda.

You may also have noticed that we are well and truly in ‘wedding season’, with venues, florists and caterers all across the country

Acting Editor: Jen McLean Sub Editor: June Bunton Designer: Abbie Bunton Sales: Allan Fleming Andy Singh

CONTRIBUTORS Mik Scarlet Lisa Newton Jane Hatton Mark Davidson Peter Rimmer Michael McEwan

A

Innovation not Imitation

PUBLISHING

Disclaimer

PosAbility Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited.

The views expressed in PosAbility Magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2014 © 2A Publishing Limited.

All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2049-2251

Contact Details: Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, G46 8JT Tel: 0141 270 8085 Fax: 0141 270 8086 enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk April/May 2014

magazine

Nothing is Impossible...

Jersey

Jen

beautiful beaches, stunning sights and much more...

Acting Editor

UPDATE Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

Follow us on Twitter @ PosAbilityMag PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY

SUBSCRIBE TODAY...

For only £12 for 1 year or £20 for 2 years Call

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0141 270 8085 today!

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WIN

SOCHI 2014

Relive ParalympicsGB’s fantastic performance

A HOLIDAY IN JERSEY!

31/03/2014 22:45

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

APRIL/MAY 2014 | ISSUE 18

April/May 2014

magazine

Nothing is Impossible...

Jersey

beautiful beaches, stunning sights and much more...

Cover image: ©Stuart Abraham

PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY

Accessible weddings

WIN

21 49

SOCHI 2014

Relive ParalympicsGB’s fantastic performance

A HOLIDAY IN JERSEY!

Art

Weddings

07 FYI…

21 Weddings

14 oh, and another thing!

27 Budapest

News, stories and quirky columns

Mik Scarlet shares his views

17 SOCHI 2014

WHAT'S INSIDE

Peter Rimmer guide us through the success of ParalymicsGB

Planning your day to remember

44 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

Untitled-5 1

Living and working in the capital

54 doNT GET SCAMMED WHEN

YOU SURF

Financial Ombusdman offers advice

30 Disabled Artists

57 Hot Stuff

27

49 Accessible loNDON

Mark Davidson shares another

of his visits to a European destination

Mik Scarlet talks to members of the Disability Arts Movement

37 Holidays

34

Accessible London

PosAbility presents more Access Awards in our new look feature

46 sIA

We take a look at the latest innovations on the market

63 Jersey

A closer look at this holiday spot

67 WIN!

40th anniversary

Budapest

A holiday in Jersey

Jersey

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 45

63

01/04/2014 17:00

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL Motoring

68

17

Sochi 2014

68 mOTORING

BMW 1 Series 116d Sport

71 thE BIGGER PICTURE

Michael McEwan shares his hopes for Glasgow 2014

73 Behind the Jargon

We look at the symbols used to attract disabled job applicants

76 gET THAT DREAM JOB

Jane Hatton shares her expert employment advice

79 Brain teasers

Exercise your brain and complete the crossword

Products

57

WIN!

A holiday in Jersey!

PosAbility Magazine has teamed up with Maison des Landes Hotel and Condor Ferries to offer our readers the chance to win an accessible holiday in Jersey

Check out p67 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 5

Untitled-5 2

01/04/2014 17:09

A BIG NAME IN MOTABILITY.

BIG MINI, BIG BENEFITS. FROM £99 ADVANCED PAYMENT. The MINI Paceman and MINI Countryman are two of the biggest things to ever happen on Motability. Now available with ALL4 all-wheel drive, both models serve up stacks of space and comfort as well as the typical MINI go-kart feeling and iconic looks. With thrifty fuel economy, air conditioning, rear parking sensors and loads more, these two big MINIs leave you with one big decision…which to choose.

MINI Countryman highlights include: F Advanced payment from £99

MINI Paceman highlights include: F Super sporty looks

F The only four-door, five-seat MINI

F Spacious two-door, four-seats

F Automatic model available from £449 advance payment

F 330 litres boot capacity and 1,080 litres with seats down

Motability benefits include: j Annual tax disc sent in the post j Insurance, servicing and maintenance included j Full breakdown assistance j Many adaptations at no extra cost j A brand new MINI every three years

If a MINI Countryman or MINI Paceman ticks your boxes, or to find out more about the MINI range, please visit www.mini.co.uk/motability or call 0800 083 6464.

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Range: Urban 26.4-67.3 mpg (10.7-4.2 l/100km). Extra Urban 44.8-80.7 mpg (6.3-3.5 l/100km). Combined 35.8-74.3 mpg (7.9-3.8 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 184-99 g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

The MINI Cooper Countryman is available from £99 Advance Payment under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. Model featured is a MINI Cooper Countryman with £1,910 worth of optional extras under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. The MINI Cooper Paceman is available from £699 Advance Payment under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. Model featured is a MINI Cooper S ALL4 Paceman with £2,815 worth of optional extras under the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. All prices are correct at time of going to press for orders placed and accepted between 1 January and 31 March 2014. The facilities offered are for the hire (bailment) of goods. The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

29867 Q1 Motability A4 ad V4-Litho.indd 1 ad_pages_april_may.indd 2

11/02/2014 01/04/2014 16:48 09:59

FYI...

FYI

News, stories and quirky columns.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Image © Bjoern Lauen

Parkinson’s ‘10 million metre’ hero completes epic four-year adventure

Image © 10 Million Metres

Image © Adrian Scarbrough Photography

A former lawyer-turned-fundraiser and adventurer from Oxford who says his body often feels as though it is “encased in concrete” due to Parkinson’s Disease, has completed the final stage of an epic, four-year challenge.

Part of Alex’s mission has been to prove the benefits of exercise in keeping Parkinson’s symptoms at bay. “I think it’s proof that the human body, along with the human spirit is capable of strength beyond measure,” he said.

Alex Flynn, 42, hit his target of covering 10 million metres – a staggering 6,214 miles – by running, kayaking, climbing or cycling when he crossed the finish line of the Dubai Standard Chartered Marathon to raise funds for research into the degenerative disease he has battled since 2008.

Highlights of Alex’s adventure have included a 150 mile crossing of The Sahara, traversing the USA and running across the Amazon jungle.

When challenging terrain and extreme climates are added to the mix, the story is beyond remarkable.

As he strode across the finish line, an emotional Alex said: “It’s been so hard, I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry. I’m really overwhelmed. It’s been four years of my life, in which I have experienced some amazing adventures and I’m incredibly lucky.”

Alex is now set to take part in the inaugural Great Pacific Ocean Race in June. He’ll be joined by old school friend Darren Taylor, who has a seafaring background. Together they will be the only male pair in the race, rowing a state-of-the-art British boat. www.alexflynn.co.uk

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 07

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01/04/2014 12:53

FYI

Impey Cares aims to raise awareness of the Government funding cuts and how this affects the everyday lives of disabled and elderly people whilst providing a number of free healthcare wetrooms to encourage independent living.

Neil Whitehead, from Impey Showers, said: “Thousands of people are unable to shower independently or as easily as possible because they are unable to obtain the funding. Impey will continue to help these people, their carers, friends and family by raising awareness of the problems faced by so many disabled people without the funds.”

Impey Cares wetrooms are awarded every 3-4 months. To apply, please visit www.impeycare.co.uk. For those who don’t have access to a computer or struggle writing applications, there is now an Impey Cares hotline where someone will be happy to take your application via phone interview.

Email pr@cubecreative.co.uk or call 0161 920 0019 to make an appointment.

Disney’s The Lion King to present dedicated autism-friendly performance Following the success of The Lion King’s first dedicated Autism-Friendly Performance last year, Disney’s The Lion King is set to present a second Autism-Friendly Performance on Sunday 4 May 2014 at 1:30pm at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Tickets are now on sale.

The Lion King staged the West End’s first-ever dedicated Autism-Friendly Performance in April 2013. Working closely with The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people with autism and their families, The Walt Disney Company adapted the performance to make it more suitable for those affected by autism.

Understandably, a visit to a musical on the scale of The Lion King, in London’s busiest theatre, could prove an overwhelming experience for a significant number of people in the UK who have autism.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of The National Autistic Society, said: “For people of any age with autism, getting out and about can be

difficult. Day-to-day activities such as shopping or using public transport can cause immense confusion and anxiety.

Under usual circumstances, a trip to the theatre would simply be impossible for some families, but training staff and making adjustments to the performance and theatre environment can make a huge difference. Following the success of last year’s performance, we’re delighted to continue our work with Disney so that more people affected by autism can access the entertainment opportunities that many of us take for granted.”

Tickets are sold at a specially discounted rate and can be selected on a virtual map of the auditorium. A social story is available to download from the website to help people with autism understand the process of a visit to the theatre.

For more information visit www.lionkingautismfriendly.co.uk Image © Catherine Ashmore

Wetroom experts Impey Showers have earmarked a further four healthcare wetrooms to give away to disabled and elderly people through the Impey Cares initiative this year. Launched in 2012, the scheme has attracted 1000s of applications from people with mobility issues across the country for much needed bathroom adaptions. Around 50% of all applications have been from people who have been refused Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) or have been on a waiting list for more than two years.

Image © Johan Persson

Impey Showers pledges four wetrooms to give away in 2014

08 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/03/2014 20:09

Volvo with Motability

Accessible.

Adaptable. Affordable.

V40 Cross Country Advance Payment from £299* V60 Advance Payment from £1,899† V70 Advance Payment from £1,999†

Each model in our Motability Range has been specially selected to make your life easier.

Take our Volvo V40 Cross Country. Increased ride height and a 5-door design make it easily accessible.

While our V60 sportswagon and V70 estate both boast impressive load capacity and 40-20-40 folding rear seats – so you’ll always have plenty of room for the things you need most.

But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also enjoy cutting-edge safety systems as standard. Stylish ergonomic interiors.

A choice of dynamic fuel-efficient engines. Eye-catching metallic paint is included free of charge. And, with Motability, many adaptions – like push/pull hand controls – can be made at no extra cost.

To find out more or book a test drive, talk to your local participating dealer or visit volvocars.co.uk/motability today.

Official fuel consumption for the Volvo Range in MPG (l/100 km): Urban 18.6 (15.2) – 74.3 (3.8), Extra Urban 34.9 (8.1) – 91.1 (3.1), Combined 26.4 (10.7) – 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions 249 – 88g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. * Advance Payment of £299 is for the Volvo V40 D2 Cross Country SE manual, an Advance Payment of £499 is required for the Volvo V40 D2 Cross Country SE automatic. † For the Volvo V60 D2 SE Lux manual/V60 D2 SE automatic it’s an Advance Payment of £1,899 and for the Volvo V70 D5 Business Edition manual it’s an Advance Payment of £1,999. For full terms and conditions, visit volvocars.co.uk/motability.

Offer available to Motability customers only. Offers valid from 01/04/2014 to 30/06/2014.

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01/04/2014 10:15

FYI

£234,000 award

for The Lake District Calvert Trust

The Lake District Calvert Trust, a charity that provides residential outdoor activity holidays for people with disabilities, is delighted to announce that it has secured a major National Lottery grant of £234,000 from Sport England as part of their Community Sport Activation Fund.

Over the next three years, the grant will enable the Trust to provide thousands of disabled young people from throughout the North-West with invaluable support to get active and improve their health and wellbeing. The Lottery funding will be

used to promote the activity breaks available at the Centre and to invest in its accessible activities and facilities. The Trust will also employ more specialist staff to deliver its courses, working with disabled visitors on a long-term basis to promote and encourage an active lifestyle.

Sean Day, Centre Director for the Lake District Calvert Trust said: “This investment from Sport England will have a major impact on our work with disabled

people throughout the region and we anticipate being able to help an additional 1,500 people over the three years of the project which we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. Working at the Trust, we are lucky enough to get to see the tremendous impact and real benefits that the outdoors and sporting activity can have once you recognise that ‘it’s what you can do that counts’.

We are looking forward to helping make thousands of disabled people’s lives that much better.”

MS Life 2014 MS Life is the biggest free lifestyle and information event on the MS Society’s calendar. This year the event will be held on 26th and 27th April from 10am-5pm at Manchester Central. Kaz Laljee attended MS Life for the first time in 2008. He told PosAbility about the positive impact attending the event had on him.

For me personally, MS Life was a game changer and made a huge positive difference to “my MS life”. It completely changed the way I felt about having MS and gave me confidence, belief and a better understanding of the condition and what it meant to me.

My first MS Life was back in 2008. It was not long after I had been diagnosed and I was still apprehensive about MS and didn’t really know how I felt about it. I parked my car and made my way to the entrance, I was actually quite nervous and almost shy of going in, but as soon as entered it hit me… WOW! What a venue and what an event. I couldn’t believe all this was being done for people with MS! There was so much going on! The visitors were from all walks of life, not just people affected by MS. It was actually liberating to be in a place and not worry about who’s staring at you and what they’re thinking.

This year sees the return of MS Life to Manchester for MS Life 2014 and it’s going to be another fantastic event. If you don’t want to get involved with anything MS related, just come down for a free coffee and massage (Yes, there is a spa area too!) Trust me, you’ll have a great time and won’t regret it! I urge you not to miss out on this fantastic event, it will change your life!

Over 1300 people have registered to go already. To book your free tickets visit www.mslife2014.com

10 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/03/2014 20:10

FYI

“We are just like you” campaigns youngsters A group of youngsters from Bromley are raising awareness and fighting to combat the stereotypes of people with learning disabilities. The youngsters, who all have learning disabilities, live in a Sanctuary Supported Living scheme and have created an emotive poster campaign to reflect the negative experiences they have faced as a result of their disabilities.

With the help of Fixers, a national charity that supports young people to tackle issues that matter to them, the group of six have designed three posters featuring themselves in everyday situations. The posters encourage the audience to see past the disability so the young people can be seen for who they are and what they like, rather than for what disability they have.

Lead Fixer on the project Holly Pace, 25, said: “Through our poster campaign, we want to tackle issues like being stared at in the street and being interrupted when people speak to us. We want people to treat us how they like to be treated.”

The posters will be distributed around the community. Fixers and the young campaigners will be encouraging everyone to put as many posters up as possible so they are visible to the public.

If you would like to find out more about this project please contact communications@fixers.org.uk

Finding Freedom in the Skies Former RAF Pilot, Tim Ellison, has become the first qualified disabled balloon pilot in Europe after he passed his General Flight Test in balloons. Tim sat the test following a course of training in Northern Italy, thanks to a partnership between Help for Heroes, Air League and Aerobility.

Tim was an exceptional student due to his existing skills and experience as a Harrier pilot in the RAF. His instructor Brian Jones, founder of Orbiter Balloon, an Aerobility Ambassador and celebrated balloonist, said: “Whilst Tim was a joy to train, in reality we were partners working together to prove the concept of ballooning as an inclusive sport.”

