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ability

Oct/Nov 2016

MAGAZINE

Nothing is Impossible...

WIN A WEEK AT BRICKHOUSE FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES

YOUNG AT HEART Independent Living in Style

ALL ABOARD

BREAKING THE MOULD

Ever considered cruising for your holiday?

PARALYMPICSGB Triumph in Rio

RJ MITTE talks fame, sport

and living with cerebral palsy

ALSO FEATURED... Travel | Graduate Careers | Kids Section | Products POS_Cover_Oct_Nov_FINAL.indd 1

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WELCOME

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writer: Lisa Mitchell Staff Writer: Dionne Kennedy Designer: Abbie Bunton Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Jill Loney, Val Speers

Oct/Nov 2016

Well, what a summer we have had and I am sorry to say that the weather has spoken and it is officially over. Our summer of sport came to a close in September with an incredible medal haul of 147 medals in total, 64 of them gold. Those 11 days of sport saw the nation swept up in the excitement of sport, even those who have no regular interest in it found themselves screaming at the wheelchair fencing on the TV or expertly discussing the different techniques used in the high jump. Everyone becomes an expert and ultimatley wants to be part of a winning team that is doing their nation proud. However, once those 11 days are over and the home-coming celebrations have died down, what happens? There has been a lot of talk about the legacy of the Games and whether this can actually be felt through society and if the positive effect that the Games has on society’s perception of people with disabilities can be sustained. There was certainly some positive footsteps following London 2012 but there is still so far to go. I hope that the excitement of the Paralympics will make the wider society think further afield about disability, as not everyone is an athlete. I think shows like The Last Leg have done wonders for making people feel more comfortable about talking about disability and interacting with people with disabilities. They shine a light

on the ‘taboo’ subjects in a mildly serious and mainly amusing way that everyone can enjoy and learn from. I guess only time will tell if attitudes in society will change. We have featured the highlights of the Games on page 17. As you can see from our cover, we spoke to RJ Mitte to find out more about his story, from featuring in hit series, Breaking Bad, to presenting at the Paralympics, you will find him on page 53. We also hear from our travel expert on the accessibility of cruising as a holiday choice and we hear from ‘The Geordie Traveller’, a wheelchair user who has made it his mission to travel the world and blog about his experiences, you can read about his journey so far on page 48. In addition to this, you will also find the latest instalment of the Department of Ability comic strip, innovative products, ideas for days out and much more.

CONTRIBUTORS

Mik Scarlet, Sam Renke, Andy Wright, Jane Hatton, Anthony William, Janet Myers, Dan White, Adam Black

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 2016 © 2A Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2049-2251

Contact Details: Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, G46 8JT Tel: 0141 465 2960 Fax: 0141 258 7783 enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Ros

Oct/Nov 2016

MAGAZINE

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ALL ABOARD

BREAKING THE MOULD

Ever considered cruising for your holiday?

PARALYMPICSGB Triumph in Rio

RJ MITTE talks fame, sport

and living with cerebral palsy

ALSO FEATURED... Travel | Graduate Careers | Kids Section | Products POS_Cover_Oct_Nov_FINAL.indd 1

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Members of PPA Scotland

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 33

CONTENTS 63

WIN! A WEEK AT BRICKHOUSE FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES

You could be in with the chance of winning a week in a luxurious accessible cottage, resting in six acres of beautiful scenery in Lancashire.

17 FEATURES 07 FYI

32 YOUNG AT HEART

13 HOW MUCH HAS IT TOUCHED YOU?

37 HOT STUFF

News, stories and updates from around the world

Mik ponders the legacy of the Paralympic Games

15 THE ‘TOKEN DISABLED’

Sam Renke talks about her role in a hilarious Maltesers® advert

Check out

P30

17 RIO 2016

The highlights from our most successful Paralympic Games ever

28 KADEENA COX

A look at the most innovative products around

43 ACCESSIBLE CRUISING

This could be the holiday you have been waiting for

48 THE WORLD ON WHEELS ‘The Geordie Traveller’ shares his experiences of globetrotting

Hot off the plane from Rio, we catch up with the hottest athlete of the moment

53 RJ MITTE

30 WIN A WEEK AWAY

57 UNLIMITED FESTIVAL

You could be in with the chance of winning a week of accessible luxury

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We tackle the stigma surrounding age and embrace independent living and the products that can help

Handsome Breaking Bad star reveals all

From Glasgow to London, we discover what this festival had to offer

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61 THE GREATEST WALL TO OVERCOME

Mark Pattenden ran a marathon on the Great Wall of China and lived to tell the tale

63 UP UP AND AWAY

A festival of hot air balloons that everyone can enjoy

67 THE KID’S CORNER

A round up from Feel the Force Day, innovative products and a look at fostering through the ages

77 INCLUSIVE HOUSING

Future-proofing the housing market

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81 STRAIGHT TALKING

We shed some light on stammering and the effects it can have on a person’s confidence

85 JEEP RENEGADE

We test drive the 4x4 renowned for its off-road capabilities

87 TOP OF THE CLASS

Now you have graduated, what’s next?

92 GET THAT DREAM JOB

Jane Hatton gives advice on Access to Work

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FYI

News and stories from around the world

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

EMBRACING THE OUTDOORS Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and social enterprise company Light Bulb Arts are encouraging teachers and outdoor educators to be more adventurous in the woodlands with the launch of a new woodland activity book for children with autism and severe and complex learning difficulties. FCS and Light Bulb Arts which delivers a range of art classes in Edinburgh, based on sound experience in education and community settings, worked with pupils and teachers at St. Crispin’s Special School, to develop the woodland activity book with the children as part of FCS’s Engagement programme. The woodland activity book offers teachers and outdoor educators ideas to help develop children’s confidence in the woodland through art. The woodland activity book is packed full of ideas and information for outdoor play and learning, such as outdoor painting,

clay and collage activities, den building and bushcraft skills, to help deliver creative outdoor learning experiences. FCS’s Engagement Programme works with communities to encourage and support a diverse range of minority groups access and enjoy the benefits of their local woodland. FCS and Light Bulb Arts hope to encourage children who wouldn’t usually be comfortable going out into the woodlands, to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

local woodlands.” Heather Lucchesi, Director of Light Bulb Arts said:

Romena Huq, Engagement Officer for Forestry Commission Scotland said:

“The woodland activity book offers teachers, outdoor educators and parents a starting point to encourage children to move around the woods and to help build their confidence. New environments can be daunting for children with autism and severe and complex learning difficulties so the activity book provides easy to follow guidance and tips to make the woodland more accessible.”

“A key element of our work is about encouraging people of all abilities and backgrounds to experience woodlands and greenspace. We hope the woodland activity book will help build teachers confidence when facilitating outdoor learning sessions and allow the children to experience their

If you are interested in finding out more about the woodland activity book please contact Romena Huq, Engagement Officer for Forestry Commission Scotland romena.huq@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or Heather Lucchesi, Director of Light Bulb Arts heather@lightbulbarts.com. 

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FYI

SHORTAGE OF MS NURSES The MS Trust has launched its #No1alone campaign to fund new specialist nurses across the UK and ensure no one has to manage MS alone.

FREE ACCESSIBLE YOGA SESSIONS

A new report from the MS Trust has found that 64% of people living with MS in the UK – around 68,000 people – live in an area where there aren’t enough MS nurses to provide vital care and support. Without this specialist care, people with MS can feel left to manage an unpredictable and sometimes devastating disease by themselves. This is why the MS Trust has launched a campaign to fund new nurses and to make sure no one has to manage MS alone. The MS Trust study found that there are worrying variations in support across the UK. Almost 1 in 4 people with MS live in areas where the nurses have to care for twice the recommended numbers. Not having the right care and support when they need it can have serious consequences for the health of people with MS. Liz Watson a MS Specialist Nurse covering the Bradford district said: “There are approximately 800 people with MS that I see from Bradford, so my active caseload at any time is around about a quarter of that, 200 patients at a time. The work done by the MS Trust has identified that as a specialist nurse, a manageable caseload is 358 patients - I have more than double that number of patients in my caseload. “This results in patients getting a watered down service due to me splitting my time equitably amongst all of those patients. It sometimes means that response time to phone calls is longer than it should be and the waits at clinics should be shorter.” MS Trust research has shown that MS nurses are absolutely crucial for the health and well-being of people with MS. They often work with people from the moment of diagnosis, throughout their lives with MS, providing expert information and support in making choices, in particular about MS drugs. With obvious strain on the NHS, MS specialist services are often not a priority. So the MS Trust is addressing this problem by launching its #No1alone campaign to fund new specialist nurses. They have mapped services across the UK and highlighted the areas in greatest need. Now they are going to fund, train and support new MS nurses to make a difference for thousands of people living with MS today.

Sense, the national disability charity, is set to launch a 10-week programme of free yoga sessions for people who have sight and hearing impairments and those with complex needs. The free programme has been made possible following a grant of £424,958 from Sport England which was awarded to Sense to increase opportunities for people with deafblindness to participate in sport and physical activity through its ‘Sporting Sense’ project. London is one of the areas that the project will focus on, with Sense set to deliver a number of activities across the region from now until May 2018. The project will influence the development and delivery of local physical activity plans, which will include working alongside deafblind people. Taylor Huxster, Regional Sports Coordinator at Sense said: “We wanted to provide exercise tailored to the needs of people with sensory loss who often face many barriers to keeping active. Yoga is an accessible and safe form of exercise for people of all ages. It’s an effective way to build strength, flexibility and balance and it’s also great for relaxation and stress management. We hope that these sessions will help more people live active lives and enjoy the benefits of exercise.” For more information or to book a place, those who wish to attend should get in touch with the Taylor Huxster at Taylor.Huxster@sense.org.uk or call 020 7014 9318 (Tues, Wed and Thurs).



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30/09/2016 13:05

BMW on the Motability Scheme

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE BMW X1.

NOW AVAILABLE ON THE MOTABILITY SCHEME.

• The BMW X1 is now available from £1,999 Advance Payment • Range also includes the BMW 1 Series (3-door and 5-door), BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, seven-seat BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring • Selected models accessible to drivers under 25 years old • Manual or automatic transmission and high standard specification includes metallic paint, BMW Emergency Call and BMW Navigation • A brand-new BMW every three years with insurance, service and maintenance all covered

BMW RANGE FROM £999 ADVANCE PAYMENT* FOR THE BMW 1 SERIES SPORTS HATCH. To help find the right BMW for you, call 0800 325 600, visit bmw.co.uk/motability or contact the Motability Scheme specialist at your local BMW Centre.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW range available on the Motability Car Scheme: Urban 33.6-72.4mpg (8.4-3.9l/100km). Extra Urban 55.4-91.1mpg (5.1-3.1l/100km). Combined 44.8-83.1mpg (6.3-3.4l/100km). CO2 emissions 147-89g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

*The BMW range available on the Motability Contract Hire Car Scheme starts from £999 Advance Payment for the BMW 116d SE 3 and 5-door Sports Hatch. Models shown are the BMW X1 xDrive18d xLine from £1,999 Advance Payment, BMW 116d M Sport 5-door Sports Hatch from £1,999 Advance Payment, BMW 318i Sport from £1,999 Advance Payment and BMW 218i Sport Gran Tourer from £1,999 Advance Payment. Prices are correct at time of going to print for orders placed and accepted between 1 October and 31 December 2016. All models on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme include optional metallic paint at no extra cost. Models featured may include options at an additional cost. 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 either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of 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.

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FYI

TEACHING VISUALLY IMPAIRED KIDS TO CODE An expert team of coders from the technology and business sectors hosted a coding workshop at St.Vincent’s specialist school for sensory impairment. Supported by the knowledge and experience of Salesforce, Thomson Reuters, CoderDojo, the BBC, Wayfindr, Recite Me, and Primo Toys, 50 young coding ninjas got the chance to learn to code in a fun and interactive way. Commenting on the event, Will Coleman, Director of Developer Relations at Salesforce, said: “This is the first visually impaired Dojo we’ve run in Liverpool and it was a fantastic opportunity for the kids to get involved and learn some valuable life skills. We taught them about web accessibility through puzzles and experimental braille communications powered by the BBC micro:bit. Using Cubetto the participants were also able to programme a robot using physical blocks.” The primary motivation for this event was the lack of available resources for children with visual impairments who want to learn to code. Speaking from experience, Ben Mustill Rose, a visually-impaired developer at the BBC, says: “Programmes that teach coding fundamentals, like Scratch, are inaccessible to children with visual impairments as they are based on visuals. This means that if you’re blind, you have to get into text programming straight away, which puts many children off.”

85% of people with visual impairments are unemployed at a time when 39% of companies are struggling to hire employees with appropriate computer skills (British Computer Society). Visually impaired Dojos aim to teach children with visual impairments the skills to enable them to join a technologyrelated work experience programme and then eventually get a job in technology. Another goal of the project is to build awareness among the next generation of sighted developers - starting with children who attend CoderDojo and other coding clubs - of accessibility issues including the fact that not everyone sees a website in the same way.

NEW DISABILITY SPORT INIATITIVE

In the future there are also plans to offer a set of open source resources and materials that the wider coding community can use. For more information visit: Salesforce blog: www.salesforce.org/ making-technology-accessible-at-both-thedeveloper-and-user-level/ Accessibility CoderDojos: www.facebook.com/accessdojo

“THE PRIMARY MOTIVATION FOR THIS EVENT WAS THE LACK OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS”

The Premier League and BT have launched a three-year programme that aims to create opportunities and inspire disabled people through sport. This partnership will see the organisations work together to provide funding to Premier League clubs to create more opportunities for disabled people across England and Wales.

The initiative will utilise the profile and expertise of the Premier League, BT Group, professional football clubs and BT Sport to inspire disabled people to become more active as well as develop new skills and confidence. Following an independent funding application assessment process, successful

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30/09/2016 13:07

HELP TO SHAPE YOUR PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCIES

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2017 AUTISM PROFESSIONALS AWARDS The National Autistic Society is looking for people, organisations and projects making a difference to the lives of autistic people and their families. The charity is encouraging the public and professionals to nominate them for the 2017 Autism Professionals Awards. The annual awards, which are sponsored by Axcis Education, were first launched in 2013 to recognise and promote good autism practice and inspire others to improve their own work. There are 14 awards, covering education, health, social care, employment, community projects and volunteering. The deadline for nominations is 28 October 2016. The awards will be judged by an independent panel of 10 autism experts who review each nomination based on their innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability. Shortlisted candidates will be announced in January, ahead of the awards event on 7 March 2017 in Harrogate.

Premier League clubs will employ a dedicated Disability Officer responsible for co-ordinating the programme and promoting inclusion. Disability Officers will work with local agencies to amplify existing work and deliver programmes that engage disabled people through sport. Sport will be used to provide a range of opportunities such as volunteering, education, employability, and apprenticeships. Programme areas will include:

Last year’s winners included Jonathan Andrews, a young autistic man from Bromley, and Autism Oxford UK. Jonathan was recognised for his efforts raising awareness of autism and the skills autistic people can bring to the workplace. Meanwhile, Autism Oxford won the award for Most Supportive Employer, in recognition of the support they offer to autistic adults on their staff. Carol Povey, Director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said: “We want to hear about individuals and organisations doing amazing work for autistic people and their families. By sharing their stories, we hope to increase public understanding of autism and inspire others to improve their own autism practice.” To find out more about the 2017 Autism Professionals Awards or to nominate an individual or organisation, please visit www.autismprofessionalsawards.org.uk

• Sport: opportunities for disabled people to take part in sport and physical activity • Inclusion: ensuring that staff make reasonable adjustments to make activities inclusive to all • Engagement: ensuring disabled people have a positive experience of the programme • Events: clubs will deliver activities to raise awareness of their work in this space. The Premier League and BT will

Parliament has asked the Boundary Commission for England, an independent and impartial public organisation, to review all the constituency boundaries in England and it needs your help. Sam Hartley, Secretary to the Commission explains: “We have to reduce the number of constituencies from 533 to 501 and make the number of electors in each more equal – that means a lot of change. “Last month, we published our first set of proposals, which you can see on our website, and are now asking you to tell us what you think. Do the proposals reflect your local community – for instance are the local places that are important to you such as where you go to meet friends, play sports or attend clubs, in the same constituency as where you live?” You have until 5 December 2016 to comment on the proposals, either online at www.bce2018.org.uk or by speaking at a public hearing (all the dates and how to book a slot are available on the website). So, now it’s over to you – go online to have your say and help shape the new Parliamentary constituencies in England.

organise a national event at the end of each season, to give participants the opportunity to come together and mark their achievements.

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Columnist Mik Scarlet

HOW MUCH HAS IT TOUCHED YOU? As I write this I’m preparing to film a report for Channel 5 News on the Paralympic Legacy and what wider impact the Games have had on disabled people in the UK. Of course we will be celebrating the amazing achievement of ParalympicsGB, with their stunning medal haul, but the piece will also explore that many disabled people see no real benefit after the Games. Before London 2012 I wasn’t a fan of sport at all. When I was told I’d never walk again, at 15, I honestly celebrated “No more sport!”. But after presenting court-side from the wheelchair rugby and chatting with fans, I saw how parasport gives confidence to and inspires many. Watching other disabled people achieving excellence in what they do made other disabled people want to do the same. Most wanted to equal their sporting prowess but even I, as a ‘sportaphobe’, felt a positive glow as I witnessed the passion and commitment of the players. I doubted I would be gripped by sporting fever but I did feel a kind of positivity that was infectious, a feeling that maybe anything might be possible. Maybe it was too, but for the 2012 Games to have a real legacy it needed more than a positive glow. It needed a commitment from all of society. The government needed to want to ensure

disabled people had equality, business had to actively want to attract disabled custom and employ disabled talent and the public had to push those in power for all that while they saw disabled people as equals. Now whatever your political leanings, I doubt you can truly say that these things have happened. The government has continued to change many of the support systems

I, AS A ‘SPORTAPHOBE’, FELT A POSITIVE GLOW AS I WITNESSED THE PASSION AND COMMITMENT OF THE PLAYERS disabled people rely on to get by, let alone thrive. Business still mostly sees disabled people as an annoyance, requiring expensive adaptations either as customers or employees. Even the public attitude has hardened, pushed by a media and government who has painted our community as fakers and scroungers. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been accused of having a free house, a free car and piles of taxpayer-funded handouts. Even if someone did get all this jamboree of handouts, is that really so awful? If they are entitled to the support, it is in place to allow them to live with dignity

and a level of independence. No one is disabled for all the free stuff, and that’s a fact. Four years on from 2012, the Rio Games are over. The UK team proved their skills over and over, being rewarded by the record breaking medal haul but are they returning to a country that is much better for them than the one from before 2012? I know my home town of Camden has not improved one bit, with some bars and shops having what little access they did have being taken out, with planning permission too. I don’t want to be a negative Nelly, so I hope that this time, after this huge success in Rio, the legacy will finally be tangible. To do this, however, all of society has to want it, and disabled people have to remind all around us every day that legacy cannot happen without active change. It’s not something that happens magically, just through wanting it. A real Paralympic legacy is something we all have to fight for, just as hard as the Paralympians have to fight for their medals. If society wants a real legacy for disabled people it will have to dedicate as much passion and commitment as each of our Paralympic team put into their training. It might be hard, and take a toll, but in the end the reward will be worth it. Now that’s a race even I’d train every day for.

