PosAbility – Jun / Jul 2021

Jun/Jul 2021

MAGAZINE DIGITAL ABLEISM

TOKYO 2020

SUMMER FUN

Why are disabled businesses having Facebook ads rejected?

What to expect from the delayed Paralympic Games

Plan your accessible summer day out

Welcome JUN/JUL 2021

Ros EDITOR

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espite a global pandemic and mixed reports on the delayed Paralympic Games, it would appear that we have a summer of sport to look forward to. Against all the odds the IOC are determined to put on a show of elite sport in Tokyo later this year and our Paralympic athletes will finally be given their time to shine, albeit in a very different Games setting.

Tokyo 2020 will be different for many reasons, the main one being that no international spectators can attend, and there may not even be Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

any Japanese residents allowed in, depending on the decisions made nearer the time. This does mean that we will simply have to get behind our athletes by supporting them on social media and shouting at our TV screens. You can read more about the Games on page 32.

This issue Jenna Downes is highlighting the problems that many small disability-related businesses are experiencing when trying to advertise on Facebook and other social media sites. It would appear that digital ableism does exist and brands and organisations are inexplicably having their adverts banned when they mention or relate to disability. Find out more on page 12.

For kids and families this issue we take a look at accessible day trips, swimming lessons and an organisation dedicated to providing performance dance classes to young people with additional needs. You can also enter a competition to win a stylish new rollator on page 35.

We hope you are all enjoying the lifting of restrictions safely and comfortably, and let’s hope the weather will be on our side this summer!

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Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writers: Katie Campbell Designer: Fionnlagh Ballantine Sales: Danny McGonigle

CONTRIBUTORS

Sam Renke, Mik Scarlet, Dan White, Jane Hatton, Ian Taverner, Jenna Downes, Caroline Butterwick, Pippa Stacey, Molly Pegler, Emma Purcell

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.

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All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2049-2251

Contact Details: 2A Publishing Ltd, 20- 23 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QL Tel: 0141 465 2960 Fax: 0141 258 7783 enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk posabilitymagazine.co.uk Jun/Jul 2021

MAGAZINE DIGITAL ABLEISM

TOKYO 2020

SUMMER FUN

why are disabled businesses having Facebook ads rejected

what to expect from the delayed Paralympic Games

plan your accessible summer day out

Follow us on Instagram @ posabilitymagazine

To find out more about subscribing to PosAbility Magazine turn to p66

Cover image of Jordanne Whiley courtesy of ParalympicsGB/adidas UK

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JUN/JUL 2021 | ISSUE 61

E ROAD TH TOKY TO

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09 FYI News, stories and updates

12 DIGITAL ABLEISM Jenna Downes investigates why so many ads featuring disabled people are being rejected by Facebook

30 THE INVISIBLE TALENT POOL Pippa Stacey explores the barriers to employment faced by people living with chronic illness

32 THE ROAD TO TOKYO What can we expect from the postponed 2020 Paralympic Games?

35 WIN A SCOOTER 15 GADGET TIME Sam Renke rates the new gadgets she’s bought throughout the lockdown

Rehasense UK are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a scooter!

36 HOT STUFF 17 POLITICS FOR THE PEOPLE Meet the disabled and neurodivergent politicians now sitting in the Scottish Parliament

The latest must-have products on the market

38 SUMMER READS Sink your teeth into these books by disabled authors this summer

20 SUMMER FRUITS What’s ripe for summer, and how do you make it delicious?

23 COOKFULNESS Learn how to make a delicious summer tart with a recipe from Ian Taverner

24 ACCESS ALL AREAS Caroline Butterwick’s expert guide to finding accessible attractions in the UK

40 WELLBEING WEDNESDAYS Top tips from Euan’s Guide to ensure you’re looking after your mental health

43 INCLUSIVITY S(M)ELLS Global beauty and personal care brand Unilever reveal the new inclusive deodorant they hope to bring to market

45 KIDS’ CORNER How to find swimming lessons, get involved in inclusive performance, meet PDA Dad, and read columns from Dan White and this issue’s Future Voices contributor Molly Pegler

27 THE UNTOLD STORY Mik Scarlet explores what it was like to grow up as a disabled person surrounded by non-disabled family and friends

28 BEACH AND BBQ READY Essential products to get you ready for barbecue season

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58 AUDIO DESCRIPTION FOR ALL Emma Purcell highlights the importance of including audio description on media streaming services

65 DREAM JOB Jane Hatton explains how to write CVs that are recruiter- and ATS-friendly

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Zak Skinner - Athletics, ParalympicsGB Image credit: ParalympicsGB/adidas UK

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION News and stories from around the world

PARALYMPICSGB KIT REVEALED FOR TOKYO 2020

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esigned by sports giant adidas, the new kit was unveiled last month with a series of photographs featuring several Paralympians including wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley, track star Libby Clegg and Tokyo hopeful Zak Skinner.

The modern and powerful kit will see the athletes from ParalympicsGB and Team GB step out together in a kit that represents “unity in diversity”.

The design features the deconstructed Union flag combined with the national flowers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and some inspiration from Tokyo’s landscape too.

The designers at adidas have also crafted this kit with sustainability at the forefront, using high-performance recycled materials in the making of all items.

Mike Sharrock, British Paralympic

ParalympicsGB/adidas UK

Association CEO said: “It fills me with pride to see the ParalympicsGB athletes wearing the adidas kit, especially after all the challenges they have faced training for a Games which will inspire and unite the nation once again. Tokyo 2020 is set to be the toughest Games yet, however our athletes will be prepared wearing a kit that not only looks great but incorporates the very best in innovation and technology.”

Melina Hartmann, design director at adidas said: “It is so exciting to be unveiling the new kit for the Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes. Through experimentation and dedication, each piece in the collection highlights how far we have pushed the boundaries in contemporary design, innovation, and sustainability. We hope all athletes feel like they can make their mark as individuals and as a team when wearing the kit at the Games this summer.”

KINTSUGI CLOTHING WINS BUSINESS AWARD

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daptive clothing brand Kintsugi Clothing has won an award for being the nation’s best digital business at this year’s Small Awards.

Kintsugi Clothing won the Digital Star Award, which celebrates businesses that operate only online and use digital channels to engage and grow their customer base.

Owner Emma McClelland, who started Kintsugi in 2019, was surprised at her home with a trophy during a virtual online awards ceremony that increasingly stunned guests, as eleven businesses across the UK were crowned winners on their doorsteps.

Launched in February 2019 after a year in development, Kintsugi provides disabled people with thoughtful, stylish pieces that make dressing easier without compromising on style or quality.

Reacting to winning the award, Emma commented: “I’m delighted. It feels like disability-first design is being recognised more and more, and it’s just a brilliant boost.” kintsugiclothing.co.uk

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PASSENGER ASSISTANCE APP LAUNCHED

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world around them, not by their impairment or difference. We want to use tech to remove the barriers that make life harder for people with impairments. Passenger Assistance makes it much easier for disabled passengers to arrange assisted travel, giving them more control and independence.”

new app has been launched to help disabled rail passengers book assistance simply and easily prior to their journeys. The app is called Passenger Assistance, and has been developed by Transreport, a UK-based tech company which focuses on accessibility and inclusion.

It has been rolled out across the National Rail network and will allow disabled passengers to effortlessly request assistance for train journeys all in one place, without having to contact individual train operators.

Disabled people and accessibility experts were consulted throughout the development phase and an accessibility panel was set up in 2017 to ensure the app would meet the expectations and real life needs of disabled passengers.

Jay Shen, founder and managing director of Transreport, said: “We’re inspired by The Social Model that says people are disabled by the

SEE SPORT DIFFERENTLY

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port England have awarded the RNIB and British Blind Sport with £1 million in funding over three years to increase participation in sport for people living with sight loss.

The See Sport Differently project will see the three organisations work together to provide more opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in sport. The programme will start with a three-month research project to better understand the impact COVID-19 has had specifically on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to undertake physical activity.

The project will also create participation opportunities with national governing bodies, while creating a volunteering programme at local sports and grass roots-club level, improving awareness of sight loss, and taking steps to improve accessibility of sporting sector businesses.

A mass participation event will also be planned for 2022 across various locations in the UK.

ParalympicsGB/Adidas UK

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BREAKING PERIOD STIGMA

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ur very own columnist Samantha Renke has joined forces with sustainable period pants brand WUKA in a campaign to break the stigma around periods.

The campaign was launched on World Menstrual Health Day (28 May) and features some incredible women, including, Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer, plus-size fashion influencer Sophie Edwards, former Storm model and endometriosis campaigner Emma Whittaker, and many more.

The campaign is highlighting the stigma and “period shame” that many women have felt in their lives.

For disabled women, periods can pose different challenges both physically and mentally, and Samantha highlights her experiences: “When I think about the word period, I think about the many times as a disabled woman that I’ve been infantilised. I didn’t even think I was capable of having a period. When I was younger, no-one would talk to me about sex, about periods, about puberty - it was a really taboo subject. Even now, aged 35, I am still not expected to be a sexual being.

As a disabled woman we are othered, we are seen as ‘lesser than’, and that includes having something as natural as a period.”

WUKA are hoping to represent the experiences of a diverse range of women by encouraging them to share their story using the hashtag #InMyWUKA. Find out more at wuka.co.uk.

LATEST

TWEETS

Carrie-Ann Lightley @CarrieALightley My GP surgery has changed the app they use for online appointment booking.

Me: How do I register?

Receptionist: You need to come in and collect an application form M: Can’t you post one to me? I’m a wheelchair user, the surgery is difficult for me to access R: No Anna / M.E. myself and I @theslowlane_ME Desperate to be fully vaccinated so I can finally recruit a new PA/ Home Help after 18 months without one. You can keep your holidays and meals out. Just please let it be safe enough again for me to have the help I need.

Brianne Benness @bennessb I already knew this, but it’s so so strange how healthy people think that diagnosis is like the emotional crescendo of the chronic illness experience and not the part long before that when you watched pieces of your life dissolve with no explanation at all Andrew Gurza _ @andrewgurza_ Ableism is all around you. Part of unlearning ableism is recognizing that you have been ableist too, even if you didn’t mean to be.

Sarah Hollowell @sarahhollowell I just don’t understand why opening back up as people get vaccinated also has to mean closing down all the accessible alternatives created in the last year

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INCLUSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

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s restrictions are eased and more people return to using public transport to get around, a coalition of influencers, disability charities and transport operators have joined forces with the Department for Transport (DfT) to call on passengers to see this reemergence as a chance to rethink travel habits and help create a more inclusive transport environment for everyone.

not all disabilities are visible, and it highlights ways in which a culture of support can be fostered.

The ‘It’s Everyone’s Journey’ campaign follows research by the DfT that recently revealed that the greatest barrier preventing disabled people from using public transport was in fact, other people.

The campaign calls for small changes, that can make a #WorldOfDifference. These actions include:

An open letter has been published and signed by a range of influencers, supported by charities including Scope, Leonard Cheshire and the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and is backed by many of the country’s biggest transport providers.

The message in the letter asks the public to be mindful of how they treat others on public transport, to consider the needs of disabled people, be aware that

Recognising and understanding that not everyone can wear a face covering, due to medical exemptions Making space. Some people will rely on others to socially distance on their behalf Being patient and prepared to help each other, but always asking first Keeping priority seats and designated wheelchair spaces clear for those that need them Remembering that not all disabilities are visible And above all, showing consideration for each other.

FOOTBALL YOUR WAY

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ngland Football have recently launched an online hub called Football Your Way to support disabled footballers returning to the sport.

Funded by Sport England, the online hub has been created to encourage and motivate disabled people to feel confident in taking part in football, whether that be at home or in their local park, before a return to clubs is official.

The website is packed full of ideas for taking part in football-based activities, they have information on getting back to frame football, blind football, powerchair football, and a pan-disability section that offers videos, tips and challenges that can be flexed to suit your own abilities.

England Football have also launched the 3 Step Challenge, which encourages players to create their own unique 3 Step Challenge to help them prepare for returning to the beautiful game.

For more information visit thefa.com.

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DIGITAL ABLEISM

BY JENNA DOWNES

Why are so many disability-focused brands and businesses having their advertisements censored on Facebook and Instagram?

