Posmag apr may16

ability

Feb/March 2016

magazine

Nothing is Impossible...

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A WEEK in a accessible cottfully in Aberdeenshage ire

WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT DISABILITY

THE POWER

100

THE UK’S MOST

INFLUENTIAL

DISABLED PEOPLE

LIFE AND LIMB PROSTHETIC EVOLUTION

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THE SUPERHERO TEAM

WELCOME Feb/Mar 2016

Welcome to our first issue of 2016, and what an issue we have for you.

Our cover this issue was created exclusively for PosAbility by Dan White, creator of the new breed of comic superheroes, Department of Ability. Dan has a daughter, Emily, who has spina-bifida and they struggled to find positive disabled role models in literature and entertainment. So he took on the task himself and has created a team of superheroes who all have disabilities that provide them with their powers. You can find out more about the comic Dan has created and when it will be launched on page 19.

This issue you will see that we took on this superhero theme and ran with it, we are proud to say this is probably our ‘geekiest’ issue to date. We even gave ourselves superhero names relating to our jobs (see opposite, we clearly have too much time on our hands). We also discovered Feel the Force Day, an amazing unconventional convention that offers people of all abilities the chance to experience the world of fantasy and science fiction. Everything is tactile and some aspects at the convention are even

taste or smell based, allowing people with visual impairments to touch the characters and better visualise them and understand the stories.

We also take an insightful look at the evolution of prosthetics and discover how far artificial limbs have come. The era of bionics is an exciting time and engineers and scientists across the world are constantly evolving artificial limbs to improve their functionality and provide wearers with more independence. Read our article on page 53.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together and we hope 2016 is the year that you realise the superhero in you.

Like us on Facebook Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’

Featuring for one issue only…

The Villian…Wicked Wilson

CONTRIBUTORS Mik Scarlet Andy Wright Jane Hatton Mark Saville Laura Rutherford

A

Innovation not Imitation

PUBLISHING

DISCLAIMER

PosAbility Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited.

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

Copyright 2016 © 2A Publishing Limited.

All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2049-2251

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

Ros

Cover image courtesy of Dan White, www.departmentofability.com

Editor

Follow us on Twitter @ PosAbilityMag

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FEB/MAR 2016 | ISSUE 29

CONTENTS 53

62

WIN! A week at Crathie Opportunity Holidays!

Overlooking the banks of the River Dee, four unique wheelchair accessible self-catering holiday cottages sit in the restored Manse Courtyard of the historic Crathie Kirk. Find out more...

FEATURES 07 FYI…

News and stories to keep you up to date

Check out

P45

15 REFLECTIONS ON MY REFLECTION

We speak to two hard of hearing roller derby players

32 CASTLE ADVENTURES

Mik explores body dysmorphic disorder

Exploring the opportunities available at Castle Semple for sports enthusiasts

17 GAME ON

37 TRAVEL ADVICE

SpecialEffect get you gaming in our guest column

19 DEPARTMENT OF ABILITY A new breed of superhero is born

23 FEEL THE FORCE DAY

Andy Wright of Accessible Travel and Leisure shares his expert advice

38 BARCELONA

Mik explores one of Europe’s most accessible cities

An unconventional convention where you can quite literally… feel the force

43 PAPWORTH TRUST

26 POWER 100

45 COMPETITION

A look at the most influential people with disabilities or health impairments for 2016

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30 RADICAL ROLLERS

Exploring the picturesque Kerry Farm Win a seven night stay at a beautiful cottage in Aberdeenshire

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57

71

32

38

51 47 HOT STUFF

62 KIDS’ PRODUCTS

53 LIFE AND LIMB

67 NEW YEAR, NEW CAR?

Bringing you some of the best products on the market Examining the evolution of artificial limbs

57 THE KIDS’ CORNER

Whizz off into the sunset with the Wizzybug and check out our guide to the Panathlon Challenge

61 NAPPY CAMPAIGN

One mum shares her campaign for bigger nappies

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Fun and therapeutic products for your little ones Start spring off fresh with a new car from the Motability scheme

71 EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

19

Our guide to apprenticeships

75 GET THAT DREAM JOB Creating the perfect CV

78 BRAINTEASERS

Enjoy our superhero themed puzzles, they’re out of this world!

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Days out for all with National Museums Liverpool

Open daily 10am to 5pm FREE ENTRY liverpoolmuseums.org.uk adverts_feb_mar_16.indd 2

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FYI

FYI

News and stories to keep you up to date

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

PUBLIC URGED TO ‘SUPERCHARGE PARALYMPICSGB’ The British Paralympic Association (BPA) have urged the British public to help ‘Supercharge ParalympicsGB’ and show their support for our athletes over the course of 2016 and beyond.

support already received from the National Lottery and the BPA’s commercial partners, the funds raised will help best prepare the team in the crucial final days before Rio and lay the ground for future success.

Supercharge ParalympicsGB is being supported by several blue chip commercial sponsors, who include, Sainsbury’s, Nissan, ASOS, BP Group, Deloitte, EDF Energy and many more. It is also supported by four high-profile Ambassadors - Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Clare Balding, Eddie Izzard and Alex Brooker.

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, said of the launch: “We want to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to win medals and make the nation proud in Rio and beyond. That means getting the public and our partners involved to help to Supercharge the team to make the ParalympicsGB team as successful and inspiring to others as possible.

Supercharge ParalympicsGB is the first time that the BPA has launched such a major public facing campaign to generate support and raise funds for ParalympicsGB. The ParalympicsGB team will face its toughest competition yet in Rio with standards increasing across all sports among other nations and that is likely to become even harder over coming Games. Following a home Games in London the team also faces a decade of longhaul travel – with upcoming Games in Rio, Pyeongchang, Tokyo and Beijing. It will be more challenging and expensive than ever before for the BPA to support athletes, that, in turn can inspire real change across society through their performances.

The BPA, a registered charity, has historically received some public fundraising support but the ‘Supercharge ParalympicsGB’ campaign will take this to a whole new level and a major drive to fundraise money to help take ParalympicsGB all the way. Alongside the fantastic

The Supercharge ParalympicsGB campaign launch includes the release of a new inspiring campaign film and some iconic imagery of ParalympicsGB stars including Jonnie Peacock, Ali Jawad, Jordanne Whiley, Libby Clegg and Will Bayley.

The campaign also offers the public a Text to Donate facility – TEXT “SUPER” to 70700 – and a wide range of fundraising tools and equipment.

Visit www.paralympics.org.uk/supercharge for more information. 

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FYI

CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCE YEAR OF DISABILITY Channel 4 have announced that 2016, the year of the Paralympic Games in Rio, will be the broadcaster’s Year of Disability.

Announced one year on from the launch of Channel 4’s 360° Diversity Charter, the Year of Disability includes major new commitments to increase representation of disabled people within the broadcasting industry – both on and off-screen.

This will include doubling the number of disabled people appearing in 20 of Channel 4’s biggest shows – with disabled contributors contributing to hit programmes such as Gogglebox, The Island, Grand Designs, Hollyoaks and First Dates. £300,000 will be invested in new talent initiatives, with an off-screen commitment to progress the careers of 20 disabled people already working in the industry in Channel 4’s 20 biggest suppliers. Within Channel 4, 50 per cent of all the broadcaster’s apprenticeships and 30 per cent of all its work experience placements will be ring fenced for disabled people.

The particular focus on disability in 2016 is in addition to the ongoing 30 initiatives outlined in Channel 4’s 360° Diversity Charter.

The Charter puts a commitment to diversity at the heart of all activities at Channel 4 and encompasses all under-represented groups – including BAME, LGBT, disability, gender and social mobility. In 2017 Channel 4 will focus on a different diversity theme.

Channel 4 Chief Executive, David Abraham said: “When we launched the 360° Diversity Charter last year, we set ourselves challenging targets across every level of the organisation and I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made, though there remains more we must do. I hope that with the launch of 2016 as our Year of Disability we can extend the impact of this Paralympic year right across our schedule and help do something lasting to increase representation of disabled people on and off-screen.”

RUNNER WITH BIONIC HAND TAKES ON LONDON MARATHON Nicky Ashwell, who wears a prosthetic hand that harnesses motors and microprocessors, is representing Leonard Cheshire Disability at April’s London Marathon to raise awareness of stigma and infrastructure barriers faced by disabled people.

Born without a right hand, Nicky was fitted with the world’s most lifelike bionic hand last year, enabling her to carry out tasks with both hands for the first time.

Nicky said: “I want to raise awareness of the problems people with disabilities can face – not in coping with their disability, but with infrastructure restrictions and society’s prejudices.

“I support Leonard Cheshire Disability because of their work to campaign for change in these areas.

“I would ideally like any funds I raise to be spent encouraging and supporting young disabled people to achieve their goals, especially in the fields of business and sport.”

Leonard Cheshire Disability is the UK’s leading charity supporting disabled people. Every year, they support thousands of people in the UK and around the world with physical and learning disabilities to fulfil their potential and live the lives they choose. www.leonardcheshire.org



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ŠKODA YETI. THE AUTOMATIC CHOICE FOR MOTABILITY.

ADVANCE PAYMENT FROM

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DRIVE SYSTEMS

Model shown is not UK specification.

CHOICE

4WD/2WD

The ŠKODA Yeti has a high ride height and Varioflex seating.

It also offers DSG (automatic transmission), KESSY keyless entry and start system*, park assist^, and rear-view parking camera**. Nil advance payment is available through the Motability scheme on many ŠKODA models across the range.

Contact your local ŠKODA retailer or visit our website for more information.

POWER STEERING

BLUETOOTH

AIR CONDITIONING

skoda.co.uk/motability *To qualify for this offer you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). †Nil advance payment applies to Yeti S 1.2 TSI 110PS DSG and manual, Yeti S 2.0 TDI 110PS SCR manual, Yeti Outdoor S 1.2 TSI 110PS DSG and manual, Yeti Outdoor S 2.0 TDI 110PS SCR manual. *Optional on SE, Monte Carlo, SE L and L&K at £400. ^Optional on SE, Monte Carlo and SE L at £590; standard on L&K. **Optional on SE, Monte Carlo, SE L and L&K at £300. Accurate at time of print. Contact your local retailer for more information. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Retail sales only. Participating retailers only. Subject to availability. Valid for applications to Motability from 1 January to 31 March 2016.

Official fuel consumption for the Yeti range in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 37.7 (7.5) to 54.3 (5.2), Extra Urban 50.4 (5.6) to 70.6 (4.0), Combined 44.8 (6.3) to 64.2 (4.4). CO2 emissions for Yeti range are 147 to 115g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Our CO2 and consumption values are provisional and are currently under review. Revised values will be published if necessary.

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FYI

strain, we believe its message of empowerment through knowledge is more important than ever before.”

ANDREW MARR AND JACKIE ASHLEY TO DISCUSS LIFE AFTER A STROKE The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) is delighted to announce that the second Alf Morris Lecture will be given by Andrew Marr, journalist and TV presenter, and his wife, Guardian journalist Jackie Ashley. The lecture is being held on 17 March 2016 at the Shaw Theatre, London, and Andrew and Jackie will be discussing their experiences adapting to life after Marr’s stroke in 2013.

This will be the first time they have publicly talked about their experiences, sharing their insights, views on rehabilitation and the need for better access to help and equipment.

Before marrying in 1987, Andrew and Jackie were aware of the principles of living with disability through the work of Jackie’s father, the late Lord Jack Ashley, MP for Stoke on Trent from 1966 to 1992 before sitting in the House of Lords.

Following a routine ear operation in 1967 Jack Ashley became profoundly deaf but being tenacious and driven Jack, together with Alf Morris, spent years campaigning for disability rights, founding the all-party parliamentary disability group and the Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act. He was also instrumental in getting the Disability Discrimination Act that was passed in 1995.

Jackie commented: “Alf Morris and Jack Ashley dedicated their parliamentary careers to challenging the limitations imposed by society on people with disabilities. Both believed that practical help could be transformative, enriching not just individual lives but families and whole communities. The Alf Morris Lecture is just a part of their legacy and, with healthcare provision under increasing

DISABLED ACCESS DAY 2016

Disabled Access Day 2016, the annual event spearheaded by Euan’s Guide is in its second year and will take place on 12 March. It aims to encourage disabled people, their friends and families to visit somewhere new.

The nationwide initiative already has over 130 independent venues signed up, plus national chains, such as, Caffè Nero, Strada and Barclays Bank are also involved. Further information is available

Andrew and Jackie will ‘interview’ one another at the Alf Morris Lecture. A warm, funny and very engaging couple to listen to, Jackie will initially reflect on her background and the work of her father, whilst Andrew’s reflections will focus more on regaining his independence.

Discussing how his previous knowledge of independent living for people with disabilities contrasts with his own experience, they will share with the audience their problems in obtaining support and finding suitable equipment – things that should be readily available to all after a medical crisis.

Launched by the Disabled Living Foundation, the Alf Morris Fund for Independent Living was set up to honour a man who made a difference to the most vulnerable members of society.

Ticket prices start at £25 with concessions available. Guests can attend a drinks reception before the lecture at 6.00pm, with a celebratory dinner afterwards at 8.15pm in the Pullman St Pancras Hotel. All monies raised are donated to the Alf Morris Fund for Independent Living.

To buy a ticket, please call 020 7432 8006, email alfmorrislecture@dlf.org.uk or visit www.alf-morris-lecture.org.uk

of events taking place on the day. Disabled Access Day will share top things to do in London, Edinburgh, Wales and the North East as well as a list of the great museums, galleries and theatres taking part.

A recent survey by Euan’s Guide found 98% of disabled people, their friends,

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29/01/2016 15:26

Fancy A Challenge?

If you are looking for a new

we can also support you if you have your own place and wish challenge this year then why to fundraise for Canine Partners. not get active with Canine Partners and transform disabled “This year we are delighted people’s lives in the process? to announce that we are an Assistance dog charity, Canine official charity of the Reading Half Marathon and our gold Partners, have places ready to package means that we have be snapped up in the Reading 30 guaranteed places as well as Half Marathon, Brighton Marathon, Tough Mudder, Ride use of the Reading FC Players’ Lounge.

London, Forth Road Bridge Abseil and Para Tri. “By supporting Canine Partners you will be joining our amazing Holly Bryan, Events and ‘purple army’ team, who are Challenge Co-ordinator, said: “We are looking for people of all helping us to change people’s abilities who are willing to take lives for the better.” on a challenge this year in aid of Canine Partners. All we ask is The national charity trains amazing dogs to help with that you give something back by raising money for us through everyday tasks disabled people would otherwise find difficult, sponsorship. painful or impossible, including, opening doors, undressing, “We have places available for pressing buttons, unloading the many events during 2016, but

families and carers would be likely to return to places that have good accessibility. For venues this is the perfect day to showcase their accessibility to disabled visitors and it’s not too late to sign up.

For more information, please visit www.disabledaccessday.com.

More information about how organisations and individuals can take part in Disabled Access Day 2016 will be available frequently leading up to the event. Please keep checking the website for further details and updates or you can also join their newsletter via their website.

washing machine and fetching help in an emergency. The assistance dogs also increase independence, confidence and provide loving companionship.

Paul Sparrow, who ran the London Marathon for Canine Partners last year, said: “The support I have received from the crowds and the charity were fantastic and if one person saw my vest and googled Canine Partners to learn more about them, then it will have been worthwhile.”

For more information about taking on a challenge in aid of Canine Partners please visit caninepartners.org.uk/ challenges, or contact Holly by emailing hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk or calling 01730 716013.

