Enable March / April 2024

BRAIN AN ACCESSIBLE BREAK IN JERSEY MAN ON A MISSION

SameYou charity founder Jenny Clarke MBE

FAMILY

Hibbert

March

From trying adaptive sports to scaling mountains

COVER PRICE £3.00

PUBLISHER

Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk

EDITOR

Melissa Holmes

melissa.holmes@dcpublishing.co.uk

STAFF WRITER

Kate Stevenson kate.stevenson@dcpublishing.co.uk

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Jane Ha on Samantha Renke

Tim Rushby-Smith

Alisdair Su ie

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk

SALES

Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk

ENABLE MAGAZINE

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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

Get ready to dive into the March/April

e the change you wish to see in the world.”

The Gandhi quote has been echoing round my head since I retook the helm at Enable earlier this year.

In 2011, I edited Enable’s first ever issue. Since then, so much has happened. We’ve seen Black Lives Ma er, #MeToo, Brexit... Through it all, disability has become increasingly “seen”. 2017’s Manchester Arena bombing has seen survivors – like our interviewee Martin Hibbert – share their stories. And we experienced the collective trauma of the pandemic, bringing carers and vulnerable members of society into media focus.

Since I last edited Enable, so much has changed in terms of representation and awareness. But so much has stayed the same. Disabled people still face the same ba les over many aspects of everyday life that others take for granted.

That’s why I’m delighted to feature people in Enable who are being the change they wish to see in the world. This issue is packed with upli ing and useful information and advice, from our lead interview with mouth artist Henry Fraser to our brilliant columnists, plus articles on how family members adapt to a loved one becoming disabled, and ge ing involved in adaptive sport. Till next issue –

29

Actor Emilia Clarke and her mum Jenny were recently awarded MBEs after founding brain injury charity SameYou. Jenny tells us more about their work.

FRONT

What’s inside

8

Interview

08 THOSE LITTLE THINGS

Mouth-painting artist Henry Fraser shares his wisdom and reflects on life at his easel.

25 MARTIN ON A MISSION

Manchester Arena bombing survivor Martin Hibbert on his quest for accessibility for all.

Spotlight

29 STILL THE SAME YOU

Jenny Clarke MBE talks about founding brain injury charity

SameYou with her daughter, actor Emilia Clarke MBE.

Care

11 CARER’S LEAVE ACT

Health

Cover story

Cover story

Cover story

Information on the new Act, which gives working carers the right to unpaid leave.

32 OCTOPUS TRIAL UNDERWAY

More on the groundbreaking MS treatment trial.

Voices

22 ACCESS FOR ALL?

Columnist Tim Rushby-Smith ponders how a change in approach could improve accessibility.

41 HAKUNA MATATA!

Samantha Renke reports back from a trip to London’s West End to see The Lion King.

Finance

37 SURVIVING THE SQUEEZE

The latest on how interest rates and inflation could affect your finances.

25

44

54

Life

13 DISABILITY IN THE FAMILY

Managing change and relationships when a loved one becomes disabled.

16 DOWN’S SYNDROME: END THE STEREOTYPES

Focus on this year’s World Down Syndrome Day.

18 THE NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY

Cover story

Cover story

Why are more parents of ND kids seeking a diagnosis for themselves? And what are their top tips for living in a ND household?

38 THE HEALING POWER OF GARDENING

Get green-fingered with accessible gardening this spring.

44 RECIPE

Whip up a warming gnocchi dish. Simple and delicious!

46 ON THE GO

What’s happening to make travel and transport more accessible for people with disabilities?

49 THE DIARY

The ho est events and exhibitions for your calendar.

50 PRODUCT PICKS

From folding wheelchairs to sensory cubes, a round-up of the latest innovations and products to make life easier.

Employment

62 Q&A

Employment expert Jane Ha on o ers advice on discrimination in the workplace.

64 DIVERSE MINDS AT WORK

Two neurodivergent entrepreneurs share their stories.

66 PEOPLE UNDERESTIMATE MY SKILLS

Pippa Stacey talks about working when you have a chronic illness.

Motoring

54 BYD ATTO 3

A review of BYD’s quirky electric SUV.

Active

52 SHE’S SOME WOMAN

We chat to Debbie McQuat, a woman with limb di erence whose ‘midlife crisis’ has involved scaling mountains and swimming through mud.

29 57

57 A SPORTING CHANCE

Paralympians Melissa Nicholls and Sam Ruddock on the importance of being able to access adaptive sports, and the di erence it’s made to their mental and physical health.

Housing

34 A PLACE TO CALL HOME

NOW –

PAGE

News

Review to level-up disabled entrepreneurship

THE LILAC REVIEW IS a major independent review looking at the inequality faced by disabled-led businesses. Launched in February and expected to last two years, it will share recommendations for supporting disabled entrepreneurs and drive positive change around accessibility and inclusion in entrepreneurship.

Disabled entrepreneurs account for 25% of the UK’s small businesses, but represent only 8.6% of small business turnover. Small Business Britain estimates that improving opportunities could unlock an additional £230 billion in turnover.

Victoria Jenkins (pictured), founder of adaptive fashion brand Unhidden,

DISABILITY ACTION PLAN PUBLISHED

THE DISABILITY ACTION PLAN sets out the immediate actions the government will take in 2024 to improve disabled people’s everyday lives. The plan lays the foundations for longer-term change and has 15 Areas of Action. These include supporting disabled people who want to be elected to public office, including disabled people’s needs in emergency planning, and improving information and outcomes for families in which someone is disabled.

Richard Kramer, Chief Executive

of disability charity Sense, said: “While it’s a relief to see Government has listened to the feedback on its Disability Action Plan, the proof will be in the pudding. In a year where we will be heading to the polls, we hope to see all parties commit to creating the bold changes disabled people desperately need.” Meanwhile, Mel Merritt of the National Autistic Society described the Disability Action Plan as “a missed opportunity to make meaningful progress in creating a society that works for autistic people.”

is Co-Chair of The Lilac Review. She said: “The contribution of the disabled community to society is much higher than people are aware of. We’re also worth more than what we can, or can’t, contribute from a financial respect. I hope to highlight that, alongside powerful voices in the community.” www.lilacreview.com

TFL ACCESS BOOST

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON (TFL) has launched Equity in Motion, an ambitious new plan to help create a more accessible and inclusive transport network for everyone. The plans cover key areas for improvements around accessible travel, keeping customers safe, and inclusive information, and will positively impact around 1.2 million Londoners who are disabled.

Agnes Fletcher, of TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group, said: “All Londoners will benefit from the change Equity in Motion promises. The barriers we face just in getting around can be reduced or removed by taking enabling actions like those in Equity in Motion.”

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THOSE LITTLE THINGS

When Henry Fraser jumped into the sea while on holiday, he hit a sand bank underwater and became paralysed. Aged just 17 at the time, he could never have known that his life would end up better than he could have ever imagined. Editor Melissa Holmes spoke to Henry to learn more…

Ten years ago, in April 2014, Henry Fraser took to the stage to share his story. He’d spent six months working on his first talk; writing the script, trying to memorise his words. “Public speaking terrified me,” admits Henry. “I hated being the one everyone was looking at.”

But when he came off stage, Henry’s life would never be the same again. Someone saw a recording of that talk, which led to an agent approaching Henry to write a book. That became his memoir The Little Big Things, which led to a musical based on Henry’s life.

“It really spiralled,” he smiles. “If I’d said no to that first talk, none of this would be happening.”

Of course, his first motivational talk on stage wasn’t Henry’s only life-changing experience. Becoming a wheelchair user after an accident on a post-exams holiday with his mates was the reason he was giving that speech in the first place.

ACCEPTANCE

“There’s nothing about my accident or my disability that makes me feel down or upset. Other things annoy me – like accessibility, the usual. But I’ve driven so hard for this positive attitude,” says Henry calmly.”

None of this happened overnight: “It took me 13 months to accept what had happened. There was a lot of physical, mental hard work to get to that point. But that point was the start of adapting, moving on and living. Staying in that fight for the outcome to be a whole lifetime of happiness was worth it, I’d say.”

Henry told me about the unending support from his family and friends, his incredible physiotherapist, the hours spent doing rep after rep and difficult breathing exercises to be able to propel his wheelchair himself and get off his ventilator. “The person I am now and the person I was before

the accident are two vastly different people” he shares. “To my core, I’m the same person. But the way I’ve decided to live my life is completely different.”

VULNERABILITY

Being vulnerable, sharing his emotions and practising gratitude have all helped Henry become the resilient person he is today. “When my parents and brothers first came to see me after my accident, it was a wildly emotional moment. We all cried, we were all in pieces. I’m so happy we did that,” he recalls. “As brothers from a fairly macho household, we’d never done that before. To let that all go was huge for us.” Henry had the same experience when he first saw his reflection after his accident. “I lost it,” he says. “I properly broke hard – again. I’m glad I did because it allowed me to let that go and not hold it.”

For a young man, Henry knows himself well. He told me that his baseline of happiness is simple: little things like looking out of the window and seeing nature, having a cup of tea, or re-watching a TV show. “You realise those little things that make you feel happy are everywhere, every single day. We become numb to them because they’re so abundant in our day-to-day lives.”

MOUTH-PAINTING

Spending time on bedrest due to a pressure sore would bore most people to tears, but Henry found a way to make it positive. Propped up with a couple of pillows, he put a stylus in his mouth and started sketching on his iPad. “It was super basic, very linear,” he explains. “I wouldn’t even call it a sketch, to be honest.”

The iPad led to pencils which led to paint and, after sharing his work online and hours and hours of practice, Henry is now a renowned mouth-painting artist. “I love being at

my easel,” he says. “The other side of my life is being in front of people and sharing my story, so my easel is my comfort zone.”

MAN OF FEW WORDS

Writing his book pushed Henry well out of that sanctuary. “Normally I’m a man of very few words,” he admits. “In the book, I was really honest about how I was feeling, how bad things were – especially physically, because there were many touch and go moments early on. That’s what people have resonated with deeply: the honesty.”

After the memoir’s release, Henry received messages from strangers. “They’d talk about tough times they’d been through, like divorce, loss of a

family member, drink or drug issues,” he reveals. “Most of them didn’t want a reply, they just wanted someone to say it to. It’s an insane privilege to be able to be there for people.”

That book eventually became a musical. The Little Big Things ended its run at Soho Place in March, and Henry says: “The cast is incredible, the writing, the music, everything about it is just awesome. It was very special.”

Having a musical written about him is something Henry is glad he said yes to. Always attuned to himself, he told me: “Without everything I’ve been through, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities. There’s nothing about my life, my work, anything I do now that’s anything I could’ve dreamt of before.”

