Enable May / June 2021 by DC Publishing

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The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

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May / June 2 2

The future of housing

Make care visible

Building an accessible housing market

An unpaid carer shares her experiences ahead of Carers Week

The deterioration

dementia of

We investigate the impact lockdown had on people living with dementia

Spring is upon us, and so is the latest issue of your favourite disability title…

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Welcome The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

EDITOR’S PICKS... 20 LEARNING DISABILITY: A BATTLE FOR INFORMATION What more needs to be done to change the conversation around learning disability? 42 HIGHLIGHTING THE ACCESSIBLE HOUSING CRISIS With increased calls for accessible housing to be built, we discover the importance of accessible housing and the future of our homes. 62 LET’S TALK DISABILITY, SEX, AND LGBTQ+ Ahead of Pride month, disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community and a researcher discuss the importance of inclusive relationship and sexual health education.

e ee s n nt s e s s n fi nt nt st n t e e e e es t s t e st e . t s s s t t s e st se es n e e st t n en n t e e s efin te n e nt e . e e te e s e n t sn t ee e ens e. n e se n et t s n t s n t n t be s e . n e ee n n t e s be n e eb te t s ent e t eness ee n ne n s es ett n ts e s been s n fi nt st e e e be n . n t n te t e t t e n e e n e n e e ts n e t n st ent e t . n ne t n nest e t e n e e e n e nes t e ent s e t e n e s seen t e e be ete te s n fi nt . e s t n s e te n e s b tt e e ntn t e ne n nne t n t t e e ss ne e nn t e e e n e . nt e t e s e t e s be e e e n st e ent e e en es. e s t t t e e t n ss n n ete n t n e n ne e b n b n e en e n t e s ss tes t t ee t n t e s es e te e n e . t s s e es e . s e e e en t s ss e n t e n Get in touch ee b . nt ne t t e editor@enablemagazine.co.uk facebook.com/enablemagazine twitter.com/enablemagazine

Lorne Gillies, Editor

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Behind the scenes

PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITOR Lorne Gillies lorne.gillies@dcpublishing.co.uk STAFF WRITER Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ade Adepitan Evie Meldrum Tim Rushby-Smith Alisdair Suttie DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alice Winslow production@dcpublishing.co.uk SALES Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk

GET IN TOUCH We love hearing and interacting with our readers. If there is something you want to see in the next issue of Enable Magazine, let us know on Twitter @EnableMagazine.

THE KILTWALK Together, the Enable team walked 106 miles as part of the Virtual Kiltwalk! We’re so pleased to have raised £800 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

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ONLINE Continually updated, the Enable website covers all the breaking news and interviews pertinent to disability. Read more about the innovative app set to help volunteers, featured on page 81, over on our website today.

©DC Publishing Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

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What’s inside May / June 2021

INTERVIEW

SPOTLIGHT

LIFE

10 DISABILITY ON THE FRONTLINE We speak to BBC international correspondent, Orla Guerin about a school in Yemen were pupils are determined to learn.

23 THE DETERIORATION OF DEMENTIA An investigation into the impact of lockdown on dementia.

31 MENTALLY HEALTHY IN NATURE Revel in nature for your mental wellbeing.

VOICES 26 FATHER AND SON Ade Adepitan shares his experiences as a new father. 28 WORLD MS DAY: IT’S ALL ABOUT CONNECTION Two people share their path to reaching out to the MS community. 45 RESTRICTED MOVEMENT Tim Rushby-Smith discusses barriers to moving abroad. 50 AN INCLUSIVE TOY BOX Discover how one nine-year-old girl inspired a new Down’s syndrome doll.

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62 LET’S TALK DISABILITY, SEX, AND LGBTQ+ What more needs to be done to ensure inclusive relationship education?

34 HITTING THE TRAILS With the warmer days and brighter nights, discover the accessible walks near you. 55 A PLATFORM FOR DIVERSITY n en e s e e t e nee s to be done for disability representation.

81 THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS Celebrating the dedication of volunteers.

58 DATING: FINDING THE PERFECT MATCH The dating websites putting n s n fi st.

CARE

65 CONFIDENCE WITH PROSTHETICS One man talks about the power of his upper limb prosthesis.

14 CARERS WEEK: VISIBLE CARING One mother shares the highs and lows of caring in lockdown. 18 A VOICE TO LEAD A learning disability nurse talks us through her career. 48 WHY WE CARE A disabled foster carer discusses the enrichment of providing care.

73 PRODUCT ROUNDUP Our top picks of the latest adaptive products on the market.

HEALTH 60 THE FUTURE OF CERVICAL SCREENING e fin t e b tt e t e t home self-sampling tests.

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31 66

66 14

SPORT 66 THE POWER OF DISABILITY SPORT What impact has the pandemic had on disability sport? Paralympian Hollie Arnold shares the impact of lockdown on training

40 LEGALLY AHEAD Learn how to claim for es n n s t. 79 TECHNOLOGY: LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE Scope highlight the importance ess b e te n .

FINANCE

EDUCATION

37 FINANCES IN FOCUS From online banking to money advice, it’s time to return to the b t t fin n e t s.

52 PREPARING FOR CHANGE With schools reopening, it is important to support autistic en n n e e.

HOUSING

EMPLOYMENT

42 HIGHLIGHTING THE ACCESSIBLE HOUSING CRISIS What more needs to be done for adaptive homes?

76 TIME TO RETURN TO WORK et nfi ent en n b to work with advice on hybrid working or applying for a new e e.

SUPPORT 20 LEARNING DISABILITY: A BATTLE FOR INFORMATION How can we better support people with a learning disability?

MOTORING 70 REVIEW: PEUGEOT E-2008 It’s time to hit the road with n st s tt e.

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News FASHION GIANT REVEALS SPRING ADAPTIVE CLOTHING TOMMY HILFIGER HAVE LAUNCHED their Spring 2021 collection, Tommy fi e t e. The collection, available to men, women and children, includes a range t e fi t ns t t losing any of the style and American fi e ns be accustomed to. From one-handed zippers, seated wear, magnetic buttons, to easy open necklines and elastic pull up loops, to n e e fi t ns t e fi e t e e t n s e te to making dressing easier. Featuring stars including Paralympic swimmer and track runner Haven Shepherd, Paralympian Rheed McCracken, the collection was created with disability and access in mind.

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DISABLED PEOPLE NEED TO GET INVOLVED WITH POLITICS AHEAD OF THE UPCOMING elections on 6 May, calls are being made for more people with a learning disability to get involved with politics. The creators behind All Wales People First charity, acting as a voice for people with learning disabilities in Wales, highlights the importance for people from the learning disability community to have their voices heard. Further information on the upcoming election that is easy-read can be found on the Mencap website (www.mencap.org.uk).

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Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Dynamic / MPG (l/100km) (weighted combined): 139.7 (2.0) /Electric energy consumption (weighted combined): 3.68 miles/kWh / CO₂ emissions (weighted): 46 g/km / Equivalent all-electric range: 28 miles The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st April and 30th June 2021. These figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO₂ and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including, accessories fitted (postregistration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

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News TEAM GB PARALYMPIANS ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC GAMES PARALYMPICSGB HAS ANNOUNCED MEMBERS of Team GB preparing to participate in the rescheduled Tokyo Paralympic Games. Paralympic gold medallists Jess Stretton and John Stubbs are joined by Nathan Macqueen and Hazel Chaisty, who makes her Paralympic debut in Tokyo. The four athletes represent the second sport to be announced as part

of the ParalympicsGB team bound for Tokyo, joining six shooting Para sport athletes already announced. A total of around 240 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Japan, with further names to be announced in the coming months. ParalympicsGB captured the imagination of the British public at

London 2012 winning 120 medals in front of sell-out crowds with countless memorable performances. The team eclipsed that performance at Rio 2016 winning an outstanding 147 medals including s t fin s se n n t e e medal table. The rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be staged from 24 August to 5 September.

Boy to walk steps on prosthetics unaided for charity

CHARITY ENCOURAGING APPLICATIONS TO VIRTUAL EVENT LEONARD CHESHIRE IS CALLING on people to register for the home-based version of the Marvel superhero inspired challenge event, Superhero Series. At Home Superheroes will take place from 17 July to 14 August at home, the opportunity for people looking to participate to raise funds for Leonard Cheshire opens on 3 May. The application deadline is 7 June. Your challenge can last an hour, a day or the whole month. As well as athletic ambitions, At Home Superheroes also encourages participants to test their senses for their particular challenge.

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A BOY WHO HAD both legs amputated is attempting to walk 100 steps unaided in tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore and raise funds for charity. Six-year-old Tony Hudgell made waves last summer after raising £1.5m by walking 10km in 30 days on crutches. The youngster required both lower limbs to be amputated after experiencing severe abuse from his birth parents when he was a baby. But, Tony has not let this hold him back, with his adoptive parents celebrating his fundraising endeavours. Tony’s next challenge will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, which would have marked Captain Sir Tom Moore’s 101st birthday. Money raised will go to Evelina Children’s Hospital in London, who have cared for Tony since he was a baby.

Motoring Freedom WITH Lookers Motability

Sheridan and her Skoda Superb Sheridan and her husband run a free B&B for travelling punk rock bands. Her husband, Jed, is the registered driver of her Motability car as Sheridan is partially sighted. Their Skoda Superb with Lookers Motability allows Jed to take her to and from work as well as take them to see all the bands they put up. The Skoda Superb is spacious and comfortable and its tinted windows are ideal for Sheridan as she has light sensitivity so is always protected when in the car.

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DISABILITY on the FRONTLINE Kilometres away from frontline fighting in Yemen, young children march diligently into their classroom, with the not so distant sound of gunfire and missiles replacing the sound of school bells. And, one young boy, blind from birth, often steps in as his fellow classmates’ substitute teacher. This is Ahmed Rageeb’s story

Photos by Goktay Koraltan, BBC

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Interview

l Wahda Milad Primary School, just outside the city of Taiz in Yemen, is a school n e n t e. t blackboards kept under lock and key, no chairs, no windows, doors, or even a roof, and no teachers at times – due to t e n n n t tne e t t e nt n e e nfi e n s e n n e s en t s . e eeb s n ne e s . ne fi e en e n s s b n s e e b n b n . es te be n unable to read or write, with no access to education in braille at his school, Ahmed is the school’s star pupil also ensuring his fellow classmates receive t e e t n. Two years in the planning due to the e te e n t n ent being experienced in Yemen between t e e n ent n t ebe s News international correspondent, Orla Guerin did not expect to meet s ne t n n b .

s esse b . e fin s e s lesson and we spoke with Ahmed, who is so full of personality, character and e en t st n ne e s . Passing on what he has already learned when teachers are able to come to the s e st n s n s s bst t te. From their conversation, Orla shares her discussion with Ahmed, who enjoys learning the Quran, science and maths, b e n n s st es. e easiest subjects for me are Quran and s en e s s e . s n st e [other pupils] are well behaved I can te t e . t e t e be e n be et.

INGENUITY

IMPACT “We were very keen, as always, to show t e t n t n ns n t n n en e ns Orla, who is speaking to editor Lorne es. te see n n e Milad Primary School, Orla and her team s te t e s . Orla explains: “It was described as a school where children were sitting, te n t e bb e. e s s nt e outskirts of the city, about a 10-minute e t e n e nt nt . You wind up this picturesque, beautiful nt t e nt ns. t s be t s ene e st n n . t n around a corner and you then see this e t n s t. s tt e n . e seen the photograph, but the photograph esn t t et e e t . e e e e all of these little children, so polite and e be e fi n ne b ne nt t s n. te n. e s t n st t e bb e.

EDUCATION n t e st n e te saw a young boy leading the assembly and giving his classmates instructions prior to the same pupil standing at the top of the class calling out the Arabic bet t s e e t n te . s s e . Orla enthuses: “When teachers don’t turn up, Ahmed routinely stands in and e te es n s ss. e e e nest

ongoing humanitarian crisis people in Yemen face with continued heartache and the fear of nfi e. Ahmed solemnly says: “When I hear t e n se t n n t e. Once, the tank exploded I felt the house s e. e t t e t e s et es e s ns s et es ns ts. et scared, I am scared that something will happen, I get frightened from missiles n t e fi e. When Al Wahda Milad Primary School fi st ene t s s e e nt e ne b . n t n te et n tt es s been e t n ns n bb e. es te e n n n bb e Ahmed and his 700 strong peer group nt n e n t ss.

Ahmed has dreams of being a teacher

And, like any other young boy, Ahmed s s n s n b t ns. e continues: “I want to be a teacher when . en s t e t e s t t e st e s . en s t e t e te e t e s . e sten t e. t e te e sn t e e te nste . t e te e s e e t en he teaches us and we study and learn . en t e te e sn t e e I teach the students what I have e e nt.

SCARED e e n st t e en es Ahmed has faced being unable to read or write, with no access to braille and being visually impaired, his spirits are n t ene . e n e e by Ahmed and his fellow pupils is the

“Ahmed is such an independent, acs e n b e s ses. “When he was going home with Fatima, his little sister who is also blind, he joked that the young boy guiding them home – s s e e s s . t e ent. “The ingenuity, the creativity, ete n t n. t s b et him in the neighbourhood was his friend, and they have a system going where the en e s e. e s st n ns n tt e b . e t n be n ne b t e s t e n fi e. n n e e e s st one young boy in a class of hundreds n t e st fi s t t n n bette e. n e st t e representation of disability in Yemen e t ee t e nt e Orla adds: “We need to think about what we do and what we don’t do, rather than t n n t t t e e e e t fit n t t e ent st t e. By coming together and uniting, we can all support everyone in society to reach their true potential, obtain their s n e n se e .

FOR MORE INFORMATION

More on Ahmed’s story can be found by following Orla Guerin (@Orla Guerin on Twitter). Charities working in Yemen include: Unicef (www.unicef.org.uk), Oxfam (www.oxfam.org.uk), and Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org.uk). We will continue to keep Enable readers updated when and if direct support is made available to Ahmed and his school.

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Carers Week will take place from 7-13 June 2021 across the UK

Liz and her son, Jeremy

Carers Week

VISIBLE CARING The massive contribution unpaid carers make every day across the UK has, eventually, been brought to light due to the pandemic. But, more still needs to be done to support the needs of carers

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ncreased caring responsibilities to growing numbers of unpaid carers due to the ripple effects of the pandemic, unpaid carers are a staple in society and the backbone of local communities. As we spent the last year working to keep ourselves and others safe, many unpaid carers had additional concerns in regards to the protection of the most vulnerable people in our society and those they care for. Liz Sawyer and Laurence Smith care for their son, Jeremy, 28, who spent the majority of lockdown in his care home, 40 miles away from his parents, with no physical visits from Liz and Laurence.