Tim has amassed 2,500 hours of military jet time and served as a Harrier weapons instructor during 11 years in the RAF. However, an engine failure in May 1992 whilst hovering at 120 feet — too low for Tim to eject — left him paraplegic. Disregarding what he’d been told by the doctors and specialists, he set out to prove them wrong, setting his heart on once more becoming a pilot. However, he was told by British aviation authorities that, because of his paraplegic condition, he was ineligible for an aviator’s license. Undeterred, he travelled to America, where he passed the required flying tests and achieved certification as a commercial pilot, and in doing so he became the first paraplegic in the world to gain an Airline Transport Pilots Licence.

Having achieved his dream of returning to the cockpit, his focus shifted as he wanted to help other disabled people take to the skies. This saw Tim return to the UK and with a number of other disabled pilots formed the British Disabled Flying Club (BDFC), which later became the charity Aerobility.

Martin Colclough, Head of Sports Recovery at Help for Heroes said: “Everyone at Help for Heroes would like to offer our congratulations to Tim for an extraordinary achievement. Many of Help for Heroes’ Band of Brothers enjoy the freedom flying brings thanks to Tim’s relentless work to open the skies to disabled pilots in the UK .” www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 11

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01/04/2014 12:54

FYI INDUSTRY NEWS

ParalympicsGB Sport Fest If you’re a disabled person and want to try lots of different Paralympic sports and meet medal winning athletes then you should attend the BPA’s ‘ParalympicsGB Sports Fest’, taking place in Manchester’s Sport City on 19th May 2014.

THE BIG EVENT 2014 PosAbility caught up with Motability’s Luke Snowden, The Big Event organiser, to find out more about what to expect at The Big Event at EventCity in Manchester on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May.

Why did you choose Manchester’s EventCity for The Big Event this year?

We try to choose areas that we haven’t been to before and where we know there are lots of customers close by. When it comes to choosing a suitable venue, we use a method called ‘PACT’ which stands for Parking, Accessibility, Catering and Toilets. So, as well as being a popular venue fairly central in the UK, EventCity meets these criteria and will be a great place to host our event.

What will be on display?

The Big Event at EventCity will be our biggest ever display, showcasing over 100 cars, over 30 scooters and powered wheelchairs, over 20 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and a wide range of adaptations. You can also test drive adapted and non-adapted cars, both as a driver or passenger. You must bring your full driving licence, including the paper counterpart, if applicable. A full list of cars on display and available to test drive is available online at motability.co.uk/thebigevent.

Is the event suitable for families?

Our events are for all the family – we have free face painting, balloon modellers and magicians, plus the chance to meet our Motability mascot, Billy the Bear! There are also free activity packs and games in our KidZone.

All events are free to attend and no invite or pre-registration is required.

Find out more For more information on The Big Event visit motability.co.uk/thebigevent.

For more information on leasing a car through the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 953 7000.

Sports Fest was devised to encourage and develop the interest in participation of disability sport, following the London 2012 Paralympic Games. All 26 summer and winter Paralympic sports are invited to attend, where they host come-and-try sessions and bring along medal winning athletes for you to meet, ask questions and be inspired by... they also add some London 2012 magic!

Don’t worry if you’ve never played sport before, it’s not about finding talent or potential medal winners; it’s about giving people the opportunity to try lots of different Paralympic sports all under one roof and see which one is right for you.

Register your attendance or find out more about the event by visiting www.sportsfest.uk.com.

If you don’t live in the Manchester area, you can still register your interest and we’ll send you an email when we know the next location and date ParalympicsGB Sports Fest will be visiting.

Deloitte Parasport Deloitte Parasport acts as the Yellow Pages of disability sport. Run by the British Paralympic Association (BPA) with support from Deloitte, the website is designed to inspire, educate, inform and sign-post disabled people, and those interested in disability sport, to high quality sporting opportunities.

Visit the website and find out which sports best suit your abilities with our Find a Sport tool, then put your postcode into our Find a Club tool and locate disability sports clubs in your area, now with over 3,000 clubs listed.

020 7842 5789 info@parasport.org.uk www.parasport.org.uk www.twitter.com/parasportuk

12 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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01/04/2014 12:55

Fittleworth Specialists in the Home Delivery of Ostomy, Urology and Wound Care Products

We are open six days a week: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm Saturday 9am to 1pm

Nobody cares more for your peace of mind than Fittleworth!

We have been providing a discreet, reliable and convenient home delivery service since 1984, and today we are one of the leading home delivery companies for medical appliances in the UK. We are independent and as a result, we are able to provide you with an unbiased service for your Stoma, Continence and Wound Care products, and with over 30 Care Centres across the UK, we are local to you.

We understand the importance of each and every delivery and we take great pride in our work. Whatever you need, we will provide it reliably, discreetly and without fuss; it’s the Fittleworth way.

Fittleworth Hawthorn Road Littlehampton West Sussex BN17 7LT

They take the time to listen to your individual needs and answer any queries you may have.

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Simply... a secure home delivery service

Our friendly Customer Service Team are trained to take your order quickly and politely.

Contact us today on: Priority FREEPHONE Line

0800 378 846 www.fittleworth.com UA-SPR14/1

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01/04/2014 10:15

Columnist Mik Scarlet

‘Oh, and Another Thing!’

Delirious rantings from a sickbed I’m writing this from my sickbed.

I’m running a rotten temperature and am pumped full of strong antibiotics, thanks to an injury becoming infected with MRSA. How did I get injured I hear you ask? Well, for the disabled performers who like me appeared in the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies, which will always be a highlight of our lives, we had to fight our way around very inaccessible rehearsal spaces as we prepared for the big night.

I know that many performers came away injured, and I was one of them.

It highlights the fact that when disabled people say they want a more accessible world it is because the world as it currently stands can hurt us. Surely we’re not asking for too much for our society to make itself not only accessible but safer for all of its members?

Of course another thing that being ill has reminded me of is how lucky I am to have someone in my life who looks after me and cares for me. I am stuck in bed right now and I need help with pretty much everything to be honest. My wonderful wife has been nursing me and without her I have no idea how I would cope. So many sick and disabled people aren’t as lucky as me. They have to rely on care being provided by other means, normally through the state care system.

One method of ensuring that people with long-term high level care needs had their needs met was the Independent Living Fund. The ILF provides finance to cover the cost of full time care, allowing disabled people to live independently in the community. Sadly it has just been

announced that it is being closed down. I have many close friends who rely on the ILF for the right to live and work independently and I know how scared they are right now. If the ILF is done away with and the responsibilities are passed on to already overstretched local councils, it is more than likely that many more disabled people will end up having to go into residential care. I can imagine how frightening that thought must be and it is something disabled people have been fighting against for as long as I can remember.

One night during my bed imprisonment I watched the film Milk on TV. It really affected me and made me feel that now, more than ever before, disabled people need to come together and work to ensure that our voices are heard. Sure some of the current systems don’t work as well as they should, but instead of fixing things they are being dismantled, only to be replaced with answers even less fit for purpose.

Something else I loved in the film was how the gay community boycotted any business that didn’t welcome them and frequented those who did. We need to do this too. More than that, we also need to publicise our actions, protest outside inaccessible or unwelcoming businesses or buildings, and tell local and national TV/radio, your local paper and of course magazines like PosAbility. If we come

together we will be a voice to reckon with and we will be strong!

Funnily, while being ill I have found that at a time when I feel weak I also feel rather strong. A side effect of my injury is a high level of pain, which added to my usual chronic pain is proving... annoying. It reminds me of how many sick and disabled people live every day with impairments and conditions that most non-disabled people just couldn’t cope with for a few hours.

Instead of being considered amazing and strong, we are seen as weak. Why? I think we need to start reminding the world how tough we are! Tough, strong and brave! I know many people don’t like being called brave, but I think us disabled people are amazing and we should be proud of it!

In fact I think I will leave you with that thought. I don’t care what society, the media and almost every stereotype says, disabled people prove how amazing humanity is. If we work together, combining that individual strength into a community that fights for a more accessible and inclusive world, then nothing will stop us.

Phew, I’m knackered now. All that ranting has tired me out!

Contact Mik with your access stories @MikScarlet /web@mikscarlet.co.uk

Surely we’re not asking for too much for our society to make itself not only accessible but safer for all of its members?

14 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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19/03/2014 10:16 15:02 01/04/2014

SOCHI 2014

Reaching the Impossible Words and photography

by Peter Rimmer

Jade Etherington (left) with her guide Caroline Powell

Opening Ceremony

ParalympicsGB achieved their best Winter Paralympic Games medal haul since Innsbruck 1984 by winning six medals at Sochi 2014.

Great Britain finished tenth in the medal table with one gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Russia led the table with 80 medals including 30 golds - the most medals ever won by a nation at the Winter Paralympics - with Germany second on 15, including nine golds.

Great Britain’s top Para-Alpine Skiers, Jade Etherington and Kelly Gallagher, along with their guides Caroline Powell and Charlotte Evans, delivered an exceptional performance winning five medals in total.

In addition, there were eight top ten finishes for the ParalympicsGB Alpine Skiing team, including two fifth-place finishes for 15-year-old Millie Knight and guide Rachael Ferrier.

The talking point of Sochi 2014 needs to be great sport and great athletes, not global politics

The Wheelchair Curling team had us on the edge of our seats with their roller-coaster ride but performed brilliantly to secure the bronze medal with an impressive 7-3 victory over China.

“The best feeling ever” Millie Knight, the youngest member of the 15-strong ParalympicsGB team at the event, carried the flag and the hopes of the team at the Opening Ceremony in Sochi. Knight, whose vision was impaired by a parasitic infection she picked up as a baby, said the honour was “the best feeling ever”.

Britain’s first snow gold Britain’s Paralympians have spent many years trying to win a gold medal on snow, but all that changed when Northern Ireland’s Kelly Gallagher and her guide Charlotte Evans put in a storming run to win gold in the super-G on the Rosa Khutor slopes for ParalympicsGB’s first-ever elusive gold medal on snow.

The 28-year-old from Bangor, County Down and her guide were the first skiers out on the course and came out keen to make amends for a disappointing downhill, where they finished sixth, and impressed with a strong display on the course.

Jim Gault

Gallagher started skiing for the first time when she was 17 and began working with Evans in 2010. Since then, the pair have www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 17

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ParalympicsGB Wheelchair Curling team receiving their bronze medals

From left: One final push - Angie Malone going for bronze; Team talk - skip Aileen Neilson planning the tactics; Jade Etherington crash: Jade Etherington crashes over the line, winning silver in the downhill

won silver and bronze medals in the 2011 and 2013 World Championships as well as World Cup honours. They have overcome many hurdles to reach their goal, including crashing falls, rows, counselling, the death of Gallagher’s father and finishing sixth and last in their opening race - the downhill.

Jade Etherington recovered from hitting one of the gates to finish less than a second behind Russia’s Aleksandra Frantceva, and had to settle for bronze in the super-G. While team-mate Jade Etherington went on to become Britain’s most successful Winter Paralympian with her four medals, and although the rest of Gallagher and Evans’s race programme did not go to plan, their place in history is assured.

wheelchair curlers won silver at the Turin Games in 2006, and a first skiing medal since 1994.

The 22-year-old from Lincoln and her guide Caroline Powell - who were making their Games debuts - clocked one minute 34.28 seconds in the downhill at Rosa Khutor, 2.73 seconds behind Slovakia’s Henrieta Farkasova and her guide Natalia Subrtova.

After crossing the line Etherington crashed into the hoardings but, after a few anxious moments, got back to her feet.

Silver start on the snow

“We knew going down that it was a solid run, despite my little jump and crash at the end,” said Etherington “but I think I was just pleased to get down and it is great to have that confidence boost for the rest of the competition.”

Jade Etherington’s inspiring silver on the first day of competition was Britain’s first Winter Paralympic medal since the

Etherington followed her silver in the downhill with a super-G bronze and further

silvers in the slalom and super combined.

Etherington was born with glaucoma and the genetic eye condition Axenfeld Syndrome.

Elsewhere on the slopes, Anna Turney and Mick Brennan secured top ten finishes while youthful skiers Ben Sneesby and James Whitley showed great promise for PyeongChang 2018.

Roller coaster ride for the curlers Great Britain’s wheelchair curlers won Winter Paralympic bronze by beating China 7-3 in a tense play-off.

GB needed to bounce back from a heavy 13-4 defeat by Russia in the semi-final and played some clever tactics against China, the youngest team in the competition, to take two in the third end with the hammer (the last stone) and then get another two

18 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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SOCHI 2014

ParalympicsGB team at the Closing Ceremony

Closing Ceremony

in the following end after some canny play forced China to make mistakes.

“It’s been a very emotional competition, a real roller coaster ride, and I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled to come away with a bronze,” said skip Aileen Neilson. “This is a sport for anyone of any ability and any age and I hope people have been inspired by this and what the Olympians achieved.”

Jim Gault added that the bronze medal meant everything to him after his dramatic late call-up to replace Tom Killin, a late withdrawal due to illness.

“The team dynamics have been fantastic and we’ve always picked ourselves up and come back, and today was the same. Seeing the skiers winning medals made us really want to win one too.”

In the Closing Ceremony, in a supreme feat of strength and courage, Aleksey Chuvashev, a rowing Paralympian, left his wheelchair to climb a rope to set off fireworks - showing that adversity can be overcome. As he reached the top of the rope, ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ became ‘I’M POSSIBLE’.

Great sport and great athletes The build-up to the Sochi Games was coloured by reported threats of terrorist activity, by the political unrest in the Ukraine, and events in The Crimea. Just hours ahead of the Opening Ceremony, the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee confirmed that their team would compete in Sochi, albeit sending only their flag-bearer to the Opening Ceremony in a defiant gesture.

ParalympicsGB had their most successful Winter Paralympic Games for 30 years, and confirmed the prediction of Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), that: “The talking point of Sochi 2014 needs to be great sport and great athletes, not global politics.”

Sochi can be proud of a spectacular competition with record-breaking performances, superb displays of athletic ability and constant pushing of boundaries.

It has been a Games with unprecedented ticket sales and media interest, and showed that the Paralympic movement is not resting on its laurels after the massive success of London 2012. On the ice and snow, new British and international heroes have emerged with history being made.

It is important for ParalympicsGB to build on the momentum from Sochi for the next Games in Korea - PyeongChang 2018 - not only to deliver more inspirational Winter Paralympic performances by our elite athletes but also to inspire and motivate the nation in four years time.

Jade Etherington (right) with her guide Caroline Powell (left) taking silver in the Super-G

‘Reaching the Impossible’ The closing ceremony theme of ‘Reaching the Impossible’ celebrated the achievements of the 547 athletes from 45 countries who competed in 72 different events.

International Paralympic Committee president Sir Philip Craven hailed the Games as the best ever Winter Paralympics.

“Proud Paralympians - your inspirational athletic performances have redefined the boundaries of possibility,” he told the crowd. “You have shown the world that absolutely anything is possible and that life is about amazing capabilities and not perceived deficiencies.”