KIDZ TO ADULTZ EVENTS 2016 The well-established Kidz to Adultz events have grown to include another new event this year to be held in Wales.

These invaluable events offer families with disabled children the opportunity to source innovative products, explore new services available and discover information on funding, education, continence and much more.

There are now five events taking place throughout 2016 and you will find PosAbility Magazine at each of these shows, so please don’t hesitate to come and see us at our stand!

KIDZ TO ADULTZ 2016:

10 March

KIDZ TO ADULTZ IN THE MIDDLE, COVENTRY

7 July KIDZ TO ADULTZ WALES, CARDIFF (NEW)

9 June KIDZ TO ADULTZ SOUTH, READING

15 September KIDZ TO ADULTZ SCOTLAND, EDINBURGH

17 November KIDZ TO ADULTZ UP NORTH, MANCHESTER

For more information visit www. disabledliving.co.uk/ Kidz/Welcome 

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FYI

LEGO LAUNCH FIRST DISABLED MINIFIGURE LEGO has always been a firm family

GREAT DAYS OUT AT NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL Looking for a great day out or weekend away? Look no further than Liverpool!

There’s plenty to see and do thanks to National Museums Liverpool, with its eight museums and galleries.

Highlights include Pre-Raphaelites: Beauty and Rebellion at the Walker Art Gallery, the family-friendly Eye For Colour exhibition at World Museum and a 300 year journey of Liverpool’s docks in On The Waterfront at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

The Walker Art Gallery’s new exhibition, Pre-Raphaelites: Beauty and Rebellion, will unveil some of the most enduring and popular works of the PreRaphaelite movement, open from 12 February until 5 June 2016. This major exhibition will feature more than 120 paintings by leading Pre-Raphaelite artists, including loans from institutions and private collections across the UK – many of which have never been on public display before – along with works taken from National Museums Liverpool’s own collections. You can buy tickets or find out more at liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker.

The story of the 300 year journey of Liverpool’s docks is told in the On The Waterfront exhibition at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

Liverpool’s docks transformed the fortunes of the city, turning a small, regional port into one of the world’s great maritime centres. This exhibition covers the period from the 18th century up to the present day and personal stories show how the waterfront has changed and the impact it has had on the city and the lives of local people.

If it’s a family day out you’re looking for, head to the Eye for Colour exhibition at World Museum.

Returning to the venue for its 10th anniversary, having been visited by one million people across Europe, the exhibition is free to enter and open until 4 September. This fun, interactive exhibition allows young visitors to learn more about the impact and importance of colour in our world. You can also explore hidden worlds in the Aquarium, Bug House and the Space and Time Gallery.

For full details of exhibitions and events at National Museums Liverpool venues, visit liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

favourite all over the world since the early 1930s. The idealistic figures represented an idealistic lifestyle. However, a social media campaign called ‘Toys Like Me’ has called on the company, among other toymakers, to start featuring more characters and toys that reflect real life more accurately. This is to help children who can sometimes feel a little different if they live with various life altering illnesses and disabilities. Especially if they have visual differences like hearing aids, being in a wheelchair or other such special qualities.

Thankfully LEGO are a company who listens to such feedback from its customers and during the London Toy Fair word spread that a new wheelchair element had been created and features in a set, 60134 ‘Fun in the Park’. Now images have come out of Nuremberg Toy Fair thanks to Promobricks, which confirms that one of the 14 included mini-figures is indeed a character in a wheelchair, who also appears to have an assistance dog.

LEGO are the number one toy brand in the world, their products are greatly influential to its younger fan base. They are hoping to spread the message that a disability isn’t something to be frowned upon or hidden away, while also offering young disabled people a positive representation of themselves in the toys and entertainment world, which was once lacking. To learn more about ‘Toys Like Me’, visit www.facebook.com/toylikeme The LEGO set will be available this summer.

www.brickfans.com www.promobricks.de

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Designed, built and delivered with intelligence, empathy and care Full European Type Approved

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Before you make any decision on buying your next wheelchair accessible vehicle, please call:

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All of our vehicles are available for free no obligation home demonstration and our promise to you that even if we can’t help you with one of our products, we’ll help you identify another alternative option that suits you.

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28/01/2016 23:38

Columnist Mik Scarlet

Reflections on my Reflection I’m writing this feeling a like a shadow of my usual self. Alongside a post New Year’s Eve hangover that I just can’t shake off, which seems to be one of the joys of getting old - an ever growing physical fee for any kind of fun - I am also battling one of the elements of my life I rarely talk about.

You see, I live with body dysmorphia and it’s kicked in big time recently. In the medical profession, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is seen as a psychological issue, which causes people who live with the condition to have a mismatch between the way their body feels and the way it really is. It is a key element of conditions, such as, anorexia and bulimia, but impacts on many people in our society in a myriad of ways.

For me, it is much more than an issue of psychology, as it is for many other disabled people. My BDD started just after I became a wheelchair user. As a teenager, learning to build a successful life on wheels was daunting. Most people understand that you have to find a way of doing things from your chair, but I was also learning to live with a body that no longer functioned or felt as it once did. The parts that I could no longer feel were not dead to me, but instead were recreated by my brain, as it struggled to adjust. Amputees experience this too, as phantom limbs. Then there were the bits that I could still feel, but thanks to trapped nerves the messages were warped on the way to my grey matter - imagine watering your garden with a hose and if somebody stands on the hose, the flow of water can decrease and this will change depending on how big they are. For those

of us with trapped nerves we get this lessening of flow of nerve function if the tissue trapping the nerves swells. We also get an increase of flow which can lead to an overload of information going to the brain. When I experience this change in flow, it causes the way my body feels to vary greatly. For the last week it has led my left leg and buttock to feel about three times as big as they actually are. Weird eh?

Weird and bloody annoying. Try balancing when your body isn’t the shape it feels for one thing.

that with the right treatment the psychology can be corrected, but I am sure that the insight of those of us with physiological cause would help in a wider understanding of the condition.

The key issue is that the medical profession tend to see disabled people as failures in need of fixing instead of proof of just how tenacious biology really is and how adaptable the human body can be. If disabled people were included in a discussion of how illness was treated and understood, what would it do for our place

FOR ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE I HAVE HAD TO BATTLE WITH WHAT MY HEAD TELLS ME MY BODY IS LIKE AND THE PERSON I SEE STARING BACK AT ME FROM THE MIRROR For all of my adult life I have had to battle with what my head tells me my body is like and the person I see staring back at me from the mirror. I will admit that I have also battled with eating disorders along the way, but I suppose I am lucky as I always knew that one of the causes of my issues with eating stemmed from my imaginary shape changing body. I meet a lot of non-disabled people battling BDD and eating disorders and I really feel that a conversation needs to start that includes those disabled people.

It would open up a new understanding of how it feels to be body dysmorphic. From every conversation I’ve had, no matter how much the cause for most of those who battle BDD is psychological, it still feels the same as if the mismatch between what they see and how they feel was caused by knackered nerves. The only difference is

in society and how we see ourselves?

Maybe we would become role models of strength, highlighting the human ability to adapt to change. Imagine how positively it would impact on the way disabled children saw themselves as they grew up in such a society.

It’s funny how this article morphed from one that was going to be about body dysmorphia to a wider debate on empowerment. I wonder if that was due to BDD being a new subject for me. I haven’t really spoken about it before. I’d love to know if any of you experience it too, and how it impacts on your lives. You know the drill, contact me via www.mikscarlet.com.

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29/01/2016 15:42

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12/01/2016 23:38 14:59 28/01/2016

Guest

Columnist Mark Saville

Get Gaming Tom reloads and takes aim in the

Image: Bill, one of the team at SpecialEffect, adjusting Tom’s Battlefield control setup in the SpecialEffect Games Room

Mark Saville is one of the team who works with charity, SpecialEffect. Here he explains how they help people with disabilities get back to gaming.

games room at Oxfordshire-based charity, SpecialEffect. He’s playing the hit videogame Battlefield using a chin-controlled joystick and some very carefully positioned switches on his cheek, foot and fingers.

Tom is an engaging man in his twenties who has spinal muscular atrophy. As his condition progressed, he lost the ability to play video games and could only watch others have all the fun.

“Because I’ve got very little movement, it was very frustrating,” he said. “When I was younger I could play.”

Now, due to a personalised gaming setup created by SpecialEffect, he’s an accomplished Battlefield player and can beat even the charity’s staff at FIFA. “There’s no way to describe it fully, how SpecialEffect changed my life,” he said.

SpecialEffect visit people to find out exactly what they want to play, and what they need to play it. They create customised controller setups that match the precise personal abilities of the person who wants to play. Sometimes this might take the form of a modified console controller, at other times it might be a combination of voice controls and eyegaze technology. Every setup is different.

Whatever the solution, the charity will then lend this equipment to them and give support so they can get the best out of it.

The idea is to help everyone, whatever their disability, to be able to benefit from playing games. These are benefits that go far beyond just having fun – it’s all about raising

the quality of life and having a huge effect on inclusion with family and friends.

Tom agrees: “I could play the games I loved again after about 15 or 16 years,” he said.

“The first time I played FIFA again I beat my brother about 6-0.”

“My way of looking at computer games is that it’s a way of getting out of reality. It’s taking me away from my disability and giving me something back. It’s something I can do, lose myself in and something I love.”

The charity have helped people of all ages with physical disabilities, which illustrates just how much video games have become a huge part of society. More than 1.2 billion people around the world play games – that’s one in six of the global population.

This steep rise in the popularity of gaming has been accompanied by a rise in the number of people who can’t enjoy the increasingly complex controllers because of a physical disability. It’s these people the charity aim to help.

SpecialEffect receive no statutory funding and don’t charge for their help, so they’re totally reliant on intense fundraising to keep their doors open. Demand for their assistance is huge and their small teams travel across the UK to provide lifelong oneto-one help and they field enquiries from around the world about accessible gaming equipment.

You can find out how SpecialEffect are levelling the video gaming playing field at www.specialeffect.org.uk and watch short YouTube clips of Tom and many others they’ve helped at http://bit.ly/1GvgyUT.

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SUPERHEROES

A new breed of superheroes is born.

Born to be different...born to save the world ďƒŽ www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 19

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SUPERHEROES

I

recently got involved in the adult colouring book trend, so much so, I was gifted one for my birthday. It featured one of my favourite things: dinosaurs.

But this book wasn’t dinosaurs in their natural habitat, standing by volcanoes or tropical trees; no, this was dinosaurs with jobs.

century with a new breed of superheroes; who not only have disabilities but who use them to their advantage in a variety of ways. With great power comes great disability.

The comic has been backed by major players in the disability community, such as our own columnist Mik Scarlet as well as MBE Hannah Cockroft, who herself uses a wheelchair, as well as being printed, promoted and distributed for free by children’s charity StrongBones.

I opened the book, pencils sharpened, ready for some serious colouring.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the first page. Surprise not at a dinosaur holding a briefcase in its mouth, a hat balanced precariously on his head, surprise not at the smaller dinosaur going about his business as a parking attendant. No, I was not surprised at the (slightly absurd) idea of dinosaurs having jobs, but at the drawing of a man in a wheelchair, waiting on a bus, looking slightly un-nerved by the longnecked dinosaur looming above him.

Was the inclusion of someone with a disability really that unusual? It’s not an unusual sight in real life, you see people in wheelchairs all the time. Why, in a world where dinosaurs have jobs, was I so shocked to see the inclusion of a man in a wheelchair waiting on a bus?

Lack of representation of disabilities is unfortunately not a new concept, yet all too often in the mainstream arts industry disabled characters, in the few incidences they’re included, are portrayed as villains, or for comic relief. This lack of representation and inequality is something that the disabled community have made efforts to change. But are these efforts ultimately futile if the representation is not widespread across mediums?

Disabilities have been represented in comic books for many years, from the ‘Golden Age’ of comics in the 40s and 50s, we’ve seen characters like Doctor Mid-Nite who is blind, Misty Knight, an amputee and Echo, who is deaf. Disabled characters are certainly out there, but are not yet in the spotlight.

Department of Ability aims to address the issue of under-representation in the 21st

“I thought, if you’re going to start inclusiveness anywhere, then start it with the kids. It’s a wonderful opportunity to break down some barriers.”

“The whole ethos of inclusiveness isn’t on television. There should really be strong disabled characters, who are not just there because, for example, they use a wheelchair but who are there because they also happen to be brilliant.”

Dan said.

“I’ve always been a comic book geek,” says Dan White, creator of the comic and father of nine-year-old Emily who was born with spina-bifida. “I was always buying copies of The Eagle and The Beano from the local newsagent.”

“I just want it to be the catalyst for other people to come forward with other ideas as well.”

I THINK IT’S JUST SUCH A TRAGIC SHAME, THIS WONDERFUL SECTION OF SOCIETY ARE NOT GETTING THE INCLUSIVENESS THEY ABSOLUTELY DESERVE

Spina-bifida affects the development of your spine and has meant that Emily uses a wheelchair.

Although an avid reader, Emily and her father struggled to find something she could relate to, especially on TV. “I think it’s just such a tragic shame, this wonderful section of society are not getting the inclusiveness they absolutely deserve. It shouldn’t even be a question at all, it should just be there.” Dan said.

Dan scoured the TV, looking for something relevant not only to Emily’s interests but also her disability. Eventually, Dan decided that if nobody else was, he was going to take matters into his own hands and have a go at it himself.

Department of Ability launches this spring at Hamley’s London but if you’re desperate to marvel at these amazing heroes and keep updated on the adventures of Emily and the gang visit www.departmentofability.com or search ‘Department of Ability’ on Facebook.

IF you were a superhero, what would your powers be? Send us your drawings and ideas on Facebook (PosAbility Magazine) and Twitter (@PosAbilityMag) or by post to the address below, and you could win a Department of Ability mug!

Address: PosAbility Magazine, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind Est, Glasgow, G46 8JT

20 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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SUPERHEROES

MEET THE CHARACTERS BILLY is a stray who was injured by a car on a stormy night. He is fiercely loyal and is equipped with carbon wheels, an emergency backpack and a tail that acts as a radar and transmitter.

PAWSY the Cheetah is known for his speed, sporting a hyperspeed solar powered running limb. Whilst a little vain, Pawsy can reach up to 300mph meaning he’s uncatchable.

Hailing from planet Peacealorr on the outer edge of the milky-way, AZAZZATZ injured his arm as he crashed to earth. Azzi is equipped with a state-of-the-art superstrength bionic arm.

After an experiment took his sight, hyper-intelligent ex-scientist ghost CLAYPOLE, uses his other heightened senses and white canes to wield a slice of justice.

Despite her limited leg-use, EMILY’s awesome attitude and commitment for truth and justice saw her recruited into the Department of Ability as the first of a new breed of superhero.

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28/01/2016 23:41

FEEL THE FORCE

This is the convention you are looking for

ave you ever imagined how difficult it would be for someone with a visual impairment, hearing impairment or other communication disability to understand and appreciate the characters and storylines of some of the world’s most well-known tales?

Films, like Star Wars, which have been around since the 1970s, are still attracting millions of people across the globe to the latest release. It doesn’t stop there, comic books and science fiction series’ have long attracted mass followings. This is seen nowhere better than at Comic-Con International – a comic convention that began in 1970 in San Diego and now attracts over 130,000 people every year.

Similar events now take place across the globe, including throughout the UK and Ireland.

standard comic convention would not offer the opportunity to fully experience and understand your favourite superheroes.

This is where Feel The Force Day enters. The brain child of Simon Howard and JJ Lucia-Wright, Feel The Force Day is essentially Comic-Con for people of all abilities. As far as we are aware, there is nothing else like it.