Follow Mik on Twitter @MikScarlet

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Columnist Sam Renke

THE ‘TOKEN DISABLED’ Last month I received a very exciting phone call from my agent, “Congratulations Sam, you’ve got the Maltesers® job!”

Our favourite teacher turned actress, Sam Renke, brings you her take on life and the colourful experiences it throws her way. You can follow Sam on Twitter @samrenke

After a number of rigorous auditions and days anxiously waiting by the phone, I finally got the answer I was hoping for. I’m not ashamed to say I shed a few tears of joy and was super excited at the prospect of consuming large amounts of free chocolate! Mars chocolate had won £1million of broadcasting commercial airtime from Channel 4’s ‘Superhumans Wanted’ competition to create a commercial that puts disability and diversity at the forefront. These commercials would be launched at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics and feature a range of people with disabilities and I was going to be one of them. Starring in a Maltesers® commercial was by far by my biggest acting achievement to date and I was overjoyed to be part of such a ground-breaking and revolutionary campaign. Disability is still only represented by 2.5% on our television screens and although the success of Paralympics has contributed significantly to the way disability is viewed by society, the Games are only every four years and once they finish we revert back to seeing very few disabled people on television or in any form of media. Half of the British public don’t personally know anyone disabled and two-thirds of people admit to feeling awkward about disability according to research done by the charity SCOPE. So surely seeing more people with disability in authentic roles, not just focusing on their impairment, on

television, presenting our favourite shows, in our advertisements and in our magazines would surely improve this? So, why in 2016 is disability monstrously underrepresented in the media? Over the past few years, I have asked this question to a number of broadcasters and media organisations and there seems to be a few main reasons, according to them. I’ve been told, particularly in advertising that the advertisers are hesitant to use a person with a disability for fear of ‘tokenism’, they don’t want to just put a disabled person in an advert for the sake of it, as in “here’s someone in a wheelchair, we’ve now ticked a box!” I’ve also been told that there just isn’t enough disabled talent out there. This obviously infuriates me as I am the proof that there certainly is ‘disabled talent’ and I’ve come across many more very talented people with disabilities throughout my years as an actress. The biggest barrier I feel is that people still feel too awkward around disability. This awkwardness goes all the way back to the casting process. To start with casting agents don’t know where to look for disabled talent, auditions can be held in building with no lifts and without access and producers worry about the practicalities of having a wheelchair or someone with and impairment on set. It seems like a vicious circle at times, but I do feel that attitudes are changing, maybe at a snail’s pace but changing for the good nevertheless. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 15

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

ROARING SUCCESS IN RIO The most successful Paralympic Games

We came second in the medal table, only behind China, and the incredible final medal tally for Rio 2016 looked like this:

Gold ➠ 64 Silver ➠ 39 Bronze ➠ 44 Total = 147

ATHLETICS

©Simon Bruty for OIS/OIC

for ParalympicsGB ever have just taken place in Rio. We feel like there is an empty hole where the excitement and anticipation of the races once were and we are all twiddling our thumbs searching Twitter for highlights or moments we may have missed. In order to relive the highs, lows, laughter and shocks we have put together a reel of images and highlights of the Games over the next few pages, however, we are aware that we have not been able to mention all the medal winners and athletes individually – believe me if we had the space to do so we would, there are simply too many to mention! Not a bad position to be in.

[Above] Libby Clegg and her guide Chris Clarke wins gold in the T11 100m ©onEdition

PEACOCK DID US PROUD

Jonnie Peacock defended his title in the T44 100m in a dominant performance that saw newcomer (and fantastic character) Liam Malone (New Zealand) take silver and Felix Streng (Germany) take bronze. Following debate as to whether Peacock could pull this performance out of the bag with the current fierce competition on the track, he stormed to victory with a new Paralympic Record of 10.81s.

[Above] Kadeena Cox showing off all of her medals ©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

We want to take the opportunity to congratulate all the athletes that represented Great Britain, you all did us proud. Here’s to Tokyo in four years, no pressure ParalympicsGB!

Jonnie went on to appear nightly on The Last Leg during the remainder of the Paralympics, sporting a tutu and acting as Adam Hill's assistant, inbetween dodging the advances of Josh Widdicombe!

[Above] Jonathan Broom Edwards defying gravity in the high jump to take silver

©Bob Martin for OIS/OIC

THE GUN SHOW Richard Whitehead did not disappoint as he stormed to victory once again defending his T42 200m title from 2012. Ex-forces, David Henson, who came to light as a talented athlete at 2014’s Invictus Games secured the bronze in this race, despite a wobbly heat that saw him almost lose balance on his blades and not qualify for the final. Richard also competed in the 100m for the first time at the Paralympics and the finish was so close he shared the silver medal with Denmark's Daniel Wagner.

©Simon Bruty for OIS/OIC

©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

GOLDEN GIRL Hannah Cockroft soared to victory in all three of her races – T34 100m, 400m and 800m - she just keeps getting better. However, hot on her heels was GB’s 15-year-old Kare Adenagan who took silver in the 100m and bronze in both the 400m and 800m – the future on the track looks secure for GB.

HANNAH'S RACING CHAIR IS NAMED TINKERBELL AFTER HER FRIEND WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS

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SWIMMING SUCCESS

We tallied up a whopping 16 gold, 16 silver and 15 bronze medals in the pool in Rio. Ellie Robinson was the new kid on the block and at just 15 years old she has made a major splash, not just for her gold medal in the S6 50m butterfly, her entrance to her first race will go down in history as the most bad ass display at a Paralympics yet. Ellie Simmonds added to her medal tally, Susie Rodgers shocked herself with a gold in the S7 50m butterfly and Twitter went wild with ‘shockfaced’ emoji’s in recognition of her reaction!

[Below] Ellie Simmonds

©Simon Lodge for IOS/OIC

BOCCIA

Sascha Kindred achieved a phenomenal gold and set a world record in his last Games at the age of 38.

[Below] Bethany Firth broke a world record to scoop gold in 100m backstroke S14

[Above] David Smith won gold in the BC1 Individual event ©Anthony Edgar for OIS/IOC

©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

[Above] Ellie Robinson wins gold in the 50m Butterfly S6 ©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

DID YOU KNOW...

15-YEAR-OLD ELLIE ROBINSON ALREADY HELD 4 BRITISH RECORDS BEFORE THE PARALYMPIC GAMES

[Above] Oliver Hynd wins gold in the 400m freestyle S8 ©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

[Below] Harriet Lee won silver in the 100m breaststroke SB9 ©onEdition

POWERLIFTING [Above] Zoe Newson won bronze in the women's 45kg category ©onEdition [Above] Bethany Firth

[Below] Ali Jawad won silver in the men's 59kg category and made some great appearances on The Last Leg

©onEdition ©Al Tielemans for IOS/OIC

©Bob Martin for IOS/OIC

©onEdition

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

ARCHERY

©Bob Martin for IOS/OIC

[Above] Matt Stutzman is an American archer who taught himself the sport when he couldn't find a job and needed to provide for his family. He now holds the world record for the furthest on-target bow fired. ©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

MURDERBALL

Drew the attention of the crowds with its full contact nature, brutal collisions and high scoring games. GB didn’t medal but they did finish in a very respectable 5th place.

[Below] Andy Lapthorne took home silver in the quad singles ©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

[Above] Helen Freeman dribbling the ball in the GB match against Germany ©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

[Below] Terry Bywater (left), Leandro de Miranda BRA (centre) and Phil Pratt GBR challenge for the ball ©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

TENNIS

The women’s team made history as they secured 4th place in the competition, the highest they have ever finished in a Paralympic Games. The men scooped bronze in a victorious match over Turkey. [Below] Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett settled for silver after a tough match against the French team ©Al Tielemans for OIS/IOC

[Below] Andy Lapthorne ©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

DID YOU KNOW...

GORDON REID MADE HISTORY EARLIER THIS YEAR BY BECOMING THE FIRST WHEELCHAIR TENNIS WIMBLEDON CHAMPION

Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid secured a silver medal in the men’s doubles wheelchair tennis following a tough match against France. And the next day the boys had to wake up and treat each other like strangers as they faced each other in the men’s singles final. It was Gordon Reid who took the gold in this match, so not a bad outcome for GB who could celebrate both medals. Andy Lapthorne and Jamie Burdekin took bronze in the quad doubles following the longest match in wheelchair tennis history. They clocked up a huge four hours and 25 minute match time in 37 degree heat to battle it out for the bronze. It was an emotional win. Andy Lapthorne also won a silver medal in the quad singles and Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley beat Japan to secure a bronze medal in the women’s doubles too. î

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

SARAH STOREY

Sarah Storey made history as the most decorated female GB Paralympian, over taking Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. Sarah won three gold medals in Rio bringing her medal tally to 14 golds, eight silvers and three bronze.

CYCLING

DID YOU KNOW...

MEGAN GIGLIA IS A FORMER BADMINTON ENGLAND REGIONAL OFFICER AND USED TO BE A WALL-CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR [Above] Italy's Alex Zinardi continued to win over the crowds with his impressive performances and moving speeches

©onEdition

REDEMPTION

Following the heartache of London 2012 where Jody Cundy slipped out of the start gate and was disqualified from the C4/C5 1km time trial, he had the chance to redeem himself on the world stage. Another four years of training and determination paid off as he raced to glory almost 2 seconds ahead of his competitors in a Paralympic Record time of 1:02.473. Hopefully, he can finally put the demons of London 2012 behind him.

[Above] Steve Bate and Adam Duggleby win gold ©onEdition ©

[Below] Sophie Thornhill and Helen Scott secure gold ©onEdition

Jody was also part of the GB team who won gold in the Team Sprint. Jody Cundy, Jon-Allan Butterworth and Louis Rolfe formed a formidable trio setting a World Record in their bid for gold.

PARACANOE MEDAL HAUL

These consecutive races saw GB’s medal haul increase by five in a very short space of time as we secured three golds from Jeanette Chippington (KL1), Emma Wiggs (KL2) and Anne Dickins (KL3). Ian Marsden (KL1) battled it out in an incredible close finish for bronze and Nick Beighton (KL2) also secured bronze in his event. î

©onEdition

©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

MEGAN GIGLIA

Megan won the first gold medal for Great Britain in the Velodrome in the C1-3 3000m on day 1, an incredible achievement for her debut performance, especially after only coming into the sport in 2014. Megan races each race for someone who has been affected by a stroke or brain aneurysm, in each interview following her race she shared a picture and a bit of background on them to help raise awareness of the amazing work that they are doing.

[Below] Emma Wiggs scooped gold in the KL2 ©Al Tielemans for OIS/IOC

[Above] Jeanette Chippington also scooped gold in the KL1 ©Al Tielemans for OIS/IOC

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JEEP RENEGADE

From NIL Advance Payment

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OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9 (5.9) – 70.6 (4.0), URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 55.4 (5.1), COMBINED 40.9 (6.9) – 64.2 (4.4), CO2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 115 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may

also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Vehicle shown is Jeep Renegade 1.6 E-TorQ EVO Sport available with NIL Advance Payment with Alpine White paint included. Advance Payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed between 1st October to 31st December 2016. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

©onEdition

SAILING

PING PONG PERFECTION

Will Bayley played his heart out to secure the gold medal in Class 7 Table Tennis. His reaction didn’t disappoint as he took to the top of the match table to soak up the applause and when he jumped down he was given a yellow card by the unamused official, who he dutifully hugged and continued celebrating. Success continued as Rob Davies also scooped the gold in Class 1.

©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

[Below] Heiko Kröger GER and Helena Lucas GBR vying for position ©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

HIS REACTION DIDN’T DISAPPOINT AS HE TOOK TO THE TOP OF THE MATCH TABLE TO SOAK UP THE APPLAUSE

Piers Gilliver secured a silver medal in the men’s individual epee.

©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

WHEELCHAIR FENCING

[Below] Alexandra Rickham GBR and Niki Birrell GBR racing in the 2-Person Keelboat

©onEdition

©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

PARATRIATHLON

Paratriathlon made its debut at the Paralympic Games and Andy Lewis made history as he secured the very first gold medal in the men’s PT2 event. GB’s Lauren Steadman took silver in the women’s PT4 and in the women’s PT5 Alison Patrick took silver and Melissa Reid took bronze. So, apparently we are quite good at this event, glad it is still on the roster for Tokyo 2020.

DID YOU KNOW...

BEFORE BEING INTRODUCED IN 2000 AT THE SYDNEY GAMES, SAILING WAS AN EXHIBITION SPORT IN ATLANTA IN 1996

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PARALYMPIC GAMES

[Above] The GB team ©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

FOOTBALL 7-A-SIDE

Great Britain took fifth place in the football 7-a-side. Ukraine took gold, Iran claimed silver and host country Brazil took the bronze medal. [Above] Jose Carlos Monteiro Guimaraes BRA and Jack Rutter GBR challenge for the ball

[Above] Ollie Nugent GBR and Fabrizio Nascimentp de Oliveira BRA vie for the ball ©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

[Below] Lauren Rowles and Laurence Whiteley win gold for ParalympicsGB in the TA Mixed Double Sculls

[Above] The Great Britain Gold Medal winning crew of Grace Clough GBR (bow), Daniel Brown GBR, Pamela Relph GBR, James Fox GBR and James Olicer (cox) in the LTA Mixed Coxed Four

ROWING

[Above] Tom Aggar

©onEdition

ROWING IS OPEN TO MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETES AND IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR BOAT CLASSES. IN ALL FOUR EVENTS, RACES ARE OVER 1,000M

©onEdition ©onEdition

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©Anthony Edgar for OIS/IOC

PARALYMPIC GAMES

SHOOTING

[Above] Matt Skelhon GBR competing in the R6 - Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 Final © Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

[Below] Sophie Wells GBR riding Valerius competing in the Individual Freestyle Test ©

TRIBUTE TO BAHMAN GOLBARNEZHAD

Sadly, the Games suffered a great loss when Iranian road cyclist, Bahman Golbarnezhad, encountered a tragic crash during a race. The Closing Ceremony paid a moving tribute to the athlete and honoured a minute’s silence.

Liz Gregg for FEI

©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

[Below] Gold Medallist Lee Pearson GBR on horse Zion ©Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC

EQUESTRIAN

Great Britain again showed their prowess in all the equestrian events with a medal haul of seven gold medals and 4 silver medals. They once again won the Team Gold.

[Above] Philippa Johnson Dwyer GBR riding Lord Louis ©Liz Gregg for FEI

LEE PEARSON HOLDS 11 GOLD MEDALS AND WAS ALSO VOTED TO BE THE FLAG BEARER AT THE OPENING CEREMONY BY HIS PEERS

[Above] Lee Pearson GBR Silver Medal, Pepo Puch AUT Gold Medal and Stinna Kaastrup DEN Bronze Medal in the Individual Championship Test - Grade Ib ©Liz Gregg for FEI

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DMO KADEENA COX FULL PAGE A4 + 5MM BLEED_Layout 1 14/09/2016 08:57 Page 1

Kadeena Cox - Parasprinter & Paracyclist

DM Orthotics design and manufacture made to measure dynamic orthotic-wear for children and adults. Our clinically proven designs provide postural support and increased proprioception for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

dmo vest

dmo glove

DM Orthotics is extremely proud to have played a part in Kadeena’s journey to international glory. Kadeena uses a range of DMO products to aid her in training and everyday life.

reinforced glove and vest “The make a huge difference.

dmo shorts & leggings

“

Kadeena Cox - Parasprinter & Paracyclist

Find out more on Kadeena’s incredible journey and how her DMOs have helped her along the way at www.dmorthotics.com designed and constructed in the UK

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©onEdition

©Bob Martin for OIS/IOC

[Right] Sporting her medals from Rio

WHEN WERE YOU DIAGNOSED WITH MS? I was diagnosed in September 2014, but I first experienced symptoms four months earlier in May. I was at an athletics competition in Loughborough and my legs felt numb before the race. I just ignored it and it went away, but the next morning I couldn’t walk and my speech went too – words were coming out but didn’t make any sense. The symptoms worsened throughout the day until I struggled to do even simple tasks like write and clean my teeth. I was rushed to hospital and told I’d suffered a stroke. After two months of phsyio I made a full recovery but was readmitted in September when I experienced similar symptoms and it was only then that they discovered I had MS after carrying out further tests. These episodes are known as ‘relapses’ and the one I had in September is my severest yet and why I can be classified [in Paralympic sport]. It left me with a few permanent difficulties.

WHY DID YOU TURN TO SPORT?

FLYING THE FLAG FOR GB

Kadeena Cox has just returned from her Paralympic debut in Rio where she won a total of four medals across two sports; sprinting and cycling. She has emblazoned her name in the history books as the first Briton to secure gold medals in two different disciplines since 1984. Her phenomenal achievements also saw her awarded the honour of flag bearer at the Closing Ceremony. Hot off the plane from Rio, we caught up with Kadeena to find out about her whirlwind of success.

I’ve loved doing sport for as long as I can remember, especially sprinting. It’s my stress-buster. I don’t know what I would do without it. Growing up I dreamed of going to the Olympics and started doing athletics regularly from the age of 14. By 15, I was entering national events. When I got my diagnosis in 2014 I pretty much instantaneously decided I was going to get back into some kind of sport at elite level.