CONCERN “At times we felt bereft not seeing Jeremy,” emphasis Liz. “We worried most of the time; would Jeremy think that his parents had abandoned him? We worried that Jeremy’s health and wellbeing could quickly deteriorate and we wouldn’t be able to go and comfort him.” As Jeremy lives with severe learning disabilities and additional complex physical needs he is in the extremely clinical vulnerable group; shielding has led to severe disruptions to Jeremy’s routine. For both Liz and Laurence, there were concerns for the safety of Jeremy in his home as two residents and many members of staff fell ill with the coronavirus, unfortunately, one passed away. Liz continues: “We wondered how Jeremy would handle this upset, sadness and less familiar staff. Jeremy is a very sociable young adult and we were concerned about how he would cope with the new quarantine and social distancing restrictions.”

CONNECTION For Laurence, going weeks without seeing Jeremy physically was a further challenge as father and son have an incredibly close bond. Regrettably, this is the experience of many families across the UK. Connecting over Skype, the interaction with Jeremy, who prefers to communicate and interact by holding hands, instantly changed for everyone. “Jeremy’s Tuesday outings with Laurence and their shared lunch times stopped abruptly (and are yet to

restart),” explains Liz. “Our Sunday visits were replaced by a facilitated Skype video call which Jeremy often did not respond to.” Cancelled birthday plans, change in routine, a loss of social interaction outside of the residential home, to missing out on wellbeing therapies, lockdown had a significant impact on Jeremy. However, as the world begins to slowly re-open, after an intensive risk assessment, Laurence and Liz can now visit Jeremy. But, the couple still have apprehensions. “Since we have begun visiting Jeremy again we sometimes restrict our own activities for fear of unknowingly picking up and passing on infection,” emphasises Liz. “Restricting our own activities impacts our own health and wellbeing.”

CLOSED DOORS The impact of lockdown has not only been detrimental to disabled people, but it has had an impact on carers, too. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic unpaid carers have played an essential role supporting older, disabled and seriously ill relatives and friends, doing so most of the year on their own behind closed doors,” explains Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK. “It has been an extremely challenging period, with carers forgoing breaks from caring and much of the support they would normally have relied on.” Liz agrees: “Carers do not have the opportunity to switch-off from their caring role unless suitable respite care cover is in place. During the pandemic respite care provision was shut with no suitable alternative. Caring became an unexpected 24x7 job and other activities needed to be juggled. “Carers could be faced with difficult and potentially life-threatening decisions. For example, whether to accept a care

package for their loved one which they were apprehensive about or to risk their own physical and mental wellbeing taking a nose-dive.”

TOGETHER Fortunately, Liz and Laurence have great confidence in the care that Jeremy receives in his residential home, but as an active volunteer for Carers UK, Liz has heard of the challenges other carers have experienced. Despite the challenges, working together, knowing you are not alone has made a big difference. Liz continues: “Sharing stories and experiences with carers has shown that I am not alone and has given a sense of hope. This helps me to cope with my caring responsibilities. “I feel part of a team and hearing different perspectives helps me to sharpen my own caring and wellbeing strategies.” Connecting with other carers, and sharing experiences, is part of the celebrations for Carers Week. Helen adds: “Carers Week is an important opportunity to make caring visible and show it is valued. With many activities taking place to mark the week we hope carers can get connected to others, join their local communities and get access to advice and support to help them with caring.” Six charities are supporting Carers Week this year: Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness. With 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers, the theme for this year’s Carers Week is Making Caring Visible and Valued – an important theme to showcase the hard work and dedication of unpaid carers like Liz and Laurence. It is important to know, whether you are new to caring or not, you are valued and make an important contribution to society, with help available if and when you need it. Liz says: “Recognise you are on a journey as an unpaid carer alongside the person you are caring for. Make sure you research your rights, and take ‘me time’ to recharge.” FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you are an unpaid carer, support is available from Carers UK (www.carersuk.org), Carers Trust (carers.org) and Carers Week (www.carersweek.org).

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voice A

to lead

Nurses are the backbone to our society, providing invaluable care and support to people both in and out of hospital. Ahead of International Nurses Day, we speak with learning disability nurse and academic, Helen Laverty MBE

he path into nursing is different for everyone. Learning disability nurses are essential, working to improve the health and quality of life of people with learning disabilities. For Helen Laverty MBE, professional lead for learning disability nursing in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham, her career in nursing started in 1979 – after a volunteering placement inspired Helen. During her time volunteering at a school for children, this sparked a desire in Helen to know more and make a difference, starting Helen on the path to become a learning disability nurse. “People with learning disabilities are everywhere, so we need to make sure that every nurse knows about them,” emphasises Helen.

HIGH AMBITIONS Throughout her career, Helen has supported and advocated for people with a learning disability. Opening the fi st e n n s b t e b se in Lincolnshire, creating the Positive Choices Network for people looking to get into learning disability nursing, to academia where Helen now supports future nurses: Helen is a powerhouse working for inclusion.

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“Sometimes I’m just there CELEBRATE International to open doors for people. The theme for this year’s I am a professional International Nurses Day Nurses Day will interferer,” Helen laughs. is A Voice to Lead, with take place on Facilitating a trip for a sub-category looking 12 May 2021 people with Down’s at creating a vision for syndrome to visit and the future of healthcare. speak at the United Nations It is imperative that learning in Geneva, Helen was on hand disability nursing is included in to help spotlight the potential, this vision. talent and skills people with a learning Helen continues: “The importance of disability can provide to society. International Nurses Day is to celebrate One such example of a career what we all do. Another one of our highlight that stands out for Helen is mantras in learning disability nursing is with her friend Harley, who has Down’s together we are better; we are a family syndrome and attended the Geneva of families. We celebrate together, and convention, with the ambition to learn from each other. be e e fi e . “Every registered nurse has the same “As a result of Harley discussing essential skill base to make or break a what he wanted out of life when we life, and that is what we are celebrating.” were in Geneva, I contacted the Chief And, to all nurses, Helen’s message is: Constable of Harley’s local station on “Nursing gives you routes to take into Twitter,” enthuses Helen, who was able roots. Wherever you plant those roots, to share Harley’s drive and ambition. you need to make sure that nobody is “Prior to the pandemic, Harley had left behind.” a job with the police as an evidence fi e ent ses e en. n st Helen’s proactivity, she has supported FOR MORE INFORMATION Harley to get into his dream career, To learn more about learning disability whilst advocating for the wider learning nursing, visit Positive Choices Network disabled community. (positive-choices.com). Follow Helen’s Alongside the clinical care nurses career at University of Nottingham provide, a nurse is also on hand (www.nottingham.ac.uk) and on Twitter (@Helen_Laverty). t ens e e e e fi n independent lives.

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Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, people with a learning disability have been left behind in the provision of support. In the new normal, what needs to change to better assist the learning disabled community? People with a learning disability have their say

LEARNING DISABILITY:

A BATTLE FOR INFORMATION S

The public need to know that we’re all human beings trying to pick everything up Vijay is a campaigns assistant with Mencap

ince March 2020, support and guidance for people with a learning disability has often been hard to understand, leaving this group overwhelmed and feeling left behind. “The COVID crisis has had a devastating impact on many people with a learning disability, who have died from COVID at far higher rates than the general population, been subjected to blanket Do Not Attempt CPR (DNACPR) notices, and have been living in supported living services that were the last to receive PPE and regular testing,” reveals Edel Harris, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap. Vijay is a campaigns assistant at Mencap and has a mild learning disability, throughout the pandemic he has felt that people with a learning disability aren’t being listened to. “There has been [information] the government has given out that has not been easy enough to understand for people with a learning disability to be able to follow the rules,” explains Vijay.

ISOLATION For many people with a learning disability, not being able to fully

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understand continually changing rules and restrictions has meant feelings of isolation. Brendan has a learning disability and is an active member of Harrow Mencap. For the last year, Brendan has seen his mental health deteriorate as the social events he would usually look forward to were stopped. “I have been more depressed because there’s not been anything to do,” admits Brendan. “I can’t see any of my friends or I can’t go and do my usual activities in Harrow or London; I have been so depressed.” Similarly, as Vijay missed out on daily interactions with his colleagues at Mencap, he felt socially cut off with no activities to relieve stress or look forward to. “It’s been really challenging for me,” emphasises Vijay. “Before, it would give me that social security knowing that I could avoid stress with the activities I was doing. I was part of the Mencap football team and obviously during the pandemic that stopped.”

EXEMPT Ever since he started working from home, Vijay has experienced ups and downs with his mental health, but has been trying hard to communicate with people virtually. “People with a learning disability have struggled to adjust to different situations and if they don’t live with their families they feel really lonely living by themselves,” Vijay adds. Part of this sense of isolation stems from public misunderstanding around learning disabilities and exemptions to government rules, like not having to wear a face mask in supermarkets or on public transport. e e fin n e e t learning disability were told they didn’t have to wear face coverings. The problem with this is not just confusion, it was people in the public judging them,” reveals Vijay. “The public need to know that we’re all human beings trying to pick everything up.” Now, Vijay would like to see better information shared with the general public to avoid misrepresentation and potential hostility in the future. “I believe that people within the public need to be educated and know the challenges that people with a learning disability face and that they’ve been going through these challenges over the last year through the pandemic,” says Vijay.

The government has not put enough in place for people with disabilities

Brendan is a member of Harrow Mencap

HEALTHCARE During the pandemic, people with a learning disability have also been subjected to blanket Do Not Attempt CPR notices, drawing attention to the need for better education in the healthcare industry. “With healthcare I feel that people with a learning disability haven’t had the reasonable adjustments they need when in hospital,” explains Vijay. “Things like not getting extra time and support to understand things with nurses. They need someone with them to tell them to speak in a clear and accessible way and not speak in jargon.” Vijay feels that this treatment stems from lack of knowledge and awareness around learning disabilities, he says: “I think the reason why medical staff don’t see issues or problems is because they don’t know the person, so don’t know how to deal with a person. “We need to give hospital staff early awareness training to recognise when they see someone with a learning disability and how they can them give support.”

RESTORE During the pandemic, seven in 10 people with a learning disability had their support stopped or cut with serious consequences, e e ns n e st e t fin accessible information about the complex and ever-changing lockdown rules, as well as facing barriers to accessing crucial health and social care support. “Many have seen their support needs increase, lost vital life skills and suffered from loneliness and poor mental health.”

This has left people like Brendan feeling like they have been forgotten by the government. “The government has not put enough in place for people with disabilities, some people won’t know how to cope, it feels like the government don’t care at all,” admits Brendan. “We need more funding so people have support. For example, people talking to you, asking you how you are doing and what you need.” Access to social care support is crucial for people with a learning disability, allowing them to live n e en ent e t n fi e lives. “The Government must urgently restore care services that were reduced or closed during the pandemic, as well as bring forward its social care reform plans and a longterm sustainable funding solution,” stresses Edel. “This will enable many people with a learning disability to get the support they need .” Moving forward out of the pandemic, people with a learning disability want to be seen, valued and understood. Without better support and education, feelings of isolation and improper support will prevail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Easy-read guidance and further accessible content around the pandemic rules and restrictions visit the Mencap website, www.mencap.org.uk

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The

deterioration of dementia The pandemic has created an undercurrent of issues for the disabled community, advancing symptoms through isolation. For people living with dementia and their loved ones, the decline has been significant. Emma Storr investigates

ementia is being forgotten. Left behind, at higher risk of COVID and often without access to vital care providers such as family, people with dementia are deteriorating. An independent survey by the Alzheimer’s Society of 1,000 people affected by dementia found that 92 per cent of loved ones noticed a more rapid increase in dementia symptoms, while 79 per cent of care home managers said the lack of social

contact throughout the pandemic was causing deterioration in residents.

DECLINE Lack of routine, socialisation and regular services has meant a faster decline in physical and cognitive condition. For some families, this has meant losing their loved one faster than expected. “It’s been an absolutely terrible, tragic year for so many people affected by dementia, and I can personally relate to

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some of the challenges,” explains Kate Lee, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society. Kate’s mum has lived with dementia for 16 years, in a care home since 2019. s t s n e b fi t not being able to see her, especially as we play a vital role in her care.” With the pandemic continuing, Kate became concerned that her mum was deteriorating faster without seeing the people that she loved. Lorraine Davies, a dementia support worker for Alzheimer’s Society, shares Kate’s concerns. “Our Dementia Advisers, who the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery help to fund, regularly check in on people affected by dementia to make sure they have the right basic support they need. We’ve had people tell us their loved ones have lost the ability to communicate or dress themselves forever,” admits Lorraine. “They might not have next year to celebrate missed occasions. “Many people are much further down their journey now, and they can’t just pick up where they left off,” continues Lorraine. “We’ve still been having referrals coming in too, dementia hasn’t paused, even if most of the world has.”

CARERS Dementia can be a lonely experience for people with the condition and their families. John is a carer who has witnessed the accelerated decline in his wife Linda, with the couple being supported by Dementia UK. As well as caring for his wife, John cares for his daughter Katie, who has Down’s syndrome. At the beginning of the pandemic John made the decision to shut off the outside world to protect his family, taking on all caring responsibilities alone . “It was affecting me both mentally and physically. I’ve never suffered from stress like this before,” remembers John. When Linda was admitted to hospital due to a bedsore in January 2021, her condition started to deteriorate rapidly. “I was worried that if she went in, she wouldn’t come out again,” admits

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John. “Thankfully she did come out after two weeks but she refused to feed in hospital. Speech therapists actually said she may not feed again. They said she may not have that long; I was even referred to a hospice,” reveals John. When Linda was discharged and returned to an environment that was familiar to her, she began to feed again, but during the pandemic Linda has lost cognitive skills, including the ability to walk, that will never come back. Lesley Potter is an Admiral Nurse, working in partnership with Dementia UK, a specialist dementia nurse supporting families. Lesley has continued to help people living with dementia and their loved ones, including John, experiencing instances of dramatic decline and the strain on carers. “It’s hard to plan something when you never expected it to happen but I think the most concerning thing is the lack of understanding of the trauma that a lot of carers have had to encounter,” highlights Lesley. “John is providing a role for both Katie and Linda and without him that would all fall apart,” stresses Lesley. “The reality is it has just been unsustainable for a lot of families and they quickly realise that you can’t do it alone.”