I have been repeatedly banned and have been apologised to on three occasions with no explanation why I was banned

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ny small business will know that social media is key for attracting and converting customers. While many fashion brands spend much of their marketing budget on Facebook ads to help them reach a new audience, some accessible fashion brands are finding themselves hugely disadvantaged when they use this valuable tool to grow their brands.

Last month, many adaptive and inclusive brands grouped together to campaign against digital ableism, stating that social media sites are preventing their content from being seen. This isn’t a new phenomenon, with endometriosis UK reporting in March that users on Facebook and Instagram were being blocked from posting endometriosis content online, an issue they now say is resolved.

However, this new digital ableism goes beyond users sharing their experiences and instead seems to directly impact adaptive and inclusive brands, with many reporting that their Facebook ads are being rejected or they are not able to run ads in the first place. Not only is this apparent censoring of social media creating a bias towards mainstream brands (which fail to meet the needs of many of us living with disabilities but often have the advantage of much larger marketing budgets) but it’s essentially putting many small UK accessible brands out of business.

Maria O’Sullivan-Abeyratne owns one of those businesses.

She started using Facebook back in February initially to promote a free and anonymous survey to help with market research around adaptive and inclusive fashion. Her request to promote the free survey was banned outright and further bans then followed, including an advert created featuring a lady with a limb prosthetic which asked people to fill out the survey to help change in the fashion industry.

“I have been repeatedly banned and have been apologised to on three occasions with no explanation why I was banned. There are many more like me, but many are too afraid to speak out for fear of the repercussions,” said Maria O’Sullivan-Abeyratne who runs Adaptista; an adaptive fashion, beauty and lifestyle marketplace.

Maria has spent a considerable amount of time and energy on creating adverts which were fully inclusive only for them to be banned within minutes. “I’ve lost over £1000 as I worked carefully with a marketing team to ensure it was as accessible as possible (including readable by screen

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Our stories get less than 50 views in 24 hours if we use the word disabled or any medical condition

readers and visible by people with all colour blindness) but within three minutes of posting them, the majority of my ads were banned with them all eventually being blocked,” she added.

VIctoria Ann Jenkins runs Unhidden Clothing, an adaptive fashion brand that has also experienced similar issues.

“When we try to run ads, they are often rejected for no reason at all. On Facebook, our posts get hardly any reach and it’s even worse on Instagram. Our stories get less than 50 views in 24 hours if we use the word disabled or any medical condition. It impacts because we can’t reach our audience - we’re literally hidden,” said Victoria.

She has gone on to help curate a force of 50 adaptive and accessible brands who have found themselves in the same position as Maria. “Far too long accessible and adaptive brands have struggled to gain the same reason as their non accessible counterparts,” she adds.

TikTok user @migaswimwear shares her own experiences of her products being in policy violation saying it’s impacted her ads as well as her Instagram shop. In the video, she states that a product was flagged for ‘discriminating people,’ something she thinks may be due to a rare condition being mentioned in the product description. She explains that once she removed the rare condition from the product description it seemed to stop the product being flagged.

What then can accessible brands do about this apparent censorship? Approaching Facebook is the obvious step, but some have had more success with this than others.

Judith Cook, founder of Elba London, a brand of front

fastening bras, approached Facebook when she found her ads being rejected. “Any problems were sorted out pretty quickly with them and I’ve not had any problems since,” she adds. But other brands have had less success.

“It’s near impossible to get help from a human and I spent hours trawling around their help pages and eventually found an email address. I emailed but on each occasion of being banned, I would be unable to appeal, stating that I needed to send more identification which I’ve done twice previously,” explains Maria from Adaptista. “We don’t have the thousands of pounds required to have a Facebook account manager so we have no direct root to raise this as a systematic problem,” said Victoria from Unhidden Clothing.

Asked for comment, a spokesperson from Facebook said: “We want to help adaptive fashion brands find and connect with customers on Facebook. A small proportion of the ads shared with us should not have been flagged by our systems and have now been restored. We apologise for this mistake and are working to improve our systems so that brands don’t run into these issues in the future. ” A sign that things may improve in the future but for some, the damage has been done. “I cannot repost the adverts now as they were for a survey that’s now closed.” explains Maria.

In many ways, social media has helped the conversation around life with a disability, but this seems to be another barrier for true inclusivity that businesses are having to overcome. Or as Victoria puts it: “This is not because the demand isn’t there; there are billions of people worldwide with a disability. It is because business and talking about disability is suppressed.”

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We all welcome a little extra assistance now and again, particularly when travelling alone. Thistle Assistance is an initiative to help you feel safer and more comfortable when using public transport.

thistleassistance.com

DEEBOT I’ve wanted a robot vacuum cleaner for a long time now, but didn’t really want to put my hand in my pocket, because some of the more well-known brands such as Dyson or I-Robot cost between £500 and £1000. I took a chance with a lesserknown brand DEEBOT, for around £200 on Amazon. The installation and setup was super easy, even for a technophobe like myself. This little robot cleans the floor exceptionally well and gets under the sofa and into hard to reach places. The cats love it too! My only qualm is that it doesn’t seem to find its way back to its docking station on its own, so if it runs out of battery it can just be left in the middle of the floor, and it’s a pretty hefty piece of equipment so I can’t pick it up from my chair. You also need to make sure that nothing you want to be chewed up is left out like cables or pet’s toys because it will swallow them up. Three out of five stars.

SAM RENKE COLUMNIST

Our favourite teacher-turnedactress, Sam Renke, brings you her take on life and the colourful experiences it throws her way.

GADGET TIME

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t’s official: I am 100% jabbed!

By that, I mean I’ve had both of my COVID-19 vaccinations and I feel good! I am not, however, free and fancy, or in any way in a rush to get off gallivanting. In fact, I have become quite accustomed to being a homebird. I think even prior to the pandemic — perhaps because I’m in my 30s — I just really like being at home snuggled up on my sofa with my two sphynx cats (Lady Lola and Lord Bruno), and just pottering around. I just bloody love a good potter, don’t you?

This has meant that, over the past year, I have bought a number of gadgets that help maintain my independence within my four walls. I wanted to share with you my favourite accessible gadgets, and give you my honest opinion on whether or not you should invest in them, or if in fact I’ve just thrown money down the pan.

APPLE WATCH I am very much an Apple kind of girl, but I was never really keen on owning an Apple Watch as I always found them a little bulky and perhaps too big for my delicate wrist. However, I have subsequently found that there

are many dainty strap alternatives from other retailers such as Amazon and Etsy. The decision to get an Apple Watch came from the fact that I have a telecare alarm pendant in case of emergencies. This was connected to my landline, but as I upgraded to fibre internet I had to get rid of my landline - you see my conundrum.

Apple Watches can be expensive, however, you can add one onto your mobile phone tariff at a reasonable monthly cost - mine is about £20 extra.

The new Apple Watch Series 6 is more equipped for wheelchair users and has a motion sensor if you fall. You can also alter the emergency services by double clicking the side of the watch.

Honestly, I have fallen in love with it and love the fitness features too.

Obviously I’ve already bought five different straps to match my outfits.

Five out of five stars.

PHILLIPS HUE SMART LIGHTS Smart lights are amazing little features especially when you can get ones that sit behind your television and change colour to set a really lovely ambience.

Installation is pretty straight forward: in my case my PA plugged them in for me, but once that’s done it’s all remote. Philips Hue are the high-end range and there are cheaper options out there but with technology that you plug in, I’d rather go with a little more expensive for safety. You can control all your lights in your home from the comfort of your own bed. I’d only say that prior to getting fibre internet these little lights slowed my internet down. Four out of five stars - if you have good wifi.

TENSION ROD This is the last one, and the cheapest, starting at £4.99 (on Amazon) these extendable spring rods are perfect for space saving, and if like me you struggle to bend down into low cupboards, they are a game changer.

I’ve put one under my kitchen sink and hung spray bottles from it and slid on my kitchen paper, all out of sight now from the worktops but equally high enough up so I’m not bending down. Five out of five stars. posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Politics FOR THE PEOPLE

BY KATIE CAMPBELL Scotland recently elected its 6th parliament, and saw a few fantastic and long overdue firsts in terms of disabled representation within the country’s government. Who are the disabled and neurodivergent politicians representing the people of Scotland in their parliament?

PAM DUNCAN-GLANCY (MSP for Glasgow Region, Labour) Since being elected last month, Pam has become the first full-time wheelchair user in the Scottish Parliament, and immediately revealed to the wider public a lack of accessibility in Scottish politics when she was denied access to the Glasgow vote count as the venue lacked accessibility. Since she has entered office, she’s been the first MSP to have a carer with her on the floor of the chambers, and saw the language of the swearing-in ceremony for MSPs changed so that fellow politicians are no longer told to stand when the presiding officer arrives. Born in Inverness and raised in the village of Mosstodloch in Moray, the 39-year-old MSP holds a BSc in Psychology and and MSc in Health Psychology from the University of Stirling; before becoming an MSP, she worked in health communications for NHS Scotland.

EMMA RODDICK (MSP for Highlands and Islands Region, SNP) Emma is the first MSP to speak openly about living with borderline personality disorder, to which she’s faced backlash and discrimination from people who have limited or poor understanding on living with the condition. Previously, she has worked for the Scottish Ambulance Service, and has campaigned to improve the services available to people calling Scotland’s NHS24 helpline, which succeeded. Roddick, who at 23 is one of the youngest MSPs in Parliament, has experienced homelessness in her past, and is looking to improve opportunities for affordable housing in the Highlands, as well as more transparency regarding land ownership. She’s also an animal fanatic, with a cat, three rats, and three axolotls - the latter sometimes called Mexican walking fish thanks to their cute little legs; however, they’re actually not fish, they’re amphibians!

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LORNA SLATER (MSP for Lothian Region, Scottish Greens) Co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Lorna Slater was born in Calgary, Canada, and moved to Glasgow after finishing her degree in electro-mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia. She had intended to travel across Europe, but instead stayed in Scotland, where she began working in the renewables sector.

Later, she was awarded a place on the Homeward Bound leadership development programme that saw her go to Antartica to study the effects of climate change. Standing for both Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency and Lothian on the regional list, Lorna defeated Maggie Chapman in 2019 to be coleader of the Scottish Greens with Patrick Harvie. She is autistic, making her Scotland’s first known autistic MSP.

JEREMY BALFOUR

(MSP for Lothian Region, Scottish Conservatives) Jeremy Balfour is the longest serving disabled MSP, having represented the Lothian region since 2016, and until the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary election, he was the only openly disabled MSP in the Parliament. Jeremy lives with a physical impairment that affects his arm, and is the convenor of the cross-party group on disability, as well as the Scottish Conservatives’ deputy party spokesperson on Equalities, and Older People. Before he became an MSP, Jeremy studied at the University of Edinburgh, then worked as a solicitor; he then studied at the London Bible College, becoming a Baptist minister in 1995. Jeremy has frequently acted as a voice in the Scottish Parliament for interests and matters relating to disabled people. Outside of his work as an MSP, he has won the Holyrood Dog of the Year competition with a dog called Sadie, taking part in the assault course.

DANIEL JOHNSON

(MSP for Edinburgh Southern, Labour) Having served his constituency since 2016, it’s believed that Daniel is the only politician in the UK who lives with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), of which he was diagnosed at the age of 35. After attending the prestigious Stewart’s Melville College in Edinburgh, he studied philosophy at the University of St Andrews and management at the University of Strathclyde before going on to work as a constituency caseworker for the MP for Edinburgh South, Nigel Griffiths. From there, he went on to become the managing director of Edinburgh institution Paper Tiger, and was celebrated for leading the company to become the first independent retailer in the city to become an accredited Living Wage Employer. He currently sits as Scottish Labour’s spokesperson for Finance.

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Fruits SUMMER

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

Moving into the summer months, we’ll start to see different local produce hit our shelves. What delicious and filling things can we make with it?

In the summertime, when the weather is fine for about a week and a half before it goes back to raining cats and dogs, we can find our supermarkets and greengrocers overflowing with some of the best produce the Great British garden has to offer. Yes, we’re spoiled year-round by our ability to fly in raspberries from Morocco or strawberries from Egypt the rest of the year, but there’s something nice about knowing that we can nip down to the shops in July and grab a fresh punnet of mother nature’s finest aggregate accessories (because fun fact a strawberry isn’t a berry) and know they were grown a few miles down the road. Plus, what’s better on the two hot days we get every year than a glorious fruit salad for pudding, or a bowl of strawberries and cream if we’re allowed to have Wimbledon this year?