If I’d said no to that first talk, none of this would be happening

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find out more about Henry’s work at henryfraserart.com

Henry’s next solo exhibition is at The Grove Hotel, Watford on 14 and 15 September, from 10am to 5.30pm both days. Entry is free.

CARER’S LEAVE ACT

The Carer’s Leave Act comes into force on 6 April, giving employees who also have caring responsibilities the right to time o work. We find out more

Designed to support around two million members of the workforce who have caring responsibilities, the Carer’s Leave Act enshrines a legal right to up to five days o work per year for employees who are unpaid carers.

Full or half days of leave must be requested in advance, and leave is unpaid. But the five days will be used up quickly if the person being cared for has regular appointments, for example, and many feel the Act doesn’t go far enough.

Wendy Chamberlain MP brought the Private Member’s Bill to parliament. She recognises there’s a long journey ahead: “Organisations I’ve met with have told me the biggest hurdle is starting the conversation,” she told us. She feels businesses need to refocus their thinking about how supporting carers adds to their own success, and hopes these conversations won’t stop once the law comes into force.

Wendy says: “I won’t be stopping either. I know ten days’ paid leave would be best for carers and the companies that employ them.”

VITAL FIRST STEP

Dominic Carter of Carers Trust agrees: “The Carer’s Leave Act is a vital first step in helping people balance work and care. However, because the leave is unpaid, carers will be hit financially if they take it. We don’t think this is fair. Carers Trust is urging politicians to go further.”

According to Carers UK, an average of 600 people per day leave their jobs to care, while a 2002 survey by Carers Trust showed 64% of unpaid carers had to give up work or reduce their hours because of their caring role.

The Act comes at a pivotal time during the cost of living crisis, since carers needing leave will be protected from losing their jobs due to their caring responsibilities. It’s hoped the Act will enable more carers to stay in – or return to – work, knowing there’s more understanding of their needs.

WHAT DO CARERS SAY?

“As a carer with a career, this seems to be beneficial. Many carers will be relieved their jobs are safe if they need time o . And employers can retain good sta without the expense of paying them for leave. But there are drawbacks. Owing to the unpredictable nature of caring for my elderly, ill mum, can I really give my employer ‘twice the number of days’ notice as the time that needs to be taken’? That’s four days’ notice before I take two days o to care. Caring is daily, and unexpected illness and events occur. How will small organisations cope if several

employees need to take carer’s leave at the same time?

“While some may rejoice that steps have been taken, what we really need is paid leave, flexible working and greater job security.”

Dawn-Maria France (journalist and carer), Yorkshire

DISABILITY IN THE FAMILY

Only around 5% of people with disabilities are born with disability – the rest acquire their disabilities, whether that’s through illness, accident or a health condition. The arrival or onset of a disability has a huge impact on the person, but it also affects their family too. We find out more about the experience and sources of support

Everyone wants the best for their loved ones. But for people with li le experience of disability, the onset of disability in their child, sibling, partner or relative can be a real shock.

“The news hit us like a sledgehammer,” says Tess, whose son Lucas was diagnosed with significant hearing loss when he was a month old. Tess and her husband are both hearing with no experience of deafness, and felt frightened for Lucas’s future when they were first informed.

FEEL THE GRIEF

That feeling of loss and upset is a common one for many people on similar journeys, and Tess advises: “You need to allow yourself the time to feel whatever emotions you need to. You’re not le ing anyone down by making space for your grief.”

Finding a community of others who’ve been through or are going through a similar experience can provide relief and comfort. “Reach out to people who understand how you’re feeling, and keep talking about your emotions within your family,” suggests Tess.

Having a support network – perhaps via a local or national charity or carers’ organisation – also gives you wider access to new opportunities and information on issues like equipment, benefits and rights, as well as a group of peers who get what you are dealing with. “The road ahead will have its fair share of twists and turns, so you need to look a er yourself,” Tess advises.

Making big decisions about your loved one’s support and treatment can be di cult too. For Tess and her husband, choosing whether Lucas should have cochlear implants was challenging. “Making decisions has never been easy,” she admits, “because you’re making choices on behalf of the most important person in your life who is completely reliant on you for their future – and you need to do it without any experience to draw upon.”

CONSTANT BATTLE

When someone becomes disabled, life can turn into an endless cycle of medical appointments, form filling and fighting – many people have to ba le for access to education, employment,

The thing I find really hard is advocating for him – always being ‘that’ parent, asking for adaptations and the things he’s entitled to

medical treatment and things they’d previously taken for granted. As Tess reveals: “The thing I continue to find really hard is advocating for him –always being ‘that’ parent asking for adaptations and the things he’s entitled to. I’m having to dig deep to find the strength to do that more regularly now he’s starting to spend time in educational se ings.”

That constant feeling of ba ling, along with the physical demands that can come with being the caregiver of someone with a disability – like aches and pains from li ing, poor sleep, and stress – can really take its toll.

Making use of respite services can make a huge di erence to families. But there are simpler steps you can take too, like small acts of self-care, practising mindfulness, or spending time with friends. Tess has found that writing about their journey in a personal blog has been really helpful and says: “If ever things feel overwhelming, then a long walk or a good chat with a friend over co ee tends to do the trick.”

TAKE THE STRAIN

Relationships – between partners, siblings and other family members – can be deeply a ected too. There are more than half a million young siblings and at least 1.7 million adult siblings in the UK with a disabled brother or sister. They o en face discrimination, poverty and fewer opportunities than their peers, and are more likely to experience family breakdown and bereavement. The charity Sibs exists to support the brothers and sisters (both children and adults) of disabled people, and o ers support groups,

workshops, training and resources for people at every life stage.

For parents, caring for a disabled child may bring some couples closer. But, for others, the experience can be overwhelming. There are pressures on multiple fronts, ranging from financial and work issues to inappropriate housing, physical demands, di cult decision-making, and relationship troubles. It’s a lot. Communication is key, and sharing your feelings and the workload will help you cope. Family Life Plus was set up by two charities, Click and Contact, to provide information and advice on managing the unique challenges that couples and separated parents face when raising a child with a disability.

And in the case of a husband, wife or partner becoming disabled, the dynamic of the relationship will o en change massively, especially if one becomes the caregiver. You’ll face more responsibilities and more decision making, while you deal with the emotional, physical and practical impact of disability upon your loved one and your relationship.

Whatever your situation, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out and ask for help, share your feelings, and learn from the stories of others to help you support your disabled loved one, now and into the future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact, the charity for families with disabled children: contact.org.uk

Family Life Plus: clickrelationships.org/family-life-plus Sibs, the charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults: sibs.org.uk

Lucas with his mum, Tess

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DOWN’S SYNDROME End the stereotypes

A closer look at World Down Syndrome Day, which takes place on 21 March

World Down Syndrome Day 2024 focuses on one theme: End the Stereotypes. We all know stereotypes around disability can be harmful, and stereotyping people with Down’s Syndrome is no different, leading to discrimination in employment, education and everyday life.

AMPLIFYING VOICES

The global day has been officially observed by the UN since 2012. It gives people with Down’s Syndrome and their supporters a voice to advocate for the DS community. Events and campaigns help amplify the voices of people with Down’s Syndrome, in order to call for their full participation in society and to highlight their role within our communities.

Events take place across the world and, in the UK, the Down’s Syndrome Association will be celebrating the individuality of every person with user generated blogs, videos, and contributions from their Our Voice network. They’re also linking with Down’s Syndrome Scotland for

RunAcross, an ambitious challenge which will see fundraisers run a relay from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. RunAcross has been organised by university student Iris, whose sister has Down’s Syndrome. Iris says: “Viewing the world through Nancy’s eyes is one of the most beautiful parts of my life; she has taught me patience, kindness and unconditional love. She is my biggest blessing.”

The Down’s Syndrome Association supports the DS community with information, resources, fundraising and online groups. Their helpline receives more than 10,000 calls each year, and they offer useful services, including support for parents, campaigning work to improve policy and legislation, and training for professionals, teachers and businesses.

LOTS OF SOCKS

The World Down Syndrome Day website features resources to help you get involved, and you can also

buy this year’s campaign socks on the site, to raise funds and awareness. Colourful socks get people talking, and this year’s Lots of Socks design was created by David from Guatemala. He chose gears for his drawing, and says: “People may believe that, because we have an extra chromosome, we are different gears, we cannot fit together and make a big change, but this is not true. Together, as a community, we are part of something much, much bigger. Together we increase the strength, like gears in an incredible machine.”

This World Down Syndrome Day, let’s End the Stereotypes and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. We’re all cogs in this global community.

www.worlddownsyndromeday.org

David

NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY THE

More and more adults are seeking a diagnosis for neurodivergence a er their children have been diagnosed. We speak to parents about their experiences and learn how they manage living in a neurodivergent household

As awareness around autism, ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence increases, growing numbers of parents are seeking assessments for themselves a er their kids have been diagnosed. That was the case for Emma: “Before we asked for my daughter’s assessment, I was reading about autism thinking ‘Why are all these things on the list? These are just normal things’. I realised if this is all the stu that makes somebody autistic, then I guess I probably am as well.”

Emma went to the appointment armed with information, worried her daughter wouldn’t receive a diagnosis. “The clinician said, ‘You don’t need to worry about that. We agree with you’,” explains Emma. “Then she handed me a leaflet about adult assessment, and said ‘You really need to look into this for yourself’.”

REALISATION

Parent of four Jax sought their

own assessment a er their son and daughter were diagnosed. “I was diagnosed autistic at 42, and ADHD at the beginning of the year – I’m now 53,” they explain. A er their daughter’s diagnosis, Jax says: “I began to realise the anxiety, social di culties and sensory issues I experienced were indicative of autism, so I requested a referral from the GP.”

What followed was a challenging process, including a meeting with social workers: “They wanted to know what e ect a diagnosis would have on my life and whether I was prepared for it – discounting the e ect that living undiagnosed was having on me,” sighs Jax. They eventually received a diagnosis of autism, later seeking a diagnosis of ADHD via the Right to Choose scheme, which they found a far easier process.

GO HOME AND UNMASK

Lucy has three children, and her son has been diagnosed AuDHD (autistic and ADHD). Once she had her second child, she admits: “the demand outweighed my ability to cope”. A er her third child was born, lateness and forge ing things became more of an issue so she sought an ADHD diagnosis. However, once she began medicating her ADHD, her autistic traits started to get worse. Working closely with the autism partnership board where she lived, Lucy confided in them that she felt like her life was unravelling: “I’d always been the typical gi ed child. I had so many skills but I’d get bored before I could build a career with them. I’m sensitive to noise, but once I started ADHD meds it became

much worse.” She also couldn’t bear the feeling of her once-favourite clothes.

“I went to my GP,” says Lucy, “and she was really good. I did the questions and we went through the referral form. Then she said something I didn’t realise I needed, but it completely broke me in the best way. She said ‘Ok, that’s done now, you can go home and unmask’. I went to my car and sobbed for 15 minutes straight.”