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01/04/2014 13:10

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01/04/2014 10:16

WEDDINGS

Planning your day

to remember

We chat to Nina Neon about planning her accessible wedding and look at the hot trends for 2014 with Confetti.co.uk

Images © Lillian and Leonard Wedding Photography

Nina and her fiancé Bob got married last September at One Great George Street in London. Having become frustrated at the lack of information available for brides with disabilities, Nina contributed a series of posts to one of the UK’s leading wedding blogs, Love My Dress, to help other bridesto-be. ‘Confessions of a Disabled Bride’ charted Nina’s experiences throughout the planning stages. Here she gives her advice to other brides planning their weddings.

Nina, congratulations to you and Bob on your wedding. Planning a wedding can be a huge task.

Were you excited or apprehensive about planning your day?

Right from the start, Bob and I knew what kind of wedding we wanted - a wedding with a children’s literature theme, with books used as part of the decoration and little touches of vintage that would nod to different literary periods. What made us feel apprehensive was the search for the right venue and concerns about accessibility there is just so little information available.

Almost no wedding venues had specific access information provided on their websites and I could find almost no articles in wedding blogs or magazines that mentioned disability. That made me feel lonely and frustrated. This is why I started my ‘Confessions of a Disabled Bride’ series on www.lovemydress.net, where I discussed all of our wedding preparations in detail.

It was a great opportunity to connect with other brides and to share my excitement, my worries and my joy. We got so many great comments from other brides, either disabled themselves or with disabled friends or family and this shows that there is a great demand for wedding blogs and

magazines to include us and to reflect our experiences.

Choosing the right venue is also a big part of making your day special. What things would you recommend people take into consideration if they or their guests have special requirements?

‘Special requirements’ can mean so many things. When planning a wedding you really have to be prepared for everything, ranging from special dietary requirements that your guests might have, to people with small children or elderly guests, and of course people with all kinds of impairments. I really wish wedding venues would provide specific access information on their websites - almost none of them do it, so we had to go and visit so many venues,

I really wish wedding venues would provide specific access information on their websites - almost none of them do it www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 21

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WEDDINGS

as ‘wheelchair accessible’ is an incredibly vague term. If a venue has a disabled toilet that is only accessible through the loading bay or through a garden path, that is not ‘wheelchair accessible’ to me as a disabled bride. As a disabled bride, you have an incredibly busy, exhausting day to deal with, and the last thing you need is to worry how you will get to the bathroom without getting your dress muddy! Our wedding venue, One Great George Street in London, was fantastic. They provide detailed information about access on their website, and they constantly work on improving their access. We were so lucky to have found them, as it is also a gorgeous historic building. Many other venues we looked at used being a grade-listed building as an excuse for poor access, but One Great George Street shows that even grade-listed historic buildings can have great access.

For most brides the most important part of planning their wedding is choosing their dress.

How did you find the dress shopping experience?

I found it really daunting. The wedding industry is one of the least inclusive - all those brides in the magazines look the same! So when your body looks slightly different, it can make you feel so anxious, not looking anything like those cookiecutter brides and having to deal with sample sizes that might not fit. I was

extremely scared of not finding a dress that would fit me, to the point where I actually had my dress custom-made instead. I also knew from the start I wanted a dress inspired by Gwen Stefani’s wedding dress, with a splash of bright pink on the bottom, and there were no ready-made dresses that fitted that bill, at all.

In hindsight, I wish I would have been braver and gone to wedding boutiques to try some dresses on, even if eventually I still would have gone for a custom design, because in a way I feel a bit like I missed out on that experience of parading around in a ridiculous dress in front of my friends, wedding-movie-style.

and then this joy will spill over to your guests.

Love My Dress is one of the UK’s most influential wedding blogs, offering inspiration for brides organising a beautiful vintage wedding. To read Nina’s ‘Confessions of a Disabled Bride’ series or for inspiration for your wedding visit www.lovemydress.net.

Finally, if you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice what would it be?

I would tell myself to relax and try not to put myself under so much pressure. At one point, I became really stressed because I felt that it was my personal responsibility that each of our 150 guests enjoyed every minute of our wedding, so every last detail had to be perfect. Luckily I have a great husband who gave me that advice and also took over all kinds of wedding preparation responsibilities when it all became a bit too much for me. The truth is, all the guests are there because they love you and they are happy for you, so the best thing you can do is to have fun and enjoy the day yourself,

22 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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WEDDINGS

Image © YouWall.com

Your Wedding Your Way with Confetti.co.uk You’re one of a kind, so plan your wedding with your own personal style, from wedding dress and reception décor to the ultimate finishing touches. Here are some ideas for what’s currently in vogue and how to be alternative too

Bridal Trends for 2014 Vintage and rustic styles remain the most popular looks with interesting new trends emerging including steam punk style inspired by Victorian (vintage again) science fiction.

The most popular wedding colours for 2014 are all shades of blue, from deep navy to a pale powder blue followed closely by rich purple. Pinks and greens are also popular but not red for this summer so if you want to be different choose red. Classic ivory and gold, and white silver are as loved as ever by us all.

Source: Confetti.co.uk survey of 1500 brides, January 2014

as well as uber stylish. Incorporate hand-woven flower arrangements or natural materials like linen and wood to create the theme. You could marry in a country church, country barn or even outdoors.

Vintage

The vintage look of the roaring 20s is all the rage again since The Great Gatsby inspired many a bride with its gorgeous glamour and sophisticated splendour. Add a 1920s feel to your wedding with a vintage headdress or go for 1930s film star glamour or 1950s retro-chic.

Symbolic

Symbolic ceremonies add a twist in a visually interesting way to the marriage ceremony with the lighting of candles or the pouring of sand. During a symbolic sand ceremony the bride and groom take it in turns to pour different coloured sands into a keepsake glass vase to symbolise their joining.

quirky

Reflect your personal style, be it from a moment in time or literature, with your whole wedding theme or simply the addition of subtle quirky details. An Alice in Wonderland inspired wedding theme is wonderful as is a formal white wedding with just a hint of rock n roll to make your big day really ‘you’. Or keep it classic and add a photo booth for fun!

Dramatic

Theatrical venues with high ceilings, amazing windows and roaring open fires are all ideal for a big day of drama. Add over-sized floral decorations or decorate ceilings with ribbons, beads or crystals for a truly amazing wow factor. Lanterns, and large candles enhance the look further, a firework finale (with sparklers) will finish the evening with a bang.

Top 5 Wedding Themes

Rustic

A rustic wedding theme, with its warm, natural country look can be eco-friendly

Confetti.co.uk is giving you the chance to WIN a wedding! You could be the lucky couple to win the luxury all-expenses paid wedding up to the value of thirty thousand pounds. Find out more at: www.confetti.co.uk/competitions/win-a-wedding

24 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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01/04/2014 10:17

TRAVEL

Budapest

Mark Davidson takes a trip to the Hungarian capital and discovers what the city has to offer visitors

Clockwise from top: The Parliament building on the banks of the Danube, Lion Fountain on Vorosmarty Square, and the changing of the guard outside the city castle

Overlooking the Danube, there was plenty to see from my prominent position on Gellert Hill, one of the best places above the city of Budapest, a location that has had its fair share of trials and tribulations over the centuries.

Sitting there in the evening tranquillity, I noticed a miniature statue made in bronze of ‘King Buda and Queen Pest’ looking down at the city skyline from above. With the Danube glistening in the evening light and crossed by a number of brightly

illuminated bridges, it makes Budapest one of Europe’s favourite destinations.

Unfortunately, the hill is named after Saint Gerard who was thrown to his death from the top.

One city, two areas, ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ attract tourists from all over the world. With a number of bridges, there are plenty of opportunities to get from one side of the river to the other. However, many visitors choose to cross via the Chain Bridge due to its ornate construction. The bridge was designed by the Englishman William

Tierney Clark in 1839 and opened ten years later. It is the oldest permanent bridge on the river, with statues of lions standing guard at each end, and is one of the most spectacular sights when lit during the evening.

However, I found the most practical way to discover all the gems the place has to offer is the hop-on hop-off bus tour around the capital of Hungary. Travelling around a city such as Budapest on an open top bus allows you to gain a different perspective than you would be able to on foot. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 27

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TRAVEL

Walking along the Danube Promenade in the evening gave a different aspect to the city and was far more tranquil than in the daytime

The most impressive building is the Parliament, located in ‘Pest’. With its pristine white walls, red dome and gothic architecture it adds to the impressive skyline along the banks of the Danube. Built in 1904, it is one of the most popular sights and is the tallest building in Budapest.

It is at its most impressive when the sunlight catches the white architecture. Many tourists visit the appropriately named Hero’s Square.

Built in the year 1900, statues placed all around represent the “great and good” of Hungarian history who were responsible for shaping the nation.

Clockwise from top: Tourists admire the Millennial Monument in Heroes’ Square, and visitors stop to take in the sights of St. Stephen’s Basilica while enjoying a tour of the city on Segways

A wonderful alternative to public transport is a cruise on the Danube.

It takes a couple of hours and with a much slower speed than the buses, it is easy to relax and enjoy the city from a different viewpoint. The boats sail past many of the main sights including Margaret Island, a one and a half mile long isle in the middle of the Danube. This is treated as a popular recreational area by locals and its medieval ruins are

reminders of its importance in the Middle Ages as a religious centre.

The island spans the area between the Margaret Bridge (South) and the Árpád Bridge (North).

Religion plays an important part of everyday life in Eastern Europe and St. Stephen’s Basilica is an integral part of the city. Inside, artefacts from throughout the centuries adorn every area of available wall space.

Along the perimeter of St. Stephen’s Square, directly in front of the church, coffee shops sell a variety of cakes and pastries and an assortment of coffees – an ideal place to watch the world go by.

Whilst enjoying a break from sightseeing, I spotted a group of tourists who were about to venture along the streets of Budapest on an unusual mode of transport – Segways, a novel way to see the area. In the Jewish quarter of the city are a number of synagogues to visit and depending on which ones, a small entrance fee may be payable on entering.

28 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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TRAVEL

Clockwise from top: King Buda and Queen Pest on Gellert Hill, Akhenaten in the Garden of Philosophy, a sphinx statue outside the Hungarian State Opera House, a tour boat sails along the Danube with the spectacular Parliament building in the background

The Citadel on Gellert Hill was built in 1851 after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and was once used to defend the city from attack by outside forces. Like many fortresses, its thick walls allow for good viewing points across the city.

Nearby, there is an interesting alternative to the bloody history of Budapest with the Garden of Philosophy. Eight bronze statues stand in a circle “for better mutual understanding” according to their creator, sculptor Nandor Wagner. They symbolise different cultures and religions from around the world with five figures (Abraham, Akhenaton, Jesus, Buddha and Lao Tse) seemingly standing in contemplation. The others (Gandhi, Daruma Taishi and Saint Francis) are people from different times and cultures who “influenced spiritual enlightenment” according to Wagner.

The Castle Hill area in the Buda side of the city has a variety of attractions. An unusual place to visit is the Fishermen’s Bastion.

Built between 1895 and 1902, it commemorates the guild of fishermen that were responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages. As it has many levels and pathways, it was an interesting attraction to visit.

The funicular railway nearby made it easy to get to the hilltop and here we were greeted by the changing of the guard outside the city castle. The crowds gathered to watch this daily event. I find these spectacles

interesting, not least to see how they compare with our very own version in London.

Walking along the Danube Promenade in the evening gave a different aspect to the city and was far more tranquil than in the daytime. Save for a few ‘stag do’s’ and ‘hen parties’ it was a nice relaxing way to spend time in one of Europe’s more interesting cities.

Accessibility The Hop-on Hop-off buses have one wheelchair space and are an excellent way to see the city. It is advisable to contact them beforehand. www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com The Budapest metro (BKK) is unsuitable for wheelchair users as only a limited number of stations have access. There are spaces for wheelchair users but they will have to be lifted onto the carriages. www.bkk.hu/en/main-page/news A limited number of attractions in Budapest are wheelchair friendly.

However, locations such as Gellert Hill can be steep in places and will require the assistance of a carer to help push wheelchair users on certain parts of the hill.

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 29

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31/03/2014 19:50

ART

Disability Arts Pushing the Boundaries of Perception

By Mik Scarlet

Tanya Raabe-Webber

Tanya Raabe-Webber

Lisa Gunn

In recent years disabled people have been proving to the wider world that they can compete with the non-disabled community in any field. Our Paralympians prove that disability sport is world class, an ever growing number of disabled entrepreneurs are carving out successful careers in the cut-throat business arena and an increase of creative types are receiving glowing acclaim, such as Graeae Theatre whose current show The Three Penny Opera is playing to sell out audiences on its UK tour. Another arena filled with disabled people who are easily equal to

their non-disabled counterparts is fine art.

In fact there are so many talented disabled artists bubbling up that the arts scene has hatched a name for this exciting new group, The Disability Arts Movement. So let me introduce you to some of the many names to watch out for.

Rachel Gadsden is a leading member of the movement, with her works exhibited in such esteemed surroundings as the House Of Commons and Hampton Court Palace.

She describes herself as “both a visual and performance artist; since the onset of my

visual impairment I am certainly drawing on all my creative assets to create my work.

I draw, paint, create films, digital imagery, perform, but thankfully for everyone I don’t sing or create music. I leave that to my sister” who is a classical musician. Rachel’s work is a stunning barrage of colour and form that captures movement in all its beauty, especially the unique quality of the movement of disabled people. In her recent work for the 2014 Paralympic Torch Lighting Ceremony at Stoke Mandeville she outlines disabled Paralympians as if they were on fire, highlighting Rachel’s skill for

30 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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01/04/2014 12:58

Mik Scarlet by Justin Mortimer

Lisa Gunn

capturing the grace of disabled people in motion. A personal favourite of mine was the performance piece “Cube of Curiosity” she created as co-production with the Mark Brew Dance Company. www.rachelgadsden.com Portrait painter Tanya Raabe-Webber also uses her work to explore the experience of disabled people. Tanya’s canvases challenge concepts of beauty and perfection thanks to her ability to capture both the image and personality of her subjects in abandoned strokes of vibrant colour. Her works are hung in the Tate Modern and Tate Liverpool. She explains her “most interesting subject/sitter was Baroness Jane Campbell for her tenacity and pioneering in creating a more equal world for disabled people to live in. My most charismatic sitter has been Garry Robson who posed nude for me in Tate Liverpool”. Another highly respected and successful disabled portrait artist is Justin Mortimer, who has painted the Queen and yours truly, to name a few. www.tanyaraabe.co.uk justinmortimer.co.uk Lisa Joy Gunn also aims to question the ideals of beauty and perfection mainly via the medium of photography. Lisa herself features in much of her work. She explains: “My work is a direct reaction to my environment, a response to the way I am treated by others and the physical experiences I endure. I work with my body

to challenge the way disability is viewed by society. The medium I choose to depict these responses can often be diverse, but it is carefully chosen to depict my direct aesthetic sensation.” She was already studying art when she became disabled and is driven by an occasion when she was told, ‘You know, you’d be really quite attractive if you weren’t in a wheelchair!’