We spoke to Simon Howard to find out where the idea came from: “JJ has a friend called Jimmy, who is deaf and blind. Jimmy has always sort of missed out on various things. He has been deaf since he was born

and blind since he was 18, when he had an accident, so he uses deafblind manual as his language. JJ and Jimmy used to occasionally go off to conventions and JJ and I started talking because he wanted to put on some sort of day for Jimmy and some of his friends, to come and learn about Star Wars.

“The idea was originally that we would have about 20 deafblind guys sat in a working men’s club with props and toys and guys in costume just talking about the different characters and just trying to help with the stories.  [Below] The characters come to life at this unconventional convention

However, as someone with a visual, hearing or sensory impairment, visiting the

FEEL THE FORCE DAY IS ESSENTIALLY COMIC-CON FOR PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES

[Below] Whatever your passion, you will find it at Feel the Force Day

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FEEL THE FORCE

“We ended up with Warwick Davis coming to the event, as well as 400 people coming along. It was massive, much bigger than we expected.”

along with JJ’s experience of supporting his friend Jimmy, who is deaf and blind, to create as inclusive a show as they could.

based. All the costumers there had to agree to being tactile as well and we basically made sure that the event was as accessible as possible.”

That was in 2013, Simon and JJ realised that this was clearly a popular idea and something people wanted. So they invested a lot of time and money into the show for 2014, they moved to a convention centre in Peterborough and opened up the exhibition to encompass far more than just Star Wars. In 2014 the show attracted 2,500 people and last year it escalated to 5,000 visitors – the maximum capacity the centre could accommodate.

“We had a changing place which was brought in for the day, we had sign interpreters, everything was tactile and some things were taste based and smell

They even have a chill out room that anyone can use to take some time out in a peaceful and calming environment.

The show is designed to be very tactile and all about the senses. It allows attendees to touch the characters, so that anyone with a visual impairment can better visualise how these comic, film and TV creations look, which will help them better understand the characters and stories. Some things are even taste and smell based.

Simon explains that accessibility is at the forefront of their minds when planning the event. He is keen to send out the message that the show is for people of all abilities and they do their utmost to ensure all needs are catered for. Simon has a brother who has cerebral palsy and he drew on his experience and knowledge of accessibility,

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Last year they had over 700 costumers representing characters from comics, films and television series. If you are a fan of any character, you will most likely find them at Feel The Force Day in Peterborough.

Darth Vader, Elsa (from Frozen), Transformers, the De Lorien from Back to the Future, a giant dinosaur and the Stay PufT marshmallow man were just some of the amazing sights of the 2015 convention and 2016 is set to be even bigger with a diverse range of celebrities anticipated and more unique attractions to draw in and entertain the crowds.

IT ALLOWS ATTENDEES TO TOUCH THE CHARACTERS SO THAT ANYONE WITH A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT CAN BETTER VISUALISE HOW THESE COMIC, FILM AND TV CREATIONS LOOK

You will also find prop tables, smell jars representing films, photo opportunities in the form of a Monsters Inc couch – which even has a hatch that allows space for a wheelchair user and much more.

The main convention will take place on 1 October 2016 in Peterborough this year and there are smaller conventions taking place in Bridgwater on 14 May and Plymouth on 23 July. Tickets are only £3 for general admission and any carers or supporters are admitted free of charge.

[Below] Smell jars are on show, offering people another sense to use to visualise films and characters

We believe the force is strong with this one (sorry, we couldn’t resist!), so what are you waiting for? Visit www.feeltheforceday.com to get your tickets today!

24 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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28/01/2016 23:41

POWER 100

POWER 100 M 2016

Recognising and celebrating the UK’s most influential people with a disability or health impairment

ost of us will

have heard of lists like the Forbes 100, a list of the richest people in the world, or the TIME 100 which recognises the most influential people in the world. Well, now we have the the Power 100, a list to honour the most influential people in our society who have a disability or health impairment.

And about time too.

The work and influence of disabled people throughout the UK can often go unrecognised. The Power 100 provides the

[Above] (far left) Graeme Whippy MBE, (bottom right corner right to left) - Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson; Dom Hyams; Ade Adepitan MBE. Others – members of Lloyds Banking Group’s Group Diversity Programme.

[Above] (left to right) Ade Adepitan, Dom Hyams, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson

opportunity to celebrate those who are pushing boundaries in all aspects of society, from sport and business to entertainment and the arts.

Following the success of the first ever Power 100 list, Shaw Trust and Powerful

Media agreed to publish a new version in 2016 after calls from the disabled community to continue the publication. It was released on 3 December 2015 to mark the United Nation’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities and was once again eagerly anticipated.

Chief Executive of Shaw Trust, Roy O’Shaughnessy, said: “The launch of Power 100 2016 is an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of disabled people across Britain. Shaw Trust is privileged to sponsor the publication for a second year and we hope it inspires more young disabled people to realise

their full potential. Society has a shared responsibility to help eradicate social exclusion and break down traditional barriers holding disabled people back from achieving their life goals. Power 100 drives home the message that aspiration and ambition can increasingly be without limits for all abilities and backgrounds.”

The list itself was judged by a panel of esteemed judges, led by Ade Adepitan.

The public were asked to nominate people to be included and the hard task of judging was taken from there. The list has received widespread support including from Justin Tomlinson, Minister for Disabled People.

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POWER 100

[Below] (left to right) Roy O’Shaughnessy - chief executive of Shaw Trust, Graeme Whippy MBE - senior manager Group Disability Programme at Lloyds Banking Group, Justin Tomlinson MP minister for disabled people, Ade Adepitan, Dom Hyams, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson

The overall top 10 sees Baroness Carys ‘Tanni’ Grey-Thompson taking the number one spot for her unwavering career as one of the most successful UK Paralympic athletes, her involvement in shaping the future of sport and appointment to the House of Lords as a non-party political crossbench peer. She sits on the panel for the London Legacy Development Corporation and is the chair of the Women’s Sports and Fitness Foundation Commission on the Future of Women’s Sport and she has more recently been involved in the Right Wheelchair Campaign. Baroness Grey-Thompson is an undeniable force to be reckoned with.

The number two spot was taken by everyone’s favourite onscreen personality and face of Scope’s End the Awkward campaign, Alex Brooker. His regular appearance as a co-presenter on Channel 4’s, The Last Leg, and his natural charm and wit has helped to bridge the gap of acceptance and understanding of disability in mainstream society.

The top 10 is filled with familiar names from an incredible cross-section of society, each who undoubtedly deserve the accolade. From Warwick Davies for his acting ability and Baroness Jane Campbell for her tireless campaigning to Francesca Martinez for her comedic talent and Stephen Fry for his many contributions to the arts.

The remaining 90 people who have been named are broken down into categories that include; The Arts,

Fashion and Design; Business Finance and IT; Media and Publishing; Entertainment; Politics and Law; Education, Politics and Third Sector and Sport. Our very own travel expert, Andy Wright, has been included for using his unrivalled knowledge and experience of accessible travel to advise airports and airlines on access. Gary McFarlane is featured for developing the real-time assistance app Assist-Mi, Maria Oshodi is recognised for her work as CEO and artistic director of Extant, the performing arts company for people who are visually impaired, Nicolas Hamilton is named for his sporting achievements as the first disabled racing driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship and the list goes on. If you haven’t already, we would recommend you read the Power 100 list as soon as possible, you may know someone who you feel should be included in next year’s list.

We spoke to Dom Hyams, editor in chief of the Power 100 list, to find out more about the idea behind producing this.

What is the overall aim of the Power 100 list?

The aim of the Power 100 is to highlight and celebrate the amazing talent that is possessed by the disabled community, whilst simultaneously offering the younger generations an opportunity to see a fantastic array of varied individuals that can inspire them to do anything they set their mind to.

What qualities/ achievements are you looking for in candidates in order to be considered?

We were looking for a number of qualities in possible candidates.

Primarily, we wanted people that excel in their

field and we wanted the list of professions and sectors of the market to be varied. We wanted there to be people that are vocal about their disability, as well as those that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, choosing to be known solely for their achievements in their field. Ultimately, it was individuals that are at the top of their game, but also we felt it important to recognise those that are well recognised and respected outside of their field too.

What sort of impact do you think it has made in society so far?

The exciting thing about the Power 100, as with the Black Power List also published by Powerful Media, is it has been produced with the intention to build it year on year.

We ultimately want this to be THE list of influence, and we want to unearth and celebrate the talents of individuals that otherwise may not be celebrated. As well as offering what we believe is an inspiring and insightful read, it’s been nice to see those that have made the list support what we are doing and celebrate their achievement of being included.

Have you enjoyed being involved in putting it together?

When we first sat down over two years ago to plot out what we wanted the Power 100 to be, it was an extremely daunting prospect. How do you possibly assemble a list to represent ‘everyone’? After a lot of research and discovering an incredible number of fantastically talented people, we have just finished our second Power 100 and look forward to see how the publication grows in the many, many more years to come.

You can read the Power 100 list on the PosAbility website at www. posabilitymagazine.co.uk/top-100disabled-people-named-in-power-100list.

POWER

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29/01/2016 16:32

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SPORT

Looking for the newest sporting craze? How about rugby mixed with track cycling and put it on four tiny wheels? As crazy as it sounds, there is a sport out there ticking all those boxes.

GET YOUR SK A

S

ubtract the ball and the lycra and you have roller derby.

The grittiest sport to hit the skating scene has been rapidly gaining popularity since its inception in the early twentieth century.

The full-contact sport can be dangerous but will leave you full of excitement and adrenaline, player and spectator alike.

Played greatly in the United States, roller derby even made its Hollywood debut as actress Drew Barrymore’s first venture into directing in the 2009 film ‘Whip It’. Since then it has skated from strength to strength.

Roller derby is played on quad roller skates by two teams. It is set on an oval track and games are split into two minute ‘jams’. Each jam has five players from each team on the track and these players consist of four blockers and a jammer. The blockers play both offence and defence at the same time to get their jammer through the ‘pack’ whilst trying to prevent the opposing jammer from getting though.

She admits, being hard of hearing, that it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Hannah said: “It affects certain things within roller derby, I sometimes cannot hear my teammates when they are trying to communicate with me on the track and I often cannot hear referees when they call penalties, if I do not leave the track immediately this could lead to an insubordination.

my arm when they are leaving to offend for our jammer or when they want me to do something. In addition to this, we are very fortunate to have a supportive team of referees in our league, who communicate to other referees during games that I am hard of hearing, so they know that when a penalty is called, they need to make eye contact with me before issuing an insubordination. These attitudes have really minimised the problems I have experienced as a result of my hearing issues and made it possible for me to play competitively.”

“Having said this, my teammates are incredibly supportive. They have asked me what I need on track (they speak my name loudly and use terms that I am familiar with so I know what to listen out for). They also use a lot of non-verbal communication - teammates will squeeze

Finding such a supportive team in a sport she loves has made all the difference. Hannah said: “I love that it is such an empowering, diverse and inclusive sport. Roller derby has completely transformed what I think about myself, my body and my abilities.

As simple as it sounds, it can be made even harder if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

29-year-old, Hannah Brown, is hard of hearing but still plays for her local team Glasgow Roller Derby. Hannah started to play for the ‘A Team’, brilliantly named ‘The Irn Bruisers’ in 2015, even having the chance to travel to Jacksonville, Florida, to compete in the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) Division 1 Playoffs.

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SPORT

[Clockwise from left] Hannah and her team celebrating a win (photo: Ray Rodil); Hannah on the track (photo: Dave McAleavy); Jenny and her team.

K ATES ON “I love that it is a team sport and spending so much time with the people in your team really means that you form strong relationships.

“I also love the strategy, strength and skill involved and I love that the learning curve is so steep! And I love everyday playing with and learning from people who inspire me.”

Another young lady who lives with severe hearing loss who is being empowered by roller derby is Jenny Wells from Dumfries.

24-year-old Jenny has appeared on the television programme, Fixers, promoting deaf and hard of hearing players in the sport.

Jenny said: “The roller derby community is probably what I love most about this sport. I’m always in awe that a pair of skates connects me with people from all over the world. I’ve never felt alone in this sport, there’s always someone there to help you whether it be a teammate or a stranger from another continent. We help each other so fiercely and I always feel so safe in this sport.

“I was born with a genetic hearing loss. My mum and little brother are both profoundly deaf with cochlear implants and I have severe hearing loss and wear two aids and use lip reading to help me.

“My hearing loss, up until recently, always completely defined me. I let it hold me back even if others were pushing me forwards. I felt because I was deaf I couldn’t be normal.

I was disabled and that’s all I ever saw myself as, disabled. It’s been a very tiring but liberating journey being able to overcome all my fears and doubts about myself and my hearing and to learn to love my hearing loss. I’m so fiercely proud of my hearing aids now and love that it’s a part of me.

“Roller derby is an incredibly difficult sport to play as a deaf person. The sport is dominated by whistles and is a struggle to keep up with. The past few months I’ve become more comfortable and confident in the sport which is partly due to finding alternative methods of communication on

I LOVE THAT IT IS SUCH AN EMPOWERING, DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE SPORT. ROLLER DERBY HAS COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED WHAT I THINK ABOUT MYSELF, MY BODY AND MY ABILITIES

track and being so open about my hearing has helped too. The roller derby community has been wonderful at trying to make this sport more inclusive to those with a hearing loss. The majority of my confidence with my hearing loss is all down to my teammates and the support they’ve given me.

“In future, I strive to help anyone with a hearing loss join this sport and feel like they belong. I don’t want anyone to ever struggle or feel left out. This is being done with constant motivational posts on my Firefoxx page, filming with Fixers, releasing interviews and trying to be a positive role model in this sport.

“Accepting myself has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I’m so proud of where I stand today, with my team around me.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.glasgowrollerderby.com www.doonhamederbydolls.co.uk www.fixers.org.uk www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 31

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ACTIVITIES

OUTDOOR ACTION We pay outdoor activity venue, Castle Semple, a visit to see what Scotland’s most accessible centre is up to this Summer.

W

hen you’re tasked with talking about accessible water sports on a cold January morning at a frosty Scottish loch you don’t expect it to be the most exciting of conversations.

But David Hill, senior instructor at Castle Semple in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park manages to make for lively chat, enthusiastically discussing his involvement in making Scotland’s largest regional park more accessible.

Over the past five years, David has strived to make the lochside activities accessible to all. David’s knowledge comes with a wide and varied base which he honed at

the residential outdoor activities centre, Calvert Trust Kielder.

For a change of pace he adapted his knowledge to a centre where it was desperately needed.

Castle Semple’s Visitor Centre had the bare bones of an accessible activity centre but David knew there was more that could be done.

With several years hard work the centre has grown to become Scotland’s first Royal Yachting Association Sailability ‘Centre of Excellence’, as well as receiving five star reviews form Euan’s Guide.

David said: “If you build it, they will come,” and that has very much been the case with

Castle Semple’s accessible activities which are reaching thousands of disabled sport lovers every year.

It is not just watersports that Semple provide. There are shedfuls of handcycles and trikes on offer.

Based on the loch, Castle Semple is a hotbed for watersport lovers with several sailing groups situated there. At the centre you can partake in canoeing, kayaking and sailing, all of which are made accessible due to the specialist equipment which David often suggests to designers and manufacturers, Equal Adventurers.

From slings to seat-pads and moving and handling equipment, David has worked with product designer and researcher Suresh Paul, to help Equal Adventures address even more gaps for equipment in sport for disabled people.

