Enable January / February 2020

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

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GET PACKING

Prepare for an accessible trip with our top tips

DISABILITY PAY GAP

An investigation into the current disability pay gap

Sinéad Burke

January / February 2020

UNDER THE LENS

How is dementia research advancing in the new decade?

SUPPORTING CARERS Celebrating the work of young carers during YCAD

YEAR OF SPORT

2020 looks set to be the biggest year of accessible sport ever, we find out more

The disability activist opens up on the importance of change and representation

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20/12/2019 16:41

MITSUBISHI MOTABILITY SUV RANGE OUTLANDER DESIGN 4WD

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Plug-in hybrid

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Climate control air conditioning Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA)1 with Bluetooth2

Climate control air conditioning Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA)1 with Bluetooth2

Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA)1 with Bluetooth2

Pop in and see us | Visit mitsubishi-motors.co.uk to find your nearest dealer.

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Mitsubishi Range (excluding Outlander PHEV). Mpg (l/100km) (combined): 32.5 – 37.7 (8.7 – 7.5). CO₂ emissions: 169 - 154 g/km*.

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Outlander PHEV. Mpg (l/100km) (weighted combined): 139.7 (2.0). Electric energy consumption (weighted combined): 3.68 miles/ kWh. CO₂ emissions (weighted): 40 g/km*. Equivalent all-electric range: 28 miles.

The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Models shown are the Outlander Design automatic, ASX Dynamic petrol manual, Eclipse Cross Verve petrol manual and Outlander PHEV Design. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st January and 31st March 2020. 1. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC, registered in the U.S. and other countries. 2. Please note that Mitsubishi cannot guarantee compatibility with all mobile phones and Bluetooth devices with the handsfree system fitted to this vehicle. Please check with the mobile phone manufacturer for further information on compatibility. Fuel consumption, CO₂ and electric range figures shown are for comparability purposes. Outlander PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ figures shown were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Only compare fuel consumption, CO₂ and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO₂ figures. The CO₂ figures shown however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration.

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Welcome With a New Year comes an exciting new issue of your favourite disability title…

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

A

EDITOR’S PICKS...

28 UNITED AGAINST HATE CRIME Unfortunately, hate crime is still an evergrowing issue for disabled people, and it’s time for change. Find out what is being done to tackle disability hate crime.

69 TALKING INCLUSION Director Jack Thorne has been vocal about the distinct lack of disability representation in the media, Jack speaks on this topic further.

72 THE TRUTH ABOUT DISABILITY PAY GAP The Disability Pay Gap is a continued issue, but with it being brought up in the House of Lords is change imminent?

fter the festive fun, it’s back into the swing of things and we’ve got a fantastic issue of Enable for you.

Kicking off this issue, I had the great pleasure of speaking with disability activist and campaigner, Sinéad Burke on page 10.

Sinéad spoke about the importance of empathy and education in raising awareness of disability in the community and how listening will help in appreciating what makes us all unique.

Talking about our experiences is important, no more so than for carers. We speak with two young carers about their responsibilities and what they wish more people knew, or understood, in regards to life as a young carer on page 13.

Being a carer can be incredibly challenging at times and impact on mental health, but there is support.

Ahead of Time to Talk Day we went off the pitch with two prominent Edinburgh based football clubs to find out how they’re helping to facilitate the conversation around mental health on page 18. Sticking with sport, it’s going to be a big year for disability sport and representation. Head to page 23 to read all about the Paralympians going for gold at the upcoming Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games.

From switching careers to accessible holidays, we’ve got it covered. Make sure to let me know what you think of the first issue in 2020, and what you would like to see more of by emailing, editor@ dcpublishing.co.uk Get in touch Until then, I hope you enjoy. editor@enablemagazine.co.uk facebook.com/enablemagazine

Lorne Gillies, Editor

twitter.com/enablemagazine instagram.com/enablemagazine

EDITOR Lorne Gillies lorne.gillies@dcpublishing.co.uk STAFF WRITERS Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk Saskia Harper saskia.harper@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Tim Rushby-Smith Alisdair Suttie DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk

ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk

SHOW TIME

With a New Year comes new dates for the calendar. We love seeing you at shows and events, so if you see a member of the Enable team come over and say hi.

We can’t believe it! Enable was nominated Special Interest Magazine of the Year 2019 at the coveted PPA Awards for the second year in a row. Thank you for your continued support.

PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk

SALES Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk

Behind the scenes

AWARDS SEASON

COVER PRICE £3.00

DC Publishing Ltd, 198 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG Tel: 0844 249 9007

ONLINE

As always, don’t miss all the breaking news and interviews over on our website. Top read at the moment: our interview with comedian and The Last Leg presenter, Adam Hills, as he discusses disability sport.

©DC Publishing Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

WIN

An indulgent break in Cornwall with Landal Gwel an Mor Resort, on page 38

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What’s inside January/February 2020

Interview

10 AS SINÉAD BURKE Activist Sinéad Burke speaks with Enable about the importance of listening and education.

Voices

16 A SLEEPLESS NIGHT One hotel is shining a light on inaccessibility, we learn more.

26 COME FLY WITH ME Columnist Tim Rushby-Smith takes on his recent solo long-haul flight.

69 TALKING INCLUSION Director Jack Thorne discusses the lack of disability representation in the media.

82 CHALLENGING PREJUDICE We speak with the winner of the Her Abilities Award.

Care

13 SUPPORTING YOUNG CARERS Two young carers share their experiences of providing care.

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55

Health

21 IT’S TIME TO TALK Opening up on our mental health ahead of Time to Talk Day. 49 PUTTING WELLNESS FIRST Being mindful in 2020.

Spotlight

28 UNITED AGAINST HATE CRIME What is being done to reduce hate crimes?

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40 UNDER THE LENS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE A look at the research underway to help people living with dementia.

52 THE FIGHT FOR SMEAR TESTS How can we get more women to receive their smear test?

56 MOTIVATION THROUGH SPORT Sport is ending stigma in Uganda, we learn more.

Motoring

58 REVIEW: MAZDA 3 We get into gear with the Mazda 3.

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Life

30 STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY Support is always on hand, we look at local groups.

35 ON THE ADAPTED PROPERTY LADDER How to make a house a home with relevant adaptations.

44 THE DIARY The important dates to start 2020.

55 MUSIC MATTERS Releasing classical talent with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

60 TIME TO GET DIGITAL One woman shares how technological advancements have helped her independence.

62 PRODUCT ROUNDUP Don’t miss our top picks of adaptive products and support aids on the market.

Finance

32 PIP: THE INVISIBLE STRUGGLE Many disabled people are being denied the vital benefits they need, two people share their experiences of applying for PIP. 43 SAVING ENERGY TIPS Stay warm and financially stable this Big Energy Saving Week.

Employment

66 SHINING BRIGHT WITH THE STELIOS AWARD We speak with Stelios Award Winner, Victoria Nelson.

72 THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DISABILITY PAY GAP Learn how TUC are campaigning to reduce the disability pay gap.

75 MAKING THE SWITCH Change career paths in the New Year with tips from a recruitment expert.

78 A HELPING HAND Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your local community, all whilst growing your skillset.

81 BREWING A DIFFERENCE Cheers, to the brewery exclusively hiring disabled employees.

Sport

18 TALKING OFF THE PITCH Discover the football teams opening up about mental health.

23 THE YEAR OF PARALYMPIC SPORT Ahead of the Paralympic Games, get active for a year of sport.

Travel

46 TIME FOR ADVENTURE Pack your bags and prepare to explore in 2020, with our top picks of accessible destinations.

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News

THE BBC’S ANNUAL SPORTING recognition event, Sports Personality of the Year awarded two prominent disabled sport personalities during the 2019 ceremony.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who has won 16 Paralympic medals, broken 30 track records, and won the London Marathon six times, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award during

the televised event.

As a wheelchair user, Baroness GreyThompson is well known for her sporting career as a wheelchair racer. Upon receiving the award she said: “It’s been an amazing journey to see where the Paralympic movement is today. For young people today, we have to make sure they have an opportunity to get active and play sport.”

PIP benefits cut for 650,000 people FIGURES FROM THE DEPARTMENT of Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed that 650,000 disability benefit claimants had their payments cut or reduced.

The report, entitled Personal Independence Payment: Official Statistics, saw that there are 2,326,000 PIP claimants and 46 per cent of people receiving PIP after moving from DLA have lost out financially.

Similarly, 351,000 former DLA claimants saw their payments stopped completely since the launch of PIP in 2013. Figures also revealed that a further 306,000 payments have decreased.

Concerns around PIP are a continual issue amongst disabled claimants, discover more on page 32 where we speak directly to people receiving PIP.

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PIC: © BBC PICTURES

DISABILITY AWARDED DURING SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2019 Scottish rugby legend, Doddie Weir was also recognised for his career in rugby and most recently his work to help find a cure for motor neuron disease (MND). Receiving the Helen Rollason Award from the Princess Royal, Doddie was commended for the work his charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, has done to help fund research into MND treatments.

STUDENTS DESIGN APP TO HELP DEAF CLASSMATES STUDENTS HAVE WON AN Amazon competition by designing a mobile phone app to support D/deaf/HoH classmates.

Connect Hearo is a speechto-text app which is connected to a teacher’s phone with the teacher using a microphone, displaying what the teacher is saying in real-time on the student’s phone.

The competition was run by Amazon Web Services (AWS) to encourage young people to consider careers in technology, and the prize winners will see Connect Hearo developed by AWS. Once the app has been developed it will be rolled out for use in schools.

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20/12/2019 11:27

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enable news

BBC Radio 1 featured first blind presenter YOUTUBER LUCY EDWARDS HAS become the first ever blind presenter on popular station, BBC Radio 1.

Over the festive period, Lucy hosted the late morning slot on 28 and 29 December, and her guide dog, Olga was present during the broadcast.

Lucy was hired to work with Radio 1 after coming through Radio 1 and 1Xtra’s search for new presenters, which saw

PIC: © BBC PICTURES

News

35 guests take over the coveted shows during five days of the Christmas period.

Upon being announced as a Radio 1 presenter, Lucy commented: “I’m so excited to be representing the blind crew, the disabled community.

“I personally think it’s really important to stand up and be out there as a blind person saying, ‘Hey, I am really, really proud of my disability’.”

TECHNOLOGY LEADING THE WAY FOR MS CARE UK BASED CHARITY, MS SOCIETY has announced they are committed to raising £1.3 million to fund 13 new research projects, with new technologies being explored.

Projects being funded include studies exploring new technology to manage symptoms and projects to research MS progression.

Technology is being introduced in the form of wearable robots or virtual reality games to help make exercise more accessible. The research is being carried out by Dr Siva Nair from Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Amy Walker from Glasgow Caledonian University.

At the University of Nottingham, Dr Robert Dineen is investigating new methods to improve cognitive symptoms. Using magnetic devices placed to the side of the head, the technique is called intermittent theta burst stimulation.

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DEMAND FOR TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC GAMES TICKETS ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ TICKET REQUESTS FOR THE Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games has reached more than three million – with only 2.3 million tickets available.

The requests for tickets to the Paralympic Games – taking place from 25 August to 6 September – is three times the demand from the London 2012 Paralympics.

Lottery sales in early 2019 saw 600,000 allocated, since then the International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons revealed 3.1 million ticket requests have been received.

Parsons commented the demand for tickets was “unprecedented”, and highlighted the demand for the upcoming Games.

The second lottery of tickets will open from 15 to 29 January.

enablemagazine.co.uk

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20/12/2019 12:20

As Sinéad

Burke

From educating primary school students in Dublin to being the first little person to attend the Met Gala, Sinéad Burke is a teacher turned fashion guru and Vogue cover star. Having always used her voice to advocate for disability, Sinéad speaks with Lorne Gillies about the importance of empathy and inclusion in society

T

he first step to becoming more empathetic is listening. We have to listen to the experiences of others. Listen to their campaign for change, listen to what it’s like to live in another person’s shoes. This is the premise of Sinéad Burke’s debut podcast, As Me with Sinéad.

During the podcast, Sinéad sits down with celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Jamie Lee Curtis, Adwoa Aboah and more to discuss what it’s like to be them – a real, intimate take on their lives. Asking just four questions, Sinéad’s role is to listen and discover the person behind what is seen in the media.

EMPOWER

The podcast is both powerful and uplifting, with deep conversations challenging biases and deepening humanity. “[The podcast producer, from Lemonada Media and I] had this very honest conversation about me being a disabled woman and constantly asking strangers for their assistance and help in order to live independently, that has created in me an empathy,” explains Sinéad. “This isn’t in fact a weakness, it is a strength and I could be the person that harnessed those qualities within a conversation with others where they could be vulnerable and be themselves.”

During the introductory minutes in the first episode, Sinéad says: “My independence is based on stranger’s kindness.” We all strive to be independent, and discussing disability and listening to the needs of others is imperative for an inclusive society, aware

of disability.

“If you think it you can, be it,” Sinéad emphasises. “For as long as I can remember I have wanted to see my narrative reflected in a children’s book. When I was a primary school teacher I wanted to see that in the library; I wanted to have a doll that looked like me; I wanted to go to a film and see someone like me who was the protagonist and not the butt of the joke.

“In many ways some of these things have changed, but in some other ways things haven’t changed.

I think having different perspectives and people having the agency to tell their own story will not only shape their own selfportrait, but could shape the world; because, what is the potential when you realise that we are allowed to exist and our ideas are important, and that disabled people should be part of every element of society and we’re no longer only allowed to exist on the periphery, we’re allowed to be the leaders of our own life,” emphasises Sinéad.

REPRESENTATION

Through working on the podcast, conducting successful TED Talks, a career as a teacher and campaigning for change, Sinéad is achieving her ambitions and reaching her goals.

At the age of 18, Sinéad realised her love for fashion and started her own

fashion blog. In 2019, at the May Met Gala, Sinéad walked the red carpet as the first little person to ever attend the iconic event – but the move was more meaningful.

“It was never my desire to be the first at anything, and I never realised in many ways that I was the first,” says Sinéad.

“It was understanding that the Met Gala was more than just a party, it was a symbol of fashion acceptance and it was about delivering the spotlight onto people that we should be listening to, to have that influence.

“When I was younger it would have been great to see someone, who looks like me, on that red carpet because it would have given me permission to believe that I could do that, too.”

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interview

When I was younger it would have been great to see someone, who looks like me, on that red carpet

SPOTLIGHT

From the Met Gala to appearing on the cover of the September issue of British Vogue, Sinéad is campaigning to change perceptions.

She fervently adds: “It’s not good enough that in 2019 that you can still be ableist or not provide accessibility in locations. This is just a stepping point and we need to go further and listen to the voices that have been excluded.

We need to go to a model of disability.

Society needs to consider the language that we use to talk about disability, and how we treat or see disabled people and really look at disability as a form of human identity and with pride.”

Working in the spotlight, Sinéad is using her voice to advocate for change, but putting a spotlight on disability shouldn’t fall to everyone who identifies as disabled.

“It is not our job to educate the world, but I choose to be an advocate,” continues Sinéad. “I want to put my voice to good use because I don’t want to be having the same conversations in 10 or 20 years; individuals like me and many others who are leading this charge can help facilitate that.

“It’s all about individuals who want to be allies and want to educate themselves on the language and perspective of disability,” Sinéad adds. “So much of that information is available, people can go and do the research but then be encouraged to make mistakes and learn from them. Creating the space where people can ask questions is all about finding the balance of disabled people who want to participate in the dialogue,

but not feeling like they have to either.”

Education is integral if we are to live in a world where all our differences are celebrated, and not what ostracises people from different communities.

Through Sinéad’s podcast, listening to the stories of others, discussing disability and helping poeple to learn: the conversation around disability, inclusion and being empathetic to the needs of others is sure to change to create a more inclusive society.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Listen to As Me with Sinéad on Apple Podcast (podcasts.apple.com) and follow Sinéad’s journey on Instagram (@thesineadburke).