Some parents feel having their own diagnosis alongside their child’s can make life easier because they share a deeper understanding of how each other’s brains work. Jax explains: “It’s swings and roundabouts. My youngest child is probably most like me and I find parenting him challenging.” For Emma, she feels

The clinician handed me a leaflet about adult assessment

Jax

more confident to advocate for herself and her children to ensure their needs are met.

GET UNBUSY

Everyday life in a neurodivergent household can prove complex, but many parents figure out ‘hacks’ for relieving the impact of time blindness, meltdowns, and other issues. Emma has taken a gentle approach: “I need to give them time and space,” she says. “I have to be really organised for them – they need to know what’s going to happen, but not too much in advance.”

Jax relies on a Google calendar for keeping life organised, and explains: “Anything that’s going to happen has to be on the calendar. And when I say anything, I have recurring tasks for pu ing out the alternating bins.” Meanwhile, Lucy has chosen to ‘unbusy’ the family’s schedule; cu ing out clubs and activities, and reserving weekends for rest and recovery.

Mainstream education can prove di cult for some neurodivergent people, and Jax says: “We’ve home educated throughout – with hindsight that’s down to how hard I found the education system as an undiagnosed neurodivergent child. I never wanted to put my own kids through that. Instead, I’ve facilitated education for each of them following their interests and strengths.”

There’s no doubt that life in a neurodivergent family can be challenging, tiring and lonely at times, but Jax says: “One of the best bits of advice I was ever given was to not judge my insides by other people’s outsides –what other people are showing to the world isn’t necessarily the reality that they live.” Diagnosis has also brought deeper understanding for Emma: “A er I was diagnosed there was a huge realisation that there’s nothing wrong with me. Who I am is absolutely fine. This is who I am.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Emma runs a group for gentle parenting ND children: fb.com/207951976411320

Jax’s blog: liveotherwise.co.uk

Lucy works with a small charity, Autistic Support on the Isle of Wight: aimisleofwight.co.uk

ADHD Foundation: adhdfoundation.org.uk

National Autistic Society: autism.org.uk

Lucy PIC: ©AMANDA HERBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

WIN

A FOUR-NIGHT BREAK AT MAISON DES LANDES

Jersey’s only fully accessible hotel, Maison des Landes, is o ering Enable readers the chance to win a four-night stay for two people

Two lucky winners will be able to enjoy a four-night stay in a stylish, fully accessible hotel on the beautiful island of Jersey, thanks to this issue’s competition.

A er a £3.8 million refurbishment which took two years, Maison des Landes –the only hotel in the Channel Islands designed specifically for people with disabilities –reopened in June 2023. Enter our competition and you could enjoy a stay in this relaxing, modern hotel which has the very latest facilities for people with disabilities, their families and carers.

Maison des Landes has 23 specially equipped rooms, including 15 fully accessible ground floor bedrooms with wheel-in wet rooms and ceiling hoists, plus premium rooms which have accessible private patios and continued tracking from the beds to the en suite wet rooms. There’s also a 48-seater restaurant with al fresco dining in summer, a licensed bar, and a beautiful lounge and orangery. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s large, fully accessible indoor swimming pool with hoist, and tranquil grounds with amazing views across Jersey’s National Park with its protected wildlife and stunning scenery.

THE PRIZE

• Four nights’ accommodation for two people sharing a specially adapted room with electric profiling beds, wheel-in en suite wet room and ceiling tracking from the bed.

• Daily breakfast and three-course evening meal (drinks not included).

• Daily organised trips to local visitor a ractions and sites of interest.

HOW TO ENTER

• Transfers to and from the airport or harbour on arrival and departure (winners must arrange their own transport to and from Jersey).

• The prize must be taken during July, August or October 2024.

For more information, call 01534 481683, or visit www.maisondeslandes.co.uk

Simply send us your name, contact details and where you picked up your copy of Enable. BY EMAIL competitions@dcpublishing.co.uk quoting ‘Maison des Landes holiday’ ONLINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk/maisondeslandes

BY POST Competition, DC Publishing Ltd, 198 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG

All entries must be received by 25/04/24. Good luck!

winner. Spending money, travel insurance, flights or ferries, optional activities and personal expenditure or incidental costs are the responsibility of the winner. Travel to Maison des Landes, except for port or airport transfers in Jersey, is not included. The prize is non-refundable and non-transferable. All valid entries received by 25/04/24 will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be picked at random. Full terms and conditions can be viewed at www.enablemagazine.co.uk/maisondeslandes.

Tim Rushby-Smith

Originally from London, writer, artist and paraplegic Tim Rushby-Smith is now based in Australia. He is the author of two books: Looking Up and Beyond the Break.

Follow Tim on Twitter @trushbys

ACCESS FOR ALL?

Enable columnist Tim Rushby-Smith wonders if a change in approach might make the world a more accessible place

Iwrite this while gazing out of the window of a cabin next to the Tyenna River in Tasmania, where I’m enjoying a break with my family.

The day we arrived, we watched a duck-billed platypus in the river. Yesterday, we saw pademelons (think kangaroos the size of domestic cats) foraging on the forest floor between trees that are over 100 metres tall.

All of this has only been possible because of extended email

With clear information, we can make informed decisions and enjoy experiences that are possible for us

correspondence and lots of planning. Our cabin is not universally accessible, but there is a ramp to the veranda, and our hosts have put a garden chair in the shower cubicle. Crucially, they were also willing to measure doorway widths and gaps between the furniture, rearranging the layout where necessary. Our enquiries were met with enthusiasm and a desire to make our stay possible, despite acknowledging that the cabin would not meet access standards per se.

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Two days ago, we went on a walk through the bush that was punctuated by spectacular views from clifftops. At the beginning of the walk, the information sign read: ‘The track is wide with a gravel surface. It is usually dry underfoot and may suit some wheelchair users and people with strollers.’

It was a tough push in places, with long climbs and some areas where the gravel made pushing more difficult. But, with a bit of help here and there, I completed the 3.5km round trip.

The reason I’m sharing this is because it shows what a difference can be achieved by recognising that disability is not the same for everyone. On previous occasions I’ve written about holiday property owners who’ve made excuses so they can refuse to have a wheelchair user in their property. I’ve also talked about the frustration of finding that the only information about disabled access on walking tracks is related to paved and level paths that barely leave the car park before looping back.

EXPANDING HORIZONS

The natural world is not always universally accessible. Nor are smaller buildings or those built in a time before access was ever considered. If universal access isn’t possible, that’s not a justification for doing nothing. With clear information, we can make informed decisions and enjoy experiences that are possible for us as individuals.

It’s high time we moved away from a culture of making excuses and boxticking on websites, and move the conversation to ‘what do you need and how can we help?’

Everyone deserves to travel

Discover our top tips when travelling with mobility issues

Spring is fast approaching, and many of us are looking forward to another year of holidays and travel!

4) Bring the necessary medical proof when packing medical equipment: Having this to hand in advance will help security checks to run smoothly

Specialist Travel Insurance provider AllClear understands that there are extra things to think about for holidaymakers with pre-existing medical conditions. More than half of their customers (58%1) are living with two or more medical conditions, so they’ve put together five top tips for travellers.

1) Research accessible accommodation in each destination you’re considering: Easier access to your hotel reduces stress and makes your trip more enjoyable.

5) Sort out comprehensive Travel Insurance so you can travel with peace of mind: With 14.6 million adults living with disabilities in the UK, finding the right Travel Insurance cover is vital when planning your holiday.

If you choose Travel Insurance with AllClear, introduced by Motability Enterprises Limited, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

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2) Get in touch with your airline and travel agent 48 hours before flying: Discuss your needs regarding transportation to, from and throughout the airport with them.

3) Talk to your doctor to ensure you have enough medication: Arranging this before your trip will give you peace of mind on your travels, and it’s worth packing a little extra in case of delays

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Martin on a mission

Manchester Arena bombing survivor and disability advocate Martin Hibbert is on a mission. If he’s not scaling Kilimanjaro in his wheelchair or writing his debut book, he’s meeting MPs and change makers to fight for be er access. Our editor spoke exclusively to Martin about his busy life

As I sat down to chat with Martin Hibbert, it quickly became clear that this Bolton lad wasn’t messing about. Passionate, determined and straight-talking, Martin is doing everything he can to improve the lives of disabled people.

Raising almost a million pounds for the Spinal Injuries Association, of which he’s now vice-president? Check. Writing a biography sharing his story? Check. Speaking to audiences around the world about his experiences to inspire change? Check. Working with MPs and o cials to improve access and shi perceptions? Check.

OUTSPOKEN ADVOCATE

Martin is a fast talker, and he’s also a fast worker. He’s achieved all of this – as well as adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury, and becoming an outspoken advocate for disabled people – in a few years, since he was injured in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. The a ack killed 22 people, injured more than 1,000, and led to Martin being paralysed from the waist down and his daughter, Eve, su ering a life-changing brain injury.

Adjusting to life with a disability has been challenging. Martin describes his time in hospital as like “being in a bubble”. Then there

was the shock of being discharged: “There’s nothing,” he says. His wife Gabby became his carer, they had to find a new, accessible home, daily medication was tracked via spreadsheets, and they were still visiting Eve regularly in hospital.

“We were just left,” he concedes. “There was no one to sit me down and say ‘here’s the help you can get, these are the benefits you can apply for’. I shouldn’t have had to deal with that.”

Martin feels that a mentor would make the transition much easier for anyone who has recently acquired a disability, and told us: “We struggled for six months. Pardon the pun, but finding your feet again in a world where you’re not accepted or embraced… it’s a difficult thing to live with.”

THE REAL ISSUES

Since his injury, Martin has been working tirelessly to change things for the disabled community. He’s chaired a government meeting and been involved in the Disability Action

Having a spinal cord injury or being disabled –it’s like climbing a mountain every day

Plan, appears regularly in the news and media, and is working with Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester. “Manchester is one of the best cities in the world,” he explains, “but I want to make it the most accessible city in the world. I want to sit down with planners, architects and business owners and find out what the real access issues are.”

But actions need to follow words, and Martin says: “People are starting to find out I don’t take any prisoners. I’ll speak my mind and I won’t be treated as a fool.” He wants to see companies and local authorities being held to account (something he’s supporting via the Spinal Injuries Association), and feels the disabled community seems to shy away from “those difficult conversations. We need to have those hard conversations like the BAME and LGBTQ communities did, getting our message into people’s faces. When we do that, we make changes,” he hesitates. “But we don’t do it enough.”