WHAT SORT OF TRAINING SCHEDULE DID YOU HAVE IN THE RUN UP TO THE PARALYMPICS? My schedule might sound full on because I had to train for two different sports in two different cities. Manchester, where I’m currently based, for cycling and then head to my hometown of Leeds twice a week for

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INTERVIEW

hence crying on national TV!

athletics training. But I worked out a good training balance and it didn’t really change much going into the final period. I’m managed by British Cycling so although I have an athletics coach and a cycling coach, everything else was through the cycling team – my physio, doctor, psychologist, physiologist – which made things more straightforward.

Probably winning the 400m because I hate that distance and it was only the third time I’d raced it as a para-athlete. When I crossed the line first I couldn’t believe it. It was at that point that I was able to really appreciate the Games properly and truly enjoy the moment.

What’s a little difficult is having to reset my mind each time. Sprinting and cycling do not complement each other at all and I was told it could not be done. I don’t know how I do it, I just do it. I get told I still cycle like a runner so I suppose you’d say I get away with it!

HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR MS WITH YOUR TRAINING? DOES IT EXACERBATE YOUR SYMPTOMS?

Fatigue is a big problem and all the training does take its toll. But I’ve worked with the doctor and the physio on this a lot and we decided on two rest days a week, more than others might do competing in two sports.

HOW DID IT FEEL WINNING YOUR FIRST GOLD MEDAL? Winning my 500m time trial was overwhelming. It hit me that all the work I’d done had paid off and meant that I was in with a chance of winning two medals in two sports. I felt very emotional having achieved something like that just shy of two years after receiving my diagnosis,

[Above] Elation after the T38 400m

©onEdition

©Simon Burty for OIS/IOC

I experience many symptoms, including fatigue, spasms, heat intolerance, tingling and numbness, but I’ve become so accustomed to some of them that I don’t really notice them anymore. They’re just part of me. The two that I find the trickiest are spasms and fatigue. Spasms particularly affect my right arm, which can dance around, and the lack of control can seriously impact on my timings. I use a reinforced glove and vest by DM Orthotic for in training and competition, which I’ve found really helps to keep my spasms under control and they’ve had a great impact on my sprinting and cycling performance. I also wear reinforced DMO socks and shorts to help realign my feet and hips. It’s an area I’m really passionate about and plan to specialise in orthoses for children with cerebral palsy as part of my physio degree now that Rio is over.

©Simon Burty for OIS/IOC

WAS THERE A RACE THAT MEANT MORE TO YOU TO WIN?

HOW DID IT FEEL CARRYING THE FLAG AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY? It was the biggest honour ever. We had so many amazing athletes out there and to be able to represent them was an incredible feeling. It was a fantastic Games and to be in the middle of it all was just amazing.

YOU HAVE BEEN A REAL INSPIRATION TO MANY PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY, IN PARTICULAR, FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS. HOW DOES THAT FEEL? It feels absolutely amazing! I also hope that being in the public eye will help raise awareness of the condition in general as a lot of people don’t understand what it is, especially as it’s so different from one person to the next. When people find out I have MS the normal response is, ‘Is that something to do with your muscles? I do have something wrong with my muscles but it’s actually a condition of the central nervous system, which affects my muscles.

WHEN I CROSSED THE LINE FIRST I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT. IT WAS AT THAT POINT THAT I WAS ABLE TO REALLY APPRECIATE THE GAMES PROPERLY

People get really confused by me because I can be walking around fine one day and the next day I’ll need my wheelchair. Sometimes it happens within one day. It’s quite a hard one to explain. There’s a lot of research around it and some medications have been brought in recently, one of which I’m on which seems to be working really well. But to continue that research we need funding. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 29

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COMPETITION

WIN!

ENTER NOW TO WIN

A WEEK AT BRICKHOUSE FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES

Situated just 10 miles from the bright lights of Blackpool and an hour from the Lake District, Brickhouse Farm rests in six rural acres in Lancashire and provides a fun-filled break for families and friends. Each of their purpose-built, accessible cottages overlook the fully stocked Brickhouse fishing lake and are finished to the highest standards. Alongside stunning British-made oak furnishings you will find incredible wet rooms, under floor heating and modern amenities; access is key. Seven of the eight cottages are kitted out with ceiling track hoists and five now have hoists above the outdoor hot tubs. Their home from home cottages all have that touch of luxury and disability aids are provided on request. Since opening three years ago, Brickhouse Farm self catering cottages have gone from strength to strength, with three brand new accessible cottages just opened in March 2016, each with its own balcony overlooking the fishing lake, profile beds and accessible hot tubs. These new properties are a great addition to an already thriving holiday destination. In September they were also granted planning permission for a Hydrotherapy Pool to benefit their amazing visitors.

Brickhouse Farm Cottages are offering one lucky PosAbility reader the chance to win a

WHAT HAVE BRICKHOUSE JUST HAD PERMISSION GRANTED FOR?

a) Hydrotherapy Pool b) Plunge Pool c) Jacuzzi

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply answer the question correctly andwww.posabilitymagazine.co.uk return your details to the 28

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seven-night break at the self-catering accommodation for up to six people. The cottage has level access throughout the ground floor including the patio. All bedrooms have stunning en suites and the accessible bedroom downstairs has an adjustable electric bed and ceiling track hoist leading through into a contemporary, spacious wet room. Ian and Sue Rainford are the owners of these beautifully appointed cottages and they have truly gone the extra mile to ensure that all visitors experience a luxurious and relaxing stay, no matter what their abilities are. Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages www.brickhousecottages.co.uk 01253 702122 Terms & Conditions Prize includes a one-week holiday (Friday to Friday) at Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages on a self-catering basis. Accommodation is in one of the 3 bedroom cottages, which sleeps up to 6 people. Food, drink and travel not included. The prize must be taken between Dec 2016 and Feb 2017 (excluding 23 Dec 2016 to 2 Jan 2017) or Nov 2017 and Dec 2017 (excluding school holidays and 22 Dec 2017 to 5 Jan 2018). The prize winner will be required to disclose any access requirements upon booking. Dates may be subject to change and availability. In Pine and Willow Cottage up to 2 dogs are allowed at an additional cost of £50 per pet. Registered service dogs are welcome in any of our cottages free of charge. You can upgrade to one of the cottages with a hot tub for an added cost of £100.00 for the week. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative can be offered. Closing date for entries is 30 Nov 2016. One entry per household.

following address, email posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com or visit www.posabilitymagazine. co.uk to enter online.

Name:

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Feature sponsored by Argos

Embracing age and living independently

YOUNG AT HEART

hen you are 18, the world is your oyster. Anything is possible. Hopes, dreams and ambitions seem all too easy to achieve, you’re at the peak of your physical fitness and anyone over 30 is considered ‘past it’. When you are 40, you are just getting comfortable, sure, not everything is sitting where it used to and you have more than a few ‘problem areas’ and that beer belly is coming along nicely. But, you are still able to have a good time up along with the best of them. You have matured and you know what you like, that’s not a crime, but you’re definitely not ‘past it’! You’re in your 80s. You have more health problems and sore body parts than you knew it was possible to have. Your children have had their children and maybe some of them have had their children. Everything is a chore. Whilst mentally you

may not be as sharp as you once were and may call a family member a whole host of other names before you arrive at the right one, but you are still the same person you’ve always been. Your likes, dislikes and morals all remain, but you’ve hit the realisation like a brick wall. You might be, quite possibly, perhaps, ‘past it’. There is nothing worse when you begin to think this way. That’s a disease in itself. But here’s the secret, the secret to getting older… you aren’t past it. You’ll never be past it. All you need to do is change the way you think about growing older and abandon the stigma of old age that you have worked up in your head your whole life.

younger’. These simple, yet mentally destructive statements do nothing but fuel the negative feelings of ageing that many people over the age of 65 in the UK harbour. Neglecting this negativity is the way forward to continue to do all your favourite activities, go to all your favourite places and continue to live a happy and fulfilling life well into your twilight years. Essential Aids is one of the leading providers of daily living aids in the UK

The stigma of old age is only reinforced by the memory of your younger self; ‘I used to be able to see over there’, ‘I’ve never needed help to walk before’, ‘I would have been able to work this machine easily when I was

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INDEPENDENCE

THE MEDIA HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN INFLUENCING ATTITUDES TO OLDER PEOPLE

for older people and those living with disabilities. They play an active role in striving to improve the lives of their customers. They have an eager team that helps people transitioning into older age and combat the stigma that comes along with that. Spokeswoman, Polly Eden, said: “A recent study by Age UK found that two million people over the age of 75 live alone and more than one million can go for a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family. Other studies have suggested that a significant proportion of older people feel increasingly invisible and ignored by society. The reasons for this are varied and complex, but can include retirement, bereavement, ill health and poverty.

[Above and below] Essential Aids run innovative campaigns to showcase older people in a fun and positive manner

“All these issues can affect a senior’s identity, or their ability to socialise and stay connected with others. Many seniors who need to work beyond retirement also report that it’s a challenge to maintain or find employment due to discrimination and ageism. “The media have an important role to play in influencing attitudes to older people. At Essential Aids we were motivated to embark on ad campaigns that portray ageing in a positive, empowering way. We made sure our ‘Quadrosenior’ campaign had a strong message that people still retain their identity and individuality no matter what their age. “In our follow up campaign ‘Forever Fabulous’ we enlisted 83-year-old Ruth Rose as our model. She’s an ageism and transgender activist who had undergone two hip replacements, a knee replacement and gender reassignment surgery all during her 70s. The message we wanted to convey here was that it is possible to fulfil ambitions and goals regardless of your age. “At Essential Aids we also think carefully about how we can help our customers. Recently we became involved in a ‘Fall Prevention’ community program where

we meet groups who are either at risk of falling or rehabilitating after a fall. We outline which adaptations they can make around the home and give guidance and advice about mobility products that can help seniors stay safely mobile.

when cooking or a grabber stick to help you retrieve items out of your reach or even a medical alert bracelet that will give your family peace of mind, it will enable you to stay in your home and live independently for much longer.

“Attitudes towards ageing are gradually improving, with seniors such as Jessica Lange and Helen Mirren fronting cosmetics campaigns. But whilst many more seniors are now included in mainstream marketing, there is still a long way to go before ageism is truly a thing of the past.”

And no longer do these independent living items have to be unattractive and clinical looking. Manufacturers are recognising that, while many of these products are essential items, they still must provide something that appeals to the customer and makes them want to buy it, rather just needing to buy it.

KEEPING YOUR INDEPENDENCE There is no shame in getting older and admitting that you need some help to live independently. If you can buy a simple product like a kettle tipper to avoid spilling hot water out of a heavy kettle

Argos, one of the UK’s largest retailers, has also recently launched an independent living section, bringing daily living aids into the mainstream. Visit www.argos.co.uk for more information. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 33

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ADVERTORIAL

ARGOS: Bringing Independence to The High Street Thought independent living aids were reserved for specialist suppliers? Think again. Retail giants are working hard to make these products easily accessible and available in the mainstream – we found out more about Argos’s brilliant new range

THE ARGOS CATALOGUE is as much a part of the British home as your TV set or stash of tea bags, and now, the retailer has increased its focus on independent living for older and disabled people. According to research carried out by the chain, the biggest worry amongst over 50s is a loss of independence, with a further 29% anxious about not being able to go out alone, and one in 10 fearing not being able to exercise, which is where Argos Independent Living comes in.

FANTASTIC RANGE While getting older can be worrying, especially if you notice your health and mobility deteriorating, it doesn’t have to be this way. Earlier this year, Argos launched a contemporary new range of independent living products, with a host of fantastic tools, gadgets and aids available online at www.argos.co.uk/ independent-living, which can help you to maintain your independence and rely less on others to help you.

According to Argos survey respondents, active and independent living today means being mobile, mentally stimulated and able to live in your own home. Other key elements include exercise, using technology and being able to work in the garden, and the new Argos range has items to help individuals with all of these things.

EASIER Argos now stocks a range of living aids to make life that little bit easier, and has a number of buying guides and articles available online to offer advice, which are available to everyone. From wheelchairs to walking frames, kitchen gadgets to accessible tech, mobility scooters to riser recliner chairs, all of it can be ordered online and either collected from any one of the over 800 Argos stores in your local area,

or delivered straight to your door. “We want to help everyone to live their life to the full,” says Adam Chaplin, Buying Manager at Argos. “That’s why we have expanded our selection to build a credible range of living aids, giving our customers the most choice to find exactly what they need. By no way are we completely finished as we continue to learn from our customers, constantly striving to improve our offer.” With such a fantastic variety of living aids available on the high street, it’s easy to get the support you need. Head to the Argos website now to check out the articles and guides, and to see what’s out there to help you continue to live happily and independently.

For more information, visit the Argos website at www.argos.co.uk or search for the Argos Independent Living range 34 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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EXPLORE OUR RANGE Simple things are often the best.

So we’ve hand picked a huge range of products designed to help you out around the home and when you are out and about. Whether you need a wheelchair or mobility scooter to keep you mobile, or some extra support doing jobs about the house, we got the products, advice and inspiration to make day-to-day life easier and more comfortable.

Go in-store and pick up or you can buy online at argos.co.uk and we’ll drop them to your door.

It’s that simple. Scout 4 Wheel

Mobility Scooter

6407 – Class 2. 173/

Search us using ‘Independent Living‘

Independent living

Deluxe Overbed Table. 865

/0971

Stand Alone Ad justable Toilet Ra il Frame. 865/ Ease of Living 1004 Raise Bath Step - Stac d Toilet Seat with Lid. 865/ 0641 kable. 865/1255

Home delivery: We can deliver anywhere in the UK and Northern Ireland (unless otherwise stated) as well as Channel Islands via our partner Ship2me. We are unable to deliver to the Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Orkney. Western Scottish Islands and Shetland Islands. For full details of out deliver services and lead times see page 6 of the main catalogue or visit www.argos.co.uk and click on home delivery.

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

HOT STUFF

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

CES PRFIROM

9 ÂŁ(E2XC2VAT)

ROLLZ FLEX The Rollz Flex is a combined shopper and rollator in one with a very modern, trendy design. Ideal if you feel you need a little more support than a walking stick but are not perhaps quite ready for a traditional rollator. The adjustable handlebar gives users stability and comfort and the integral seat is there for when you need to rest or when you want to just stop and enjoy the moment.

The folded forward handle cleverly doubles as a backrest for added safety. Innovative drum brakes provide safe and controlled braking and parking. The integral shopping bag is waterproof and holds a large capacity and the manoeuvrable front wheels allow for easy steering. Rollz Flex folds easily into a compact size for easy storing and stowing in the boot of your car.

It comes with a white frame and you can opt for a purple or denim grey shopping bag. The handle bar is height-adjustable and can also be positioned upright, half or fully tilted forward for added stability and to offer a back rest when needed. Designed 2 Enable 0800 772 3771 www.designed2enable.co.uk ď&#x192;Ž

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

THERA-TRAINER MOBI

The THERA-Trainer MOBI is the new addition to the THERA-Trainer range of Active/ Passive exercise bikes from Medicotech. It is a small and portable arm and leg exerciser which has been specifically designed for use in the home for those with mobility issues, who are still able to walk.

PRICESON

BLE AVAILA ST REQUE

NEW

Daily exercise on the MOBI will maintain muscle strength, increase stamina, stop joints becoming stiff and stimulate your metabolism. All of which will help to maintain your mobility. The MOBI can be used from any chair, and by placing the bike on the table and swapping the quick release footplates for handles it turns easily from a leg to an arm exerciser. The MOBI makes it easy to exercise in your own home at a time to suit you – every day – so you can maintain and improve your mobility and fitness.

PRIC

AVAILA ES BLE REQUE ON ST

For more information or to request a home demonstration please call Medicotech on 01908 564100 or visit www.medicotech.co.uk.

THE COLLECTION BY ARGOS

RISER RECLINER CHAIRS SINK, SPRAWL AND STRETCH OUT!

Crafted for comfort, convenience and style, The Collection by Argos features options in luxurious leather (Paolo) as well as a natural upholstery and leather combination (Bradley) that will be a great new addition to your living room. These are impressively affordable chairs which still manage to squeeze in some great features. The single motor means you can adjust the footrest and the backrest to the position you find most comfortable, offering a level of customisable comfort. The simple button handset is designed to respond to even the lightest touch, making it an easily operable riser recliner. The single

motor is smooth, quiet and gentle, so you can feel secure as well as comfortably relaxed. The riser recliner is designed to help you hold on to your independence. The chair mechanism will lift you to a standing position or lower you into a seated position, without the need for strain on your arms and wrists. The chairs offer a contemporary stylish design, with foam-filled cushions and fibrefilled backs to deliver comfort and pressure relief to your back, neck and shoulders. The Paolo is finished in leather and is available

in Chocolate, Ivory and Black while the Bradley chair is available in a leather and upholstery combination and is available in a Natural or Charcoal finish. The Paolo and Bradley riser recliners chairs accompany the current Paolo and Bradley suites found in the Argos furniture range, allowing you to have a full matching set in your home. The riser recliners are only available through home delivery and come with a two year manufacturer guarantee. For more information, visit the Argos website at www.argos.co.uk or search for the Argos Independent Living range. 

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INTELLIGENCE • EMPATHY • CARE

Converting the NEW EURO 6 VW Caddy Maxi Life Wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet your individual requirements 6 Seater Capacity (Driver + Wheelchair User + 4 Passengers)

Advance Payment on your NEW EURO 6 VW Caddy Maxi Life 2.0 Manual

Standard features include: 4 Original VW fuel tank 4 Original VW rear suspension 4 Quieter and warmer due to continuous rear door seal 4 Original VW seating throughout 4 Rear parking sensors 4 Gas strut assisted-lightweight ramp 4 Replacement vehicle available from your supplying VW Commercial Centre

from

£3,385* 2.0 Auto DSG

from

£3,785*

Full European Type Approved Before you make any decision on choosing your next wheelchair accessible vehicle, please call: *Available until 31st December 2016

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0800 999 5090 www.tbcconversions.com or log onto

29/09/2016 23:19

THE NEW ALFA GIULIETTA FROM NIL ADVANCE PAYMENT

FUEL YOUR INSTINCTS WITH THE NEW ALFA GIULIETTA. Enhanced features include a 5” Colour touchscreen radio with DAB, Bluetooth® and Smartphone connectivity, 16” 5 Double spoke alloy wheels, manual climate control and Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector. Insurance, servicing and maintenance are all included as part of the Motability Scheme package. For more information and for a complete list of all Alfa Romeo models available on the Motability Scheme visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk/motability

Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 29.7 – 60.1 mpg (9.5 – 4.7 I/100km); Extra Urban 54.3 – 88.3 mpg (5.2 – 3.2 I/100km); Combined 41.5 –74.3 mpg (6.8 – 3.8 I/100km). CO2 emissions 157 – 99 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Model shown: New Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120hp at NIL Advance Payment. Advance Payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed between 1st October and 31st December 2016. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time.