When you see her work you know she has proved attractiveness on wheels is more than possible. She is most proud that her work has been exhibited at the Herbet Museum, alongside Pablo Picasso, Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon and Lisa’s personal favourite, Helen Chadwick. www.lisagunn.com While Rachel, Tanya, Justin and Lisa all studied art, Hannah Ensor came to art to “explain with matter-of-fact cheerfulness the realities of disability”. Hannah is the talent behind the Internet sensation Stickman Communications and her work uses the childish simplicity of the stickman to explore all aspects of life with an impairment with a huge smile. It all started after she “was hospitalised for a few weeks and had limited ability to hold a conversation, so I started drawing stickmen

pictures of life on the ward to entertain myself and my visitors”. Hannah uses the Internet to sell her work direct. As well as taking on commissions including designing a logo for Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft, she works for the BBC World Service. stickmancommunications.co.uk Hannah perfectly captures what art is: “The best thing about art is that it has no limits. It can be simple, or complex. It can be light or serious, colourful or colourless.

Two dimensional, three dimensional or no dimensions whatsoever. There is no ‘wrong answer’ and no ‘wrong way’ to go about it”.

For disabled people Tanya sees art as “a way of finding a place for yourself where you have the power and the control”.

If you find you want to take your artistic endeavours to the next level, Shape Arts provide amazing support and guidance for disabled artists. A new programme called Unlimited has also been launched to fund new art created by disabled people. www.shapearts.org.uk www.shapeartists.org.uk weareunlimited.org.uk

My work is a direct reaction to my environment, a response to the way I am treated by others and the physical experiences I endure www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 31

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01/04/2014 12:58

RACKETY’S AWARDS

that is so vital to all families who live with disability.”

Win a £300 travel voucher!

Introducing the Rackety’s Star Awards!

New awards celebrate the unsung heroes who support families living with disability Rackety’s – the UK’s leading clothing brand for disabled people – has launched the ‘Rackety’s Star Awards’ to honour the unsung heroes who go the extra mile to enhance the lives of families who live with disability.

Over the next few weeks, families who live with disability will have the chance to nominate an everyday superstar who has made a real difference to their lives in one of three categories: best brother or sister of a family member with a disability; person without whom the family would not have coped as well; and best professional who has made the most difference to the lives of a family or many families who live with a disability.

we have been moved by so many stories of triumph over adversity.

“We have launched the Rackety’s Star Awards to recognise just how much the support system means to families and to honour the unsung heroes who make a real difference to the lives of people living with disability.”

The awards, sponsored by PosAbility Magazine and Accessible Travel and Leisure, will be judged by an expert panel including disabled TV presenter, artist, designer and model Sophie Morgan.

Sophie said: “This is a brilliant idea. I think it is so important to celebrate the support

The winner of each category will receive a £50 Love2shop Gift Voucher. An overall winner will also be chosen by the judging panel and will be presented with the top prize of a £300 travel voucher. The prizes have been provided courtesy of Rackety’s, PosAbility Magazine and Accessible Travel and Leisure. The winners will be announced in the June/July issue of PosAbility.

Nominate your everyday superstar today!

The award categories are: • Best brother or sister of a family member with a disability.

• Person without whom the family would not have coped as well (This could be a neighbour, friend, relative or partner).

• Best professional who has made the most difference to the lives of a family or many families who live with a disability.

Nominations to be entered at www.facebook.com/racketys. Just tell us, in no more than 500 words, who you would like to nominate and why. All nominees will be sent an e-certificate in recognition of their nomination. The competition is free to enter.

Please note: Please do not reveal your personal contact details on the Facebook page. Once you have posted your nomination Rackety’s will contact you privately to take all your relevant details. Terms and conditions apply.

Rackety’s is an award-winning disabled clothing company, founded in April 2004, which supplies specialised clothing to thousands of families in the UK and over 30 countries around the globe.

Rackety’s founder Annabel McMahon said: “At Rackety’s, we are privileged to be able to speak to families who live with a diverse range of disabilities. Over the last ten years,

32 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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01/04/2014 13:27

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01/04/2014 10:18

Naidex National’s biggest Car Zone 29 April to 1 May 2014, NEC Birmingham Test drive the latest adapted cars at the UK’s largest independent living event Are you looking for the latest specially adapted vehicle, a new bathroom or an affordable communication device? Or do you need some advice on the most accessible leisure activities or how to choose the best wheelchair? If so, head to Birmingham’s NEC this April/May to visit the UK’s leading independent living event, Naidex National, which celebrates 40 years this year. It’s free to attend and open to individuals with disabilities, their friends and families, as well as those working in healthcare and health management.

Stoneacre Ford, Sirus, Coachbuilt GB, Autochair, Brotherwood Automobility and GM Coachwork. On show will be a wide selection of cars to view, including the popular Fiat Qubo by Sirus Automotive.

Topping off a comprehensive healthcare conference and exhibition, TV comedians Alex Brooker and Francesca Martinez will open and close the show. Known for his award-winning witty comedy panel show, The Last Leg, Brooker, who wears a prosthetic leg, will open the show and share his journey since bursting onto our screens when he reported on the Paralympics on 29 April at 12.15pm.

Having started out on hit children’s TV show Grange Hill, Martinez has since made many TV appearances, including Russell Howard’s Good News, The Jonathan Ross Show and Loose Women. Martinez, who is affected by Cerebral Palsy and is currently touring, will perform her latest comedy routine, closing the show on 1 May.

The Motability team already provides worry-free motoring to over 560,000 UK disabled people and their families.

Furthermore, Disabled Motoring UK will be on hand to deal with questions about accessible parking, vehicle adaptations, congestion charging and other issues.

The Car Zone

www.naidex.co.uk

Running from 29 April to 1 May, the show features its biggest yet Car Zone and a new test drive area around the perimeter of the NEC halls. With more space on the show floor for visitors to check out the latest vehicles, some of the key motoring brands taking part in the Car Zone include

There will also be leading organisations such as Motability, Blue Badge Company, and Disabled Motoring UK to help you navigate the options, allowances and government support available, providing you with more choice and information to help make the right motoring decision.

Returning features The popular Meet the Expert feature returns, and provides free, independent advice from leading charities and organisations. Experts will be on hand to answer questions via a drop-in facility covering a host of topics and important issues affecting family life.

For the seventh consecutive year SensoryPlus will present a three day programme of sensory seminars at Naidex National 2014. The SensoryPlus Inspiration Zone will include a large seminar area, where visitors to the show will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of renowned speakers, as well as two ‘Meet the Speaker’ pods, which were a great hit last year. It will also include a specially

34 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/03/2014 20:36

NAIDEX

Alex Brooker

built sensory zone so visitors can explore the world of sensory environments for themselves.

More than 300 exhibitors In addition to the regular brands at Naidex, this year visitors can look forward to a large number of new exhibitors and many never before seen new products. CarePair, for example, returns with some exciting communication gadgets all aimed at making high tech more affordable. Kirton will showcase two new chairs and Karma is exhibiting new powerchairs.

Impey is also back in a big way this year, taking its biggest stand ever at the show and welcoming Gary Clarke, Britain’s strongest disabled man. Gary will perform two incredible feats on the stand including the atlas ball and the crucifix holds. Gary is sponsored by Impey Showers and will perform these incredible weight lifts while seated in the redesigned Impey SlimFold shower seat, which is capable of bearing weight of up to 47 stone. Gary, who has cerebral palsy and walks with the aid of crutches, has represented Great Britain in the World’s Strongest Disabled Man competition for the past three years.

Ottobock, one of Naidex’s most loyal exhibitors, is also increasing its presence at the show. For the first time, a seminar theatre located on their stand will host a number of presentations relating to general wheelchair issues. Aimed at those in wheelchairs and their families and carers, the new theatre will act like a clinic – helping people to choose the right wheelchair (regardless of manufacturer), get the most out of the wheelchair they use and find out about services available from Ottobock.

Francesca Martinez

Hft, official technology partner of the show, is a leading national charity supporting adults with learning disabilities.

As recognised leaders in using Personalised Technology (PT), it helps people live more independently and safely in their own homes. The Hft Smart House will be on display throughout Naidex 2014, to provide visitors with first-hand experience of how PT can be used in the home to change lives, at whatever level needed.

As always, Naidex will also feature an unmissable seminar programme for health and social care professionals in five theatres, offering free CIPD accredited seminars. Partnering with the College of Occupational Therapists, Naidex is also hosting the new COT Zone, offering access to 36 free seminars from two theatres* over three days to registered attendees.

For the first time at Naidex, a full College-led programme will take place in one location, providing ‘meet the expert’ sessions, student-focused seminars and workshops with COT staff.

Naidex (an i2i event) is the UK’s largest independent living event. Celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year, over 10,000 visitors are expected to meet more than 300 exhibitors and attend the free conference programme. Visitors can find out more and register for their free ticket by visiting the website at www.naidex.co.uk. * The COT Zone’s content is tailored to the needs of Occupational Therapists, therefore only Occupational Therapists will be permitted entry to these sessions.

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 35

naidex_jm.indd 2

31/03/2014 20:37

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01/04/2014 10:18

ads_motoring_guide_part_2.indd 5

22/04/2014 22:05

HOLIDAYS Call: 0800 298 3052 Email: lisa@candoholidays.com Website: www.candoholidays.com

PosAbility

Access Award

The Old Chapel Wigton, Cumbria Overview Built in 1878 in a small village in the northern Lake District, The Old Chapel was once a Methodist chapel. This is one of the most unique self catering properties I have ever reviewed. It has been lovingly renovated by a local family to provide a comfortable, unusual and an accessible place to enjoy a holiday. The Old Chapel works in partnership with Amy’s Care, who specialise in Dementia care, enabling this property to be used as respite or as a family holiday with availability of day care facilities running throughout the week.

Accessibility and comfort The Old Chapel has three bedrooms and will sleep up to six people. The newly fitted kitchen leads through to a large impressive open plan living/dining area with a wood burning stove. The room has a rise and recline chair for guests to use. There is also a hearing loop in the lounge. Bedroom One is a twin room on the ground floor. There is access for a wheelchair between both beds with limited wheelchair turning space but a

bed can be taken out if more room is required. One of the single beds is an electric tilting bed enabling people to raise their heads and feet. The owners have adapted a wardrobe which is accessible and a light comes on automatically when the doors are opened. The en-suite wet-rooms have a wheel-in shower area, wheelchair turning space, a sink and a toilet. A shower chair can be provided on request at booking, as can meals and 24 hour care.

Local attractions Situated only a short drive from Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw and Keswick in the Northern Lake District, The Old Chapel is perfectly placed to access all that the beautiful Lake District has to offer. The Old Chapel also offers facilities for guests with Dementia. The Amy Care day centre offers facilities such as day care or respite, with activities such as day trips, bygone days, films, music, DIY, gardening and much more.

Overall This is the most beautiful property I have visited and is ideal for families and carers looking for an accessible self catering location in the heart of beautiful Cumbria.

38 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

Holidays_jm.indd 2

31/03/2014 20:15

meet the

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ad_pages_april_may.indd 13

01/04/2014 14:36

HOLIDAYS Call: 0800 298 3052 Email: lisa@candoholidays.com Website: www.candoholidays.com

Norfolk Disabled Holidays King’s Lynn, Norfolk Overview The cottages are set in the heart of Norfolk in the grounds of a working farm in a quiet village and only seven miles from the North Norfolk Coast. The site was designed with disabled people as the focus. Lavinia is the manager and inspired by her late mother, has created a site which is beautiful, accessible and very friendly.

Accessibility and comfort The site consists of eight self-catering accessible cottages which have between two and five bedrooms and are all listed separately on this site. Stable Cottage sleeps four, The Little Workshop sleeps four, The Crew Yard sleeps four, The Big Workshop sleeps six, The Old Cart Shed sleeps six, Owl Barn sleeps six, The Dresser Sleeps eight and The Drier sleeps ten. All of the eight cottages have level access making them wheelchair accessible, with open plan living/kitchen area, a purpose built low-level kitchen, a ground floor bedroom with an en-suite wet room and each has its own personal garden. The cottages have open plan kitchen/living rooms with their own patios. The accessible shower rooms have handrails next to the toilets, large wheel-in shower area, a shower chair on request and an array of handrails. The beds have access beneath for a hoist, which can be hired on site, and bed rails can be provided on request.

Local attractions The cottages are situated about five miles from the Royal Estate at Sandringham and I can strongly recommend their cream tea! They are also just seven miles from the North Norfolk Coast and close to Norfolk Lavender Fields, Wells/Walsingham light railway, Country Houses Bird Reserves and a number of beautiful coastal villages.

Overall These cottages are an ideal location for people with disabilities to holiday in self-catering accommodation in beautiful surroundings. It is in an area of natural beauty but it is essential that you have a car.

PosAbility

Access Award

40 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/03/2014 20:16

Join us for The Big Event You’re invited to Motability’s biggest ever event at EventCity, Manchester.

Held entirely indoors and over two days, this free event is a great day out for all the family.

So come along and find out what Motability can give you the ability to do.

The Big Event hosts the UK’s largest display of vehicles available on the Motability Scheme, including:

Over 100 cars

Over 40 scooters

Over 40 adapted cars and WAVs

Plus: Friendly Motability advisors to chat to Free accessible parking and much, much more!

EventCity, Manchester

EE Y FR TR EN

Test drive cars, including over 15 cars fitted with adaptations

Phoenix Way, off Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AS

Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May 2014 9am to 4pm

Find out more at motability.co.uk/thebigevent or call 0800 953 7000 Please quote MO708C * To test drive the cars you must bring your full UK driving licence including the paper part if you have a new style photocard licence.

Full Terms and Conditions can be found at motability.co.uk/thebigevent.

ad_pages_april_may.indd 14

01/04/2014 17:05

HOLIDAYS Call: 0800 298 3052 Email: lisa@candoholidays.com Website: www.candoholidays.com

Copthorpe Hotel London Overview The Tara Copthorpe Hotel is in the heart of Kensington within a five minute walk from High Kensington tube station. One of the hotel’s founding owners was a wheelchair user so the entire hotel was purposely designed and built in the 1970s to be accessible.

Accessibility and comfort The hotel has five lifts, all with wide doors and ample space, to the five floors and 833 bedrooms. The hotel has ten accessible rooms all on one level with call intercom outside each room. All the doors and lights

have automatic sensors and the doors do not shut if you are in the doorway. A red emergency pull cord is in each accessible room that sounds in reception.

Some of the rooms have an interconnecting door to enable carers to stay next door and support when needed.