CLIMBING KILI

There’s lots to be done, and Martin is fired up: “Everything’s a battle. Like when you’re first injured, you’ve got to do all the research yourself. It’s like the Kilimanjaro thing –.” That’s ‘the Kilimanjaro thing’ where Martin raised almost one million pounds for the Spinal Injuries Association by climbing Africa’s highest peak in an adapted wheelchair. He finishes: “Having a spinal cord injury or being disabled, it’s like climbing a mountain every day.”

Martin’s Mountain, as the June 2022 expedition was called, was part of Martin’s mission to raise awareness of the barriers people affected by spinal cord injury must face everyday.

As well as being an epic personal challenge and an incredible fundraiser, climbing Kilimanjaro was about something more for Martin: “It gets a message out there, hopefully to the government, saying ‘look at what somebody in a wheelchair can do when you invest in them’,” he explains.

“Seven people a day get a spinal cord injury in the UK,” he reveals. “But only one in three get the help and support that I got by going to a spinal unit. Look at the investment they made in me. Let’s give that to everybody so we can all do it.”

Because of his ceaseless work, Martin was listed in the top ten of the Disability Power 100 list by Shaw Trust in 2023. “It’s nice to get that pat on the back and to know people are watching, but I don’t just want a certificate on my cabinet,” he says. “I want to do something with it.” Because it’s not about physical barriers for Martin, but also about perception and societal change.

“Let’s stop talking about it,” he tells me. “And let’s crack on.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Martin’s book ‘Top of the World: Surviving the Manchester Bombing to Scale Kilimanjaro in a Wheelchair’ is released on 25 April.

Spinal Injuries Association: spinal.co.uk

Martin with his wife, Gabby Martin’s x-ray after the bombing

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STILL THE

Jenny Clarke MBE talks exclusively to Enable about SameYou, the charity she founded with her daughter, actor Emilia Clarke MBE, after Emilia suffered two brain aneurysms. We learn about the charity’s work and the impact of brain injury, which affects one in three people

With Emilia, the first time, it was such a shock,” admits Jenny. “The second time was catastrophic, because she went for preventative surgery and it went dreadfully wrong.”

Jenny Clarke is talking about her daughter Emilia, who experienced her first aneurysm – a subarachnoid haemorrhage – in 2011, when she’d just finished filming season one of Game of Thrones. Two years later,

Emilia almost died during surgery for a second aneurysm.

Brain injury – caused by things like aneurysm, stroke, infection, or trauma – can happen to anyone at any time. Emilia survived two aneurysms, which provided the motivation to set up SameYou: “She said ‘We have to take this and see what we can do’, in terms of using her platform for visibility,” explains Jenny, who reveals that Emilia had been very hesitant about

sharing her story. “She said it was a celebrity sob story, and it’s not about her.”

USING HER PLATFORM

In 2019, when Emilia finally told the world about her brain injury, the response was incredible. The SameYou website crashed as the charity received thousands of emails. “They didn’t say ‘Good for you’,” notes Jenny, who lives with three aneurysms herself. “They were ‘Oh my goodness, I never realised I could talk about this’. The people who contacted us felt as though their brains had let them down. These messages came in such volume, we realised there was obviously a need to respond, so we did.”

The charity now works with a global network of volunteers – many of whom are brain injury survivors – who talk to people who get in touch via the website. “We see this as being the start of therapy,” reveals Jenny. “People want to be listened to – it’s so important. Particularly when you’ve got mild to moderate brain injury, and the consequences are debilitating; they really prevent you getting on with your life, but people say ‘You’re just tired’. People don’t understand.”

Jenny and her daughter Emilia

LACK OF CARE

Improving understanding and awareness of brain injury is high on the list of priorities for Jenny, who shares the story of a previously high-flying career woman she spoke to when SameYou was first set up. The woman had had a stroke, which a ected her cognitive abilities. “One of the things that has stayed with me is this lady trying to buy a sandwich, she couldn’t handle her loose change,” she explains. “Big city guys would come and push past her and be very abrupt. If you’re fumbling for something, there could be so many reasons – and I’m sure your readers understand and identify with that. People need to take a lot more care in how they treat others.”

Both Jenny and Emilia were awarded the MBE for Services to People with Brain Injuries in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. The honour has led to increased exposure for the charity, which – as well as providing valuable help and resources for brain injury survivors, their families and clinicians – also funds research projects and an online neurorehabilitation service called NROL.

“The NROL programme is the most exciting because it’s where we can see the most direct impact,” says Jenny. “Online therapy has huge advantages.” NROL has now treated just over 1000 people in Lancashire, and the small team at SameYou is hoping to see the service rolled out across more health boards. “Our NROL programme also has a module

for families. It’s about peer support; husbands, wives, mothers, friends ge ing together to talk about the symptoms and how they cope. The impact of brain injury upon the survivor and their wider circle is huge.”

SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH

The charity is involved in research, including a study with Spaulding Rehabilitation in Boston, which is “focused on resilience – trying to understand what makes somebody able to recover be er than somebody else,” explains Jenny. SameYou is also supporting a major survey looking at the needs of young adults a er brain injury, in a bid to improve rehabilitation.

None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for Emilia’s experiences and the duo’s drive to make a di erence. Jenny told us: “I fought to get her as much treatment as possible, the highest quality, the best care; I was a real tiger mother. It was understanding that, even though she hasn’t got visible symptoms and consequences, there was an awful lot going on behind her eyes.”

Jenny is passionate about addressing the mental health impact

Brain injury doesn’t just happen to the brain. It happens to all of us

of brain trauma, especially for young people: “When you’re young, your life is about to start, you don’t really know who you are. If you have a brain injury, which makes you question your brain and your mental abilities, and you have depression and anxiety on top [Emilia su ered severe anxiety and panic a acks], it’s tremendously di cult. We need much more understanding and empathy – brain injury doesn’t just happen to the brain. It happens to all of us.”

GET INVOLVED

Discover helpful resources, share your story, contribute clinical evidence, or sign up or donate to support the work of SameYou at www.sameyou.org

OCTOPUS TRIAL UNDERWAY

A closer look at Multiple Sclerosis and the search for treatments to improve daily living for people with the condition

Multiple Sclerosis happens when the immune system e ectively a acks the central nervous system, causing scarring on the protective myelin coating of nerve fibres. This leads to symptoms including fatigue, sensations like numbness or burning feelings, issues with memory, problems with eyesight, and trouble with balance and walking. Around 130,000 people in the UK are living with MS.

MS a ects everyone di erently. Some people experience minimal impact on their everyday life, while others have symptoms that a ect their work and living arrangements, meaning they need flexibility in their employment, or extra help around the home, for example.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There’s no cure, but there are treatments available that help relieve the symptoms of the condition, such as medication, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. There are also drugs – DMTs, or disease modifying therapies – that work to modify the disease by slowing its progression. Complementary therapies like yoga and mindfulness can also help improve the wellbeing of people living with MS.

The Octopus mega-trial is a groundbreaking study that’s testing potential treatments for progressive MS three times faster than regular studies. The MAMS (multi-arm, multi-stage) drug trial is testing treatments that are already in use for other conditions, which have shown potential to protect nerves in laboratory testing. Octopus is taking place at up to 30 sites across

the UK, and it’s special because it merges multiple drug trials, comparing them with a single control group. MRI is being used to investigate whether a drug has potential – if not, it can be dropped from the study while more patients join trials of more e ective treatments.

BEACON OF HOPE

It’ll be at least 2028 before we know if any of the drugs on the Octopus trial slow the progression of disability in people with MS but, for now, it’s giving hope to people like Fiona McMillan. She was diagnosed with primary progressive MS at age 19, and told the MS Society: “People with primary and secondary progressive MS really need more treatments and they need them as soon as possible. I just need to keep going and hope that more treatments get found for my type of MS. That’s why the Octopus trial is so important – knowing it’ll be coming soon is this massive beacon of hope.”

The Octopus trial is testing potential treatments three times faster than regular studies

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Looking to move to a more suitable home or upgrade where you live? Whatever your needs are, there’s plenty of support available to help you live more comfortably

Making changes to your home is a big decision, particularly if you or someone you live with has accessibility needs to think about. There are many reasons you might be considering moving or adapting your home – perhaps you’ve acquired a disability, or your symptoms have changed and you no longer feel comfortable or safe in your surroundings. Or perhaps your home has never met your access needs.

In making this decision, it’s important to understand the available options

and support you might benefit from.

BUYING A HOME

The UK’s supply of affordable housing has not kept up with demand. With soaring interest rates and the increasing cost of living, many people are finding it extremely difficult to secure a suitable and affordable place to live. However, there are a few measures in place to help disabled people take a step towards owning their own home.

Being disabled shouldn’t be a barrier to getting a mortgage or buying a home

if you can afford it. Having an income that’s partly or entirely mainly made up of benefits (such as PIP) shouldn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage, but it can make it more difficult. Only a limited number of mortgage lenders accept benefits as sole income – check out Unbiased (www.unbiased.co.uk) to find independent financial advice in your area.

If you live in England and are looking for an affordable way to purchase your first home, Home Ownership for People with Long-term Disabilities (HOLD) can be a potential route into shared ownership. This scheme involves purchasing an initial share of a home worth between 10% and 75% of its market value, and paying the remainder as rent to the housing provider. You’ll also have the option of purchasing further shares in the future if you can afford to. Visit www.ownyourhome.gov. uk/hold to find out more.

Shared equity is a similar way for people on a lower income to get on the housing ladder. Compared with a regular mortgage, your agreement may involve a smaller deposit and lower monthly repayments in return for a share of any profits when you sell your house or repay the loan. Money Helper (www.moneyhelper.org.uk) offers information on shared equity and how it works.

ADAPTING YOUR HOME

If you’re looking to stay in your existing home, there are often things you can do to make it more suitable for your needs. Adaptations to your home can be big or small and don’t necessarily need to break the bank, plus means tested funding can help cover the cost.

lowered work surfaces, or building an extension – you might be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help cover the costs. Depending on your household income and savings, you could receive up to £30,000 per application in England (£25,000 in Northern Ireland and £36,000 in Wales) to contribute to adaptations. Disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parents’ income being considered. Landlords may also be able to get a non-means tested grant to provide necessary adaptations for their tenant. Contact your local council to find out more.

In Scotland, essential major adaptations are dealt with by your local authority’s social work service, and there is no upper limit to funding.

A SENSE OF STYLE

Making adaptations to your home to support your needs doesn’t mean you have to forget about your style or taste. Plenty of providers can help you bring your dream interior to life while also keeping accessibility in mind.

Symphony teamed up with designer Adam Thomas to create Freedom Kitchens, an innovative collection of stylish kitchens designed to support independent and safe living for you or your family members with disability needs. Their stunning kitchens come with a range of features, including lower height worktops, sinks and cupboards, slide-and-hide ovens, and pull-out dining tables.