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

LEON POWERCHAIR The Leon powerchair from Karma Mobility has been designed to take full advantage of rear wheel drive when being used outdoors. Geared for speed without compromising on stability or control, the Leon has an exceptionally narrow wheelbase (62cm) which allows for agile manoeuvrability, making it a superior powerchair for even the most active users. Featuring a full suspension system for an extra comfortable ride and a top speed of 8mph, the Leon is available in a range of colours. There are also a range of seating and power options which include power tilt with centre of gravity shift, power recline and sheer reduction which can be applied

independently or together, depending on the user’s individual requirements. Supplying the NHS, care homes and numerous mobility retailers throughout the UK with its high quality powerchairs and wheelchairs, Karma Mobility ensures that the outstanding design of every product is extensively tested and evaluated before being placed on the market. All Karma products therefore stand the test of time and prove to be an excellent long term investment.

ICES

PR BLE ON ILA AVA QUEST RE

For more information or to find out your nearest Karma Mobility retailer visit www.karmamobility.co.uk/ where-to-buy or call 0845 630 3436.

THE MELROSE

PRICESON

BLE AVAILA ST Q RE UE

The Melrose offers a unique combination of tilt in space and independently controlled back recline and leg elevation. This enables carers to constantly adjust the users’ position to relieve pressure and provide continuous comfort throughout the day. Features of the Melrose include three positional adjustments, a variety of back comfort supports and a choice of pressure cushions with the sizes being easily adaptable to each users’ personal requirements. The seat width can be adjusted by removing and interchanging the arm pads to fit the seat to the user and there is a fully adjustable seat depth for self-alteration. Currently being used by the NHS, large care home groups and hospices, the Melrose is available in a wide and varied selection of colours and fabric designs. For more information on the full range of adjustable furniture available from Repose call 0844 7766001, email info@reposefurniture.co.uk or visit www.reposefurniture.co.uk.

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Throughout 2016 we will have wheelchair accessible properties available at:

L&Q @ Greenwich Peninsula SE10 L&Q @ Elephant Park SE17 Tower Reach E1 Acton Gardens W3 Morris Court SW19 Nelson Gardens SW19 Faircharm Dock SE8

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29/09/2016 23:22

CRUISING

Andy Wright, managing director of Accessible Travel and Leisure and PosAbility’s regular travel expert, explores how accessible cruising can be for the disabled traveller and offers some great advice for booking a cruise.

ALL ABOARD

IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU ARE INTO SPORTS, MUSIC, FOOD, SPA’S, WEST END SHOWS, A CRUISE WILL HAVE SOMETHING THAT APPEALS TO YOU

here are many misconceptions about choosing a cruise as a holiday option, such as, “will I be bored floating around at sea with little to do?” or “what if I get seasick”, or even “will I be able use my wheelchair or mobility scooter on board?” I’ve recently spoken with many people who use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility and do not like flying, and when I suggest to them to try a cruise that departs from the UK, they tell me they are concerned they would get bored and become restless on a cruise ship. Ironically, one of the greatest aspects about cruising is that there are always so many activities and opportunities available to you. Naturally, much depends on how you like to spend your leisure time and what you

want to get from a holiday. But there is always plenty of opportunity to relax or read a book, either around the pool or perhaps on your private balcony, if you choose the appropriate cabin. Alternatively, there are numerous opportunities to explore each new destination you visit and to experience the local culture. If you’re looking to be entertained, the list of options is extensive. P&O Cruises, employ a highly qualified and enthusiastic team of individuals, whose responsibilities include organising a range of daily activities designed to suit a variety of tastes and interests. So, it doesn’t matter if you are into sports, music, food, spa’s, West End shows, a cruise will have something that appeals to you. For those of you concerned about sea sickness, I have to say that fortunately very few passengers suffer on board the larger cruise ships these days. Modern day cruise ships are now considerable  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 43

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in size and are designed to be steadier, even in rough seas. They all have stabilisers that reduce the rolling effect, which is normally the main cause of feeling sick at sea. If you still have reservations, then I would highly recommend travelling in the middle of summer, when the sea is usually less turbulent. The Fjords are a brilliant destination choice, and as they are inland, the water tends to be calmer. By choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship or on a lower deck, you again reduce the likelihood of feeling unwell. And if you require an accessible cabin, the middle of the ship is where they tend to be located anyway. In order to provide complete peace of mind, you could take some anti-motion sickness pills or wear a wrist band specifically designed to alleviate possible motion sickness. If you are unsure about committing yourself to a seven or 14-night cruise, then why not consider a ‘taster’ cruise for either two or three nights. This would at least give you an opportunity to try out your sea legs, life on board a cruise ship and determine whether the whole experience is for you. Mini cruises tend to be reasonably priced and operate at different times of the year, with many departing from Southampton. If you now have been persuaded to try out a cruise holiday, the numerous options and choices may seem a little daunting. Once you have decided where you want to travel, you then need to choose which ship to sail on – but how? The best way to help you decide between P&O’s seven ships for example, is to consider which type of hotel you normally prefer. Every hotel has a different feel and offers slightly different facilities. When selecting the most appropriate cruise ship for you, the trick is to pick one that offers the same level of comfort and facilities that you would

expect from your favourite hotel. Embarking on a cruise with a disability can potentially present more challenges than perhaps for other cruisers, especially for those who value their independence. Nevertheless, using P&O as a good example of integrated, barrier free solutions, new larger wheelchair accessible cabins have been designed where the heavy doors now open with ease, bathrooms are fully equipped with grab rails and flat entry showers and there is considerable room for a wheelchair user to move more freely within the cabin. Furthermore, access to the on-board entertainment is so simple compared to staying in many hotels, where you may need to navigate pavements with high curbs or utilise a taxi in order to visit a restaurant or nightclub outside of your hotel. And of course the ability to visit so many different cities and destinations from the comfort of your accessible ship is an added bonus. Some of the key essential accessibility features that are now factored into the design of many of the larger P&O cruise ships are summarised below, along with a selection of mobility equipment that can be requested or hired in order to support your needs whilst on-board. ➠ DOOR WIDTH: 32” – 34” ➠ ELECTRIC ENTRANCE DOOR ➠ NO DOOR SILLS ➠ RAMPED BATHROOM THRESHOLDS ➠ BATHROOM GRAB BARS ➠ LOWERED SINK AND VANITY ➠ ROLL-IN SHOWER ➠ FOLD-DOWN SHOWER SEAT ➠ HAND HELD SHOWER HEADS ➠ LOWERED CLOSET BARS ➠ RAISED TOILET SEATS ➠ COMMODE CHAIR and SHOWER STOOL ➠ REFRIGERATOR & SHARPS BIN

➠ BED BLOCKS ➠ PROFILING BED ➠ HOISTS

Additional features and services available on-board: ➠ PRIORITY BOARDING ➠ ADAPTED TRANSFERS WITH A LIFT (for guests with fly/cruise transfers or cruise only transfers) ➠ EMBARKATION & DISEMBARKATION ASSISTANCE ➠ HOISTS AVAILABLE FOR ONE POOL ON SELECTED SHIPS ➠ RAMPS AND LIFTS ON ALMOST EVERY DECK ➠ ACCESSIBLE GUEST RELATIONS DESK ➠ ACCESSIBLE BALCONIES – FOR BALCONY CATEGORIES

Specific dietary requirements: Special menus including children’s meals can be provided on all ships, when requested in advance, and P&O cruises do try to accommodate most dietary needs such as – vegetarian, kosher and Asian meals, gluten free bread, soya and lactose free milk, as well as sugar free desserts, cookies and biscuits. However, it is worth pointing out that not all requests can be guaranteed. For those passengers who may have either a hearing or visual impairment

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CRUISING

IN THE MAJORITY OF PORTS, ACCESSIBLE EXCURSIONS CAN BE ARRANGED BY USING AN ADAPTED MINIVAN OR COACH

there are a number of additional features incorporated into the cabin design in order to support you.

In addition, a portable kit is available for passengers who require one and it includes: ➠ TEXT TELEPHONE (TDD) ➠ STROBE LIGHT DOOR KNOCKER ➠ STROBE LIGHT TELEPHONE ➠ AMPLIFIER FOR TELEPHONE ➠ ALARM CLOCK WITH UNDER MATTRESS VIBRATOR OR UNDER PILLOW VIBRATOR ➠ FM SOUND RECEIVERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE THEATRES FOR SOUND ENHANCEMENT ➠ SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS CAN BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTED 60 DAYS BEFORE SAILING All staterooms, cabin corridor signs, and menus are available in Braille and large print menus can also be requested in advance. Ship visits are available for those guests who need to familiarise themselves with their surroundings in advance of travel and guide dogs are allowed on-board to aid visually impaired guests, provided the relevant documentation is made available in advance.

SHORE EXCRUSIONS

[Above] The cabins are comfortable and you can even opt for a balcony with your room for an extra cost. You will not be lacking in things to do, from pools to shopping, there is something to suit every taste.

If you want to disembark your ship to explore each exciting destination that your cruise ship visits, it is important to choose an itinerary that has very few or no tender ports. This is because when a cruise ship is too large to moor adjacent to the port, it may have to dock a little way out to sea and use a small shuttle boat (tender) in order to transport passengers ashore. The tender has steps down into it and it does occasionally bob around with the sea movement, making access for less mobile guests particularly difficult. Some ports have high tidal

variances as well, which can make the disembarkation process even more challenging. Specific ports to be mindful of, as they can be problematic, are Bilbao and La Rochelle. In the majority of ports, accessible excursions can be arranged by using an adapted mini-van or coach. So if getting off and seeing the sights is important to you, please check to ensure that accessible vehicles are operating and are available at your preferred destinations. For those who prefer to explore the ports of call independently, knowing how far the town is away from the dock and understanding the terrain in and around the port is essential, so please enquire at the time of booking. Wheelchair accessible cabins are extremely popular and do sell fast. There is still some availability for 2017 and 2018 cruises have just come on sale, so the sooner you decide you want to try cruising, the greater your chances of being able to book on the cruise holiday of your choice. Some further incentives are detailed below… ✓An inspiring selection of all year round cruises are available from Southampton ✓ Mediterranean Fly cruises - with regional flights - provide alternative itinerary options ✓10% “Past guest” discount offers are available on all new summer 2018 cruises. ✓5% “Newcomer” discount offers are also available on all new summer 2018 cruises. ✓Low booking deposit of 5% on all new summer 2018 cruises Due to the high demand for cruises departing from Southampton, it is highly recommended that you register your interest in advance, by either visiting www.accessibletravel.co.uk or calling 01452 729739. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 45

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www.germany.travel

Feeling Fearless? Did you know that in Germany, you can try accessible skiing, cycling for the blind, explore scented gardens or jump on a jet ski? You can delve deep into a coal mine or feel on top of the world when visiting Frankfurt’s famous “Main” tower. To discover BarrierFree Germany, visit: www.germany.travel/barrierfree

to all

Saxon Switzerland National Park © Tourism Marketing Company of Saxony, Sylvio Dittrich

_open

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30/09/2016 11:49

FINCA SUPPORTED HOLIDAYS

inca Supported Holidays are proud to provide fully assisted holidays all year round for individuals who have learning disabilities, disabled/non-disabled people, groups, organisations and lone travellers. No matter what your age they guarantee you will have a wonderful and memorable time. They understand how important choice and control is for any person and are always on hand to support and empower their travellers to have a holiday of a lifetime at their carefully selected resorts. They offer holidays to a vast array of destinations, including, Alicante, Orlando, Thailand, Jamaica, Portugal, Majorca, Tenerife, Mauritius, to name but a few. If you can’t see anything that meets your requirements simply call the helpful team at Finca and they will endeavor to meet your requirements. As specialist tour operators they are able to create a tailor made package to suit your needs. Their staff have up-todate DBS’s, backgrounds in the caring sector, receive full and updated training and hold NVQ level 2/3 in social care. They are also fully bonded ATOL holders and members of ABTA/IPP. We find out more about what a Finca Supported Holiday entails...

WHAT IS A FINCA SUPPORTED HOLIDAY? At Finca Supported Holidays we aim to cater for all, no matter what your age, we fully intend to give you the opportunity to enjoy the same quality of holiday available to others. We achieve this by providing professional hands on assistance.

WHO PROVIDES THIS ASSISTANCE? You don’t have to bring your support

HOLIDAYS

worker/carer, as you will be accompanied by qualified Holiday Assistants. All our staff have received DBS clearance and will provide you with all the assistance you require.

HOW MUCH DOES A FINCA SUPPORTED HOLIDAY COST? Finca Supported Holidays are specifically tailored to meet the needs of each individual. We take into account all factors, health, safety, risks and the form of support that is required. The cost of your holiday is decided when all factors have been taken into account and the venues sourced.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A FINCA SUPPORTED HOLIDAY? • Staff at designated departure airports • Accompanied flights to and from UK • Flights to and from UK (additional costs for extra baggage / extra leg room etc must be met by the guest) • Daily Laundry tasks (where venues have these facilities) • Room Cleaning • Local Daily Activities, (other trips and tours will be sourced and costs provided to the guest in the resort) • Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal (unless stated on the individual destinations)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED? • Travel and Medical insurance (copy of insurance details must be provided to Finca Supported Holidays Ltd before you leave the UK) • Meals, snacks and drinks etc. purchased away from the venue • Transport to UK departure airports • Transfers at destination unless specified • Travel to and from the UK airport/meeting points. For more information contact Finca on 01257 422667 or visit www.fincasupportedholidays.co.uk. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 47

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THE WORLD ON WHEELS 26-year-old Anthony William was born with a rare genetic disability which affects all of the joints in his body and prevents him from doing such things as straightening his legs beyond a 90 degree angle. But that doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves – travelling the world. Anthony, whose online alias is The Geordie Traveller, is aiming to be the first person in a wheelchair to visit all 196 countries in the world, exploring all the different cultures, cuisines and curiosities along the way.

When I was 17 years old I went on a

[Above] Anthony meeting new people all over the world

small trip with my family to Berlin. I remember at the time I was very reluctant to go. I was a fairly nervous guy at that time in my life – some say I still am – and I would have preferred to stay in the comfort and familiarity of Britain. Thankfully though, I was persuaded to get on the plane and go. When I got there I discovered a new sense of freedom I’d never had before. I was allowed to go explore, sometimes on my own and I felt like the world was suddenly becoming my oyster (sorry to be cliché). From that day forward I was hooked on travel and my eyes had been opened to more than just package holidays in Spain where you sit by the pool all day. Don’t get me wrong, those types of holidays have their place, but it just wasn’t cutting it for me anymore!

I guess you could say that that trip to the German capital was the real catalyst for my mission today. I sat and contemplated what I wanted from life and the overbearing feeling that I had was that when my time comes to leave this planet, I want to be able to say I did so having seen everything there is to see and experienced as much is as humanly possible. I guess you could say that for the most part I have a real ‘can-do’ attitude, and I love to prove people wrong. I was warned that travelling with a wheelchair would be tough. They were right! But I won’t stop until I’ve had my fill, and seeing as I have a never-ending thirst to see the globe, that fill will probably never materialise. For the vast majority of my travels I am accompanied with my very close friend Emilija Grigaite. Not only is she a help in the physical sense (carrying bags from time to time, helping me with my wheelchair onto public transport, checking out hotels to see if we can manage there, etc) but she’s also a huge support to me mentally. When we travel

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TRAVEL

WHEN I GOT THERE I DISCOVERED A NEW SENSE OF FREEDOM I’D NEVER HAD BEFORE

[Above] Zwolle, Netherlands

together things always seem to go way more smoothly and I’m eternally grateful for that. Often in my blogs and through social media I make it so it may sometimes seem that I’m travelling alone, so I just wanted to take a moment to set the record straight and admit that without the likes of Emilija giving me a hand, my mission would be a whole lot harder. So far on my whirlwind adventure, I’ve been to the like of Australia and New Zealand, South East Asia, the Middle East and vast amounts of Europe too. Currently I’m writing this from the USA where I’m taking a short trip for 10 days before heading back home. I tend not to travel more than a couple of weeks at a time and of course, without the help and support of my encouraging parents it’d probably be impossible. I’m lucky in the sense that despite my disability, both parents have actively pushed me to do as much as I can in life and they’ve supported this notion both through spirit and through finances. In terms of which countries have been my favourite so far, I’d say that it’s definitely a toss-up between Vietnam and New Zealand. Both are rich in bio-diversity and have incredible scenery to match. I loved how everywhere you went in Vietnam was a little bit different. From desert sand dunes to lush green paddy fields, to roaring rivers like the

Mekong Delta. One particular adventure whilst in Vietnam entailed myself and Emilija taking a trip to Ha Long Bay. As usual when we travel, we were doing everything on the cheap, and we therefore took a bus from Hanoi to the gateway of Ha Long Bay. We were dropped off on the side of the road (everyone else on the bus had a fully-fledged two-day tour) and at that time the rain was relentlessly pouring. We then took a taxi ride to the ferry terminal which was on one of the first islands in the bay and there we waited for several hours until the last ferry of the day came to collect us. The views on that boat ride were just awe inspiring. As we traversed through majestic rock faces jutting high out of the sea we were also blessed to see many eagles soaring up above us. Our final destination on this particular trip was the island of Cat Ba. We were treated to a slice of local life as we bundled our way onto a small bus. This was another great example of where Emilija was a truly wonderful help as she was the one to disassemble my wheelchair and lift it safely on board before gathering our bags and joining the rest of us.