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ESSENTIAL Importance of family support and socialisation has never been more prevalent. “We know that the essential role of the family carer isn’t fully understood – for many, this is the person who understands when their loved one is in pain, gets them talking, eating, and taking medication,” explains Kate. “On top of that, depriving people of what they live for, their loved ones who know them best, is leaving them confused, sad, and simply fading away so much faster than is normal. “Coronavirus has exposed the dire state of the social care system – never again must people with dementia suffer such tragedy. High quality, easy-to-access care is what Alzheimer’s Society is calling for this Dementia Action Week (17-23 May 2021). “The legacy of this pandemic must be the government rebuilding the social care system so every person with dementia and every carer gets the quality support they so desperately need,” Kate concludes.

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If you or a loved one needs support visit the Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimers.org.uk) or Dementia UK (www.dementiauk.org).

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Visit our website today to create your free account. www. thecareumbrella.co.uk

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FATHER AND SON Celebrating life as a new father after welcoming his son Bolla into the world, our columnist Ade Adepitan writes about the lengths society still needs to take to recognise disabled parents

RARE It’s also made me think, why is it so rare to see parents with disabilities in public? I know they’re out there, but their visibility is so low you could be forgiven for thinking of them as mythical. To be fair I reckon most people are more likely to have seen a two headed dog than a father with cerebral palsy pushing a pram. Even so, I was still shocked at some of the reactions I got when t n s n t fi st t e and son walk. As I rolled down the ramp from my doorstep to the street, I could feel the warmth of baby Bolla’s tiny body against my chest in the ergo sling that st n t e fi st t e. s attached a device called a frontwheel to the footplate of my wheelchair, for extra stability. Typically using this device in countries with super rough, often volcanic terrain, like The DRC or Fogo in Cape Verde – this however was leafy London suburbia. Perfect weather for a roll round the park.

“

This highlights how far we have to go to change attitudes

“

o much of my life has been spent focusing on my career, that I never really thought about what it would be like to become a parent. Just over three months in, and I can say this has been the most amazing period of my life. e see s t en e baby. It feels like Bolla has gone from looking tiny and vulnerable, to this robust inquisitive thumbsucker in a matter of days. I sometimes wonder: does he know that I have a disability yet?

TEDDY On route we took a quick detour to a newsagents. Grappling with the door, trying not to wake Bolla, the shopkeeper rushed to my assistance helpfully pulling it open. Looking at my baby sling, the shopkeeper said: “You’ve got a teddy bear, that’s so lovely!” I looked at Bolla tucked snugly away in the ergo sling before looking back at the lady in confusion. Then I got it; Bolla was wearing a bear suit. He’s my son I explained, suddenly feeling self-conscious. As I spoke Bolla stirred slightly. At that moment the shopkeeper, to her total amazement,

Read an extended version of Ade’s column on our website, www.enablemagazine.co.uk 2

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realised I was carrying an actual baby. Thinking this was an isolated experience, in the park I got plenty of concerned stares It’s bizarre: for some, it’s more plausible that a man in a wheelchair would go for a stroll with a teddy in a harness than his own baby. This highlights how far we have to go to change attitudes. My priority is now my son’s future. Hopefully, if my wife and I lead by example, Bolla will grow up open minded, hungry for knowledge, and most importantly he’ll always know that he’s loved.

Keep up to date with Ade by following his YouTube channel, Adepifam, www.youtube.com

PHOTO: © IAN WALLMAN

Ade Adepitan

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WORLD MS DAY:

Evie Meldrum is connecting with others

It’s all about connection

Connecting with others can be an empowering factor of life, but it can, at times, be the most challenging first step. Ahead of World MS Day on 30 May, people living with MS share their journey to connecting with their MS community and the sense of unity that comes with it

CONNECTING with EVIE

World MS Day takes place on Sunday 30 May 2021

OVER TO YOU

Last issue, we spoke with Evie Meldrum, a 28-year-old Scottish woman who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when she was in her penultimate year of secondary school. Evie writes about accepting your diagnosis and the hurdles she faced before connecting.

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As with much in life and MS, connecting with others living with the same condition requires balance. Finding that sweet spot where supportive, meaningful relationships bring encouragement and understanding, without becoming ‘too much’. For some – myself included – connections in the MS community can bring challenges alongside benefits. Whether it’s talking to those who don’t share the same outlook, fearing what meeting someone who has lived with the condition longer might evoke, or feeling like your entire existence has become saturated with illness, connections don’t always foster positive outcomes.

INDEPENDENT For almost 10 years after my own diagnosis I had very little interest in reaching out to others. Talking about MS, or hearing about the MS of strangers, felt completely futile. I didn’t want to know anything, I didn’t need to. I navigated every relapse, every treatment change, every new symptom, every scan, every emotion, and every appointment, solely with the support of my medical team.

enable voices I felt like involving the input of others would only magnify the impact MS had on my life. Call it fear, call it denial, call it stubborn youthful ignorance – call it what you want, connection was just something that I absolutely, unequivocally, had no desire to engage in. And I know I’m not alone in feeling that way. Over the past few years, however, progression has sparked my seeking of connection, and I am reaping the rewards.

EMPOWERED From challenging my preconceived narrative about disability, to emboldening me to become a better advocate for myself; interacting with other ‘MSers’ has empowered, equipped, and reassured me in ways I hadn’t previously imagined. e t fin n t e tb n e between the pros and cons has been b t fin n t e e ns nne t n that best suits. I have yet to really feel t e benefit t t n t es n support groups, set up with the sole intention of talking about MS. Forming friendships after meeting at a fundraiser, physiotherapy class, or on social media, feels like a more natural way to develop lasting relationships in which MS is part of the equation, part of the connection, but not the whole story.

UNIQUE Everyone’s MS is different, everyone’s approach to MS is different, and everyone’s understanding of MS is different; I have found that some interpretations, management plans, and experiences have left me feeling more confused, more anxious, and questioning my own (limited) understanding of MS, or my own approach to living well with it. So, take advice, exchange experiences and share stories, but remember that no two cases of MS are the same. Focus on n s n fin nne t n n t comparison. While my recent exploration into the nt s fi e e t n benefits nt n e anything. I needed those ten years to allow my diagnosis to settle, and to inform the experience I now share with others. Now though, I am a proud member of a powerful community connected by our common experience, and feel less alone with my MS thanks to it. You can keep up to date with Evie by following her on Twitter (@eviewrites_blog) and at evieWRITES (evie-writes.com).

HELPLINE with ALEKS After receiving an MS diagnosis Aleks’ wife signposted him to the MS Society to encourage him to start a conversation on getting employment advice and support post diagnosis. But, deciding to connect with others was both an exciting and challenging experience for Aleks to get involved with.

HOPE Finding a local MS group, Aleks was able to connect with many people in his area with MS, but it was building a friendship with a person nearer his age that provided Aleks with hope. “There was one person who did come that was my age and, although she probably doesn’t know it, she was a huge role model for me in the fact that she was happy and handling the diagnosis and making jokes about it,” enthuses Aleks. “She had been diagnosed a year earlier than me. This made me feel a lot better, just seeing someone that was coping with it.” Soon, Aleks started his own MS group for people with MS who were still in employment, providing a place for people who worked in the media, as plumbers, in IT and beyond to connect. Aleks adds: s t fin n e e and seeing all the sorts of things that I could do or be, rather than worrying about all the bad news.” MS is unique to each individual e s n n fin n t e s t t you can relate to you can piece together advice and experiences that relate to you. Aleks advises: “You do need to contact a lot of people until you fin s e ne s . e nte net is good, because you have a bigger spread of people you can touch b se t n n fin that is more like you.”

Aleks supports others on the MS Society helpline

Seeing all sorts of things that I could do or be, rather than worrying about all the bad news Aleks, who now works on the MS Society helpline, has found guidance and connection from Shift MS (shift.ms) and a strong MS community on Reddit (www. reddit.com/r/MultipleSclerosis), but Aleks adds not to feel pressured to join groups. “It is also OK not to be part of a group, just because you have MS doesn’t mean you have to join a group. Phone the MS Society helpline, it is amazing just having the chance for a natter without an agenda can really help.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Connect with others living with MS by visiting World MS Day (worldmsday.org), MS Society (www.mssociety.org.uk) and the MS Trust (mstrust.org.uk).

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The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is nature

MENTALLY HEALTHY

in nature In a year of shielding and staying indoors, the anticipation and apprehension that comes with restrictions lifting can impact our mental health. Near or far, venturing into the great outdoors can release endorphins to boost your mood

ur relationship with the great outdoors has changed in the last 12-months. From staying inside t e fi st n t n n n es e t e ns e e en e sn e t s e n e e t ee have been new barriers introduced to everyone’s daily activities. The pandemic has been an incredibly stressful and emotional time for e e ne t e e ss ns n e – particularly when caring for our ent e t . n ent e t charity Mind revealed that 60 per cent of adults and 68 per cent of young people said their mental health was se n n.

BUBBLE “At one point in my life I was more or ess t e t e e e s nt s ee se . n in the countryside and initially unable to e e t n e b s te n t e ne t e t n e ent e t . s n t n te s ee n t t n n t s be people can relate to prior to the n e n n t n. nt n es t n ts e you do get wrapped up in your own little world. You are in your own little bubble. The more people can go outside and en t e benefits be n ts e t e better.

“It is one of those things that even if e n t n fin s e e e t t s bt een s e. t n e such a difference; it is important that s n e e et t n t t mental health can be really improved by n t . Further research from the Mental Health Foundation found that almost half of people (47 per cent) they surveyed had felt stress because of the n e b t be n b e t s t een spaces had helped them to cope. And this Mental Health Awareness ee t n e t May – will be heading into the great t st te t e benefits n t e ent e t n s e

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continued discussions around mental health conditions to eradicate stigma and promote healthy, positive, honest conversations around mental health.

NATURE

32 enablemagazine.co.uk

“

Nature can be part of preventing mental health problems

“

“There is growing evidence that nfi s t t n t e n be t e ent n ent e t be s explains Jolie Goodman, programmes n e e e ent n te e t t e ent e t n t n. ese es e n s n tn n bet een ess t een s e s s fie s ests s n ens n e e s ent e t be s e n n e se e s t s t n. t e benefits n e e e st ess n e se s t t n bette s e t . nn ne n e e experience a mental health condition, with anxiety and depression noted as the most common conditions. It is e e t t t e e e ss ns t e pandemic will lead to a mental health ss e e b n s t e e fin ett n outside challenging. s ent e t es st e t t st . t e e nt et t b tt e tt e e ent e t b e be se t e t n t e be e . s s be e s n e n e be e n e st esses n e s nt t n be n e b et ent e e t s e fi e t n t ns e e b te ee n s. t t e e e s b t s e fi s n t ns n n t e s b e e et e e en e n t e e ent e t n e be n .

DISABLED RAMBLERS ss n e n e t e b e t en t e n een s e bes e e . te s e n t e s b e be s s be b e s. . n sn b t s te s s ene t ss b t n tent . st t nt s ent e t s benefitte . t t e s be be s t s s e e s e n te s n e ne nte est n en s ent ses Paula. “Like many people in the last year, I have had days where my mental health sn t been e t n e e s ee e e ts b t t e n t nte t t n e been scared to go out. “Getting outside makes you realise, too, that you are not the only one that is e e en n t s. e s be be s n ses n e e ents ss t e nn n t t be e n s ne. e t e n ent est t ns n e t e s be be s ent e b es ss t e nne t e n nt s n n s e e e b e s n t e s t e ent benefits t t e t be n ts e. e s ses e b es e s e e ntn

have the opportunity to go out into t e nt s e n en s e t e s ts. n t e st b e n e ent t t e t n e e t e fi e . n n ee en e t like that. The sun is shining, you have t ese n fi ent e s n et t eet t ne e e.

GO GREEN t e b s nesses n t ns opening their doors again, you might be ee n e ens e t n e se n et n ne es t s t ee like this. ses n ne s ee n ne s b t n t s est e nt nn n what you want to do and knowing ee nt t . ne t e n t n s t t e e en s n b tt e tt t e ne s n t t en t been ts e n t e. t e fi st t e st something small have a walk around your local park, the more you do that t en t e bette ee . It is important to know your concerns are validated and you are not alone. ee s e b e be t t e nes n t be organisations. Taking the next steps t n t n e s e t e ent e t . FOR MORE INFORMATION

Support for your mental health is available from the Mental Health Foundation (www. mentalhealth.org.uk), Mind (www.mind. org.uk), Campaign Against Living Miserably (thecalmzone.net), and the NHS (www.nhs. uk). In an emergency, always call 999.

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Summer is just around the corner, with longer days, lighter nights and warm weather it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the natural beauty on our doorsteps. It’s time to get outside for an accessible walk

very year, May marks National Walking Month, encouraging everyone to get outside. The awareness month is utilised by charities like the British Heart Foundation (www. bhf.org.uk) to boost fundraising, and organisations like Living Streets (www. livingstreets.org.uk) to celebrate the power of walking for our minds, bodies and neighbourhoods. As an organisation, Living Streets helps older adults overcome barriers to walking, whether that’s damaged footways, a lack of resting places or inadequate crossings. Working with communities, local authorities and partners, they create streets which are safe and welcoming for everyone, while also organising walking groups around the country to combat loneliness and isolation.

BENEFITS The importance of a daily walk and getting outside has been highlighted over the last year, helping people to stay t e n nne te n fi t time. But, as rules change and pandemic restrictions ease, your daily walk shouldn’t stop. A form of exercise, walking is e t e e benefi st n tes of walking a day reduces the risk of developing a heart or circulatory n t n n st e t e diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. A quick walk in the fresh air also has the power to make you feel energised, reduce stress, improve sleep and can save you money if you usually take public transport or drive. n sn t st ts t e en n ent b n ne s n t e e n your carbon footprint. You can even e s e ss

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HITTING THE TRAILS the month on the Living Streets website. As well as being good for you, getting out in the fresh air for a walk is accessible and adaptable. You could walk around your garden, go out into your local community, or pick a e te n t t e fie . There are walking trails for everyone, regardless of equipment or ability.