The HOLD scheme can be a potential route into shared ownership

Firstly, consider the changes you’d like to make to your home to make your life easier. Then look into what help you might be able to get towards paying for these adaptations. Contact social services at your local authority to organise a care needs assessment. This will help them decide on the adjustments you might benefit from, such as a walk-in shower, stairlift or grab rails. Some of these services are means tested, so the council will calculate how much you can afford to contribute towards them.

If you’d like to make more significant adaptations to your home – such as widening doors, installing ramps, fitting

Disability-friendly bathroom designer Fine and Able is committed to designing bathrooms that are as stylish as they are accessible, challenging the idea that disability-friendly spaces have to look clinical or clunky. Options include low sinks, chic grab rails, showers with seats, and comfortable toilets with hands-free flush systems.

Don’t let your home hold you back – look into the support and adaptations you can get so you can live life in comfort and safety.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Your local authority (www.gov.uk) can provide you with specific information and guidance on funding options and accessible housing in your local area.

SURVIVING THE SQUEEZE

As the cost of living crisis rumbles on with seemingly no end in sight, Enable takes a look at the latest financial news and the impact it’s having on people with disabilities

Base rates, inflation and financial news can be hard to keep track of, but changes in the financial markets affect us all. The economic situation in the UK right now is presenting real challenges for many, especially people with disabilities. With the Bank of England’s base rate at its highest level in nearly 16 years (currently held at 5.25%), and the rate of inflation double what the Bank would like it to be, the ripple effects are being felt across many aspects of daily life.

The increased cost of mortgages is one of the immediate after effects of the rising base rate. It’s bad news for the 1.4 million homeowners on a tracker or variable mortgage, whose monthly mortgage cost will increase in line with the base rate. And, with around 1.6 million mortgage deals expected to expire in 2024, anyone needing to remortgage this year – and any homebuyers taking out a new deal – will face higher costs. Add to this the soaring price of rentals and the chronic shortage of social housing – let alone accessible housing – and the picture looks bleak.

BREAKING POINT

Budgets that are already tight are being stretched to breaking point, which is really worrying for disabled people, who often face additional financial strains. Last year, Scope’s Disability Price Tag report found that, on average, disabled households (with at least one disabled adult or child) need an additional £975 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.

Inflation is beginning to slow down, meaning that the increase in the cost of living is starting to ease. This doesn’t mean the items in your shopping basket are getting cheaper though; in December 2023, average prices were still up by almost 4% compared to the

year before. If interest rates fall – which won’t happen until the Bank of England has firm evidence that inflation is under control – the cost of borrowing should fall too, so payments on credit cards, bank loans and car loans may get cheaper.

Given the current situation, it’s crucial that people with disabilities ensure they’re claiming all the benefits they’re entitled to. You can use the online benefits calculator at entitledto.co.uk, visit gov.uk to learn how to apply for benefits, and speak to your local authority to find out if they offer any discretionary payments. Charities and community support networks may also be able to help you navigate these challenging times.

Note: The information in this article does not constitute financial advice and is correct at the time of printing.

Inflation is beginning to slow down, meaning that the increase in the cost of living is starting to ease

THE HEALING POWER OF Gardening

Time outdoors is proven to benefit physical and mental health and, with the green shoots of spring appearing, there’s never been a better time to get into gardening

Gardening is a perennial favourite when it comes to hobbies in the UK, and it’s easy to see why – spending time in nature, nurturing something from seed, and making your environment more beautiful are just some of the benefits of getting green-fingered. But you don’t need to be Alan Titchmarsh to make the most of the green spaces in your life: gardening is great for beginners too. And whether you have a large lawn or a little window ledge, there are ways to make it work.

GARDENING ON PRESCRIPTION

Not only are gardens great for the planet and wildlife, they’re also great for people too. The NHS’s Social Prescribing scheme encompasses arts, culture, heritage, physical activity, practical advice and natural environment, in order to improve people’s lives. Green social prescribing – where doctors prescribe time in nature, or gardening – can be used as part of healing and preventive healthcare, helping reduce stress levels, improve fitness, and support mental wellbeing.

Gardening also improves social contact, provides a sense of community and boosts confidence – it’s a great feeling to grow something from seed and (literally) enjoy the fruits of your labour. What’s more, if you’re growing your own produce to cook and eat, you know where it’s come from and how it’s been raised, plus you won’t get fresher!

In 2021, research by the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that people who garden every day have higher wellbeing scores and lower stress levels than people who don’t garden at all.

Between April 2021 and March 2023, more than 8,500 people were referred to green social prescribing activities at seven trial sites in England. Early indications show participants benefited from positive improvements in mental health and wellbeing, as well as better community connections for those who experience social inequalities that affect health and wellbeing.

Gardening can be used as part of healing and preventive healthcare, helping reduce stress levels, improve fitness, and support mental wellbeing

GREEN-FINGERED

When it comes to making gardening accessible, you can find comfy or easy-grip tools in many garden centres and online. These often have angled handles or heads to ensure you can reach your pots and beds comfortably. You can also get telescopic tools which can be extended for harder-to-reach jobs, cut and grip secateurs to prevent anything you’re trimming from falling to the ground, supportive cuffs and handles to use on your wheelchair, and even robotic mowers to keep your lawn looking trim.

Raised beds and elevated trugs can be used in your garden or on your patio, hanging baskets can be hung on pulleys for easy planting and watering access, while slimline, shelved greenhouses – often available in supermarkets at this time of year – make growing your own produce a breeze.

NO GARDEN?

Don’t have your own green space? Don’t let that stop you. You can start from home by growing your favourite flowers, herbs, or veggies in a window box indoors or outdoors, or embrace the trend for indoor succulents and plants by nurturing species like monstera, spider plants and peace lillies. Some of these even act as indoor air filters and can improve sleep or reduce anxiety.

A number of charities and organisations exist to help

support everyone’s access to and enjoyment of gardening, such as the Royal Horticultural Society, Thrive, and Social Farms and Gardens. You can also contact your local authority to find out about accessible allotments in your area.

In Bridgend, Wales, Badgers Brook Allotment has 40 plots with ten accessible plots, three of which are used by organisations that support disabled people. The project was the vision of mum of three Lisa Lewis, who wanted her sons to grow up appreciating real food. Since the first shovel hit the ground there in 2014, Badgers Brook has won Green Flag Status and Wales in Bloom Awards – not bad for somewhere that started life as a fly-tipped patch of waste ground.

So what are you waiting for? With spring in the air and new life blossoming, get yourself into a fun hobby that’ll give you a lifetime of pleasure… And a barrow-load of health benefits to boot.

GET IN THE GARDEN!

Accessible gardening charity Thrive offers useful information on how people of all ages and abilities can enjoy gardening, with tips for people with sight loss, those with dementia, stroke survivors, wheelchair users and other physical or learning needs. Find out more at thrive.org.uk

The Royal Horticultural Society has a number of beautiful gardens and projects across the UK, as well as providing information and education to those keen to get into gardening. From what to plant when and where, to its work with schools and community groups, you can find out more at rhs.org.uk

GP and keen gardener Richard Claxton has created an online directory of social and therapeutic horticulture opportunities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Use the interactive map to find projects near you at gardening4health.co.uk

Samantha Renke

Samantha Renke is an actress, disability activist and the author of ‘You Are the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread’. Follow Samantha on Instagram @samantharenke

Enable columnist Samantha Renke heads to London’s West End to take in a show… and The Lion King did not disappoint

HAKUNA MATATA!

When Disney contacted the Enable team to invite me to the live stage performance of The Lion King, I casually accepted the offer. I then immediately dashed to tell my PA and we did a happy dance around my kitchen… What a treat!

Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular stage production by acclaimed director Julie Taymor. The re-imagined stage version explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects, and enchanting music.

At its heart is the powerful story of

Simba’s journey – from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as king of the Pride Lands. I’d never seen the film (I was a devout Little Mermaid fan, ironically), so I was going into the performance bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

A trip to London for dinner and a show is something of a rite of passage. For a wheelchair user though, a visit to any busy city requires plenty of forward planning.

The Lyceum is nestled in the heart of London’s busy West End. Luckily, there’s a taxi drop-off point right outside. I’d suggest downloading either GETT or FreeNow – these apps let you

book wheelchair-accessible cabs in the city.

GREAT ACCESS

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff who directed us to the clearly signposted accessible entrance. Our designated escort kindly showed us the accessible bathrooms – for anyone with a disability, knowing we can use a bathroom with comfort and ease is a real priority when we leave our homes. To my delight, the Lyceum Theatre offers two accessible bathrooms, both big enough for a powerchair user.

We were then taken to the bar/ waiting area. It was so nice to see so many other wheelchair users in this space too, allowing us a pre-show natter. Of course, I had to have a cheeky drink and snoop at the wellstocked merchandise shop. I’m such a sentimental fool and had to pick up a Simba keychain.

Before the show started and the crowds descended, our escort showed us to our seats at the rear of the stalls. I was using my powerchair, and one of the perks of being positioned at the back is that you can

elevate your chair without interrupting anyone’s view.

GOOSEBUMPS

Sometimes life can be full-on. We need to prioritise our wellbeing and we all deserve a li le bit of escapism. But – truth be told – I’ve o en found the whole theatre experience to be the exact opposite. I’m not a fan of crowds and can easily become overwhelmed by loud noises and too much stimulation.

However, unlike other performances which at times I find jarring and even irritating due to their chaos, The Lion King did the reverse. From the first scene I had goosebumps.

We were shown the beauty of nature, with stars, sunrises, flu ering insects, and glowing reflections. I felt so comforted to be surrounded by the beautiful costumes depicting the lion pride, gira es, gazelles... and heck, even the hyenas!

It’s worth noting that the performers in their glorious costumes do dance down the aisles for a more subversive performance – just a heads up for

A trip to London for dinner and a show is something of a rite of passage

anyone who sees the show but isn’t expecting to get so up close and personal with the characters.

The performance embraced the essence of biophilia – a love of life. It was exactly what my soul needed.

My PA and I had a magical time watching Disney’s The Lion King. We both cried and sang along to the iconic numbers, feeling completely at ease in our surroundings. I felt really welcomed and was able to navigate the theatre myself, so much so that my PA admi ed “I can’t believe I get paid for this!” and said I hadn’t really needed them that day. The Lion King is definitely one to watch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Discover more about accessible and inclusive performances with Disney at www.disneytickets.co.uk

Check out @enablemagazine on Instagram and TikTok for footage of Samantha’s trip

PICS © NICKY JOHNSTON; DEEN VAN MEER

SIMPLY NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT.