Handcycles and trikes are on offer with local cycling club, Ride63. They even include handcycle trials at the Pedal in the Park event, this year taking place on Sunday 24 April 2016.

David and the rest of the team at Castle Semple Visitor Centre strive to make sure that the centre is not only accessible to all ages and abilities but affordable for all financial situations.

[Above] Fun on the loch with adaptable canoes

David said: “It’s all from funding

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ACTIVITIES

[Clockwise from above] Castle Semple adapted sailing boats on the River Clyde; Princess Royal paying the centre a visit; handcycle enthusiasts at Pedal in the Park

applications that we’ve filled out. We have funding from ‘Awards for All’ which is affiliated with the National Lottery, Comic Relief and Children in Need to name but a few.

“The equipment is certainly not cheap.

The handcycles alone can cost upwards to £4000 and when people come to the centre we want to give them the whole experience. We usually work with groups who also apply for funding, some of which I have helped to fill out the paperwork.

The centre can remain free of charge to groups and organisations whose members want to try all of the activities with ease.”

Castle Semple Activity Centre is already bursting at the seams with people enquiring about fun-filled day trips. The team already host a mammoth 40-week programme for 11 local special need schools. Every member of staff is expertly trained to help and coach visitors of all ages and abilities. All participants end the segment with experience and knowledge of different sports and the equipment that can facilitate their inclusion in a physical activity that many individuals would have previously discounted as a possibility for them.

It isn’t just school children that can benefit from cycling and watersports. Erskine 

THE CENTRE CAN REMAIN FREE OF CHARGE TO GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS WHOSE MEMBERS WANT TO TRY ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES WITH EASE

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ACTIVITIES

House, that homes hundreds of ex-servicemen and women in their twilight years, is also on the roster as regular clients of David and his team’s services.

Although, stand-up paddle boarding might be a stretch for the elderly, there are still plenty of things for them to get involved in. David said: “Powerboating is a favourite of veterans of Erskine House, we have two fully wheelchair accessible powerboats that we are able to drive around the loch, one can sit up to six people and the significantly larger one can sit up to 10.”

To contend with the growing demand for places and coaching, there are plans for a new disability-friendly centre to be built along from the existing centre. David gestured to the new partially-built concrete pier: “It is still to be fitted with a speciality hoist to make the water activities even easier for our visitors. The new centre will definitely be able to keep up with this ever-growing demand that we gladly have on our hands.”

For more information call 01505 842 882 Ex 21 or visit www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk.

MORE ACTIVITY CENTRES If you are looking for a challenging and active outing for your children or the whole family, you will be pleased to know that there are several centres located throughout the UK. We have showcased a few here for you to consider.

National Park, they have a very unique and beautiful site with a Grade I listed calendar house with a remarkable history, camping and lodges offering a special experience for all. Visit www.avontyrrell.org.uk to book some time away.

CALVERT TRUST

WOODLARKS

The popular residential activity centre has been a favourite destination of both nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, alike. The fully accessible, family-orientated getaway allows not only greater freedom to try an array of different activities but also the freedom to choose what they want to do with their days. With three centres spread throughout the country, the chance to visit Kielder, Lake District or Exmoor facilities is easier than ever, with 12,000 attendees a year proving that.

In the next issue of PosAbility, we will be sending our writers to review the exceptional services of the Lake District centre, stay tuned. To arrange your own break at any of the branches, visit www.calver-trust.org.uk.

Maybe camping is more your thing rather than regimented housing. At Woodlarks, there is a varied range of different camping styles for all tastes and capabilities.

Throughout each summer this beautiful Surrey camp site offers week-long holidays to hundreds of disabled people, cared for by dedicated volunteer helpers. To book, visit www.woodlarks.org.uk.

AVON TYRRELL Another leading outdoor learning venue, Avon Tyrrell, focuses on young people’s development in ways that they wouldn’t necessarily concentrate on if they were in the classroom. In the heart of the New Forest

PIONEER CENTRE Situated on the edge of the Wyre Forest, the Pioneer Centre is within easy reach of Birmingham and the national motorway network. Together with ACUK, the Pioneer Centre has a combined experience of over 55 years in inspiring and motivating people, groups and organisations. Welcoming nearly 20,000 guests each year the 25 acre Canadian-themed site is perfect for school and youth adventure, training, curriculum residentials and conferences or group holidays. Visit www.acuk.net/pioneercentre to arrange a trip.

34 www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk

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The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. *ÂŁNil Advance Payment available only on Ford EcoSport Zetec 1.5 112PS manual, 1.5 112PS Powershift Automatic and 1.0 Ecoboost 125PS. Metallic Paint includes Premium body colours but excludes Exclusive body colours. Exclusive body colours are available to order, but at additional cost. This programme is subject to the standard conditions of the Motability 3-year Contract Hire Scheme. Full written details and quotations available on request from a Ford Authorised participating Dealer of Motability Operations Limited. Under the Scheme the vehicles are leased from Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. Applications must be received and accepted by Motability Operations Limited between 1st January and 31st March 2016.

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28/01/2016 22:38 23:42 16/12/2015

TRAVEL

TRAVEL ADVICE Andy Wright, managing director of Accessible Travel and Leisure, has a wealth of knowledge about travelling and knows first-hand about the problems many disabled people can face. Each issue Andy provides advice on common problems of travel and welcomes questions from PosAbility readers.

Where should I holiday this year?

As a result of the various terrorist attacks recently, as well as the migration crisis which is affecting many Eastern European holiday destinations, UK tour operators have already started to reduce the number of flights and hotel capacity to destinations such as Turkey and Greece - not to mention Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. The shift in capacity to ‘safe’ destinations is now set to have a significant impact on those destinations considered to be a safer option for UK tourists in 2016.

With over 2.5 million Brits travelling to Turkey every year on holiday, for example, it is feared that the increase in demand for destinations such as Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands – destinations which are already experiencing higher sales following recent world events will force a squeeze on beds, prices will go up and capacity will run short.

As a result, Accessible Travel recently procured a number of new properties in Lanzarote, in anticipation of the inevitable increase in demand for this favoured holiday destination by the British tourist. As well as offering a wide array of accessible accommodation, Lanzarote’s unique volcanic geography has literally thrown up some stunningly dramatic landscapes, including the volcanic field of Timanfaya National Park.

Most of the holiday accommodation is set right on the coast with good access to lovely sandy beaches and a wide range of local

To view Andy’s Top Tips for air travel visit www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk.

attractions and facilities. The island is popular with watersports enthusiasts, but offers a haven of peace and gentle sea breezes for those seeking a more relaxing holiday. As well as Canary specialities, Lanzarote also offers a truly international eating experience, with café and restaurant owners taking great delight in introducing you to their particular cuisine.

Lanzarote also provides wheelchair accessible transfers and excursions as well as medical and mobility equipment. Flights to Lanzarote are available from a variety of UK airports. Listed below is a summary of accessible properties with their key features, that can now be booked with Accessible Travel.

Hotel Las Costas – centrally located, fourstar Hotel in Puerto Del Carmen, offering four accessible suites - all with roll in shower - available on a B&B or HB basis and with beachfront access.

Sol Lanzarote – an all-inclusive, four-star hotel in Matagorda, with recently refurbished rooms, including pull down shower seats and direct access to the beach promenade.

Four-star Suite Hotel Fariones Playa, Puerto del Carmen – six spacious accessible rooms with roll in shower and sloped access into the pool, near the old town and accessible beach, with its own beach wheelchair.

Bungalows Nautilus, Matagorda – offering one and two-bedroom apartments with roll in shower, available on a SC and B&B basis, with pool hoist, and located close to local beaches with ramped access onto wooden walkways.

Four-star Barceló Teguise Beach, Costa Teguise – centrally located adult only hotel with direct access to the beach and promenade, with nine accessible rooms with roll in showers - available on a B&B or HB basis.

Hyde Park Lane, Pocilos – six accessible, one bedroom apartments on a SC, B&B or HB basis, all with roll in shower.

For more information please visit www.accessibletravel.co.uk or call 01452 729739. But please don’t leave it too long as these new properties will sell out soon! www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 37

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TRAVEL

BARCELONA THE CITY OF ACCESSIBILITY

By Mik Scarlet

M

y wife Diane

and I have loved Barcelona ever since we visited on a day trip to avoid a tedious sun, sea and sangria holiday I had foolishly booked in the Costa Brava. After days of boredom sat by the pool, surrounded by drunken youths we noticed that the train station was accessible.

So we jumped onto a train to see where we ended up, which was in the vibrant heart of Barcelona. I could just wheel onto the train and off again into a fully accessible railway station in a major city. Amazing, eh? From then on we have returned many times, including for our honeymoon and I have written about the city as a fantastic accessible holiday destination maybe once too often. Normally we stay somewhere within easy wheeling distance of the city centre, but after our last stay I felt I had to spread the word about a new discovery that means we have fallen in love with our favourite city just a little bit more.

[Below] Mik enjoying an easily accessible trip on the tube in Barcelona

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TRAVEL

As soon as we arrived, we ventured to our nearest tube station and purchased a T-10 ticket, which allows 10 journeys on any means of public transport within Zone 1.

This is a much bigger area than Zone 1 in London and allows access to most of the places of interest within the city. The T-10 ticket is really cheap too, at only €9.95, and it is available from ticket machines in metro stations and machines all over the city. The metro stations are usually accessed via a lift from street level to the ticket foyer and then another to the platform you require. You get onto the train via a raised area at the end of the platform and wheel straight into the train. Not being a big user of the tube system in London, I was a little nervous at the prospect of travelling by underground, but within a few minutes I was hooked, as we were whisked into the heart of the city.

As usual on our visits, Diane and I went straight to one of our favourite places in this wonderful city, the rooftop bar at the Museum of Barcelona. Expensive maybe, but you feel like a real jet setter as you sip cocktails over looking the marina filled with yachts as the sun sets behind the mountains, bathing the city in a golden glow. After a night of great food and

What makes Barcelona such a revelation for wheelchair users is just how accessible it is.

We notice that every time we visit the city the access has improved too. Last time it was the sea front and beach that had been opened up to us wheelies and this has now been improved further with the provision of assistance to get wheelchair users into the sea for a swim. During our last visit we heard that the tube system was being made accessible and when we heard that the city had proudly announced the works had been completed, with all but 18 stations out of 269 being accessible, a holiday was booked asap. It would have seemed ungrateful not to have taken advantage of this massive change, especially as the bus and tram systems are also fully accessible. So we planned our first holiday where we would get around by public transport. Not just in Barcelona but ever in my life anywhere - at the age of 50.

We booked a hotel in Poble Nou, a district outside of the hustle and bustle of

[Above] The very accessible beach front of Barcelona

Barcelona which gave us a real taste of what it felt like to live in the city. It’s a hot spot for young hipsters who mix easily with residents who have lived there ever since it was a run down squat-filled area, back when the city was allowed to decline under Franco.

It is now a thriving centre of creativity and business, and that success feeds a positivity amongst its people that is so catching.

exciting atmosphere it was back to the metro. This was the first time I had ever travelled home at night on a tube train, ever! The metro runs until late on Fridays and all night on Saturdays.

For our next trip out we foolishly took Shank’s Pony, as we set off to visit the Sagrada Familia. While the main streets of Barcelona are a dream for anyone with mobility issues, Guadí’s cathedral is at the  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 39

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TRAVEL

top of a monster hill. By the time we arrived we were exhausted and heart broken as the queue to get in snaked around the block.

We regained our ability to breathe normally over a coffee and then jumped onto the accessible tube station directly outside the cathedral… doh. We set off to another of Guadí’s creations, La Pedrera. This building opened in 1912, yet is filled with inclusive design features created long before the concept of access for disabled people existed. From wide doors and large lifts, through to ergonomic door handles

the nearby tram stop. We travelled into central Barcelona and grabbed a metro, off to Mountjuïc. It was so smooth that my fear of public transport, caused by so many disastrous experiences here in the UK, was forgotten. To get to the top of Mountjuïc there is a funicular railway that is… wait for it… also accessible. We went to the front of the carriage, into the wheelchair area and off we went for a fantastic view of the city. If you try the funicular train you must go to the front of the carriage as when you get to the top the other end has stepped

I mean really old, wheelchair-unfriendly cobbles and not an access path in sight.

Everywhere else in Barcelona level access paths are commonplace, opening up all areas of the city, but not up here.

exit. A couple of other chair users fell foul of this and had to be carried out. The view up there was stunning as the city shone in the sunlight below us. My wife had the bug now and insisted we tried the cable car to the mountain top. I am not a fan of heights but filled with joys of the freedom to travel as I please, I said yes. On the way up my fear of heights stayed in check and I alighted ready to explore the historic site at the top of Mountjuïc. Oh dear, did I say historic? We all know what that means and sadly this was the first time in Barcelona that I have witnessed heritage trumping access. From the exit of the cable car station it was cobbles as far as the eye could see, and

fighting for the one space on each bus in rush hour. So we had to get a cab, costing over £40. We hadn’t spent that in 10 days travelling all over Barcelona between two people. London has so much to learn from cities like Barcelona.

For the rest of the stay we enjoyed the city and all it has to offer only using the public transport system and I was shocked at how much it opened up the city to us. This was driven home rather sharply on our arrival home. Getting off the plane was a nightmare, which was made even worse as I battled to get on the train back into central London. A removable ramp is no substitute for level access. Then in the capital city of our country I couldn’t use the tube to get home and to get a bus would have meant

allowing users with little function to use them independently. The building shows how Barcelona has led the way in designing for all and why it permeates the mentality of Barcelonians. What a dream place to live.

By this time I had fallen in love with the metro system, so next it was the tram, for a trip to Museo Blau, the city’s Natural History Museum. Again, the experience was seamless and possible with absolutely no assistance at all. The tram has level access to the street, so you just wheel on and off.

The museum was also filled with access features for all impairments and was a joy to visit.

Now, I know that tram systems in the UK are also accessible, but what makes Barcelona so special is how the entire system is accessible so you can travel anywhere, using any form of transport. With this in mind we planned a trip using bus, tram, metro, train and even a cable car. Gulp.

The buses in Barcelona have been accessible for ages, so we had already used them. But to make it a real day of public transport, we took a short bus journey to

If you haven’t been before, visit Barcelona as soon as you can. If you visited before the opening of the accessible transport system, go back. I could not believe how much being able to use public transport can change your experience of a place, but I do know that those 10 days mean I love Barcelona even more. If that’s possible.

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HOLIDAY FOCUS

PAPWORTH TRUST’S Kerry Farm

...the place where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday together in the stunning Welsh countryside. Choose the level of support you need to get the most from your break. Take the opportunity to try something new or learn new skills to help increase your confidence.

The place where you can just be yourselves.

Set in the beautiful Welsh countryside Papworth Trust’s Kerry Farm is the perfect place for a break tailored to your needs where family, friends and couples of all ages can relax and have fun together.

For almost 100 years, disability charity, Papworth Trust has been supporting disabled people. Back in 2013, it was featured on Channel 4’s Secret Millions, with celebrity farmer, Jimmy Doherty, and the Trust’s pilot project to provide supported breaks for disabled people and their families. Later that year, with support from the Big Lottery Fund, the Duchess of Gloucester opened the gates to Kerry Farm’s first guests. Since then over 150 families have enjoyed a break there.

Today, what makes Kerry Farm unique is the team of family coaches, who are on hand to help support families. You may want some one-to-one support for a particular activity, the chance to learn a new skill or maybe just to give a carer time to switch off and relax. The qualified life coaches are happy to work with individuals or groups to help work through issues or to achieve their goals – the chance to talk, undisturbed, to a skilled listener.