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21/01/2019 12:06:30 20/12/2019 15:08

enable care

Supporting

YOUNG CARERS It is estimated there are around 700,000 young carers in the UK. Despite the high number of children and young people looking after their loved one, it can be difficult to find support as a young carer In her penultimate year of high school, Jennifer is a young carer for her two younger brothers who both have level three severe autism.

Isla

LONELINESS

Being a young carer teaches you skills that your peers might not have while looking after your loved one. As over a third of young carers aged between 11 and 18 in the UK feel that giving up their time to care for someone impacts on their mental health, it is vital that they receive the right guidance.

Explaining what a young carer is and what kind of responsibilities you have as a young carer can help your friends to understand and combat any feelings of loneliness.

“It can impact a lot on my social life and sometimes it makes me feel like I’m alone, even though I know I’m not,” adds Isla. “I’m very lucky to have friends who understand.”

“I’m very lucky to

have friends who understand

“

I

n the UK a young carer is someone who is under 18 and helps to look after a family member, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol.

Being a young carer is extremely rewarding, but it is important to look after yourself, too. Isla, who is 19, and Jennifer, who is 16, have both been young carers for many years.

Young carers’ responsibilities vary depending on who they care for. Isla cares for her Nana who has anxiety and depression, making sure she eats, drinks, takes her medication and is able to leave the house.

Isla is currently a bakery student at college and balances her time between her work and her caring role. She is also a group leader at East Ayrshire Young Carers (www.eastayrshirecarers.org.uk), giving her the chance to support other young people in a similar situation to herself.

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Jennifer

Although Jennifer finds that her friends sometimes don’t fully understand her caring responsibilities, she knows she can be open about them at Edinburgh Young Carers (www.youngcarers.org. uk), a respite group with young carers in a similar position. “[It] is a respite group with other young carers to have a break from home and spend time with friends who are in similar situations like myself,” enthuses Jennifer. “The staff are very polite and sweet, you can have one-toone talks with them about anything you would like to get off your chest or need help with.”

Jennifer also attends a youth music club where she has singing lessons and spends time with friends, along with a multicultural family base group. With this group, Jennifer is supported in her young caring role.

Along with being a group leader at East Ayrshire Young Carers, Isla also has the opportunity to relax and chat to other leaders about her caring responsibilities and life in general.

“We also go away on respite once or twice a year depending on what’s available,” explains Isla. “It’s just a week or so to relax and not have to worry about our caring role.”

Carers Trust and Carers UK (www. carersuk.org) can help young carers find local support groups in their area, to ensure carers have somewhere to turn to for advice on providing care or managing their experiences.

Currently, young carers have to be 16 to apply for Carer’s Allowance: financial support for young carers who spend at least 35 hours a week in their caring position.

Through awareness and improved information on the vital work young carers do, carers have the chance to be greater supported.

CELEBRATE

Young Carers Awareness Day (YCAD) is an opportunity to teach people of all ages about the role of young carers.

This year, YCAD will take place on 30 January. It is a way to celebrate young carers and the amazing work they do to help their loved ones.

“It’s a day dedicated to us, it’s a day we should be speaking out and telling our stories on,” recommends Isla.

“These days are big for us to try and band together.”

Days like this are vital for raising awareness of what being a young carer is about, and how many young people in the UK are in a caring role.

“It’s a wonderful time to spend moments with friends and family, get to know each other’s stories since everyone has a story, and I think it’s nice to communicate and understand each other,” explains Jennifer.

“

I think spreading awareness about young carers is crucial to get young people thinking

“

RESPITE

This YCAD take time to find out about the support you are entitled to as a young carer or to share your story to support others and the loved ones you care for.

CHANGE

The assistance available for other young carers is something that both Isla and Jennifer want to see improve.

In the future Jennifer would like to see more education for teachers and other young people to give them a better understanding of what a young carer is.

With hopes to study criminal psychology at university, Jennifer also wants to see an improved application system for young carers who wish to go into higher education.

“Entry requirements are very specific and hard to achieve,” explains Jennifer.

“For someone like me who strives to be a higher achiever but somehow doesn’t make it, it is really frustrating.”

Isla also wants to see more support for young carers under the age of 16, like she has had from her carers group.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Carers Trust (www.carers.org) organise Young Carers Awareness Day every year, visit the website to find out more.

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20/12/2019 11:29

Apply for money for training If you employ your own care and support using a direct payment from health or social care, or your own money, you can apply for money for training.

The money can be used to pay for training to develop the skills of your personal assistants and to improve your knowledge as an employer.

It can pay for the direct cost of training and qualifications, travel costs and the cost of hiring replacement support whilst your usual PA is attending training.

It can be used for different types of training like moving and assisting, first aid, communication, dementia awareness, diabetes awareness, risk assessments, skills for employers, and qualifications.

Apply now: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/iefunding

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20/12/2019 14:59:24 20/12/2019 15:13

enable voices

A Sleepless night hristopher Samuel has always been interested in art and design, and completed his degree in fine art in 2017. When the opportunity arose to design a hotel room for the Art B&B in Blackpool, Christopher knew it would be a chance to raise awareness about the physical barriers faced by disabled people on a daily basis.

Christopher in his studio

PICS: © DANIELLE BOWER; CLAIRE GRIFFITHS; BRIGITA SKOPAITE

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You have to scramble into the bed. You can’t close the bathroom door because the toilet is in the way. The shower gel dispenser is upside down. You’re at Welcome Inn – the hotel room raising awareness about inaccessibility

INSPIRATION

After being made technically homeless, Christopher was forced into accepting emergency accommodation in inaccessible hotel rooms. Unable to sleep in the bed, reach light switches and plug sockets, or use the bathroom, he decided to use his experience as the inspiration for his Art B&B design.

“When I was thinking about the design of the room, it was a no-brainer,” Christopher explains. “I immediately thought about what the experience was for other disabled people, so I wanted to create something that others could engage with and experience.”

Through his adaptations, a night or two at the Welcome Inn room forces people to confront the access issues that disabled people face daily, and examine how simple changes could make the world more accessible for all.

ADAPTATIONS

“The highlight is seeing the work take on its own life and people engaging with the work, discovering things that are slightly out of place,” says Christopher.

“Apart from the bed, it’s not overtly obvious what’s been manipulated. So, when people visit, they are thinking about accessibility and how that relates to them.”

Though Christopher was clear about the adaptations he wanted to make, the process came with its own challenges.

With strict health and safety regulations to abide by, the artist had to work out exactly how to make the room hazardfree, while also being as user unfriendly as possible to showcase the barriers to access.

16

I wanted to create something that others could engage with and experience for themselves “I had to work out how exactly to make it safe, but also authentic,” Christopher continues. “That was challenging, coming up with a design that worked aesthetically but also did the job I wanted it to do. But, it was quite easy for me to recall different things that I and other disabled people encounter on a daily basis.”

POWER

Art has the power to start meaningful conversations about important issues, and raise awareness in a creative way that everyone can understand. Not only is Christopher raising the profile of disabled artists, but the wider issues that affect the disabled community, too.

“I’m not going to change the world,” Christopher concludes. “But through people experiencing inaccessibility firsthand, they will go on and tell others about their experience and that will have a knock-on effect.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about Art B&B, or to book a stay at the Welcome Inn room, visit www.artbb.org

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Talking off the pitch

One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health condition in a year. Mental health conditions can be debilitating and isolating, with more men struggling in silence.

Now two Scottish football teams are going into the changing room with one main goal: to promote men’s mental health

M

en are two-and-a-half times more likely to die by suicide in Scotland. Across the UK, 84 men die by suicide each week – that’s one man every two hours.

The time for change is now, and The Changing Room is one initiative looking to encourage men to speak out in order to break down stigma and reduce the number of deaths.

Using football to bring men together, The Changing Room – in partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), SPFL Trust and funded by the Movember Foundation – is going off the pitch and behind the scenes at two prominent stadiums in Edinburgh.

OPENNESS

“Men aren’t great at talking about how they feel, and we know that talking is one of the first steps to better mental health,” emphasises Christopher Nicolson, The Changing Room project manager. “We need men to open up in environments they feel comfortable in, and to people they can relate to.

The Changing Room is using football to bring men together to have a laugh and some banter, but also to get what’s really bothering them off their chests.”

Based in Tynecastle Park – the home of Heart of Midlothian Football Club – and Easter Road – Hibernian Football Club’s stadium – The Changing Room is a free, 12-week course, which runs sessions at both locations.

Sessions include walking football, guest motivational speakers, drop-in sessions for new and existing members, and 18

mental health awareness gatherings.

There are many initiatives working to change how people think and act about mental health problems, having a network of non-judgemental support is an imperative step in the right direction – especially when it comes to living with the sometimes debilitating aspects of mental health conditions.

NETWORK

Christopher continues: “The Changing Room provides men with a strong support network in a welcoming and comfortable environment – men who otherwise might not talk about their feelings, or have anywhere to turn when they’re struggling.” And for Bryan, The Changing Room at Hearts Football Club has been a saving point on more than one occasion.

As a lifelong Hearts supporter, Bryan was initially apprehensive about sharing his thoughts and feelings with a group of strangers, but due to the safe, recognisable environment, Bryan and his peers soon started talking.

“At the time Hearts weren’t doing that well and it was great for everyone to be able to have a bit of a moan about that first – it was a real icebreaker,” remembers Bryan. “After a while everyone started opening up and talking, and it felt like it was a safe environment.

“It’s great that the programme takes place at the stadium as it’s a place of meaning to Hearts supporters. Getting along to sessions is easier as we already have that connection to the stadium,”

The Changing Room at Hibernian FC, Easter Road

adds Bryan. “Tynecastle Park is my escape on a Saturday, and it’s became a home for me in the week as well.”

BREAKING BARRIERS

Having lived and struggled with depression on and off for several years, Bryan had never sought help for it until participating in The Changing Room.

With figures highlighting the impact depression or suicidal thoughts can have on men – suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 45 and under – having more establishments and initiatives such as The Changing Room can quite literally save lives.

“Earlier this year I hit another low point and made another plan to end my life,” says Bryan openly. “But when I remembered that I had arranged to see the lads from The Changing Room that night, I turned the car around and went to see them instead. I told them what I had nearly done, and although they were shocked, they were all very supportive.

“I still have my good and bad days, but now I have a network of people I can turn to if I’m having a tough time and a ‘toolbox’ of techniques to help

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me cope with difficult times,” Bryan continues. “Getting outside and taking a walk helps and I’ve now got two dogs who are like therapy for me. Taking up yoga (which is something I never would have considered in the past) has been fantastic for both my physical and mental health.”

There are many methods in place to ensure people are supported with their mental health. For Bryan, and his peers at both Hearts and Hibs, utilising

The Changing Room provides men with a strong support network

PICS: ©WARREN MEDIA 2018

HELPING HAND

Heart of Midlothian team captain Christophe Berra

the fact there is a supportive network alongside the training courses and sessions is key. However, there is still a distinct need to encourage people to speak out.

Men are less likely to ask for help, and for others, such as people living with a learning disability, it can be hard to find the right support or guidance.

That is why initiatives such as The Changing Room are so important and vital – having a community on hand to turn to when times are tough is a step in the right direction for vital guidance

and breaking barriers.

For anyone struggling to open up, Bryan fervently advises: “Getting support does take a massive weight off your shoulders. It is also a massive step for anyone to make and when you do, you should be proud for doing so.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Head to The Changing Room (hearts.thechangingroom.org.uk and hibs.thechangingroom.org.uk), SAMH (www.samh.org.uk) and CALM (www.thecalmzone.net) for support.

enablemagazine.co.uk

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enable health

IT’S TIME TO

TALK

We all have mental health, but when mental health turns into an illness the stigma is still ever present. Ahead of Time to Talk Day, discover why opening up is nothing to be ashamed of

E

very year, Time to Talk Day campaigns on how we think, act and talk about mental health.

Unfortunately, for one in four people in the UK who experience a mental health condition each year, the taboo still stands.

Mark Dale, knows first-hand the stigma that surrounds mental illness and the importance of speaking openly, when the time is right for you.

DIAGNOSIS

After losing his mother and father over a close number of years at a young age, Mark experienced the emotions related to grief and depression. For Mark, it wasn’t long before his feelings of depression escalated. Living with extreme highs, lows and lucidity, Mark was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and psychosis.

“The rest is history, I suppose,” says Mark. “I’m still living with my Mexican wave – I do this because on the football pitch when you do the wave you go up and down, and that’s what I’m like sometimes.”

STIGMA

The stigma surrounding mental illness can impact work, education and relationships. “What brought it all very close to home was my old friend from way back in primary school,” continues Mark. After Mark’s friend visited him in hospital, Mark assumed everything was fine with their friendship, however, the pair have not spoken since.

This stigma can have a detrimental impact – even on friendships – but

You don’t change, you just become unwell.

“If we started to talk, then people would actually have a better understanding of mental health,” enthuses Mark. “Really, we should start talking as openly about mental health issues; when you start talking it can become an everyday conversation.”

During Time to Talk Day, the onus is on reaching out to show that you are Mark with Jonny Benjamin MBE there for your loved ones, colleagues and others who may be struggling to talk about their emotions. No-one making a change in how we see should feel that they have and perceive mental health nobody to turn to, and Time and illness all comes down to Talk Day – from charity to opening up.

Time to Talk Time to Change – focusses on how talking can Day will take TALK change lives.

Mark emphasises: place on Mark adds: “Everyone “There is a big 6 February has mental health, just misunderstanding like physical health. The 2020 around mental health. only problem that arises is Even though I do have when mental health becomes a diagnosis and I take an illness. One of my big wishes medication, and sometimes I for Time to Talk Day is for people have good days or bad days: the to embrace mental illness. Don’t be misunderstanding is that I’ve not frightened and don’t be ashamed. I changed. I’ve not grown another head. guarantee that it will be something well worth taking part in because it opens up debate, and you’ll feel better for it.”

How will you start the conversation this Time to Talk Day?

If we started to talk, then people would actually have a better understanding of mental health

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Support and conversation starter packs are available from Time to Change (www.time-to-change.org.uk).

For further assistance contact Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) on 116 123.

Read the extended interview over on the website, www.enablemagazine.co.uk enablemagazine.co.uk

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Everyone’s situation is unique so we provide legal advice to suit you Our specialist team of Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, and Community Care lawyers are passionate about solving complex problems and delivering solutions for children and adults living with an injury, illness or disability. We want to do the best for you and want to make a difference to your life and to the lives of the loved ones around you.

Our Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team can support you with claims arising out of range of different injuries such as: ●

Brain Injury

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We understand that access to rehabilitation and treatment, or education, health and social care provision capable of meeting a need for care and support is vital for the injured person and their family. We have access to the very best rehabilitation services and medical treatment providers in the country and will utilise our contacts to provide you with the best possible rehabilitation.

Our Personal Injury and Medical Negligence lawyers work collaboratively with our Community Care team to ensure that we support individuals and their loved ones to access statutory services until such time as we can agree an interim payment or settlement of your claim.

Our Community Care team can support you with the following: ●

Accessing special educational provision through an EHCP or providing support to challenge refusals to amend or an issue an EHCP.

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Accessing NHS Funded Care packages such as NHS Continuing Healthcare, the NHS Funded Nursing Contribution, a jointly funded package of care, or Section 117 Aftercare. We can support you to challenge decisions not to provide NHS funded care along with help to negotiate care packages.

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Support with all aspects of mental capacity, including both property and financial, along with health & welfare matters.

Tim Blackwell | Partner Tim is head of the personal injury and clinical negligence team. He has over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of personal injury litigation involving catastrophic and fatal injury.

He has particular experience in dealing with cases involving brain and spinal injury and injuries arising out of clinical negligence.

Tim is recognised and accredited by the Law Society (Personal Injury Panel) and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (Senior Litigator).

Tim has extensive experience of dealing with cases in all Courts and tribunals including the Court of Appeal, High Court and Coroners Court.