NEW YORK TIMES

ACCESS PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Captioned Performance 27 February 2024, 7:30pm

Audio Described Performance 5 March 2024, 7:30pm

Signed Performance 14 March 2024, 7:30pm

Relaxed Performance 30 June 2024, 1:30pm

To book tickets and to find out more visit thelionking.co.uk

LYCEUM THEATRE, LONDON

CREAMY PESTO ROSSO GNOCCHI

This easy vegan recipe uses simple ingredients to create a vibrant, comforting dish that’s perfect for this time of year.

EQUIPMENT:

Food processor/blender, frying pan, saucepan

SERVES 4

PREP TIME: 5 mins

COOK TIME: 10 mins

INGREDIENTS

40g blanched almonds

1 sprig of fresh rosemary leaves, picked

60g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, plus 3tbsp oil from the jar

300g jar roasted red peppers, drained

2 garlic cloves, peeled salt and pepper

‘Rosso’ translates as ‘red’ – it’s an appropriate word to describe this vibrant dish. Inspired by the Sicilian pesto alla trapanese, this version uses sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers to create a rich sauce for the gnocchi.

80ml vegan cream (we use oat)

600g vegan gnocchi (use glutenfree if GF)

vegan parmesan, to serve (optional)

STEPS

1. Put the almonds, rosemary leaves and sun-dried tomatoes, along with the oil from the jar, into a food processor or blender and add the roasted red peppers, garlic and generous pinches of salt and pepper. Add the cream a li le at a time and keep processing until

smooth. If you’re using a blender, you might need to add a li le more cream so the sauce blends well.

2. Put a frying pan on a low heat and pour in the red sauce.

3. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in a large saucepan according to the packet instructions. Once they have floated to the surface, spoon them straight into the pan of sauce, adding a splash of the gnocchi water if needed to loosen it up, then stir everything together.

4. Finish with an extra pinch of pepper and serve with grated vegan parmesan, if you like.

PICS: © YUKI

Ben Pook and Roxy Pope

Taken from So Vegan: EASY by Roxy Pope and Ben Pook (Penguin Michael Joseph, £22)

ON THE GO

What’s happening to make travel and transport more accessible for people with disabilities? With the holiday season approaching, we find out more

Getting from A to B should be as simple as 1, 2, 3. But when you have a disability, making your way to medical appointments, commuting to work, meeting a friend for a catch-up or going on holiday can become a huge undertaking.

Barely a month goes by without hearing an accessibility horror story in the news. Recently, we’ve read about a wheelchair user being ‘forgotten about’ and their taxiing flight having to turn back to collect them. Then there was the blind woman whose guide dog was let off the bus before she was… while the driver closed the doors and pulled away, leaving the owner on the bus and the startled dog outside with its lead trapped in the doors.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Charities, businesses and organisations are working hard behind the scenes to deliver safe, comfortable and accessible transport options for disabled passengers.

COME FLY WITH ME?

In 2022, 195.6 million passengers travelled internationally to or from UK airports and, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), in the last five years the number of assistance requests has doubled. However, research by disability charity Scope has found that 33% of disabled people who’ve flown in the past five years have made an accessibility-related complaint to an airport, airline, or the CAA.

These failures are impacting millions of disabled people and their families, which is why TV presenter and disability activist Sophie Morgan has launched Rights On Flights. The solutions-focused campaign aims to make air travel a seamless and enjoyable experience. Rights On Flights has presented its own Assisted Air Travel Act to parliament;

a manifesto calling for better legal protection and improved experiences for disabled air passengers.

Sophie says: “Rights on Flights is working collaboratively towards one end goal – for disabled passengers to have the same experience as other passengers. We need more robust, passenger-centric legislation, and we will not be deterred in our mission to make space for disabled people. Our Assisted Air Travel Act has been created by and for disabled people but, if implemented, will change air travel for everyone.”

PAVE THE WAY

For people with a visual impairment, travelling by public transport is often their only way of getting around independently. Tactile paving is vital for those who rely on a mobility aid like a cane, especially when using train stations – the textured ground surface indicates where the platform ends.

Since the tragic 2020 death of Cleveland Gervais, a partially

33% of disabled people who’ve flown in the past five years have made an accessibility-related complaint

PIC: © TOM D MORGAN

Sophie Morgan

sighted man who fell from a London station platform which didn’t have tactile paving, the RNIB has been campaigning for change. Thanks to the charity’s #RailSafe campaign, Network Rail has promised to install tactile paving at all train stations across the UK by 2025. Scotland’s Minister for Transport had promised to deliver tactile paving in every Scottish train station by the end of 2023. Unfortunately, this hasn’t happened, so Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans launched the Pave the Way campaign to pressure the Scottish government to take action.

Samantha Gough, a visually impaired athlete from Edinburgh, is backing the campaign. “I recently travelled to England by train and needed to change at Doncaster,” she explains. “Unfortunately, no one was there to help, and the station did not have tactile paving. It was a horrendous situation – fast trains were screaming past with the wind hitting me and, despite screaming on the platform for help, no one heard. People

have died falling on the tracks before, and I thought it was about to happen to me.”

TECH HELP

Technology is improving things dramatically for people with disabilities, with a range of innovative apps and solutions available to make transport a smoother experience for all.

The NaviLens app enables visually impaired people to access and locate information and interact with the environment around them. NaviLens codes can be placed on buildings, packaging, buses – anywhere – and can be detected from a distance. The colourful codes deliver dynamic information such as signage or realtime travel updates. NaviLens is in use at locations across the UK.

One of the country’s largest bus operators has upgraded its app to help wheelchair users. The First Bus app provides live updates that show if the designated wheelchair space is

available on nearby buses.

Meanwhile, the Transreport app has been developed for rail and air passengers, and allows disabled travellers to request assistance for pre-booked journeys in advance, as well as letting staff know their exact access requirements. It’s in use across the UK for Network Rail – search for ‘Passenger Assistance’ wherever you get your apps.

Popular accommodation provider Airbnb has unveiled its new adaptive category, letting users search for homes that are specifically adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free access to the building, bedroom and bathroom, as well as additional accessibility features.

If you’re travelling at home or abroad this summer, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey… Which we hope is as accessible as possible!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Pave the Way sightscotland.org.uk/pave-way Rights On Flights rightsonflights.com

The diary

14 MARCH

Kidz to Adultz 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry Kidz to Adultz is dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, and those who support them. The event features exhibitors including healthcare professionals and companies o ering product demonstrations. There are networking sessions and educational seminars, plus fun and games. More events across the UK from May 2024 onwards – check website for details.

www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

20-21 MARCH

Naidex 2024

The NEC, Birmingham Naidex, the UK’s leading event dedicated to empowering and supporting disabled individuals, is back. This year it’s bigger than ever, with more than 100 speakers including lecturers, activists and comedians. Guests can access a world of support, resources and inspiration at Naidex, which covers all aspects of the disability journey to create a truly holistic event, from family dynamics to education, employment opportunities, leisure and lifestyle choices.

www.naidex.co.uk

NOW UNTIL 28 APRIL

The Cult of Beauty

Wellcome Collection, London

This fascinating exhibition explores notions of beauty across time and cultures. Featuring more than 200 items including historical objects, artworks, films and new commissions, the show encourages visitors to question the norm and consider the impact of morality, status, health, age, race and gender on the evolution of ideas about beauty. Highlights include cosmetic pale es from Neolithic times, a 19th century ‘beauty kit’, and a tactile display showcasing the influence of accessibility and sustainability on today’s cosmetics sector.

www.wellcomecollection.org

18-24 MARCH

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Nationwide

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a chance to focus on challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. Wanting to change the way learning di erences are perceived, teen Siena Castellon MBE founded the event in 2018. The event works with schools, universities and organisations to recognise the talents and strengths of neurodiverse people. Visit the website to get involved.

www.neurodiversityweek.com

21 MARCH OTAC Leeds

Weetwood Hall Estate, Leeds

The leading event in its field, OTAC is a one-day event allowing occupational therapists to hear from industry leaders and try state-of-the-art products in home adaptations. It’s also a brilliant opportunity for OTs to network and learn from CPD accredited seminars and training sessions. The free ticket includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

www.otac.org.uk

MAY, JUNE, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

The Big Event 2024

The NEC Birmingham, plus venues in Exeter, Harrogate and Edinburgh. Also streamed live online. The Motability Scheme’s series of summer events kicks o with the return of The Big Event. Free to a end, it o ers the chance to get up-to-date information about accessible motoring, explore the latest cars, test drive adapted vehicles, and learn more about what the scheme o ers. There’s no need to book ahead.

www.motabilitythebigevent.co.uk

ACCESS

Modular interlocking ramps

SAFETY

Buddi Connect

MOBILITY

Robooter X & E40

Ideal for any area where a ramp is needed, these modular, interlocking ramps are ribbed for traction and made from strong aluminium. Featuring interlocking components, they can be combined to create the length of ramp needed. They’re suitable for domestic and commercial use and can be retrofitted into buildings.

From £64.48, Zero Plus 01785 282910 www.zeroplus.co.uk

This wearable device automatically detects falls and has built-in panic buttons. The Buddi Wristband connects to your smartphone or Wi-Fi and shares alerts with your loved ones or carers via the Buddi Connect app. Splashproof and with a two-week battery life, the Buddi Wristband provides round-the-clock reassurance for you or your loved one. You must carry your smartphone when out of the house for alerts to be sent. £99.00 + £1.99 per week, Buddi www.buddi.co.uk

Experience life differently with the exclusive Robooter X and E40 smart powered wheelchairs. Each chair combines minimal design and ergonomics with safety and accessibility. Appealing to techsavvy users, they can be controlled with a smartphone and feature cruise control and an easy two-step fold system.

Price on application, Dash Rehab 0845 146 0600 www.dashrehab.co.uk

Product picks

TECHNOLOGY

Sixth Digit 2

This wearable stylus fits on your last two fingers, allowing you to use touchscreens and press buttons. It can be used on phones, tablets and appliance controls, as well as ATMs, microwaves and other keypads. Perfect for people with limited finger dexterity, the pack comes with a small, medium and large Sixth Digit, so you can find the right size for your hand.

£29.95, Active Hands www.activehands.com

BEAUTY

The Flex Collection

This range of vegan makeup brushes offers five easy-grip brushes with bendy heads, giving people with motor function difficulties or muscle weakness greater comfort and precision. All profits go to the charity Kohl Kares, which provides free makeup workshops to transgender, cancer, motor disability and visual impairment communities.

£44.99, Kohl Kreatives www.kohlkreatives.com

TECHNOLOGY

Lifemax star projection cube

This dazzling projector cube brings rooms to life with coloured lights and patterns, to engage your sensory-seeking child or soothe them to sleep. The cube has a 30-minute timer and can ease restlessness and mask the effects of tinnitus by playing nursery rhymes or soothing nature sounds.