With a choice of cottages and the new lodges which are opening in 2016, the

For more information contact: 01480 357 224 lucy.knights@papworthtrust.org.uk www.papworthtrust.org.uk farm has something to suit everyone. The accessible accommodation is sensitively designed so that it doesn’t feel medicalised.

Around the farm, doors have been widened, steps removed and paths paved.

Kerry Farm can also arrange to quote for any level of additional personal care, support, or specialised equipment you might need to make your holiday complete.

Everyday on the farm a wide range of activities are on offer. From spending time with animals - helping to feed and look after them, cookery, arts and crafts, tai chi and a variety of games and more.

For the younger members of the family, there are also games and a sensory room, giant outdoor games and an accessible treehouse and for summer 2016 a new children’s playbarn.

With so much to do onsite, some people spend all of their time on the farm itself, but if you want to explore rural Wales, the team have great local knowledge to help you make the most of your stay.

11-year-old Harry and his family, enjoyed their time at the farm. He says: “This was the first holiday we’ve had where my mum and dad were relaxed. They felt they weren’t judged. My brothers, sisters and I didn’t argue as much and for once I could be myself when things got muddled up and no-one was staring at me.” www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 43

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29/01/2016 18:31

Award Winning Care Homes

Care homes for people with learning disabilities/ physical disabilities/neurological conditions

Sussex Healthcare is an award winning group of care homes providing 30 years of healthcare in Sussex. The Group operates 20 homes, predominantly in the West Sussex area, providing over 550 placements, incorporating specialist care provision as well as care for older people.

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STOP PRESS: Brand new purpose built services now available to view for anyone wishing to arrange a visit. The service provision includes specialist care facilities for people with acquired brain Injury, profound learning and physical disabilities, and new residential services for people with Autism.

Great care starts with great people – are you one of them?

Due to expansion, Sussex Healthcare has fantastic opportunities to become part of a leading healthcare company that provides exemplary care to the service users in a positive and friendly environment.

If you are thinking of a career in care please visit our website www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk and submit your CV to recruit@sussexhealthcare.co.uk stating the position you are interested in working in.

To find out more about our homes and the services we offer, contact: Corrine Wallace Director of Operations

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COMPETITION

WIN! Overlooking the banks of the River

Dee, four unique wheelchair accessible selfcatering holiday cottages sit in the restored Manse Courtyard of the historic Crathie Kirk.

Each cottage - Clunie, Gairn, Gelder and Girnock - has been stunningly designed and furnished to make a warm and welcoming home. Equipment and appliances are of the highest standard and the attractive soft furnishing, bedding and linen all add to the sense of arriving somewhere special.

Each cottage offers a unique range of facilities including ground floor access throughout, as well as a wheel-in shower, clos-o-mat toilet and height-adjustable basin in the bathroom. The main bedroom features an electric height-adjustable profiling bed and overhead hoist. Kitchen surfaces and appliances are all wheelchair accessible and there is a rise/recline chair in the living room. There is an additional range of equipment available at no extra charge including shower chairs, portable hoist,

Q

WHICH RIVER DO THE COTTAGES OVERLOOK?

a) River Don b) River Dee c) River Dan

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

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A week at Crathie Opportunity Holidays!

portable stand-aid, monkey pole, pressure relief mattress, vibrating alarm system for hearing impaired guests and many more.

Outside the cottages there’s a wheelchair accessible adventure playground, a games room, laundry facilities and of course the beautiful Scottish countryside surrounding you.

Crathie Holiday Opportunities have teamed up with PosAbility magazine to offer readers a seven night stay for four people on a selfcatering basis.

For more information visit www.crathieholidays.org.uk or call on 013397 42100.

Terms & Conditions The prize is for 7 nights self-catering accommodation for up to four people, in one of our fully accessible cottages, subject to availability. The prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. Transport costs are the responsibility of the winner. Only one entry per person.

The prize must be taken before the end of 2016.

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

Name:

Crathie Competition PosAbility Magazine Caledonia House Evanton Drive Thornliebank Ind. Est. Glasgow G46 8JT

Postcode:

Address:

Tel: Email: Ăź

Crathie Opportunity Holidays would like to send you more information about their services. If you would prefer not to receive this, please tick the box.

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PRODUCTS

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

SOCK AID™ The Sock Aid™ is a simple and innovative device to assist people who struggle with putting socks on or taking them off. It was initially designed for older people who were experiencing mobility issues but has been found useful to people suffering from problems related to the spine and back, coxal and knee weakness and other articular diseases, as well as, patients after injury and pregnant women. It has also been shown to prove beneficial to people suffering from excess weight.

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The Sock Aid™ is capable of putting on and taking off even the most delicate of tights or stockings, as well as, thicker socks or medical compression stockings.

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PRODUCTS

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THE NIMBLE

finicky packaging such as parcels in the post and even pasta packets that happen to explode on opening.

We discovered this clever little gadget at The OT Show last year and were very taken with the simple and innovative design.

The Nimble was designed for a competition (If Only Competition by Bath University) where older people and those with disabilities had submitted videos explaining their everyday difficulties. A main problem that kept cropping up was opening food and drink packages from around the house. The Nimble was originally designed to combat this difficulty with the older generation and those with any dexterity issues.

Further into the product testing, they found that people were using it for other things such as a page turner and a wrapping paper cutter. Its multi-use meant that it became a go-to item for anyone that just gets annoyed opening

PORTA-BIDET The Porta-Bidet from Aquarius Hygiene is a great solution for those requiring a portable bidet system. It is compact and discreet and can be used anywhere, whether at work, on holiday or out for the day, eliminating any worries of cleanliness while away from your home.

It is lightweight and battery operated (rechargeable), therefore there is no plumbing required. Anyone can easily set it up, ready for use and

It looks just like a thimble and houses a tiny, ultra-hard, ceramic blade that is sharper than steel and it won’t rust.

However, it will not cause any serious injury as it is such a small blade and it is a great replacement for scissors and sharp knives. To use, you simply place it on your finger and score along the packet allowing it to open neatly and easily.

It has been tried and tested thoroughly by people young and old, disabled and able-bodied, to ensure it is the best it can be and since launching in April 2015 it is proving to be a firm favourite in households across the globe.

Nimble 01509 387030 hello@version22.com www.version22.com

the comfortable regulated spray is activated by the simple touch of a button.

It comes supplied in a single discreet box with all the accessories required, including the carry case. Spare parts including nozzles can be supplied separately.

Aquarius Hygiene 01422 328950 info@aquariushygiene.com www.aquariushygiene.com

Prices available on request

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PRODUCTS

Prices available on request

Steering Developments 01442 212918 info@steeringdevelopments.co.uk www.steeringdevelopments.co.uk

ABI LOADER The Abi Loader is an automatic wheelchair loading system, designed to deliver your wheelchair (manual or powered) from the boot of your car direct to your driver or passenger door, allowing you to transfer into your wheelchair from your car without requiring any assistance.

At the mere flick of a switch the Abi Loader will open the boot of your car and bring your wheelchair to your car door. It doesn’t even require any excess space around your vehicle, if you have space to open your

door then the Abi Loader will have ample space to deliver your wheelchair to you.

It is discreet and efficient as it does not take up a lot of space and it does not increase fuel consumption. It can be fitted to most cars, even smaller vehicles. It can accommodate a weight of up to 28kg and avoids the struggle of lifting your wheelchair over your lap or into the backseat.

You can request a free home demonstration by visiting www.steeringdevelopments. co.uk/home-demo.

NOOZIE

Noozie is an electric hot water bottle. At 65 degrees the temperature is a cosy controlled heat that totally eliminates the dangers and risks of burns that arise when filling traditional hot water bottles.

It is an ideal product for people suffering from chronic back pain, abdomen pain, sports injuries etc. Rechargeable from the comfort of your bedroom, this electric hot water bottle makes it easy to keep warm. It is available in red, purple and blue.

020 3637 4760 www.nooziecomfort.com

Prices from ÂŁ39.95

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LAUNCHING 2017

W H E R E C I T Y L I V I NG M E E T S V I L L AGE C H A R M COMING SOON

H Y D E N E W H O M E S AT T WO F I F T Y O N E , S O U T H WA R K New Shared Ownership wheelchair accessible homes

A collection of 2 bedroom apartments designed exclusively for adaptable living.

Call now to register your interest: 0333 666 2939

Benefitting from communal private cinema, gymnasium, security, lounges and external gardens. Own private winter gardens.

Ministry of Sound is opposite Two Fifty One. For more information on room sizes, kitchens and specifications

CALL HYDE NEW HOMES ON 0845 606 1221 OR EMAIL INFO@HYDENEWHOMES.CO.UK

Computer generated image of London Square New Kings Road.

Details correct at time of going to press.

London’s Shared Ownership Experts Notting Hill Sales is proud to offer a range of Shared Ownership apartments that can be adapted for wheelchair users, and are considerately designed to allow you to comfortably enjoy your new home.

Brackenbury Square Hammersmith & Fulham 2 Bed Now Viewing Abbey House Southwark 1 & 2 Bed Now Viewing Cheviot Gardens Over 55’s Lambeth 1 & 2 Bed Now Viewing

Camberwell Fields Southwark 1 & 2 Bed Now Viewing

Visit our website to view all our properties.

Call: 020 3468 5743 | Email: sales@nhhg.org.uk Visit: www.nhhg.org.uk/accessible Eligibility criteria may apply, please speak to a member of the SalesTeam for more information. Details correct at time of going to press.

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W

PROSTHETICS

hen was the last time you read or watched a low-budget television movie of Treasure Island?

Whether it be yesterday or 30 years ago, you will undoubtedly remember the misunderstood antagonist, Long John Silver. Hardly a poster boy for the modern prostheses, the infamous pirate was aided only by a single crutch under his left arm. For the era in which Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his classic swashbuckling novel, that was all that could be expected for a lower limb amputee. However, the prosthetics field has come on leaps and bounds since hook hands and peg legs, all of which were attached to negative stereotypes and prejudices. The research and advancement of artificial ďƒŽ

LIFE AND LIMB Walking away from the dark ages and reaching towards the future

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PROSTHETICS

[Above] Touch Bionics give a helping hand to model Rebekah Marine

for a sense of ‘wholeness’ to heavy arms and legs made from iron and steel in the Middle Ages to repair warring soldiers to make them battle-ready again. However, the birth of modern prosthetic history began in the early 1500s with a French army surgeon/ barber, Ambroise Paré. Prosthetic journals and essays would struggle to exclude his name or his work, as many believe, Paré’s research into amputation and prosthesis design was the first stepping stone to the technology we have today. There are many famed inventors that take pride of place on the timeline of bettering the artificial limb, such as Peter Verduyn, William Selpho, James Hanger and Marcel Desoutter. Their accomplishments ranged from the late 17th Century to the early 20th Century, each little tweak or substitution improved people’s quality of life expediently.

anatomy is proving to still be in its infancy, with rival engineering companies vying to be the most progressive on the market.

Even Disney’s re-imagining of the notorious Mr. Silver in Treasure Planet realised the possibility of fusing intricate machinery to the human body, donning him with futuristic appendages that many would argue are favourable over their

One very modern innovator of the field is double amputee, Dr. Hugh Herr. Dr. Herr lost his legs to frostbite when climbing a

natural predecessors. Although, today’s technology might be a far cry from creating the same prosthetics as seen in a sciencefiction animation, scientists and researchers would claim that it isn’t impossible.

particularly treacherous ice route in the mountains of New Hampshire. This started him on his route into academics, becoming a biophysicist and becoming one of the most important names in the research and development of bionic prostheses. In 2014, Dr. Herr made the bold claim that, through the advancement of technology in bionics, disability could be eradicated within the century. He has been essential in the involvement of cuttingedge foot and calf robotics, helping those

We certainly have come a long way from accepting that amputation is the end of normality, however there was a time when that was the case, or worse. The world of prosthetics has had humble beginnings, from the Egyptians carving toes out of fibre

who haven’t walked in decades take their first independent steps.

SURPASSING TECHNOLOGY Gearpatrol.com were quoted in saying: “The real question the world should be asking isn’t ‘will prosthetic science match what evolution spent 200,000 years perfecting’, but rather, ‘when will it surpass it?’” Many scientists and field professionals are now inclined to agree with this, as the aggressive expansion of prosthetic technology is fast exceeding the expectations of even the most avant-garde thinking specialists.

The invention of the 3D printer has revolutionised the world of design and engineering, making the impossible, possible. The innovators of 3D printing have been able to confidently use their methods to create parts for cars and rockets as well as clothes and even human organs. Once the medical field unveiled its full

[Below] A touch futuristic: The i-Limb Quantum

potential it was a logical step forward to begin using the technology to craft artificial limbs for those who needed them most.

One Glasgow-based 3D printing company, Step 3D, has already realised the effect that their business can have on the evolution of prostheses. Euan, one of the owners of Step 3D, said: “We set up the business to do more or less whatever people asked of us. We were aware of the open-source 3D printed prosthesis organisation E-Nable, and we wanted to give it a shot ourselves.

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PROSTHETICS different directions to instantly activate a desired grip.

[Above] Patrick Kane, the youngest person in the world to be fitted with a bionic hand from Touch Bionics

“A woman came directly to us after getting a bit bored of waiting to hear back from the organisation (who, at the time, were really busy). She told us her daughter, Rinoa, is a four-year-old girl with a condition called symbrachydactyly – a condition which resulted in her having an extremely underdeveloped right hand. As we hadn’t tried to make a prosthesis before, it was a challenge for us as well as a rewarding experience to help out someone in need. We continue to follow the industry closely and will no doubt make more prosthetics for people that may get in touch in the future.

“Hopefully, it will make prosthetics more accessible and affordable. The rate at which development is occurring in the 3D printing world is entirely unprecedented, and it won’t be long before we have myoelectric prostheses available for 3D printing at a low cost”.

However, technology has already taken a massive leap into the future. Engineering companies have started to pioneer robotics and bionics into artificial limbs. Touch Bionics, a company whose roots are in West Lothian, are always spearheading new advancements. Hugh Gill, the CTO for Touch Bionics spoke about the young company and their major breakthroughs. He said: “Based on the reliable and industry-leading design of our world-renowned i-limb product range, the new i-limb quantum combines unsurpassed functionality with style. Controlled by the wearer’s muscle signals and configurable via a mobile app, the i-limb quantum also incorporates our patented i-mo technology, which makes it the first prosthetic hand that can change grips with a simple gesture. The wearer simply moves their hand in any of four

“The future of prosthetics will always focus on providing greater levels of function and improved control for people with missing limbs. Innovations in control technologies, software, mechanics and materials are key to delivering these benefits to wearers.

Since the company began, we have been focused on creating the best possible prosthetic solutions for people with upper limb differences. In addition to being the first company to introduce a bionic hand with five digits, our R&D division has been responsible for the introduction of a host of innovations, including a powered, rotating thumb, new covering technologies, mobile apps, Bluetooth control chips, as well as increasingly smaller, stronger and faster prostheses.”