Tim is passionate about securing the very best possible rehabilitation for his clients and the maximum financial recovery possible to ensure their financial security.

Paula Barnes | Partner Paula is a senior qualified solicitor and partner with over 25 years’ experience in clinical negligence, community care and public law matters.

Paula undertakes clinical negligence claims at all levels, including catastrophic brain damage cases, cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury and spinal injury cases. Paula has experience in dealing with claims in a variety of fields of medicine. She has been extensively involved in the management of claims in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Coroners Court. Paula has a reputation for total dedication to client care and has regularly obtained large awards of compensation through negotiation, court proceedings and mediation on behalf of victims of medical accidents. Her clients are often the most vulnerable in society; the elderly, disabled and children.

For effective legal advice, please contact us now on:

0330 053 9756 | claim@LA-law.com | www.lesteraldridge.com

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19/12/2019 16:34

PIC: ©TOKYO 2020

enable sport

THE YEAR OF

PARALYMPIC SPORT

2020 is going to be another exciting year for disability sport, with adrenaline-fuelled events taking place around the world. From the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, to the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, we’re spotlighting some of the year’s must-see sports

Y

ear after year, disability sport continues to shine, with athletes showcasing their unique talents and strengths across the wide range of disciplines. 2020 will be no different, with exciting events occurring throughout the year.

TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

With less than eight months to go, preparations are well underway ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games. Possibly the most highly anticipated sporting event of 2020, the

Tokyo Games will take place from 25 August until 6 September.

The event is the second of three consecutive Games to take place in Asia, following the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games and ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

56 years after first hosting the Paralympic Games in 1964, Tokyo will once again welcome athletes from around the world to push themselves to the next level of elite sport.

Tokyo expects 4,400 athletes from across 22 sports to compete in around 540 sporting events. The event will see badminton and taekwondo make their

Paralympic debut, joining the likes of athletics, judo, powerlifting, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair tennis.

Renowned for being a city of innovation, Tokyo has this ethos embedded into every aspect of the Paralympic Games. The gold silver and bronze medals awarded to athletes will be made of scrap metal: in Japan it’s illegal to throw away household appliances, as they can be recycled and salvaged.

Not only does this lend itself to Tokyo’s pioneering culture, but it will also ensure the Paralympic Games is doing its bit to combat the climate

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crisis.

In December, it was revealed that there have been over three million requests for tickets to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in the initial lottery phase. This is three times the initial demand for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. With 2.3 million tickets available for the various events across the city, the enthusiasm surrounding the Paralympic events is evident.

PARALYMPIC EVENTS

Ahead of Tokyo 2020, numerous sporting events will take place – many of which will decide the teams that will qualify for a place in the Paralympics.

Kicking off the year, January will see wheelchair tennis take centre stage, in Australia, with the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championship taking place in Canada, too.

In February, the World Paraswimming World Series will begin, with the fourth stage taking place in Sheffield in April. Also coming to the UK in February is the World Para Powerlifting World Cup. This will be the first ever Para Powerlifting World

Cup to take place in the UK, and will showcase the talent of the world’s top powerlifters.

March will see the World Para Athletics Grand Prix launch in Dubai, rounding off an exciting start to 2020’s sporting calendar.

TEAM GB

2020 is gearing up to be Team GB’s biggest year yet, with over 370 athletes expected to take part in the Tokyo Paralympics.

Though qualifying is still underway in many sports, we do already know that Team GB will be making their way to Tokyo to compete in a variety of different events.

So far, the British Paralympic team have qualified to take part in cycling, equestrian, shooting and wheelchair rugby. The British women’s wheelchair basketball team have also qualified for Tokyo 2020 after winning a silver medal at the 2019 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships.

With a variety of sporting events taking place ahead of the Paralympics, there are plenty of opportunities for athletes to qualify for the biggest event in the disability sporting calendar.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Prepare for Tokyo 2020 by visiting, tokyo2020.org and to find out more about the Paralympic sport movement, visit www.paralympic.org

Comedian and host of The Last Leg, Adam Hills, spoke exclusively to Enable about the launch of the UK’s Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), and how 2020 is gearing up to be a great year for disability sport After being involved with rugby since he was young, Adam decided to form the UK’s very first PDRL, to enable those with physical disabilities to try their hand at the sport. The creation of the league has been followed by a Channel 4 documentary – Adam Hills: Take His Legs – showcasing the transformational effect sport can have.

“That’s been the biggest thing for me, seeing some of the guys turn up who were quite self-conscious, hiding their disability, even finding it hard to engage in conversation – seeing them come out of their shells and blossom as people to become more

confident,” enthuses Adam. “It was one of the unexpected consequences of the process: watching everyone’s self-confidence grow and watching the mental health benefits.”

Sport has numerous physical benefits and is a great way of keeping fit. However, the mental benefits are overwhelming, contributing to improved self-esteem, decreased stress and anxiety, and creating enduring friendships.

“We’re hoping that on the lead up to the Paralympics there is more interest put on disability sport, and we’re getting interest from networks across the world who work with the Paralympics,” Adam continues.

“Although PDRL isn’t a Paralympic sport as of yet, it’s disability sport and it’s great for showing off what it’s all about. Hopefully this can all feed into each other during 2020.”

Adam’s message is clear: sport is for everyone, regardless of experience and ability and there is a sport with your name on it. With 2020’s sporting events just around the corner, how will you get involved?

PIC: © CHANNEL 4 IMAGES

TALKING SPORT WITH ADAM HILLS

24 enablemagazine.co.uk

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20/12/2019 14:49

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17/12/2019 16:52

enable voices

Tim Rushby-Smith

Come fly with me Travelling with a disability has its hurdles. Our columnist, Tim Rushby-Smith looks back at a recent long-haul flight he took from Sydney to London, solo

S

top me if you’ve heard it before: Company makes bold claim about equity of access to services. The reality turns out to be a disappointingly familiar combination of untrained staff and inadequate facilities.

Ring any bells? I’ve certainly been there on many occasions, and so it was that I faced the prospect of a solo flight from Sydney to London with some trepidation.

security and into shopping hell.

Arriving at the gate ahead of time, and staff help me onto the aircraft using an aisle chair. I put my wheelchair cushion into the overhead compartment, and sit on two layers of sheepskin to give me a bit of extra pressure relief. I would sit on my wheelchair cushion, but as I am six foot three, this puts the headrest between my shoulder blades, hence the sheepskin.

SOLO

IN TRANSIT

I stacked the odds in my favour as best I could (I can’t afford business class), opting for an airline I have flown with before, and factored in a six hour lay-over at Singapore’s Changi Airport, reserving a room in the transit hotel. All of this I have done before, but this time I was flying solo, which meant a greater dependence on ‘special assistance’.

From check-in, where I was directed to the fast-track desk, to checking in bags and a tag attached to my wheelchair, I make my way through

I have an indwelling catheter for the flight, with a large volume legbag, but I ask to use the bathroom midway through the flight – partly out of boredom. The flight attendant brings an aisle chair, and we head down to the rear of the aircraft (an A380 Airbus, which is my preferred option), where some origami-like trickery involving hinged walls transforms one of the bathrooms into a space large enough to accommodate the aisle chair alongside.

Back to my seat, a movie or two later

and we land in Singapore. I am last off the plane, my wheelchair is waiting for me at the door, and I transfer into it, before being accompanied by a member of the groundstaff all the way to the transit hotel.

Feeling refreshed, I follow a similar sequence to get into my seat for the London leg. We land and I am last off, before being escorted through 100 miles of corridors around Heathrow Airport, through the fast-track immigration lane and into the baggage hall. We collect my bag and I am escorted through customs and out to a tearful family reunion.

In case you are curious, I flew with Singapore Airlines (other airlines are available, but I feel it’s important to highlight when companies do well, not just the horror stories). The experience was good. A bit dull, as far as anecdotes are concerned, I know. But sometimes it’s nice when life is dull. It feels, well… normal.

“

I feel it’s important to highlight when companies do well

“

Beyond The Break, by Darren Longbottom and Tim Rushby-Smith is published by Ebury Press in Australia and is available internationally as an eBook

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Do you have speech or movement problems?

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United Response is an award-winning charity with over 40 years experience supporting people with disabilities and mental health needs.

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We’ve been cheering at the sidelines as they’ve celebrated passing exams, first jobs and moving into their own homes. We’ve even donned a hat for the odd wedding or two.

We’ve witnessed the heart-stopping moment when someone who’s been voiceless for a decade is finally given the means to communicate and say ‘yes’ - or just as empowering, ‘no’.

Find out how we could help you: 0800 0884 377 get.support@unitedresponse.org.uk www.unitedresponse.org.uk

Registered charity no. 265249

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United

against

Hate crime Over the past three years the number of disability hate crimes reported to the police has continued to rise, but successful prosecutions have fallen to a low of three per cent in the last year. For the disabled community, what needs to change?

A

disability hate crime is a criminal offence which is considered by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability, or perceived disability.

With greater awareness of hate crimes in recent years there was hopes that prosecutions would rise and the number of offences would decrease.

Instead, the number of hate crimes committed has steadily increased over the last three years, rising by 54 per cent from 2016-17 to 2018-19.

UNDERSTANDING

Along with raising awareness, it is imperative that the impact of hate crimes is understood. Joanne Silkstone, learning and development manager at United Response (www.unitedresponse. org.uk) says: “We are campaigning hard to raise awareness of an increase in these crimes, but also the impact they have on victims – many of whom are among the most vulnerable people in society.”

The charity provides a range of support services for adults and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism or mental health needs. As the number of hate crimes has risen in recent years the charity has worked alongside the police and campaigned for change.

“We hear of the devastation these crimes can cause from victims themselves, but also their loved ones,” explains Joanne. “Greater awareness of

the impact of disability hate crimes is a critical step towards stamping them out once and for all.”

Alongside people who could be victim to a hate crime and their loved ones, educating the general public is key. Joanne believes that awareness training in businesses and schools could help teach people how to interact with the disabled community and truly involve everyone in society.

“This could be the starting point to transforming behaviours and empowering people with learning disabilities to be fully included in their communities and living without fear,” emphasises Joanne. “This is a societal issue and so we all have a role to play in helping to end it.”

Without inclusion from other people in society, people with a disability will continue to experience social isolation.

“If people do not feel safe where they live, they will not be able to feel confident in accessing community facilities such as shops and pubs,” explains Joanne. “This can lead to seclusion within their own homes which might then bring about further risk of abuse from isolation.”

EMPOWERMENT

Across the same three years the number of charges or prosecutions has fallen by 21 per cent, a concerning figure in contrast to the crimes reported. Fewer than four per cent of all hate crimes reported in the past three years have resulted in a successful prosecution.

“It may be too simplistic to say that such a rise in crimes – and across such a scale – is because of more people coming forward,” stresses Joanne. “It would be wrong to not look at the root issues behind these disturbing figures – especially against the backdrop of dwindling charges or prosecutions and increased repeat offenders.

“This is a much deeper societal issue and one which is becoming increasingly apparent across a range of hate crime strands.”

Due to the rise in reporting hate crimes, but a drop in the prosecution of hate crimes, there is growing concern that victims and witnesses are less likely to come forward for fear their experiences will not receive adequate justice.

“Victims of disability hate crime

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spotlight

This is a societal issue and so we all have a role to play in helping to end it

can sometimes lack the confidence in coming forward to report their experiences to the authorities,” explains Joanne. “Sometimes they don’t even realise they have been a victim of hate crime.”

Giving information about hate crimes is an issue for wider society, but this could give victims the confidence to report a crime when it happens, leading to a higher number of prosecutions.

“It is crucial to equip people with disabilities with the knowledge they need to stand up to bullies,” says Joanne. “This is all about education and empowerment – educating victims, witnesses and even criminals on the nature and impact of disability hate crimes, but also empowering those who are targeted to speak out and report incidents to the authorities.”

ACCESS

Confidence can only grow if victims of and witnesses to hate crime are given the opportunity to report a crime in a comfortable environment.

Dedicated reporting hubs where reports can be made anonymously are a step towards making this a reality, Joanne says: “Dedicated hubs in the heart of local communities, like ours in Leeds, can help empower more victims or witnesses of disability hate crimes to come forward and report offences in confidence.

“This anonymity could be key in helping to educate the authorities and help them gather intelligence.”

People with disabilities also need to be made aware of the resources available to them, like easy read information on hate crimes.

“This is currently a significant barrier to criminals being given the punishments they deserve – especially in the context of a dramatic rise in repeat offenders,” stresses Joanne.

“More widely, we want the authorities to make the process of reporting and convicting disability hate crimes more accessible and less daunting for victims.”

Without change to the current reporting system, the empowerment of victims, and education on hate crimes for the general public, the number of hate crimes will continue to rise.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have been a victim to or witnessed a hate crime contact your local police department. In an emergency always call 999.

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enable life

Strength in

Community Coping with the symptoms of a disability can feel lonely if your loved ones don’t understand or you don’t want them to worry. Local support groups are a lifeline, providing support, advice and a listening ear in times of need

L

ocal support groups are an opportunity to come together with people in a similar situation to yourself, who understand what you are experiencing. Often organised by disability-specific charities and organisations, support groups in your local area will be run by volunteers, charity employees or experts in a particular disability.

GUIDANCE

Support groups in your local area are a place to get practical and emotional guidance from experts and people in a similar situation to you. This could include activities, events or just an opportunity to chat once a week.

It is estimated that one in four people with a disability feel lonely every day.

Along with support from professionals and group leaders, support groups give you an opportunity to make new connections with people in a similar situation. This in turn combats feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

Simply realising that you are not the only one in a particular situation and that there are people to turn to can go a long way to reducing these feelings.

Becoming aware of the resources and support available to you will also make you feel less alone, giving you somewhere to turn to voice any concerns about your disability or other issues.

You could also help to support someone who has recently acquired a disability. By sharing your experiences and advice you could put their mind at ease and reduce any stress that could exacerbate their condition.

FAMILY

Local support groups aren’t just for the person with an illness or disability, they can help family and friends understand your situation. Attending a support group is a great way for loved ones to learn about a disability from people who have been through it before. In these situations they will learn helpful facts and information about your condition, leaving them better placed to support you and themselves.

This support and reassurance can help loved ones to come to terms with a diagnosis and through this, better support the person with a disability or illness. This can be especially helpful for family members who have taken on a caring role and want to speak about any concerns or questions they have.

Attending a support group is a great way for loved ones to learn about a disability

EMPATHY

Surrounded by people who understand your condition, local support groups are an ideal place to discuss symptoms, treatments and worries that will fall on an empathetic ear. In these situations, you can be more open about any concerns or questions you don’t want to share with your loved ones in order to reduce the amount they worry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Local support groups are run by disability charities throughout the UK. Mencap (www.mencap.org.uk) and Scope (www.scope.org.uk) provide search tools to find your closest group.

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08/11/2019 15:51 10:59 20/12/2019

PIP: THE INVISIBLE STRUGGLE Across the UK, 4.6 million people are currently claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP), but people with an invisible illness or disability are being denied the funding they desperately need. Two women reveal their struggle to access the benefit

A

fter Liz Gumbley was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1998, she began receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), a benefit which is now being phased out and replaced

by PIP. The qualifying conditions for PIP and DLA differentiate, meaning that for some who were on the enhanced rate of DLA, they may be entitled to more or less than they were receiving before, or may not be entitled to anything at all.

Liz was called to her PIP assessment in 2015, but it was clear her assessor did not understand the complex nature of MS. “I was assessed by a physiotherapist,” Liz explains. “When I asked what he knew about MS he said his friend worked with people who have MS. Unless I had written evidence for what I said, he didn’t take any notice of it. I’d taken evidence from my own physio and MS nurses but, of course, they don’t know what goes on at home.”

Liz had asked for the assessment to take place in her home, but her request was denied.