[Above] Anthony in Vienna [Below] Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

So you might be wondering ‘where’s next?’ well, Japan is on the cards and I’m excited to be planning this trip for later in the year. I’d hoped to visit Japan when I was in Taiwan last year but unfortunately we never got round to it and so it’ll be awesome to finally get there. Another question I’m often asked is which countries are most  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 49

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TRAVEL

ONE THING I’VE LEARNT WHILST TRAVELLING IS TO NOT GIVE A DAMN WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK ABOUT ME

[Below] Luxembourg

[Above] New Zealand

accessible? Well for me it’s an easy one to answer. So far on my travels the USA has definitely been the most accessible country. Everything seems to be catered for in terms of public services and also making sure there’s enough disabled toilets etc. Even in a local service station somewhere on the road through Pennsylvania there was a disabled toilet – and this place was nothing more than a garage! I was impressed. To counter this though, I’d say by far the least accessible place I’ve been to so far was Cambodia. Now that was challenging! I never saw a single disabled toilet on the whole of that trip and the pavements were so bad (as with most of South East Asia) that I was mostly pushing my wheelchair along the road side. One thing I’ve learnt whilst travelling is to not give a damn what other people think about me. I’ve come to terms with the fact I’m ‘different’ and as much as I can, I try not to let it bother me when people stare or

have something to say about me. Having people like Emilija in my life has also helped massively with this, as she’s all too happy to remind me that I should ‘man-up’ and not care what other people might be thinking. Once you care less, life becomes infinitely easier – I must say!

full advantage and went out and about to see what I could find. I therefore count these two countries as visited – even though I’d love to go back and see more – whereas when I stopped in Singapore and never left the arrivals lounge… I don’t count that.

So what about air travel? Well, I don’t really have any accessible nightmares when it comes to flying on planes. And I’m glad to say (touch wood) that I’ve never had my wheelchair lost or damaged during a transit. The only negative story I have really is my most recent flight, where the ground staff at Heathrow Airport took so long to get me off the plane that I missed my connecting flight to the US. Luckily though, the good folks at British Airways put me up in a five star hotel and also rescheduled me for a flight in the morning, which was actually much better as it meant I’d be arriving in NYC at midday, instead of 1am which previously would have been the case. Result!

One of the funniest things to ever happen to me whilst travelling was when I booked Emilija and I into a gay hotel – by accident! We were in Berlin for a couple of nights and I hadn’t checked out the hotel website for where we were staying. I’d bagged a major discount on a website so I just booked it blindly. Of course, I have no issue staying in a gay friendly hotel but some of the things we saw there can never be erased from memory. There’s an article on my blog with way more detail if you’re interested! Just search for ‘accidentally booking a night at a gay hotel’ on Google, and it should be the top link!

So how do I measure when I’ve been to a country? For me I don’t count a country unless I’ve been outside the airport for at least several hours and I’ve actually done a bit of exploring and tried some local food. For example, I’ve transited in both Oman, and Malaysia before, and both times I opted for a 15+ hour layover, and I used it to my

So there you have it - that’s just a short introduction all about me. If you’d like to read more about my adventures and travels then you can of course check me out on social media and through my blog! Keep up to date with all of Anthony’s travels at thegeordietravellerblog. wordpress.com.

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INTERVIEW

RJ MITTE:

FROM BREAKING BAD TO BREAKING BOUNDARIES The inspirational and multitalented RJ Mitte has spent his fledgling career triumphing over adversity. From his best known role as Walter White Jr. in the hit US series Breaking Bad, to presenting Chanel 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coverage of the Paralympics, nothing can stop the 24-yearold rising star who lives with cerebral palsy. He sees his condition as a strength, rather than a weakness and hopes that he can change public misconceptions about disability. ď&#x192;Ž

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his year’s Paralympic Games provided the perfect opportunity for Mitte to cover and support one of his favourite sporting events. From a young age, Mitte was a keen sportsman, getting involved in American football and looking up to the international athletes competing in the Paralympics. “Anything I can do sporting wise,” he grins, “I am all for it.” At the moment, the charming actor admits that he’s obsessed with winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. This year’s TV broadcasting stint was a huge change for the actor turned presenter: no scripted lines, just live reactions, but he was up for the challenge. “This type of presenting is definitely out of my comfort zone,” he says, “but I think it’s good to be able to test and to push yourself and to try to change your environment up as much as possible.” Constantly motivated, the brown-eyed heart-throb overcame many hardships to be where he is today. Born in Louisiana, Mitte was adopted as a baby by his mother, Dyna, and her husband Roy. Shortly after his adoption, Dyna and Roy split, leaving Dyna to raise Mitte and his baby sister, Lacianne, as a single mum. Then, when he was just 11 years old, a truck smashed into Dyna’s car in an accident that ruptured disks in Dyna’s spine and fractured her vertebrae. Suddenly, Mitte had to become the household breadwinner. Initially, he tried to make money by mowing lawns, helping out neighbours, and surreptitiously selling sandwiches in the school playground after exaggerating the extent of his appetite to his mum as she made his packed lunch. Then, just a year later (after moving to Los Angeles and taking up acting lessons), the determined Mitte found himself working as an extra on the sets of Hannah Montana, Weeds and Everybody Hates Chris.

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INTERVIEW

Today, Mitte’s mother has regained full mobility after years of physiotherapy, but the actor still lives at home in order to support her and his sister. Mitte’s compassion doesn’t end with his family, he is a passionate equality and diversity activist and he wants to help those whose lives are affected by disability. Viciously bullied from a young age because of his cerebral palsy, Mitte tours schools giving motivational talks about his experiences.

I WOULDN’T HAVE BREAKING BAD WITHOUT MY CP AND I WOULDN’T BE DOING WHAT I AM DOING TODAY WITHOUT IT

“A bully is there to manipulate you and to take away who you are, that’s what bullies do,” Mitte explains. “Stand up for what you believe in and when you see bullying, stand up not just for you, but stand up for other people. That is something that we have a lack of in this world.” Mitte’s ex-marine grandfather never let him fall into the trap of self-pity – something that is obvious in the star’s determined approach to life. “I was always told that ‘can’t’ is your decision,” he explains. “If you believe you can’t do it, you can’t do it. But you choose to believe that and that’s your decision. I always grew up with the mindset that if I can do something, I want to do it.” In between visiting schools, he also works as an ambassador for the United Cerebral Palsy organisation, as the Screen Actors Guild’s spokesperson for actors with disabilities, and as a volunteer for I AM PWD (Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People with Disabilities). This sounds like a lot of work for just one Hollywood star, but Mitte insists that there is still a lot of prejudice and ignorance in the film industry towards disability. “The problem is that people are so closed minded,” he sighs. “When someone thinks they know something, no matter what, you can’t change that.” No disabilities are the same, and none should be seen as negative. Mitte

overcame the challenges of his cerebral palsy, harnessing it and using it to his advantage. “Everyone is different and everyone has their own disabilities,” he reveals. “We have to overcome them and grow with them, and as you grow, your disability morphs more towards your lifestyle and what you do and how you control it.” At thirteen, Mitte landed his big break in Breaking Bad, fitting the casting director’s character description of Walter White Jr to a tee. Vince Gilligan, the hit show’s creator, auditioned numerous able-bodied actors for the role, but it was Mitte who blew him away with his instant on screen presence. The actor then spent four years working on Breaking Bad alongside, in his own words, “some of the best” in the business; actors Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn. The huge success of the series gave him the platform he needed in order to make a difference, but it was Mitte’s cerebral palsy that secured him his role in the show. “I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have my disability,” he says. “I wouldn’t have Breaking Bad without my CP and I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today without it. Initially that’s where it all comes from so it’s definitely a blessing.” When he isn’t acting, presenting and changing the world, Mitte can be found striking a pose as a model-in-hotdemand, walking runways for the likes of Vivienne Westwood, and working on designs for his own forthcoming clothes line. He also works as a film and TV producer, and DJs in his spare time. Mitte is living proof of what can be accomplished when someone sets their mind to it, and there’s no stopping him. “Professionally and personally, my goals are pretty much the same,” he explains. “I have a lot of goals. The biggest thing I want to achieve is being financially accessible. But I want to own my own production company and I want to own my own clothing line. I want to be able to create my own projects when I want, and business-wise keep going and to keep projecting.” www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 55

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THE ARTS

AN UNLIMITED TALE OF TWO CITIES Unlimited Festival is a celebration of disability arts. From comedy to dance, this festival has something for everyone to enjoy and it prides itself on showcasing the most progressive and innovative shows created by disabled artists. Mik Scarlet went along this year to sample some of the talent on offer at Southbank, London.

nlimited began life as part of the cultural Olympiad in 2012, with the goal of funding the best disabled artists to allow them to create works at world class level, to give artists the same access to funding that our Paralympians have. Out of the Unlimited scheme has grown a pool of talent that pushes the boundaries of art and culture, placing disabled artists at the

forefront of the art world. The 2016 festival proved yet again that art created by disabled people has earned a place to the top table of the creative industry. That and it’s a whole load of fun too. As an art lover I look forward to Unlimited with a growing sense of excitement as its launch gets closer. Society seems to be fine with the idea that disabled people can achieve great things in sport, but that we can be creative less so. Unlimited proves that to be so wrong, and 2016 was a brilliant year. The works were as varied as the disabled people who created them. We saw comedy, art, theatre, music, dance, film, and so much more. Every thread of creativity was there, and all of superb. My highlights were the amazing Him, a one man play exploration of ageing and impairment by Shelia Hill, Assisted Suicide, The Musical, Liz Carr’s light hearted musical take on the objections to assisted suicide and the stunning take over of the whole Soutbbank Centre by Heart and Soul with the Beautiful Octopus Club nightclub experience for all abilities. I even took part in one of the panel debates, which was a real honour. Without wanting to sound sycophantic it was rather tough to pick

out the best bits. It was eleven days of creativity at it’s very best. Not the best for disabled artists, but for artists full stop. One of the most wonderful elements of this year’s Unlimited Festival was that atmosphere of confidence exuding from every disabled person who filled the historic building. The Southbank has always been a very accessible space, but once filled with art from disabled artists it really felt like every corner was ours. Disabled people owned the Southbank and that felt great. You could see it on every face, especially the children taking part in the child friendly activities at the weekend. Watching them transfixed by the shows and interactive games in the Clore Ballroom showed a future where disabled and non-disabled people could experience a world of equality. That’s what great art does. Takes from our yesterdays, holds a mirror up to our todays and shows the way for our tomorrows. Unlimited did this in a way that I rarely see in the wider artistic world. It has a warmth, charm and depth, combined with a daring and excitement that makes it a festival to missed at your own cost. Roll on 2018.  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 57

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UNLIMITED FESTIVAL, GLASGOW The renowned arts showcase, Unlimited Festival, has finally found its way north of the border. 2016 sees waves of disabled artists, comedians, dancers, actors and musicians descend on Glasgow’s Tramway theatre for the first time since its inception in 2012. The biennial event proved a colossal hit in Scotland’s largest city. PosAbility Magazine writer, Lisa Mitchell, went along to catch two of the most highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed shows of the festival; Marc Brew’s MayBe and Liz Carr’s Assisted Suicide: The Musical.

MARC BREW’S MAYBE

[Above] Liz Carr joining in with the chorus in her hilarious musical

Marc Brew is by far one of the disability dance world’s trump cards. The impeccably choreographed piece was mesmerising from beginning to end. The audience was entranced by the fluid movements of Marc and his talented dance partner Gisele Calazans. The enigmatic piece itself is a contradiction. The set and the feel of the whole production seems simple and minimalistic, uncluttered and pure, but the themes and issues it tackles are full of complex ideas and movements emanating from the dancers like a pulse. The sheer passion and intensity that the dancers and their masterful choreography convey is hypnotic. Obviously, the art of dance is subjective, every individual sees something different in it. However, for me, I found the piece about a turbulent relationship between two lovers who just couldn’t let each other go, no matter how bad they were together. Their love and passion started as their one redeeming feature, sweet, caring and supportive. Although as the production continued, the fine line between passion and contempt is made apparent. Of course, others may see something completely different. One of the show’s Brazilian producers, who also provides live on stage vocals, Natalia Mallo comments on the intended meaning of the piece: “MayBe is about encounters and the inevitability of love. It is about what might be and an instance of doubt. Attraction, rejection, crossing paths and departures is a metaphor about the liquidity of relationships in the contemporary world.”

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THE ARTS

LIZ CARR’S ASSISTED SUICIDE: THE MUSICAL

[Above] Liz Carr with more of her cast in Assisted Suicide: The Musical

Leaving the world of modern and interpretive dance, I moved on to something a little… different. Liz Carr’s Assisted Suicide: The Musical was a show that brought in a large and diverse audience. Yes, I admit, the name is somewhat bizarre, however, the show is 90 minutes of laughs, catchy songs and inescapable realisations. Liz Carr is a well-known actress, comedienne, broadcaster and international disability rights activist. One thing people might not know about her is that she is an anti-assisted suicide campaigner, appealing for the public to assist people with disabilities and terminal illnesses to live, rather than to die. She quite aptly described the show as: “A TED talk with show tunes.” I would go and see the show over and over again if I could. With a mix of facts, figures, superb singing and acting talents, accompanied by Liz’s witty one-liners and perfect comedic timing, it is a show I couldn’t rate highly enough. Some of the shows songs include the utterly surreal titles “Put Me Down”, “End Your Life” and “Palliative Claire”. Some other scenes also include a duet with ‘The Pope’, a hilarious anecdote where Liz found herself at a cocktail party at a “death clinic” and singing along with a showy chorus whilst comically serious in a hoist. The issue is a very controversial one and some might not agree with her, but she says herself, she isn’t trying to deny anyone their opinion or shove anything down anyone’s throat, she is simply trying to represent a side of the argument that goes rather underrepresented. In this fresh and eccentric take on the debate you will leave not only with a new perspective but also humming one of the many fantastic songs all the way home and well into the week.

[Above] Marc Brew and his dance partner Gisele Calazans

For more information unlimited.southbankcentre.co.uk.

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THE GREATEST WALL TO OVERCOME

Follow Mark on Twitter @disco2man or find him on Facebook. Donations to his next challenge can be made via Just Giving at justgiving.com/fundraising/ Mark-Pattenden12.

unning and the Great Wall of China are not two things that immediately go together, but this hasn’t stopped 53-year-old Mark Pattenden from becoming the first ever amputee to take part in the Great Wall of China Marathon. Mark, who has been a below-the-knee amputee for 18 years, became an official world record holder in the aftermath of the marathon. He is no stranger to endurance challenges and has already climbed Mount Everest amongst various other feats including a 24-hour endurance challenge.

SCALING HEIGHTS He decided to take on the marathon after he was contacted by the organiser via Twitter: “He had been watching me for about three years doing various challenges and he thought it was a great way to show what disabled people can do. After watching the past routes on Youtube I knew it was doable - very difficult - but doable.” Mark then went on to secure new sponsors and begin training. “Like any challenge, you

never quite know what you’re going to face until you actually do it. The Great Wall of China is a bit different to running a normal marathon due to the thousands of steps! It is 100% the hardest thing I have ever done.” Amputee runners have a lot to think about, and endurance tests present various challenges. The uneven ground of the wall also presented further issues for his blade.

A LITTLE HELP FROM DORSET Mark participated in the marathon using a prosthetic limb provided by Dorset Orthopaedic, who he has been working closely with to raise money and awareness for over a year: “Their slogan is 'life without limits', which fits into my life and what I’m all about. The leg they built me was just phenomenal." Due to the unusual nature of the marathon, the team at Dorset Orthopaedic sourced and modified a specialised running blade with a footplate better equipped to deal with the uneven gradient: “Going up I was running on my toe, as with a conventional running blade, but with the footplate it had the heel to give you the stability to come down.”

ADVENTURE

He likened parts of the marathon to mountain climbing, with the heights leading to some staggering views: “When you’re going up all you see is one step after the next, but when you turn around you realise it’s not the kind of place you would want to be if you suffered from vertigo!" Out of roughly 150 participants a last minute change of route meant that only around five were able to complete the whole marathon, but this did little to hinder Mark’s enjoyment and sense of achievement at the endeavour: “I’ve always said it’s not about the completing, it’s about the competing – as long as you are active and having a go. I was absolutely over the moon to get my medal.” His run clocked in at seven hours 25 minutes, and it wasn’t long before Official World Records were in touch asking Mark if he would like to claim a new title: “I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t see it coming at all – the organisation got in touch with me and told me I was the first male to attempt this kind of thing.” Aside from raising money for charity, Mark’s biggest aspiration regarding his challenges is to inspire others to push themselves and be open to new challenges: “It’s not about me, it’s about proving to other disabled people that they can do it. Your mindset is about 90% of the work – if you believe you can do it, you will do it. Sometimes people lack sympathy for themselves and they expect too much of themselves too quickly” Mark is also affiliated with Limb Power, a charity which aims to empower amputees to engage in sports and other activities. Many of his challenges raise money for the charity and he is already working towards a number of other challenges involving everything from handbikes to kayaks, which will be sure to keep him busy over the coming months. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 61

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ADVENTURE

be intoxicating. On a mass ascent which usually takes place around 6am or 6pm, when the thermals are at their best, up to 150 balloons inflate and ascend from a small grassy arena within a very short window. In the evening or early morning light the colours seem to intensify and the vibrant multicoloured balloons seem to jostle in the sky and at times move so close together that they almost touch as they fly over the city. On board there is much waving, calling, laughing and photo taking with selfies being the order of the day.

UP TO ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY BALLOONS INFLATE AND ASCEND FROM A SMALL GRASSY ARENA

Janet Myers takes to the skies at Bristol’s 38th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

UP UP

AND AWAY

PILOTS BRIEFING “Phew gas was getting low… had me worried for a minute or two” said our hot air balloon pilot after he had spent

considerable time searching for a suitable landing spot away from power lines and livestock. Next came the call to “brace and prepare for a bumpy landing” but fortunately we landed upright with just a few kangaroo jumps as we touched down. Most balloon rides are uneventful but it made me appreciate the importance of the pilots briefing which I was lucky enough to attend before the mass ascent. It gave a great insight into the skill required by the aviators and the importance of getting precise local weather conditions right.