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Patrick Kane became the youngest person in the world to be fitted with a bionic hand from Touch Bionics, at 13, after losing his right leg, below the knee, all the fingers on his left hand and the second and third digits on his right hand after an illness when he was nine months old. Now 18, Patrick wears the new i-limb quantum that he holds in high regard. The young Londoner said: “I was fitted with this model in October. It has opened me up to be able to do a lot of things I wasn’t able to do previously, for example, cutting up my food and tying my shoelaces. Those were the two ground-breaking ones because I view myself as quite independent and pride myself on not having to ask anyone for help, you know, you can’t go to a restaurant with someone and ask them to cut up your food. It helps in a myriad of petty, small ways which all really add up to make a huge difference. The way I would have to manoeuvre myself to open a bottle, for example, I would have to put the bottle between my legs and twist with both hands, but now, I can quite naturally hold the bottle in one hand and twist with the other.”

The future seems endless in regards to the prosthetics field. Innovators and realists combined are under no illusion that there are only to be bigger and better things to emerge in the next few years alone.

Perhaps the fruits of Disney’s imagination aren’t far away after all. www.step3d.co.uk www.touchbionics.com

ARTIFICIAL LIMBS THROUGH THE AGES 424 BC – 1BC An artificial leg dating back to 300 BC was found in Capua, Italy in 1858. It was made of bronze and iron with a wooden core for a below-knee amputee

476 – 1000 Prosthesis were mainly made to hide injuries of wars, either for holding shields or a leg to appear in stirrups, paying little attention to functionality. It was common for armourers and watchmakers to play a part in the manufacturing of artificial limbs.

1400s – 1800s The renaissance returned to the science of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, making prostheses from iron, steel, copper and wood.

1500s In 1508, a German mercenary, Gotz von Berlich, had a pair of technologically advanced iron hands made after he lost his right arm in battle. They could be manipulated by setting them with the natural hand and moved by relaxing a series of releases and springs, while being suspended with leather straps.

MID-LATE 1500s Ambroise Paré invented a kneeling peg leg and foot prosthesis that had a fixed position, adjustable harness and knee lock control. Lorrain, a colleague of Paré’s, began to use leather, paper and glue instead of iron, making artificial limbs lighter.

1600s – 1800s In 1696, Peter Verduyn, developed the first non-locking, below-knee prosthetic. In 1800, a Londoner, James Potts, designed a prosthesis made of a wooden shank and socket, a steel knee joint and an articulated foot that was controlled by catgut tendons from the knee to the ankle. In 1863, Parmlee, invented a suction socket, polycentric knee and multi-articulated foot.

1900s – PRESENT Marcel Desoutter (a famous English pilot) made the first aluminium prosthesis after he lost his leg in an aeroplane accident.

The present day, is seeing new bionic and robotic technology paving the way for the most natural artificial limbs to become a reality.

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Victoria runs 10K in memory of husband and daughter London Prosthetic Centre client - Victoria Milligan, and also race ambassador for Vitality WestRun London completed her first 10k run on 15 November 2015.

Victoria lost her leg in a tragic boat accident in 2013, the accident also cost the lives of her husband and young daughter. The road to recovery has been long and challenging but Victoria has courageously come to terms with losing her leg, adapting to a prosthesis and she has remained determined throughout to draw positives from her profound loss.

Victoria’s prosthetist at the London Prosthetic Centre, Abdo Haidar, played a key role in designing the custom running blade for Victoria. She said just before the race: “After physically adapting to losing my leg, I am now able to wear a running blade, which has enabled me to get back into health and fitness.

I have never run 10k before, but I am determined to cross the finish line regardless of whether I run, jog or walk, all in aid of Child Bereavement UK. If I can do it, really, anyone can!�

Victoria has been a true inspiration in helping others to rebuild their lives after the tragedy of loss. The charity Child Bereavement UK gave Victoria the support she needed following the devastating accident.

To find out more about the London Prosthetic Centre, please visit www.thelondonprosthetics.com or call +44 (0) 208 789 6565 or email: enquiries@thelondonprosthetics.com

www.thelondonprosthetics.com

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KIDS

THE

Kids’ CORNER Powered mobility for young disabled children under five can be hard to come by, even when evidence has shown how important that mobility can be to a child.

The Wizzybug addresses this issue by providing kids with a fun and secure powered mobility solution. Fully funded by the charity Designability, Wizzybug can be a great solution to allowing young disabled children the freedom and independence they crave. We find out more from the charity on the Wizzybug itself and the process families must go through to be considered for one.

We also look at the Panathlon Challenge, a sports initiative that is looking to get 10,000 disabled children active this year. Read more about how you could get your kids involved on page 64.

We also have the usual selection of products to aid independent living and we hear from a mum who is campaigning for supermarkets to stock larger nappy sizes for children with additional needs. We fully support Laura’s campaign and hope her petition goes some way to changing the supermarkets shelves to help families across the UK. At PosAbility we love to hear from parents, whether you are sharing advice, campaigning for a cause or simply want to share your story, please contact us at ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

ďƒŽ

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29/01/2016 19:49

WIZZYBUG

WIZZYBUG F Giving children with a disability their first wheels or most young children, the ability to

move around of their own free will is something they take for granted. But many children are unable to walk or move freely due to a disability.

Romeo and teddy out on his Wizzybug

chairs for children under five. This means that there is yet another barrier in the battle for children to experience mobility in their early, formative years.

We sold Wizzybugs on a ‘not for profit’ basis between 2007 and 2010 but it became apparent that there was a large quantity of families who were unable to afford to purchase one for their child. In 2010, a generous organisation made a substantial donation in order for us to begin to offer the Wizzybugs to families completely free of charge*.

Having to rely on a family member to move and position them means that they miss out on developing movement skills and the It was thanks to this funding that the Wizzybug Loan opportunity to explore their Scheme was launched so that disabled children could surroundings through play. Being able to move is also [Below] The Wizzybugs all lined up for action, ready to help important for making friends and children get up to mischief developing communication and social skills.

This is where the team at Designability come in. Designability are a national charity that researches, designs and engineers technologies which will help to assist people in their day to day lives.

Here, Designability tell us more about the Wizzybug, a powered mobility solution for children.

THE WIZZYBUG The Wizzybug first became available in 2007 after our team of experienced designers and occupational therapists at Designability (then known as the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering) developed an innovative and fun powered wheelchair for the under fives.

Unfortunately, there is generally limited NHS funding for powered wheel-

experience the independence and sense of freedom that powered mobility can bring.

In 2011, the first Wizzybug was allocated through the loan scheme and we haven’t looked back ever since. Our ongoing fundraising ensures that the loan scheme is available across all of mainland UK.

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WIZZYBUG

WHO IS WIZZYBUG FOR? The Wizzybug has been designed for children aged 18 months – five years, although some children are able to stay in it a little longer, depending on their size.

To date, our Wizzybugs have been rehomed to children who have conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy. But our only real eligibility criteria is that they go to children who could benefit from increased mobility, who are able to be safely seated in a Wizzybug and can demonstrate some independent control.

THE WIZZYBUG ASSESSMENT All of our Wizzybug assessments take place at Designability HQ in Bath. Families are greeted by one of our occupational therapists and a member of the workshop team who will: • Take you through how Wizzybug works and how to use it safely • Ensure that it is set-up to accommodate your child’s postural needs • Assess and supply any adaptations that are required • Instruct you on how to properly dismantle and reassemble Wizzybug – it’s quite nifty and will fit in most family cars • Give you some tips on safe lifting and handling of Wizzybug and talk through any potential troubleshooting • And most important of all - your little girl or boy will get their first go in Wizzybug and be guided through how to operate its simple controls so they can start exploring!

Our Wizzybug team are there every step of the way – from the day a family comes in to pick up a Wizzybug to the moment they return it back to us. We are at the end of the telephone should anyone have any problems or have any queries they need to be answered.

HOW TO APPLY TO THE LOAN SCHEME The first thing to do is get in touch with our Children’s Occupational Therapist,

MEET ROMEO

One child who has experienced the joys of having a Wizzybug is Romeo, a 3 year old little boy who recently fell ill with a rare condition called Purpura Fulminans.

Romeo’s mum told us: “The illness left Romeo with the life changing consequence of having to have both of his legs amputated high above his knees.

“Losing his legs meant that he wasn’t able to keep up with his peers unless they were playing on floor level with him.

Although Romeo adjusted very quickly, he was completely dependent on each of us to carry him around.

“Romeo took to his Wizzybug straight away and amazed everyone at how quickly he was able to operate it. It now goes everywhere with the family – for walks in the village, to the local petting farm and on camping trips. “ ‘Wizzy’ has even been for a go in the local skate park!

“Designability have set up this amazing scheme which has given Romeo the ability to move about independently and keep up with his sister and friends.”

[Above] The teamfundraising for Wizzybugs

Rae Baines, who will discuss with you whether the Wizzybug might be suitable for your child. You will then need to talk to your child’s own therapist about powered mobility. If everyone agrees that a Wizzybug would be beneficial, Rae will send you a request form that you and your child’s therapist complete.

If we accept you onto the loan scheme, we will allocate funding for your Wizzybug to be built on site by our experienced workshop team.

Once your Wizzybug is off the production line and ready we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to pop and see us for your Wizzybug assessment!

Our help and support does not end once you have picked up your Wizzybug. We will contact you regularly during your loan period to make sure that you are still finding Wizzybug useful.

GET IN TOUCH To find out more about Designability and the Wizzybug Loan Scheme, please visit www.wizzybug.org.uk or give us a call on 01225 824103.

You can also find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bime.bath Or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DesignabilityUK *We do ask for a £200 deposit which is refunded when the Wizzybug is returned to us at end of its loan.

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Feel clean and independent.

Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care

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

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17/03/2014 10:07

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

ve Do you ha to carry n? medicatio

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

Practical bags specifically designed for carrying and storing medicines with personal identification Ideal for asthma inhalers, Epipens, epilepsy & diabetic medicines and more

0845 073 9430 www.medpac.co.uk

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

28/01/2016 23:45

CAMPAIGN

A MOTHER’S NAPPY CAMPAIGN

Laura Rutherford, mum to Brody, shares her quest to make life a little easier for mothers of children with additional needs

My son, Brody, four, has Global Development Delay (GDD), hypotonia, hypermobility and epilepsy. As a result of his GDD, he is significantly delayed in all areas and is doubly incontinent. I am not alone; there are thousands of parents in the UK who have children in nappies over the age of four.

On the 30 November 2015, I posted on a leading supermarket’s Facebook page about providing larger nappies. To explain, size 6+ (the largest size supermarkets sell) is becoming too small. I was feeling frustrated about the situation and how this is yet another difficulty parents like me face - finding suitable products easily and at a reasonable price.

The response from other parents reinforced what I already knew - there is a huge demand. I decided I needed to step it up a notch and created a Change Petition asking all of the supermarkets in the UK to provide larger nappies. Surely if we shout louder we have a better chance of being heard? We need to at least try.

Well-meaning followers, point me in the direction of the continence service, which Brody is soon to be referred to. Whilst there is no doubt that this service is beneficial, what a lot of people don’t realise is that there is an inconsistency with how the service is operated around the UK. For example, I have discovered the following from talking to other parents online:

As a result of this, either due to being ineligible or not having enough nappies, parents have no option but to buy nappies online, which can be inconvenient and expensive.

Well-intended people, also highlight that pull up nappies are available. However, these are designed for children in the process of potty training who have some bladder control. The feedback from parents in my shoes, largely is that they are less absorbent with fewer in a pack at a greater price tag.

Liz Crook, a Facebook user, saw my post and contacted me with a photo that I thought was apt. It showed how much money she spent on a pack of nappies for her newborn (£2), 15-month-old (£4.50) and five-year-old disabled child (£14). Of

course, the nappies for her disabled child had fewer in a pack for a substantial price.

There is a huge gap in the market. How great – and yet simple – would it be to be able to go to your local supermarket and pick up a larger size when needed? Not spending over the odds or waiting for an online delivery when you’ve run out.

I really hope that the supermarkets listen and our voices are heard. I have a feeling we will no doubt have to fight for this, so I would really appreciate readers signing and sharing my petition, which can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/gmm2gjk.

Life is challenging enough for families with disabilities. This one small thing could make life easier for a large community.

HOW GREAT – AND YET SIMPLE – WOULD IT BE TO BE ABLE TO GO TO YOUR LOCAL SUPERMARKET AND PICK UP A LARGER SIZE WHEN NEEDED?

• The age a child is eligible varies (where I live it is four, someone explained that their child wasn’t eligible until they were eight) • Some parents, despite their child’s disability, find that they are ineligible • The waiting time differs depending on where you live • The number of nappies provided also appears to vary

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Kids’ PRODUCTS Squiggles Seating System

The Squiggles Seating System provides postural support for younger children with special needs.

Suitable for use as a home chair, school chair or with a buggy base, Squiggles meets all the postural and comfort requirements of a seating system for young children with special needs while still maintaining a fun, colourful design.

The Squiggles Seating System is available in four colour options and has removable machine washable covers.

Prices available on request

Prices available on request

CosySafe

CosySafe cot is a safe and comfortable, electronically operated, height adjustable, profiling, nursing cot/bed suitable for adults and children. Made with safe sides up to 1000mm. Optional padding is available in a range of patterns and colours. The padding does not need to be removed to perform any of the bed functions. The mattress platform breaks into two pieces for ease of transportation.

0800 318 265 info@leckey.com www.leckey.com

Kinderkey 01978820174 contact@kinderkeyinternational.co.uk www.kinderkey.co.uk

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KIDS

Oogi

The slightly odd yet colourful Oogi is a versatile toy made from super soft elasticated silicone and its arms, legs and head are suckers, allowing Oogi to be positioned in endless different positions. It can even be thrown as a game to see who can ‘stick’ him to a wall or surface.

Great for encouraging creativity and building fine motor skills, children can stand, hang, stretch, bridge or swing their Oogi. Oogi can also be used in conjunction with the Bilibo and Mox as previously featured.

Toyella 0800 542 6857 sales@toyella.com www.toyella.com

£19.99 for a set of four Oogi

Prices available on request

CAPR-Style Jackets

CAPR-Style’s children’s jackets all have front and back openings incorporated discreetly for easier dressing. The Ayr has a lengthened front making it perfect for those who use wheelchairs to keep their legs warm. Each jacket comes with tightenable cuffs to keep out the cold and ensure they don’t get caught on wheels whilst manoeuvring.

There are also many choices of colours and fabrics to make each jacket your own.

CAPR-style 07804 512 186 capr-style.com

Inimove

Inimove provides children with a unique opportunity to develop concentration and improve focus, while, at the same time developing their fine motor skills, senses and controlling their emotions through playing.

Motor skills are important for our learning and the Inimove device helps children explore and develop their physical abilities.

Inimove can be used for exercising; fine motor control, coordination, concentration, balance, memory and many more.

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Inimove are high quality rehabilitation devices.

The unique and patented products are recognised by an unpredictable pattern of movement, which make them fun and challenging to use. This provides an element of competition that motivates the kids to exercise. The challenge is to assemble the discs so they are vertical, which requires eye-hand coordination and concentration.

Prices available on request

Designed 2 Enable 08007723771 info@designed2enable.co.uk www.designed2enable.co.uk

28/01/2016 22:25

PANATHLON

Making sport a reality for children with disabilities

PANATHLON CHALLENGE

W

hen the Panathlon charity decided to

focus on increasing the number of disabled children playing competitive sport in 2005, it can scarcely have imagined how successful it would become more than 10 years later.

Today, after investing over £6million, it provides sporting opportunities to over 7,500 disabled young people every year, many of whom would otherwise not have any access to competitive sport.

In the last decade alone the charity has delivered over 500 ‘mini Paralympic’ multisport competitions for five-19 year olds, along with dedicated football, boccia, swimming, deaf, visually impaired and PMLD programmes.

