Enable March/April 2019

enablemagazine.co.uk | March/April 2019

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

DOWN THE DALES

GETTING SETTLED

QUESTION TIME: SARAH NEWTON

DISABLED ACCESS DAY

Disability activist, actor, and NTA winner, James Moore chats to Enable

The Minister for Disabled People discusses disability and Brexit

The veteran charities lending a helping hand

From transport to events, what’s happening during DAD19?

STANDING TALL

Legs4 Africa

How one charity is working to empower amputees in Africa with recycled prosthetics

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WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY Sarah Gordy on her career and receiving an MBE

25/02/2019 15:51

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The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental.

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22/02/2019 17:25

Welcome Hello, and welcome to the latest issue of Enable!

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

EDITOR’S PICKS...

16 AN ACCESSIBLE REFUGE FOR ALL Disabled women are three times more likely to experience domestic abuse. Shaping Our Lives are campaigning for change.

20 CELEBRATING SUCCESS WITH SARAH GORDY Ahead of World Down Syndrome Day, we spoke with the first woman with Down’s syndrome to receive an MBE: Sarah Gordy.

41 IN CONVERSATION WITH MINISTER FOR DISABLED PEOPLE, SARAH NEWTON Brexit: a word shrouded in confusion and questions. The Minister for Disabled People, Sarah Newton discusses the impacts of Brexit on disability.

editor@enablemagazine.co.uk

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Lorne Gillies, Editor

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PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITOR Lorne Gillies lorne.gillies@dcpublishing.co.uk STAFF WRITERS Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk Saskia Harper saskia.harper@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Tim Rushby-Smith Alisdair Suttie DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lisa McCabe lisa.mccabe@dcpublishing.co.uk

ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk

RAISING MONEY

We participated in the Glasgow Kilt Walk 2019 to raise money for Glasgow Children’s Hospital and SAMH. Check out our Instagram (@enablemagazine) to see how everyone got on!

Don’t forget to come and visit us at #Naidex45, we’ll be at stand N12104 to chat inclusion, accessibility, plus much more. Make sure to say ‘hello’ to the team!

COVER PRICE £3.00

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

Behind the scenes

NAIDEX

PIC: © SNOOTY FOX IMAGES

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fter the cold, miserable weather we are filled with excitement for lighter nights, daffodils and creme eggs; all the creme eggs. Yes, spring has finally sprung and that means heading outside.

One way we’ll be getting some fresh air is during Disabled Access Day 2019! Taking place on Saturday 16 March, Disabled Access Day (or DAD) is a UK-wide event encouraging disabled people to get out and try something new. Plus, DAD promotes accessibility with many leading businesses already pledging their support, you can find out all about it in our guide starting on page 57.

Stepping in a different direction, the countdown to Brexit is nearing – and there are still a lot of questions unanswered.

To get some clarity, we spoke with the Minister for Disabled People, Sarah Newton.

“The UK is a world leader in empowering disabled people in all aspects of their lives,” comments Sarah Newton in her interview on page 41, and we’re not afraid to empower disabled people worldwide. In Africa, nearly seven million people are living with an amputation. We chat with Legs4Africa on page 22 to discover how amputees in the UK are enabling Africans to live life to the fullest thanks to recycled prosthetics. Are you keen to help others living further afield? Let me know by emailing editor@dcpublishing.co.uk All this and so much more lies ahead. Settle in and enjoy, and we’ll see Get in touch you at #Naidex45 soon.

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

GOING ONLINE

Got five minutes free?

Head to our website (www. enablemagazine.co.uk) for the latest disability news, lifestyle stories, and interviews. Our top pick: an interview with teenage activist, Jordan Reeves.

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

WIN

We’re giving away a three-night break for two at a Cotswold Charm cottage!

Head to page 33 to enter the prize.

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What’s inside

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March / April 2019

Interview

10 REPRESENTING DISABILITY WITH JAMES MOORE Emmerdale actor discusses winning big at the NTA’s and changing perceptions of disability.

20 CELEBRATING SUCCESS WITH SARAH GORDY Sarah Gordy chats becoming the first woman with Down’s syndrome to receive an MBE. 30 MND AND 24 YEAR OLD ME Diagnosed with MND at 19, Lucy chats about her fight for life.

38 LIFE WITH #NOLIMITS Veteran and motivational speaker Mark Ormrod explains breaking barriers on civvy street.

82 THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME Kevan Chandler talks about his accessible world adventures.

Care

13 BRAIN INJURY AND ME Life after a brain injury can take time to adjust to. One parent shares her experience of asking for support after becoming a carer.

41 IN CONVERSATION WITH MINISTER FOR DISABLED PEOPLE SARAH NEWTON The Minister answers our burning questions surrounding Brexit.

29 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE WITH MENCAP Parents just want the best for their child. That’s why arranging a trust and Will after your passing is imperative.