FRUIT

June and July are when the strawberries really reach their potential in the UK, and that can mean only one, wonderful, delicious, incredible thing: it’s time for fruit desserts to come back on the menu with a vengence. Eton mess has been used to describe infighting within the Conservative party to humorous effect, but it’s also a brilliantly easy dessert to whip up in a flash when you’re feeling a bit fancy.

Plus, the word “mess” is really paying dividends in this one, because it is characterised by the sheer chaos of its appearance, meaning you don’t have to put too much pride in how it looks. Simply smash up some meringue (which you can make in no time or purchase from the supermarket in even less time), and top with strawberries and cream.

For the more adventurous amongst us, you might even like to add in some raspberries, blackcurrants or redcurrents, which also come into season in the summer months. This is also a fantastic time to get really into making your own jams and preserves. Making jam is the best way to keep your fruits useful, and if made properly can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dry place. There’s no limit to what fruits you can make jam from: blueberries and gooseberries are in season, and the leftovers from your Eton mess will make a lovely mixed berry jam if you have the time and inclination!

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VEGETABLES

Did you know that rhubarb is a vegetable? Now you do. And it makes for the basis of all manor of absolutely beautiful desserts: the traditional rhubarb pie, rhubarb and custard, we’ve even seen rhubarb brownies out in the wild wastelands of the internet which sound intriguing enough to be given a shot! Courgettes, cucumber, lettuce, spring onions, chard and tomatoes are all coming into season around this time, which is ideal as the weather (maybe) gets warmer, and we go in search of lighter, cooler meals.

Summer salads with fresh ingredients are always a winner - even more so when they’ve been grown in your own garden. Additionally, for the brave amongst us, samphire will come into season in July, and it makes for a beautiful accompaniment to fish dishes if you can comprehend its mysteries. It’s crisp and salty, but it doesn’t last for long and demands a little bit of respect in cooking it. The BBC has a great series of recipes which pair it with gnocchi, salmon linguine, and sea trout, so if you see it on sale near you, it might be a good addition to your next fancy fish dish.

HERBS AND FLOWERS

Wandering through the countryside, as one is want to do, you may encounter some flowering elder trees on your travels. You might even decide to take a (reasonable and not greedy) couple of heads of them home and try making your very own elderflower cordial or syrup to make fancy cocktails at home. As well as the elderflowers being in bloom, you’ll find sorrel, wild garlic, fennel, chicory, and watercress in season at this time of year, helping to add a little variety to salads and fish dishes throughout the summer months. Chicory is an interesting plant - it belongs to the daisy family, and is quite often used as a substitute for - or addition to - coffee.

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iCHAIR SKY Multi-functional, premium quality, stand-up powerchair with ingenious new design

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Cookfulness

BY IAN TAVERNER

Ian Taverner is the author of Cookfulness, the cookbook designed for those living with chronic illness and pain. Every issue Ian will be contributing an exclusive new recipe, complete with his unique cooking format and hints and tips to allow everyone to make tasty, nutritious meals in their own kitchen, and in their own time.

STRAWBERRY, FETA, LEMON AND THYME PUFF PASTRY TART Give Yourself Time - take extra time to take a step back, breathe and re-Cookfulness yourself!

Key – this appears when something really important is needed Hints & Tips – these will help you throughout and after Cookfulness Playlists –get your best tracks going in the kitchen!

Difficulty rating: *** Serves: 6 Cooking time: 25 mins Preparation time: 20 mins Give yourself time: 55-60 mins

YOU WILL NEED Baking tray Measuring jug Knife Chopping board Small mixing bowl Tablespoon Fork (or masher if easier) Teaspoon Zester Weighing scales Baking paper Scissors

INGREDIENTS 300g strawberries 100g feta cheese (for vegan use same amount of equiv) 100g crème fraîche (for vegan use same amount of equiv) ½ teaspoon minced garlic ½ teaspoon chilli flakes or paste ½ of a lemon, zested Leaves from 3 thyme sprigs 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry (gluten free/vegan use same amount of equiv)

HINTS & TIPS

1

Make sure your baking tray is big enough for the puff pastry sheet before you start

2 3

Use a masher to combine the feta mix if easier Crumble the feta as small as you can into the mixing bowl as this makes the combining a lot easier

WAYS TO CHANGE Add some more chilli if you like it hot A drizzle of honey over the top is delicious A splash of balsamic over the top is also amazing

METHOD KEY Preheat oven to 200c (180c fan) Cut the baking paper to fit the bottom of the baking tray then set the paper aside Put the baking tray into the oven to heat up (not the paper) Add the crumbled feta, crème fraiche, garlic, chilli, thyme leaves and lemon zest to the mixing bowl Mash with a fork, or masher, to as smooth as you can get Put the pastry sheet onto the baking paper you have already cut Around the edge of the pastry, gently score a border around all 4 sides of 1-2 cms with a knife (just score and not all the way through) Spoon the feta mixture into the centre of the pastry sheet Using the back of the spoon, gently spread the mixture out evenly over the pastry, but don’t go into the border you have made Take the top off the strawberries then slice them lengthways into approx. pound coin width slices Arrange the strawberries in whatever pattern you feel like on top of the feta mix (again keep out of the border) Carefully remove the baking tray from the oven and gently slide the tart onto it, using the baking paper to slide over (the paper stays underneath for cooking) KEY Set timer for 25 minutes Bake in the oven for 25 minutes Allow to cool and serve either warm or cold Serve with some rocket, a sprinkling of some more thyme leaves and a little more zested lemon if you fancy some zing Serve- you did it!

Follow Cookfulness on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @Cookfulness.

You can purchase the Cookfulness book in hard copy and e-book from Amazon and Waterstones.

posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Access ALL AREAS

BY CAROLINE BUTTERWICK Restrictions have lifted and attractions have opened, it is time to access some fun this summer!

Caroline brings you her expert guide on how to ensure you make the most of your visits, no matter where you go

F

rom riding rollercoasters at a theme park to admiring animals at a wildlife sanctuary, or checking out the latest exhibition at a local museum, there are lots of places to go for a day out.

I’m a self-confessed theme park enthusiast, and also love visiting gorgeous gardens, fascinating museums, and National Trust properties. As many of us stay in the UK for our holidays this year, here’s how you can make the most of visiting tourist attractions.

RESEARCH BEFOREHAND Most attractions have a website, and this is well worth looking at before you visit. See if they have a guide for disabled guests – these give guidance on things like the physical access and whether they have any policies to help disabled visitors. Some go into a lot of helpful detail: the British Museum, for example, provides information such as when it tends to be quieter and the lighting levels in different areas, which can be really valuable to know.

Some outdoor attractions can be quite hilly or have uneven ground or steps to navigate, while places like museums and stately homes, especially if they are old buildings, may have limited access. It’s good to check this before you decide whether to visit.

AccessAble.co.uk provide detailed access guides to a range of UK tourist attractions. Check if they have a guide for where you want to visit and have a read through.

There’s everything from whether an entrance has level access and measurements of door widths to what paths are made of.

This research can help you make an informed decision about access. If you can’t find the information online, give the place a ring and ask any questions you need to know.

FACILITIES AND FORMATS Another area to look into before you visit is what facilities are on offer. Do you need access to a Changing Places, or for there to be a hearing induction loop? Some bigger attractions have sensory rooms available for those who may be feeling overwhelmed.

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I enjoy museums, but being visually impaired, I often find the font size of exhibitions is too small to read. When I arrive, I ask for a large print guide, and some provide headsets with audio description. This helps me get the most out of my visit.

ATTRACTION ACCESS POLICIES Each attraction will have different policies – this is one of the main things to research before you visit, especially for places like theme parks. Theme parks often have policies that mean disabled visitors access rides via a different entrance and don’t have to use the main queue.

Some, like Alton Towers, give you a ride access card you keep with you while you’re there. You access each ride via the disabled entrance, then a member of staff writes a time on the card that’s around the length of time of the standard queue – say, 30 minutes. They then get you on the ride, so you likely don’t have to wait long, but afterwards you have to wait until your allotted time before you can go on another ride. If you like to plan your day, think about how best you can make use of the time between rides.

Before you go, check the eligibility requirements and whether you need to bring any proof of disability to use a ride access scheme.

DISCOUNTED TICKETS Many places offer discounted tickets for disabled guests, and carers. The National Trust and English Heritage both offer free entrance for accompanying carers, for example.

If you’re planning to visit an attraction regularly, see whether you can get a discount on an annual pass.

PLAN YOUR DAY When I go somewhere new, I love browsing the website to explore the attraction and plan my day. It can be worth making a list of what you want to see: is the koala enclosure

your must do at the zoo? When planning, I think about how long I’ll likely be there and how much I can realistically fit into the day, which is especially important if you have low energy levels and need to prioritise.

For theme park visits, I often plan what ride to head to first based on the park map and ride list available online.

Pro tip: if you’re arriving at opening time, it’s best to head to the back of the theme park first. Most people make a beeline for the first big ride near the entrance, so by heading further away and then working backwards, you’re more likely to miss the crowds.

ON THE DAY At theme parks, head straight to guest services to arrange things like a ride access pass so you have it sorted for the day. If you have any issues, it’s always best to try speaking to someone. Larger attractions tend to have a dedicated guest services team on site, while at smaller places it’s usually best to speak to someone at the front desk or the entrance.

Again, the attraction’s website is the best place to find out more. Many will include a map that shows the layout and where rides, exhibits, or animal enclosures are located. Also think about catering options – is there somewhere suitable to get lunch or have a picnic?

I struggle with exhaustion and so make sure to pace myself and take time to rest - basically lots of coffee breaks. I always bring my white cane to help me navigate and to make it easier to let others know about my visual impairment. Many attractions are spread over a large area, so even if you don’t always use a mobility aid, consider bringing it with you if you have one. Some places also provide wheelchair hire for the day.

Websites like TripAdvisor can be useful for seeing what other people recommend you do when you visit, or for flagging any potential issues.

With a bit of planning, we can make the most out of our staycations and enjoy the great attractions on offer across the country.

THE BIG EVENT MOVES ONLINE FOR 2021 D

Scheme advisors will be on hand to answer any specific queries you may have about the Scheme and representatives from RAC, RSA, Kwik Fit, Driving Mobility and DMUK will also be there to offer advice. Visitors will be able to speak to all exhibitors through a ‘live chat’.

isabled motorists and their families keen to find out more about the Motability Scheme can do so from the comfort of their own homes this summer, as The Big Event moves online. With Covid-19 restrictions still affecting arrangements for large exhibitions this year, the Motability Scheme will be bringing all the information, as well as the fun, of the real-life event to visitors – without the need to travel.

In addition, our expert Speaker Sessions will be available on both days, in the virtual auditorium. They will provide helpful information about the Scheme and other motoring related topics. The full speaker line up will be released closer to the event.

To take part in The Big Event, simply register your details using the link below and log in on the day(s) you wish to attend. thebigevent.motability.co.uk

Taking place between 9am and 4pm on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 August 2021, the virtual version of The Big Event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

The two-day virtual event will showcase a range of vehicles from over 25 leading manufacturers, helping visitors to discover which vehicle best suits their needs. There will also be a wide range of WAVs, adaptations, as well as scooters and powered wheelchairs on display.

For the latest announcements about The Big Event follow or like the Motability Scheme Facebook page. facebook. com/motability For more information on leasing a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 953 7000.

ugust 2021 ay 7 A d r u t Friday 6 - Sa

Join us for our first ever online event

9am – 4pm

Exhibiting at the event

25+

car manufacturers

20+ WAV and adaptation suppliers 10+

powered wheelchair and scooter manufacturers

Speaker Sessions running both days Motability Scheme advisors and partners on hand to answer your questions.

Free to attend, register today!

thebigevent.motability.co.uk

The Big Event is organised and hosted by Motability Operations Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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MIK SCARLET COLUMNIST

Follow Mik on Twitter

THE STORY UNTOLD

I

t’s common to hear the stories of the siblings or parents of disabled children, but we hear far less often from disabled children themselves. Equally rare is a focus on adult disabled people about their experiences as a disabled child. We do see cute disabled kids on charity events of course, but usually through the lens of pulling on the heartstrings to loosen wallets. To hear or see the experience of disabled children is so rare, even today.