Highlights include Panathletes becoming the first disabled athletes to compete on the Olympic Stadium track (in front of 23,000 people at an official test event just months ahead of the London 2012 Games) and regional finals at the Olympic Park, plus an inaugural regional swim final at the Aquatics Centre.

Other iconic venues across England have also hosted major competitions, such as Stoke

Mandeville, the English Institute of Sport and Gateshead International Stadium.

Since 2011 Panathlon has trained over 3,000 teenagers, aged 14-19, as ‘young leaders’ who act as officials for the sports competitions and 14% of these have learning difficulties.

The charity was originally founded in 1995 with the aim of increasing the number of children playing competitive sport in inner city schools by providing a competition structure reliant on minimal facilities that allowed all schools to compete on a level playing field.

This ethos was extended to include disability sport in 1999 and after six successful years

of working with special schools and seeing the positive impact that sport can make for disabled young people, Panathlon began to focus solely on disability sport.

Panathlon patron Alex Brooker, star of Channel 4’s The Last Leg, said: “Panathlon is a fantastic charity. When I was at school, there was nothing like this for disabled kids. Even today, without Panathlon some of these kids wouldn’t get involved in sport and that is completely wrong. But they aren’t just here to have fun; this is a competition and they want to win.”

The programmes delivered by the charity currently reach all 32 London boroughs and 30 English counties. There are plans to involve 32 counties by the end of this year, with 9,000 children competing.

In 2014 a regional finals programme was introduced for the Panathlon Challenge, swimming, Primary Panathlon and boccia to give children the ability to test themselves against similar age groups from other counties and provide them with an opportunity to step up to the next level of competition.

In 2015/16 over 30 county champions - from Hampshire in the South to Gateshead in the North - will compete in multi-sport and swimming regional finals.

Panathlon relies on funding from a combination of commercial sponsors, government and charitable trusts on national, county and local levels, including the Wembley National Stadium Trust, the Bulldog Trust, St James’s Place Foundation, Jack Petchey Foundation, Peter Harrison Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Mayor of London. www.panathlon.com

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Prices start from the place where you can...

ÂŁ135*

...enjoy a relaxing holiday in the stunning Welsh countryside.

A unique supported break for families living with disability, illness, injury or mental ill health.

For more details or a brochure, contact us on:

0800 952 5000 www.papworthtrust.org.uk/kerryfarm *Prices per person per stay based on 10 people staying in Garden Cottage in December.

Registered charity number 211234

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28/01/2016 23:45

Take to the wheel and test drive a wide range of adapted and nonadapted cars at the UK’s premier mobility event, The Big Event.

The Big Event from the Motability Scheme takes place at Manchester’s EventCity on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May 2016.

At The Big Event visitors can take advantage of the great opportunity to test drive a huge range of vehicles alongside a professional driving instructor.

Many of the test drive vehicles - from a selection of leading manufacturers - are fitted with the most popular driving adaptations available on the Motability Scheme. Visitors can test out what works best for their needs and experience the different adaptations in action. Those available to try in-situ will include push-pull hand controls and steering wheel balls, fitted in cars with dual controls.

Remember to check motability.co.uk/thebig event one month before for full details of all the cars available to see and test drive at The Big Event.

The largest event of its kind, The Big Event will

showcase the most extensive display of vehicles for disabled people in the UK. It’s free to attend and offers disabled people and their families the perfect way to experience the Motability Scheme first hand. Visitors can talk to Motability Scheme advisors and gather all of the useful information they might need from Scheme partners – Kwik Fit, RAC and RSA Motability – as well as advice from The Forum of Mobility Centres and Disabled Motoring UK. Find out more about The Big Event online at motability.co.uk/thebigevent and for the latest announcements, pictures and videos, visit the ‘Motability Events’ Facebook page (facebook.com/motabilityevents).

VISITOR’S COMMENT: “Thank you for the wonderful day my husband and I had at the event. Everything was so well organised, from the clear directions at the venue to the test drives of so many vehicles.

Between us, my husband and I test drove four cars. We arrived just before 9am and by 11am we had tried all the cars on our shortlist. Absolutely marvellous!”

Mrs Catherine Howard

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

Join us at The Big Event Experience the UK’s largest display of vehicles available on the Motability Scheme at EventCity, Manchester.

Over 100 cars from 28 different manufacturers

Over 40 scooters and powered wheelchairs

TEST DRIVE

Over 45 cars available to test drive including 18 fitted with adaptations Free entry, free parking and a FREE tea or coffee in a fully accessible indoor venue

motability_feb.indd 1

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

EE Y FR TR EN

Over 35 adapted cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

EventCity, Manchester

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May 2016 9am to 4pm

Find out more at motability.co.uk/thebigevent or call 0800 953 7000 Please quote MO711D * To test drive the cars you must bring your full UK driving licence and sign our test drive declaration on the day. Full Terms and Conditions can be found at motability.co.uk/thebigevent. The Big Event is organised and hosted by Motability Operations Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

29/01/2016 20:39

ORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTORING | MOTO

NEW YEAR, NEW CAR?

T

As the new year sets in, disabled motorists can whizz into 2016 with a reliable new car leased through the well-established Motability Scheme. This year see’s a choice of over 2,5000 affordable vehicles on offer through the Scheme.

he latest Motability Scheme announcements, through to March 2016, features cars from 32 different manufacturers, including Ford, Renault, Vauxhall, Nissan and Peugeot. There are over 500 cars available to lease for £0 Advance Payment, including the Ford Grand C-MAX Zetec 1.0 which features rear parking sensors and dual sliding rear doors.

Drivers can also choose from around 150 cars available to lease for less than the mobility allowance, such as the Suzuki Swift SZ2 1.2 with electric mirrors and split folding seats at £53.75 per week.

The updated offers include more than 900 automatic vehicles with over 100 of these available with no Advance Payment required, such as the Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech Flair Edition with Sat Nav and a reversing camera and the Vauxhall Astra 1.4i SRi with LED daytime running lights and mobile app interface.

For an environmentally friendly option, there are over 500 low emission vehicles to choose from with a CO2 emission level of less than 100g/km. These include the Smart forfour Proxy 1.0 with hill start assist, available to lease for less than the mobility allowance and the Volvo V40 2.0TD Cross Country Lux with rear parking sensors, available to lease on the Scheme at £399 Advance Payment.

There are three pricing bands available for those looking to lease a car through the Motability Scheme: • Cars that cost less than the mobility allowance • Cars that cost the same as the mobility allowance • Cars that cost all of the mobility allowance and also have an Advance Payment Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations, said: “With over 2,500 models, our winter price list offers disabled motorists a wide variety of vehicles to choose from. We are committed to providing a range of affordable vehicles to suit our customers’ individual needs. Our worry-free motoring package has insurance, servicing, replacement tyres and breakdown cover all included in the cost of the lease.”

There are also over 350 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles available to lease through the Motability Scheme, and nearly 400 vehicle adaptations to choose from, with over 150 at no additional cost.

Please visit motability.co.uk for more information, or call 0800 935 7000. The models and prices featured are available from 1 January to 31 March 2016.

To lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, disabled people can choose to use their weekly allowance payment (PIP, DLP etc) to pay for the lease of a vehicle of their choice.

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Wheelchaircars.co.uk

FREE NO OBLIGATION HOME DEMONSTRATIONS USED VEHICLES FROM £2995

Tel: 0161 793 5934 Full details on our website, www.wheelchaircars.co.uk

adverts_feb_mar_16.indd 25

28/01/2016 23:46

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

WAVS

ALLIED MOBILITY

Reveals a host of new models and updates for its 2016 line-up.

As the UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) manufacturer, Allied Mobility invests heavily in creating its market leading vehicles. From developing the latest accessibility features to making sure customers have everything they need for their comfort and convenience. It takes the business of creating the perfect WAV seriously. This year, Allied hit the ground running with some great new features on their most popular vehicles and an all-new contender to the market.

REACHING NEW HORIZONS Take the UK’s best-selling WAV, the Peugeot Horizon, for example. Allied Mobility has packed even more into this highly sought after car, offering the convenience of three seats in the back, letting you fold away only what you need to accommodate a wheelchair user.

The vehicle also comes with a number of non-standard features that you won’t find elsewhere. These include arm rests for the driver and passenger, lateral airbags and free Bluetooth® connectivity as standard.

VISTA WITH ADDED VITALITY Hot off the production line for 2016 is the new Euro 6 Volkswagen Vista™. A spacious and stylish WAV, the latest model Vista™ offers an even more efficient engine and a stylish facelift. The new version also presents customers with DAB radio, Bluetooth® connectivity, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control for ultimate comfort and convenience.

NEW FOUND FREEDOM Introduced to the market in late 2015 and already proving to be a huge hit with customers into this year is the brand new Ford Freedom™. The first Ford development to come from Allied Mobility, the Freedom™ offers the choice of having a wheelchair accessible conversion of one of the world’s most loved vehicle brands.

EasyGlide™ cleverly pulls out from the rear floor of the car to form a strong, easyangled wheelchair ramp. It’s just as quick and easy to return to the flat position, creating ample space for shopping or luggage when not in use with a wheelchair passenger.

The best way to experience the new features of the latest offering from Allied Mobility is by trying a vehicle for yourself, and doing that is easy. Simply request your free home demonstration by calling 0800 916 3011, email info@alliedmobility.com or visit www.alliedmobility.com to find out more.

RAMPING UP THE FEATURES Much testing and careful consideration has gone into the development of the exclusive new EasyGlide™ ramp. Available on both the Horizon™ and the Freedom™ models, this innovative, easy to use ramp has been developed to give customers flexibility and choice.

ALLIED MOBILITY INVESTS HEAVILY IN CREATING ITS MARKET LEADING VEHICLES. FROM DEVELOPING THE LATEST ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES TO MAKING SURE CUSTOMERS HAVE EVERYTHING THEY NEED www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 69

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16/03/2016 12:20

FAST TRACK YOUR FREEDOM

The Mobility Roadshow – the original consumer independent mobility event 26-28th May 2016, Silverstone Circuit, Northants Meeting the nation’s mobility needs since 1983, The Mobility Roadshow incorporating Get Going Live! provides a wealth of products and services in one location to enable independence and freedom.

Hosted at the iconic Silverstone Circuit for the first time, The Mobility Roadshow will provide the unique opportunity to test drive the latest adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles around the British Grand Prix circuit. The pit lane garages will house displays from leading car manufacturers and conversion companies, and specialists will be on hand for advice and information about accessible motoring.

Get Going Live! is a test-drive feature that focuses on young and novice disabled drivers and opens up a new world of driving opportunities for future generations.

In the spacious and fully accessible Silverstone Wing, visitors will find an unequalled showcase of the latest innovations in independent mobility, including wheelchairs, scooters, trikes hoists and ramps – all ready for hands-on testing for free.

Silverstone for the first time. In response to visitor feedback, we have chosen this magnificent venue with space to expand the range and choice of mobility products from around the world as well as giving visitors the opportunity to drive on the famous race circuit. Maintaining the show’s focus on independent mobility for everyone, we are working again with NFE Group to deliver an event that we believe will enable anyone with mobility difficulties to find solutions to meet their individual needs.”

Ann Frye, Chair of Mobility Choice, comments: “We are delighted to be holding the Mobility Roadshow at

For further information, please contact the NFE Group on: +44 (0)1332 810007

Register now for all the latest news at: www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk

THE MOBILITY ROADSHOW 26-28 MAY SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT NORTHANTS

>>

2016

>>

> accessible vehicles > adapted driving controls > mobility scooters > wheelchairs > ramps > hoists > innovative ideas for easier mobility & much more!

FREE & FULLY ACCESSIBLE

>>

FAST TRACK YOUR FREEDOM

Register now for latest news at:

adverts_feb_mar_16.indd 26

WWW.MOBILITYROADSHOW.CO.UK

29/01/2016 20:10

APPRENTICESHIPS

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

World-renowned companies open their doors to apprentices of all abilities

A

pprenticeships are always a great

way of kick-starting a career in most fields of work. If academic study isn’t an avenue you want to go down but you still want to learn and gain experience in an area you are interested in, becoming an apprentice in a trade or local company is a well-thought out and viable option.

However, larger, well-known companies also offer starter apprenticeship opportunities to groom new and budding talent in their industries to learn and grow within the confines of their extensive knowledge base and already cemented reputations in the working world.

Businesses and companies pride themselves on their wide, varied and diverse range of employees. Race, religion, ability, gender and age are no restrictions for these multi-national corporations.

They try and employ as many different backgrounds as possible to give their company an edge on their competitors.

We have selected a few of many wellknown corporations that have special placements and apprenticeships for people living with all kinds of disabilities.

LLOYDS BANKING GROUP The Group is a recognised leader in the provision of adjustments for colleagues with disabilities and was amongst the first to introduce a central process for workplace adjustments enabling these to be made without the limitations of local budgets.

Over 17,000 of their colleagues have used the process to date.

The Group offers development courses specific to colleagues with disabilities including the Personal Development

Programme and Career Development Programme. The residential courses are run in conjunction with external disability consultants and are highly recommended by previous attendees of the course.

Their Access Network has over 2,200 members and works towards improving the Group for colleagues with disabilities.

The network runs a number of high profile initiatives including a national event, regular newsletters, a mentoring scheme and colleague development sessions. The Access Network was awarded with a prize at the 2014 Disability Smart Awards for the network’s contribution to the retention of colleagues with disabilities.

David Oldfield, Group Director, Retail and Executive Sponsor for Disability at Lloyds Banking Group said: “We are publicly committed to improving the Group for our disabled colleagues and also to attracting more disabled candidates to the organisation through our recruitment processes, including our Apprenticeship programme. Our commitment to Help Britain Prosper includes increasing the  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 71

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We focus on your abilities MHA is a national charity and one of Britain’s leading providers of accommodation, care and support for older people.

Our team of 7,000 staff, supported by 4,000 volunteers aims to make a real difference to the quality of life of the 16,000 older people we suport in care housing, retirement apartments and in their own homes across the country.

We’re positive about recruiting people with disabilities and can offer opportunities in a variety of roles, both at our retirement schemes and care homes and at our administrative offices. Opportunities range from nursing and care roles to administration, IT and Finance.

Take a look at our website, www.mha.org.uk which is updated weekly, to see the opportunities near you.

MHA, Epworth House, Stuart Street, Derby DE1 2EQ Phone: 01332 296200. Registered as a Charity – No. 1083995.

Company Limited by Guarantee – No. 4043124. OC/6681

Careers at the British Council Creating opportunity worldwide It’s a chance to share the UK’s most attractive assets: language, education and culture, and to build long-lasting, cultural relationships with other countries. You could work in any of the 110 countries we operate in whilst using and developing your skills in a truly rewarding context. You’ll be contributing to an organisation that’s nurturing trust and understanding across a global community with real benefits in prosperity and trade. The roles we are recruiting for include teaching posts, teacher trainer posts, project managers, arts specialists, education advisers, the graduate and internship programmes, and many more.

Take a look around – there’s a whole world to explore. www.britishcouncil.org/jobs Images © Mat Wright © British Council 2013 / D335 The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

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APPRENTICESHIPS

engagement of our disabled colleagues and to maintain a ‘Gold Standard’ in the Business Disability Forum’s Disability Standard. Our goal is to be an inclusive and diverse organisation so we can deliver services in the way that works for all customers.” www.lloydsbankinggrouptalent.com/ apprentices

their colleagues; thus making a valuable contribution to the workplace whilst allowing them to lead fully independent and inclusive lives.

and Pitch Maintenance (Taffs Well FC, Llanishen RFC, Machen Sports Ground and Bedwas RFC) and Animal Care (Walnut Tree Farm).