INVISIBLE

For people who live with an invisible illness or hidden disability, the PIP application and assessment process doesn’t always take their symptoms into account. Leading charities such as the MS Society and the RNIB have called for the government to make the claims process fairer, and consider the different barriers preventing people

with invisible conditions and disabilities from receiving the money they need to survive.

MS is a condition that fluctuates, and no two people experience the same symptoms: one day a person’s symptoms may flare up, while the next, they are having a better day.

This is rarely considered during the PIP claiming process: if someone with MS is having a ‘good’ day in terms of their symptoms on the day of their assessment, this could, unfairly, work against their favour.

Sahar Hadi-Osseili has also experienced the PIP claims process first-hand. Being registered partially sighted, Sahar was also receiving DLA indefinitely, before having to apply to PIP when it was first introduced. When the time came for her to reapply two years later, Sahar was told she was no longer eligible to receive the benefit, despite the fact that her condition had remained the same and hadn’t improved since her initial claim two years prior.

“I felt excluded from two societies, the disabled and non-disabled society,” Sahar remembers. “I was looking for a job and was being discriminated against because I was declaring my disability on the application form. Then PIP turned around and reject me as a disabled person. You just think, ‘where do I belong? Where do I get help from?’”

Sahar’s PIP appeal was successful, however for Liz, she didn’t want to appeal her decision, for fear her benefit would be cut rather than increased.

“It was recommended I go for an

appeal,” Liz says. “But, with the months it took me to fill in the forms the first time, and to go through the assessment and not to be believed, I was at rock bottom and said I wasn’t going any further.”

ASSESSMENT

Like Liz, Sahar was assessed by a physiotherapist, as opposed to an assessor who specialised in visual impairments. In the reports both women received about their assessment, both were told they looked presentable, and were dressed appropriately for the environment – both seemingly included in the report to reach a conclusion about their eligibility.

“In my report, it was written that I was observed picking up a mediumsized handbag to remove a purse,” Liz continues. “To the assessor, the fact I could pick up a handbag meant I could cook a meal.”

“I want someone to understand my

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condition – if they don’t understand, they can’t possibly make the right decision,” Sahar urges. “They cannot assess if they don’t have a background in that particular condition. They have to assign the right person with the right background for the right condition.”

ENTITLED

Charities across the country are working hard to ensure those who are eligible for PIP gain what they’re entitled to. The MS Society and the RNIB are just two of these charities, who were able to assist Liz and Sahar with their claims.

“If it hadn’t been for the RNIB and their support, I wouldn’t have gone through with the appeal and tribunal process,” Sahar says. “It was the input and effort they put into my case that made my claim a success.”

Both charities are campaigning for the PIP process to be made fairer and more accessible, with significant

success: the RNIB report a 96 per cent success rate at PIP appeals, gaining their clients their statutory entitlement.

RNIB want to see the system changed so that people with sight loss aren’t facing additional barriers to getting the financial support they need to live full and independent lives.

This includes making sure benefit application forms and correspondence are accessible and the quality of DWP decision-making is improved to ensure those claiming PIP receive their entitlement first time around, and can avoid the appeals process altogether.

Currently 68 per cent of PIP appeals are granted in favour of the claimant, meaning the system clearly isn’t working in favour of disabled people to receive the vital funding and support that people may rely upon. It can only be hoped that with the tireless work of charities and individuals raising awareness, the reform to PIP that is so urgently required is not far in coming.

To the assessor, the fact I could pick up a handbag meant I could cook a meal

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To get guidance and expert backing during your PIP claim, contact MS Society (www.mssociety.org.uk) and the RNIB Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999 (www.rnib.org.uk). The Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en) can also provide impartial advice on benefit eligibility.

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On the adapted property ladder Taking the time to find the right assistance, information and property can make a world of difference when searching for your accessible accommodation. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of property specialists on hand to make a house a home

PROPERTY SEARCH Specialist estate agents can take the stress out of searching for your new home.

PLG Consultants (www.plg.uk) specialise in finding suitable disability properties that fit individual clients’ needs. Along with adaptations and accessibility needs, PLG take your personal taste and other requirements into account.

Branch Properties (www. branchproperties.co.uk) also run a specialised service to help meet the accommodation needs of disabled people whether you’re looking to rent or buy. The family-run business was set up due to the challenges of finding a disabled relative the right accessible home, so they understand the barriers you might encounter.

Looking for reviews of building factors or landlords can also be helpful if you are looking at properties with lifts or other essential means of access that will need maintenance.

When searching for a property consider what work will have to be undertaken to complete adaptations. If this will include structural change it is important to find out if you will require planning permission.

MODIFICATIONS Regardless if you are looking to rent or buy it is essential to think about all of the adaptations you will need before you start your search. If you are moving with a disabled child don’t just think about the adaptations they need right now, think about the adaptations they may need as they get older.

Space, storage for specialist equipment and specialist facilities should all be considered. Once you have started your search and begin to view properties don’t compromise on your list or be afraid to ask questions.

Understanding what adaptations you will be able to make upfront will save disappointment or frustration in the future.

View properties as many times as you need, and take along someone you trust or an expert like a builder if you are planning to make large, permanent adaptations to a property. When buying a property, the home report could

highlight essential features that are relevant to your adaptations like if any rooms have been changed previously or if structural updates are already needed.

Along with permanent adaptations like widening doors, lowering countertops, installing a wet room or moving light switches and sockets, semi-permanent adaptations can be just as effective.

Some common semi-permanent adaptations include grab rails which are attached to walls using suction cups, portable ramps, additional lighting and bed risers.

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£

FUNDING

The idea of funding an adaptation can be daunting but there are schemes and grants available to remove this pressure. Your local council (www. gov.uk) should pay for each adaptation that costs less than £1,000. This usually includes things like grab rails, concrete ramps or steps, and lights that come on when someone is at the front door.

For more expensive adaptations, like fitting a wet room or widening doors, you could apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (www.gov.uk). The amount you get to cover home adaptations will vary depending on your household income and savings.

You can apply for the grant if you or someone living in your property is disabled, you own the property or are a tenant, or if you are a landlord with a disabled tenant.

Self-funding is also an option if there is a long wait for adaptations to be completed by your local council or you are not eligible for help with the costs of an adaptation.

Along with funding for specific adaptations there are schemes available if you are purchasing your own property.

The Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disability (HOLD) scheme (www.ownyourhome.gov.uk), only available in England, could help you buy any home for sale on a shared ownership basis.

This means you would buy a share of a home, between 25% and 75% of the home’s value, and pay rent on the remaining share.

The HOLD scheme is for people whose needs aren’t met in other shared ownership schemes which do not account for disability; who are first-time buyers, home owners who can’t afford to buy a new home or existing shared owners looking to move; who are part of a household that earns £80,000 a year or less.

Your local Help to Buy agent (www. helptobuy.gov.uk) can advise on the HOLD scheme and if this will suit your needs.

GUIDANCE Finding a property that suits your needs and deciding what adaptations you need to make can be stressful and overwhelming. Support is available to help you through the process and help you make the right decision before moving.

Charities including Shelter (www.shelter.org.uk), Disabled Living Foundation (www.dlf.org. uk) and Age UK (www.ageuk.org. uk) all provide support and advice on home adaptations for disabled people. This can be particularly helpful if you are unsure about what financial support you are entitled to for adaptations.

Your local council can also help you to decide what adaptations are necessary by completing a home assessment. During a home assessment an occupational therapist will visit you at home, ask questions and see what you struggle with in the home.

This will help to determine what adaptations could help you and will provide an outline of what adaptations your local council provides. During this you might also be referred for a needs assessment to see if you could benefit from other help at home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Your local council (www.gov.uk), charities and services like the Disability Rights UK (www.disabilityrightsuk.org) can offer advice and guidance on home adaptations.

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20/12/2019 16:24

WIN

A BREAK AT LANDAL GWEL AN MOR RESORT

Revel in the wonders of life by the sea with Landal Gwel an Mor Resort and start your New Year with a touch of indulgence

W

e have teamed up with the awardwinning holiday resort, Landal Gwel an Mor in Cornwall to give one reader the chance to win a short break for up to six people for four days, sure to get 2020 off to a luxurious start.

Overflowing with outstanding views, natural beauty, award-winning attractions and idyllic destinations, you can discover Cornwall in style. After a day of exploring, relax in one of Landal Gwel an Mor’s resorts, all complete with five-star facilities designed to provide full wheelchair accessibility throughout.

Settle into a home away from home in a stunning Scandinavian lodge, complete with sun terrace and designer interiors. Each lodge is registered as NAS M3 Assisted Living standard, with ground floor wheelchair access. Don’t forget the on-site activities including a wildlife centre, where you can learn all about UK wildlife and hand-feed rescued foxes, go golfing, fishing and more; you’ll find it hard to leave when your visit comes to an end.

So, pack your bags and prepare to experience an accessible holiday like no other with this prize that you won’t want to miss.

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance of winning, all you have to do is send us your name, address, daytime telephone number and where you picked up your copy of Enable to competitions@dcpublishing.co.uk or enter online at www.enablemagazine.co.uk/ GwelanMor by Monday 20 January 2020.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All entries must be received by Monday 20 January 2020. The prize is a short break in Cornwall for up to six people for four days, staying at Landal Gwel an Mor Resort. Eligible dates to be discussed with the team at Landal Gwel an Mor Resort, prize must be taken outside of school holidays, booking subject to availability. Travel to and from Landal Gwel an Mor Resort, Cornwall is not included. Prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and there is no cash alternative and prize cannot be sold to another party. One entry per household.

The publisher’s decision is final.

Escape to another world with Gwel an Mor (www.gwelanmor.com), further information is available by calling 01209 842354 38

enablemagazine.co.uk

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20/12/2019 15:22

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Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia poses a plethora of questions, and Alzheimer’s Research UK is working tirelessly to fund research and work with people directly impacted to provide answers. Most importantly, finding a cure. As we enter a new decade, it’s never looked more positive

Under the lens of

Alzheimer’s disease T

he brain is the most important organ in our bodies; it helps us to complete daily tasks, think, act, live, and store all our memories.

However, one condition has the power to not only rob us of a lifetime of memories, but cause daily struggles in how we act, think, and live. For 850,000 people in the UK alone, dementia has affected their health and sense of self.

Behind the scenes, research labs and people with and without dementia are lending a hand to medical studies in a bid to help find a cure or preventative medication. One charity leading the way is Alzheimer’s Research UK.

UNDERSTAND

“The starting question for a lot of our interactions is: What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?” says Tim Parry, director of communications and brand at Alzheimer’s Research UK. “Dementia describes a broad set of cognitive symptoms, which can be recognised as memory loss, but we’re also talking about personality changes and navigation problems, extremes of mood and real difficulties carrying out tasks in everyday life. All those difficulties and symptoms are what dementia is, and it’s caused by different diseases.”

People who receive a diagnosis of

“

It’s not forgetting where your keys are, it’s forgetting what your keys are for

“

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spotlight Tim explains: “One important aspect of clinical studies is that: yes, we need people with dementia to take part in the studies, but we also need control participants.” Within research and studies, experiments look at how the brain changes during dementia and ADUCANUMAB how it changes for someone without In December of last year, a potential the disease. new Alzheimer’s drug was presented “We often see couples getting at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s involved, where one has dementia and Disease (CTAD) conference in San their partner doesn’t,” says Tim. “I think Diego. The drug, aducanumab, was this also gives people back a sense of presented by pharmaceutical company control after what can be, obviously, a Biogen as they prepare for it to seek difficult diagnosis.”

FDA approval – but it is not yet known Taking back control whilst in the if it will get approval. knowledge that being involved with Although aducanumab has ripples of research will help others in the future, positivity running through the world is a powerful reason to get involved. of dementia research, the importance Yes, it is an exciting time for dementia of acting efficiently in terms of research, but there are still questions treatment is not lost. Tim emphasises that need to be answered. that early treatment is imperative, but From hopes of blood-based symptoms of dementia typically unfold biomarkers set to come through over several years, and further in the following years, research is still required. further research into “Aducanumab, if it goes new treatments, to the all the way, is a disease The number of recognition of public modifying drug which health and lifestyle people with dementia is what we’re looking impacts on our at,” continues Tim. is projected to rise health: 2020 could be “Current treatments to 1.6 million the biggest year for are only symptomatic. dementia research to by 2040 For example, if you date. break your leg I can give “The field is more you Ibuprofen for the pain, opti misti c than ever,” enthuses but it is the cast that will help Tim. “That really does stand up for heal your leg. That’s the part we just 2020 and beyond. We are actively don’t have for any form of dementia talking about a therapy that could find at present; we can only help treat its way to people and if that comes the pain, we can’t stop the physical through it sets the oath for better ones process. to follow up.

“My sense is that it would reignite “The importance of people being a our idea around this area and the next part of the process that could lead to drug, and the one after, will take that those outcomes has never been more idea and run with it making the next important, raise your hand and get therapies even more effective,” adds involved. They’re fascinating anyway Tim enthusiastically. The sense of and it’s great to feel part of something positivity is ever present, but research greater that is helping everyone who is is still necessary. affected by this disease in the future.” team working at Alzheimer’s Research UK, their goal is to continually find breakthroughs in medical advancements. And, 2020 is set to be a prominent step in the right direction.

dementia can have a variety of subillnesses that fall under the dementia umbrella. Alzheimer’s disease is the most recognised form of dementia, but people can also be diagnosed with vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies or frontotemporal dementia. In fact, there are four common forms of dementia recognised.

Tim emphasises: “People may also underestimate what dementia is.

It’s more than just forgetting where your keys are. Dementia is radically different to this; it’s not forgetting where your keys are, it’s forgetting what your keys are for.”

For the dedicated and experienced

RESEARCH

Working as a dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK does have a service for people directly affected by dementia. The Dementia Research Infoline can provide answers to general questions, updates on research taking place, and how you, too, can get involved in clinical trials.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stay updated with the continued research underway at Alzheimer’s Research UK (www.alzheimersresearchuk.org), and get further advice from the Dementia Research Infoline on, 0300 111 5 111.

Read our extended feature on what 2020 has in store for dementia research at, www.enablemagazine.co.uk enablemagazine.co.uk

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enable finance

Saving energy tips Heating your home can come with increasing energy bills, ahead of Big Energy Saving Week get to grips with your energy to stay financially stable and in control

B

efore we can rejoice at the return of summer, heating our homes is an expense that needs to be added to the budget. However, paying for energy can become a daunting prospect when bills slowly start to creep up.

SAVE BIG

The Big Energy Saving Week is an annual campaign created by Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust, in close collaboration with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to ensure everyone in the community is financially supported when it comes to paying their energy bills.

Everyday actions can see people not only saving money, but also save the environment whilst saving energy.

MANAGEMENT

Comparing your gas and electricity

Help is always on hand to ensure you can manage your energy payments

prices is the first step in managing your In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland monthly output. (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland) If you find you’re paying too much has funding available to ensure your money then it’s a good idea to switch home is warm, and operates efficiently. providers. Many providers are now The website includes a funding going green – in a bid to help finder tool to ensure you are the environment – and an directed to the right grant, account can be opened discount or funding to meet The Big Energy online or over the phone your needs. For more Saving Week 2020 with no contract. Getting information call 0808 808 into a contract can see you 2282. starts on Monday paying more money over The Fuel Poverty 20 January 2020 time, gradually, with energy Programme, called Nest providers known as ‘the big (nest.gov.wales/en/), six’ most likely to overcharge operates in Wales to help customers. reduce energy bills. In some cases, Websites including uSwitch people living with a underlying health (www.uswitch.com) and UK Power condition including dementia, could be (www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk) can help eligible for free home energy efficiency you switch. If you find you’re struggling improvements. Learn more by calling the to pay your bills, then contact your team on 0808 808 2244, or request a supplier directly to discuss payments – call back. your supplier must assist you in this case.