I have a younger brother; I’m three years older than him. I was disabled from birth and wasn’t expected to live much beyond the age of five. My early years were filled with medical appointments, surgery and treatments, and of course trips to the hospital for all manner of stuff. Mum tended to me while dad stayed with my brother.

When our dad died when I was seven, it hit my four-year-old brother very hard. Mum did her best to cope, but the loss of her much-loved husband hit her hard, too.

It also started something in me that is rarely talked about: guilt. Not some imagined guilt that kids can develop, proper guilt, as every adult I met seemed to blame me and my being disabled for the heart attack that took away our dad. “It was the stress of having you that took him” was said to me so often that it had to be true. As I grew up I saw the stress that hospital visits and illness placed on my mum and brother, often while ignoring the psychological impact it had on me.

The guilt of putting them through this felt greater than what it did to me personally.

When you add up the times we

@MikScarlet

couldn’t do things because I was ill, or access was hard, or one of the myriad things that are hard for families with disabled kids, and I grew up with a growing sense that my existence had ruined our family. I don’t think any member of my family knew this, and I have only really admitted to it since my mother died. Luckily, I have also worked through this and I now speak about it because I know that many other disabled people have the same internalised guilt, whether gained during upbringing or since becoming disabled.

Another element of being the disabled child is a lack of portrayal. When you see an item on families with disabled kids, the focus is pretty much always on the parents or the non-disabled siblings. We hear about how much the disabled kid has brought to the family, the problems that the family might face and how they all work together to make sure the whole family has as “normal” a life as possible.

As the disabled child, I felt this struggle for normality, too. It added to the guilt. I love my brother, but when he talks about our childhood he becomes the hero. He looked after

“It’s time for society to understand that, at every turn, disabled kids aren’t made to feel wanted or valued”

me; he helped me to do things, and he gave up a lot to make sure I wasn’t left out. My memory, however, is very different. I had loads of mates and my brother was always there, he was part of the gang, but he wasn’t there to be my saviour. What’s funny is this relationship continued into adulthood, yet his memories are still coloured by the belief that he was helping me at every turn. We love each other and supported each other through a difficult childhood, but I don’t dwell on the times I was there for him. Of course, he has helped me, both as a child and an adult, but I’d say it was balanced by the times I helped him.

We just never hear that side of the story.

It’s time for society to understand that, at every turn, disabled kids aren’t made to feel wanted or valued. No family wants to do anything but the best for their kids, disabled or not, and that’s why we need to speak out as disabled adults. We can highlight our experiences to help future families not make the mistakes ours made. We must give voices to the kids we rarely hear from. As society becomes more accessible and inclusive we have to make sure that disabled kids feel as vital a part of society as they should be.

I know my family loved me, and I love them with all my heart. I still miss my mum every day, and her loss has brought my brother and I closer together. I do owe my late mum and my brother so much, but I learned long ago I also brought so much to their lives. All disabled kids do. Let’s tell them that, make them know that every barrier their family faces isn’t their fault, but that of an uncaring society. Give them the confidence to see how unfair that is, the belief that they deserve better, and the strength to fight to change it.

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Beach BBQ AND

READY

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH Summer is finally upon us and the season of BBQs, picnics and outdoor fun in the sun is here. It’s time to round up your friends and family and plan some epic picnics, beach trips and BBQs. All we need is the sun to shine and a few extras to make your 2021 summer one to remember for all the right reasons. If anyone would like to try a sun dance or a summoning spell for the good weather we would really appreciate it.

1

Tie Dye Hat

Make a statement and keep your head and face protected from the sun. This awesome tie dye cap sports the message “Disabled is not a dirty word”, so you can look good while you let the world know the importance of raising the awareness and understanding of disability.

Spread the word.

Etsy | £25.20

2

Floral Maxi Kimono

From the BooHoo Plus range this gorgeous, stylish kimono is the perfect cover up for any outfit. Throw it on with a pair of jeans and flip flops or drape it over a summer dress to keep your shoulders covered from the sun. It will keep you from getting too cold on those breezy days and will look effortlessly perfect for any occasion.

BooHoo | £35

3

Pop Up Beach Tent

Day trips to the beach can be great fun, but it can be too much to sit in the sun all day for your skin and your health.

A great option that will allow you to spend more time on the beach enjoying your day trip is a pop-up beach tent.

This offers much needed shelter, blocking out the sun’s rays and keeping you cool. The pop-up design requires no assembly.

Amazon | £25.99

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4

Portable BBQ

This portable BBQ is fantastic for impromptu BBQs or picnics with friends this summer. It is small and lightweight and folds away for storage so there is no need to have a big, bulky, inaccessible standard BBQ sitting in your outdoor space. The great thing about it is it also doubles as a fire pit and it is affordable too. Great to keep you and your friends warm on those typical British summer evenings.

Armada Deals | £39.99

5

Waterproof picnic blanket

Rain is just one of those things that we have to deal with throughout the wonderful British summertime. One day it is rainy the next it is glorious sunshine, however this often leaves the problem of wet ground for our picnics. This will not be a problem if you have the luxurious, waterproof, flamingo pink picnic blanket. It will keep your bottom dry and is so soft that you will not want to leave your picnic.

The British Blanket Company | £100

6

Truly Tropical picnic set

These tropical melamine dinner plates and cups will set the theme perfectly for your outdoor dining experience.

Bright patterns, florals and animals will ensure your picnic is the most stylish affair in the park. No need to worry about chipping your good china and it’s better for the environment than using disposable plates and cups.

Joe Browns | £40

7

Childs Farm Sun Cream

For anyone who has sensitive skin or lives with eczema and struggles to find a sun cream that doesn’t make their skin sting and itch, Childs Farm is one of the best options.

Their SPF 50+ offers high protection against the sun’s harmful rays, it is water resistant and unfragranced, and was designed for use on babies so you know it will be very gentle to your skin.

Childs Farm | £12

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Picnic Cool Bag on Wheels

The ideal partner to help you transport your picnic and BBQ food and drinks. This handy cool bag will keep your sandwiches and beers cool to enjoy throughout the day, thanks to its insulated lining. It has an extendable handle and the fact that it is on wheels makes it very portable, especially if you pack many heavy bottles of bubbly!

Next | £35

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Pineapple freezer block

To keep your food and drinks extra cold you need to invest in this colourful pineapple ice block. Forget those boring square blue ones and add a bit of fruity fun to your cool bag or picnic hamper, particularly handy if you don’t have a cool bag as it will help keep things cool even in your handbag or rucksack. The last thing you want on a hot summer’s day is a warm drink.

Harts of Stur | £2.50

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Panda Handlehd Fan

This We Bare Bears handheld fan is the perfect size to carry in your handbag for those hot, humid days where you need a little breeze to cool you down. It also features an adorable little panda perched on top to make you smile every time you use it! What more could you want when you are cooling down?

Miniso | £12

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Invisible TALENT POOL THE

BY PIPPA STACEY Pippa Stacey explores the barriers that still face people living with chronic illness who are looking for employment

M

y chronic illness diagnosis came during my first year of university. I struggled through my degree during the day, and at night I laid awake, worrying about what on earth would happen after I graduated.

Like many people with long-term illnesses, I’m one of the ‘in-betweeners’. I knew that I was well enough to have a career in some capacity, but I definitely wasn’t well enough to do full-time hours, commute to a workplace, or take on any kind of physical exertion. If I wanted to perform at my best, I knew I needed remote and flexible work where I could carefully pace myself and manage my health. I just didn’t know where to find it.

I began applying to any and every work-from-home opportunity I could find online, as well as programmes designed for disabled people. At this time, I found it incredibly telling that even one well-known scheme designed specifically for disabled graduates wouldn’t

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accept my application because my disability meant I couldn’t work full-time. Thankfully, I believe that scheme has now adapted, but I think this example perfectly illustrates how chronic and fluctuating illness has been excluded from conversations about disability and employment in the past.

Fortunately, I’ve been one of the lucky ones. With enforced grit and self-advocacy, I’ve been able to find work in a range of roles in both an employed and self-employed capacity, and those experiences eventually led me to Astriid.

In short, Astriid is the platform I so badly needed back at the beginning of my own employment journey. Founded

by David Shutts OBE following his cancer diagnosis, Astriid’s mission is to help people with long-term illnesses (as well as carers) find meaningful work with amazing employers. Our online platform helps bridge the gap between the Invisible Talent Pool (people who have

chronic health conditions who wish to find work), and the UK skills crisis. We match talented candidates with prospective employers, provide accessible training and work experience opportunities, consult with professionals in employment and recruitment, lobby with innovative ideas for change, and so much more.

We recently carried out our first research project, and our findings show that talented people with long-term health conditions are still facing countless challenges in employment and recruitment: There is a severe lack of flexible roles for chronically ill people entering the world of work or returning to work after ill-health absence. When identifying roles to apply for, the most common factors people looked for were flexible hours, remote working, and part-time contracts.

However, many were wary of disclosing their condition during recruitment, as they’ve been “made to feel like a waste of time and energy” and “just there as a tick box exercise”.

Many experience barriers within their job role or their environment, with almost half of our sample (48%) reporting it was difficult to secure reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Experiences varied depending on who in the organisation was responsible for organising reasonable adjustments, as “each interprets the policies differently”. Another reported “trouble finding the energy to fight for myself and my needs”. These difficulties can lead to people feeling forced out of work.

However, 89% of our sample felt that employers could be better informed about managing people with long-term illnesses.

One element of working with a chronic illness that often goes unspoken about is the impact of finding and being in work on a person’s quality of life. Those who are able to work, even flexibly and with adjustments, often have to make huge sacrifices to do so – when asked to discuss their work-life balance in an open-ended question, 66% of respondents who are currently in work reported that their work-life balance is poor.

Essentially, experiences were more positive when participants felt supported in their role, with some reporting that being in work has had a transformative effect, but negative when they reported ongoing issues in their job role or working environment.

From these research findings and everyday interactions with candidates, we can clearly see that people with longterm illnesses are being excluded from the world of work.

It’s absolutely crucial that this issue become a central part of the conversation about disability and employment, especially in a post-pandemic world, and that organisations like Astriid can use their subject expertise to ensure the issue is tackled safely and sustainably.

Our mission is to finally make the invisible talent pool visible. Will you join us? You can read the full report and find out more about Astriid’s work by visiting astriid.org.uk.

Employers and line managers play a pivotal role in a person’s experience of work. Positive relationships, such as open communication about needs and being given trust and autonomy, can make a significant difference.

Astriid is the platform I so badly needed back at the beginning of my own employment journey

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THE ROAD TO

BY KATIE CAMPBELL With Japan entering its fourth wave during the global crisis, what can we expect from the postponed Paralympic Games?

C

alling the Tokyo 2020 Games one of the most difficult Games in the competition’s modern history would be a fair, if not painful assessment to make; no sports fan wants things to go wrong and affect the athletes who have trained so incredibly hard for now over four years to take part, but at the same time, it’s difficult to envisage how a competition of this scale can go ahead in a global pandemic. As it stands, the Tokyo Paralympic Games will still go ahead at the end of August, starting two weeks after the Olympic Games finish. What can we expect from the delayed 2020 Games?

Describing the situation in Japan as “uncertain” is putting it quite lightly. First off, the committees responsible for both the Olympics and Paralympics are adamant that the Games will absolutely go ahead this year, and Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga has dismissed the notion that the Games will be cancelled outright. The Japanese public, however, aren’t hugely in favour of the competition going ahead: the most recent opinion polls at time of writing showed that between 60 and 80% of the Japanese public would rather the Games were postponed or cancelled.

On 15 April, Reuters reported that the secretary of the Liberal Democratic Party - the party that holds the majority in the government of the country - said that cancellation was “of course” an option for the Games. As frustrating as it is for sports lovers and the athletes who have trained (and worried) about this, it’s difficult not to empathise with the Japanese public’s disdain when you see how badly COVID-19 is affecting them.