In the UK, balloons tend to fly over verdant green fields and forests with great landmarks of antiquity and heritage but in other places in the world, the scenery can be so different. It may even be desert or one of the most magical places our pilot told me was amongst the alps with the snow glistening against a blue sky. Hot air balloons are dependent on the winds direction and speed so the final landing site can be unpredictable. Hence the ‘chase’ vehicle which follows it on land. A bottle of brandy had been stowed on board our balloon for the farmer on whose field we might land. Most farmers are seldom phased by the intrusion and few appear with shotguns! A bottle of brandy in most cases is adequate compensation but our farmer demanded a bottle for his wife as well! So, while we all fell about the billowing mass of the deflated balloon in order to pack it away, the driver of the chase vehicle went off to find the nearest off license.

BALLOON FIESTA FLIGHTS

SHAPED BALLOONS

It costs a premium to fly during the Fiesta but the sight of other balloons around can

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ADVENTURE [Below] Night Glow lights up the sky

BRISTOL’S FIESTA TOP TIPS FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES 1. Pre-pay for a disabled space to ensure entry and a space near the entrance. (The event is free but car parking is charged.) 2. If you don’t have your own mobility scooter these are available at the entrance. Pushing a wheelchair on the uneven ground is not an option. 3. There is no seating so take fold up chairs. Brollies are good for both showers and sun. Remember sunglasses, sun hats and sun cream. 4. The cost of food and drink is high so it is a good idea to take a picnic 5. Toilet facilities are not perfect - even at the disabled facilities - so do not cross your legs for too long! promotional statements. Often they are instantly recognisable like Bertie Basset but when a giant hot air balloon in the shape of a pair of testicles flies overhead it can cause some amusement. When people learn however that it has been created to raise awareness of male testicular cancer its impact is long-lasting. These shaped balloons are more difficult to fly as they are less aerodynamic and less evenly weighted so weather conditions must be perfect.

ENTERTAINMENT Only a small number of people get to fly at a fiesta but the thousands who attend testify that a Fiesta has plenty to offer those who remain earth bound. Ashton Court is a perfect location because on the grassy slopes which surround the level arena everyone can get a great view. It is awesome to watch as the balloons rise slowly overhead almost within touching distance and for those who lay back on the grass and gaze skyward there is an endless sight of burners being engaged to lift them over the trees. During the day a carnival of activity keeps everybody engaged. There are aerial displays, fairground rides, food stalls and bars, balloon tethering, model aircraft displays, craft stalls, ice-cream and copious piles of candy. A music stage showcases

local talent and Bristol’s own Cirque Bijou - a mixture of acrobatics, street theatre and circus stunts are also popular. Picnicking and ballooning seem to go hand in hand. Many groups fling out a tablecloth and within minutes fill it with a gourmet feast enjoying a bottle of wine or flasks of coffee.

NIGHT GLOW Over the years the Night Glow has become so popular that it now takes place on two evenings. Approximately 30 tethered balloons illuminate the night sky as choreographed sequences are set to music. As the beat changes, the balloons pulsate with light as the burners are lit and extinguished. It is a great spectacle. As the balloons do not fly it is also less dependent on the weather and seldom has to be cancelled. As a fitting climax fireworks explode overhead.

FLYING WITH A DISABILITY My favourite balloon is probably the one that depicts the 500 balloons which Carl Fredrickson tied to his house to take it aloft on an adventure of a lifetime in Pixar’s movie ‘Up’. He said: ‘Do not let your dreams always be dreams’. Up there is a whole new world waiting to be discovered and no one is excluded. Bristol is Europe’s biggest Annual Balloon Fiestas but smaller events take place all over the country. Longleat this year for instance is holding an Autumn Balloon Safari with many animal-shaped balloons. Many of these smaller events are equally as inviting. Should you wish to take a balloon flight yourself don’t despair. Gone are the days when ballooning was considered impossible for those with disabilities. Most balloon companies today welcome enquiries from those with disabilities and if they are unable to help they can usually find someone in your area who can. Baileys

Balloons, who make a regular appearance at the Bristol Fiesta, have seats in one of their balloons enabling many disabled people to fly with them. They are not the only ones either. There are even specially designed wheelchair accessible hot air balloon flight gondolas that allow passengers access via a drop down ramp. Once secure you can then fly in your own chair positioned to ensure you get a great view and a wonderful experience - ballooningaccess.com. There is room for a guest, gift certificates are available and for your peace of mind they are certified by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). So if you are still dreaming of flying, make some enquiries, but if you decide to remain on the ground ballooning still has lots to offer.

64 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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29/09/2016 21:18

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30/09/2016 08:44

KIDS

This issue Dan White, creator of the amazing Department of Ability superheroes, shares his next instalment of the comic strip and he also shares his experience of his trip to Feel the Force Day. Feel the Force Day is an amazing event that invites people of all abilities to meet their favourite superhero and comic book characters. The event is all about the senses and allows people with sensory impairments to touch and feel the characters and the surroundings to ensure everyone is getting the most out of their visit. This tactile approach is a huge hit with children and adults alike and Dan has told us all about his day on page 68. Dan will also be joining the PosAbility team as a columnist from the next issue, sharing his experiences as a parent of a disabled child.

THE

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CORNER

Barnardos celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, we spoke to them about fostering and we delve into the archives to find out how Barnardos started and discover the history of fostering. As usual we have a display of products designed to help children with disabilities and as always we would love to hear from you with any ideas for features, inclusive events you have attended, great Christmas present ĂŽ ideas, simply email ros@2apublishing.co.uk. PRODUCTS

PAGE

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Images Â©Rob Parkin www.facebook.com/RobParkinPhotography

FEEL THE FORCE DAY 68 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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COMIC LAUNCH

CAPTAINS LOG: STARDATE EARTH. PLYMOUTH JUNE 2016 mily darted amongst the numerous heroes around her. Her pursuer glided silently across the floor. Emily, seizing her chance spun her wheelchair 90 degrees and moved, stealth like, wheeling as fast as she could through the array of unearthly species that surrounded her, until, her pursuer bore down upon her, a Dalek! It lowered its blank, staring eyestalk down to her, and said in a flat emotionless tone. “Excuse me, where are the disabled toilets?” Welcome then, to the wonderful, diverse (both human, extra-terrestrial and meta-human) world of the planets, biggest, best and most inclusive Comic Con, Feel the Force Day. Accompany me, (and family) on an accessible Tardis journey into the near past, as I begin to tell you all about our wonderful day at this diverse and forward thinking Con. The brainchild of JJ Lucia Wright and Simon Howard; Feel the Force Day began like most heroes journeys, in the pub. It then blossomed and its first event was showcased at Peterborough in 2013 (it was meant for 20 deafblind guys only, they ended up with 400) and since then it has begun to spread around the country like the Martians red weed from war of the worlds. We had no land speeder to take us to the venue for Plymouth FTFD 2016, The University of St Mark and St John. We arrived laden with Department of Ability goodies in our mobility van bright and early, Emily resplendent in her gold D.O.A cosplay outfit and myself and Aimee, not. As we stepped into the morning sun, we were met by the sight of many hours of dedicated hard, fan, work. Trailers and vans, armies of Stormtroopers and the Dark lord himself, Darth Vader. Obviously suffering from lack of Tatooines twin suns, he was amiable and offered a handshake to a very impressed Emily. As we stepped through the airlock and boarded the FTFD vessel, the child in me squealed at the sight of the Tardis being guarded by Madam Vastra and K-9. We made our way to our table in the vast fully

Eventually I was wandering around the main hall where I met a plethora of Stormtroopers all dancing with a wheelchairs, there was a huge action figure box on display, food, photo opportunities and Daleks, Wookies, Batman with a frame and a motorised scooter made to resemble the erstwhile R2 D2, even K-9 had competition when several guide dogs adorned as Stormtroopers began to mill around, investigating everything. Emily rushed to tell me all about the wondrous things and people she had met! Including a troop of dancing cats, who spread feline love and kindness to every child they met, they even acted as support to some of the kids who, instead of going to the quiet space to calm down, preferred the attractions of lying still on the floor with a dancer in costume, bliss!

accessible merchandise hall and set up our wares, next to our dear friends the ladies of the Campaign for Disability Awareness, Plymouth’s hardest working Superhero duo. The venue was perfect for the day’s adventures. Fully open, totally accessible and above all else, friendly. We shook hands with all around us, and waited for the masses. Earlier in the day, myself and Emily materialised into BBC Radio Devon, to bellow across the airwaves the time of the event, the stars on show and the sheer importance of its being. As the clock hit 10, lightning struck and Marty Mcfly, sorry… that’s Back to the Future, no, as the clock hit 10, doors opened like the Enterprises’ cargo bay doors and the incredible sight of wheelchair, walker, and families and kids invaded the University. As Emily made friends and wheeled off to explore, we were in awe of the sheer inventiveness of these families. Wheelchairs decorated to resemble Superman’s palace of ice, and Davros’ chair, proud and happy kids (and adults) wearing their much-loved t-shirts of Spiderman, Batman, Star Wars. These people were proud to show that love of a genre is not just restricted to certain members of our society, it’s a love that transcends ability and I readily admit that conventions like this, which are based around fun, rather than the dollar are the very best, and we, the Dept of Ability are incredible lucky to be involved.

As I avoided the cybermen and the minion dressed as Capt America, I found myself at one of the tables that perhaps is the key to this incredible convention. Across the table were many, action figures, toys, masks, film and tv props, all in one way or another either limited edition or carefully removed from their packaging. Unlike any other convention where they will phaser your hand off for even daring to brush a finger against a toy, here, it is essential that this contact is made. It is after all the sensory aspect that many here come for. People were actively encouraged to grab, feel, take apart and smell the props and the toys, contact, feeling that much closer to the things they love, like a hug from a wookie on a cold Hoth morning. As the day became busier and the wheelchairs were soon outnumbered by community groups and other associations, outfits became more outlandish, especially those worn by the human chameleon JJ, who made several appearances as Deadpool, Leeloo, and an assortment of characters, all in aid of making all the children smile, he even clambered (rather clumsily) into a Dalek. The whole colourful, energy laden day seemed to last just a few short parsecs, but the fans were going to stay until the last, proving beyond doubt that FTFD is growing and gaining ground in the Comic Con circuit. So there you have it, Plymouth, the FIRST frontier, these are the continuing voyages of FTFD, to boldy go, where no other convention has gone before! www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 69

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30/09/2016 16:09

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29/09/2016 21:22

Kids’ PRODUCTS

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NIMBO WALKER

EAZYHOLD

EazyHold is soft silicone grip assist for children and adults who have difficulty holding objects due to weak or no grip. It’s hygienic, washable at high temperatures, and super adaptable to a wide variety of utensils, grooming aids, writing implements, musical instruments, mobility aids, sporting equipment and toys! It’s the only universal cuff that fits even the tiniest of hands easily with immediate and profound results and is enabling children of all ages to hold objects easily and effortlessly for more independence and fun. www.eazyhold.com

Prices available on request International shipping available

This Nimbo posterior posture walker supports the user from behind, promoting upright posture and trunk extension. It has been constructed using lightweight aluminium, with a height adjustable frame and complemented with one directional soft rubber rear wheel stopping the walker from rolling backwards. The front wheels swivel to enhance manoeuvrability and are skid resistant, ideal for indoor and outdoor use. So that grip is maximised, there are latex-free handgrips with flanged ends. Many therapists prefer posterior (reverse) walkers for children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. This walker has a reverse override meaning that the reverse mechanism can he stopped if the child only wishes to go forward. It may also be folded for storage or transportation purposes. • A reverse walker made to support children of all sizes • The wheels are cleverly designed to have skid resistance, mark proofing and an easy to roll function • There are comfortable, latex free handles to grip • It can be folded to save Quote space at home or in the car POSABILITY16 • Suitable for indoor or for a 5% outdoor use discount Available in five sizes 0161 85 00 884 www.abilitysuperstore.com

72 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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KIDS

SAFETY SLEEPER

Safety Sleeper, designed nine years ago by Rose Morris, was born out of the need for a safe and protective space for her autistic son, Abram. It offers a cocooned environment allowing Mum time for basics like showering, cooking and sleep at night, without one eye open. Now, safe in the knowledge that your little Houdini can’t get out without your knowledge. Kids can now retreat into their own comfortable space for sleep and play, providing them with security and calm. Safety Sleeper is extremely durable, portable, is supplied in its own suitcase and assembles in minutes.

It provides the possibility, again, of overnights to grandparents, friends, as well as foreign travel. Your child’s usual bed can now also give you the very same security and peace of mind away from your home.

VIBRALITE MINI

The VibraLite Mini is the world’s smallest vibrating watch, measuring just 1.2” x 1.51” x 0.48”. Ideal for children and people with smaller wrists.

Prices start at £2995.00, plus vat, and we’ve lots of experience helping families find charitable assistance.

This vibrating reminder watch features both a countdown timer and an alarm setting. Both these functions are great for encouraging medical condition reminders (such as incontinence), and even basic timing-based reminders.

This simple product can literally change your family’s life. Murrays Medical 028 91 877 951 sales@murraysmedical.co.uk www.thesafetysleeper.co.uk

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Setting up to 12 individual alarms is easy with the setting prompts displayed on the screen. Reminders at fixed intervals can also be set - such as every one or two hours. Notification flags let you know the watch is set correctly. Once set, a lockout feature prevents inadvertent changes. Choose from vibration only, sound only, or sound and vibration. ERIC www.eric.org.uk 0117 301 2100

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29/09/2016 21:32

150 YEARS OF

Fostering Barnardos pioneered fostering in England 150 years ago.

or many of us, our only experience of fostering is limited to the surly character of Tracy Beaker from Jacqueline Wilson’s infamous Dumping Ground stories. For those of us who took interest in The Story of Tracy Beaker, through novels, television or a movie spinoff, it was a selection of amusing anecdotes about life in a care home and Tracy’s jovial escapades as she and her peers strive to get fostered. For

over 50,000 children in the UK last year, this was a very real situation, albeit perhaps with a little less hijinks. For 150 years, Barnardo’s UK have been helping children find a caring and loving home through their fostering scheme, and in fact, the charity pioneered the idea of a fostering scheme. In 1887, Thomas Barnardo had “320 wee bairns boarded out” from East London slums, to live fuller lives in the country, away from the polluted, overcrowded urban areas where many had experienced abuse, neglect or were fending for themselves. Martine King, an archivist for Barnardo’s spoke about how the scheme was developed and how it has grown since its inception. “1868 saw the introduction of the first boarding houses, where Barnardo trained young boys to work, and when they were in a position they would pay Barnardo a small amount of rent, which would then allow him to buy more properties.”

By the time Barnardo died in 1905, there was around 95 homes running in this way, and 35,000 children had passed through Barnardo’s doors. During his life, Barnardo tried to pioneer new ways of seeing these children looked after, rather than all in one of the bigger homes. “Barnardo wrote about this type of care he had heard about going on in Scandinavia and Scotland, where children were looked after by someone living within the clan- if their parents weren’t able to look after them.” Barnardo took this idea and went on to pioneer the idea of foster care in England. In 1886, the first children were fostered through Barnardo’s, through to the fresh air of the countryside. A lot has changed in the ways that children are fostered now, but Martine notes that the reasons are still similar. “Neglect, poverty, all the sorts of things children were going through back then are not too dissimilar to the things affecting children today, although the way in which they are looked after now are far different.”

74 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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29/09/2016 21:40

FOSTERING

Fostering can be extremely rewarding for a number of reasons, but takes times and commitment too. On average it takes around six months to become a foster carer; you can register your interest in a number of ways: • Online at www.barnardos.org.uk • Call 0800 0277 280 • Attending a fostering information event • Contacting your local Barnardo’s team Barnardo’s will then take the opportunity to know you, and if they decide they are right fostering agency for you, a social worker will visit you at home, where they will give you information about: • The types of children that need fostering • What happens at each stage of process • The support you an receive as a foster carer You will also need to complete a series of forms, including medical and financial checks and professional and personal references will be sought. This also gives you the chance to ask questions of interest, or concern and if Barnardo’s agree to continue with the fostering process they will start the pre-fostering assessment. If at any time during the process they decide you are not suitable to foster at this time they’ll notify you of reasons why.

As part of the assessment you are assigned a qualified Barnardo’s social worker who will: • Visit your home • Discuss why you would like to foster • Find out more about your family background • Spend time with your family • Discuss with you the type of child you could foster All of the information that is collected during this process will become part of your assessment report, written by your assigned social worker. This report is passed on to a fostering panel, who will recommend if you are suitable to foster.

FROM BARNARDO’S ARCHIVE Lilian Irene Murray was born 21 September 1899. Her mother led such a “wretched life” and she was made a ward of court to protect her from harm. At two years and four months old, Lillian was placed in the custody of Barnardo’s by the Magistrate in Westminster after the NSPCC charged her mother with ill-treating and neglecting her. In the years before Lilian was born her mother was imprisoned eight times for various crimes including soliciting, begging, fraud and felony. Within a few days of being in Barnardo’s care, Lillian was boarded out in the village of Bovingdon, Hertfordshire. It was the first of seven fostering placements she had in her twelve years in Barnardo’s care before leaving to go into service in Oxted, Surrey. Early reports show that Lilian had weak legs, and reading between the lines, this could be the reason why she was moved. After two stable placements lasting two years or more, Lilian then had three years where she moved every six months or so. Inspection records from her final placement give some insight into what Lillian’s life was like in Melbourn, Cambridgeshire boarded with her foster carer, Mrs Stockbridge.

JULY 1912 “Lilian much improved but foster mother says she gets tired and legs are weak although she walks very well now to what she did when she first returned. A good home.”

FEBRUARY 1913 “Lilian greatly improved...she is well and happy and foster mother gives her a good character but thinks the child is not very strong. A very good home.”

SEPTEMBER 1913 “Lilian a nice bright girl, is good and looks well and happy. She will be 14 on the 21st of this month and foster mother begs to be allowed to keep her through the winter. She is getting excellent training here and foster parents are very fond of her. A good home.”

FEBRUARY 1914 “Foster mother very grateful for being allowed to keep her during the winter. She gives her a good character but says has a nasty temper. A very good home. Lilian fond of children.” Taken from Barnardo’s archive as part of their 150 year celebrations.