“We encourage applicants to our apprenticeships from all backgrounds – irrespective of gender, age, race, faith, sexual orientation, disability or culture – but our Administration Apprenticeship

“These sources of community work experience placements have been invaluable to not only ensure the service users’ social inclusion, but to increase their confidence, self-esteem and inter-

in our Technical Facilities Management business is the most flexible with regards to support and making adjustments.” www.mitie.com/careers/apprenticeships

personal skills. Integrated into these sessions are the core skills of sustaining future employment, such as punctuality, teamwork, concentration and the ability to plan or problem solve independently. Some individuals have also gained knowledge in health and safety in the work place, First Aid, food hygiene and manual handling.

BBC The BBC is also keen to recruit people with disabilities across all of their entry level traineeships and apprenticeships, aimed at graduates and non-graduates alike.

“The BBC Academy offer opportunities across production, journalism, engineering, digital, business and legal. In October 2015 we had 187 apprentices across the BBC and 122 graduate level trainees.

“We continue to run the successful Extend programme for people with disabilities which has recruited more than 600 people over the last 18 years and won a national award at the inaugural Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Awards in 2015.

“We also connect with external partners who work with disabled people who help to spread the word across their networks. www.bbc.co.uk/careers/traineeschemes-and-apprenticeships

MITIE Mitie specialises in strategic outsourcing and energy services on behalf of other companies. Gary Zetter, Director of Apprenticeship & Sustainability programmes for the company said: “At Mitie, we’re passionate about building a diverse and inclusive business, and we’re focused on providing equal opportunities for all of our people.

“We focus on ability, not disability, because the contribution a person brings to our business should be the only defining factor in recruiting talent.

“In the majority of cases, relatively minor workplace adjustments can enable these candidates to have the same chance at a successful and fulfilling career as

LUDLOW STREET HEALTHCARE A major healthcare player, Ludlow Street Healthcare, have helped people attending their specialist rehabilitation, learning disability service, Pinetree Court Hospital, find a wide selection of work experience roles. A spokesperson for the company said: “At Pinetree Court Hospital, located on the outskirts of Cardiff, our service users have been offered opportunities to engage in many work related interventions within a community setting. These have included gardening (two community based allotment plots), Conservation Projects in collaboration with Keep Wales Tidy and BTCV, Catering (Terra Nova Café, Cardiff ), Leisure Centre Assistant (Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff ), Ground

“Some of our service users have said things like, ‘I think it’s really good! If we want to get employed in the future we have to learn these skills’, ‘when we are there we work really hard’ and ‘we’ve met really good people, made new friends and made positive bonds.’”

All of these apprenticeships and work experience schemes focus on inclusiveness and equality, regardless of what field of expertise it is in. There are many more out there dedicated to that aim, so get searching and get applying. Good luck! www.lshealthcare.co.uk/careers www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 73

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29/01/2016 20:35

CAREERS

GET THAT DREAM JOB Creating the Perfect CV

Having a powerful CV can make the difference between being rejected or being invited for an interview, so it is worth spending time on it to sell yourself as well as you can. Here, we go through each element of a CV in turn, but just a few points to make before we start: Be honest in your CV. This doesn’t mean you have to tell them everything (for example, whether or not to mention your disability is entirely up to you), but does mean you can’t make things up to fill in gaps, for example. Just include the information that will sell you well.

By Jane Hatton

Each CV you write will need to be tailored exactly to the job you are applying for. This means your CV might change in terms of the skills you describe, or the emphasis you place on different experiences, depending on what the recruiter is looking for.

Your CV should be no more than two sides of A4, using a clear font (minimum point 10), and well laid-out, using bold headings and short statements or bullet points.

CONTACT INFORMATION At the top of your CV, just put your name,

email address and telephone number (if either of those are inappropriate ways to contact you, leave it off). No need to mention address, date of birth, marital status or any other irrelevant information.

PERSONAL PROFILE Just a few short statements stating the specific qualities you have in relation to the requirements they have for this particular job. If the job advert states they are looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a great telephone manner, those are the three things you mention. If they need  www.posabilitymagazine.co.uk 75

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CAREERS

someone with attention to detail able to work on their own, then those are the qualities you mention. They will read this bit first, and if you don’t match what they are looking for, they may not read on.

WORK HISTORY This traditionally appears next in the CV, but if your work history isn’t the first thing you want them to know about you (maybe you have had a long period of unemployment, or there are a lot of gaps in your work history, or your work history is not relevant to the job you are applying for) this section can come after the section on skills.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING If you are a recent graduate, this section needs to appear further up the CV, however if you have lots of experience and skills but few formal qualifications, further down. List appropriate training; i.e. if you have O levels from 1976 and a degree from 2006, mention the degree but not the O levels. If GCSEs or A levels are recent, include them. If you have completed training that didn’t lead to a

choose not to do so. Where it might be worth mentioning is if: • You require reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process (mention in the cover letter) • Your impairment gives you added benefit to the employer (e.g. some employers actively pursue candidates on the Autistic Spectrum, or it may be a role working with people with similar impairments)

List each job you have had (including unpaid work such as voluntary work or work experience), with the most recent first. Put the job title, employer and dates you worked there. Under each job, put what results you achieved while you were there. For example, “was awarded Employee of the Month for three months”, or “assisted colleagues on a project to improve the service”. For any gaps, rather than saying why there was a gap, put something like “Career Break” and add a description of anything you achieved during the break, such as learning a new skill, or doing voluntary work. If there was nothing, just leave it blank.

SKILLS This can appear before the Work History section if you feel it is more relevant to your application. List the skills specified in the job advert and put a short statement next to each one demonstrating how you have used that skill successfully. Some examples: Customer Care: Listening to customers, offering appropriate advice, and signposting them to further sources of information Data Analysis: Identifying errors in a database and resolving them to ensure accuracy Management: Managed a budget of £500k and a team of 10 in a small charity The skills you describe will change depending on the requirements of the job you are applying for. You can include skills developed in any capacity, including unpaid activities.

THE SKILLS YOU DESCRIBE WILL CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB YOU ARE APPLYING FOR formal qualification, include it if it is relevant to the job you are applying for.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Only add information that will support your application, for example, if you have won awards, done voluntary work, or been published in relevant journals. If you have unrelated hobbies, leave them out.

MENTIONING DISABILITY

• The employer offers guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria In the next issue we will look at what to include in the cover letter or email.

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

There is no legal obligation for you to mention any impairment, and you may

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29/01/2016 21:51

Kidz to Adultz in the Middle Thursday 10th March 2016 Jaguar Exhibition Hall, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, CV6 6GE

9.30am – 4.30pm FREE event for children & young adults up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and the professionals who support them.

100+ exhibitors / FREE CPD seminars Information on mobility, seating, bathing, transport, housing, SEN, education, employment, vehicles, funding, services, transition, communication, The Care Act and much more Children Welcome!

Along with all the usual paediatric elements of our events and to mirror the recent changes in The Care Act 2014 and The Children & Families Act 2014, the Kidz exhibitions have expanded their remit to support adults up to the age of 25 years. This will include exhibitors from housing, higher education, employment fields, domiciliary care services, personal budget brokers, accessible, holiday, travel options and so much more.

Dates For Your Diary •Kidz to Adultz South 9th June 2016 - Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading New event •Kidz to Adultz Wales 7th July 2016 New venue House of Sport, Cardiff •Kidz to Adultz Scotland 15th September 2016 Royal Highland Exhibition Centre, Edinburgh •Kidz to Adultz up North 17th November 2016 EventCity, Manchester

For FREE Visitors Tickets or to register your interest 0161 607 8200 info@disabledliving.co.uk www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk Established in 1897, Disabled Living is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Registered Charity number 224742

Join us at Naidex 2016

Independence. Together.

NEC BIRMINGHAM 26 - 28 APRIL 2016

Discover the latest innovations in independent living, test the newest designs and source tailor-made products to make your life easier.

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to share experiences with like-minded others and benefit from expert advice all under one roof.

Introducing the Trade & Healthcare Professionals only day for a more relevant and streamlined show.

26th April 2016 Trade & Healthcare ONLY 27th-28th April 2016 Trade, Healthcare & Consumer BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Register today at naidex.co.uk Independence. Together.

adverts_feb_mar_16.indd 29

29/01/2016 20:25

PUZZLES

Brain Teasers

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

1/20/2016

Crossword Puzzle Maker: Final Puzzle

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Solutions to Dec/Jan crossword.

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18 Complete the crossword A R O Ucorrectly S and send to PosAbility Magazine, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, G Thornliebank IndM Est, Glasgow,T 20 8JT to be in with a chance G46 S L£25. Closing A Bdate for S of winning entries is 31 March 2016.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter G Sharp

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I A P A W S Y P C

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L E A D R Y

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Across 1. Public transport (5) 6. Possibly (7) 8. Learner (7) 9. Very skilled person (3) 10. Untidy condition (4) 12. Coarse file (4) 15. Organ of hearing (3) 16. Tread underfoot (7)

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Answers: 1. Your name 2. Tomorrow 3. A boomerang

1

WORD SEARCH

Test your eyes and fnd the words below in our Superheroes Superhero themed wordsearch

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CLASSIFIEDS “Do you have a disability?

Would you like to go on a cruise holiday? Do you think cruise ships are totally inaccessible?

I, Doug Smith, the author of ‘The disABILITY To Cruise?’, am a full-time wheelchair user, having had Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus since birth.

In my book, I use my vast experience of the cruise industry and of disability to take you on a journey from initially choosing and booking your cruise right through to the final disembarkation process, so that you should have no issues when you finally get back home. By the time you have read my book, you will have all of the information you require to decide whether or not a cruise holiday is right for you. I think it is... in fact, I KNOW it is!  So, what are you waiting for? Get your copy of ‘The disABILITY To Cruise’ today! Contact Doug Smith at the details below:

Alba Highland Cottages t BDDFTTJCMF BEKBDFOU DPUUBHFT OFXMZ CVJMU BOE GVSOJTIFE UP B IJHI TUBOEBSE t 4JUVBUFE JO B RVJFU IBNMFU B NJMF GSPN #PBU PG (BSUFO NJMFT GSPN "WJFNPSF t #PUI IBWF CFFO CVJMU XJUI EPXOTUBJST XFU SPPNT BEKPJOJOH QBSLJOH BOE SBNQT "MM SPPNT BSF BDDFTTJCMF UP XIFFMDIBJST t CFESPPNT TMFFQ QFPQMF t 4VSSPVOEFE CZ XPPEMBOE BOE XJMEMJGF t 'SFF 8*'* BOE 1FUT XFMDPNF t 'SFF VTF PG B XIFFMDIBJS DBO CF PSHBOJTFE

Home Tel No: 01779 470839 / Mobile Tel No: 07584 953805 Email: dougiesmith64456@aol.com

Parkside Guest House

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Edinburgh getaway for disabled people Relax in our recently refurbished, accessible, five bedroom guest house, close to the city centre.

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t $MPTF UP BDDFTTJCMF CFBDI BOE SFTUBVSBOUT t 'SFF VTF PG i5SBNQFSw NPCJMJUZ CVHHZ t 4QFDJBM 8JOUFS SBUFT

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PosAbility

Access Award

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Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Clas Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Clas Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Classifieds | Clas Norfolk Disabled Friendly Cottages

We are a family run business providing 8 self catering cottages designed to suit both disabled and able-bodied guests.

Situated on a converted farmyard on the outskirts of the quiet village of Bircham, about 5 miles from the Royal Estate at Sandringham and 7 miles from the North Norfolk Coast. There are many nearby attractions, pubs and family activities to ensure there is something for everyone.

For more information or to book call 01485 578 354 or email lavinia@nd-fc.co.uk.

www.nd-fc.co.uk The El Pleamar Apartments

Reservations & Information

Farm HolidayCottages Cottages Vose Vose Farm Holiday 01872 530520 01872 530 520

Two luxury purpose built wheelchair accessible stone cottage, set in 85 acres of Cornish woodland and pasture. Hazel and Willow Cottage are superbly equipped and offer level access throughout Two luxury purpose built wheelchair accessible with master bedroom and en-suite wet-room and toilet. Two twin stone cottages, set in 85 acres of Cornish bedrooms with family bathroom. Underfloor heating. Free wifi with woodland and pasture. Hazel and Willow Cottage television in all bedrooms. Private patio BBQ and garden. Donkey are superbly equipped and offer level access paddock, wildlife pond.

throughout with master bedroom and en-suite wet-room and toilet. Two twin bedrooms with 01872 530520 // enquiries@vosefarmcottages.co.uk family bathroom. Underfloor heating. Free wifi www.vosefarmcottages.co.uk with television in all bedrooms. Private patio BBQ and garden. Donkey paddock, wildlife pond. classifieds_feb_mar_16.indd 2

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Barcelona - Enabled Accessible tourism in Barcelona Tel: +34 685052628

Info@barcelona-enabled.com

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23/10/14 14:25

Cornwall. Near Truro

Accessible self-catering cottages Royal Deeside

In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park

Beautifully designed and equipped with a wide range of mobility equipment available: overhead hoists, mobile hoist/stand-aid, shower chairs, riser beds, pressure mattress & lots more........

No charge for use of mobility aids.

• • • •

Two specially converted detached cottages on a small sheep farm in mid Cornwall.

Ensuite wetrooms Electric profiling beds Air/pressure mattress Hoists

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info@crathieholidays.org.uk Scottish Charity No: SC027590

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Wheelchair-accessible holiday let Sleeps up to 6 people Secluded location just outside Poole Tetraplegic owner

Contact Becky Hill on:

Crathie Opportunity Holidays 013397 42100 www.crathieholidays.org.uk

Hill Lodge Dorset

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

Tel: 01202 630075 Email: becky@endeavour-uk.co.uk Web: www.endeavour-uk.co.uk

Please contact us for our new 2016 brochure

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29/01/2016 21:18

ability magazine

Nothing is Impossible...

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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

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

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

TheThe holidays, amazing products and issues and subscribe today! magazine magazine is filled is filled withwith useful useful articles, articles, enjoyable enjoyable stories stories andand lots lots of competitions, of competitions, including, including, the the chance chance to win to win a a

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ThisThis Like us on Facebook support in everyday living. issue issue looks looks intointo theyou the Paralympic Paralympic hopefuls hopefuls for 2012 for 2012 andand gives gives some some tipstips to those to those whowho are keen are keen to take to take a sport a sport up on up on Search for ‘PosAbility Magazine’ a serious a serious level. level.

There There is also is also an article an article on Extreme on Extreme Sports Sports for the for more more adventurous reader, a look a look at the at the Wheelchair Wheelchair Wethe look atadventurous sportsreader, and activities Challenge Challenge taking taking place place nextnext month month andand an overview an overview of the of the Mobility Mobility Roadshow.

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

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Contact Contact Details Details Address: PosAbility Magazine, Caledonia Address: Address: PosAbility PosAbility Magazine, Magazine, Woodside Woodside House, House, House, Evanton Drive, 20-2320-23 Woodside Woodside Place, Place, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, Glasgow, G3 7QF G3 Glasgow, G467QF 8JT Tel: 0141 Tel: 0141 582 1475 582 270 1475 8085

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Feb/Mar 2016

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

Outlander diesel range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 40.9 – 45.6 (6.9 – 6.2), Extra Urban 54.3 – 58.9 (5.2 – 4.8), Combined 48.7 – 53.3 (5.8 – 5.3), CO2 emissions 154 – 139g/km.

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