The country has now entered its fourth wave of the Coronavirus pandemic. Less than 100 days to the start of the Olympics, the country declared a COVID emergency the third since the pandemic began - which has extended to the capital of Tokyo. It’s worth noting, however, that Japan doesn’t really have much of a choice when it comes to cancelling on the Games; per the BBC, the contract between the International Olympic Committee (and, presumably, by extension the International Paralympic Committee) and the city of Tokyo only mentions cancellation once due to it being considered an extremely unusual scenario, and even then, it’s up to the IOC to decide whether the Games get cancelled or not, not the Japanese government.

It must be said, however, that the IOC appear to be going out of their way to ensure the event will be as safe as they can make it. In a virtual press event attended by the Guardian, IOC vice-president John Coates said: “All the measures we are undertaking will ensure a safe Games regardless of whether there is a state of emergency or not.

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Provided that we can protect the Japanese public, the most important thing is giving athletes a chance to compete.” By the time the Games begin, most of the athletes - including ParalympicsGB - will be vaccinated, and Seiko Hashimoto, the president of Tokyo 2020, has said that there will be a fleet of up to 230 doctors and 310 nurses on call every day of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Who then can go to the Paralympic Games? International spectators will not be allowed to attend the event, which would be pretty difficult regardless as Japan is listed as one of the countries that people in the UK are currently not allowed to fly to over concerns regarding spreading COVID-19, which ultimately is a sensible choice, if not devastating for those looking forward to a holiday in Japan.

The number of media personnel has also been cut from 180,000 to 78,000, so the primary ways sports fans will be taking in the Games is through social media and television.

In lighter news, however, all of the Paralympic athletes are ready to go and show the world what they’re made of.

This Paralympic Games will see badminton and taekwondo introduced to the schedule, replacing sailing and 7-a-side football. Great Britain will send a delegation of 139 athletes, including a few who have noted success in past Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.

Two previous gold medal winners will represent ParalympicsGB in archery: John Stubbs (who took gold in the men’s individual compound at Beijing in 2008, and silver in the team compound open at Rio in 2016), and Jessica Stretton, who was 16 when she made her goldmedal winning debut at Rio in 2016, making her the youngest person to have ever won Great Britain a medal in archery.

Track and field events are ripe with talent: British Paralympic legend Hannah Cockroft (winner of five gold medals over two Paralympics and holder of more world and Paralympic records than we could probably count) will compete in Women’s track events alongside Kadeena Cox, Sophie Hahn, Samatha Kinghorn, Kare Adenegan and Olivia Breen.

In the Men’s track events, you’ll be able to catch Richard Whitehead and Andrew Small, both medal winners at Rio looking to retain their titles. In the field will be Welsh icons Aled Davies and Sabrina Fortune; Aled won gold in the shot-put at Rio, and gold in the discus and bronze in the shot-put at London, while Sabrina nabbed the bronze in the shot-put F20 event at Rio in 2016.

The swimming events will see a lot of athletes looking to repeat on their successes from Rio: Thomas Hamer and Scott Quin both took silvers in their respective swimming events at the last Paralympics. Ellie Robinson, Alice Tai, Rebecca Redfern, Jessica-Jane Applegate and Bethany Firth will also be looking to hold on to (or improve) on their medal-winning performances.

We’re still waiting on a number of high-profile athletes qualifying, including wheelchair tennis legends Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley, the latter of whom was one of the faces of ParalympicsGB’s new uniform launch with adidas.

The wait is almost over, and while there’s still uncertainty lingering in the air, what matters is that we get behind our brilliant Paralympic hopefuls. Good luck, ParalympicsGB!

Sophie Hahn and Kadeena Cox Photo: Fernando Frazão, Wikimedia

Jordanne Whiley ParalympicsGB/adidas

Samantha Kinghorn Photo: Agência Brasil Fotografias, Wikimedia

...Seiko Hashimoto, the president of Tokyo 2020, has said that there will be a fleet of up to 230 doctors and 310 nurses on call every day of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games

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WIN WIN A LIGHTWEIGHT

ROLLATOR FROM REHASENSE UK Rehasense UK are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a rollator!

T

he Space CF is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a well-built, lightweight rollator. Weighing just 4.7kg and with a seat height of 62cm, the stylish Space CF is the lightest carbon fibre rollator currently on the market and is available in two sizes - medium and large – the winner will be contacted to ensure they receive the size most suitable to them. With a maximum user weight of 150kg, the Space CF is incredibly easy to control and manoeuvre in an indoor or outdoor environment thanks to its exceptional lightweight design.

The Space CF features a rigid X frame with an easy-fold mechanism which provides more space in the foot area to reduce any risk of tripping, while increased user comfort is provided by the height-adjustable push handles with ergonomic hand grips and intelligent handle height adjustment with indexed settings

and low-profile wheels. To make trips to the local shops easier, the Space CF has a detachable shopping bag which has a load capacity of 5kg and should you need a rest, you can use the integrated seat. Transporting your Space CF or storing it at home is hassle free thanks to the simple, userfriendly folding mechanism.

Rehasense UK is one of the leading suppliers of mobility solutions in the UK with a comprehensive range of lightweight rollators, wheelchairs and accessories which are available through its UK dealer network. The company will be exhibiting its full product range on Stand H10 at Naidex, which is due to take place at the Birmingham NEC on 15-16 September 2021.

For more information on the full range of mobility solutions available call 0333 220 0704, email ukadmin@rehasense.com or visit rehasense.co.uk.

To be in with the chance of winning this amazing prize simply email your name, address and telephone to posabilitycompetitions@gmail.com, visit posabilitymagazine.co.uk to enter online or fill in your details and post this form to the address below:

Rehasense UK Competition PosAbility Magazine 20-23 Woodside Place Glasgow G3 7QL

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Postcode: Tel: Email: ü

Rehasense UK would like to send you more information about their products. If you would like to receive this please tick the box.

By ticking the box you are consenting to us providing your details to Rehasense UK.

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Terms and conditions The prize is one Space CF rollator from Rehasense UK. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by Rehasense UK to determine the most suitable size of rollator. The prize will be delivered to the winner. The prize is not transferable nor can any cash alternative be offered. One entry per household. Entrants must be over 18. The prize is available to UK residents only and will only be delivered to a mainland UK address. Closing date for entries is 31 July 2021.

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

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THERA-TRAINERS Medicotech’s THERA-Trainers are a range of active/passive exercise bikes for use at home for those with mobility issues who want to exercise and improve their fitness. The bikes allow you to cycle against resistance, forward and backwards, and build up strength and stamina. You can arrange a home demonstration to test it Prices available on request 01908 564 100 medicotech.co.uk

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TRACK WHEEL

Ceramides serve as the skin’s natural protection against water loss. By binding skin cells together to help retain moisture, these lipids also act as a lubricant, which may help the skin stay more resistant to injury over time. CeraPlus has been designed to ensure you can keep your skin as healthy as possible when living with a stoma.

The Track Wheel is designed to transform an active wheelchair into an agile tricycle to give wheelchair users greater freedom. The Track Wheel is perfect for tackling everything, from everyday shopping trips to forest walks and beach trips. By attaching the 12” Track Wheel, the wheelchair’s castors are raised which slightly tilts the chair backwards and by noticeably reducing the rolling resistance, the user can enjoy increased speed, manoeuvrability and comfort.

Prices available on request 0800 521 377 hollister.co.uk

Prices available on request 0333 220 0704 rehasense.co.uk

CERAPLUS SKIN BARRIER

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FRESHWIPES FreshWipes are the ideal solution for anyone struggling to shower or bathe.

The extra-large, antibacterial and biodegradable body wipes are perfect for cleaning your body and removing dirt and body odour. There is no need to rinse and they will leave you feeling fresh and clean.

Use code ABILITY20 for 20% off your first order.

Prices from £4.99 freshwipes.co.uk

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PHONE HOLDER A flexible mobile phone holder can be a great solution to anyone who struggles to hold a mobile phone. It simply clips onto the edge of any surface and the arm bends to allow users to position their phones at the most comfortable position for them, allowing calls and FaceTimes to be much more comfortable.

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Prices from £12.99 amazon.co.uk

VM HOMELIFT The VM Homelift from Wessex Lifts gives you the freedom to move around your home without any restrictions, offering unparalleled independence. Internal controls are easy to use, it has a wide range of safety features and comes in a range of sizes and colours. You can also check out the closed cab version (VE) on their website.

Prices available on request 01794 830303 wessexlifts.co.uk

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Reads SUMMER

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

Looking for a good book to sink your teeth into this summer? Here are seven books from d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent authors for you to delve into

The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love With Me

by Keah Brown Creator of the viral hashtag #DisabledAndCute Keah Brown has a non-disabled twin sister, who friends called “the pretty one.” With friends like that, who needs enemies? This collection of non-fiction essays explore Keah’s identities as a Black and disabled woman in white, non-disabled America with grace, humour, and poise, celebrating the love that Keah found for herself - and that you should find for yourself, too.

The Kiss Quotient

by Helen Hoang

The debut novel from Helen Hoang follows Stella Lane in her quest to integrate romance into her life; Stella is autistic, and to her French kissing reminds her of a shark having its teeth cleaned by other fish. She turns to Michael, a professional escort, to help her improve her experiences in the shark tank that is dating. This novel was followed by a sequel, The Bride Test, with another in the works. The author herself is autistic.

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened

by Allie Brosh Allie is the creator of the fantastically funny and always relatable webcomic Hyperbole and a Half, as well as everyone’s favourite “[x] all the things” meme. A combination of memoir and graphic novel, the book is laugh-out-loud funny while it explores the nuances of life through Allie’s trademark simplistic yet heavily expressive art style. At times, it takes a look into Allie’s life as she navigates the world while living with depression, and while it can be unflattering at points, it’s relatable and honest.

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Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall

by Spike Milligan Perhaps one of the funniest books ever written - and it’s no wonder, coming from the notoriously brilliant minds in absurdist comedy, the late, great Spike Milligan. A loosely flowing collection of annecdotes about his part in the Second World War, sketches, letters, and excerpts from his dairy, Spike takes us on a journey as he tries to avoid enlisting for the army, fails, and is sent to Algiers in 1943.

Notably, these experiences would result in Spike having a series of nervous breakdowns before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which he spoke candidly about throughout his life.

Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body

by Dr Rebekah Taussig

A collection of essays that form a wider memoir from the creator of the popular Instagram account and noted activist, Rebekah explores how, growing up, she longed to see disabled people who were depicted as ordinary, rather than inspirational or villainous. Often humorous and always honest, Sitting Pretty emphasises the importance of including the disabled community in discussions on inclusion, where they are often forgotten.

El Deafo

by Cece Bell

A book for adults and teens alike, this graphic novel navigates us loosely through Cece’s life after she suffered a bout of meningitis as a child which resulted in her becoming profoundly deaf and beginning to use hearing aids. El Deafo is a touching, hopeful work from Cece, who interpreted her use of hearing aids (that allowed her to hear much more than she was supposed to) as a superpower.

So Lucky

by Nicola Griffith

The latest novel by Nicola Griffiths follows the careerfocused Mara Tagarelli, head of a multi-million dollar non-profit and lover of martial arts as she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after a fall. It marries themes of social justice and true crime, all while exploring the experience of being chronically ill and living as a disabled person in America. The novel seems to take inspiration from the author’s own life: Nicola Griffith was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993.

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Wellbeing WEDNESDAYS Euan’s Guide share some top tips from their Ambassador Network to ensure you are looking after your own wellbeing

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here’s no doubt this has been a challenging year for us all with moments where we needed that extra bit of motivation or support from one another.

Sometimes a message, a new idea or suggestion can make all the difference on days you’re needing an extra boost.

The Euan’s Guide Ambassador Network is a small yet mighty group of Euan’s Guide Volunteers that help us make the world more accessible one review at a time. To help support one another, our Ambassadors have been sharing their top tips and tricks for looking after their wellbeing as part of a Wellbeing Wednesday programme. Every second Wednesday, we pose a wellbeing question, and our Ambassadors share their advice and suggestions. By creating a wealth of wellbeing tips, and tricks, we hope to create a resource for those days that need an extra bit of motivation or for trying something new.

Here is a summary of our topics and tips to date: How do you take time to relax?

Limit screen time in the evening to help you wind down.