Help is always on hand to ensure you can manage your energy payments, and Big Energy Saving Week is the perfect BENEFITS time to get a hold of your gas and In some cases, your disability may open electricity spending. the doors to government funding, benefits or grants. The Warm Home Discount Scheme, for those living in FOR MORE INFORMATION England, could see you getting £140 Financial advice and guidance is available from off your electricity bill. From September Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) to March, the discount is automatically and the Energy Saving Trust added to your bill rather than being paid (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk). to you directly. enablemagazine.co.uk

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thediary 20 JANUARY BREW MONDAY 2020

Nationwide www.samaritans.org

As the icy weather takes over, share the warmth on Brew Monday. The annual campaign by mental health charity Samaritans encourages people to get together and connect over a cuppa. You can have your own Brew Monday whenever it suits you, but this particular day is chosen to combat mental health problems on Blue Monday, the supposedly saddest day of the year.

30 JANUARY DISABILITY AND BEYOND: ALL OF ME

Royal Bank of Scotland Conference Centre, Edinburgh www.businessdisabilityforum.org.uk Discussing different aspects of identity and disability, this conference will welcome multiple speakers and experts. The event is aimed at HR leads, diversity and inclusion leads, people working in hospitality in Scotland, and those involved in workplace people strategies. Topics on the day will include: is the Equality Act 2010 fit for 2020; menopause; and accessible tourism in Scotland.

4 FEBRUARY WHEELPOWER FEEL INSPIRED JUNIOR SPORTS CAMP

Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury www.wheelpower.org.uk

This inclusive sports camp is a great way for young disabled people to discover sport in a safe and welcoming environment.

All activities on the day are adapted to suit different abilities and will be led by qualified coaches. Athletics, boccia, cricket, table tennis, wheelchair basketball and more will be available on the day, each session lasting around half an hour.

Our round up of events to look forward to in January and February

JANUARY 22 JANUARY OTAC: MIDLANDS

Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth www.otac.org.uk An essential event for occupational therapists, the Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) showcases the latest equipment and adaptation guidance for your day to day practice. With exhibitor stands, workshops, CPD accredited seminars and training sessions, there is something for every OT. Seminar topics on the day will include: does custommade equipment provide the key to independent living, and bathing and sleeping – joining the dots.

FEBRUARY 5-6 FEBRUARY UNDERSTANDING THE WORKPLACE FOR AUTISTIC EMPLOYEES

The National Autistic Society, London www.autism.org.uk

This two-day training course for people on the autism spectrum is for those currently in employment and want to learn more about the potential complexities of the workplace. The course will provide the opportunity to explore work-related challenges, aiming to increase confidence and skills in the workplace. Topics include communication skills; managing anxiety at work; and organisational skills.

26 FEBRUARY INSIDE THE AIRCRAFT CABIN

Manchester Airport, Manchester www.eventbrite.co.uk

On this CPD accredited course you will develop your practical knowledge of the aircraft cabin to better support clients with a disability to have a comfortable flight. Developed with support from British Airways, the course will show you what equipment can be used inside the cabin; how crew can support passengers with disabilities; and strategies for supporting passengers with neuro-diverse conditions including autism.

If you have any events coming up in March and April 2020 email us at diary@enablemagazine.co.uk with the details for inclusion in next issue’s diary 44 enablemagazine.co.uk

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Wheelchair accessible self-catering log cabins set in the spectacular Derbyshire countryside • mobile hoist and specialist equipment • roll in wet room shower with grab rail • explore local trails on our Boma 7 off-road wheelchair • Closomat toilet

Peacefully nestling in the centre of Bocaddon Farm, we invite you to share this beautiful part of South East Cornwall with us

quality top-quality accessible in Devon • Eight 8 accessible luxury lakesideholiday lodges lodges in Devon • Touring caravan & tent pitches with electric hook up • Well stocked 1.5 acre coarse fishing lake • Heated indoor pool (Seasonal) • Games Room and Free WiFi • Orchard and woodland walk • Dogs welcome

We offer two cottages converted from the original stone farm buildings, which are superbly constructed and are equipped to high standards.

Very wheelchair friendly. Luxury indoor heated pool with spa bath and baby pool.

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01503 220 192 holidays@bocaddon.com www.bocaddon.com

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

19/12/2019 16:45

TIME FOR ADVENTURE

Make 2020 the year that sees you travelling from a luxury staycation, to going further afield.

With more destinations becoming accessible and guides available, it’s time to pack your bags and head out for a year of adventure

DAYS OUT The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway (WLLR) Welshpool, Wales www.wllr.org.uk

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter London, England www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Immerse yourself in the world of the boy wizard, Harry Potter, as you learn about the making of the famous franchise on this studio tour.

The Studio is dedicated to making the experience accessible to all with support and guidance before and during your visit. The site has an Accessible Plus facility with a hoist, height adjustable changing bench and shower facilities with space for a wheelchair user and two carers.

British Sign Language tours are available at any time at no extra cost but must be booked at least 14 days in advance. One free carer ticket can be provided for each disabled visitor and can be booked through the Visitor Services Team.

PIC: © ‘WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON – THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER.’

The WLLR offer a 45-minute ride, beginning with a two mile climb out of Welshpool on one of the steepest gradients on any heritage railway – with sharp curves adding to the fun.

Two carriages of the train have been adapted to provide extra room for visitors who are wheelchair users.

A lift also means these carriages can be easily boarded. The WLLR holds special events throughout the year, find all the details for your next adventure online.

National Marine Aquarium Devon, England www.national-aquarium.co.uk

A visit to the UK’s largest aquarium is the perfect day out for the whole family, and with four thousand sea creatures there’s plenty to see.

The aquarium is fully accessible: the exhibition has ramps or lifts throughout and all corridors are wide and accommodating for wheelchair users. There are rest areas located throughout the exhibit and free carers tickets are available without advance booking.

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enable travel

GUIDES AccessAble

Nationwide www.AccessAble.co.uk Available through a website and a free app, AccessAble takes the guess work out of travel and days out with guides for more than 70,000 venues across the UK. Ross Lannon, who has spinal muscular atrophy, is an AccessAble Champion and long-time user of the service.

Before setting out on a trip, Ross has to ensure his destination has specialist equipment available to hire and the facilities he needs, meaning research is key.

The guides from AccessAble have changed the way Ross travels, he says: “Before using AcessAble, I would spend ages scrolling through numerous websites, in the search for an ounce of

Euan’s Guide

Nationwide www.euansguide.com Euan’s Guide provides disabled access reviews by disabled people for disabled people. The reviews cover attractions, activities, accommodation, events and more, allowing you to filter down your

search depending on your individual needs. The helpful tool allows you to look for a specific venue, category or location before giving options to narrow down what the review includes, accessibility features and quick search tool for accessible toilets, Changing Places toilets, hoists and wet rooms.

accessible information.

“At times, I’ve also been known to drive to the said location the day before, to inspect the access in order to save time or embarrassment on the day.”

AccessAble hasn’t just saved Ross hours doing time and research, it has given him the confidence and freedom to travel.

“Each venue is visited and assessed in person by trained surveyors who really do care – which fills me with hope for a more accessible future,” enthuses Ross. “I can explore new places without the risk of turning up somewhere, not knowing whether I can get in or not.”

By utilising the AccessAble access guides, you can gather the information necessary to travel with confidence, just like Ross.

Along with reading reviews on the site you can share your own review of an experience or list your venue and its accessibility features. The site’s blog features the Euan’s Guide team’s favourite places for a day out, what’s on guides, and guides on how best to review a venue yourself.

LUXURY STAYS Chewton Glen

Fishmore Hall

Hampshire, England www.chewtonglen.com Take a well-deserved break and explore nature at Chewton Glen.

The luxury hotel in the New Forest is designed to be fully accessible for all guests. There are 14 ground floor rooms, all accessible with a portable ramp and a disabled access room with a range of facilities including: wider doors; easy access to the terrace; low level switches and controls; grab rails in the bathroom; adjustable hanging rail in the wardrobe.

Staff are trained in disability awareness and can recommend

local walking routes that are accessible for everyone. The hotel’s spa facilities can be accessed by a stair-climber and a pool hoist is available for both indoor and outdoor pools.

Ludlow, England www.fishmorehall.co.uk Located in the Ludlow countryside, Fishmore Hall is known for its spa facilities and gardens. Book a relaxing break with the peace of mind that your stay will be accessible with specially adapted features. A superior room on the ground floor is dedicated to ensuring disabled guests have a comfortable stay. Accessible separately to the main front door of the hotel, the room has its own private lounge area; grip rails; its own wet room and room for two z-beds and a cot for family stays.

Spa treatments, meals and activities can be booked in advance of your stay so that you can ensure all necessary adaptations are in place before you visit.

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Award winning, adapted wheelchair accessible

Holiday Cottage

Rebecca Cottage Carnoustie | Scotland

Tracking Hoist from Bathroom to Bedroom | Profiling Bed | Stairlift | Parking Space | Clos-o-Mat Toilet | Wet Floor Showers | Lowered Kitchen Hob & Sink | 4 Bedrooms Occupying a sea front location with stunning, uniterrupted views of the sea from all bedrooms and sitting areas - Rebecca Cottage is the ideal Scottish holiday venue. Book your holiday today!

Find out more and check availability at: www.sbhscotland.org.uk/RebeccaCottage or Tel: 03455 211 811 Blue Badge Holders receive 20% Discount!

Discover an award winning holiday resort

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by the sea in Cornwall - designed to set new standards in accessible accommodation

Designed to accommodate people with a variety of mobility needs, we have two different styles of lodge that all boast wheelchair access both of which are registered as NAS M3 Assisted Living Standard.

The luxury state-of-the-art Residence Assisted Living Lodge features wheelchair access throughout the single level layout.

An accessible en-suite wet room accompanies a bedroom with a H hoist system, plus the private sundeck has a hot tub.

Our Scandinavian style Tregea Assisted Living Lodge boasts ground floor wheelchair access, twin bedrooms with electric beds, wet-room style bathroom, and a living and dining area with a fully equipped lowered kitchen.

The resort facilities are predominantly wheelchair-friendly, with a hoist chair system to aid people into the swimming pool, a wildlife centre with wheelchair-friendly experiences and a restaurant with a ramp.

www.gwelanmor.com or speak to our friendly team on 01209 842354 and they will help you plan your dream holiday in magical Cornwall!

Find out more at

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20/12/2019 16:05

enable health

Putting wellness first Emotional wellbeing is as equally important as our physical health, and it’s vital that accessible options are available. What are the adaptive opportunities, making exercise and wellness accessible to all?

T

hough it’s important to take care of your wellbeing all year round, January is a great time to implement healthy changes to make sure 2020 is your best year yet. Wellness is all about being aware of your emotional health and wellbeing, and is just as important as your physical health.

EXERCISE

Being in tune with your emotional health is vital for a happy, well-balanced life, but finding accessible options can be a struggle. Regardless of your ability, free time and budget, exercise is for everyone, and you’re sure to find something you can access and enjoy.

It’s recommended that adults take part in 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This could include things such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing or even pushing a lawn mower, according to the NHS. This guideline should be adjusted in line with physical and mental ability.

Thankfully, services across the

country are working hard to make exercise fully accessible, so everyone can enjoy the benefits it provides.

Different sports are offering more and more accessible alternatives every day: whether you want to dip your toe in the swimming pool, or try your hand at tennis, there are adaptive clubs for whichever sport you’d like to join. For more information about your local adaptive clubs, visit www.parasport.org. uk/find-an-opportunity The benefits of sport are far-reaching – not only does it help improve your physical health, it can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, and provide opportunities to socialise and create lasting relationships, too.

MINDFULNESS

If you’d like to take part in exercise at a slightly slower pace, while also gaining all the benefits that physical activity has to offer, why not look into adaptive yoga?

Yoga offers the opportunity to exercise the joints and muscles in

a gentle way, taking into account experience and ability throughout. As well as the physical aspect, yoga also engages the mind, through breathing and reflection exercises.

Adapted sessions include chair yoga for those with physical disabilities to take part in, as well as dementia yoga, and classes for people who have sensory impairments or a learning disability. Often, different equipment is incorporated into the sessions, and regardless of ability, everyone can enjoy the benefits yoga provides.

The purpose of yoga is primarily to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as to encourage a more positive outlook. Benefits of the activity include increased flexibility, strength, co-ordination and improved relaxation.

It equips participants with the skills and resilience needed to deal with problems and also increases self-esteem.

“We always say in yoga, no matter your ability, there’s always something you can do,” explains Wendy Sugg, founder of Bruton Yoga, who offers enablemagazine.co.uk

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AT HOME

Taking part in yoga promotes mindfulness, as well as resilience, and participants can take what they learn in class and apply it to everyday life.

“What we practice in class can be used at home, especially if you’re feeling stressed or anxious,” adds Richard Kravetz, founder of Yoga for All. “A lot of what we teach is around deep breathing practice and using relaxation and mindfulness as a method to destress and deal with difficult scenarios and situations.”

If you want to try yoga from the comfort of your own home, YouTubers such as Yoga with Adriene, YOGATX,

“We always say in

yoga, no matter your ability, there’s always something you can do

“

adaptive classes for adults and children. “It’s not just about postures, it’s about the breathing practices, the meditations, how it encompasses diet and nutrition.

“You can still practice yoga regardless of your disability. It’s about the balance between physical wellbeing and mental peace, being a happy, healthy person and knowing your own value.”

and Psyche Truth offer online video tutorials that you can try from the comfort of your sofa, desk or wheelchair.

Taking part in activities such as yoga, Pilates, gentle aerobics and tai chi are a great way of getting involved with physical activity that provide all the benefits of exercise, while being suitable for all abilities.

Everyone can enjoy the benefits that gentle exercise has to offer. So, in 2020, why not challenge yourself to try something new for a mindful start to the New Year.

Adaptive sport If yoga isn’t for you, don’t worry, because there are plenty of other light sports and activities out there that you can take part in to get the blood pumping and the energy racing

Swimming Swimming is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, which helps maintain a healthy heart, lungs and weight. Swimming pools around the uk offer disability-friendly swim sessions, for those who want to practice and develop their existing skills.

Visit Swim England (www. swimming.org) and use their pool finder to discover accessible swimming opportunities in your area.

Tennis Tennis is a fun way of exercising, whilst enjoying the social benefits sport can offer. The Tennis Foundation (www. tennisfoundation.org.uk) is a great website that lists all the local clubs across the uk that offer sessions in wheelchair, learning disability, deaf and visually impaired tennis for all ages.

Gardening For opportunities to promote wellness right on your doorstep, you need look no further than your garden. Getting out into nature improves hand strength, heart health and also contributes to reduced stress and improved mood. Why not try your hand at growing your own fruit and veg, for extra health benefits?

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get physical and improve your wellbeing with Bruton Yoga (www.brutonyoga.com) or Yoga for All (www.yogaforall-uk.com).

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

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20/12/2019 15:47

The fight for

smear tests T

he number of women attending their cervical screening – also known as smear tests – is at a 21-year low in England, with less than three quarters of women attending the test when invited by their GP. However, research from leading cervical cancer charity, Jo’s Trust, has highlighted that disabled women face barriers to accessing a smear test, making it more difficult to attend their appointment, and even preventing it completely, in some cases.

RESEARCH

According to Jo’s Trust, 88 per cent of those surveyed believe it’s harder for a woman with a physical disability to attend

“

Going to a screening is a right and every woman should be able to access it

“

Currently, around one in four women are not attending their cervical screening, but for women with a physical disability, many who want the test are not able to access it.

Disabled women are now fighting for their right to receive a smear test

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enable

spotlight SCREENING

Cervical screening is a free test and is the best protection against cervical cancer, preventing around 75 per cent of cases from developing. Barriers to tests are numerous, but many disabled women are having to fight to access the test; a test that can be life-saving.

Kerry Thompson, who has muscular dystrophy, was unable to access cervical screening for over 10 years, after moving GP surgeries. Her previous GP had offered the test via home visits, but after changing surgeries, Kerry was told this was not an option that her new GP could facilitate. They didn’t offer her an accessible alternative.