RESOURCES You, your family and anyone who cares for you understands your needs and can

help pick the right walking trail for you, but you don’t have to do it alone. There is a host of resources available to help fin t e t te . e nn n t t e fie or make a day of it to get the most out of the sunshine, make sure you do your research in advance. Walks with Wheelchairs (www.walkswithwheelchairs.com) is the only UK site completely dedicated to providing free information routes for people with access challenges.

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The walks on the site National e been t e n Walking Month teste b ee takes place se s e e n e e be throughout May b t ess b e tes. Using Walks with Wheelchairs you can read e e s tes n e t ns n et e s ee s e n tes n ents t e se s t t se n t e t e. n n ne es e e e e ett n ts e e t e . t e t e. . et s sens s ee en s en s n e. e en se t e s te s n t nt n n t n t n n st s n tst s st s tes t t e best es t st be . With stunning sites around the country, t e t n st .n t n t st. . e n n n t n s n b t n ens b t t e s e e n ess b e s. e t t e t n st ebs te t fin t b tt e t st n n ens st t s n n nt s e. e sen tes e nt ne t s n e s te n n t e s t be s s ee s n b t s. n t ee e t t e t e fie et t e t n st e e n t e e en e n t e e. n t se es e esente e t es n ne t t e nt s e t n n nt n s ts b n e s st n s es n ess b e tes. n e e n t te e be e t s ess b e n e e s. s b e ess e e s te ns e .e ns e. s e e s s n t e nt b s b e e e. s n t e s te n e s n e e ess b e t e ent e ent t e e e b t s ne b n t ess b t features there are if the location has a st ent e. Before you head out on a walk it is s t nt t be e e . n b t n e nee s n t e n es n s t t n n e t e nt nt. s e t tt s e nt ne n ess b e t t es e ne b n ne e et s n e e en t e st ts t t n.

INSPIRATION Get inspired with some of our favourite accessible walking routes around the UK Blickling Estate NORFOLK s nt s e t s t n t use, taking you through woodland n ss n . e e route is good in any weather with a hard surface trail, and has wildlife n st n ents t s e n t e .

Accessible trail PORTH, TRURO st ne e n t st s e e t e st ett n b nt n . ns e t et s ee ess b e n t es ent e s e t e s ss t ee . e t s n s e n n e s t en t es t s n b n t e ee s e.

Salcombe Hill DEVON s t t t st s a great introduction to the South est st t t e s e t e n e. e e t s e nt ne n t e te s t be ee s.

Threave Estate Walk DUMFRIES st ns t est t n s ns ts t b e ee n ne se s. fie s n s et n s n ne s s t e e s e ee n s e s

e b t st t n e t e st n st e. n e en n t e .

River Ness and Caledonian Canal Circuit INVERNESS s n e t . es takes you around the canal, e n t n st eets t ets es e n t t s n t e t t e tt s n s. n t e te st t n n nt in the Moray Firth to see if you n s t t e es ent ns.

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Are you suffering from CRPS following an accident? CRPS can be life-changing. Which is why Brian Barr Solicitors work tirelessly to secure our clients the compensation they deserve. Brian Barr Solicitors represented a former health care assistant and mother of five, who twisted her ankle when she tripped over an unmarked and unlit step and tragically ended up with a below-knee amputation. With an eventual diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), she also suffered from fatigue and constipation and fibromyalgia, all of which resulted in a major depressive disorder. Mid claim, a significant interim payment was obtained to allow for the purchase and renovation of a home suitable for her condition, followed by a final overall settlement of £4million which will assist allowing her to live the best possible life alongside her condition.

Brian Barr Solicitors helped to secure £4million in compensation for our client

Specialist Fibromyalgia, CRPS, Chronic Pain & Critical Illness Lawyers To start your claim get in touch: call us on 0161 737 9248

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FINANCES IN FOCUS Accessible finance doesn’t have to be an ambition for the future: with the right tools and banks ensuring disabled customers are in control of their money, it can be a goal today. We look at the support available to help you get your finances on track

aking control of your money might seem overwhelming, but with the right awareness and support you can take command of your finances today. From helpful resources to tailored support from banks, you don’t have to be on your financial journey alone.

CONTROL

Understanding and feeling in control of your finances is a big part of being independent and living the life you want to, but it can feel stressful. There is a host of organisations who are ready to

support you on your financial journey. The Money Advice Service (www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk) provide information from mortgages and savings, to family, care and pensions. The organisation has web chat, WhatsApp and a helpline option so you can explain your situation and get tailored advice. If you are worried about your financial situation and want information around debt management, the UK’s leading debt charity, StepChange (www.stepchange. org), can help you get your finances back on track.

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enable finance A long with money advice available, n s b t s e fi t es e n t n n e nt e best s t n e st n n n e ne e n t st n nt . s n be t e se e s n b et t n e e t e sts ss te t s b t . e s e es n ne n benefits t e n nn n t e t e t t e s n sts e e e nn s b t t en . en . . n e s t t e e t n nte e t s b t t e e e e t e . t e .s e. . e se es es ss n n nts ebt b n n n n ne n e. be ent t e t benefits e n n e nt nee e t s t be se s b t . fin t ts t e e e st . .

Technology can transform the way people manage their money BUDGET e fi st ste t nn nt fin n es s e tn b et ns e n n n n t n ne . s e t n e st n fin n es ee e s en n ne n ee t be b e t s e.

n e te b et t t s e n t ne e t eb t st ne n s t ns e e n t st e st t b et t e. ne n et . ne s n e e t. e e es e n t s b et t e t s t e tn b et n ee b et nne t et st te . e s t t e e n fin n e t se t e ne t t e ne e e e. e t s e te n es nse t t e n s pandemic and its fin n t e n t t se ne ss es st nt b s n fin e t s t n e s e ste s.

ACCESSIBLE BANKING WITH STARLING www.starlingbank.com Control is essential when it comes to your finances, and that means finding a bank which understands your unique needs, going above and beyond to be accessible. As an app-based, fully-regulated UK bank, Starling has ease of use at the core. Starling recognise how technology can transform the way people manage their money and serves customers in a way that traditional banks don’t. We learn about the many features that make Starling a perfect fit for disabled customers, from a great customer experience to smart services that meet specific needs, all with accessibility in mind.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

S tarling may be an app- based bank, but that doesn’t mean it’s missing the human touch. P roviding the best possible customer support is important to S tarling, they have a range of services that are inclusive and accessible. W ith 2 4 - hour customer service available over the phone or via tex t on the app, S tarling is ideal for people who are D / deaf o or have speech di culties. tilising voice control, Starling is a smarter, more human alternative to high street competitors.

DIGITAL W

hen you bank with S tarling, you don’t need to worry about commutes, navigating physical branches or ueuing at customer service desks to manage your money: t he bank is totally digital, providing easy and direct access to your accounts. B y being fully digital, the bank’s smart technology doesn’t j ust eradicate stress and provide greater accessibility, it saves

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you time in your day to day life with your bank just clicks away on your phone or tablet. Starling s dedication to being inclusive goes further than the app itself. T he bank’s website has accessibility features like descriptive link names, alternative text, jargon free content, strong colour contrasts and more, so you can do your own research and answer any uestions you have with ease.

CONNECTED

Starling also ensure you can be financially confident when having someone spend on your behalf. T he C onnected card is an additional debit card that you can give to anyone you trust – perfect for family members, carers or N H S professionals who help to manage your finances so they can buy whatever you need no cash, contact, I s or fiddly bank details necessary. W ith the C onnected card, the money comes out of a designated S pace you’ll set up in the app rather than your main account. T his S pace is capped at £ 2 0 0 , and can be set lower, so you’re always in control. T he C onnected card has security in mind: t he other person won’t be able to access your whole account, check the balance, access the app, withdraw at an A T M or shop online. T hey can only spend from one S pace of your choosing. Available in addition to your Starling debit card, once you order and activate a Connected card, just pass it over to the person who helps with your spending. With accessible, smart features and your financial freedom at heart, Starling is a great fit if you are looking for more control over your finances.

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14/04/2021 15:07

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LEGALLY When faced with a legal case or concern, it can be stressful to know where to start – especially if directly related to your disability. But, with expert legal advice you are guaranteed to be in safe and experienced hands

ahead

here are many reasons in your lifetime that you might require support from a solicitor. In relation to personal injury claims or legal action because you believe you have faced disability discrimination, there are specialist solicitors with years of experience ready to support your case. “Irwin Mitchell is a full-service law fi en b n s t e st approach to your legal needs,” explains Mandy Luckman a partner and medical negligence lawyer with Irwin Mitchell, based in Birmingham. “Our lawyers are on hand to speak with you and advise what options are available for you based on your needs and circumstances.” Boasting over 100 years, Irwin Mitchell is committed to supporting and advising people that have acquired a disability as a consequence due to medical care.

TIMESCALE Referring to injury towards your body, mind or emotions – one that may have led you to acquire a disability – is known as personal injury. If you have experienced a personal injury, then you benefit e s t. “We have expert lawyers to advise you and they will also consider any other issues that may arise during the lifetime of your case, such as, employment, moving home, disability discrimination as well as assisting vulnerable people through the Court of Protection service,” Mandy continues. “We advise anyone that has experienced a personal injury to contact us at the earliest opportunity so that we can provide tailored support and advice t s t s e fi e e ents. It is important to know that there are limitations in the period of when you acquired your injury. Court Proceedings

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needs to be issued within three years of the negligence, or on the exact date that you acquired knowledge of the tent ne en e. e n e fi ent with your time is imperative to ensure the Courts can take your case forward.

DISCRIMINATION Unfortunately, as a disabled person you may have experienced disability discrimination in a range of areas. From fin n st n e ent or discrimination when completing day-to-day tasks. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against an individual for being part of the protected characteristics, which includes disability. “The law is designed to protect individuals that have experienced disability discrimination and we have a team of specialist lawyers who are available to support our clients if and when this is required,” emphasises Mandy. Outside of legal guidance, solicitors, like Mandy at Irwin Mitchell, can help you take your case forward thanks to their professional relationships with people who will assist your case. Mandy adds: “We are here to support you and your needs. We offer choice, convenience and care with a range of ways to communicate with us.” No matter why you are reaching out for professional legal advice and support, it is important to know you are not alone and there are dedicated legal teams on hand to meet your legal needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Legal advice is available from Irwin Mitchell (www.irwinmitchell.com), Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) and Disability Rights UK (www.disabilityrightsuk.org).

Expert Medical Compensation Advice If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or illness as a result of negligent medical treatment, our team of expert solicitors can help you pursue a claim for compensation with professionalism and compassion. We specialise in all types of clinical negligence claims including: birth damage; missed diagnoses; surgical; cancer; orthopaedic; GP failures; and nursing failure. We can represent you on a no win, no fee basis.

Ofﬁces throughout Scotland

T: 0131 226 5151 W: drummondmiller.co.uk

Peer mentoring for the limb loss community The Limbless Association is a national charity that has been supporting amputees across the UK through our Volunteer Visitor peer support programme for over 20 years to ensure no amputee need cope alone. Becoming an amputee is complex and challenging and sometimes you need to talk to someone who’s been there – someone who instantly understands.

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Our trained and vetted Volunteer Visitors are all experienced amputees themselves. From recovery, protheses and limb care to returning to your favourite sports and hobbies, it’s often the little things they know about limb loss that make a big diﬀerence. Please contact us to ﬁnd out how our Volunteer Visitors can support you. Charity No. England and Wales: 803533. Charity No. Scotland: SC042256

In January 2021 a report by accessible housing provider Habinteg Housing warned of a possible accessible housing crisis in the next decade. We discover the importance of accessible housing and ask: what has to change?

nalysis by Habinteg Housing Association (www. habinteg.org.uk) of 324 local authority housing plans in England found that just 1.5 per cent of new homes planned outside of London in the next decade will be suitable for wheelchair users. Currently, it is not a legal requirement for new homes in the UK to be accessible and adaptable, known as category two homes, and it is also optional for new homes to be fully accessible for wheelchair users, known as category three homes. The report, and lack of solid regulation around the building of accessible and adaptable homes, has exacerbated concerns around the availability of housing for the disabled community and the perceived value of disabled people to wider society.

SHORTAGE This lack of planned accessible homes isn’t a new problem: the proportion of homes due to be suitable for wheelchair users was previously just 0.5 per cent across the country. “Half of local plans don’t include accessibility requirements and we also know that over 400,000 wheelchair users are living in homes that aren’t adapted or accessible – it’s shocking statistics,” stresses Nicholas Bungay, director of strategy and external affairs at Habinteg Housing. If regulations aren’t adapted to create a more inclusive housing market, the impact on people’s independence will be

2 enablemagazine.co.uk

detrimental to both their physical and mental health. “It’s important to be on everybody’s agenda, for many people their homes aren’t suitable at the moment and there are huge delays in getting support to move due to the shortage of accessible homes or to get adaptations,” emphasises Lorna Cameron, chief executive at Horizon Housing Association (www.horizonhousing.org). “We need to get people thinking about it earlier so we aren’t waiting until we’re in a position where it’s an emergency.” When she was pregnant, Habinteg Housing tenant and mother of two, Delores Taylor, became disabled and is now a wheelchair user. Before starting her own search for accessible housing, Delores wasn’t aware of the issues that come with this journey, she says: “It was quite frustrating because I was offered places that really weren’t suitable

for a disabled person, it was very challenging. “I wasn’t aware of this problem until I had to encounter it for myself and it’s still out there, especially with the lack of three-bedroom accessible homes.”

FAMILY When working with her local authority t fin ess b e sn e es s only shown two-bedroom properties which made her feel like she wasn’t being treated as an equal. “Disabled people can have families, they’re not considering that a disabled person is a whole person or that they have families, they have a full and rich life and therefore they need a family home,” stresses Delores. “It felt that I had to either look out for my needs as an individual or our needs as a family and me as a mother, you shouldn’t have to choose.”

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“It’s about people having a choice and being able to live as independently as everyone else, it’s about the inclusion of disabled people and the choices and priorities they have.”

REGULATION

This problem stretches further than the disabled person and their family: without more accessible and adaptable homes more generally, it restricts their ability to visit friends, family and services. “We need accessible homes for ourselves as a family and we would like to go and visit people too, at Christmas, for all sorts of events like other people do and so other homes need to be accessible as well,” adds Delores.