Play a board game, do a crossword, read a book or listen to an audiobook. It’s important to find time in the day to switch off and doing this in the evening can make a big difference to the quality of your sleep.

Spend time with nature. Whether that’s sitting in your garden, at a local park or just looking out from your window. Get familiar with your local trees and plants, listen in, and see what wildlife you can hear and spend a few calming moments with nature – wherever you are!

Try some mindfulness and meditation to help you unwind. There are lots of guides out there to help you through the process. Doing it before you go to bed can help with sleep, and some of the techniques are useful to call on throughout the day at times when you may be feeling stressed or anxious.

How do you look after your mental health?

Exercise is key. Even just a little each day, it’s good to get moving and boost those endorphins.

Music can be a great way to look after your mental health, whether that’s playing an instrument or listening to songs. Create playlists to use in different scenarios as a mood booster, such as some pick-me-up tunes or calming sounds.

There’s nothing like a bit of fresh air. Even on days when the weather is miserable, a few breaths of fresh air at your window, front door or garden can do the world of good to help clear your head.

Daily journaling is a great way to reflect on the day and set goals for the days ahead. Having a ‘gratitude list’ or writing one positive thing that has happened each day can help at times if you’re feeling low.

Get creative! Try a bit of painting, crafting or anything that allows you to tune out and get those creative juices flowing. Keep a list of plans for projects you’d like to do for times you might need some extra motivation.

Set yourself goals for the week. Having these written on a list you can tick off helps with that sense of achievement.

How do you stay active, particularly since staying home?

Set prompts on your phone or watch to remind you

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to move regularly through the day. It’s amazing the difference movement can do for your mood.

Do some housework on days you don’t feel like exercising. Housework is a workout in itself, and you get the benefit of a sparkling, clean home!

There are a wealth of videos online for home workouts, many don’t require any equipment. Do some exploring and find something that suits you and your abilities.

If in doubt, put on some funky tunes, and dance it out!

Have you taken up a new hobby that helps you look after your wellbeing?

Virtual book clubs – a great way to read more books, meet new people to share and chat about the stories you’re all enjoying.

Cross stitching – a great way to keep your mind and hands active, while producing beautiful art.

Sketching and painting – a great way to get creative and tune out. The most important thing to remember is it doesn’t matter what your art may look like, but what you get out of doing it.

What do you do to be kind to yourself?

Take time to read an uplifting poem, story, or quote.

Keep a note of these for times you may be needing a boost.

Treat yourself from time to time. Whether that’s a slice of cake, takeaway night, a new book or home spa set up. It’s important to have little treats to look forward to throughout the week.

Allow yourself a break, a lie in or just some time to yourself. This time can help you re-charge and clear your head. It’s important to allow yourself this time or these treats without feeling guilty about it.

How do you stay connected with friends and family?

Write a letter or send a card. There’s nothing quite like the joy of receiving something in the post that isn’t a bill or junk mail. There are also online companies that can print and send a card for you for a small fee. You’ll have a glow knowing you’ve brightened up someone’s day and you never know, they might just return the favour!

Make sure you contact at least one person every day.

Whether that’s a quick phone call or a few texts. It’s important to check in with others regularly and keep in touch.

Set up regular calls with friends and family. If you’re running out of conversation, do a joint activity on the call. Share a recipe you both can make, do some crafting together or play an online game against each other and get their live reactions!

Reach out to old friends. It can be a nice way to reconnect or reminisce on times gone by. You could set up a group chat with old school friends to share photographs and stories of your schooling days.

Let us know your wellbeing top tips and tricks on twitter @EuansGuide. To find out more about our fantastic Ambassador Network visit euansguide.com.

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16/04/2021 13:18

Inclusivity S(M)ELLS Globally-recognised personal care brand Unilever has announced it will bring a trial of its new inclusive deodorant to the UK later this year

...accessible design that genuinely serves the needs of people with visual impairment and upper limb motor disabilities

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ust like their slogan from the 90s, deodorant brand Sure haven’t let us down with the creation of an adaptive deodorant that has been built with accessibility in mind. The company have scheduled a trial of the brand-new prototype deodorant - called Sure Inclusive - to take place in August of this year, having been introduced to their audience in the United States in April under the brand name parent company Unilever uses in the country, Degree.

Knowing that one in five British people live with a disability, the company have sought to fill a gap in the beauty and personal care market where there is currently no product designed specifically for people who live with upper limb impairment. The company notes that some people might find using a twisting deodorant cap or pushing down on a spray difficult, and aimed to create something which had neither of these features.

Sure Inclusive’s packaging features a hooked design which has been optimised for use with one hand, and magnetic packaging to ensure the cap can be easily removed and replaced for users who live with vision impairment or reduced grip.

Enhancing this is an hourglass-shaped body that can be used easily by people who live with a wide array of upper-body impairments, and a large roll-on applicator that helps coat a wider area in deodorant, meaning users will be less likely to have to perform multiple swipes. The cap also features a Braille label.

Kathryn Swallow, global Sure brand vice president, said: “As a brand that’s committed to inspiring confidence in everyone to move more, Sure believes no one should be held back from experiencing the transformative benefits of movement.

More than one billion people are estimated to live with some form of disability, yet products and experiences are still not designed with this community in mind.

With Sure Inclusive we hope to inspire bold action across the industry to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal playing field.”

“Breaking stereotypes unleashes creativity and drives growth. Sure Inclusive challenges what a deodorant product should be. It’s a breakthrough accessible design that genuinely serves the needs of people with visual impairment and upper limb motor disabilities,” said Aline Santos Farhat, EVP of global marketing and chief diversity and inclusion officer at Unilever.

It’s important to note that these features could change and improve based on feedback Unilever receives during its trial, which will specifically seek out people living with disabilities in order to give vital assessment and critique of the product before it reaches the wider market. This information will be combined with the previous trials conducted with 200 people living with disabilities in the United States, and design input from occupational therapists, engineers, consultants, and design experts. posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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Kids’

CORNER S

PRODUCTS

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ummer is here, and with it comes the need to find activities to keep our children occupied and having fun while they bask in the glory of the British summertime and all that carries with it. Incidentally, this might mean trying desperately to find some indoor activities that will keep our young ones occupied and out of the rain for a while.

Somewhat paradoxically, this is the perfect time to get children into swimming, but if you’re not entirely sure where to start with that, we’ve got some guidance on page 46 that will help you to find the nearest inclusive swimming lessons or club to get your kids up to scratch with a vitally important life skill. If swimming isn’t your children’s idea of a good time, what about dancing? Forward Thinking Movement and Dance are an inclusive performing arts group who offer classes to young people: you can read about it on page 48. We also caught up with Duncan Casburn, aka PDA Dad UK, who started a YouTube channel to promote a wider understanding of living with autism read it on page 50.

As ever, we have columns from Dan White and this month’s fantastic Future Voices contributor alongside a host of great products for younger people. If there’s anything you’d like to see included in our kids’ section, email ros@2apublishing.co.uk

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Splash Zone

BY KATIE CAMPBELL

Where can children go to access inclusive swimming in the UK, or join an inclusive swimming club?

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wimming is a fun summertime activity, and it’s one of the best ways that children can engage in play while reaping in health benefits, and it’s an essential skill to have, improving confidence around water.

While your children are having fun in the pool, they’re also improving the health of their heart and lungs, and increasing stamina. In addition, as swimming is a nonweight bearing exercise, children can also improve their strength and flexibility without putting too much strain on their limbs or joints. Not only that, but it has a number of mental benefits, and can help to relax youngsters and help them to unwind while they thrash everything out in the water. Even better, a person can learn to swim at any age, so there’s no better time to start than whenever you can get to a pool. Once children are confident in the water, joining a swimming club is a great way to make friends and improve fitness while having fun.

If you’re looking into getting your kids into the pool this summer, or your child is already a confident swimmer who would like to take their sport to the next level, but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few resources to get you started.

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STARFISH SCHOOL OF SWIMMING Starfish run their swimming lessons in two pools in England - the Oulder Hill Leisure Centre and Castleton Pool. Their Rockhopper swimming lessons are specifically designed to teach children living with disabilities to feel safe and secure in the water. The programme has nine award levels, and aims to introduce children to the joys of being in water, with an aim to increase confidence and skills. They’re one of a limited number of swim schools in the northeast of England who boast trained and qualified staff that specialise in teaching children with additional needs to swim. Their instructors also have sign-along qualifications, and have achieved a foundation introduction in BSL. They’re happy to discuss any accommodation needs your child may have, and also have access to a hydrotherapy pool which has sensory aids. Starfish are members of the swimming teachers association (STA), and are fully insured through Swimsure. starfishswim.uk

LEVEL WATER Level Water is the sole UK charity providing one-to-one swimming lessons to children living with disabilities. They aim to help disabled children develop confidence and independence in the water, and do so through calm, supportive lessons handled in a one-to-one teacher-pupil environment. Level Water say that this tutorage helps disabled children to join mainstream classes to further improve their swimming abilities, as well as support them in improving confidence, self-esteem and resilience. The charity considers children to be able to swim safely and independently once they’re able to perform a 15m front crawl and backstroke, two of the key styles of competitive swimming, they can move forward to group swimming lessons or join a competitive club. The charity currently operates in over 60 pools across the UK, and fund their swimming lessons through donations which are raised in charity swimming events. To learn more about Level Water or apply for lessons, contact them via their website. levelwater.org

BARRY BEAVERS Based in Barry, Wales, this swim club has been helping disabled people feel more confident and secure in water since 1981. They proudly use something called the Halliwick concept to provide instruction and direction to all of their swimmers; this holistic approach to teaching is designed to give people a better understanding of how their body moves within the water without the use of flotation aids, providing a natural understanding of buoyancy and hydrodynamics within a safe and controlled environment. The club is staffed by volunteers who are trained in the Halliwick concept, offering both one-on-one and group teaching, as well as swimming therapy and lots of fun. Swimmers at the club can take part in their proficiency badge scheme (but it’s not mandatory), and can also join in with swimming galas to compete against other swimming clubs in the region at their leisure. barrybeavers.co.uk

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH Discover Forward Thinking Movement and Dance (FTM Dance), an inclusive performing arts group offering classes for young people with additional needs

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eanne Evans is the creator of the performing arts group and she was motivated by her own experiences of growing up alongside disabled family members. The idea for FTM Dance was borne out of a desire to help children and adults to understand the transformative power of dance. Thanks to the support of an inspiring childhood dance teacher and the financial backing of the Prince’s Trust, Leanne opened her first centre in Leicester in 2013 when she was just 23 and still studying at university.

Due to her tireless ambition and drive, Leanne now has centres in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, and serves over 600 pupils.

FTM Dance provides a fully inclusive environment, where children and young people can engage with social, fun and learning opportunities. It also provides much needed respite for parents and carers of disabled children, through weekday adult services, creative therapies and school holiday clubs.

The centre’s support staff are highly skilled in a variety of areas, including enteral feeding, epilepsy, colostomy and moving and handling. The centres are also fully equipped with hoists, changing beds and more.

FTM Dance delivers meaningful, high quality, regular performing arts sessions, activities and workshops using a person-centered approach and provides social inclusion through events in the local community.

What you can expect from the classes:

DANCE

The dance classes promote the preteens, teens and adults involved to engage in choreography and create their own performances, alongside learning specific techniques and genres if they wish too. The sessions for younger children promote turn taking, fine and gross motor skills, listening skills through dance-related activities and action-based songs, along with prop exploration.

MUSIC

In music, individuals have the opportunity to explore an array of instruments and create, rhythmic beats and more. They use paired and group work to promote team building skills, relationships and leadership. They also use solo work to facilitate an individual’s sense of identity and independence.

DRAMA

In drama, individuals have the opportunity to learn skills in ‘understanding the world’ drama pieces, alongside creating their own creative and imaginative drama pieces, alongside creating scenery and props.

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Leanne understands the importance of providing regular classes for young disabled people to explore their unique abilities and unleash their creativity, and she recognises the lack of inclusive opportunities for young disabled people to attend.

“These children can do so much,” said Leanne. “Parents with non-disabled children think nothing of dropping their child off for a dance class. We wanted to give our children and young adults similar, regular support.