“Before I moved GPs, I was told I had cell changes and would need regular screening,” Kerry remembers. “When I changed surgery, I was told the rooms were too small for my wheelchair and they couldn’t offer home visits. I contacted my old GP to see if I could attend a screening with them, but it wasn’t possible. I just had to put it to the back of my mind for 10 years.”

ACCESS

their cervical screening, with 63 per cent saying they have been unable to attend the test altogether.

There is still a stigma surrounding sex and disability: some women report being told they don’t need a smear test as it has been assumed they aren’t sexually active because of their disability.

The charity’s research also revealed that some women had even been asked to sign a waiver stating they don’t wish to receive screening, because the nature of their disability made it too complex to do so.

Cervical screening is a choice, and it’s unacceptable that some disabled women are unable to attend because they can’t be provided with an accessible appointment.

Despite routinely sending letters and phoning her GP surgery, Kerry was still unable to access the vital screening.

During this time, Kerry would receive letters from the practice, advising her that she had missed her last appointment.

“Every time the letter came through, I knew I needed to get it sorted,” Kerry continues. “It caused a lot of anxiety.

I normally have a good hold on my mental health, but when it’s out of your hands and you don’t have any control, it’s a huge worry.”

Kerry was eventually able to access screening, but had to do so under general anaesthetic at her local hospital, and had to spend 24 hours in hospital afterwards as a result. Had her GP referred her to the hospital sooner, or offered an accessible alternative, surgery might have been completely avoidable.

their cervical screening. Sometimes, simply explaining to your GP about your specific needs is all it will take to make a change that can enable more women to access tests.

“We’re encouraging women to speak to their GP and ask how they can access screening,” says Kate Sanger, head of communications and public affairs at Jo’s Trust. “Going to a screening is a right and every woman should be able to access it. If your GP surgery is saying it’s not possible, speak to your local NHS or your MP, to raise awareness of the issue and highlight that this inequality that exists is really unacceptable.”

Widened beds, hoists, screening at a different accessible GP surgery, or a referral to hospital are just a few of the adjustments you can ask your doctor for if they’re currently unable to offer accessible screening. You can also request to speak to your doctor over the phone, to discuss your options with them further.

“There are women who have fought long and hard to access screening, and it’s completely unfair that someone should have to push for a test,” Kate continues. “But, not everyone will feel able to do that, which is perfectly understandable. For those who don’t feel able to fight, they’re potentially going to give up and that shouldn’t be the case.”

CHANGE

“If it was made easier and more accessible, more women would attend their test,” Kerry emphasises. “The disabled world is forgotten about.”

Increasing awareness and information about smear tests is vital to encourage more women to book in for their appointment. But making screening more accessible is the only way to ensure more disabled women have the same opportunities to attend their smear test as non-disabled women and be in control of their health.

Until then, disabled women’s fight to access equal sexual healthcare continues.

INEQUALITY

This health inequality is something Jo’s Trust is trying hard to raise awareness about. The charity is calling on every GP practice to review their policies and ensure adjustments are in place to enable every woman to attend

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you would like more advice, or support to access your cervical screening, visit www.jostrust.org.uk or phone their helpline on 0808 802 8000.

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20/12/2019 15:50

Music MATTERS

enable life Music has transformational powers, improving confidence and self-esteem while also offering opportunities for self-expression.

One orchestra is leading the way, providing disabled musicians with a platform to perform, and making the music industry more accessible

B

ournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has always been committed to ensuring the music industry is inclusive, and reflects the diverse society we live in. Two years since launching BSO Resound – the world’s first professional disabled-led ensemble – the company has seen first-hand the impact that inclusion can have.

Working together since 2018, BSO Resound is comprised of six musicians, as well as acclaimed composer, James Rose, who conducts the orchestra using a head-baton.

“I wanted to explore performance in an inclusive environment, as when BSO Resound first began, there didn’t seem to be many inclusive music-making opportunities available,” Siobhan Clough, the ensemble’s violinist, explains. “The idea of this really appealed to me especially as the BSO is such a wellrecognised establishment.”

Some members use adaptations, to enable them to play to the best of their ability. Alongside James’ use of a head-baton, other adaptations include braille music notation, and the use of a LinnStrument – a MIDI controller that works by sensing different finger movements, producing varying pitches, timbres and volumes depending on the way it’s touched.

INCLUSION

“We regard BSO Resound in exactly the same way as any ensemble working within the company,” says BSO chief executive, Dougie Scarfe. “Our mantra is

When I play the violin, I feel whole. For me it feels like home

PIC: © DEEPSOUTHMEDIA

ENSEMBLE

that inclusion is not a project. It’s about how we look at ourselves, our industry and enabling great musicians to have the opportunity to achieve what they can with their career.”

Earlier this year BSO Resound won the Royal Philharmonic Society Impact Award, which is given to an outstanding organisation that has a lasting impact for people who may not have otherwise had access to classical music.

“We were delighted to just be nominated because behind this is a real desire to not be the only ones leading the way,” Dougie continues.

“We really want everyone to embrace what we’ve learnt. The award was a great recognition of what our musicians have achieved, what the company has achieved, but also another vehicle to get the message out that there’s so much more to do.”

PASSION

For Siobhan, the ensemble has allowed

her to pursue her passion for music in a professional capacity. As a result, Siobhan and the other members of BSO Resound are paving the way for other disabled musicians to follow in their footsteps and get involved with classical music.

“BSO Resound has completely changed my life,” she enthuses. “The experiences and opportunities I’ve had since becoming a member have been amazing and I look forward to hopefully many more years of special memories with them. When I play the violin, I feel whole. For me it feels like home. I feel more complete and in my comfort zone when I’m playing the violin than I ever could doing something else.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about BSO Resound, visit www.bsolive.com/people/bso-resound-ensemble

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spotlight

through sport I

ndependence and autonomy over our own lives is what everyone craves. However, when it comes to disability, people’s attitudes and understanding of disability can take away independence.

Fred Semakula works with disabled children and young people in Uganda, helping to change attitudes through education and sport. “When it comes to education, a disabled child isn’t given priority to be taken to school by their family,” says Fred. “In most cases the discrimination is accelerated by community beliefs… this discrimination means that many disabled children will never be able to attend school.”

DIFFERENCE

However, since 1991 Motivation has been working in developing countries to create robust wheelchairs that are suitable for rough terrain. The team at Motivation instantly saw how a wheelchair could change a life.

Now, their Motivation All-Stars Appeal is using sport and play to break down stigma and the barriers young disabled people face in Uganda. Fred works to help identify children who require assistive technology and refers them to services, which provides wheelchairs. Through the Appeal, Fred is now tasked with advancing knowledge of disability.

TRAINING

“We have been creating awareness in schools by providing basic training to teachers on how to be inclusive in the classroom,” emphasises Fred. “So they will have some understanding of the support needs and learning needs of any disabled children in their school.

With this training teachers can provide equal opportunities for non-disabled and disabled children.”

For years, Motivation has been helping to train parents and carers to have the skills and knowledge of how to best support their disabled children.

Now, through sport, Fred and his team look set to break down more barriers.

SPORTS DAY

Sport can bring everyone together, and disability sport has never been more poignant. The Appeal will see sports clubs opening and running sports days open to the entire community, the first of it’s kind to operate in Uganda.

Sport can be the starting point for a community seeing what disabled children can do

Fred continues: “When parents and community members see what a child can do in a wheelchair, what they can do with a ball – that’s the beginning of them seeing potential, too. If they are left in the home, parents have the belief that children will not be useful, and then everybody will only see this.

Sport can be the starting point for a community seeing what disabled children can do.”

Everyone has the potential to succeed, but not everyone has the opportunity. Fred and Motivation are dedicated to ensuring all young disabled people in Uganda have the chance to reach their full potential.

The Motivation All-Stars Appeal is set to change perceptions and, hopefully, end discrimination through sport and education.

Fred concludes: “If each and every person can understand that it’s a collective effort to improve the lives of disabled people, then the future will be accessible.”

PIC: ©DAVID CONSTANTINE - SITTING IMAGES

Motivation

Disability discrimination is a worldwide problem, but education can change attitudes. UK charity Motivation has launched their Motivation All-Stars Appeal, with the hopes sport and education can end stigma

FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can help a child in Uganda today and learn more about the Motivation All-Stars Appeal by visiting, www.motivation.org.uk/ Appeal/all-stars-appeal

Read our extended interview with Fred on our website, www.enablemagazine.co.uk 56 enablemagazine.co.uk

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Good Bespoke Orthopaedic Footwear Changes Lives Good bespoke orthopaedic boots and shoes make the difference between looking and feeling good and struggling to get by each day.

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20/12/2019 16:03

REVIEW

MAZDA 3

Mazda’s new 3 hatch offers real panache and some very clever emissions-saving technology in the small hatch class, says Alisdair Suttie

INSIDE It’s hard not to be wowed by the classy look of the Mazda 3’s dash and surrounding driver environment. Every surface, control and material has a quality feel and finish that sets it well above most rivals and even shows the Volkswagen Golf how it should be done. The driver also enjoys excellent comfort, though the Mazda’s seat is a little lower slung than some of its key competitors, so access to and from a wheelchair might necessitate a lift.

There’s one other drawback of the Mazda’s style that we noted, and this is the considerable blind spot created by the rear pillars. It can make changing lanes on the motorway or

reversing into a parking bay trickier than it should be, though most models have rear parking sensors fitted.

In the back, younger children will be fine, but adults will find the sloping roof’s style pinches on headroom. Mazda offers a saloon version of the 3 that addresses this, but saloons are generally unwanted in the UK. Choosing the saloon would also mean foregoing the hatch’s good-sized boot, though it is hampered by the drop from load sill to boot floor when stowing or removing a wheelchair or heavy bags.

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enable motoring

The Mazda 3 starts from £299 DLA Advance Payment or total allowance of DLA Weekly Rental. Learn more with Mobility, www.motability.co.uk

“

It’s hard not to be wowed by the classy look of the Mazda 3

“

EQUIPMENT Mazda doesn’t stint when it comes to this version of the 3, and it starts with the SE-L. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors, along with cloth trim and electrically folding mirrors. Next is the SE-L Lux that gains heated front seats, front parking sensors, keyless entry and auto-dimming rear view mirror. The Sport has adaptive LED headlights, manual air conditioning instead of an automatic system, and e-Call GPS to contact the emergency services immediately in the event of a collision. The Sport Lux adds larger 18-inch wheels, Driver Attention Alert and dual-zone climate control, while the GT Sport has leather upholstery, Bose stereo, reversing camera and Smart City Brake to avoid low-speed shunts. To that, the GT Sport Tech adds extra safety with Cruising and Traffic Support, Driver Monitoring, and Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

DRIVING Key to the Mazda 3’s ethos is its new Skyactiv-X engine. This 180hp 2.0-litre petrol motor uses cutting edge technology to offer petrol refinement with diesel economy. The result is up to 51.4mpg combined consumption and emissions as low as 96g/km. This makes for low running costs and these figures are achievable in the real world, not just on paper as with some of the Mazda’s rivals.

There’s also a 122hp 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, but it feels a bit gutless so we’d steer towards the more powerful unit. It gives a lively account of itself and can be ordered with six-speed

manual or automatic gearboxes. As with all Mazdas, the handling is among the best in class, but the ride can be a little firm on models with the larger alloy wheels. Even so, refinement is superb and the 3 is one of the best in its class for overall comfort and driver appeal.

SUMMARY You’ll choose the Mazda 3 for its great looks, but it’s the quality of the cabin and drive that really satisfy.

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enable life

Time to get

Digital

Advancements in technology have given us assistants in our pockets, food at the touch of a button and the ability to connect with people on the other side of the world. Technology has also made otherwise complicated tasks simple for people with a disability

T

“

I was so happy because I felt my independence come back

echnology has become a lifeline for some disabled people, with smartphones, virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and virtual reality breaking down barriers daily.

Smartphones are arguably the most versatile technology and open doors when it comes to accessibility.

Louise Goldsmith is 25 and has bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

In her personal life, as well as her professional life as an outreach officer at Deafblind UK (www.deafblind.org.uk), Louise has experienced how beneficial technology can be.

For Louise a task that might seem simple to a bystander is unnecessarily complicated: making a phone call.

“

DIFFICULT

Louise found it difficult to use the phone for many years, unable to make voices out clearly due to her hearing loss.

The only time she would pick up the phone was to contact her mother in an emergency.

As time progressed this became harder, Louise says: “I have found over the years that it is a bit more difficult to use the phone, I then relied on my mum, friends and family to take calls for me when they came through on my phone.”

Reliant on the people around her to make phone calls, Louise was looking for a service that allowed her to regain some independence.

CONFIDENCE

During November 2019 BT launched Relay UK (www.relayuk.bt.com), a free text relay app that allows people who are D/deaf/HoH to communicate over the phone. The app uses a relay assistant who converts speech to text and vice versa.

Unlike older text relay services, Louise has found the app to be straight forward and visually appealing. Most importantly, she can now make calls without assistance.

“I was always anxious about having to

Louise Goldsmith

call 999 in an emergency,” remembers Louise. “In the past I had to do this and it was so difficult to understand what they were saying on the phone, but now I feel confident to carry out this task.”

INDEPENDENCE

Along with the ability to contact vital services in an emergency, Louise can make every day calls for herself, she explains: “The other day I made a call to Pets at Home to make an appointment for my dwarf hamster and successfully did this.

“I think hearing people take these kinds of tasks for granted, I was so happy because I felt my independence come back,” continues Louise. “It’s been life changing not having to rely so much on other people like my mum to make calls.”

With her own independence back, Louise not only wants to see other disabled people utilise readily available technology, but businesses, too. Coming in many shapes and forms, there is the right technology out there to help you live independently, just like Louise.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Organisations like the World Health Organisation (www.who.int), the UK Government (www.gov.uk) and disability-specific charities provide information about assistive technology.

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20/12/2019 10:37

A REPOSITIONING SYSTEM THAT SAVES YOU TIME AND INJURY (psst… it’s also great for patients too)

Visit www.mipuk.co.uk/swift for more info Winner of the National Back Exchange Innovation Award for promoting excellence in manual handling

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05/12/2019 16:53

19/12/2019 16:47

Product Roundup Start your New Year right with a selection of the top accessible aids on the market for 2020 HOME

HEALTH

PLUG PULL

VIBRATIME VIBRATING WATCH

Starting from £5.49 for 10 pack www.amazon.co.uk

Pivotell, £25 exc VAT www.pivotell.co.uk, 01799 550979

When taking lots of medication it can be hard to remember the correct time for each tablet. The discreet vibrating reminder watch from Pivotell comes with eight alarms, as standard. Easily rechargeable with USB provided, the watch also comes in a selection of bright colours.

MOBILITY

Pulling and inserting plugs from and into sockets can be challenging with mobility or dexterity issues. The plug pull comes with loops to go around a plug for easier removal. Labels can also be attached to the pull for a clear description of what the plug is powering.

UNAWHEEL

Gerald Simonds, £2250 www.gerald-simonds.co.uk, 01296 380 200

The UNAwheel mini is a fantastic light-weight power add-on for a manual wheelchair. Weighing just 5.3kg, a length of 85cm and a wheel diameter of 6”. The UNAwheel is battery powered with a range of up to 15km. Ideal for days out or for taking on holiday.

HOME

HOME

KEEP WARM PLATE

COLOURED GRAB RAILS

Mobility issues can mean taking longer to eat meals; the Ornamin keep warm plate is created with those in mind.

With non-slip grip pads on each side, hot water or crushed ice can be poured into the walls on both sides of the dish to insulate or cool food.

Coming in a range of sizes and colours, the grab rails are made from sturdy, non-corroding polypropylene plastic and the fluted surface helps to ensure a good grip. The structure of the grips allow them to be used both indoors and outside, for confidence when moving around the home.