There is much much more involved after these initial steps, so whilst it does require some patience, the rewards are many. www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 75

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29/09/2016 23:37

ACCESSIBLE HOUSING

FUTURE-PROOFING THROUGH INCLUSIVE DESIGN New findings urge developers to take accessibility into account when designing new homes.

or many years now

THE BENEFITS OF ACCESSIBLE HOMES ARE NOT ONLY EXPERIENCED BY DISABLED PEOPLE

there seems to have been an over-arching view that disabled people cannot afford to buy their own home. We can only imagine that this is down to media influence and society’s uneducated view that disabled people simply take ‘hand-outs’ from the government and don’t work – therefore how could they afford a house of their own? Thankfully, new research undertaken by charity, Papworth Trust, and accessible housing provider, Habinteg, has brought to light some factual findings on the accessible housing market. It has made for very interesting reading and will hopefully prompt developers to focus on the inclusive design of all homes for the future.

HIDDEN HOUSING MARKET: REPORT FINDINGS Conducted by teams at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Ipsos MORI, the ‘hidden housing market’ report uncovers a fresh view that challenges assumptions about the potential for disabled people to buy their own home. The report also sheds light on the wider appeal of homes that deliver higher quality accessible features.

The findings from the report include: • 1.8 million disabled people have an unmet housing need – 580,000 of whom are of working age (there are 11.6 million disabled people in the UK) • Of the 1.8 million disabled people needing accessible homes, 56% are home owners with 39% having incomes in the top half of the income distribution • 19% of the British public would most favour moving to a different property specifically designed or adapted to enable them to live independently in later life • Impact of unmet housing need for accessible housing – disabled people living in inaccessible homes are four times more likely to be unemployed. The report also demonstrates some of the profound effects on working age disabled people of not having their need for accessible housing met, including an impact on health and well-being, the ability to engage in community life and, crucially, the employment market. When surveyed on potential later life housing needs, fewer than 1 in 10 of the public (6%) say they would most favour moving to specialist care and supported housing, while the majority (59%) of disabled people who are 65 and over say

that they will personally need some accessible housing features in the next five years. Of course the benefits of accessible homes are not only experienced by disabled people. Whether they are a couple with small children, a young professional having furniture delivered to their first home or an active retiree grandparent – all can benefit from the features of inclusively designed homes. Vicky McDermott Chief Executive of Papworth Trust said: “It has been widely assumed that disabled people do not have the means or money to purchase their own home. This report clearly dispels this myth and shows the demand for buying accessible homes, and the opportunity for developers to look again at their market. “Papworth Trust’s and Habinteg’s on-going extensive research looks into the housing market, but also the impact the lack of accessible homes creates, highlighting the fact that people living in inaccessible homes are four times more likely to be unemployed. “Building more accessible homes is a fundamental part of future-proofing the housing market, with a short term  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 77

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ACCESSIBLE HOUSING

ACCESSIBLE HOUSING BY NUMBERS

“New homes that are accessible, affordable and available must play a part in addressing the long term demands of UK housing policy, especially as the population ages. We’re hoping to see a new commitment to this from the government, local authorities and developers from now on.” Papworth Trust and Habinteg have between them a long history of providing and promoting accessible and adaptable homes for disabled and non-disabled people. They have a jointly held belief that disabled and older people deserve better housing options and that the accessibility of new homes must be a priority – not only for the benefit of individuals and families but as a common sense way of future proofing housing investment. The Hidden Market for Accessible Homes report includes four priority recommendations: • Developers should look again at their target markets and products. Are they missing out on a significant market opportunity? • Developers, planners and health and social care commissioners should take note of the desire of the public to maintain independence in mainstream housing and communities as they age or develop needs for care and support • Government departments should collaborate to investigate the relationship between unmet need for accessible housing and being out of work. As part

HOW WAS THE RESEARCH COLLECTED? The research, using a mix of analysis of government data, an in-depth telephone survey and interviews with disabled people, and opinion polling was conducted by teams at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Ipsos MORI, as part of a programme overseen by independent researcher and adviser Martin Wheatley on behalf of Papworth Trust and Habinteg. The research teams conducted a combination of: • Analysis of the nationally representative English Housing Survey (EHS) and its detailed module on housing accessibility last conducted in 2011-12. • Qualitative information from an on-line survey completed by 1,001 disabled people among standing panel of respondents run by Public Knowledge • Telephone interviews carried out by the LSE team with 40 of the people who responded to the Public Knowledge Survey And a face-to-face, in-home, interview survey with 2,074 adults across Britain between 16th March - 12th April 2016 conducted by Ipsos MORI. Data are weighted by age, gender, region, tenure, social grade, work status and disability to reflect the adult population (15+) across Great Britain. The full report is available here: http://sticerd.lse.ac.uk/dps/case/cr/ casereport109.pdf

11.6 MILLION

1.8

MILLION

DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE UK

DISABLED PEOPLE HAVE AN UNMET HOUSING NEED (580,000 ARE OF WORKING AGE)

56% 39%

OF THOSE PEOPLE ARE HOME OWNERS

OF THOSE HOME OWNERS HAVE INCOMES IN THE TOP HALF OF THE INCOME DISTRIBUTION

Paul Gamble, Chief Executive of Habinteg said: “Habinteg and others have campaigned about the lack of accessible housing provision in the UK for a long time. This new evidence is extremely important to the growing alliance who wants to see an increasing supply of accessible housing to rent and buy.

of the government drive to reduce the employment gap for disabled people, understanding the fundamental role that appropriate housing play will be crucial • Improving our national data resources is critical if we are to respond effectively to the nation’s housing needs. Disregarding the needs of families with disabled children from the official statistics is a missed opportunity to match housing need with accurate, evidence based plans

investment and a long term positive social impact on other services.”

OF HOMES PROVIDE THE FOUR BARE MINIMUM ACCESS FEATURES THAT WOULD ALLOW A DISABLED PERSON TO VISIT, LET ALONE LIVE THERE

AT LEAST

1 IN 6

HOUSEHOLDS DON’T HAVE THE ACCESSIBLE FEATURES THEY NEED

360,000 HOUSEHOLDS CONTAINING A DISABLED PERSON HAVE SAVINGS OF OVER £12,000

AN ESTIMATED

(4.7MILLION PEOPLE)

PROVIDE LONGTERM CARE FOR SOMEONE LIVING WITH THEM OR ELSEWHERE

78 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Ardoo 140 Portable Hoist The lightest, most compact, folding, portable hoist on the market.

Ardoo 140 Hoist / Stand Aid Combo Simple Optional conversion to a Stand Aid Folds and erects in seconds - no tools required Safe, easy transfer into front or rear seat of car Take on holidays / day trips with family & friends Ideal for hotels, cruise ships, weekends away Lifts from wheelchair, stairlift, toilet, etc Use in bathrooms & tight spaces Weighing only 23kgs (51lbs)

Discover accessible living at the timberyard deptford One-bed wheelchair accessible units from £445,000 020 3815 9000 thetimberyard@lendlease.com thetimberyard.london

0115 718 0676 www.ardoohoists.com email: info@ardoohoists.com Ardoo Caresafe Ltd Unit 424, 109 Vernon House Friar Lane, Nottingham NG1 6DQ

Image for illustrative purposes only, the park is made from natural grass and may not be suitable in all weather for wheelchair access. These particulars should not be relied upon as accurately describing any of the specific matters described by any order under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Business Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This information is not intended to form part of or constitute a contract or warranty. June 2016.

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REGISTER NOW 020 3369 0157 360BARKING.CO.UK Image shows a computer generated artist impression. Travel times taken from tfl.gov.uk Prices correct at the time of press

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29/09/2016 23:39

Mobility

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Feel clean and independent. Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care

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17/03/2014 10:07

30/09/2016 11:42

STAMMERING

STRAIGHT TALKING International Stammering Awareness Day takes place on 22 October every year. We spoke to Adam Black on what stammering and stuttering is, his experiences of stuttering over the years and shares his advice to help others with this hidden disability.

tammering/stuttering is a hidden disability which affects around 70million people worldwide, around 1% of the population, cutting across all boundaries and bearing no influence to social position, race, ethnicity, job or personality. Every language has a word for it: begaiement (French), tartamudez (Spanish), hakalaanaa (Hindi), hau hick (Cantonese), domori (Japanese), nsu (Nigerian Ibo). Stuttering is a neurological condition and there is something fundamentally different about the brains of people who stutter. There is an abnormality in a region of the brain known as the 'arcuate fasciculus'. This bundle of nerve fibres provides a communication conduit for signals between parts of the rear brain to parts of the front brain known to be involved in speech production. Normally, the neural 'wiring' in the arcuate fasciculus splits into several branches at the rear of the brain. In the vast majority of the stutterers there seems to be a missing branch of neural connections. With these missing fibres, stuttering occurs, in the form of repeated sounds or words or in chest freezing (the inability to speak). It is when people who stammer become aware that they do, is generally when the problem manifests itself and 

I DIDN’T NOTICE THAT I STUTTERED UNTIL PRIMARY FOUR AGED NINE WHEN I WAS READING A STORY OUT IN CLASS AND COULDN’T SAY A SINGLE WORD

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different behaviours occur. These behaviours could be leg slapping to get words out, changing words or making things up just in a bid to communicate. As a stutterer myself, I used to feel feelings of anxiety and [Below] Adam Black embarrassment every time I teaching his class spoke. I felt alone and that no one could understand my situation. My parents remember me speaking differently as a young child and then noticeably stuttering from early primary school. If I’m honest, I didn’t notice that I stuttered until Programme taught primary four aged nine when I me techniques to was reading a story out in class control my stutter, both physical and and couldn’t say a single word of physiological. The physical techniques it. I tried as hard as I could but the include a new way to breathe when words would not come out of my mouth. speaking and an assertive tone when Stuttering in school was tough, I had to speaking - no holding back on sounds. work very hard to avoid words I knew I The physiological techniques were about couldn’t say. In my head, I was always one defeating the negative associations I had step ahead so that I could avoid openly built up around speaking. This included stuttering. This was mentally exhausting speaking dysfluently in a controlled way. and my façade in school was often very Being dysfluent on my own terms gave different to my true face at home where I me the confidence that it is fine to speak didn’t have the energy to change words differently from other people and it and openly stuttered. I struggled through allowed me to stop hiding and to accept school when asked a question in public myself as a person who stutters. and avoided answering questions where possible, choosing to listen rather than This newfound speaking technique gave speak. It felt very isolating and that me the ability to control, not cure, my nobody really knew what I was going stutter and has allowed me to become a through. I left school and chose a course successful teacher. I teach in a busy at college that involved little to no primary school and I’m very open about speaking, even though all I wanted to do my disability with parents and students was be a teacher. alike. It is important for children in my school to see the real Mr Black - the one Then 10 years ago, I found a who stutters. It shows them, especially stuttering therapy course called The children with additional issues McGuire Programme. This is a unique themselves, that with hard work and therapy option as it is run for people who self-acceptance you can achieve your stutter by people who stutter. After my dreams. first course everything changed for me. I no longer felt alone. I had a support I use my experience as a person with this community of other people who knew disability to help educate other people what I was feeling. The McGuire

on dealing with people who stutter. The most important piece of advice I can give to people is to focus on all the things a person who stammers can do well and not get too hung up on the fact they stutter. Are they a good listener? Do they work well in a group? Do they record information well? When they speak, are they concise and to the point? These are all positives I wish I’d seen when reading my school report. Giving a person with a stutter time to speak is so important, we don’t want people to finish our sentences. We have a voice and we want to use it. As uncomfortable as it may be for you, think about the person in front of you. If they are being brave enough to speak in front of the class then please give them the courtesy of uninterrupted speech. Stuttering, like many conditions, cannot be cured. With this in mind it is important to embrace it. When you accept yourself for who you really are then you can start being who you really want to be. I think that’s a message worth remembering; embrace your quirks, they make you who you are. To find out more about the support available for people who stammer/stutter please visit www.stammering.org.

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30/09/2016 16:23

MORGAN POWERCHAIR

TES T E SH

a 65cm turning radius a 60cm overall width a Full suspension a Crash tested

The Morgan powerchair is an excellent product for both indoor and outdoor use. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small turning radius allows the users to manoeuvre freely at home whilst the powerful motors and independent suspension are great for outdoors.

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Able2Travel Insurance

for people with medical conditions Able2Travel is a caring and sensitive solution to meet your travel insurance needs when going on holiday. Cover for many pre-existing medical conditions

• 8 accessible luxury lakeside lodges in Devon • 5 Caravan Club CL pitches with electric hook up • Well stocked 1.5 acre coarse fishing lake • Heated indoor pool (Seasonal) • Games Room and Free WiFi • Orchard and woodland walk • Dogs welcome

Cancellation cover up to £3,000 (Double Cover) Emergency Medical Expenses up to £10,000,000 (Double Cover) Baggage Cover up to £3,000 (Double Cover) Age up to 79 for Single Trip and 69 Annual Multi-Trip Winter Sports Option included as standard under Annual policies

Single Trip policies are available up to a maximum duration of 184 days (or 45 days if aged over 64) or if you are travelling more than once per year you may find an Annual Multi-Trip policy more cost effective.

Get a quote

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(Open Monday-Saturday, 9.00am-5.00pm)

Able2Travel is a trading name of Voyager Insurance Services Ltd. Voyager Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number: 305814)

01409 211140 info@blagdonfarm.co.uk www.blagdonfarm.co.uk

Kidz to Adultz North Thursday 17th November 2016 EventCity, Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AS 9.30am – 4.30pm A FREE event for children & young adults up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and the professionals who support them.

FREE Entry 180 Exhibitors FREE Parking Easy Access FREE Accredited CPD & Topical Seminars

Information on mobility, seating, bathing, transport, housing, education, employment, vehicles, communication, funding, The Care Act, legal matters and much more - Children Welcome! Seminars Sponsored By:Main Sponsor

For Visitors FREE entry tickets contact Disabled Living:Tel: 0161 607 8200

info@disabledliving.co.uk www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

Dates For Your Diary •Kidz to Adultz Middle 16th March 2017 Ricoh Arena, Coventry •Kidz to Adultz South 8th June 2017 Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading. •Kidz to Adultz Wales TBC July 2017 , Cardiff •Kidz to Adultz Scotland 14th September 2017 Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

Established in 1897, Disabled Living is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Registered Charity number 224742

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29/09/2016 23:51

MOTORING

We took Jeep's new sup-compact crossover out for a spin

JEEP RENEGADE

eturning for a second year, the 2016 Jeep Renegade SUV boasts something of an upgrade on its predecessor. It isn’t the first car like Jeep, and whilst it’s off-road capacity probably wouldn’t be an ideal match for outrunning a Raptor or a T Rex it is certainly a great allround sub-compact crossover, and with lots of character and typically bold Jeep styling, it’s sure to provide competition for others in its class. The Renegade is the smallest in Jeep's 4x4 range, below the premium Cherokee and old school Wrangler. Built side-by-side with the 500x in Fiat’s factory in Melfi, Italy, it shares an engine with its factory friend. Unlike the 500x however, it does not take the cutesy approach to compact SUVs, opting instead for a beefier look; and taking cues from Jeeps heritage with its ruggedness, round headlights and the iconic 7-slot grille. It also sports plenty of oversized details to really emphasise that whilst it may be small on size, this car is very much still a Jeep. Designed to enter the same market as the Nissans Qashqai, Juke and the MINI Countryman, the downsized compact crossover that is the Renegade is targeted to those who seek credible off-road performance and it certainly does perform impressively. Arguably, the most capable all terrain vehicle in its class, the six-speed gearbox makes for a smooth shift. On road

though, it does feel that Jeep may have got a little caught up in going off-piste, but there’s certainly still an enjoyable, smooth drive there, but bigger inner city potholes can make the ride a bit bouncier.

of space on offer, as well as an interior trim that makes this Jeep ideal. From start-stop technology, lane-assist, privacy glass, cruise control and more, the interior and exterior trim and technology is what really brings the Renegade to life.

The car’s bodywork takes several cues from With the Renegade Jeep is looking to improve Jeeps back catalogue like bulbous its patchy reliability record, with a horde of headlights, off-road bumpers and safety features included in even the towhooks to make the most basic trims, but in the LTD crossover overall look more one, the important feature that purposeful than others WITH LOTS OF jumped out was the ability to within its class. CHARACTER AND turn the front passenger side TYPICALLY BOLD JEEP airbag off; ideal for a young Inside, Jeep manage STYLING, IT’S family. to fit in even more of SURE TO PROVIDE their personal character COMPETITION FOR Overall the JEEP Renegade touches, with a mud OTHERS IN ITS CLASS is a fantastic addition to their splatter graphic on the rev line up and is the perfect compact counter, making it just as fun crossover for both on and off road. as its rivals. With a host of internal extras including a nine-speaker-system from Beats the Limited trim really is the whole shebang with a comprehensive 6.5 inch touchscreen infotainment system, lane assist, heated seats and steering wheel, as well as an eight-way adjustable driver seat. The upright boxy body means the Renegade has a great amount www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 85

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GRADUATES

TOP OF THE CLASS Graduating can be a daunting prospect, so we take a look at some of the companies that are actively trying to attract disabled candidates.

raduating from college or university can come with a whole host of contrasting emotions. Proud that you have completed your course or degree, happy that all the sleepless nights of worrying and studying for assessments and exams are over, sad that you now have to stop being a little less carefree and confused about where to go from here.

company can have many perks and they almost definitely will have a very open and inclusive way of doing things within their organisation to cater for a wide and diverse workforce. We spoke to three of the top employers for graduates with disabilities to find out what they offer potential candidates:

1. ERNST & YOUNG

The next chapter in your life is about to begin and it’s time to think about what you are going to do now that you can no longer retort, to an inquisitive relative that is trying to gauge how successful you are, “I’m a student”.

As a leading professional services organisation, our work impacts at the highest level of global business. By asking better questions, we provide our clients with better answers, helping them solve complex business issues. For bright, curious, ambitious graduates, working at EY offers you the opportunity to change how world-leading organisations do business.

There are many different ways to access a full-time job after finishing the education route. Graduate jobs and schemes are a very popular way of jump-starting a future career. By gaining experience in the world of work in an already renowned

As our clients become more global and expand into new markets, they expect us to be equally diverse. We have a strong commitment to bringing together the right teams for our clients from across our global organisation. These teams match  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 87

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GRADUATES

our clients’ needs in terms of knowledge, skills and cultural background. Diverse teams are also proven to stimulate innovation and new ways of problem solving. But they need an inclusive culture to help them function at their best. Inclusiveness is all about making the diverse mix work. It’s about equity and opportunity – making sure that differences are celebrated so that talented people from any background can rise to the top, and ensuring that opportunities to develop and advance are available for all from day one. At EY, we’ve always focused as much as we can on what our people ‘can do’ rather than what they ‘can’t do’, whilst not pretending that any of us are perfect! We have been working to challenge the perception of disability and encourage all our people to look beyond a person’s visible or invisible impairment to create an environment where we can all prosper and be our true authentic selves. We know that experiencing health and disability challenges often changes us and that, whether we’re born with or acquire our physical, mental or other conditions, we’ll develop skills and resilience to adapt to them. We have various internal networks, one of which is Ability EY - the Firm’s overarching disability network which provides a platform to support individuals managing a disability and provides networking opportunities.