HOME FOR LIFE Experiences like Delores’ highlight the importance of an accessible housing market and have led to greater calls for homes that can adapt as the needs of their occupants change. Habinteg Homes have developed what they call the Lifetime Home standard, category two homes that can be adapted much more quickly and easily: 75 per

cent of their homes are built to this standard with the other 25 per cent built to category three standards. “This means you can install things like grab rails more easily, the layout of the home is better designed with disabled people and inclusion at the heart, so, as people get older you can make adaptions within the home rather than having to move out into a more accessible home,” explains Nicholas. Creating adaptable homes for life gives disabled people the same choices that everyone else has about where they live and what they want from their home. “It’s important at the point of designing homes that we think about access because it’s also sustainability,” advises Lorna. “If people have an accessible home for life then they’re able to remain there as their needs change and family circumstances change, too.

Housing providers, including Habinteg and Horizon, are calling for both category two and three homes to be including in the requirements for new homes. “This is happening in London and some other local authorities but we want that to change on a national level,” reveals Nicholas. “We were pleased to see the government launch a consultation on this issue last September, effectively asking should we make access standard mandatory for new homes.” The UK Government consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes is now closed but is still to be concluded. Housing associations are also asking for a more holistic approach to this process, Nicholas says: “It’s not necessarily just doing the very basics, it’s actually talking to disabled people, talking to service users to think a bit more holistically about the design not only of a home but other organisations, about design of public buildings for example or in terms of local authorities the design of their public spaces really important particularly as we get out of the pandemic.” If this lack of accessible homes and relevant regulations continues, the exclusion of disabled people in society will worsen as a lack of accessible and adaptable homes diminishes independence and quality of life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you are looking for accessible housing or need adaptations in your current home contact your local authority (www.gov.uk).

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Tim Rushby-Smith

RESTRICTED MOVEMENT Discussing a controversial deportation case in his adopted home of Australia, Tim Rushby-Smith highlights the barriers disabled people can face when migrating

POLICY e e s t ee s e n e st s s e se down from a calculation based upon the projected medical costs over the entire life of the applicant. But the fact e ns t t e e t s b t are still discriminated against. It seems es e n ne t t t e e s n s b se n t e net st t e n . Cheaper disabilities might get in, but not b t et te s. t n e s . e s b t n ee e n. s s t e. t s tense n protracted process, where I was

informed that I would fail on the health te be se e . t s e n b t en e st n t ens t e e e e s n se would have denied them the right to a e.

VISA Other friends who have applied for a visa to move to Australia have been e se s e fi be se t e e s b e . t s n e en e te n st e when the case involves a child born in Australia, where the parents were e es ents. n sn t b n with CP, their application would have been t . At a time when British politicians are n e sn tt te t t e st n t n e ts t nt t t e e e e e e n e st n n of the impact of such policies on families in Australia. Immigration is one of the biggest en es t t e e n t e st ent n be e e en b e s the impacts of climate change trigger increases in migration. However, we are all living on the same planet. If we are se s b te t n n ts it is unacceptable to continue to operate t t e s ste e e s b t st e decisive factor when deciding where on t e net e e.

“

It’s important that people have a clear-eyed understanding of the impact of policies

“

t might seem odd in these times of lockdown and travel restrictions, but I want to talk b t b e s. e fi immigration, one of the last bastions of explicit and unrepentant discrimination. e e n st t e t e n e t t n es te n n Varun (who are from India) having been es ent n t e nt e t n e s es e t e . e t n e nent es en s been e se be se t e s n n sb n n st s e eb s . e e s n s e t n t n of support and calls to change t n s s e e n n n n e which was described as “more inclusive e s ns t s b t es n e e ts t e es n ns . e s e fi te b s e s n s e s fin n t n b se nt e e te st ns health supports to the Australian tax e e ten e e .

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

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We have joined forces with Surewise, to give away a new Drive DeVilbiss Explorer Scooter with one of their annual Mobility Scooter Insurance policies to a lucky reader

s the world begins to re-open after lockdown, we’re all looking forward to getting out and about much more this year. To celebrate, together with Surewise, we’re helping one of our readers do just that with a wonderful brand-new mobility scooter and comprehensive insurance package. Developed to provide the convenience of a portable scooter with the comfort of a larger scooter, the Drive Explorer features two x 22Ah MK Batteries – the largest battery pack in the Drive DeVilbiss range of portable scooters. The battery life means it has an excellent 13-mile range, with a 360-degree swivel seat so it’s easy to get on and off.

Plus, enjoy the Drive Explorer in nfi en e s e se e n an Annual Mobility Scooter Insurance policy. This provides comprehensive insurance protection for accidental damage, theft or loss, third party liability, and personal accidents. Their policies cover the scooter, not the rider so multiple drivers are covered, and also included in these policies are elements of their Wheelchair Insurance policy, providing additional cover for your manual wheelchair too. This policy will cover their optional extras of 24/7 recovery assistance, key cover and puncture care. With all Surewise policies, there are no excess payments, no hidden fees and there’s no age limit on the age of the rider for Mobility Scooters.

HOW TO ENTER Don’t want to miss out on this exceptional prize? It’s easy to enter. To win a new Drive DeVilbiss Explorer Scooter with one-year annual Mobility Scooter Insurance policies, send us your name and where you picked up Enable Magazine to competitions@ dcpublishing.co.uk quoting Drive Scooter. Or enter online, www.enablemagazine.co.uk/DriveScooter All entries must be received by Monday 14 June 2021. Good luck!

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Find out more about Surewise’s comprehensive range of Mobility Scooter, Wheelchair and Carers Insurance policies, at www.surewise.com or by calling 01268 200020.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The annual insurance policy awarded will be within the terms and conditions of the Mobility Scooter Insurance policy from Sure Wise Ltd (www.surewise. com). All entries must be received by Monday 14 June 2021. The prize is one new Drive DeVilbiss Explorer Scooter with one of their annual Mobility Scooter Insurance policies only. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, there is no cash alternative and cannot be sold to another party. One entry per household. The publisher’s decision is ﬁnal.

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Opening your doors to a child or young person in need, becoming a foster carer is a tremendous experience of providing someone with a sanctuary of safety. Ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, run by The Fostering Network, one disabled foster carer shares her experience of why she cares to encourage others to get involved

nyone can become a foster carer, providing a safe, welcoming shelter for children and young people experiencing a challenging time in their family life. Similarly, fostering children or young people can be a positively transformational experience. Annually, it is estimated that tens of thousands of children and young people across the UK need foster carers. A child will be placed into foster care when they can’t live with their own family. There can be a range of reasons a person is put into foster care, from temporary illness in the family, temporary issues in the family, or more serious events such as witnessing domestic abuse. Although you may be caring for a child or young person that has lived through s et t e benefits e n this person feel secure and watching t e s s t e e s n ste n s such an enriching experience.

DECISION Having always been aware of fostering after her parents became foster carers, going onto adopt a child, Alison was no stranger to foster care. Working as a teacher and travelling as part of her job, when Alison became a wheelchair user, despite being unable to work, she still wanted to be useful and have something challenging to do. Alison explains: “I still enjoyed working with children so hoped to be b et s et n t n t e fie e sn t e fi t ns n experience I had. Fostering seemed like fit. Becoming a foster carer is an important decision. For Alison, there were initial worries. “Initially I was concerned that I wouldn’t be accepted to be a foster carer, whether my s b t e e t s n reveals. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be seen as able to care for the children. “I wondered how other foster carers would respond to me as I was aware there weren’t many other disabled ste e s.

CONSIDERATION Despite trepidations, fostering is open to all interested. Children and young people in foster care come from a range of backgrounds, and it is important that there are foster carers to accommodate this. Common criteria that will be expected for you to be considered a foster carer is to be at least 21 yearsold, have a spare bedroom large enough for a young person to live in, be a full-time UK resident or have leave to remain, and be able to give the time and care required on a full-time basis. Alison continues: “I found out during the application process with Liverpool City council that [my disability] wasn’t an issue as long as I could meet the needs of any children I would look after. “I thought carefully about the age of child I wanted to foster, too, as I wanted to minimise any impact on the child s n . fin b b es n e n en fi t s would struggle to support their physical development as needed. “So far I’ve only found taking children ice skating ‘off limits’, which hasn’t been b be .

RESEARCH Like Alison, it is important to do a lot of research to ensure that becoming ste e st e t fit personal needs, your family are on board, and you are committed to providing a child or young person with everything they need to develop. “The high points for me would be seeing the progress made by the en te ent ses Alison. “Seeing a young person make even small achievements can be immensely rewarding. Also, seeing how happy and settled a child can become te s e t e n e ent. Utilising the experiences and information available for free on The Fostering Network website, Alison found reading the experiences of other foster carers comforting and relating to some issues that had arisen. Similarly, Alison has been proactive in getting

additional training to compliment her prior teacher training, including further mental health training from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). No matter if you are disabled, or you are looking to foster a disabled child, it is imperative that more foster carers are available to support children and young people. Alison adds: “The more families can be found for these children and young people so that they can remain in their local area, be with siblings or live in a family home [is important]. “I have seen the difference it makes to children to have a settled foster care placement and hope that more children n benefit t s.

ENRICH Foster Care Fortnight – 10 to 23 May – run by The Fostering Network is an annual awareness week raising awareness of fostering. The theme for this year’s event is #WhyWeCare, which was decided with the help of foster care experienced children and young people and foster carers, like Alison. And, to those considering fostering, Alison advises: “I would say just make an enquiry about it. I put off my application for a few months as I didn’t think I could do it. Fostering has enriched my life immensely and given me a real sense of purpose which I may not have had otherwise. I’ve now been fostering for four years and have had challenging placements, so I’ve more than proved it’s possible. “I would also say that disabled people are usually quite adaptable and used to n t fin s n t n s e t n e s en ste n . This Foster Care Fortnight, make the move and be there to support a child or young person during a time of need. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get more advice on becoming a foster carer as a disabled person, or fostering a disabled child or young person, with The Fostering Network (www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk) and TACT (www.tactcare.org.uk).

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toy box An inclusive

After a life-size replica of a Lottie Dolls treehouse was created by a family for their daughter with Down’s syndrome, the toy company created a new doll that is set to educate more young people about Down’s syndrome

s an avid fan of Lottie Dolls, six-year-old Rosie played with the dolls and the Lottie Treehouse so much that her father, Jason, ended up building a life-size replica treehouse in the family’s back garden. This creation caught the attention of Ian Harkin, CEO of Arku, the company behind Lottie Dolls. After Ian saw the life-size Lottie Treehouse, he created a special one-off doll for Rosie. “Rosie’s dad mentioned to me that lots of families would love a Down’s syndrome doll,” enthuses Ian. “We asked our followers to sign up and we received an overwhelmingly positive response.”

EMPOWER Created with realism in mind, the dolls celebrate childhood and the promotion of empowerment by helping children to be themselves, play imaginatively and adventurously. Most importantly the dolls are inspired by real children – like Rosie.

Having a diverse range where kids can see dolls that look like them is very important

Working closely with Rosie and her family, Ian and his team utilised the unique qualities that make Rosie who she is, alongside highlighting key characteristics of a person with Down’s syndrome from Rosie’s haircut to her eyes, nose and mouth and her boots which aid her walking. Ian continues: “After we made the initial doll we received some feedback online, we changed her socks so that they didn’t match and we repainted her eyes to make them smaller and more almond shaped. We also changed the shading above and below the eye and t fin s es . They were very subtle changes but important ones.”

DIVERSE The Rosie Boo Lottie Doll, which is available for pre-order prior to a July release, features odd socks to mark the universal symbol for Down’s syndrome, a bunny dress to represent Rosie’s love n t e n n s s e et with information on what makes Rosie Boo Lottie Doll unique. Furthermore, the Rosie Boo Lottie Doll will make toy boxes across the world more inclusive and subtly share information on learning disability and Down’s syndrome. “Having a diverse range where kids can see dolls that look like them is very important,” adds Ian. “We want every kid to have a diverse toy box. If dolls can, in some way, help develop empathy and understanding before culture teaches kids how they should behave, then it’s probably the most rewarding thing we have discovered so far.” After charity Toy Like Me called on the industry to make more inclusive toys, the Lottie Dolls team have created autistic dolls, dolls with ADHD, one with a cochlear implant, plus a little person doll. Ian concludes: “Inclusive design is so important so that people can see themselves in the world around them, but equally it’s important that everyone has an inclusive toybox.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rosie with her doll

Read the extended interview with Ian on our website, www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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You can pre-order your Rosie Boo Lottie Doll online (uk.lottie.com), with proceeds going to Andover Twenty1 (www.andovertwenty1. org.uk). Learn more about inclusive toys with Toy Like Me (www.toylikeme.org).

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As children and young people settle back into school life, the concerns around changing rules can put an increased strain on autistic people and their families. With restrictions reducing, what does education look like for autistic pupils in the new normal?

PREPARING for

change

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CONCERN Autism charity the National Autistic Society have worked to support autistic people and their families throughout the pandemic, but it has led to concerns around wellbeing. “I think in many ways there are bigger concerns: this includes that the education system wasn’t working for autistic children and young people before the pandemic. What we’re really worried about is going back to the situation people were in this time last year,” explains Tom Purser, head of campaigns at the National Autistic Society. “There wasn’t the right training and there wasn’t the right support in schools, so we will be working hard to make sure the government addresses that.” In the short term, the National Autistic Society are also concerned around more changes to routine and another new set of rules for families and schools to understand. “There’s been a huge spike in anxiety and concern about mental health and we know more change on top of that is going to have a detrimental impact on autistic children and young people,” expresses Tom. “Change has been one of the biggest and most difficult things for people to work through, largely because some of the government communication hasn’t been great with lots of change coming thick and fast.” Emma lives with her husband and her son, Ethan, who is autistic and in year two at school. For Emma and her family, different lockdowns have come with different experiences and lessons, she says: “In the first lockdown when my husband worked from home that was very difficult for Ethan because it was just all wrong to him.” In the latest lockdown, Emma’s husband went to work as normal, creating a more familiar and stable environment for Ethan. Now, as restrictions ease and the prospect of returning to normal becomes more real, Emma is concerned it could have a negative effect.

“The rest of the world is excited about leaving lockdown, but for him it feels like going back into things he didn’t like doing,” reveals Emma. “He’s not missed out, he’s gained an awful lot of skills in this time.”

LEARNING One of these key concerns, education, is prevalent for many parents, whether their child remained at school during the pandemic, found home learning to be a challenge, or thrived in a familiar environment. Research by the National Autistic Society during the pandemic showed that around seven in 10 parents had difficulty understanding or completely supporting their child to complete school work, and around half think their child’s academic progress has suffered during home learning. Emma found their experience to be the opposite and watched Ethan thrive while learning at home.