Ornamin, £16.66 exc VAT www.abilitysuperstore.com, 0800 255 0498

Complete Care Shop, £6.25 exc VAT www.completecareshop.co.uk, 03330 160 000

MOBILITY

SWIFT

MIP UK, POA www.mipuk.co.uk, 01525 218146

Swift, is the washable, in-situ bed repositioning system from MIP. Designed to save time and injury as well as being comfortable and discreet for patients, at an affordable price, Swift is an essential product.

Standard and bariatric sizing available as well as a choice of standard and long length slider.

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20/12/2019 11:43

enable life POSTURE

MULTISTANDER 1 AND 2

Jenx, POA www.jiraffe.org.uk, 0114 285 3376

Highly versatile, the three in one standing frame is perfectly suited for children aged nine months to 13-years-old. Available in two sizes, the Multistander comes with head, trunk, leg and foot support options, with unlimited scope for setting the precise standing angle for each user. Each Multistander comes with fastenings, and a fresh modern look.

MOBILITY

STYLE

LARGE FIT CHAIR

WHEELCHAIR VERTICAL BAG

Hope Education, £89.95 exc VAT www.hope-education.co.uk, 0345 120 2055

Quokka, £59.99 www.2020mobility.com, 0844 3570026

Take all your daily necessities out with ease thanks to this wheelchair bag. Made from durable material, the double zips with finger pulls make for easy opening and the flaps come with magnetic closers. The bag can be easily attached to any wheelchair using the KILCKfix system, allowing for quick, easy access.

Designed for children with mobility and posture issues, the fit chair helps to improve posture and a sense of balance. Chidren with mobility issues can work on their physical strength whilst learning, and the high backrest also provides comfort whilst assisting blood circulation.

POSTURE

HEALTH

WRIST BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR

FOLDING WALKING STICK

NRS, £11.27 inc VAT www.nrshealthcare.co.uk, 0345 121 8111

Beurer, £73 inc VAT www.abilitysuperstore.com, 0800 255 0498

Feel secure and supported when walking with a lightweight, yet durable folding walking stick. Folding into four sections and automatically locking and automatically snapping back into place when ready to use, the stick is practical, stylish and discreet. The sticks also come in various different designs of colour.

Measure blood pressure quickly and easily with the wrist blood pressure monitor from Beurer. With touch sensor buttons to measure your blood pressure and pulse fully automatically, the monitor stores average morning and evening pressure readings for seven days. The face is large and easy to read, complete with risk indicators.

HOME

ADJUSTABLE BED

Dorchester, starting from £840 www.themobilityaidscentre.co.uk, 01733 342242

Bring comfort back into sleeping, with an adjustable bed. Complete with dial motor controls a user can feel independent in adjusting their upper and lower body. Plus, positions will be stored for ease of use. The bed comes with a choice of mattresses, headboards and different fabrics or colours.

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UNAwheel Power Add-on

Book your test drive today www.gerald-simonds.co.uk | 01296 380200 | webenquiry@gerald-simonds.co.uk

Automatic Pill Dispensers and Medication Reminders Our products are widely used by Health and Social Care professionals for vulnerable older people and those with learning difficulties who need to be reminded of essential daily tasks such as taking their medication.

Find out more today:

pivotell.co.uk

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19/12/2019 16:48

enable subscribe

Subscribe to Don’t miss out in 2020: subscribe to Enable today and get the UK’s leading disability and lifestyle title straight to your door

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t Enable, we pride ourselves on bringing you the latest news, interviews, and real life stories. If you are looking for information and advice pertinent to disability, then look no further than the award-nominated Enable Magazine.

Each issue is guaranteed to have coverage of the topics pertinent to disability, and the conversations you’re having. By becoming an Enable subscriber, you’ll get the latest issue of the magazine delivered straight to your door. That means no queuing at your local distribution point or missing an issue. So, what are you waiting for?

WHAT DOES IT COST? You can subscribe for either one or two years at a time.

• One year (six issues) - £15 • Two years (12 issues) - £25

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

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Expires:

January / February 2020

20/12/2019 10:52

enable employment

SHINING BRIGHT WITH THE

Stelios Award

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Every year, the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs, recognises the innovative ideas and inspiring talent making a difference to the disabled community. We speak to 2019’s winner, Victoria Nelson, about the impact winning will have on her business, Deaf4Deaf

aunched in 2006, the Stelios Award showcases the products and services that benefit disabled people, providing funding to take them further.

Created by easyJet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the award has enabled entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level, so they can reach those who need their services.

2019’s winner, Victoria Nelson, was awarded for her mental health counselling service for D/deaf/HoH people, Deaf4Deaf. As a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, Victoria saw the lack of options available, and decided to create the much-needed service as a result.

ACCESS

“Deaf4Deaf was created out of frustration with the unequal access to health services, as well as the high costs and inaccessibility to direct deaf counselling,” Victoria explains. “We wanted to offer more employment opportunities to deaf therapists and utilise our skills more effectively to deliver therapy to deaf people around the UK.” Providing mental health services in different communication forms, Deaf4Deaf allows people with a hearing impairment to choose their preferred method. Counselling can be delivered in British Sign Language, Supported Sign Language, Oral, Lipreading and handson communication, for those who are deafblind.

The service provides both NHS and private counselling, as well as self-referral. This means clients don’t need to wait for a doctor’s referral to mental health services – services which are often inaccessible to those with a hearing impairment.

SAFE

“Deaf4Deaf is about breaking down the walls of silence and removing the barriers that contribute to a

downward spiral of isolation because of communication difficulties,” Victoria continues. “We offer a safe and confidential space for deaf people to talk freely and process their emotions.

We adapt to the deaf person and their communication needs.”

It’s well-documented that people with a hearing impairment can face communication barriers, as many services do not take their needs into account. This can lead to isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental impact on mental health. Therefore, it’s so important that specialist mental health services, such as Deaf4Deaf exist and have the funding to provide expert mental health care and support to the D/deaf/HoH community.

EMPOWER

“Having a choice is important for deaf people,” Victoria emphasises. “When given choice, this is empowering. It enables people to get appropriate support more quickly, and access relevant information about work, education, and social opportunities. They can make informed choices on how to help themselves, which enables deaf people to manage their own independence.”

Receiving quality mental health support can be transformational, and winning the Stelios Awards will allow Deaf4Deaf to continue providing help to those within the D/deaf/HoH community, in the communication method of their choice.

Victoria with Sir Stelios

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn how Deaf4Deaf can support you at www.deaf4deaf.com and read all about the 2019 Stelios Awards finalists at www.leonardcheshire.org

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20/12/2019 10:57

LIMB-art is a British design and manufacturing company dedicated to producing the World’s coolest prosthetic leg covers.

Prostheses have, over recent years, come on in leaps and bounds functionally. However, aesthetics have been generally overlooked. LIMB-art aims to change this.

Our covers are a completely customisable accessory, lightweight and easy to fit, so no trip to your limb centre needed.

Suitable for all users of above and below knee prostheses, LIMB-art covers restore balance to the silhouette without trying to blend in or hide.

Go wild with your favourite colours and patterns and give yourself a real confidence boost. #StandOutStandProud

LIMB-art Ltd, Nant-y-Lladron, Bylchau, Conwy LL16 5SN

www.limb-art.com 07555 569103 • info@limb-art.com

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20/12/2019 17:01

Autism training and development With over 50 years of experience, no one has more practical knowledge of autism The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, challenge attitudes and build a society that works for autistic people.

We offer: • Autism Accreditation programme • Conferences and Awards • Consultancy to suit the needs of your organisation • Essential newsletters for professionals • Dedicated residential and supported living for adults • Specialist schools • Training: at your work place, scheduled open access events, or online modules • University courses and modules

Autism Professionals Conference

27-28 February International Convention Center, Birmingham This two-day CPD certified conference is a cross-discipline event attended by clinicians, social workers, commissioners, and education professionals.

Book now to hear the latest about autism from leading experts and share best practice.

Highlights from the programme include: • school for children with mental health and anxiety issues • dogs in the classroom • reforming the curriculum • improving communication • autism and very strong interests in the classroom • multi-disciplinary working.

Find out more

www.autism.org.uk/professionals The National Autistic Society is a charity registered in England and Wales (269425) and in Scotland (SC039427)

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20/12/2019 17:04

Jack Thorne’s His Dark Materials

PIC: © BBC PICTURES

enable voices

Talking Inclusion Acclaimed screenwriter and playwright, Jack Thorne has advocated for disability representation on the small and big screen throughout his career. Speaking to Lorne Gillies, Jack discusses why meaningful representation is so important – and you can help be the change

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t the close of 2019, awardwinning screenwriter Jack Thorne wrote a piece for the Radio Times calling for improved disability visibility within film and television. During the piece, Jack detailed his calls for disabled actors to be cast during meetings to writing shows exclusively disability-led, only for them to be rejected.

During his career, Jack has been a figurehead of change and inclusion within the industry.

From writing Skins – where one character cared for her mother with

multiple sclerosis, only for the mother to be cast by a non-disabled actor – to the BBC’s most recent adaptation of the Philip Pullman novels, His Dark Materials, featuring actor Mat Fraser who has thalidomide-induced phocomelia: Jack has carried disability representation throughout his screenwriting.

During your career you have written scripts featuring disabled characters, but, in what way do you think it’s detrimental for non-disabled actors to play disabled roles?

Every disabled role should be played by a disabled actor. In fact, in an ideal world plenty of non-disabled roles would be played by disabled actors.

And I’m not comfortable when a nondisabled actor plays a part that’s been written as disabled.

But sometimes that does happen.

Sometimes because I have no power – I’m not going to make Hollywood change its mind on disability, though I’m trying – at times, because there are aspects of the part that require a nondisabled performer (for instance before and after a disability). I do try to make

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People want to see disability on the large and small screen, why do you think casting directors are so hesitant to hire disabled actors?

I’d say fear is the main reason, fear of the unknown and fear of the requirements that will be imposed on the production. I have heard some offensive things said in casting meetings, from producers and casting directors, but I’d say the main thing I hear is fear. The other thing I’d say is television is an industry and it is built on name recognition: “I’ll watch that, it’s got such and such in it,” and until we’ve established people as names people want to watch the industry is always going to be a tiny bit resistant.

Is there a reason, in your professional or personal opinion, that disability is still not widely represented in the media?

The truth is I am a tiny bit bewildered by how far behind the media industry is, and my problem is that Actor Mat Fraser who has appeared in several of Jack’s productions

“I’d like

to see a genuine star Jack Thorne emerge, one who will hammer down the doors, a Phoebe Waller Bridge for disabled performers

“

it clear at the beginning of a process what I’d want to happen with casting, there are times I’m even able to make it contractual; in every project I do I like to make sure there are some disabled actors in it.

no-one is shouting about the lack of representation in the media. Or, rather, there are people shouting, people who’ve been shouting for years, and they simply aren’t being heard.

In the following five or ten years, how would you like to see disability representation change?

I’d like to see a genuine star emerge, one who will hammer down the doors,

a Phoebe Waller Bridge for disabled performers. I think there are plenty capable of doing it. I’d like to see a number of disabled writers and disabled directors making work for BBC One, the National Theatre and the BFI. Some already are to be clear, but we need more.

Within your Radio Times column you called for disability targets to be introduced. In what way will this help improve representation and change casting attitudes?

I think it forces people to look further afield than the same-old, same-old, that thing of just causing people to look at themselves and question their choices.

Lenny Henry is right that these targets need inducements though, financial ones, and I really hope that happens.

What more needs to be done to celebrate the talents of disabled people in the media?

Diversity is happening, it’s not happening fast, but it is happening.

It’s just disability is not being included within that. Drama schools need to take responsibility; subsidised places for disabled people; casting directors need to ensure that the question of disability be included within their diversity remit.

Makers need to look at themselves and question the absence of disabled people from their work.

But more than all of that, the gate keepers need to realise this is not simply a question of casting, this is about ensuring that in the next generation of makers there are disabled people amongst their numbers.

Disabled people will make the best work with disabled people in it.

PIC: © BBC PICTURES

For budding disabled actors reading this, what advice do you have for them to pursue their passion?

The doors are being kicked in slowly.

All is not lost. Your voices will be heard.

It’s not about networking, not really, it’s about making. Make the stuff that make other people notice. Use every opportunity you can get. Find people you trust. Work with them until you’ve got something that can destroy all competition. I’m sorry I’m afraid the world isn’t quite ready, but you can make it ready.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Catch up with His Dark Materials on BBC iPlayer (www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer).

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enable health

STUDENT FUNDING WITH SAAS Going to college or uni and studying a course of Higher Education? You need to contact the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for your funding!

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udgeting as a student can be hard. Your main expenses will be your tuition fees and living costs.

While you are studying, SAAS can pay your tuition fees and may provide your bursary, you can also apply for a student loan.

APPLY

You won’t receive your fees automatically when you accept a place on a course, so it’s really important you apply to SAAS as soon as they open in April 2020. This ensures you will get your funding in time for the start of

your course.

You can do this online at www.saas. gov.uk, don’t forget: this is separate to your UCAS application.

You should apply as soon as you know the course you want to do.

Don’t wait for your exam results. If you don’t get on the course you want, you can easily change or cancel your application.

ELIGIBLE

SAAS will check your eligibility, so you will need to meet their residence conditions and be taking a course that they fund. They may ask you

for supporting evidence, which could include things like your parents or partners income, P60 or PAYE income.

Remember, you don’t have to take out a student loan, however if you do, you can apply for this through SAAS who then assess your application and send your information to the Student Loans Company (SLC). SLC then issue your loan payments.

Other funding is also available if you are care experienced, have a disability or learning difficulty, are bringing up children on your own, or an independent or young student. Visit www.saas.gov.uk for more information.

Other funding and support is available Help videos are available on the SAAS YouTube channel – YouTube.com/SAAS Help Channel Keep up to date with the latest SAAS news by following SAAS on Facebook – facebook.com/saasfb Follow them on Twitter @saastweet

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20/12/2019 11:12

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE

disability pay gap

On 4 November 2019, the average disabled worker stopped being paid for the rest of the year, relative to their non-disabled counterparts – an issue known as the disability pay gap. What’s being done to close the gap and move towards wage equality for disabled employees?

Roache, policy officer at the TUC. “We know that financial stress has a real effect. In pounds and pence, the pay gap means having less: less for food, travel to and from work, for heating.

It means having to take really hard decisions on what you cut back on.”

The impact of the disability pay gap is affecting disabled employees across the UK: 20 per cent of disabled workers have put off buying children’s clothes due to lack of money; 34 per cent have cut back on food for themselves; and 35 per cent have gone without heating on a cold day.

“

Volunteerism doesn’t work – we need hard law to make this a reality

“

A

ccording to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), disabled workers are currently experiencing a 15.5 per cent pay gap, meaning they earn on average £1.65 less per hour than non-disabled workers. That’s over £3,000 less each year, based on a 35-hour working week.

This means disabled workers effectively work the last eight weeks of the year, or 57 days, for free compared to non-disabled colleagues.

“The disability pay gap has a real, everyday life impact,” explains Quinn

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enable employment

However, one of the leading causes of the gap comes down to prejudice.

“Part of the reason the pay gap exists is because of unlawful discrimination,” Quinn continues.

“Disabled workers are still left out during different recruitment processes.

We know that negative attitudes are barriers to disabled people getting into work and then progressing within the workplace. There are structural barriers preventing disabled employees from reaching their full potential and having a base level of equal pay; physical barriers as well as attitudinal barriers.”

EMPLOYMENT

PAY GAP

The disability pay gap is the difference between the average hours of pay of disabled people, compared with the average hours of pay of non-disabled people.

It exists for numerous different reasons: disabled people are less likely to be in employment, due to physical barriers, stigma and misconceptions about disability from employers. Disabled people are more likely to be in part-time work and employed in lower paid occupations, which also contributes.

It’s not just a pay gap that disabled people face: workers who have a disability are more likely to experience an employment gap too, meaning they are less likely to be in employment than non-disabled people.