2. NUCLEARGRADUATES nucleargraduates is a graduate programme like no other. Designed to develop graduates with an awareness of the technical, political and commercial challenges facing the nuclear industry. This professionally accredited programme has been established to deliver the industry’s future leaders. Established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in 2007 the programme has been created to address the industry’s skills gap. More than 200 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) graduates have been through the programme with a further 74 graduates currently completing the scheme ahead of starting their careers within the UK nuclear industry. Since 2010 the programme has been fully-funded by organisation such as Sellafield Ltd and Rolls-Royce.

AT EY, WE’VE ALWAYS FOCUSED AS MUCH AS WE CAN ON WHAT OUR PEOPLE ‘CAN DO’ RATHER THAN WHAT THEY ‘CAN’T DO’

Whilst on programme graduates undertake three industrial placements, both within the UK and abroad, with three different organisations whist working towards chartership with their chosen professional institute. Graduates also receive a wide range of behavioural training to complement their technical experiences. In addition to industrial placements and behavioural training graduates also participate in the Footprints 

Focusing on strengths in this way is really important to changing culture and careers for the better. Find out more at www.ey.com.

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29/09/2016 22:53

THIS IS YOUR HOUR, SUMMON YOUR POWER

’

We’re proud to support grass roots disability sport “Disability sport is currently more popular than ever and hopefully if I keep doing what I’m doing I can be a role model for people who might be struggling to understand what their aims and ambitions should be.” Hannah Cockroft MBE, Paralympic gold medallist

www.irwinmitchell.com/dont-quit-do-it

#DontQuitDoIt

Three simple steps allow you to achieve expertise in one of the most talked about and least understood industries via nucleargraduates.com 1. Be selected by one of the nucleargraduates’ sponsors (Rolls-Royce, Magnox Ltd, Sellafield Ltd, INS, NDA or Jacobs) 2. Experience a world class twenty four month long development programme 3. Join your sponsor for a career based on professional excellence and opportunity.

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GRADUATES

corporate social responsibility scheme which sees them passing on their skills and knowledge to the next generation, working in schools and getting involved with local community projects. Graduates also work in groups to set up, run and close a small business to build their appreciation of the value of the pound and the challenges faced by SME’s within the nuclear industry.

keen to attract graduates who understand the value of providing excellent services; people who represent the diverse communities that councils serve. In return, local government offers tangible, real-life outcomes for graduates whose motivation isn’t found in corporate profit or abstract concepts.

Unlike any other graduate programme nucleargraduates is a unique and diverse development opportunity for graduates with disabilities. The ability to choose placements and training appropriate to their needs allows graduates to grow and gain confidence in an industry where opportunities are plentiful and can provide a career for life. Generous individual training and travel budgets are provided to support the graduate over the two years of the programme. Find out more at www.nucleargraduates.com.

3. LOCAL GOVERNMENT Adaptable, ambitious, intelligent and socially conscious. If you wouldn’t apply these words to local government, it’s time to think again. Local councils plan and deliver critical services for the benefit of their communities. From adult social services to environmental management, community cohesion, children’s services, education, public health and more, local councils seek to improve the lives of their residents every day. Delivering these services for the benefit of diverse communities is never easy, and the public sector currently faces the challenging reality of limited resources and rising need. Now more than ever, over 350 local councils in England and Wales are looking to employ people with a strong social mission who have the capacity to think creatively about service design and delivery. The national graduate development programme (ngdp), a Times Top 100 and Guardian UK 300 graduate employer, works with local councils to provide them with next generation leaders and senior managers. The programme is particularly

Graduate recruitment processes such as online testing can be off-putting for many people, but the ngdp process is built to accommodate candidates’ individual requirements. In fact, graduates who declare a disability at the start of our application process have historically outperformed candidates without a disability at every stage. The learning and development programme also adapts each year based on the needs of those taking part. Local government is ethical and inclusive; it values the perspective that each person brings. Whether you graduate in summer 2017 or finished your degree ten years ago, local government and the ngdp are open and interested. Find out more at www.ngdp.org.uk.

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30/09/2016 16:37

ALLIANZ DARE TO BELIEVE YOU CAN ACHIEVE! Finding an inclusive employer can be a challenge – but here at Allianz Insurance, we have lots of opportunities for people of all backgrounds in our diverse workforce. We aim to create a better world for disabled people and have demonstrated this through backing our athletes at the Paralympics in Rio.

Dare to believe

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to supporting our employees whatever their situation and helping them to progress and exceed their own expectations. ABOUT ALLIANZ INSURANCE Allianz Insurance is one of the largest general insurers in the UK. We’re also part of the Allianz SE Group, one of the leading financial services providers worldwide and the largest property and casualty insurer in the world.

Claire Cashmore ParalympicsGB Swimmer Allianz Insurance champions those who dare to believe. That’s why we’re proud to support Claire Cashmore and ParalympicsGB.

allianz.co.uk

Employing over 5,000 people in the UK in a network of 25 offices (head offices in Guildford and London), with a further 1,100 people based in Trivandrum, India, Allianz offers a wide range of opportunities – from sales and marketing to finance and IT.

Insurance from A-Z

Official partner

WHY WORK IN INSURANCE? Insurance is something that we all hope we’ll never require, but is essential in times of need. If floods damage your car or home, or your family pet gets ill, it makes a huge difference knowing you have insurance from a company that will make sure you have the right resources and support when you need it. FIND OUT MORE You don’t have to have an insurance background to work at Allianz. We simply believe that to achieve our business goals, we need people who will drive innovation and introduce new ideas – delivering outstanding service for current and potential customers.

Jon-Allan Butterworth ParalympicsGB Cyclist Allianz Insurance champions those who dare to believe. That’s why we’re proud to support Jon-Allan Butterworth and ParalympicsGB.

allianz.co.uk

Insurance from A-Z

Official partner

Allianz is committed to making reasonable adjustments as required during the application/interview process and/or once in post. We believe that life belongs to those who dare. To those who rise to the challenge. The believers. If you dare to believe, join us at Allianz. Visit the careers section of our website www.allianz.co.uk/ careers where you can search for vacancies by location and specialism or www.allianz.co.uk/graduates for further information about graduate and internship programmes.

LISA TAPLIN QUALITY ASSESSOR

DAVID FOX SENIOR CLAIMS HANDLER

“When I was 16, I was diagnosed with a genetic eye disorder (Retinitis Pigmentosa or RP). It means I have virtually no night vision and severely reduced peripheral vision. I have worked for Allianz for 16 years and my colleagues have always been very supportive – it’s a caring environment to work in. Last year I trekked across the Sahara with 23 other visually impaired and blind people who all have RP. My colleagues at Allianz fully supported me with the various fundraising events.”

“I have had cerebral palsy since birth. It doesn’t really affect my work, since I’m of ce-based. I joined Allianz in March 2013 as a Claims Handler and I’m now a Senior Claims Handler. Everyone has always been very supportive. I am not treated differently and I have never felt excluded. The assumption has always seemed to be that I can do things, rather than the other way round!”

12/21/15 3:49 PM

CAREERS

GET THAT DREAM JOB GAINING ACCESS TO WORK

Jane Hatton explores Access to Work, a programme designed to help disabled people into the workplace.

By Jane Hatton

returning to work and suggestions for reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Sometimes support may be a one-off payment (for example, a heightadjustable desk for someone with spinal problems), or an on-going payment (for example, a driver for someone with a sight impairment and mobility problem). Access to Work is designed to help people over 16 who have an impairment or health condition that impacts on their ability to do the job. It includes both employment and selfemployment.

ccess to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support for people who have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition. Support can be provided where someone needs help or adaptations beyond reasonable adjustments. It has been described as the government’s “best kept secret”, as not many people (including employers) know about it. Knowing what support you might get from Access to Work can help you explain to a prospective employer that any adjustments you may need could be paid for, in part or in full, reassuring the employer that you won’t be an expensive hire. Access to Work can help you by providing support with:

• Aids or equipment in the workplace – this could include assistive technology (such as dictation software or a larger monitor) • Adapting equipment to make it easier for you to use – for example, a heightadjustable desk or ergonomic chair • Travel to work – if you are unable to drive and public transport is inaccessible for you, this could include taxi fares or a driver • Travel in work – again, if you need to travel between different sites as part of your role, this could include taxi fares or a driver • Communication support at interviews – for a candidate with a hearing impairment you cold have a BSL interpreter • A wide variety of support workers – this could include someone to take notes at meetings or training events, a job coach to help you learn new tasks, someone to carry equipment around, etc. • The Mental Health Support Service - you may be offered, for example, assistance to develop a support plan. This may include steps to support you remaining in or

It can be helpful to talk to Access to Work about your support needs. It may be they can advise you on what will be helpful. There may be assistive technology that you are unaware of, for example, or solutions they have found to remove barriers for other employees with similar challenges. They can send out experts (e.g. in ergonomics or technology) to discuss with you and your employer about what might help the most. If you think you can get help from Access to Work, email them on atwosu.london@ dwp.gsi.gov.uk or call them on 0345 268 8489 (Textphone: 0345 608 8753). For more information visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview. 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.

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DO YOU HAVE SPEECH OR MOVEMENT PROBLEMS? WOULD YOUR LIFE BE IMPROVED BY THE PROVISION OF A COMMUNICATION AID TO HELP YOU LEAD A MORE INDEPENDENT LIFE? Then perhaps The Sequal Trust can help

GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2016 SCOTTISH UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

Find out why we’re

We operate throughout the UK, fundraising to provide speech aids for disabled people of all ages.

o N

at www.dundee.ac.uk/numberone

3 Ploughman’s Corner, Wharf Road, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 0EJ Sy12 0EJ Tel: 01691 624222 Sequal aims to provide speech aids to those people who cannot afford to purchase such very vital equipment, to allow them to lead more independent lives and especially when statutory bodies are unable to help.

Boundaries are changing to make constituencies more equal

Help us shape the new Parliamentary constituencies in your area

Go online to view the proposed boundary changes and have your say: www.bce2018.org.uk

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CLASSIFIEDS

Stay somewhere special.. Award winning, self-catering log cabins with stunning views of the Derbyshire countryside • M2 & M3a - stress free, easy level access for wheelchairs • No extras - mobile hoist, profile beds and equipment included • Explore local trails - hire the Boma 7 off-road buggy • Additional care support tailored to your needs • Relax and unwind on our working farm • We welcome children and pets • Help at hand from friendly on site owners

Contact David and Felicity on 01629 540262 www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

Cornwall. Near Truro

Norfolk Disabled Friendly Cottages

Hill Lodge Poole, Dorset

Book now for 2017

Two specially converted detached cottages on a family farm in Cornwall. • • • •

Ensuite wetrooms Electric profiling beds Air/pressure mattress Hoists

• • • •

Shower chairs Riser/recline chairs Local care available Adapted kitchens

We are a family run business providing 8 self catering cottages designed to suit both disabled and able-bodied guests. Situated on a converted farmyard on the outskirts of the quiet village of Bircham, about 5 miles from the Royal Estate at Sandringham and 7 miles from the North Norfolk Coast. There are many nearby attractions, pubs and family activities to ensure there is something for everyone. For more information or to book call 01485 578 354 or email lavinia@nd-fc.co.uk.

01726 883240 / 07762 173860 www.treworgans.co.uk

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Wheelchair Accessible Self-catering Holiday Let C5/6 Tetraplegic Owner Sleeps 6

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Call 01257 422667 to book today!

We, at Finca, are proud to provide fully assisted holidays all year round for disabled and non-disabled people, groups, organisations and lone travellers. Destinations include: » Alicante » Barbados » Iceland » Salou » Mauritius » Lanzarote » Euro Disney and many more! Tailor made options available • All including 24/7 assistance! 2016 brochure is now available at www.fincasupportedholidays.co.uk

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Tel: 01257 422667

30/09/2016 12:06

Las Piedras Hotel & El Pleamar Apartments Accessible Andalucia Stylish Accessible Accommodation Swimming Pool with Hoist, Mobility Aids, Accessible Transport & Excursions

www.disabledholidaysinspain.com Tel 029 212 54321 Email info@disabledholidaysinspain.com

Please contact us for our new 2016 brochure

Alba Highland Cottages

Alba Highland Cottages are newly built luxurious, self-catering cottages with wifi, full disabled access, accessible toilets and wetrooms. · 2 accessible adjacent cottages · Situated a mile from Boat of Garten, 5 miles from Aviemore · All rooms are accessible to wheelchairs (upper level access to rooms is by stairs only) · Downstairs wetrooms, adjoining parking and ramps · Free use of a wheelchair can be arranged

To book or to find out more call 01505 842 062 / 07748 432 648 or visit www.albahighlandcottages.co.uk

Free wifi and pets welcome

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Nothing is Impossible...

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Jubilee Jubilee Sailing Sailing Trust Trust 12 Hazel 12 Hazel Road Road Woolston Woolston Southampton Southampton SO19 SO19 7GA7GA

Tel:Tel: 023023 8044 8044 9108 9108 Email: Email: info@jst.org.uk info@jst.org.uk

Every issue is packed with information designed to help you Travel Reviews live life to the full, from products Expert travel reviews to help you Competitions and sports to holiday ideas and make the best choice when booking DearDear Member, Member, Exclusive competitions that give employment advice, so make sure your holiday. you the chance to win dream you don’t miss out on any future We have We have teamed teamed up with up with brand brand newnew magazine, magazine, PosAbility, PosAbility, to send to send youyou a complimentary a complimentary copycopy of the of the firstfirst issue. issue. TheThe holidays, amazing products and issues and subscribe today! magazine magazine is filled is filled withwith useful useful articles, articles, enjoyable enjoyable stories stories andand lots lots of competitions, of competitions, including, including, the the chance chance to win to win a a

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sailing sailing trip trip withwith us! Turn us! Turn to page to page 26 for 26 details for details on how on how to enter, to enter, good good luck! once in aluck! lifetime experiences.

An innovative mix of products to

PosAbility PosAbility is allisabout all about living living independently independently andand actively, actively, something something youyou will will readread a lotaabout lot about in PosAbility. in PosAbility. ThisThis Like us on Facebook support in everyday living. issue issue looks looks intointo theyou the Paralympic Paralympic hopefuls hopefuls for 2012 for 2012 andand gives gives some some tipstips to those to those whowho are keen are keen to take to take a sport a sport up on up on Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’ a serious a serious level. level. There There is also is also an article an article on Extreme on Extreme Sports Sports for the for more more adventurous reader, a look a look at the at the Wheelchair Wheelchair Wethe look atadventurous sportsreader, and activities Challenge Challenge taking taking place place nextnext month month andand an overview an overview of the of the Mobility Mobility Roadshow. Roadshow. available for you to get involved in

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helpat you lead healthy Regular columns and features on We hope We hope youyou enjoy enjoy reading reading PosAbility, PosAbility, if you if you would would like like to subscribe toto subscribe only at only £10 £10 fora1for year 1 year or £18 orlifestyle. £18 for 2for years, 2 years, please please use use the the form form below below to post todream post backback with with your your payment payment or call or call 0141 0141 582582 1475 1475 andand quote quote ‘Jubilee’ ‘Jubilee’ . . getting your job. Providing

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REASONS TO BUY A

ŠKODA

YETI

AVAILABLE FROM

NIL ADVANCE PAYMENT**

AVAILABLE WITH

AUTOMATIC (DSG)

OR MANUAL GEARBOX

REAR PARKING SENSORS STANDARD FROM SE TRIM

VARIOFLEX ADAPTABLE SEATING

Model shown is ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor SE L 1.2 TSI 110PS manual. Available with Advance Payment of £95 plus the retail cost of all the options.*

*Option part-silver roof rails at £165. **To qualify for this offer you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). Nil Advance Payment applies to Yeti S and SE trim 1.2 TSI 110PS DSG and manual, Yeti Outdoor S and SE trim 1.2 TSI 110PS DSG and manual. Contact your local retailer for more information. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Motability retailers only. Subject to availability. Valid for applications to Motability from 1 October to 31 December 2016.

Official fuel consumption for the ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor range, petrol only in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 37.7 (7.5) to 43.5 (6.5), Extra Urban 50.4 (5.6) to 58.9 (4.8), Combined 44.8 (6.3) to 51.4 (5.5). CO2 emissions for the ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor range, petrol only in mpg are 147 to 128g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Available on ad_pages_pos_oct_nov_16.indd 34

Visit skoda.co.uk/motability 30/09/2016 17:15

MITSUBISHI MOTABILITY OFFERS OUTLANDER DIESEL GX3

MIRAGE JURO

ADVANCE PAYMENT

£1,999

REVERSING SENSORS OPTIONAL AUTO

NIL

REVERSING SENSORS

7 SEATS INTELLIGENT 4WD

KEYLESS ENTRY & PUSH BUTTON START

OPTIONAL CVT AUTO BLUETOOTH

Pop in and see us | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer. The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Models shown are the 16MY Outlander GX3 2.2 diesel manual and Mirage Juro 1.2 petrol manual. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st October and 31st December 2016. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Mirage range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 55.4 – 57.6 (5.1 - 4.9), Extra Urban 72.4 - 72.4 (3.9 - 3.9), Combined 65.7 – 65.7 (4.3 - 4.3), CO2 emissions 100 - 99g/km. Outlander diesel range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 40.9 – 45.6 (6.9 – 6.2), Extra Urban 54.3 – 58.9 (5.2 – 4.8), Combined 48.7 – 53.3 (5.8 – 5.3), CO2 emissions 154 – 139g/km.

ad_pages_pos_oct_nov_16.indd 35 Diesel Motability PosAbility Mag 297x210.indd 1 M40616 Q4 2016 Mirage & Outlander

17:04 30/09/2016 15:26