“

As a parent, you know best and I think it’s knowing that it’s okay to fight for them

“

ince March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has created a massive strain on autistic people with constant changes to routine, rules and restrictions having an effect on their mental wellbeing. This has helped to highlight the need for greater support for families, and the need for more understanding from the general public and in education settings.

“He’s really loved the last lockdown a lot more, it’s been much easier for him actually – school is normally one of his biggest challenges,” emphasises Emma. “He really struggled in school, he would get very overwhelmed and with the chance to have him home all of the time, he’s done really well. “It has highlighted that previously he wasn’t doing what was best for him and that’s absolutely nothing against the school he is in, he goes to a lovely school, it’s just his way of dealing with things.” The National Autistic Society has heard from parents on both sides of home learning: those whose children have excelled in their own environment, and those who feel their children have fallen behind. “We know that, for example, some autistic children have been able to continue going to school during this,

whereas some may have been at home with home learning and not being able to access things,” offers Tom. “We have heard from lots of people who found not being in a busy, noisy, overwhelming school has actually helped them to work better, for others home is home and school is for school, so they have found that mixing the two is difficult.” As pupils settle back into full-time education, the summer holidays are also looming, presenting more changes and the need to prepare children for the return to the classroom come the end of the summer.

PREPARATION As rules continue to change and this next transition approaches, preparation is essential to helping autistic children and young people adapt to their new routines. This support has to be incorporated in every aspect of their lives. “Make sure that there is good communication with the school, lockdowns have created anxiety and this new change is going to cause additional anxiety,” expresses Tom. “We appreciate there is lots of pressure on schools, but I think it would be better for them and better for their autistic pupils to try and make sure that they consider autistic young people amongst all of their plans. “We know that it’s important for all school staff to get the autism training they need, and that each part of the country is equipped with the right mix of support for autistic young people.” Tom recommends turning complex rules into something simple for people to understand, arming yourself with the latest information. For Ethan, easing back in to school life gradually has proved helpful, Emma explains: “Going back part time is definitely helpful for him if he’s been away, for him to go straight back into nine to three would have been very intense. “As a parent, you know best and I think it’s knowing that it’s okay to fight for them.” Working alongside your child’s school to ensure they have a smooth and tailored transition back into school life can ease anxiety and help them to adapt. FOR MORE INFORMATION For easy to follow information on rules and restrictions, and more advice, visit the National Autistic Society website: www.autism.org.uk

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ocial media provides a platform for anyone to have a voice and share their passion and connect with others from across the world. For content creators Tess Daly and Jordan Bone, social media site Instagram has helped them to discover their talents, fin e n e e e n e te n expanding community based on their interests.

BEGINNINGS en ess fi st st te e nst account, she had no intention of be n s e n en e s e nte t e e e s s while learning to use an assistive tool. “I use what I now call my bionic arm, it’s equipment that enables me to e se st t n e en en e b t t e s Tess. “I was able to start teaching myself e ent s e ts n e again, my Instagram is documenting my es n ne . ess st te t n es t t e en t st en s neighbours, and realised that people were interested and invested in what she was doing. e ess n st te e nt to document her life and to create content she felt was missing at the time. “I wanted to support and motivate others, and help people see that there isn’t all madness in the world, that there ss e e e be s n. t s e t fin n n e e t fi st b t t s b t s n voice where you can. It was important t es e e e n t ee ne. While both Tess and Jordan are transparent about their disabilities on their platforms, it isn’t the focus of their ntent st e t sn t t e n s in their day to day lives. “My disability to me is absolutely not the core of my content, it is not my s st esses ess. st s eb that happens to be in a wheelchair, my disability is a footnote to me. My page is dedicated to fashion and beauty but I st en t be n t e ee . “Who I am is showing people that disability doesn’t always have to be t e n ent fie e s person, of course I am in a wheelchair and of course it is part of who I am but tsn tt e n t.

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BRAND IDENTITY ntent e t s e ess n n highlighting their talents, while also showing who they are online, is part t e e s e t s broadening people’s scope of society. With large followings, there is often the t nt t t b n s n increase their diversity. b n s et e be e e n t t b n n t st t e explains Jordan. “I don’t want them to come to me because I use a wheelchair, I

People exist everyday with disabilities it’s just unfortunate that we don’t get seen want them to come to me because they e ess e. Jordan’s message is mirrored by Tess, s es s b n s n e t t e see t t s t e b n be n n ne t n s n n t t e e tn t e b s n e b e se. n e e e t s n en e et n t s ess b e advertising is now essential to many b n s et n st te es b t t s gives them the opportunity to represent t s et e s e. t e e ts t t t e e s e e n t e e s b t es ns e e n t n t ts e t expresses Jordan. “We need to push s et e s e t sn t st t en s . ts n t et e s better and that’s where social media can t be s t nt. By collaborating with disabled content creators, brands also have the opportunity to learn about what this n t nee s n nts t e importance of using alt text on images t t n n ee se s en designing clothes. Utilising her platform and following, Jordan and her friend have also started

a podcast, Life at the Deep End, which explores what it means to be human, the challenges of daily life, and celebrates people living life to the fullest despite any barriers they face.

MAINSTREAM MEDIA In many ways, representation in advertising on social media is ahead of nst e e e ne s es and magazines, and there is always greater room for diversity. “Growing up I had literally never seen n b t t e e e e e s Tess. “There’s no people in magazines, n fi s t e e s n e e t t st happened to be disabled going about t e es. ee e t s n e b e that I’m that person to so many others. “People exist everyday with s b t es t s st n t n te t t e n t et seen. In order to increase visibility, all forms e nee t t e e esent t n se s . t e t nt n b people should be hired based on talent, and regardless of gender, race, sexuality or disability. ts sn t t eness n n s b e e et s n t et s st esses n. n s nee t hire people based on their talents as opposed to using someone who uses a ee t . This change doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can’t happen overnight either. ts e s e st et e e t t e e t s et s ests ess. t n e e t t be e st s et n might have 10 people in and 10 people cannot represent the whole world. I may n t see s eb t t s e e n every campaign but as long as they try, t e e t t ee t t ss n n ee t t e. With greater awareness of disabilities, represented by real people, t e e s e n ne t becoming more diverse, but there is still lengths to go to ensure the things we see t n sten t e e t s et . FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can follow Tess Daly on Instagram @tess.daly. To keep up with Jordan, follow her on Instagram @jbone89 or o ﬁnd ou more about her podcast and life coaching, visit www.jordanbone.co.uk

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It can be hard to know where to start in the world of dating. As more inclusive dating sites are launched, you can be supported to build your confidence when making new connections

ntering the dating pool can be intimidating for anyone, but for disabled people there can be extra concerns that make tailored services important. Groups like the Supported Loving Network, run by Choice Support, bring together care providers, sex educators, policymakers, parents and people with a learning disability to create a better dating experience. Lucy Hamlin is a project co-ordinator at Meet N Match, a friendship and dating agency for adults with a learning disability which is part of the Support Loving Network. “Only three per cent of people with a learning disability live with a partner compared to 70 per cent of the rest of the population, not everyone chooses to live with a partner but that is a massive gap,” reveals Lucy. A tailored process and extra support are what sets agencies like Meet N Match apart from mainstream dating s tes e ns e e e fin that they get matches, but nobody speaks to them or they get matches b t en t e fin tt e e t s b t t es n t n e . e es also the vulnerability around other people not being truthful about who they are and preying on vulnerable people.” Meet N Match provide a personalised service that goes further than putting et s nt fi e n tn te t fin s e

“

Now we have this additional tool to enable people to stay connected

“

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s te t s n ess. e match is decided on by the team based n e be s nte ests.

RIGHT FIT When someone inquires at Meet N Match, they are given information t e t e e e tst e t fit t e n t st e et et e e en es n fi t n application form detailing what they want in a match, how far they are happy to travel and what their interests are. “Once we have found a match we contact both members and tell them a little bit about each other, if it sounds e s e ne t e et eet t en t e et te fi e s et s t en e t e e s nt e e eet n e e t e e eet n t e time and location and a few tips,” explains Lucy. Supporting people to start dating goes further than the human touch: it includes support in the lead up to, on n te t e fi st te. “We provide a chaperone who will go on the date with the couple,” reveals Lucy. “They will do the introductions and then they just step back from them s t tt e es b t b n support as and when needed. “Some people need help with things like ordering food, paying for food then other people might need a little bit of encouragement to get conversation n . e ne s nt t e be s be e a date to address any concerns and attend the date to provide support, members are then contacted a few days after their date to see how it went and how they would like to proceed. The organisation also carries out support calls every six to eight weeks to keep updated on how relationships are going.

THE ONE Amanda is a Meet N Match member and now works for the agency in an administrative role. “My experience has been very good: they found me two matches, those nt tb t t s e ne

e se n n e t t e offers Amanda. “Meet N Match support et e e t n e be n n st n t t t e n t ts e e n e t nfi en e n e t ns s. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the agency would run events in pubs and night clubs to help members get to know each other, something which also helped Amanda make new friends. For Amanda, the service has been a lifeline while trying to date as mainstream dating sites often come with complications for people with a learning disability. “Sometimes people struggle in social situations and on dates,” explains Amanda. “Sometimes people get with

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Datin g : f indin the pe g r f e c match t s e ne n t e fin t e a disability or a learning disability and t e n e. ts e e n e t s t be se t t e t n s tes n e s n t e nt e n e n t n e t t. eet t t n et e n t e set tes t n n t tes ee e nes st s t e be s. es te n en es t s s se be e es t s s opened the doors to a better dating e e en e n t e t e. e et s t n t t en b e e e t st nne te n e t e te s ene t eet n et e e e s .

CONFIDENCE st e s e t et e tes be es e e es e t n ne n t eet t e t e st te t e t be t e se es t s ete n t t ee n s. s t t e eet t n ses t e e e e t e nn s b t t e t n . ese n e e nn t te se n t ee e se n e t ns s se e ns b s. es t e te en s s et n s e e t b n s nfi en e e n e t s e ent tne n te s e e ns e eb t e be s b t e ee t n b n s e

t se n n e e sb t nt ee e ne t t t e se. st be nfi ent n se ee e e t en t t s e ne b t t e nn n n n n e n t eet s te s e ne e e e n n t t e. t t e tt s n s t n ne n ente t e tn t nfi en e n eet t e t .

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tailored advice and top tips are available from the Supported Loving Network (www.choicesupport.org.uk) and Meet N Match (www.meet-n-match.co.uk).

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THE FUTURE OF

CERVICAL SCREENING In January, 10,000 women and people with a cervix across London were invited to trial self-sampling cervical screening kits. The trial looks set to modernise cervical screenings, providing an additional option to receiving a vital test

ollowing in the steps of countries currently providing self-sampling cervical screenings, including Australia and Denmark, a new trial is underway in the UK. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s head of policy and communications, Kate Sanger has been working directly with the current London based trial.

detected through self-sampling – are on average detected 2.3 times higher. Also, 99 per cent of people can do self-sampling accurately, the evidence shows.

How do you hope self-sampling will break down barriers some disabled women and people with a cervix face? It would hopefully help enable people, both those who cannot leave the house to those who have a range of conditions, What has been the feedback to selfto access the test. If you do have a sampling in these initial stages? positive test, if it comes back with HPV, The feedback has been really positive. you will still need to go to your local GP We want self-sampling to be offered to have another test done. This doesn’t as a choice. It is a massive amendment take away all the challenges and factors to cervical screening, and we wouldn’t for people with a physical disability. We want this to become your only option. do need to keep those next steps In other countries, we’ve seen in mind. But, the majority of a 10 per cent increase in people who do the test will attendance and high-grade not have HPV. cell changes – that are The current

self-sampling trial is happening in London

How do you carry out a self-sample? Self-sampling is a really simple test. It is a swab that takes a sample from your vagina. As it is such a simple test, you don’t have to lie on your back and you don’t have to go to the GP practice. It is a less evasive test; you can do it on your own and at a time and place of your choosing. How do you hope access to cervical screening changes in the near future? Everyone is different and has their own barriers and challenges to going for the test, we want to see a choice so you can opt to go to your GP practice, opt to have self-sampling, or go to your sexual health service. The choice element is really important because it will cater for people’s individual needs. Finally, what advice do you have for someone preparing for their cervical screening? However you feel, this is completely normal. If you feel able to, speak to your GP about any access needs you may require, this will mean the test will be easier when you are there. Speak to your care team to learn how you might access cervical screening, because every woman and person with a cervix is eligible to access cervical screening and should have that opportunity. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Information on accessing your cervical screening is available from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (www.jostrust.org.uk) on 0808 802 8000.

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DISABILITY, SEX, AND

Our individual identity is imperative for us to live healthy, prosperous lives. However, many disabled people are being left behind when it comes to discovering intimate relationships in the LGBTQ+ community and realising their true identity

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etween June 2000 and November 2003, Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was repealed. The clause, it is believed, prohibited local councils from distributing any te et e s e ets b s that portrayed gay relationships, which could have also integrated into relationship and sexual health education (RSE) in schools across the UK. Despite the clause being removed, the effects have been long lasting. “The sex education that I got was very heteronormative and CIS (comfortable n ns n n t e e e be s n ns n t st n set t release her debut novel, Queerly

Autistic. “At the same time, what I got that was heteronormative also wasn’t very extensive.” Alongside the limited experience of RSE that Erin and many others have experienced, there is research to highlight that many young disabled people are being forgotten when it comes to RSE and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) education.

LABELS “Disabled people are often labelled as non-sexual and their capacity to understand things is commonly called into question,” emphasises Dr Alex Toft, research fellow at the Nottingham Centre

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SELF EDUCATION

for Children, Young People and Families at Nottingham Trent University. Through extensive research and communication with young disabled people, Alex reveals participants to his study have noted that they were infantilised and not taken seriously in regards to their sexuality or gender identity. Alex continues: “As a result, for many, any education concerning sex and relationships was withheld from them. Throughout previous research there are examples of young disabled people being removed from such lessons or being told that it is ‘not for them’. “This problem is acerbated when it comes to LGBTQ+ lives and identities.”