“We also provide them with a performance focus, giving them a goal and ultimately a sense of achievement at the end. FTM’s students have performed at Disneyland, Demontfort Hall, the Curve Theatre and the renowned Leicester Caribbean Carnival. They shouldn’t be limited by their additional needs, but rather be allowed to explore their talents, and share them with the world.”

FTM Dance has thankfully managed to operate throughout the pandemic. Its recreational offering quickly moved online providing interactive Zoom sessions, while the social care continued face-to-face, with full PPE for its most vulnerable families in small groups, with one-to-one support.

“COVID and the lengthy lockdowns have had a significant impact on children across the board,” said Leanne, “but isolation is a pervasive problem for children with additional needs and for their parents too”.

“Some are isolated because many services can’t, or don’t want to, meet their needs. Many are on borderline deprivation because of the high cost of raising a child with special needs. Food Banks are already a normal thing in the world we work in. Maybe COVID has made the mainstream population wake up to the massive social injustices in 2021 in the UK. It’s made everyone else feel what our families go through all the time.”

Leanne’s amazing venture has grown quickly and she’s now a real success story, but her pride comes in looking at what her young students have achieved: “I love seeing them progress and grow. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone realise their potential, and the pride this gives both them and their families.”

To find out more about the classes and services offered by FTM Dance visit ftmdance.co.uk.

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A Sensory SENSATION

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

Duncan Casburn, aka PDA Dad UK, started a YouTube channel last year to help promote the understanding and acceptance of autism. He is the father of two beautiful kids, Curtis and Sienna, and Sienna lives with autism and pathological demand avoidance (PDA). Their most recent venture has seen Duncan and Sienna team up to offer reviews on sensory products, giving viewers the perspective from the child and the parent

We caught up with the father-daughter duo to find out more about the amazing work they are doing to support the autistic community.

What made you start your YouTube channel?

I run a large Facebook group called The UK Autism Spectrum Parents Support Group. I noticed a lot of the same questions coming up over and over and was spending a lot of time researching for answers. I learned a lot, and in the end I thought I might as well put the research to good use, so I started PDA Dad UK. Later on, I was looking for people to collaborate with. I connected with Chris (@therealgrumpdad) and we started The Grumpy Dads - a more light-hearted look at the world, while also looking at serious issues. We’ve been stunned at the quality of guests we’ve had. This also led to The Grumpy Gits, which is with Simon Sansome (the author of the new The Bill series, Sun Hill) and Adam Pearson who won Celebrity Mastermind.

What do you enjoy most about creating these videos?

Having a valid platform that looks at generating accurate and positive information on parenting autism and PDA - indeed neurodiversity in general. I’m very privileged to know a number of autistic adults. Having the input of actually autistic people has been such a valuable insight into how to best support my daughter with her needs. I tackle some harder issues too, such as aggressive behaviours, but I try to remain respectful to my neurodiverse friends and bring it back to understanding the

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they’re getting the opinions of a neurodiverse young person, not someone trying to understand the value from the outside

root issues and how to support them. I’ve learned so much and it all helps me make my daughter’s tomorrow better than her today.

together like this. Sienna was my main inspiration for my Facebook group and my channel. Being able to involve her at a deeper level has been fantastic.

When did Sienna decide she wanted to be involved?

SIENNA: I love it! Especially the Pop-it cos I’ve wanted one because my BFF has a few and I like playing with them.

She’s been wanting to do something on YouTube for a long while, but I’ve been reluctant. I see some other channels (which I won’t name) who plaster their kids all over the place and I didn’t want to have her too exposed. But the idea came for specifically reviewing and testing sensory toys and tools, or products related to neurodiversity in general. My kids watch loads of toy reviews but I realised there’s nothing for the sensory specific. I asked her if she’d want to do it with me and she was so excited. We came up with the idea of her testing and reviewing from the autistic and child’s perspective, and then me reviewing as a parent.

Sienna, why did you want to get involved with product reviews?

I like watching unboxing on YouTube. Curtis (Sienna’s brother) watches Ryan and CKN Reviews all the time. I sometimes make my own on my iPad and asked Daddy if I could have a YouTube channel but he wouldn’t let me.

Then he asked me if I want to help him and I said, “yes!”

Have you enjoyed unboxing and reviewing products?

DUNCAN: It’s been so nice being able to do something

How important do you think it is for young people with SEND to see these product reviews?

I think it’s important for both kids and parents alike. The unique thing we have with these reviews is that you get the raw reaction from Sienna and her thoughts about the product. But then you get the parents side from me, looking at the quality and the value and so on.

For young people with SEND it’s especially good though, because from Sienna’s side they’re getting the opinions of a neurodiverse young person, not someone trying to understand the value from the outside.

Do you have plans for more?

We do. We’re hoping to have a review out once every week or two. If anyone has a product they’d like reviewed I’d love to hear from them too. My email is pdadaduk@gmail.com.

You can watch their videos on YouTube by searching ‘PDA Dad UK’ and you can follow Duncan on Twitter @pdadaduk.

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Kids’ PRODUCTS

COLOUR MIXING PADDLES These translucent coloured paddles come in six colours; red, orange, green, blue, yellow and purple. By layering them over one another the child can see what colour they make, for example, placing yellow over blue will make green. Kids can also have great fun looking through the coloured paddles and seeing their world in different shades. amazon.co.uk

Prices from

£4.99

FLASHING STRESS BALL These squishy stress balls are encased in a net so when you squeeze them they squash out the gaps in a really satisfying manner. Squeezing them hard or dropping them on the ground will also activate the flashing light which adds another fun sensory element. A great fidget toy for kids. sensorydirect.com

Prices from

£3.90

WALLY THE WHALE

Prices from

£59

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Wally the whale is a large, plush, cuddly toy that is weighted to provide children with the same experience and comfort as a weighted blanket. Wally weighs 2.5kg and is a great size for children over the age of three to snuggle up with whether in their bed, on the sofa or at a friend’s house. calmingblankets.co.uk

MICRO HOPPER This is no ordinary hopper for little ones, the micro hopper transforms from a regular inflatable bouncer to a ride on toy that allows toddlers to get on the move and explore their surroundings. Kids love to bounce on hoppers and the ergonomic design of this one also helps with balance and coordination. micro-scooters.co.uk

Prices from

£39.95

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EASY LACE Lacing up shoes can be difficult for many children and for a range of different reasons. Easy laces are the ideal solution for any child who struggles with lacing up their shoes as they transform any pair of lace up shoes into slip-on shoes. They have a patented pull and lock design to ensure laces stay in place and come in a range of colours. tinknstink.co.uk

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Mains water control at your fingertips

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Part of the Polypipe Group

National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,440 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

Anyone who believes they have a drink problem can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above or email; help@aamail.org Further information may be obtained from the web-site above or from the General Service Office at the address below.

For information: P.O. Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York. YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644 026

FUTURE VOICES

the same dreams as anyone else. It might take us longer to do things, or we might need adaptations, but all we want is what everyone else has. It teaches that it’s okay to reach out, to ask questions (if that person says they don’t want to, you should respect that) or for help on how you become a better ally.

In the documentary, there’s a brilliant quote from one of the counsellors who said: “We realised it wasn’t people with disabilities that needed to change, it was the rest of us”.

Documentaries are a brilliant way to teach history of any kind, and I believe disability history should be taught in schools. To become a more inclusive society, we need to start integrating these lessons into our children’s lives. Teaching these things as they grow up will help them to have a better understanding of the world. Putting authentic disabled characters on television not only helps disabled people see themselves, it helps others see them resulting in a better understanding of them.

Each issue we will be shining a light on a young disabled person who is blazing their own trail. Whether that be campaigning for access, giving up their time to help their community, achieving success in the sporting or arts arena, or educating their peers on disability.

MOLLY PEGLER Molly is a passionate writer who runs a blog about TV and film from the perspective of a disabled person, which has allowed her to write some fantastic stories and interview interesting people.

We are all people, and at the end of the day, we all have dreams.

S

hedding a much needed light into the disability rights movement, the Netflix documentary CripCamp: A Disability Revolution takes you on a journey through the history of Camp Jened (a summer camp for young disabled people in New York that closed in 2009) using interviews, whilst delving into unseen footage from real-life events, intertwined with archived footage. Hearing about the events first hand really makes you feel as if you were there.

It was also really interesting to me to see how James Lebrecht (co-director and past camper at Camp Jened) spoke about his younger self. He knew he was sure of what he wanted: the chance to be creative and pave a way for disabled people in future generations. This urge resulted in him filming what was going on around him at a time when there were even fewer disabled filmmakers than there are now. At that point I don’t think he could have even begun to imagine that years later, he’d still be doing what he loves and using his archived footage to educate others.

At the time, he wouldn’t have realised, but by doing something he loved, Lebrecht was opening up new opportunities for disabled people, especially disabled filmmakers.

I saw much of myself in Lebrecht. I think many disabled people most likely would too. For me, it’s his drive for change, but also how he knows what he wants and finds a way to turn it into a reality.

CripCamp really helps highlight that disabled people have

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SUPPORTING SERVING AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE RAF AND THEIR FAMILIES

WE CAN HELP WITH INDEPENDENT LIVING FREE CALL 0300 102 1919 rafbf.org/independent The RAF Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and Scotland (SC038109)

SCAN ME WITH YOUR CAMERA

DAN WHITE

a counsellor, a nurse, or GP, you know that their responsibility comes with a pay packet. That’s also true of the social worker, speech therapist, lawyer, behavioral expert, and teacher.

All of these are considered separate professions, practiced by individuals who switch off at a given hour. We, however, take on all the above jobs daily, hourly – and we do so for £67.25 a week. We do all this for love and without a voice, without hope, without witness and without reward.

COLUMNIST

Follow Dan on Twitter @DeptOfAbility Dan White, creator of the amazing Department of Ability superheroes and dad to Emily, who is 15 years old and has spina bifida, is a regular face in PosAbility, as he shares his experiences of life as a family with a disabled child.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CARING

A

s I write this, I am bathed in the glow of my laptop. It is 2:15am; the house is quiet. I am sitting in the lounge typing this as my beautiful disabled daughter sleeps next door. I can hear her oxygen machine whistling - a comforting reminder that it is doing its job of filling her lungs with air to counter her sleep apnoea.

I know I am writing about care woes again to readers familiar to them, but in this instance, I would like this to be read by someone unfamiliar with our routines; who just doesn’t get what we do, who doesn’t understand, or want to know our reality. I would like this to be cut out and used as a weapon of words, kept in a wallet or a purse by you to be read or given to a naysayer, a disbeliever, with orders

“We do all this for love and without a voice, without hope, without witness and without reward”

to get enlightened about our care existence. Why? Because often we are disbelieved or accusations of a lazy life fly, and off the back of receiving a few of these, this column has arrived.

I am writing this to strip away the stereotypes that have blighted carers and their families; I am writing this to non-carers who are unfamiliar or disbelieving of our existence, so please read on.

Firstly, trying to put the responsibilities we carers have into words is like trying to nail jelly to a wall: near impossible.

Ours is a relentless, 24-hour, neverending circuit of medication mixing and delivery; apprehension about machinery malfunction and tears; daily rounds of physiotherapy to prevent blood clots and all the hoisting and lifting. Then there are the multiple doctor appointments, specialist checkups, and operations. All this while trying to be a good parent, to cook, clean, wash, deliver counseling, and ignore the ever-growing pile of bills and paperwork designed to put you off claiming what is rightfully yours.

When you think of a physiotherapist,

I just had to go in and see my daughter: she had woken up and removed her mask, needing urgent personal care. The lights were turned on and the wheelchair came in; oxygen machine quickly disconnected, bed wedges removed, and ceiling track hoist lowered. As she sat with her iPad, the clock ticked on to 3am. I return to my laptop: there is no doubt in my mind that I have to share this nightmare scenario with countless thousands across the country. Carers aged five to 80, all terrified to slip into slumber for fear of missing something urgent that could result in a panicked drive to A&E in floods of tears. This is our nighttime, as our daytime; lived with apprehension and the fear of our loved ones calling, but us not hearing.

We carers live in a country with a social care problem, a stigma of disability, and for those of us living from hand to mouth, the fear for our children’s future when we are no longer around is a thought not permitted. This is a thread of fear throughout the caring community, the terror of a legacy of a systematic and seemingly deliberate lack of will to help us. The reality is that we do not dare think about our mortality, because if we do, what becomes of our children?