The Tara has two fully adapted single bedrooms with ceiling tracking hoists that lead from the single bedroom to the en-suite bathroom. The en-suite has a bath with a shower above and the tracking hoist goes over the bath. The toilets in both of these rooms are Clos-o-Mat toilets. The other six accessible rooms have single and twin beds with walk-in showers, shower chairs on request, raised toilets and an array of handrails. The rooms also have lowered light switches, which are labelled.

Local attractions Situated in a quiet residential corner of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, this hotel is located within walking distance of Kensington High Street and has many different transport links nearby, allowing you to explore the rest of London. It is also close to Earls Court and Olympia Exhibition Centre. The Hotel offers easy access, by car or tube, to London Heathrow Airport, is minutes away from the shops and museums of Kensington and Knightsbridge, and 20 minutes from London’s West End.

Overall This hotel is an ideal location for business or pleasure within the centre of London for people looking for accessible accommodation in a high quality hotel.

PosAbility

Access Award

Ocean Care Holidays

Skegness, Lincolnshire Overview Ocean Care is a unique holiday venue near the seafront in Skegness, specialising in holidays for adults with a learning disability.

The owners were all previously Shared Lives Carers, supporting adults with learning disabilities in Northamptonshire. The main aim of Ocean Care Holidays is to support individuals to take a supported holiday where they make their own decisions and come away with happy memories.

twin, with two family rooms consisting of a double bed and bunks. If you require full personal care, an outside agency can be arranged for you. Carers and family members are also welcome at a discounted price. The hotel offers a pick-up service at 45p a mile, 24 hour support, day trips and evening entertainment. All meals are included.

Local attractions The hotel runs day trips to some of the local attractions. These include: car museum, historic castles, seal sanctuary, parrot zoo, pier and arcades, theatre, and country parks.

PosAbility

Access Award

Overall

Accessibility and comfort

If you are looking for a holiday next to the coast with support available this is the ideal location for you.

The hotel can sleep up to twenty-seven people, with twelve comfortable bedrooms over two floors. All the bedrooms are on the first and second floor making this hotel unsuitable for wheelchair users; however, there is a stair-lift to the first floor. The majority of the bedrooms are double or

Special offer for Can Do Holidays customers!

Book a holiday for three people for the week of 22nd-29th March 2014 for just £420 per person! Subject to availability.

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42 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

Holidays_jm.indd 4

31/03/2014 20:17

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28/02/2014 16:38 12:02 01/04/2014

Make your TV a smart TV

Catch up

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Accessibility features now available on a YouView+ Humax box Subtitles, signed TV & audio description* High contrast colours Interactive zoom YouView app with text-to-speech Grid 2 & keyboard controlled Go to youview.com to ďŹ nd out more.

YouView service available via YouView +box and is subject to terms of use, suitable broadband speed and coverage. May require aerial upgrade: see www.youview.com. Catch up relates to programmes made available on-demand from the BBC, ITV (STV in Scotland), Channel 4, Channel 5 and Dave. UTV unavailable on YouView via catch up. Limited ITV content available in Northern Ireland. Record only available on a YouView+ box. 50 digital TV and 24 radio free-to-air channels available via TV aerial. NOW TV only available on subscription. Sky Store is a pay per view movie service. All logos and content images are trade marks and/or copyright of their respective owners and are used under licence.*When made available by channel broadcaster. Accessibility features currently only available on YouView+ Humax box.

ad_pages_april_may.indd 16 Job No: 47795-33

01/04/2014 17:03 Publication: PosAbility

Size: 297x210

Ins Date: February 2014

Proof no: 1

Tel: 020 7291 4700

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

Making the most of your holiday Tourism for All (TFA) is a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all. Take a look at their top tips for ensuring your holiday goes off without a hitch!

Accommodation • Check if the accommodation has been assessed for accessibility and obtain an access statement if available.

• If the accommodation has a restaurant on site, make sure that you can access it, and that menus can be provided in a format that is accessible to you.

• Ask the accommodation provider for information about accessible places to visit in the local area.

holders can enjoy the parking concessions provided in the host country by displaying the badge issued under their own national scheme.

• If travelling by air, ask the following questions: Can the airline carry my wheelchair? (especially battery powered) Is there an on-board wheelchair? Is there assistance available at the UK and destination airport? If the transfer bus at the destination is not accessible is there an alternative accessible taxi service?

Attractions

Health and Medication

• Check if the accommodation/attraction has accessible toilets – a RADAR Key can give access to over 9,000 accessible toilets.

• When visiting attractions, check if they provide concessions for a disabled person and companion – most places admit companions free of charge.

• If oxygen is required on the flight, is this free-of-charge?

• Always take additional medication in case of delays when travelling and at the airport.

• Essential medicines that you will need during your trip must be checked through security. They have to be in a clear, plastic, re-sealable bag and in containers of less than 100ml, although please bear in mind that this advice may be subject to change or alteration. For essential medicines of more than 100ml, you will require supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional and prior approval from the airline. This applies to everything from cough medicine to insulin.

You can also be asked to verify medicines at security, which may involve tasting, or testing on the skin.

Travelling • The Disabled Persons Railcard allows you and a companion to get a third off most rail fares throughout Great Britain.

• When travelling by rail, book assistance at least 24 hours in advance with the train company so they can help you access the train and take care of your luggage.

• If you are arriving at your destination by car, check there is suitable disabled parking available.

• Following the introduction of a common European disabled persons’ parking card (the Blue Badge), the UK now has reciprocal arrangements with all European Union Member States under which badge

Insurance • Most standard holiday company insurance policies will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. However there are specialist

insurance companies that will do so, listed on the TFA website. Those without internet access can call us on 0845 124 9971 for a printed factsheet to be sent in the post. www.tourismforall.org.uk/Travel-Insurance

Before you go • Research local bars and restaurants before you travel, so that you can be confident in their accessibility – then all you need to worry about is having a good time!

• If you need any aids or equipment to help you access the accommodation, e.g. a shower chair – check if they have these.

If not, TFA can now arrange hire of any mobility equipment that you require for delivery to your holiday destination in the UK and abroad. We hire wheelchairs, hoists, mobility scooters, commodes, bath lifts, shower chairs, walkers, standing electric hoists, profile beds, standing aids and many more items.

Become a member of TFA By becoming a member of TFA you can access information and special offers exclusive to members. Your membership will also help the charity to continue in its efforts to make tourism welcoming to all. Membership costs £25. Overseas and business memberships are also available. To view the benefits of becoming a member and to apply visit www.tourismforall.org.uk/Membership For more information and advice visit www.tourismforall.org.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 45

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01/04/2014 13:03

Spinal Injuries Association Rebuilding lives for 40 years

Just how life-changing

Baroness Masham

a spinal cord injury can be is incomprehensible to most. For those who have been through this traumatic experience, coming to terms with the changes that lie ahead can be a difficult process. But thanks to national charity, the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) it is a challenge people do not have to face alone.

SIA has been rebuilding lives after spinal cord injuries for the past 40 years. Baroness Masham of Ilton founded the charity with the help of some colleagues in 1974. Having sustained a spinal cord injury herself at the age of 21 following a riding accident, Baroness Masham realised there was a lack of specialist medical care for newly spinal injured people and very little support for spinal cord injured people after they left hospital.

She explained: “It’s pretty traumatic when you have that sort of injury and you really need specialist care in the initial stages.

General hospitals haven’t got the expertise so I thought we needed an association to

speak up for people and to promote better facilities for spinal injuries.”

As well as fulfilling the role of President of SIA, Baroness Masham is an active member of the House of Lords and has a particular concern in issues surrounding health and disability, especially spinal cord injury.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of SIA. Baroness Masham praised the

development of the charity over the 40 years and paid tribute to the fundraisers whose hard work has allowed the charity to carry out its invaluable work for so long. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

SIA offers support for a newly injured person from the time of their injury and for the rest of their life. The majority of the services the charity offers are delivered by spinal cord injured people, all of whom can offer their experiences of spinal cord injury.

Support starts right from hospital treatment, where you can access the

It’s pretty traumatic when you have that sort of injury and you really need specialist care in the initial stages

46 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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SPINAL INJURY

Sue Barratt makes her Make 40 Matter pledge

support, research and the charity’s campaigning work. Members can also join their online community and share their thoughts with other spinal cord injured people through the Message Board.

SIA fundraisers the Hartley family complete the Manchester 10k last May

SIA staff hold a Great British Fish and Chip Supper

charity’s peer services, and continues thereafter where you can access a range of services and publications to give you all the information you need. Services include a freephone advice line, social care advice, continuing healthcare advice service, telephone counselling, peer services and SIA publications.

Membership is free of charge and open to all.

The charity’s website is home to a wealth of information and advice regarding

The charity has celebrated many milestones in its 40 year existence, with Baroness Masham highlighting the opening of brand new purpose-built headquarters in Milton Keynes as one of the most important steps.

SIA House was officially opened by the charity’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal on 5th December 2005. The building, built with sustainability and environmental awareness as a priority, acts as a base for all SIA’s work, developing support and services for spinal cord injured people and their families. SIA House is also home to the SIA National Library on SCI, accessible to anyone who wishes to carry out social research, read stories or plan activities.

For more information contact SIA. www.spinal.co.uk sia@spinal.co.uk 0845 678 6633 Freephone Advice Line: 0800 980 0501 Fundraising Hotline: 0845 071 4350 You can also search for SIA on Facebook or follow SIA on Twitter.

Make 40 Matter In celebration of the 40th anniversary SIA has launched the Make 40 Matter campaign. There are a variety of ways in which members of the public can support the campaign.

Pledge to Make 40 Matter SIA is looking for committed contributors to undertake a minimum of five pledges (from a list of 40) during 2014. Pledges range from wearing a wrist band or retweeting a message to organising fundraising events of your own. The aim of these pledges is to raise awareness of, and funds for, spinal cord injury and vital services SIA offers to all those affected.

Donate to the Make 40 Matter Fund The charity hopes to raise £40,000 this year to mark the 40th anniversary to help fund the following services: Freephone Advice Line, Free Telephone Counselling Service, peer-led Outreach Services, Information publications and our Resourceful website.

Share Your Story Each day during 2014 SIA hopes to share a different person’s experience of spinal cord injury to raise awareness of the causes and impact of spinal cord injury, as well as the support available.

Be a community star Raise funds in your local community. You can do so by organising your own event or joining us in SIA Community Fundraising Initiatives.

become a committed giver Make a regular monthly donation.

Peer Support Officer Gary Dawson takes part in the SIA Stoke Mandeville Experience where staff took part in five Paralympic sports

For more information contact the 40th Anniversary Team on 0845 678 6633 or email fundraising@spinal.co.uk

www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 47

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01/04/2014 13:13

Enjoy Jersey with carefree holidays for disabled people and their carers at Maison des Landes Hotel Maison des Landes is a hotel catering exclusively for disabled guests and families or carers in accommodation which has been specially designed to meet your needs, all set in glorious unspoiled countryside.

Heated indoor pool with ramps and hoists : En-suite facilities with walk-in showers Extensive gardens with magnificent views : Licensed lounge

Where else in London do you have access to world-class facilities?

Open from the beginning of April to the end of October

RATES per person per day include full board accommodation, daily excursions and transfers from harbour and airport and return.

Self catering option also available.

MEET US ON STAND C26 AT NAIDEX NATIONAL AT THE N.E.C. FROM 29 APRIL TO 1 MAY

CONTACT US NOW FOR A BROCHURE St Ouen, Jersey JE3 2AA Tel: 01534 481683 Fax 01534 485327 Email: contact@maisondeslandes.co.uk Website: www.maisondeslandes.co.uk

Glasshouse Gardens, located at the gateway to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offers a selection of accessible homes available to buy off-plan now.

Register your interest at:

Or call for more information:

ghgstratford.com 020 3002 6787

Disclaimer The information in this document is indicative and is intended to act as a guide only as to the ďŹ nished product. All images, furniture and landscaping shown are for illustrative purposes only. Detail design of facades and landscaping subject to planning agreement, individual features may change. These particulars should not be relied upon as accurately describing any of the speciďŹ c matters described by any order under the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991. Information and images are not intended to form part of or constitute a contract or warranty.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Association

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01/04/2014 15:35

Leading the way in accessible housing

With so much to offer in terms of history, opportunity and culture, London is one of the most desirable locations in the world in which to live and work. The city’s iconic streets, top restaurants, world famous theatres and historical monuments are just some of the draws that have brought people from across the globe to the capital throughout its history.

However, city life with a disability can pose many challenges, especially, if like London the city’s infrastructure has been in place for hundreds of years. As well as navigating the city, the most important issue for many Londoners is that of accessible housing.

Adapting existing buildings to modern accessible standards can be a timely if not impossible task. Level access to the main entrance, door widths, and ample wheelchair turning spaces are just some of the requirements that can be difficult to incorporate into existing homes, leaving accessible accommodation in short supply.

Lend Lease’s Trafalgar Place is part of a £1.5bn regeneration of Elephant & Castle in Central London. The homes exceed the standards set out in The London Plan.

ACCESSIBLE LONDON

In 2005, a government study into London’s disabled housing found that nearly one third of disabled households in London (130,000 households) were living in unsuitable housing, of which 32 per cent (41,057) needed to move to alternative housing with specialist adaptations. In order to address this issue, Greater London Authority (GLA) took action and introduced new housing standards for all new housing developments in the city.

The London Plan The standards were introduced as part of The London Plan. First published in 2004, The London Plan is a development plan for the Greater London area written by then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. The document set out the key objectives to make the city a better place where its citizens live and work. One of these objectives was to improve the accessibility of housing and requires that all new homes (including houses and flats of varying sizes www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 49

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ACCESSIBLE LONDON

The Lifetime Homes Standard is about trying to incorporate a set of features that make homes accessible and adaptable for future use

Clockwise from top: Lend Lease’s Trafalgar Place, due for completion in 2015, will provide 235 new homes in Elephant & Castle, Central London, all built to the Lifetime Homes Standards.

Criteria. Each design feature can be applied at minimal cost and supports the changing needs of the occupants and their families.

Whether you are a couple who decide to have children or perhaps you have to deal with limited mobility in later life, a Lifetime Home can be adapted to your needs when required.

The criteria set specific recommendations in terms of things like parking, entrances, circulation space, internal doorway and hallway widths and potential for fitting hoists in the bathroom and bedroom.

in both the public and private sectors) adopt the Lifetime Homes criteria, with 10% built to wheelchair accessible standard.

Ten years since it was first written, this continues to be a key objective of current Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, in his own drafts of the Plan.

Habinteg Housing Association was part of the group of housing experts that developed the Lifetime Homes criteria.

Habinteg is a leading national provider of affordable accessible homes and support services, providing approximately 3,500 homes across 81 local authorities in England. The organisation champions inclusion by providing sustainable neighbourhoods of Lifetime Homes and wheelchair standard properties for disabled and non-disabled people to share and enjoy.