£23.99, Ability Superstore www.abilitysuperstore.com

SHE’S SOME WOMAN

At 51, Debbie McQuat is having her own version of a midlife crisis. Born with limb di erence, she’s a self-confessed fitness addict. We sat down with Debbie for a chat

As they say in Debbie’s native Scotland, ‘You’re some woman!’ And she really is. Debbie has spent the past two years taking part in extreme fitness challenges, most recently completing the muddy, messy outdoor obstacle course race MacTu . She says: “I su er from chronic pain, but I feel as if I’m earning my pain – my head’s in such a good place.”

Nine years ago, Debbie le an abusive relationship. She was told no one would ever want her again, so she embarked on a journey of self-love – focusing on healing and caring for herself through fitness.

FIRST TIMER

Debbie first heard about AmpCamp, which o ers specially designed fitness holidays for amputees and their families, when founder Ben Lovell was heading to Scotland to climb a mountain. Debbie decided she wanted to join him.

“I’d never climbed a mountain before,” Debbie admits. “Before I knew it, I was booked into a hostel. My friend asked ‘What mountain are you climbing?’. I didn’t know. It was

just Ben Nevis, wasn’t it?” She laughs, recalling the moment she realised she’d be tackling the UK’s highest summit.

“It took me 14 hours,” she explains. “I cried for days a er, because of the sense of achievement, and because I was so sore!” Debbie knew if she wanted to keep enjoying the high of scaling big hills, she’d have to work on her fitness.

I feel as if I’m earning my pain –my head’s in such a good place

TOUGH

“I used to go to personal trainers,” she reveals, “but they decided for me what I could and couldn’t do.” She now goes to a gym with an ex-military coach who is “tough as anything,” she says. Debbie recently had surgery on her ‘good arm’. “And on the wee side I’ll be ge ing a hook, like a sports hand,” she explains. “So that’ll help massively. I can’t wait to be able to do a burpee!”

Fundraising plays a big role in Debbie’s motivation. She now works with AmpCamp as a therapist, and will be running a camp for adult amputees at their base in Tenerife in

April, before doing a fundraising walk in Spain in May. The money raised will send children with limb di erence and their siblings on AmpCamp holidays. “I want to give kids what I didn’t have,” says Debbie. ”There were none of these things when I was wee.”

“My mum and dad were tough on me,” she reveals. “I might’ve been crying, but they’d make me do sports day. It’s given me more determination, so I can face almost anything.” FOR MORE INFORMATION

AmpCamp:

A rollator is a mobility aid that greatly enhances your autonomy. The Trionic Veloped rollator gives support and relief during any outdoor adventure.

Trionic’s terrain-taking model, the Veloped, can overtake curbs, rocks, roots and other obstacles without losing ground contact. The sturdy design and air-filled tyres minimise vibrations and offer a smoother ride on gravel, grass, cobblestone and forest tracks. Treat yourself or a loved one to one of the most reliable walking aids on the market! 0330

REVIEW

BYD ATTO 3

BYD is rapidly emerging as a great EV choice. The car maker – the initials stand for Build Your Dreams – has introduced its Atto 3 SUV to the UK. Practical and easy to live with, we check out this new motor

INSIDE

Music fans will love the BYD Atto 3’s interior as there are strings across the front door pockets that are tuned like a guitar’s. It’s something of a gimmick, but it injects a bit of fun.

The rest of the inside looks fresh, stylish, and is very well put together. Most functions work via the large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, which increases in size to 15.6-inches in the top Design model. It’s an easy system to use, with clear menus and legible on-screen icons, plus it’s quick to respond. The screen can also rotate through 90-degrees, offering portrait or

landscape orientations depending on your preference.

There’s plenty of space in the front, and the seats are at an ideal height to get in and out easily through wide-opening doors. Electric front seat adjustment is standard, along with front and rear parking sensors and 360-degree camera.

In the back, there’s good space for kids, but adults might find headroom limited. At 440-litres, the boot isn’t the biggest in its class, but there’s storage under the plastic-lined floor for charging cables, and a wheelchair will fit if placed upright.

The inside looks fresh, stylish and is well put together

EQUIPMENT

BYD offers two trims for the Atto 3, starting with the Comfort model. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, all-round parking sensors and 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking. You also get heated front seats, vegan leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, air conditioning, wireless phone charging, 5-inch main dash display, and 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment works with Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto.

Choose the Design model and you gain a larger 15.6-inch infotainment screen, ambient cabin lighting, and a larger 11kW onboard charger to top up the battery in less time. BYD doesn’t offer any optional extras. There’s no Advance Payment needed for either model.

DRIVING

The BYD Atto 3 comes with a 60kW battery that can go from 10% to 80% charge in around 45 minutes at a rapid charger. At home, you can reckon on this taking 10 hours with a 7kW home box. This puts the Atto 3 on a par with the likes of the MG ZS EV and Kia Niro EV, and the BYD offers a similar 261-mile range on a full charge. In normal driving, that equates to around 180 miles of useful range before you need to plug in.

A 201bhp electric motor offers strong performance, so the Atto 3 is ideal when pulling out of busy junctions. Unlike many other EVs, you don’t get a burst of acceleration and then a big drop-off as motorway speeds approach. Instead, the BYD offers linear performance that makes

it smooth to drive. A Sport mode sharpens up responses, and there are two levels of regenerative braking.

Like all EVs, the Atto 3 is quiet and there’s little wind or road noise at any pace. The suspension is on the firm side in town, but settles at faster rates, while the handling is stable and on a par with its Kia and MG rivals.

SUMMARY

A plush cabin, generous equipment, and strong value help the BYD Atto 3 stand out from the EV crowd.

Before I got into paratriathlon, I had no swim or bike experience.

I was really into sport from a young age and did lots of different team sports, swimming and running, so doing three sports, training around that appealed to me. I looked forward to doing the challenge as I couldn’t swim or ride a bike at the time, so it was a big learning curve and I really relished that, really enjoyed seeing myself improve.

I was always aiming to try and go to a Paralympic Games, so this was just another avenue for myself to go down and being asked to be a part of the Talent Squad at the time in 2016 was really inspiring for me.

It was more a case of being apprehensive on doing the swim part of the Talent ID. The bike was luckily on a stationary bike so I didn’t have to worry about my balance on that, but I remember getting into the water and trying to do the warm up before ding some testing and being told to get out of the pool and did a basic kick session on the side. At the time it felt like a big step back and thinking that triathlon, “I won’t be asked to be a part of it”. Being at that point to being where I am now, I wouldn’t have dreamed of where I’ve managed to get to.

I think it’s a case of taking every opportunity that comes to you as you don’t know where it’ll lead to.

British Triathlon have been a massive help because as soon as I started they got me in contact with a local club where there had been para athletes before, so already it was a really welcoming environment.

Before I got into paratriathlon, I had no swim experience, no bike experience but I was a sprinter but hadn’t tried long distance before.

My paratriathlon highlight so far was winning a silver medal at my first World Triathlon Para Series race in Montreal in 2022.

FINLEY JAKES

Single below knee amputee

PTS4 Paratriathlete

I want to be able to medal at a Paralympic Games.

A SPORTING CHANCE

As we look towards the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, we speak to Paralympians Melissa Nicholls and Sam Ruddock about the importance of being able to access adaptive sports

Nelson Mandela believed that sport had the power to change the world. While he was purposely exaggerating, physical activity can improve your overall wellbeing, and help you manage elements of your disability.

Whether you’re in recovery or have a pre-existing condition, playing

a sport allows you to be part of something bigger than yourself. From basketball to horse riding, sport can give you a real positive to focus on.

RECOVERY

Sports therapy can help you recover after experiencing poor health or injury. The mental health impact of taking part in physical activity is well

documented, and being part of a team or club with others can be particularly helpful if you’re coming to terms with a new disability.

Melissa Nicholls is a two-time Paralympian and world record holder, but she never set out to become a successful athlete. At first, she turned to sport after realising she wasn’t going to recover from her third stroke in the way she had with previous ones.

“It was like going through a bereavement. I felt so angry,” admits Melissa. “I didn’t know how I’d recover, but I wasn’t prepared to sit around and wait.”

Desperate to be active again, Melissa tried every sport imaginable before landing on wheelchair racing. She borrowed her first chair from her athletics coach, and soon fell in love with the freedom of the sport.

“It allowed me to move the way I thought I couldn’t anymore,” reveals Melissa. “I felt like I could finally breathe again.”

FACING YOUR FEARS

Racing has transformed Melissa’s life – it’s the reason she gets up in the morning. Trying racing took a lot of courage but, for her, the fear of doing it was worse than the reality.

“Sometimes you’ve got to put those brave boots on and give it a go,” acknowledges Melissa. “I was in hospital for a long time and lost all my confidence, but sport helped me to find myself again.”

Trying new things can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Sport has the power to improve your

Positive representation can help change limited perspectives and encourage others into sport

mental and physical wellbeing. And, with hundreds of options to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

QUALITY OF LIFE

But sport is more than a means of rehabilitation; physical activity can positively impact pre-existing conditions too.

Sam Ruddock is a para-cyclist who trained for his first Paralympics in just five months. Sam, who has cerebral palsy, had always been active, but didn’t think about sprinting until he was scouted in 2012, while at university.

Since then, Sam has enjoyed a whirlwind of competitions and medals. But despite being a top-flight athlete, Sam relies on sport to help with his mobility and self-belief. “I still have this innate fear of regressing to where I was before I started training,” confesses Sam. “Sport has really helped my confidence and ability to move without falling over.”

MEDIA REPRESENTATION

Many disabled people find bad infrastructure and poor attitudes restrict their access to sport. But Sam sometimes holds himself back, and openly admits he can be his own worst enemy.

“I have this ablest attitude towards myself because I think I’m a ‘normal’ athlete,” reveals Sam. “I struggle to watch myself competing, but I’m starting to embrace it.”

Sam believes the limited representation of para-athletes in the media has caused him and many others to look at themselves this way. Only positive representation can help change this perspective and encourage others into sport.

“It’s vital people see others walking, rolling and mobilising like them,” asserts Sam. “Disabled people need reassurance that there are sporting opportunities out there.”

Despite the numerous pathways into sport, much more could be done to encourage the current generation into getting active – not just future generations.

“There are still so many issues around accessibility in this country,” divulges Sam. “I’ve heard stories of shops not having ramps because it won’t look pretty – that’s not good enough.”

“It makes us feel unwelcome and stops us from participating in sport.”

GET INVOLVED

While there’s always room for improvement when it comes to creating more accessible sporting facilities, existing programmes are doing important work to make para-athletics more accessible.

British Cycling (www.britishcycling.org) has recently launched Limitless, a para-cycling club for people of all ages and abilities. With a UK-wide network, Limitless hopes to break down barriers and inspire change for disabled people.