For Erin, who was diagnosed as autistic later in life, it was through television shows and online communities that she learned about the language around sexual identity. “I identify as queer and bisexual, but I really didn’t know that was something that existed until I was probably about 16,” reveals Erin. fin e t n e st s. I knew I wasn’t gay, but I was really confused that if I wasn’t gay I must have been straight. I really didn’t feel I was straight,” Erin continues. Unfortunately, Erin’s experiences are not uncommon. Speaking to disabled young people, Alex learned that RSE education is primarily focused on reproduction. Participants in Alex’s research would like to see more relationship-based education, alongside the message of normalisation: normalising all gender identities and sexual orientations, regardless of disability. Denying young disabled people this education can have evident negative consequences. “Exclusion and denying young disabled people information about RSE and LGBTQ+ lives has a widereaching impact in their everyday lives,” emphasises Alex. “It could threaten future relationships, affect wellbeing and mental health and exclude them from spheres of social life to which everyone has a right to access.” For Erin, the education she craved was one she had to discover herself. Now well versed in LGBTQ+ history and ts n s tten e fi st n e Queerly Autistic, in order to share her experiences and the experiences of other disabled identities to help cement a new wave of RSE.

RECOGNISE Erin enthuses: “I wanted to give young people something they could use to pinpoint things in their lives because it is so important.” But, Erin has faced backlash for her comments previously. “There is an assumption that sex and relationships didn’t happen if you are disabled,” explains Erin. “I think there is an issue with infantilisation, an urge to shut down the thought of autistic people having sexual relationships. Just because it makes you uncomfortable,

doesn’t mean you should neglect to have the conversations you probably would have with a neurotypical child.” Alex concurs: “There needs to be a re-evaluation of the views people hold, and why people hold such views about young disabled person. “The consistent denial that young disabled people cannot be LGBTQ+ or are going through some sort of phase reveals a good deal of ableism and misunderstanding about sexuality and gender identity.” Approaching Pride – celebrated during the month of June, commemorating the Stonewall riots which occurred in June 1969 – it is still a much-needed event to highlight the lived experience of the disabled LGBTQ+ community. Beth, a member of the young disabled LGBTQ+ Researchers Group (a group of young people who work together with Alex to design and conduct research) emphasises: “Months such as Pride are incredibly important in the disabled and LGBTQ+ community because not only do they celebrate differences, but also they make visible the hidden groups of ‘other’ in society, and make a statement that we exist and are refusing to be ignored, marginalised or ashamed for what and who we are.” Erin adds: “I think it is really important that young disabled queer people get as much chance as anyone else to celebrate their identity. Particularly because the world would rather they didn’t have a sexuality at all.” It is evident, a lot is still to be desired when it comes to RSE and LGBTQ+ education. However, thanks to the vital work people like Alex and Erin do, partnered with other members of the community sharing their lived experiences and Pride month, it is hoped the conversation around disabled people in healthy, loving relationships of all identities will change for the better.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Support and advice are available from Stonewall (www.stonewall.org.uk) and Brook (www.brook.org.uk). SPARK+ has been launched speciﬁcall or oun LGBTQ+ people (@QAC_CS). You can purchase ueerl u is ic online and ollo Erin (@QueerlyAutistic).

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CONFIDENCE

with PROSTHETICS Prosthetic solutions are continuously pushing boundaries, supporting thousands of people across the world with their diverse needs. One man reveals the confidence he obtained from his Össur prosthesis

ged just nine-months old Patrick Kane became a triple amputee. After contracting meningococcal septicaemia, Patrick started a new journey adapting to disability and learning how to walk on a prosthetic leg. For many years, Patrick opted not to use any upper limb prosthesis until he came across an advert for an i-Limb created by Össur. Össur have been experts in creating effective, non-invasive mobility solutions focusing on prosthetic, osteoarthritis and injury solutions since 1971. The company, with headquarters in Iceland, have been providing a life without limitations for people with lower and upper limb amputations and people with limb differences across the world.

REVOLUTIONARY “I was extremely excited about being fitte t t s e t n e e technology and what it may enable me to do,” enthuses Patrick. “I was instantly impressed with how much I was able to do. Aged 13, I learnt how to tie my shoelaces and cut up my own food for t e fi st t e nt es e . t it was so much more than just the new tasks I was able to do. The i-Limb also e e e e nfi en e t t s stayed with me ever since.” s nfi en e s t fi s interest and passion for the sciences. A recent University of Edinburgh biochemistry graduate, Patrick reaped the rewards of utilising his upper limb prosthesis. “This was a highly technical degree and the laboratory work required would not have been possible without my i-Limb,” Patrick continues. “Now that I have graduated, I may not be using the prosthesis for such intricate tasks, but it is still invaluable to me.”

n s e n e se nfi en e n t e b t to complete tasks many people take for granted, Patrick is changing the conversations around lower and upper limb amputations and limb e en e t t e e s b.

CONVERSATION “When I wear my prosthesis, there is a natural curiosity which comes with this incredible piece of technology,” emphasises Patrick. “Needless to say, I am always happy to discuss either what happened to me or the amazing prosthetics I wear. “For me, my prostheses are a chance for me to express my individuality and personality, and I enjoy being able to customise them. While my legs have been e e t n es e covered in postage stamps and even leopard print, my arms have always been b b n fib e n b t looking,” explains Patrick. “I think this must have had something to do with my fascination with The Terminator movies en s fi st ett n fitte . With a new attitude to tackling problems, helping to change the narrative of prosthetic solutions and highlight s b t t nn nfi ent complete everything he wants to achieve in life. Patrick fervently adds: “I can truly say getting an i-Limb was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough to anyone.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Advice for amputees and prosthetic users is available on the Össur website, www.ossur.com or call 03450 065 065.

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THE POWER OF DISABILITY SPORT In 2020 the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to recreational and professional sport, leaving thousands of people without regular access to social opportunities and exercise. With hopes of events like the Paralympics going ahead in 2021, we look at the effect of the pandemic on disability sport

port is an important part of everyday life whether you are socialising, t nn st fitt n in some exercise. The coronavirus pandemic saw sporting events around the world postponed or cancelled, leaving both professional athletes and enthusiasts without an essential aspect of daily life.

HALTED For Special Olympics GB (SOGB), a sporting organisation for children and adults with learning disabilities, the pandemic meant everything from local activities to national competitions stopping, leaving sport on pause. “I think it’s been an increasingly tough year and now it’s time for recovery so that we can turn things around,” explains Laura Baxter, interim chief operating fi e t . e e s t s t t t s t fitness t st ts t t b n nfi en e n t s e e to socially interact.”

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With the prospect of sporting events resuming becoming a reality, there is one event that Hollie and thousands of athletes around the world are looking forward to: The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, now due to take place from 24 August until 5 September in Japan and still using the same branding. “I just hope that Tokyo will go ahead for Paralympic athletes,” admits Hollie. “It will be a very weird and different games, especially for those who have been before because we know what it’s usually like and there will also be no friends and family there. “I think it will bring a lot more happiness to people’s lives and they will get to watch sports again.” The importance of the Paralympics stretches further than the athletes who spend years preparing, it is also an opportunity for the public to understand and gain insights into different disabilities, all while providing positive role models for young disabled people. “We all train hard and dedicate ourselves and our lives to winning these medals,” highlights Hollie. “I just hope that even though last year couldn’t have gone ahead, people will now be more interested and will maybe be watching because there’s not as much going on. “Hopefully there will be a next generation soon, hopefully we can we can keep going and keep inspiring people.” Channel 4 will broadcast the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. You can cheer on Hollie and other Paralympic athletes from 24 August.

The pause on sporting activities has also impacted professional athletes like parasport javelin athlete Hollie Arnold MBE. t s fi t t e s it’s been an uncertain time really and I think that we weren’t fully aware of how massive an impact this was going to have,” admits Hollie. As with many athletes, Hollie was unable to access the gym she usually trains in, forcing her to adapt to a new routine and preventing her from her fully practicing her craft. “I wasn’t able to throw the javelin e t e st t fi e nt s and I was worried that it would have a massive impact on my potential and what this year is going to look like,” expresses Hollie. “I’ve been doing it for a long time so hopefully a couple of months of interrupted training compared to 10 years plus of normal training shouldn’t impact massively.”

As sport halted, so did funding and fundraising, leaving organisations like SOGB to plan strategically for the future. “Now more than ever we’ve got to focus on income generation to make sure that we are sustainable,” reveals Laura. “Funding across disability sport is absolutely needed, we’re talking about some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in society needing access to sport. “I do feel there’s a massive need for the government to start focusing on what they can be doing for disability sport and people with a disability in particular.”

WELLBEING Without sport, many people had no outlet to look after their physical and mental wellbeing, and had little access to social situations, leading to isolation. “For our athletes there’s been massive pressure on their mental health, a

number faced a lot of challenges because sport is usually a vehicle for integration and inclusion in society,” stresses Laura. Hollie was affected by this personally and found that the massive change to her life had a big impact on her mental health. t s fi t e ent more than I realised I think because I train every day, it’s my life and it’s a part of me,” expresses Hollie. “It felt like it was taken away from me and I couldn’t have any structure, I felt like I didn’t have any goals and it really took me by surprise.” The wellbeing of athletes is imperative to SOGB, but equally, the wellbeing of staff and volunteers has been of great concern. “For me, I was really ingrained in my work and to step back from that has felt so hard,” explains Laura. “For volunteers it’s really hard because their routine day to day, week to week is about running sessions, that’s been completely taken away.” With uncertainty around when n t nn efin te be b e to resume, volunteers have been left in limbo, wondering when they can get back to doing what they love. With this uncertainty in mind, SOGB are planning for the future in the safest way possible, creating a blended model for upcoming events. “We’re looking at a programme of virtual activities and also face to face activities,” reveals Laura. “Over the next 12 months we will certainly use a hybrid model to make sure that we are fully accessible.” The challenges of the pandemic have also come with lessons, Laura says: “As an organisation what we have really had to focus on is the use of various different online platforms. I think what’s happened is almost e ns t n s efin te a good thing because we probably wouldn’t have done that otherwise.” As recreational sport begins to resume and there is hope for events like SOGB’s Summer Games and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, these lessons from the pandemic won’t be forgotten.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To ﬁnd ou abou spor in our local area isi www.parasport.org.uk or www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk

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0300 3033 517 www.fundraisingpreference.org.uk/learn

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The Fundraising Preference Service can help you, or someone you know, stop receiving unwanted asks for donations from charities

re you, or is someone you care for, feeling overwhelmed by unwanted fundraising asks from charities? You might have received emails, letters, telephone calls or text messages from charities asking for support for their cause – you might have even donated in response. But even if you have given money to a cause in the past, this does not mean you want to hear from every charity. Unsubscribing from unwanted fundraising asks shouldn’t be hard, but it can take time to contact individual charities directly to ask them to stop sending you their appeals. And, if a family member or friend asks for your help in stopping contact, not every charity will allow you to do this on their behalf.

There is a free service that can help you put a stop to receiving unwanted fundraising appeals – the Fundraising Preference Service.

is their charity name or registered charity number.

THE UK’S OFFICIAL SERVICE

Over 12,000 people have used FPS to stop unwanted charity marketing and one in three use it on behalf of someone else. You can still use the service even if you, or someone you care for, have previously given consent to the charity to stay in touch. If it sounds like the FPS will be of help to you or a friend or family member, visit the website for more information about how the service works.

The Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) is the UK’s only service that allows you to manage the contact you receive from all registered charities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

FREE AND EASY TO USE You can access the FPS online or by phone and it is completely free to use. It is run securely by the Fundraising Regulator, the independent regulator of charitable fundraising. By using the FPS, you can end contact with multiple charities at the same time – all you need to know

STOP CONTACT ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.fundraisingpreference.org.uk/learn or call the Fundraising Preference Service on 0300 3033 517. The FPS helpline is open Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 4:30pm (closed weekends and public holidays). Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than calls to local or national rate numbers (01 or 02) and should be included in inclusive minutes in the same way.

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REVIEW

PEUGEOT Our columnist Alisdair Suttie gets behind the wheel of the Peugeot e-2008 to give you a taste of electricity on the open road

INSIDE Just like its petrol- and dieselpowered counterparts, the Peugeot e-2008 offers plenty of space for the driver. There’s also seat height st ent t s e fin the driving position a little lower than you might expect in an SUV. Another point to check is the door sill is a bit wider and there’s more of a drop down into the footwell than in some rivals such as the Ford Puma. t fi st n e t e s t e battery-powered model is much the same as the others in the 2008 range. Some will love the i-Cockpit design

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with its small steering wheel and the way it sits low in your lap. Others will fin t n s . t s n t n est n is clarity of the main dials. In lower trim levels of e-2008 you get a 7.0-inch central touchscreen, while the higher spec GT models have a 10-inch display. Both are simple to understand and use, though we’re not convinced by working so many functions through the infotainment screen or the shortcut buttons positioned below the monitor. Some simple controls for the heating would be welcome.

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This battery powered model feels quick off the mark

The electric version of the Peugeot e-2008 looks good and goes well, but comes with a large PIP Advance Payment. Find out more with Motability, www.motability.co.uk

EQUIPMENT The e-2008 range starts with the Active Premium trim that includes all of the safety and convenience kit you would want. This includes rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, air conditioning, and easy pairing with your smartphone through infotainment screen. Move up to the Allure model and you get large 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera and electric parking brake. The Allure Premium version lets you choose from a variety of main dash displays. Opt for the GT and there’s the larger infotainment screen, Sat-Nav, heated front seats, front parking sensors, and Blind Spot monitoring to warn you of cars approaching that you might not spot in the mirrors. GT Premium caps the range with 18-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, panoramic glass sunroof, and Alcantara upholstery with lime green stitching. All e-2008’s come with charging cables.

DRIVING Pulling away in the e-2008 is smoothness itself. The automatic gear lever is the same as in other 2008s, but the 136hp 50kWh electric motor provides instant power. As a result, this batterypowered model feels quick off the mark and makes short work of town driving. It’s just as happy n efine t e s ee s. However, the ride in the GT e s n s e fi n point us towards an Allure model for greater comfort. As for battery range, Peugeot claims up to 203 miles on a full charge, but our experience in the real world suggests around 110 miles is likely before you need t fin n nt. t quick charger, you can boost the battery to 80 per cent power in 30 minutes, but a domestic socket will take a full 24 hours to manage this. So, a home wall-box charger or access to fast chargers is vital.

SUMMARY Higher PIP Advance Payments and mediocre battery range are barriers, but the Peugeot e-2008 is well suited to town driving.