Lifetime Homes are standard homes that are designed to incorporate 16 Design

Chief Executive Paul Gamble said: “The Lifetime Homes Standard is about trying

to incorporate a set of key features that make homes accessible and adaptable for future use. Probably the best example of those standards in operation is the Olympic Village and East Village is now coming on the market. They’re a great example of how those access standards are being built in.

When you look at those properties, you wouldn’t notice particularly [that they include the Lifetime Homes criteria].

They’re good quality flats, but equally they incorporate access features so that disabled people can use them as well.”

As well as developing and promoting the Lifetime Homes criteria, Habinteg also contributed to the GLA Best Practice Guidance for Wheelchair accessible housing. The London Plan states that 10 per cent of all new housing should meet these standards so they are therefore adaptable for occupation by a wheelchair user at a later date.

This will ensure that fittings and fixtures that may be required by individuals can be added without enlarging or structurally modifying their home, enabling an effective and quick response to a family’s changing circumstances with minimum cost and disruption.

50 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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PosAbilty advert_artwork2.pdf

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Wheelchair Accessible Home Ownership across London Notting Hill Home Ownership is proud to offer a range of apartments that can be adapted for wheelchair users, considerately designed to allow you to comfortably enjoy your new home.

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01/04/2014 10:19

ACCESSIBLE LONDON

The continuing challenge that GLA faces is to ensure these standards are met on the building sites of the city’s housing projects.

Mr Gamble added: “The GLA has it [the Lifetime Homes Standard] as an ambition but quite often what is actually produced on the ground differs from what’s in the plans. What we’re really pushing the GLA to do now, especially because now the GLA actually has the money to invest directly in housing that they didn’t have five years ago, is to make sure they have standards not only as a plan but actually make sure that what gets built meets those standards as well.”

Habinteg

Homematch Homematch specialises in the promotion of affordable housing in London. To view accessible properties in London simply register on the website www.homematch.org.uk

Shared Ownership

If London can come close to achieving these targets, the capital can lead the way in terms of accessible housing and will hopefully set an example that cities across the country will work to emulate.

Looking for a home There are a number of organisations that provide support and advice to people seeking accessible property in London.

Habinteg Habinteg is a housing provider that provides accessible housing across England

Accessible Property Register Accessible Property Register specialises in promoting wheelchair accessible and adapted property and holiday accommodation. accessible-property.org.uk

and Wales. Every one of their homes is accessible and more than one in four are designed for wheelchair users. Every one of their homes built since 1994 meets the Lifetime Homes standards. For help and information regarding their homes or to search and apply for properties in your area visit www.habinteg.org.uk

Shared Ownership is a government-backed scheme for people who are unable to afford to buy a home at full market value. It is a part buy/part rent scheme where you buy a share of the property and pay a subsidised rent on the share you don’t own. For example, if the full market price of a home was £197,000, Shared Ownership allows you to buy a 30% share for £59,100. It is designed as a stepping stone to completely owning your own home, allowing you to buy further shares in your property when you can afford to.

Oak Wharf

Making London Accessible for First Time Buyers Family Mosaic provides good quality homes and housing services to over 45,000 people in communities across London, Essex and the Southeast. This spring, Family Mosaic is launching a selection of adaptable homes across its developments, all available through the popular Shared Ownership scheme.

Lauren Nicholson, head of marketing at Family Mosaic commented: “Family Mosaic prides itself on giving people a helping hand onto the property ladder. Providing new, affordable properties that can be adapted to suit individual buyer requirements is essential so we can ensure we offer something for everyone.”

Located in London’s trendy borough of Hackney, Family Mosaic’s Oak Wharf and Lime Wharf developments offer a range of three bedroom wheelchair adaptable homes.

Dzifa Ahadzie, a 29-year-old health worker who uses a wheelchair due to a chronic

health condition, bought her first property with Family Mosaic through the Shared Ownership Scheme.

Dzifa commented: “When I first started looking for a home to buy I was shocked by the lack of suitable options available in London. When I finally found my flat through Family Mosaic, I was so relieved to discover I could afford to get on the property ladder and be in a home that suited my needs, this enabled me to be more independent. Family Mosaic offered a great selection of wheelchair suitable homes in fantastic London locations.”

Recently launched, Lime Wharf offers a selection of three bedroom wheelchair adaptable apartments located in the heart of Hackney. At Lime Wharf, prices start from £247,500 for 30% of the property with buyers paying a subsidised rent on the remaining share of the property. Due to launch in May, Oak Wharf is located in the Stamford Hill area of Hackney and offers a large, three bedroom, wheelchair adaptable

Dzifa Ahadzie

maisonette, next door to the River Lea. There are several green spaces and water reservoirs in the local area and Stamford Hill Rail Station is less than one mile away.

For more information visit www.familymosaic.co.uk

52 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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01/04/2014 13:16

Live your life

Rear wheelchair passenger VW Caddy now available from

Just 6 weeks delivery time* Includes Cruise Control and Privacy Glass Worth £500

£5,490 AP

Being able to travel upfront in my wheelchair is absolutely priceless.

Kerry and Dave smile with Sirus.

WHEELCHAIR PASSENGER UP FRONT AND DRIVE-FROM-WHEELCHAIR SPECIALISTS

PIONEERING ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

BESPOKE SOLUTIONS

THREE YEAR WARRANTY

CARING, PERSONALISED SERVICE

Contact us for a no obligation home demonstration:

0121 505 7777

info@sirusautomotive.co.uk www.sirusautomotive.com *6 week lead time available on limited stock. Terms and conditions apply.

The Sirus I-Can changed my life!

Wheelchair user Catherine Grant’s life has been transformed thanks to her Sirus I-Can. The vehicle is based on the 1.6 Turbo Diesel 7 speed DSG Automatic Caddy MPV and allows Catherine to drive the car from her wheelchair.

A lack of suitable transport rendered Catherine housebound for four years, during which time she developed chronic depression and claustrophobia. At one stage she didn’t see or speak to anyone for six months, simply because she had no suitable means of venturing out.

Now, thanks to her new car, Catherine can go anywhere she likes – shopping, appointments, the theatre – she has even restarted her studies through the Open University, completing her BA/BSc Honours in Russian and Polish.

“Now I have my Sirus car, I can attend tutorials again and I don’t have to rely on my family to get me from A to B, nor is it necessary to plan journeys in advance. Had it not been for Sirus and the help received from the University, I would not have achieved so much.

“I’ll never be able to thank Sirus enough. I still can’t believe I can drive! I just love going out in the Volkswagen Caddy! It’s marvellous because I can go wherever I want!”

Sirus Automotive 0121 505 7777 www.sirusautomotive.co.uk

Catherine said: “The Sirus I Can Drive From Wheelchair Vehicle is amazing! It not only gives me mobility and independence but appears to be having a positive psychological effect too, allowing me to focus on what I can do, as opposed to what I can’t!

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01/04/2014 18:28

SURFING THE WEB

Don’t get scammed when you surf Would you ever leave your card and PIN at the local bus stop? How about leaving a note with your bank account number, sort code and address at the local library? Of course not! We all know to protect our passwords and PIN’s in real life but are we always as cautious online?

With almost three quarters of us shopping online and half of us using it for our banking, it pays to take some time to check you’re protecting your personal information. We asked the Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service with the power to sort out financial problems – for their top tips to stay safe while you surf.

Have a read and see how many you can check off.

Top tips on what to watch for on the web If in doubt, don’t give it out. Never give out your banking, credit card or security information – or personal details like your address or date of birth - unless you’re certain the request is genuine. There are lots of phishing scams doing the rounds, where emails claiming to be from banks, other organisations or even your friends are asking for your personal information. Your bank would never send an email asking you for your full PIN or password so don’t be duped into giving it out.

Memorise or disguise. Make sure that your PIN or passwords are memorable, but not too easy to guess – 123456 or people’s birthdays were the most common password people used in 2013 – so be original. If you need to write them down, make sure they’re appropriately disguised – don’t write your PIN on the back of your bank card for example.

Pry before you buy. If you’re buying something online, make sure the retailer is legitimate before you pay. Running a quick internet search for the seller is a good way to find out other user’s experience – and where things have gone wrong. If you don’t like what you find out, don’t use them!

Always be wary of a seller – or buyer – asking you to complete a transaction outside of the official pay channels like PayPal, you won’t be covered if it turns out to be a scam! And read the small print before you click to confirm. It pays to know your rights, just in case something goes wrong.

Too much information? If you’re a regular user of social networking sites like Twitter or Facebook, or take part in other online activities like blogging – be sure to keep your personal details hidden. Fraudsters trying to access your accounts can use details such as your birthday or first school to help them beat online security questions. And as tempting as it is to brag about your upcoming holiday – consider if you really want to advertise that your home will be empty for two weeks.

Protect your paper trail. Sometimes online just isn’t enough. So, if you prefer to print out bank statements and receipts or other documents containing your personal details, don’t leave them lying around.

Hang-up, no you hang-up! It’s not just online where you need to be careful – as everyone has a mobile phone these days we’ve heard from consumers who have taken a call from “their bank” asking for security information. They may try and panic you by saying your account is at risk of fraud but again, your bank would never ask you to transfer money, hand over your card or provide your full PIN or password.

Hopefully these tips will help you stay savvy online – but if you do get caught out and lose money as a result, speak to your bank as soon as possible. The faster you act, the more likely you are to get things sorted out.

If you get stuck, or you don’t know where to turn, the ombudsman will point you in the right direction at @financialombuds or call 0300 123 9 123

54 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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31/03/2014 20:45

801_PosAbility_Jan14

missing distant friends?

Skype them!

insurer missing the point? talk to the ombudsman or find us on twitter @financialombuds

ad_pages_april_may.indd 20

01/04/2014 10:19

Feel clean and independent.

Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care

Geberit AquaClean features a simple to use shower and dryer and activation is touch-free. Contact 0800 032 9629 or aquaclean.uk@geberit.com Ě&#x203A; ZZZ JHEHULW DTXDFOHDQ FR XN

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17/03/2014 10:07

01/04/2014 10:20

PRODUCTS

HOT STUFF We bring you a mix of the most innovative and helpful products on the market today…

Terrier Tricycle Theraplay has been designing and manufacturing cycles since 1970 that allow cyclists of differing abilities to enjoy the thrill of cycling. The Theraplay range features 21 cycles in various sizes and styles. The Terrier Tricycle is a rugged trike for children from 4 ½ years. This model has 16” wheels and a caliper brake with a parking brake mechanism. The Terrier has a frame folding mechanism option which allows the frame to be folded for transportation and storage.

Theraplay 0141 876 9177 info@theraplay.co.uk www.theraplay.co.uk

Prices available on request

Peta Adult Mini-Easi-Grip Scissors These ultra lightweight self-opening scissors are designed for use by those with weak hands or wrists or who are unable to use conventional style scissors due to swollen and painful joints. Either use fingers and thumb or fingers and palm to gently squeeze the scissors shut. The scissors automatically reopen as soon as the grip is eased.

Peta (UK) Ltd 01376 573 476 sales@peta-uk.com www.peta-uk.com

Prices from £3.95 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 57

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PRODUCTS

Activmotion Rise and Fall Wall Cupboard

Prices available on request

AKW’s Activmotion Rise and Fall Wall Cupboards allow wheelchair users to make full use of their kitchen’s storage space. The units can be moved up or down at the touch of a button, which can be mounted in the most suitable position for the user. The shelves are enclosed to prevent items tipping out when they are in motion and built-in collision detection prevents the units from damaging items stored on the work surface below.

AKW 0800 0787 051 www.akw-ltd.co.uk/riseandfall

Gripper Soles

Rokzi chair ‘Armz’ and ‘Legz’

These colourful and quirky shoes have a soft rubber sole for enhanced traction indoors on wood and tile floors and are also durable enough to use outdoors and at the playground.

They fit snuggly around the child’s foot and also allow them to feel the ground underneath. The breathable cotton upper allows kids to have complete freedom of movement and the ability to dress themselves without fiddling with laces or Velcro straps, giving them confidence to be independent.

The socks are available in a number of fun designs and are all machine washable.

Rokzi chair ‘Armz’ and ‘Legz’ can attach to standard school seats to provide extra support and make it easier for students to sit down and stand up safely. The ‘Armz’ provide trunk support for students who have poor body awareness and tend to lean, slide or get up frequently when using normal school chairs, while the ‘Legz’ can stop accidents that are caused by rocking on chairs. ‘Armz’ and ‘Legz’ sold separately.

Available from a number of UK stockists. Prices vary.

Gripper Soles www.grippersoles.com

Meru 01372 725 203 info@meru.org.uk meru.org.uk

Prices from £132 for ‘Armz’ and ‘Legz’

58 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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01/04/2014 13:05

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01/04/2014 10:20

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01/04/2014 17:31

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PRODUCTS

Spill Proof Beaker This beaker has a circular valve, making it possible to drink from any point on the rim while also preventing spills. It can help those who drink in a reclining position and those who have difficulty sucking and swallowing. Not suitable for hot or fizzy drinks. The beaker comes with an illuminated base.

This must be washed by hand.

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Cool Crutches Cool Crutches are a comfortable, stylish and fun alternative to standard NHS crutches, whether it be for a broken leg or a more permanent mobility problem.

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Cool Crutches customerservice@coolcrutches.com www.cool-crutches.co.uk

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Mybility All Terrain Wheelchair Stand Up The Mybility All Terrain Wheelchair is the only truly all terrain stand up model on the market. The flexible seating system gives the user the freedom to replicate a standing position as well as laying down flat and virtually any position in between. It also has a seat riser to help reach high shelves.

The range is built with the latest cutting edge technology which gives it outstanding capabilities to handle challenging terrains from mud, grass, cobbles, steep slopes and high kerbs, through to sand and even snow. It is also ideal for use indoors due to its ability to handle tight corners, carpets and floors.

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01/04/2014 13:07

Enjoy a canal boat holiday on the QEF Jubilee Accommodation for 8 people including 3 wheelchair users

Come and enjoy a range of activities in our fantastic facilities near Cheltenham in the heart of the Cotswolds. We will offer you the opportunity to relax and enjoy a great holiday. Experienced care staff work hard to ensure you have a great time and make new friends. With fully equipped and accessible accommodation we will arrange the break around you!

Dates available: 27-­31st May 2014 or 12-­17th August 2014

For further information or to make a booking please contact Lynette Barrett.

Tel No: 01242 527631

Email: starbreaks@natstar.ac.uk

Adapted controls allow disabled people to steer Wheelchair ramps, hydraulic lifts, hoist tracking, medical bed, accessible shower and ÀXVKLQJ WRLOHW Based in Hemel Hempstead Nature reserves, pubs, cafes shops and plenty more to do along the way

£850 p/w July-August £775 p/w May, June, Sept £700 p/w October-April

Cruise the historic Grand Union Canal from London to Birmingham through the beautiful countryside of the Chiltern Hills, venture into Camden and Regent’s Park for pubs and shops and restaurants, and enjoy Marsworth reservoirs – a nature reserve with wheelchair accessible paths.