“So what do you want?” The uninformed recipient of this passed-on piece may now be asking. Well, carers need a decent benefit on par with the minimum wage. We need unlimited support from external services without financial restrictions, and most of all, we need a minister for carers who is answerable to us. Carers deserve recognition, for the world to open up and see our struggles, we don’t deserve our stereotyped views and I hope that you can see that.

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Audio

BY EMMA PURCELL

FOR ALL

Emma Purcell highlights the importance of audio description for the visually impaired community, and reports on the lack of audio description available on some media services

R

esearch has found more than 75% of TV series and films on the streaming service Netflix has no audio description available, potentially impacting two million people in the UK who are visually impaired or registered blind.

The study conducted by Lenstore found that only 25.4% of Netflix’s content provided audio description. It also compared audio description on Disney+, which was found to have audio description available on 62.6% of its films and TV shows.

Amar Latif, blind entrepreneur and broadcaster, and blind comedian Chris McCausland are just a few of the wellknown people raising their frustrations over the lack of audio description.

Audio description essentially describes the elements of a show or film that people with sight loss can’t see. For instance, facial expressions, body language, settings, actions, text and images. According to Ofcom’s Code on Television Access Services, broadcasters should

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provide audio description to a minimum of 10% of its content. However, many broadcasters including BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Amazon Prime Video say they have exceeded that obligation.

COMMITMENT A BBC spokesperson said: “We have a quota in the Communications Act for 10 per cent of our content to have audio description. We deliver well in excess of that and have voluntarily committed to providing at least 20 per cent of content on our regulated linear channels with audio description.”

The BBC also stated that much of its content does not need audio description and instead it follows guidelines on presenting and narrating. Plus, some content can be used for both television and radio. They added: “Unlike subtitling, audio description is not necessary or possible on all content. Much of what the BBC broadcasts is live content, or reportage where audio description cannot be added.

NETFLIX FOUND LACKING

“When this is the case, we have rules around presentation and foster good practice in commentary to ensure live events like music or sport can be understood without dependence on pictures. We also have guidance on narrating information contained within TV graphics.

“Sometimes, programmes simply work without images, which are produced using an approach called bi-media production. This was developed by the BBC in the 1990s to enable more TV reportage to be reusable on our radio stations, and also improves the accessibility of our programmes for people with visual impairments.”

The research conducted by Lenstore found that a number of popular titles on Netflix UK titles do not have audio description, including Steven Spielberg’s classic war movie Saving Private Ryan, BBC cop drama Line Of Duty, and classic ‘90s sitcom Friends. Some of the films and television shows on Disney+ that do not provide audio description include beloved cartoon The Simpsons, Oscar-winning The Sound Of Music, and the X-Men movie series. Whilst many titles on Netflix UK and Disney+ are missing this feature, both services ensure all of their original content is fully accessible including Bridgerton, The Mandalorian, The Queen’s Gambit and WandaVision.

Netflix UK and Disney+ were both unavailable for comment.

ITV has also confirmed that it is providing a high number of audio-described programmes: “Across all of the ITV channels, we audio describe about 35% of all programmes.

This ranges from 21% on ITV main channel (where there are also lots of live programmes) to over 50% on ITV3 and ITV4. Given that our Ofcom target is 10%, this represents a very significant amount of AD over and above the obligations.”

Channel 5 say it is committed to making as much of its programmes as accessible as possible: “At Channel 5, accessibility to our content for all UK viewers is a priority and we are continuously looking to improve our access services across both Channel 5 and its VOD service, My5.”

A spokesperson for Amazon Prime Video said how the online streaming service has increased the number of shows and films with audio description: “Prime Video has doubled the size of the number of titles in the UK Prime Video catalogue with audio description available including 100% of titles produced by Amazon Studios since 2016 and work continues to continue the expansion.”

Netflix UK and Disney+ were both unavailable for comment

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59

ACCESSIBLE CONTENT

because, as we have seen, they tend not to,” he said.

Despite most networks and streaming services providing more than 20% of content with audio description, more is needed to make 100% pre-recorded content accessible.

Blind comedian Chris McCausland, who has made appearances on Would I Lie To You, Have I Got News For You? and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, shared his experiences of poor quality audio description when purchasing and streaming films and TV shows.

Amar Latif is a blind entrepreneur who started the company Traveleyes, which supports blind and visually impaired people who enjoy travelling. He has also made TV appearances including Pilgrimage, Ready Steady Cook, Travelling Blind and Celebrity MasterChef.

He shares his frustration over the lack of audio description: “I am extremely passionate about audio description, TV shows and movies alike. They are such a fantastic form of escapism and allow us all to delve into stories and other worlds.”

“Sadly, many of these wonderful shows are not accessible to blind folk, and I have found myself time and time again frustrated at my lack of options across mainstream media channels.”

Not having audio description available for blind and visually impaired audiences can make them feel isolated and unable to join in the conversation.

Amar added: “It can feel incredibly lonely to hear my friends or colleagues discussing the latest show that is trending and I find myself unable to join in the discussions because more often than not, the show hasn’t been released with audio description. On the flip side, when audio descriptions are included it feels incredible, to be able to enjoy new shows and movies and feel like blind people and their needs have been considered.”

Amar would like to see audio description be a legal requirement when creating and distributing content: “It would be great if there were some sort of law or policy in place that required audio description, rather than relying on companies deciding themselves whether to include it

He said: “I would love a service that allowed for AD to play over a separate audio channel so that it could be listened to on one earphone and others in the room didn’t have to put up with it.”

Chris would also like to hear the audio description with surround sound: “Currently audio description mainly seems to be provided over the standard stereo soundtracks.

So, if you have a film with surround sound, you cannot have audio description over the immersive audio track. Ridiculous really as blind people would benefit so much from immersive surround sound audio, but currently have to choose between this with no AD, or AD with a more basic stereo mix.”

Chris has also had to make a complaint to Apple after a film he purchased later removed the audio description. “I have bought tons of titles from iTunes over the years, and it’s not unheard of for an audio description track to just disappear off a title that has already been purchased with AD,” he said.

“I have contacted Apple about this, and they just pass responsibility for this over to the film distributors. There should be an obligation for online storefronts such as Apple to ensure that this does not happen.”

He added: “Also, they should do more to ensure that films have AD tracks included when the AD track is available on other formats. For example, the Back to the Future trilogy has just been upgraded to 4k on iTunes, but only the third film has AD, when all of them do on the 4k physical release – bonkers and annoying.”

Amar Latif is a blind entrepreneur who started the company Traveleyes, which supports blind and visually impaired people who enjoy travelling

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BROTHERWOOD RECOGNISED AS OFFICIAL VOLKSWAGEN CONVERTER Wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) specialists Brotherwood have been recognised as an official Volkswagen WAV convertor and integrated partner of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

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rotherwood underwent a rigorous auditing process

by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to ensure that they comply with demanding engineering and quality control standards. Brotherwood’s entire production process was examined, from design to build, and from delivery to ongoing support.

Brotherwood have been working closely with Volkswagen and their products for over 25 years, designing and building conversions first for Sharan and then Caddy models.

The official recognition from VW Commercial Vehicles joins an extensive resume of accreditations for Brotherwood that includes ISO:9001 certification and PAS:2012 approval, of which the Brotherwood Volkswagen Sharan conversion was the first WAV ever to gain the certification.

Brotherwood offer a choice of WAV conversion options for the compact and car-like Caddy Life , giving you the ability to choose a vehicle to suit your lifestyle, needs and budget.

The luxurious VW Sharan can also be transformed by Brotherwood into an inclusive and refined Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, with a choice of conversions including up to five seats.

Brotherwood’s friendly, experienced sales team are on hand every step of the way to guide our clients through the process of choosing and acquiring a new WAV, beginning with a free, no-obligation home demonstration to ensure that the vehicle meets your exact requirements.

ABOUT BROTHERWOOD

Brotherwood have been designing and engineering wheelchair accessible vehicles since 1985. Since then Brotherwood have re-engineered thousands of WAVs for clients across the globe - including a huge number of Volkswagen vehicles, which promise industry-leading comfort, inclusion and safety for the wheelchair user.

Brotherwood specialise in low, flat, level floor conversions that place the wheelchair user in an inclusive travelling location, with industry-leading headroom and visibility out of the vehicles’ windscreen and windows.

The Brotherwood range of vehicles offers a choice of either a central wheelchair location alongside the second-row passengers or up-front next to the driver for even better visibility and conversation. Brotherwood WAV conversions have been recognised as the market leader in Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle design for over 35 years.

With a dedicated and experienced team of designers and engineers, Brotherwood provide bespoke vehicles for wheelchair users across the UK and even further afield. Providing excellent customer service nationwide, Brotherwood offer free home demonstrations of their range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, along with mobile service engineers delivering at-home service visits and annual WAV checks at a time and place that suits you.

Contact Brotherwood today on 0330 1747 555 or visit brotherwood.com today to discuss your needs.

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Dream JOB GET THAT

WORDS BY JANE HATTON

WRITING AN ATS-FRIENDLY CV

S

ome job adverts can receive a huge amount of applications, and increasingly employers are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter candidates before a human being even gets to look at them. This means that if your CV isn’t ATSfriendly, it may never make the next stage of the recruitment process. So, your CV needs to be written not just to impress human recruiters, but also to meet the algorithm of an ATS, should one be used.

An ATS is a piece of software that behaves a bit like a search engine. Recruiters use the ATS to scan CVs for keywords and rank them based on how well they match the job description. The more criteria the CV meets the higher it will be ranked in the shortlist.

This means that tailoring your CV to each role you apply for is essential if you want to be at the top of the recruiter’s pile.

Here are five things to consider to make your CV ATS and recruiter-friendly:

USE KEYWORDS To increase your chances of being selected and prioritised by an ATS, review the job description. Pay attention to the keywords or phrases that are used and use them in your CV. Look at the language being used. If they use the word ‘recruiting’ then you should also use ‘recruiting’ rather than ‘recruitment’ or a synonym such as ‘hiring’.

Some ATS bots will determine the strength of your skills based on how often a term shows up in your CV, so think about the frequency as well.

But remember that if your CV gets through the ATS, a human recruiter will look at it, so make sure it makes sense and that you can back up the things you are claiming.

STANDARDISE JOB TITLES AND HEADINGS ATS bots are looking for exact matches and recognisable job titles. Job titles on your CV should reflect the one on the job description. For example, if you are a Customer Care Leader in your current job, but the job title is for a Customer Service Leader, be sure to include Customer Service Leader somewhere in your CV. When the ATS takes the information from your CV and puts it into a database that it can easily search, it needs to understand which information should go where. It does this by searching for specific formatting and headings. To help the software, use clear headings to identify your employment history such as Work Experience, Qualifications etc.

KEEP THE DESIGN SIMPLE When an ATS retrieves information from your CV it is placed into a digitalised version. A simple and linear design will ensure the software doesn’t miss anything. Concentrate on matching the job description rather than impressing people with fancy layouts.

KEEP FORMATTING SIMPLE TOO! ATS bots prefer a simple and clean CV design and recruiters will be looking for pieces of information quickly. Keep your CV format concise, simple and clean. Avoid using custom fonts, embedded images, fancy graphics and symbols. Also, avoid putting information into headers and footers as these details will become garbled and only confuse the ATS.

STICK TO WORD The format most easily read by the majority of applicant tracking systems is a word processor file such as Word (.doc or .docx).

Whilst PDF files are usually fine, check at the point of uploading your CV what options are offered as some applicant tracking systems cannot read PDF documents.

To find jobs from inclusive employers who are looking to attract more disabled candidates, have a look on the Evenbreak website: evenbreak.co.uk. To find relevant and accessible careers support for disabled candidates have a look on Evenbreak’s Career Hive: hive.evenbreak.co.uk.

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65

MAGAZINE TRAVEL REVIEWS

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

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An innovative mix of products to support you in everyday living.

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Inspiring tales from our readers.

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Exclusive competitions that give you the chance to win dream holidays, amazing products and once in a lifetime experiences.

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We look at sports and activities available for you to get involved in to help you lead a healthy lifestyle.

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TOKYO 2020 the delayed what to expect from Paralympic Games

SUMMER FUN plan your accessible day out

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