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

Making life easier for disabled people

“We went on our first family camping trip. Something we couldn’t have done without the new car.” Sam, Elisabeth’s mum

Who can join the Motability Scheme? You may be able to join the Scheme if you receive one of the following: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). • Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS). • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

What’s included on the Motability Scheme? Insurance Breakdown assistance Servicing and repairs

How Motability, the Charity can help We can provide charitable grants for: • Car adaptations to help make travelling as comfortable as possible. • Vehicle Advance Payments for larger, more expensive vehicles. • Up to 40 hours of driving lessons, to ensure disabled people have access to driving tuition in specially adapted cars as necessary.

To find out more visit motability.org.uk or call 0800 500 3186

Tyres and battery replacement

To find out more about the Motability Scheme visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 093 1000

11782_Motability_Sen_Advert_UPDATE_V1.indd 1

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No.299745) and in Scotland (No.SC050642). Motability is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.736309). All cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs provided under the Motability Scheme are leased to customers by Motability Operations Ltd, who operate the Scheme on a contract basis for Motability. Motability Operations Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.735390).

19/01/2021 11:29

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Product Roundup Regain and retain your independence with our top selection of adapted products SAFETY

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Folding into a discreet travel case, this compact easywipe bottom wiper has been specially designed by occupational therapist, Chris Clarke. Created with ease of use and dignity in mind, the wiper is rounded with a soft smooth design, gripping toilet t ss e fi t e n e e se en fin s e t n nee t t t ss es after wiping.

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s the UK’s most exciting disability and lifestyle magazine, when you subscribe to Enable Magazine you’re guaranteed to get full coverage of all topics, discussions and interviews pertinent to the disabled community. Filled with exclusive interviews with recognisable fi es n n t e s e t e e st e t June Sarpong, activist Sinéad e b e en e e t t e n n st es n e you are guaranteed engaging discussions in every issue. s bs b n t n b e Magazine, every issue will be delivered right to your nominated address. Starting from the July/August issue,

you will no longer have to worry about missing the latest Enable Magazine. Get in touch today, subscribing t es ess t n fi e n tes n en te s n t hearing from you.

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May / June 2021

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

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t men ew age t i u r c n nd reed and a pare a t n yme e chang s you pre role, o l p av .A ew em The scapes h upon us find a n abled land rking is work, or how dis d o of w back to to know supporte to go ssential e being r it is e ekers a e jobs

U T E R O T TIME

TO WO RK

e b t n t ese e s e e be e st e t s t e e s te n t e e est s t e n e . n n e s ne e e en e b t s e s be es t s n nt t n n t ns t n nt n t e e e n e s. tte e es e te t et b nt t e fi e e en n e be n e b e sb t ne ee n s n e e s e . b

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NEW NORMAL e es e n e ne n es e t e st e nst n e e n n t e nt t n e t n s et es e ns n fit s e ent s t e . tte t tt n b t fi st e s t t e s be n t e n b see e s fin n et nt b be n n b e s. n nt n es n es es ne e st t t e n t be e e be nt e t e n t e

e es t e b. e ss st e n t n ss es t ess n t e es n be ess bt e n t e n e s st te t t e es n e n es en e e . n e ns b t s et n et et n n t t e fi e e e ens ns n t tt e ne s n b et t e t et t e b es n ess b t en st n t ne n et n t n st e best ste t eet nee s n e e s e e t t ns.

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YOUR RIGHTS

Regardless if you are returning to the office or your place of work, or on the lookout for a change in career there are benefits and laws in place to ensure you can carry out any role to the best of your ability.

EQUALITY ACT 2010

URN

It is against the law to be discriminated against because of disability, including when getting and staying in paid employment. The Equality Act 2010 protects you across application forms, interviews, terms of employment – including pay – to dismissal or redundancy. Similarly, you cannot be chosen for redundancy because you are disabled.

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

An employer is legally required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled employees, or people with physical and/or mental health conditions, are not disadvantaged at work. From changing the recruitment process to letting you work in a different location, advice on reasonable adjustments is available from the Disability Employment Adviser to your local Jobcentre Plus office.

ACCESS TO WORK

In the instance where the help you need at work is not covered by reasonable adjustments, you may be eligible for support from Access to Work. Assistance will be based on your needs and can pay for specialist equipment and help getting to and from work.

ADVICE “You need to talk to your manager first off,” emphasises Bela Gor, Business Disability Forum’s head of legal and content. “Talk about how much you want to work from home and how much you want to work in the office, and you might need to also reassess your reasonable adjustments. “Talk about how you are going to be most productive, that is what an employer wants you to talk about. Also, if you do want to return in a hybrid way you need to consider adjustments in both locations, at home and at

work so you need to have a think about that.” Prior to offices opening their doors, the Business Disability Forum has released their COVID-19 Toolkit. Filled with free advice and guidance, the toolkit has been written to help employers helping colleagues to return to work safely. Bela adds: “We are looking at the future of work with our members, and we are hearing that the pandemic has accelerated changes that were already happening in the world of work. In the future for office-based workers there

will be more choice for flexibility, which will benefit everyone.” For those looking to return to work with a new job, or searching for a career change, there could be additional hurdles you may be concerned about.

JOB HUNT As the pandemic has changed the landscape of working, so too changes how employers look for candidates. “Employers are more open to hiring someone with a disability than you think,” explains Layna. “Focus on your strengths and skills and what you can bring to the company. Has your disability made you stronger in certain aspects for example, and how does this make you perfect for the job?” Highlighting your skills and experiences will showcase to prospective employers what you can bring to an organisation. But, feeling concerned about possible discrimination in the application process can be detrimental to your job hunt – and even deter you from applying for your dream job. Layna adds: “Employers are becoming more aware that promoting workforce diversity improves staff morale as it shows they believe in treating all their staff equally. “Don’t be afraid of entering the workplace. There are plenty of great companies out there that are looking for someone with your exact skillset and experience. Don’t hold yourself back from these opportunities: if you think you can do it, apply,” emphasises Layna. From updating your CV, tailoring it for every application, identifying your core skills and believing in what an asset you will be to a team will stand you in good stead on your job progression. Working from home or in the bustling city, the future of work has changed and it is hoped more disabled workers will be at the forefront of a positive change.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Prepare for your return to work with advice from Business Disability Forum (businessdisabilityforum.org.uk), Remploy (www.remploy.co.uk), Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) and the UK Government (www.gov.uk).

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BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE

Queen Alexandra College

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ACADEMY

ONLINE COURSE

new and exciting fo!r 2021/22 Beginners 20hrs CPD Study from home Staff training Learn at your own pace

Photograph by David Dunbar Purple Swan Photography

Queen Alexandra College (QAC) are working in collaboration with University of Worcester and The Albion Foundation to deliver a unique and ground breaking elite Wheelchair Basketball sport performance programme.

£25

£3

Pay what you can: Currently, to make it easier for more people to learn British Sign Language, you can decide what you wish to pay (minimum contribution of £3).

Start a new chapter

The programme is specifically designed for ambitious young sports people aged 16-24 years who use a manual wheelchair and are eligible under the International Wheelchair Basketball Association (IWBF) classification criteria.

For more details please contact: 0121 428 5050 or info@qac.ac.uk

www.qac.ac.uk

QAC: Registered Charity No. 1065794 Registered in England No. 3387540

E x perience the joy of reading with audiobooks for those with sight problems, dyslex ia or other disabilities. To join, call us on 01296 432 339 or visit www.calibre.org.uk calibreaudio R egistered charity no. 28 6614 V AT registration no. 138 8 40202

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TECHNOLOGY:

Learning from Experience

Technology has been a saving grace for many during the pandemic, we speak to Scope about the lessons learned from the use of technology throughout lockdowns and what learnings need to be taken forward to create a more inclusive society

ince March 2020, technology has taken on a greater role in our lives than ever before, enabling work, socialising and support in new, virtual ways. This also created a demand for the accessibility of services and of technology itself to meet the needs of people around the world. It is key that technological lessons from the last year are carried forward to ensure this greater inclusivity isn’t lost.

the technology is up and if you’re home based you just drop in.” Greater flexibility in working modes, hours and no need for commutes are just a few of the possible benefits technology has highlighted over the pandemic, but a shift to more flexible working also comes with technological challenges.

LIFELINE For people with a disability that feel they could work more effectively and easily at home, technology was a lifeline and opened the door to many possibilities in the way we work in the future. “Companies have started to learn that outcomes as well as outputs are important, as long as businesses understand that and take on this knowledge and learning from the last year it will be a new way forward,” reveals Andy Hall, digital inclusion lead at Scope. “For people who are living with a health condition or have a disability, being able to work in a task-based approach is much more appropriate because they may find that working at two o’clock in the morning really works for them. The office would be shut but

“There will certainly need to be a greater engagement with assistive technologies and being able to get those in place very effectively, especially where they’ve been traditionally dropped into a workplace,” highlights Andy.

SOCIAL The benefits of technology stretched further than enabling work: it meant being able to maintain social connections that served as a lifeline for people, especially those who were shielding or living alone. “People have realised that you can have a FaceTime meeting with a relative

or a friend just as easily as making a phone call, in fact even more cheaply on occasions,” highlights Andy. “If you want to see somebody and get that social connection, the technology means it’s there.” Whether it is checking in with a friend, a weekly Zoom quiz or accessing important updates on the pandemic, access to technology has been vital for wellbeing. Although this is the case, it also raises concerns around digital exclusion. “I think the biggest barrier is the fact that the cost of technology is still expensive and digital exclusion is always going to be a challenge irrespective of how good the technology is if it’s so expensive that people can’t afford it,” emphasises Andy. As we move forward and edge towards a new normal, Andy would like to see a greater commitment from the government in ending digital exclusion so that everyone can access technology that will improve their day-to-day lives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Scope (www.scope.org.uk) can provide advice on accessible technology. If your business would like to make their technology more accessible visit bighack.org

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spotlight

VOLUNTEERS VO LUNTEERS Being a volunteer comes with personal and professional positives, alongside getting to work, support, and communicate with members of your local community. After a challenging year for disabled volunteers, charities take the time to show their gratitude

THE CHARITIES

Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1 to 7 June 2021

Finding Your Feet

Jo Keller,

“Finding Your Feet’s volunteers have been an incredible source of support and friendship for our community throughout the pandemic. “Because of our peer support phone service, many members of the FYF community can now be signposted to the right support for them as well as enjoying regular chats with someone who has experienced limb loss. We’ve also had a consistent schedule of virtual activities including yoga, meditation and quizzes, most of which have been delivered by volunteers. “Volunteers gave us over 1,600 hours of their time last year – it’s something that proved to be vital and we’ll be forever grateful.”

“A massive thank you to all RNIB volunteers. We know it’s been a challenging year for so many and it’s been incredible to see how people have adapted to changes to their volunteering and been dedicated in continuing where it’s been possible to do so. Thanks especially to those who have got to grips with new technology and explored new ways of volunteering with us as well as those who have been patient when roles can’t be carried out in the usual way.”

ﬁndingyourfeet.net

Volunteering and resource manager RNIB www.rnib.org.uk

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spotlight Ruth Owen OBE CEO

LEONARD CHESHIRE www.leonardcheshire.org

“The thousands of people who volunteer for us are invaluable and put simply, we would not be the charity we are without them. On behalf of Leonard Cheshire, I want to say a massive thank you to them for all that they do. “During this pandemic our care homes could have been cut off from their wider networks, but many volunteers went online to keep providing their support. We know this has meant the world to so many of our residents. We’re also so grateful to the volunteers who delivered PPE for us and supported our services in any way they could during this time. “For both care home residents and people who live independently, we’ve had volunteers lead virtual activities like meditation, language lessons and talks about museums and travel. They’ve used virtual reality to take people to visit local beauty spots. “These innovations have been great and we’re looking forward to continuing these, as well as welcoming volunteers back for face to face support, as soon as we can.”

THE VOLUNTEERS

Owen Thomas

LEONARD CHESHIRE www.leonardcheshire.org

“As I am used to working on computers I helped with the administration aspect, befriending some of the residents and it has boomed from there. I’ve had so many opportunities from volunteering; I participated in Comic Relief and was interviewed by the BBC. ntee n s efin te e e t nfi en e. e e ntee n n nfi en e couldn’t even speak on the phone. The fact that I am running my own group – Voices for Access, promoting disability awareness – is brilliant and has all come through volunteering. I am really proud of where I am now.”

Verity Steddon

“First and foremost, it has given me nfi en e. t ntee n t 16 I was very shy, retiring, not very nfi ent n nt e ee anything valuable to add to society. I always felt like quite a bit of a drain. “Volunteering and the kind of opportunities I was given to do has e b t nfi en e. I can present, and know what I have to say matters. I am so grateful to all the organisations and charities I have worked with over the last 10-years. They have all invested time and effort in me to help me develop the skills I wanted to work on, leading me into the career path that I wanted to get into. Grab onto opportunities with both hands if you see something that interests you and feel you have something to say.”

GET SIGNED UP

Head of volunteering SCOPE www.scope.org.uk

“Before the pandemic, we had approximately 4,000 volunteers and they are an absolute lifeline. Without our incredible teams of volunteers, we could not continue to support disabled people and their families. “Many of our volunteers are disabled and they bring a huge wealth of experience, knowledge and inspiration to the workplace, helping us to deliver the services that disabled people need and want. “Our volunteers work across many departments at Scope. The majority work in our charity shops, in fact, without their vital support we would not be able to open or run them as smoothly as we do. We also have an incredible team of volunteers on our thriving On-Line Community. They help keep the platform a vibrant, supportive

Thines Ganeshamoorthy

and safe place for disabled people and their carers to discuss issues important to them. “We are so proud of our amazing team of volunteers and we’d like them to know that we value their support, daily, for their dedication, their willingness to go the extra mile for us. Our volunteers truly deserve to be recognised during Volunteers Week. Thank you to all our volunteers at Scope.”

Launched in lockdown Volunteero (www.volunteero.org) is a new app designed to make volunteering seamless and accessible. With hundreds of charities already signed up to the App, you can search available ntee n es t t fit n t schedule and relates to a cause close to your heart. Got time to research? Volunteering Matters (volunteeringmatters.org. uk) also host a range of volunteering placements open to people across England, Scotland and Wales, providing information on how to get involved and volunteer safely during the pandemic. HAVE YOU SAY Share your volunteering experience with the Enable Community on Twitter, @EnableMagazine

Read extended thank you messages and volunteer interviews over on our website, www.enablemagazine.co.uk 2 enablemagazine.co.uk