British Triathlon (www.britishtriathlon.org) has a Swim Bike Run programme for people looking to build their confidence and try something new. Although the events are not specifically for people with a disability, they can accommodate you if you let them know about your requirements.

You can also visit Every Body Moves (www.everybodymoves.org.uk) to discover the inclusive sporting opportunities on offer near you.

Sam

COMPASS GROUP UK & IRELAND: The right direction

Investigating the employment, career and training opportunities with Compass Group UK & Ireland, and how they support employees with disabilities

Compass Group UK & Ireland is one of the largest companies you’ve never heard of. With tens of thousands of employees in the UK, Compass provides catering, hospitality, cleaning and support services in staff canteens, school dinner halls, hospitals, stadium events, large sport and music venues, military bases and even on offshore oil rigs.

The people they employ are as varied as the work they do. Kerry Crompton

Harris, People Director at Compass Group UK & Ireland, explains, “We hire the smile and train the skill in every position, from kitchen porter to sous chef and front of house operations.”

EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK

Compass is proud to be an inclusive employer, and works hard to ensure all employees are listened to and have their needs met. “Our Ability forum is run by employees who have a disability, and we’ve used it to take feedback from our staff and make changes,” explains Kerry. “Some of this is really simple – for example, we now have a widget that sits across all of our systems, so if an employee is neurodivergent they can change colour schemes on screen, and it can take away visual distractions.”

Practical solutions are often needed too. Kerry recalls a paraplegic employee who needed support in a till operator role, which usually involves standing: “We developed a ramp that could take them up a few levels, so they were at customer eye level. It was a really simple, solution.”

BUDDY UP

These are just some examples of what Compass has done to make work more accessible for its employees. Kerry is particularly proud of the business’s buddy system, and told us: “For an employee with a physical disability where they can only operate 50% of the

role, we provide opportunities to buddy up, so we bring people together to fulfil complete roles.” Compass also offers part-time and casual opportunities for those who don’t feel ready for full-time work.

Employees at Compass enjoy a range of staff benefits, including free meals, exclusive shopping discounts, and free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes. The best thing? You’re entitled to the perks however long you’ve worked with Compass.

If you’re looking for an interesting, rewarding position with a thoughtful, inclusive employer, a role with Compass will be a great route.

Compass offers parttime and casual opportunities for those who don’t feel ready for full-time work

•

•

Jane Hatton

Jane is the founder of Evenbreak, a social enterprise run by and for disabled people, with a specialist job board and a career hive.

Send your questions to editor@dcpublishing.co.uk

Take action against EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

In

her column, Jane Hatton, founder of Evenbreak, answers your employment questions

QI’m disabled, and have left my job because my employer was discriminating against me due to my disability. They refused to provide reasonable adjustments, and my manager even mocked me for my stammer. I want to do something about it, but don’t know what. I just want to move on and put it behind me.

AI’m so sorry you’ve been through this awful experience. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon. Discrimination can leave us feeling angry or helpless – or both. You may have been in a scenario where you had no one to turn to and the employer was king. Despite all the legislation around equality, it is hard to get it enacted. For some people, taking their employers to tribunal is the right answer, but it’s wise to take specialist advice from your union, ACAS, Citizen’s Advice Bureau or local charities.

However, there are some other, smaller steps you can take towards change. Reporting discrimination is a way we can all contribute to raising awareness of the need for more protections for disabled staff. A letter to the board of directors or other senior members of the company you have left may raise the issue at a more senior level than you had access to as an employee. Of course, you may want to have no further contact with the company at all. In this case, you can register the incidents with the police.

Bullying and harassment at work is a type of disability hate crime and should be logged as such.

Another way to make sure your experience isn’t brushed under the carpet is via Glassdoor.com, a website where employees can leave reviews of previous or current employers. You can leave a review anonymously, and it may help other disabled people know who not to offer their talents to in future.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a much better experience in your next role.

Please look on Evenbreak (www.evenbreak.co.uk) for jobs with employers who are actively trying to attract disabled candidates, and set up alerts for the kinds of role you are interested in. If you require personalised career support, please see our Career Hive (hive.evenbreak.co.uk). All of these services are free of charge.

Your

Exams

Are you are studying for National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher exams?

Look out for your copy of Your Exams later this month.

It includes hints and tips to help you prepare as well as important rules you need to follow on the day.

Your teacher or lecturer will provide you with the booklet or you can download a copy when it is published.

sqa.org.uk/yourexams

DIVERSE MINDS AT WORK

Around one in seven people are neurodivergent, but many employers admit they have li le to no understanding of neurodiverse conditions. We speak to two entrepreneurs about their experiences

Neurodivergent people o en wonder why employers are reluctant to o er them a job; it doesn’t make sense to them. A er all, neurodiverse people are wired to succeed in areas where others will fail. So why wouldn’t a company hire an employee who can think so exceptionally?

Businesses o en fail to see how much of an asset a neurodivergent employee can be. Instead, they focus on satisfying the legal diversity requirements and remain ignorant of the benefits of employing someone neuroatypical.

NEURODIVERGENT FINGERPRINT

Ben Branson owns the non-alcoholic spirit brand, Seedlip. He believes society needs to learn how to be er support the neurodivergent conditions that have contributed so significantly to the modern world.

Unsurprisingly, most members of his team are neurodivergent or connected to someone who is. Although Ben never planned his business this way, he did seek out creative and inspiring individuals for Seedlip. Hiring the best candidates possible is a no-brainer for any good employer. For Ben, that meant employing people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning di erences.

By discriminating against such a gi ed group, companies are dramatically shrinking their available talent pools. “It’s business suicide,” explains Ben. “Some of the most incredible people throughout history

are neurodivergent.

“Everything – from new technology to new inventions – has neurodivergent fingerprints all over it.”

VISIONARIES

Part of the reason Ben feels so strongly about creating inclusive workspaces is because he was diagnosed with autism in 2022 and ADHD in 2023. Finally ge ing his autism diagnosis a er waiting so long was a huge relief. “My psychologist said ‘Congratulations, you’re autistic!’” remembers Ben. “And I really felt like she meant it.”

Ben was able to use the information he’d learnt about himself to create positive changes in his business. He adopted a new a itude towards working and flexibility – as long as the work got done, it didn’t ma er how, when, or where somebody did it.

“People shouldn’t be scared to disclose they’re neurodivergent,” asserts Ben. “If you’ve employed someone you’re unable to support and nurture properly, then you’re failing your business.”

Being an inclusive employer wasn’t enough for Ben. He also wanted to teach others about neurodivergence and how to appreciate it. He’s achieving that through his podcast, The Hidden 20%.

“The podcast is actually for the 80% – it’s for the neurotypicals,” explains Ben. “The truth is there are challenges, but there are more positives, and we want to remind people of the talent out there.”

“Neurodivergent people are some of the most creative and out-of-the-box

There are challenges, but there are more positives, and we want to remind people of the talent out there

Ben Branson

PIC: ©BELLA

NEALE

thinkers. Muhammad Ali was dyslexic, but also incredible with words and at boxing.”

THINKING DIFFERENTLY

Employing someone with a disability isn’t a charitable act – in fact, businesses are doing themselves a favour by hiring someone disabled.

Ash Jones is the founder of the forward-thinking marketing agency, Great Influence. Like Ben, he received his autism diagnosis later in life. He’s an advocate for recruiting people who are neurodivergent, and says: “It’s an opportunity to turn the light onto something great that you hadn’t thought about before,” reveals Ash. “It seems so obvious, but employers don’t realise the diverse thinking they’re missing out on.”

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

People with neurodivergence don’t want employers to overlook their

conditions. Instead, they’d rather see their bosses and HR departments provide the right support, and embrace the benefits that having neurodivergent sta can bring. In turn, companies who accommodate their employees will be rewarded with an adept workforce.

But no business can decide if you need an adjustment; they need you to speak up for yourself. By making a request, you’ll be helping your employer because you’ll perform be er in the long run.

“It can be di cult to ask for something you need,” remarks Ash. “But you need to get over the guilt of working di erently, because the business will benefit too.”

LEARNING CURVE

For employers, whether you’re an ace at accessibility or new to inclusivity, you’re bound to make mistakes along the way. What ma ers is how you listen to your employees and provide

solutions that address their needs. As long as you have an open mind and willingness to learn, you’ll be a orded the best from your employees.

“All bosses will make mistakes – I’ll probably make a million of them,” admits Ash. “You won’t get it right every step of the way, but the key is to keep trying.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Under the Equality Act 2010, your employer must provide reasonable adjustments if you ask for them. To find out more about what you can request, visit www.disabilityrightsuk.org

To listen to Ben’s podcast, search for The Hidden 20% wherever you get your podcasts.

Ash Jones

“People underestimate my skills”

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer and public speaker. Taking the world by storm, she’s passionate about changing the narrative on working with a chronic illness and the importance of finding employment that’s both accessible and meaningful

Aer struggling with her energy levels and health, Pippa was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) as a teenager. Learning to live with her condition meant the next few years were tough. But she found solace in sharing her experiences online.

“Like a lot of people, it was a nightmare to get taken seriously, let alone get a diagnosis,” remembers Pippa. “When I was diagnosed, there wasn’t much information out there about how to live with it.”

While looking for answers to her

questions, Pippa found chronic illness communities online. The resilience of the people whose stories she read inspired Pippa to document her life on Instagram and on her blog ‘Life of Pippa’.

“I felt I’d learnt more in two hours of scrolling Twi er than I had in two years of seeking medical help,” she reveals. “Seeing other people talking so openly online made me think I could do it too.”

FINDING THE BALANCE

It’s taken a lot of trial and error to find out what works best for her but, by forward planning and listening to her body, Pippa has been able to build a successful career. Working reduced

hours from home has been a game changer, helping Pippa manage her workload and ME/CFS.

“Having flexibility is really important when you don’t know how you’re going to feel when you wake up,” says Pippa. “It’s be er to be in a situation where you’re making work fit around your health instead of trying to make your health fit around your work.”

FIGHTING STIGMA

But it’s not been easy. Advocating for herself has meant Pippa has had some uncomfortable conversations, and she feels there’s still a lot of stigma and confusion around her illness.

“People tend to overestimate my capabilities but underestimate my skills,” she admits. “Unless I’ve told someone otherwise, because of my professionalism, people assume I can do more hours or more intensive work than I actually can.”

With determination and hard work, she’s become an award-winning writer and was named one of Shaw Trust’s most influential disabled people of 2023.

Her book ‘How to Do Life with a Chronic Illness’ is released this April, and 2024 is shaping up to be another great year for Pippa.

“For a long time, I used to think I couldn’t reach for the highest goals or achieve what I wanted,” admits Pippa, “but as long I’m careful, I know I can get to where I want to go.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.lifeofpippa.co.uk to learn more about creating a healthy work-life balance and managing a chronic illness.

Pippa