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Our fully-accessible catered accommodation and self-catering holiday homes offer great breaks. We specialise in providing affordable holidays for disabled people as well as their families and friends.

Let us book you in.

www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

Reg. charity No 1143985 Part of the QEF family of charities

call 01372 841148 email info@vasd.org.uk

Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people of any ability to experience challenging and enjoyable activity holidays. At our fully accessible residential centre on the edge of Exmoor National Park all activities are specifically designed and equipped to cater for everyone.

Stay with us for a few days, a week, or come just for the day; however long you are here you will discover it's what you CAN do that Counts!

08456 584478 www.livability.org.uk

Registered charity no: 1116530

PosAbility

Access Award

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01598 763221

exmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk

01/04/2014 16:10

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

Discover Jersey

Image Š Danny Evans

With its beautiful beaches, stunning sights and fascinating history, Jersey could be just the holiday destination you have been looking for

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ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

Image © Damon Eastwood

Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands, set in the Bay of Saint-Malo, 90 miles south of England and just 14 miles to the west of France.

Spanning just nine miles by five, Jersey offers all its visitors an amazing diversity of attractions that everyone can enjoy whatever their ability, from spectacular scenery with golden beaches to a bustling cosmopolitan shopping metropolis.

Down the centuries Jersey has been shaped by its loyalty to the Crown of England and its proximity to France. Fortifications dating from the time of William the Conqueror (when Jersey was on William’s side) to the Second World War (when Jersey was occupied by German forces for five years) are everywhere in the landscape. There is a very strong French influence on place names and Jersey-French, a language dating back to the Middle Ages, is still in use and taught in schools.

Getting to Jersey is relatively easy. The island is well served by airlines operating

Image © Jersey Tourism

from most of Britain’s major airports for much of the year and by fast or conventional Condor car ferries from Poole, Weymouth and Portsmouth all year round.

Flying time is rarely more than 90 minutes from the north of England and Scotland and just 30 minutes from the south of England. The crossing on the fast ferry takes just four hours and the conventional ferry takes about ten hours with a stop in neighbouring Guernsey.

A number of Jersey hotels, from two to five stars, offer varying facilities for people with disabilities although only the purpose-built Maison des Landes Hotel caters exclusively for guests with disabilities and their families and friends.

Within its 45 square miles, Jersey has 550 miles of road and many places of interest as well as many fine inns, taverns, restaurants and nightclubs. Unfortunately several of Jersey’s most historic sites have only very limited access due to their antiquity but there are many attractions where

wheelchair access is easy and all have disabled toilets. In St Helier, visitors can enjoy a visit to Fort Regent Sports and Leisure Centre, Cineworld cinema, the Jersey Arts Centre and the Jersey Opera House theatres. St Helier is also home to the Visitor Services Centre.

For keen sea anglers there are many coastal locations that can be fished successfully by those with limited mobility and Theseus II, a specially-equipped charter boat offers wheelchair users the thrill of deep sea angling. ‘Gentle Wanders’ around the Jersey countryside have been designed specifically for walkers and wheelchair users alike. Sites around the Island have been assessed for ease of access and 14 different ‘Wanders’ give participants an unusual experience of woodlands, heathlands and quiet country lanes.

Shopping in Jersey’s capital, St Helier, is made easier by Shopmobility, a scheme whereby disabled visitors can use powered scooters to enable them to visit the shops.

Image © Danny Evans

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Places to visit St Aubin Shopmobility users are offered free unlimited parking for conventional vehicles while the equipment is in use. Holders of UK and EU disabled and blue badges can park their vehicles in specially designated on-street parking zones and in multi-storey car parks. There is no charge for disabled parking in multi-storey car parks or for most on-street parking in Jersey but signs indicate where parking charges are levied.

Most buses and many taxis have facilities for carrying wheelchairs but coaches tend only to have facilities to accommodate collapsible wheelchairs.

Most areas with public access around Jersey have disabled toilets on site and access to all disabled toilets is by use of a Radar key, which is available for hire at the Visitor Centre at Jersey Tourism, the Town Hall and the Shopmobility Centre at Sand Street car park. A refundable £5 deposit is required.

Several companies hire out wheelchairs (manual and motorised), commodes, walking and bathing aids.

In Jersey we speak the same language, use the same currency – albeit we use different notes and coins and retain the £1 note – and there are many familiar names along the High Street (although we call it King Street), but being just that much closer to France and having such a diverse heritage offers a delightfully different holiday experience. Add to that the most sunshine in the British Isles, and a much lower rate of VAT (we call it GST and it’s just five per cent), Jersey will always provide a holiday full of happy memories.

With thanks to Maison des Landes Clockwise from top: Durrell Wildlife Conservation, St Aubins Harbour and Mount Orgueil Castle

A picturesque harbour with shops, inns and restaurants

St Brelade’s Bay Jersey’s most popular beach with ample parking, cafés and restaurants

St Helier Town Centre Jersey’s main shopping area with department stores, boutiques, shops, cafés, inns and restaurants with easy disabled access and convenient disabled parking areas Central Market, St Helier - a glorious Victorian market for fresh produce, flowers, antiques and hosts of other fascinating things Havre des Pas Swimming Pool, St Helier - a Victorian attraction with sun terraces ideal for wheelchair users Fort Regent Leisure Centre, St Helier - Jersey’s principal indoor sporting venue and location for concerts and shows within a fortress built at the time of Napoleon Howard Davis Park, St Helier - a superbly maintained public park near the centre of St Helier with frequent evening band concerts Jersey Museum, St Helier - a treasure house of Jersey history The Waterfront, St Helier - restaurants, bistros, fast food outlets, bars, swimming pool and 10 cinema screens

St Ouen’s Bay The magnificent sweep of Jersey’s entire west coast with spectacular sunsets and superb beaches to be enjoyed with care

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Trinity A world-famous sanctuary for many endangered species set in spectacular grounds

Jersey Lavender Farm, st brelade All the processes from plants to oils and fragrances in a delightful country setting

Jersey Pearl, st ouen’s bay, st ouen Relish one of nature’s most appealing gemstones

Jersey War Tunnels, st lawrence A fascinating underground complex created by German occupying forces between 1941 and 1944—the definitive museum of the German Occupation

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01/04/2014 15:48

COMPETITION

A holiday in Jersey!

PosAbility magazine has teamed up with Maison des Landes Hotel and Condor Ferries to offer our readers the chance to win an accessible holiday in Jersey Maison des Landes offers accessible holidays in the beautiful island of Jersey just off the coast of Normandy, France.

The hotel is very kindly offering one lucky reader a six-night stay for two people, with transport to the island by ferry included courtesy of Condor Ferries.

Travelling from either Weymouth or Poole, you will enjoy a comfortable journey onboard one of Condor’s modern, well equipped fast ferries as you cross the Channel to your destination. Staff will do their upmost to meet the special requirements of disabled passengers or those with mobility impairments, giving you peace of mind you will enjoy a relaxing journey. Enjoy a meal in the café, or visit the onboard duty free while en route.

Maison des Landes is a charitable trust set up by the Lions Club of Jersey to provide holidays for people with disabilities along with their families, friends and carers.

The hotel is home to 26 fully accessible bedrooms, each with a hoist and walk-in/ wheel-in shower, as well as a TV and tea and coffee facilities. Each room is also fitted with emergency call buttons. A range of other specialist equipment is also available.

Q

How many fully accessible bedrooms does Maison des Landes Hotel have?

a) 26 b) 27 c) 28

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning simply answer the question correctly and return your

The hotel offers free sight-seeing tours for guests, visiting all the major holidays attractions and shopping the island has to offer in specially equipped mini buses. Then guests can relax back at the hotel and enjoy the evening entertainment on offer such as bingo, karaoke and quiz nights. Guests can also take the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the hotel’s large indoor heated swimming pool, specially designed with wheelchair ramps and hoists for ease of access and exit.

The hotel staff are available to assist guests into and out of the pool.

For your chance to win, enter our competition today!

For more information contact: Maison des Landes 01534 481 683 contact@maisondeslandes.co.uk www.maisondeslandes.co.uk

Terms & Conditions The prize consists of six nights accommodation in a twin room (breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal included) plus two return tickets to travel from Poole or Weymouth to Jersey with standard car/SUV. Vehicle size: length to 5m, height to 1.85m. Extra length or height may incur charges. Trailers, caravans and motorhomes excluded. Allocated standard seating is included for fast ferry travel. Upgrades to Reclining seats or Club Class seating are available but must be paid for at the time.

Prize must be taken between mid-April and mid-October in 2014. Dates subject to availability. Travel on Saturdays from 26th July to 30th August 2014 is excluded. Transport to and from UK ferry port is the responsibility of the winner. The prize is non transferable nor can any cash alternative be offered.

Closing date for entries is 31st May 2014.

Condor Ferries

www.condorferries.com

details to the following address, email posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com or enter online at www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk Jersey Competition PosAbility Magazine Caledonia House Evanton Drive Thornliebank Ind. Est. Glasgow G46 8JT

Name: Address: Postcode: Tel: Email: ü

Maison des Landes and Condor Ferries would like to send you more information about their services. If you would prefer not to receive this, please tick the box.

28 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

Maison_comp_jm.indd 1

01/04/2014 13:31

| MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING

BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch

This issue we take a look at one of BMW’s most popular models It was obvious from the moment we laid eyes on the BMW 116d Sport 5-door Sports Hatch that this vehicle oozes class.

With its distinct ‘BMW’ look at the front, the 1 Series is a stylish car, but with a more compact and sporty feel than its fellow models.

The finish on the model we reviewed was striking metallic Valencia Orange – perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. The car is available in one of three non-metallic colours, Alpine White, Crimson Red or Jet Black, or a range of standard metallic colours as standard specification on the Motability Car Scheme. 16” light alloy Star-spoke style wheels are also a nice touch.

The BMW 1 Series is the only car in this bracket to have rear-wheel drive,

providing the renowned BMW driving dynamics. Having scored five-out-of-five for safety on Euro NCAP’s latest crash testing programme, the car features the standard package of BMW’s safety features such as stability control and airbags. A range of additional options include adaptive headlights, cruise control, driving assist and parking assist. Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation is also available as an optional extra.

Interior As we ventured into the cabin, the interior more than complemented the stylish finish of the exterior. The standard Satin Silver trim finish on classic black interior fittings is a classy touch, as is the leather steering wheel. The Comfort Go keyless start means you can start the car at the touch of a button as long as the keys are within range.

The sleek dashboard has one prominent feature – the BMW iDrive system with the 6.5” display screen situated in the centre.

The system allows you to control many of the vehicle’s functions such as entertainment and information by using the iDrive Controller situated beside the gearstick. The iDrive can be easily navigated while also keeping focus on the road, unlike many touchscreen equivalents. To take full advantage of this impressive system, you might like to choose some optional extras such as the satellite navigation for those long or unknown journeys. The iDrive also has the capacity to connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth allowing hands-free use.

Situated below the iDrive is the inbuilt radio with single CD player and MP3 connection, allowing you to play music

64 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING |

BMW 1 Series on the Motability Car Scheme • Advance payment from £599.00 • A new BMW every 3 years • 60,000 mile allowance • Insurance and road tax included • All servicing, maintenance, windscreen and tyre replacement costs built in • Accident and breakdown cover • Many adaptations at no extra cost • Ability to nominate up to 2 drivers

directly from your MP3 player. Electric windows throughout and the BMW ‘move cloth’ fabric upholstery come as standard.

This five seater is spacious in the front and comfortable for two passengers in the rear but would be a tight squeeze if you were travelling with three adults in the back. The 360 litre boot capacity is average but the back seats can be folded down offering a spacious cargo area if transporting large loads is necessary.

Drive Averaging 68.9mpg on the combined cycle with 116hp, the BMW 116d Sport is an economical car to drive. The driving position is comfortable and everything you need is within easy reach allowing you to concentrate on the road ahead. Although the steering is a tad on the light side, the 1 Series offers a comfortable drive in the city or on the motorway. The in-built drive performance control means you can change between three driving modes: ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport, each offering a different driving experience.

Optional extras A wide variety of optional extras are available to make your car your own. As well as exterior and interior colours and finishes, BMW allow you to add a choice of steering, safety and comfort options to suit your individual requirements. Sat Nav and Bluetooth are undoubtedly two incredibly useful tools to have at your disposal, particularly if you frequently travel long distances. A choice of Driver Comfort, Interior Comfort and Visibility packages are also available as add-ons.

Who is this car for?

The BMW 1 Series offers a comfortable, stylish and economical ride in one sleek package. Perfectly suited for a single person or couple, the vehicle would also serve a small family well thanks to its top rated safety features and comfort.

Red trim adds a splash of colour to the Satin Silver and black interior

BMW 116d Sport 5dr Fuel Consumption: 68.9mpg CO2 emissions: 109 g/km Top speed: 121 mph 0-60mph: 10.5 secs Advance payment from £899.00

For more information on the full range of BMW models available visit www.bmw.co.uk/motability

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01/04/2014 13:36

Chartwell Insurance Because things don't always go according to plan...

After his infamous false start at London 2012, Paralympic cyclist Jody Cundy supports Chartwell because he knows more than most that disaster can strike at any minute.

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Chartwell Insurance is a trading name of Adrian Flux Insurance Services.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Contact us today to discuss how you can reach your potential.

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enquiries@hereward.ac.uk www.hereward.ac.uk

01/04/2014 15:59

Columnist

Glasgow 2014: The Bigger Picture

© Glasgow 2014

Michael McEwan

If you are interested in getting involved in sport, you can search for clubs in your area with Deloitte Parasport by visiting the PosAbility Magazine website, www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk.​ Simply enter the sport you are interested in and your postcode to find clubs near you.

Michael McEwan is a disability activist from Glasgow who lives with cerebral palsy. He has worked on a number of radio stations over the past 14 years and with various Scottish charities. Here he begins a new series of columns on disability issues.

It is set to be a busy summer of sport with the World Cup and Wimbledon to look forward to but in Scotland it’s an especially big year as Glasgow hosts the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games run between the 23rd July and the 3rd August and include five Para-sports: swimming, athletics, lawn bowls, powerlifting and for the first time, track cycling. Coming off the back of the Paralympic Games at London 2012, which were so successful for ParalympicsGB, everyone will be hoping our athletes can do just as well in Glasgow.

This is the first major sporting event to come to Glasgow since the Special Olympics in 2005 and it’s another fantastic opportunity to showcase disabled athletes and their talents. What was excellent about London 2012 was the extensive live TV coverage that brought the Games right into people’s living rooms. I hope it will also be the same for the Commonwealth

Games in Glasgow so that people can see the achievements of the athletes and show that no matter what your disability you can compete.