The disability employment gap currently stands at 29.8 percentage points. When the government pledged to half the disability employment gap in 2015, it stood at 34 percentage points. This means that in the over four years since they made the promise, the employment gap has decreased by only around one per cent per year.

“The government needs to make sure Access to Work is funded appropriately so everyone can access their full entitlement,” emphasises Quinn. “They need to stop and reverse the cuts to disabled people’s support, like employment support allowance and PIP. Also, employers need to better understand their responsibilities to ensure disabled worker have access to reasonable adjustments, and that those adjustments stay in place in times of change. That would be a good start.”

In terms of the pay gap, not only does it exist, but the TUC’s research found that it has actually increased by 0.3 per cent in the past year.

This makes it impossible to predict when the gap will close, and disabled workers will finally begin to earn equal pay.

CHANGE

Despite the bleak outlook, organisations are taking the steps to

push for faster progress in closing the disability pay gap.

One of the key steps towards closing the disability pay gap is introducing mandatory disability pay gap reporting for employers. Currently, fewer than one in five employers collect information on their disability pay gap, and the TUC hopes that mandatory reporting would lead to businesses being confronted with their practices and changing them.

“Volunteerism doesn’t work – we need hard law to make this a reality,” Quinn explains. “I’d like the government to also look at who has to report.

Currently, for gender you only have to report if you have over 250 employees.

I want that to be 50 employees. I think all employers should be thinking about how they can ensure pay transparency and equality, and easily identify inequalities and discrimination.”

As part of their campaign for equal pay and employment opportunities for disabled people, in 2019 the TUC launched their reasonable adjustments disability passports. These are a physical record of the adjustments that have been made for a disabled employee, so that if they move to a different job or a new manager joins the company, they can ensure their reasonable adjustments can stay in place throughout any transition periods.

In government, House of Lords member, Kevin Shinkwin, has proposed a bill to introduce mandatory disability pay gap reporting for businesses with over 250 employees. Though it doesn’t go as far as the TUC would like, it shows that the issue is being acknowledged by those in power.

Positive steps are being made to urge the government and individual businesses to change their policies around the disability pay and employment gaps. But more must be done to ensure inequalities in the workplace are finally eradicated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For further support and advice about the disability pay gap, you can contact the TUC through their website, www.tuc.org.uk

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Registers of Scotland (RoS) has fairness at its core.

Committed to equal opportunity

We have been named as a disability confident employer

by Jobcentre Plus and have a positive attitude towards job applications from disabled people.

We’re Scotland’s public-sector auditor, responsible for ensuring that the Scottish Government and public-sector bodies are held to account for the proper, efficient and effective use of public money.

As we progress through 2019 we will be working to improve the ways that we support our staff, customers and stakeholders, regardless of disability, gender, ethnicity, age, religion or sexual orientation. This is a process that we will review constantly – delivering equality is an ongoing process, not an event.

We are committed to equal opportunity and to a culture that respects difference and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

We offer an interview to all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. As an employer, and in our audit role, we play a leading part in the promotion and application of diversity and equality.

www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/careers

Kidz to Adultz Middle 2020 Free event organised by Disabled Living 120+ Exhibitors NEW DATE!

WEDNESDAY 4th March 2020, 9.30am - 4.30pm Ericsson Exhibition Hall, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, CV6 6AQ. FREE PARKING!

CPD Seminars

Dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their parents, carers and the professionals who support them.

Fun & Features

Charity no: 224742

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Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk

Tel: 0161 607 8200

20/12/2019 16:13

enable employment

Making the

switch With the New Year comes fresh inspiration and goals for the coming months. This could be the perfect time to switch career paths and work for an employer who truly appreciates your skills. An expert reveals how to successfully make a career change

T

he start of 2020 not only marks a New Year, but also a new decade. As we enter the start of the year, it often inspires change, a concept that is familiar to founder and director of Evenbreak, Jane Hatton.

“It’s a bit like a fresh new exercise book on the first day of a new school year,” enthuses Jane. “It’s a time when many people reflect on what they have achieved, and set goals for the following year.”

Evenbreak is a specialist job board run by and for disabled people. The board aims to help inclusive employers understand the value of employing disabled people in order to attract a more diverse candidate base.

Your New Year goal could be as simple as picking up a new hobby, but it could also inspire a career change, allowing you to pursue something different and exciting that utilises your existing skills.

Even with the drive to succeed, making a career change can come with additional barriers for disabled people, but these barriers can be overcome.

SEARCH

Making a successful career change with a disability starts with looking in the right places, Jane says: “Most job boards aren’t very accessible, which means many disabled people can’t use them.”

Accessible job boards allow you to search for opportunities posted by employers who understand the barriers faced when looking for work, giving both disabled candidates and employers confidence.

“Disabled jobseekers can be wary of recruiters and employers,” explains Jane. “You will face barriers, sadly, but there are ways to get around some of them: focus on your strengths – you aren’t a charity case, but a premium candidate.”

You overcome obstacles every day that most people take for granted

Resilience is already a key skill that you possess and will be valued by the right employer.

“You overcome obstacles every day that most people take for granted, and you can bring those strengths to an employer who will benefit from them,” emphasises Jane. “Make sure you focus your search on employers who are enlightened enough to recognise the benefits of employing disabled people.”

GENUINE

It is easy to be caught out by employers who claim to have equal opportunities but aren’t genuinely inclusive.

“Disabled people still find themselves routinely rejected at whatever point in the recruitment process their impairment becomes obvious,” explains Jane.

Finding a legitimately inclusive employer starts with a brief background check into their accreditations and affiliations, Jane continues: “Being a Disability Confident Employer or Leader gives disabled candidates confidence that disability is on the agenda of the employer.

“Other indicators are if they have

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STRENGTHS

More paramount than finding an employer that is inclusive and values your unique skillset is finding a new career path that will stimulate your interests.

“The most important thing to consider is what strengths and skills you have to offer,” advises Jane. “Society has conditioned people to focus on what disabled people can’t do, and it’s easy for employers and disabled people alike to focus on the negatives.”

If you know you want to switch careers but you aren’t sure of what path you would like to follow, start with making a list of your skills and why you would be an asset to any employer.

“The most important thing to consider is what strengths and skills you have to offer

“

additional accreditations, such as Mindful Employer, Clear Assured, and if they are already employing disabled people at all levels across the organisation.”

The Disability Confident scheme (www.gov.uk) provides a list of employers that have signed up and their current status on the scheme, but looking at companies’ websites and their teams can provide an insight into how they treat or promote people with a disability.

Consider the skills you possess both in and out of the workplace.

“You may have many transferable skills which might help you think about a new career direction,” advises Jane.

“As disabled people, we naturally develop skills such as resilience, creativity, problem-solving and determination in order to navigate around a world not designed for us.”

The work-life balance you want to achieve, adjustments you need in the workplace and the method of working that suits you best should all be considered when looking for work, Jane says: “You may want to find an employer who offers flexible working, and who is open to offering suitable workplace adjustments.”

DECISIONS

You don’t have to decide on what new career path is best for you alone, there is a wealth of support available to help you decide and ensure you make the right choice for you and your future.

Talking to people in different jobs is a great starting point, Jane suggests: “It can be helpful to find a mentor who has succeeded in the career you wish to move into, in order to learn how to navigate your way through the career path.”

Finding a careers coach is also a good option, but they can be expensive and sometimes don’t understand the barriers to employment that disabled people face. Along with speaking to individuals, specialist organisations can support you to make a career change.

The Shaw Trust (www.shaw-trust. org.uk) provides specialist services to help disabled people develop their careers through support and training programmes. This is a great option if you need help planning your career change or need additional skills or qualifications to make it a success.

What changes will the New Year bring to you and your career progression?

Start your job search today to find out.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Specialist job boards like Evenbreak (www.evenbreak.co.uk) and Disability Jobsite (www.disabilityjobsite.co.uk) only show job listings from inclusive employers who understand the benefits of employing disabled jobseekers.

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enable employment

A HELPING

HAND

Volunteering is an excellent asset to add onto your CV, making it stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for ways to gain some valuable skills , there are a wealth of accessible volunteering opportunities available so you can stand out whilst lending a helping hand

V

olunteering is a hugely valuable role that can lead to exciting opportunities.

It’s a chance to give back to your local community, and to causes that are close to your heart. Without volunteers, many charities and initiatives simply wouldn’t be able to function.

And, more charities are actively looking for disabled volunteers to join their teams.

OPPORTUNITIES

There are plenty of accessible volunteering roles across the country. Volunteering Matters (www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk) offers a comprehensive list of inclusive volunteering opportunities for disabled volunteers. The Princes Trust (www. princes-trust.org.uk) works closely with young people and often have officebased volunteering roles available, too.

If you’re looking to volunteer for a disability charity, there are organisations that are always looking for enthusiastic members to join their ranks. Scope (www.scope.org.uk), Mencap (www. mencap.org.uk), Leonard Cheshire (www.leonardcheshire.org) and Capability Scotland (www.capabilityscotland.org.uk) are just a few of the charities working hard to provide support to disabled people who rely on hard working, dependable volunteers to come on board with them.

that you are looking to build your career.

Volunteering is also excellent if you’re currently in work, as it can provide the chance to give back to a sector that you find interesting whilst expanding on your current set of skills.

Assets such as communication, organisation, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and work ethic can be developed during volunteering opportunities, and can be easily transferred as you progress in your career.

In some cases, the skills you build whilst volunteering can be incredibly beneficial for the charity you’re giving your time to. In fact, it’s not uncommon for volunteers to eventually get paid positions within a charity, as you’ll have all the inside knowledge of how the charity opperates, be loyal to the work

being done, plus awareness of what is happening within the local community.

COMMUNITY

There are many emotional and mental benefits to volunteering, including increased self-esteem and confidence, decreased stress, anxiety and depression, as well as providing a sense of purpose and wellbeing.

These emotional benefits can arise through knowing you are giving back to your community and helping those in need.

Volunteering is hugely rewarding and exposes you to people and situations you may not otherwise have had the opportunity to gain. So, what are you waiting for? Your next volunteering opportunity is just a phonecall or email away.

SKILLS

Similarly, volunteering can also provide a plethora of transferable skills that can help when applying for employment.

Volunteering is sure to provide skills that will be celerbated and welcomed across different sectors. If you’re currently looking for work, volunteering can help you gain experience in a field

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PIC: © IGNITION BREWERY

enable employment

Brewing A DIFFERENCE Adults with a learning disability are one of the groups that are least likely to be in paid employment.

However, one initiative is leading the way, highlighting the importance of accessible employment for people with learning disabilities

A

ccording to learning disability charity, Mencap, only six per cent of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment, but 65 per cent would like a job. This means thousands of people who are keen to work aren’t able to access employment.

TALENT

Barriers to employment include a lack of quality support to find and stay in work, employers’ attitudes, and lack of understanding about the assets people with a learning disability can bring into the workplace, plus limited knowledge on laws around reasonable adjustments.

One company, hoping to change

It’s so difficult these days for anybody to get a job, but people with learning disabilities find it much harder

perceptions and showcase the talents of adults with a learning disability is Ignition Brewery. Based in south London, the brewery trains and employs people with a learning disability to brew quality beer, paying them the London Living Wage for their work.

Michaela has been working with the brewery for almost four years, initially joining as a volunteer. She is now paid to brew beer, serve customers in the taproom, and offering tours, too.

EMPLOYMENT

“The objective of the brewery is to employ people who have learning disabilities,” Michaela explains. “There’s such a high percentage of people with a learning disability who are unemployed, so it’s amazing that Ignition Brewery employs people with a learning disability. It’s so difficult these days for anybody to get a job, but people with learning disabilities find it much harder than those who don’t.”

Ignition Brewery was created in 2015, to demonstrate the individual talents and skills adults with a learning disability bring to the workplace, and offer them a secure place to work.

“The people are very friendly and make you feel at home,” Michaela continues.

“I feel really comfortable with Ignition

Brewery. It’s been amazing and this could be just the beginning of making a difference to people with learning disabilities and autism.”

FAMILY

The brewery produces a range of quality beers with different tasting notes.

The taproom in Lewisham is open to customers Thursday to Saturday, to go along and enjoy the full Ignition Brewery experience for themselves.

“I’m certainly a lot happier than I was before,” Michaela enthuses. “Being with Ignition Brewery is a bit like being with family. They treat you with love and empathy. Working here [is positive] because it enables me to show some of my talents. I can bring my skills and share them.”

Social enterprises such as Ignition Brewery are an essential gateway to enabling more adults with learning disabilities into meaningful, sustainable work. As awareness and support increases, so do employment opportunities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.ignition.beer, to learn even more about Ignition Brewery.

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enable voices

CHALLENGING

PREJUDICE

Honouring women with disabilities, the Her Abilities Award shines a light on those challenging prejudice. American comedian and activist Maysoon Zayid discusses changing perceptions and winning the 2019 Her Abilities Award

S

HER ABILITIES

Maysoon’s work has now been recognised in the form of a Her Abilities Award for the arts, culture and sports category. The award is the first of its kind, honouring the achievements of disabled women in their life or field of work.

“The Her Abilities Award is so important: disabled women’s voices are rarely amplified on the global stage,” emphasises Maysoon.

In winning the award Maysoon joins an alumni of strong women including Nguyen Thi Van, a businesswoman from Vietnam, and Liisa Kauppinen, a human rights activist, who also received the award in 2019.

COMEDY

Through her comedy, Maysoon is making people laugh whilst proving to them that having a disability doesn’t mean you are different.

“Disability makes people uncomfortable, comedy helps us relax,” states Maysoon. “When you are laughing, you don’t feel like you are being lectured to, it is a fun way to educate and change perceptions.”

Maysoon performs her comedy worldwide, but she is often the first independent disabled adult her audience has interacted with.

Disabled women’s voices are rarely amplified on the global stage “This goes a long way to improve treatment of disabled people by their family and their peers,” explains Maysoon.

“It removes the fear and replaces it with humanity.”

VISIBLE

Along with comedy and acting, Maysoon is a successful author having written the audiobook Find Another Dream: the true story of how a Muslim girl with cerebral

palsy creates her own path to stardom.

While the book has had a positive impact for young girls globally, it has also received backlash, highlighting the need for change.

“Sadly, what has had the biggest impact are the people who write to me enraged that I dared to challenge racism and violence against women,” reveals Maysoon. “They wanted to laugh, not think, and it has shaken me a bit to see how many people think that calling out hate is a bad thing.”

For Maysoon, challenging these perceptions starts with visibility, she explains: “If you turn on American television, there are currently no visibly disabled hosts on any American show, I would like to change that because if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”

Maysoon is currently developing a TV comedy series in which she will star, Sanctuary, and a children’s book series in which the central character is a feisty disabled girl. As we enter a new year, Maysoon will continue to educate the public through her work.

PIC: © MICHELLE KINNEY

ince she started tap dancing at the age of five, Maysoon Zayid, who has cerebral palsy, has loved being on stage. With success as an actress, comedian, author and speaker, Maysoon has continually utilised her platform to remove stigma around disability.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Her Abilities Award (www.her-abilities-award.org) is a global award recognising women with a disability who are creating positive change.

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Making life easier for disabled people

“Our Motability Scheme car helps us get to and from hospital with ease.”

Marcelle, Samuel’s mum

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair without the worry of owning and running one. Parents and carers can also drive on behalf of the disabled person. The vehicle should be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person.

Who can join the Motability Scheme?

You may be eligible to join the Scheme if you receive one of the following: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

What’s included on the Motability Scheme?

Insurance Breakdown assistance Servicing and repairs Tyres and battery replacement

Charitable Grants Motability may be able to provide charitable grants to disabled people who would otherwise be unable to afford the vehicle, adaptations or driving lessons they need.

For more information, visit motability.org.uk/charitable-grants

Sign up today for your FREE information pack motability.org.uk/enable or call 0300 123 3367 (quote Enable)

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No.299745) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No. 736309).

The Motability Scheme is operated by Motability Operations Limited under contract to Motability. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.735390).

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