I think we need to change the outlook on disability as a whole and hopefully the Games will help to do this and build on the progress that was made thanks to the Paralympic Games in London. I hope more people will take up disability sports and that the athletes will inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

I know myself how great it can be to participate in sport as I am in a football team. I love the sport - I love playing and I get on well with my teammates. I like to compete and to work as a team and hopefully win things! I have played football since I was at school playing for a team called West of Scotland. We get lots of guys coming along who want to compete in sport, which is great, as well as enjoy all the

benefits that can be gained by taking part and being active.

There are lots of benefits from playing sports. As well as being good for your health and fitness, playing sport makes you believe in yourself and shows people what you are capable of. It’s also a great way to meet new people and have lots of fun.

As well as playing football I also coach football. I love to coach people new things and hopefully the guys take it all in and can go away and work on their skills. I suppose I’m like any other coach of any other sport - you always like everyone to do well and hope that they get something out of it, and most importantly that they enjoy coming along.

For more information about Michael visit www.michaelmcewanmedia.webs.com.

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01/04/2014 16:00

about.g2crowd.com

EMPLOYMENT

Behind the jargon So you’ve got your CV ready and your search has begun for job vacancies that fit with your skills, experience and ambitions. As you start to spot a few that strike your interest and look for more information on your prospective employer you come across one of a number of symbols used to show that they are positive about recruiting employees with disabilities. You recognise the symbol, but ask yourself, what does it actually mean to you, the applicant?

The symbols, whether an official accreditation or statement of intent, can often act to reassure applicants that their disability or health condition will not be seen as a negative and they will be considered for the job on the basis of their skills and experience, like their non-disabled counterparts. With nearly seven million people of working age living with a disability or health condition,

If you are a jobseeker with a disability, you will no doubt have come across the numerous terms and symbols used by employers to attract disabled candidates.

But what do they actually mean?

employers are now beginning to realise that by actively seeking disabled applicants they are extending the pool of high quality applicants that they could be recruiting.

Minister of State for Disabled People, Mike Penning said: “Although the employment rates for disabled people have increased gradually over the years, we know that all too often the talents of disabled people in the workforce are left untapped.

“One in five of us has a disability and doing more to employ disabled people and provide services for them could help businesses tap into the £80bn purple pound - and I want businesses across the country to do just that.”

Two Ticks Jobcentre Plus awards the ‘Two Ticks’ positive about disability symbol to

employers who have made commitments to employ, keep and develop the abilities of disabled staff. Once awarded, employers can then use the symbol on job adverts to show that they encourage applications from disabled people. The symbol is only used by employers in England, Scotland and Wales.

Employers are awarded the symbol by demonstrating the following five commitments: - To interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities - To discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what you can both do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities.

- To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 73

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EMPLOYMENT

WORKING FOR

E.ON

stay in employment - To take action to ensure that all employees develop appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work - To review these commitments every year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve them and let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans.

What does it mean to me?

The most important part of the ‘Two Ticks’ commitment is that if you apply for a job and meet the minimum criteria then you are entitled to an interview if you have a disability. This however isn’t monitored so if you feel you definitely meet the criteria but have not been offered an interview you may have a case to challenge the employer. www.gov.uk/looking-for-work-ifdisabled/looking-for-a-job

Clear Assured Organisations become Clear Assured to state their commitment to identifying and removing barriers from recruitment policy, process and practice, which have the potential to exclude disabled people.

The Clear Assured process, run by The Clear Company, is an online self-assessment programme that is conducted by the organisation themselves and then tested by applicants using the free candidate feedback service where they can provide evidence of their experiences of going through the organisation’s recruitment process. Finally, consultants from The Clear Company carry out spot checks with participating organisations to ensure knowledge exists across all recruitment stakeholders.

Organisations already involved include: BT, Sainsbury’s, Royal Mail Group, Lloyds Banking Group, NHS and The Cooperative.

Clear Assured means that their recruitment process has been judged to be accessible by other candidates with disabilities who have experienced it. www.clearkit.co.uk/clear-assured

MINDFUL EMPLOYER Mindful Employer works with employers to help put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support. It has been recommended as good practice by the UK government and other national organisations.

Organisations can sign up to Mindful Employer voluntarily and many also choose to sign up to the Charter for Employers who are Positive About Mental Health.

Charter signatories are entitled to display the Mindful Employer logo as a demonstration that they are working towards aspirations of the Charter.

Although not an accreditation, the Charter is a tangible display of their commitment to improving the working lives of their staff.

What does it mean to me?

Mindful Employer means the employer demonstrates a commitment to supporting staff and applicants who have mental health issues. Signing the Charter is a ‘win win’ situation for both employer and the employee. Stress, depression and anxiety are estimated to be the cause of more working days lost than any other work-related illness but by becoming a Mindful Employer and accessing the information and support for staff, employers can help you stay in work while creating a healthier and more attractive workplace for staff and prospective employees. www.mindfulemployer.net

Customer services specialist Ashley Bailey, who has been working for E.ON for the last five years, admits that seeing other colleagues being able to do the job without specialist support had made her too scared to ask for help for her severe dyslexia. After a dyslexia awareness initiative at E.ON, Ashley’s manager put her in touch with the Dyslexia Association.

Ashley says: “From that point on, my life changed. I found that I had dyslexia that was so bad it prevented me from being able to read properly. I had no idea it was so severe. I had never been told that dyslexia was hereditary or that my father had it. Once I knew the company provided support I had the confidence to call the Dyslexia Association and they suggested one of their literacy courses for dyslexic adults. My tutor Karen tailored the work to meet my needs and as a result I went from a struggling grade two agent to the top collector in my area and reached a grade four within a year.

“The course taught me how to learn by using colours to help me remember things, as memory for me is a problem. I now have four certificates for IT use, two for adult literacy and I was voted employee of the month in the aged debt area.

“I have coloured glasses, a flat screen monitor and regular shift patterns. Having a routine is important for me as it helps me to be organised and avoid stress. Being prone to stress is partly related to my dyslexia. I still have some problems but my manager and colleagues have been very supportive.

“I am really grateful that E.ON allowed me to go to the course. It helped me cope with my disability and gave me confidence in my ability. My managers have also been brilliant, trusting me with the most difficult collection accounts and pushing me to take on more challenges.”

What does it mean to me?

Applying for a job with a company that is

74 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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We don’t just talk about disability in adverts.

At E.ON, we’ve got an open, supportive culture where everyone feels comfortable talking about disability. And where it’s never an issue if someone needs to ask for extra support or adjustments. That all starts with the recruitment process – we even have disability champions like Bobby on hand to guide our recruiters and help our candidates. Then PA>G RHN @>M A>K> RHN±EE YG= MA:M P>±K> D>>IBG@ =BL:;BEBMR YKFER HG MA> :@>G=: BG :EE LHKML H? P:RL > A:O> HNK HPG Disabled Employee Network, and a dedicated portal which is packed full of information. We’ve also achieved both Clear Assured status and the Two Ticks symbol. So if you’d like to join a company that doesn’t just pay lip service to equality and diversity, we should talk.

A few adjustments can make a world of difference.

www.eon-uk.com/careers You can also call our specialist hotline 02476 191812

“If you have any questions, I’m here to help.”

Bobby

Helping our customers.

We’re on it.

ad_pages_april_may.indd 28

01/04/2014 10:22

CAREERS

Get that Dream Job

Is Self-Employment an Option?

By Jane Hatton

We know that it is much more difficult for a disabled person to find work than a non-disabled person, due to the prejudiced views of some employers. The difficulties for some include coping with public transport, regular working hours and many other reasons. Some disabled people decide to work for themselves to avoid this – in fact there is a disproportionately high number of disabled people amongst the self-employed.

There are many things to consider when thinking about self-employment as an option. Here are some of them:

Advantages of self-employment Being your own boss means you can be much more in control of your working environment and hours of work. Many self-employed people work from home, at least initially, which can be an advantage for those who find travelling or being away from home difficult. Commuting can be stressful and working from home eliminates that stress. In my case I work from my bed (with a laptop suspended above me), so my commute is shuffling a few inches from one side of the bed to the other. Great in icy weather!

If you have a fluctuating condition, then self-employment offers you the option of

working when you are feeling well and doing more routine stuff when you have bad days. This might mean that you work unusual hours, say at weekends sometimes or evenings. You may need to be available at certain times to serve or communicate with customers, of course.

You avoid all the hassle of having to explain to managers or colleagues why you may need some reasonable adjustments. Being self-employed you are answerable to no-one but yourself (and your customers).

If you do need reasonable adjustments to run your own business, Access to Work is your friend. They will help with things like assistive technology, adaptations, or transport to work-related appointments, for example.

can take up to two years before they begin to generate enough income to pay a decent salary.

Initially, if you are working on your own, you will need to do everything – market research, business planning, marketing, admin, delivering the service or making the product. Not everyone has all of those skills. It may be that later on you can employ people to do the things you are not so good at or don’t enjoy, but initially at least it all falls on you.

Being self-employed means you don’t have access to some of the benefits of being an employee. No sick pay, no paid holidays, no training unless you pay for it yourself, no pension.

Is it for you?

If you are considering self-employment, it’s important to think it through very carefully as there are many implications. Next time we’ll look at other considerations around considering self-employment.

For further tips, and jobs from inclusive employers who are looking to attract more disabled candidates, have a look on the Evenbreak website www.evenbreak.co.uk.

Disadvantages of self-employment The main disadvantage of being selfemployed for most people is the lack of a reliable income. Whilst the sky may be the limit, there may be a period of time when your new business doesn’t generate enough income to pay you a salary and even when it does, this will be inconsistent. This makes it difficult to plan and can play havoc with the benefits system. Many new businesses

76 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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The things that make us different are the things that make us stronger.

Join a team that appreciates your strengths.

EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies and the largest producer of low-carbon electricity. We’re also a company dedicated to creating a better future for everyone; which is why we celebrate diversity and have an established culture of inclusion. We’re proud of our flourishing and dynamic employee networks, including Disability and Carers, and the inclusive culture they have helped us build.

Together we can be even stronger. Find out more at www.edfenergy.com/careers

040743-297x210-PosAbilityMag.indd 1 ad_pages_april_may.indd 29

20/11/2013 12:43 09:30 01/04/2014

6KDSH WKH IXWXUH RI /RQGRQ ² become a TfL apprentice We want to be as diverse as the city we represent and welcome applications from everyone regardless of disability, faith, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or gender.

Take a wider look at WÁ JRY XN DSSUHQWLFHVKLSV

PosAbility Magazine jan 2014_Layout 1 30/01/2014 12:04 Page 1

CARETAKER, ACCOUNTANT, IS TECHNICIAN, CLEANER, GAS ENGINEER, ELECTRICIAN, CONSTRUCTION MANAGER, CATERING ASSISTANT, NURSE, RECEPTIONIST, SURVEYOR, CARE ASSISTANT, CHEF, PROJECT MANAGER, HOUSING MANAGER, PR OFFICER, HR ADVISOR, ADMINISTRATOR, HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER, FINANCE OFFICER, CUSTOMER SERVICE ADVISOR, DIRECTOR, SUPPORT WORKER, TEAM LEADER, ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT, HOUSING OFFICER FACILITIES MANAGER, EVENTS ORGANISER, BUSINESS ANALYST

What’s your ability?

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MAYOR OF LONDON

INVESTING IN PEOPLE We strive to be one of the most inclusive, inspiring employers in the country, and believe our strength as an organisation lies in the quality of our people.

We recognise that every individual has their own unique talents they can bring to us, and we welcome people who share our values.

If you would like to work with a thriving organisation which focuses on your ability contact us at:

Sanctuary Group is a trading name of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity

01/04/2014 16:20

Brain Teasers Puzzles are a great way to pass the time and keep your mind sharp. Why not take a break, make a cup of tea and give these puzzles a go? If you correctly complete the crossword and post it to us with your details, you could be in with the chance of winning £25. Good luck!

2. Nightclub (7) 7. Endure (4) 8. Monetary unit of Iran (4) 9. Look for (5) 10. Material in the form of a tube (6) 11. Short coat (6) 12. Ogles (5) 14. Sailing vessel (5) 19. Slacken (6) 21. Worn around the neck (6) 22. Resume (5) 23. Gloucestershire (abbrev) (4) 24. Slender (4) 25. Tanning place (7)

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Easy

Hard

4. Rat-catching animal (6) 5. Testimonial (7) 6. Notice of an intended marriage (5) 13. One who views things as they really are (7) 15. Nun’s home (7) 16. Large European chestnut (6) 17. Citrus fruit (6) 18. Merry (5) 20. Humble (5) Solutions to Feb/March crossword.

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

Across

Sudoku

Copyright © 2011 Peter G Sharp

ability

Crossword

PUZZLES

Solutions The solutions to these puzzles will be printed in the next issue of PosAbility Magazine.

Sudoku Solutions from Feb/March issue 2014

Down 1. Die (7) 2. Turn (5) 3. Explosions (6)

£25 PRIZE! Puzzles_jm.indd 1

Easy

Medium

Complete the crossword correctly and send to PosAbility Magazine, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind Est, Glasgow, G46 8JT to be in with a chance of winning £25. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 77 Closing date 31 May 2014.

31/03/2014 20:42

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magazine

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Jubilee Sailing Trust 12 Hazel Road Woolston Southampton SO19 7GA

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Every issue is packed with information designed to help you live life to the full, from products and sports to holiday ideas and employment advice, so make sure you don’t miss out on any future issues and subscribe today!

Travel Reviews

Expert travel reviews to help you make the best choice when booking holiday.

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Exclusive competitions that give you the chance to win dream holidays, amazing products and once in a We have teamed up with brand new magazine, PosAbility, to send you a complimentary copy of the first issue. The lifetime experiences.

Products magazine is filled with useful articles, enjoyable stories and lots of competitions, including, the chance to win a Antrip innovative of products sailing with us! Turnmix to page 26 for detailsto on how to enter, good luck! support you in everyday living.

Health and Fitness PosAbility is all about living independently and actively, something you will read a lot about in PosAbility. This We look and issue looks into the Paralympic hopefuls for 2012 and gives some tipsat tosports those who areactivities keen to take a sport up on available for you to get involved in Wheelchair to Employment Education a serious level. There is alsoand an article on Extreme Sports for the more adventurous reader, a look at the Like us on Facebook Challenge taking place nextand month and an overview of the Mobility Roadshow. help you lead a healthy lifestyle.

Regular columns features on Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’ getting yourreading dream job. Providing We hope you enjoy PosAbility, if you would like to subscribe at only £10 for 1 year or £18 for 2 years, please advice on CV’s, interview and or callDays use the form below to post back with tips your payment 0141 582 1475 and quote ‘Jubilee’.

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Great ideas for the whole family to Many Thanks @ PosAbilityMag enjoy.

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