Voices

Travel

27 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR A.B. Tim Rushby-Smith looks at the characters getting it right and wrong

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59 GETTING AROUND ON DISABLED ACCESS DAY Bus, train, air – even public transport is getting accessible.

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Spotlight

16 AN ACCESSIBLE REFUGE FOR ALL One charity is working to provide hands on support to disabled women experiencing abuse.

24 DISABILITY LOCKED UP How are disabled prisoners being provided for? We investigate life behind bars.

35 THE ROAD TO RESETTLEMENT A spotlight on the charities providing disabled veterans guidance.

44 THE IMPORTANCE OF PURPLE Learn all about Purple Day with founder, Cassidy Megan.

63 BREAKING BARRIERS WITH BARBIE The all-American girl has had an inclusive makeover.

Life

22 STANDING TALL WITH LEGS4AFRICA The team behind Legs4Africa reveal how you can recycle your prosthetics.

46 ACCESSIBLE CLOTHING: THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S FAUX PAS? Get stylish with the latest brands working on accessible fashion.

69 DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S What way is dance helping symptoms of the condition?

50 PRODUCT ROUNDUP Style to motability, we bring you our top product picks.

71 CELEBRATING HER ABILITIES Her Abilities is the first global award for women with disabilities.

57 WHAT IS DISABLED ACCESS DAY? Ahead of Disabled Access Day 2019 we reveal all the accessible fun ahead.

60 GETTING ACCESSIBLE Check out our selection of top events for Disability Access Day. 73 THE DIARY The important dates for your diary this March and April.

Employment

74 SUPPORTING STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE One man shares his experiences of stress at work.

79 UNDERSTANDING ACCESS TO WORK We look at how you can apply for Access to Work.

Motoring

64 2019: THE YEAR OF PARA SPORT What accessible sporting events can you get your teeth stuck into?

53 DISABLED MOTORING EVENT RETURNS The Big Event is back for another year. Book your test drive and review your motability needs all in one place.

66 THE KEY TO KEEPING FIT Exercise, nutrition and motivation: the tools to keep you fit and active.

54 REVIEW: FORD FOCUS Our columnist Alisdair Suttie takes the new Ford Focus for a spin before you part with your cash.

Sport

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News

Virgin Atlantic launches hidden disability scheme VIRGIN ATLANTIC, HAS LAUNCHED a scheme to support travellers with hidden disabilities.

The airline has created a pin badge which can be worn or discreetly shown to staff, to indicate that additional assistance is required.

Virgin Atlantic staff have undertaken specialist training, to

ensure they are able to help any flyers with hidden disabilities, such as autism or dementia.

Staff can accompany passengers through the airport, arrange priority boarding and provide in-flight entertainment for blind passengers, at no additional cost; some have also received sign language training.

ALMOST ONE IN FIVE DISABLED JOB APPLICANTS HAVE HAD JOB OFFER WITHDRAWN New research by disability charity, Leonard Cheshire, has discovered that over the last five years, 17 per cent of disabled job applicants have had an employment offer revoked as a result of their disability.

The research also found that disabled people are reported to apply for 60 per cent more jobs than non-disabled people, and more than a third (37 per cent) believe employers won’t hire them because of their disability.

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Now, Leonard Cheshire is calling for the government to require companies to publish how many disabled people are in their workforce, and the steps they’re taking to close the disability pay gap.

LEARNING DISABILITY RUGBY LEAGUE LAUNCHED THE RUGBY SUPER LEAGUE and Rugby Football League have partnered with social care charity, Community Integrated Care, to launch a learning disability rugby league.

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League will enable learning disabled and autistic rugby players to take part in an adapted version of the Rugby League, and compete in high-profile festivals and events.

Salford Red Devils, league leaders, Warrington Wolves, and current champions, Wigan Warriors are just 12 of the rugby clubs who have established, or are in the process of developing, Learning Disability Rugby League teams.

The league is set to launch on 25 May, at the Betfred Super League’s Dacia Magic Weekend event, which takes place at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool.

#disabledpeoplearehot trends worldwide DISABLED PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD have been sharing their best selfies online with the uplifting hashtag #DisabledPeopleAreHot to dispel assumptions and stigmas surrounding disability.

The hashtag went viral after social media users with physical, sensory, learning and hidden disabilities tweeted about

what they love most about themselves.

Many of the tweets have highlighted that unattractiveness and disability are not mutually exclusive – something people using the hashtag are trying to promote.

It’s also hoped that the hashtag will spark a wider conversation and promote body positivity within the disabled community.

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News FINANCE

Lack of trust in PIP benefits PIP HAS BEEN GRADUALLY replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as the main benefit for disabled or sick people since 2013. However, due to strict regulations and controversial assessments, many are being left without.

Worth up to £145.35 per week, PIP is designed to support people with additional costs that come with a disability or long-term illness.

Claimants, who have reportedly been asked when they “caught Down’s syndrome”, has led to a distinct distrust in the benefit and assessors.

Now, the Commons Work and Pensions Committee has revealed private contractors

for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and PIP were filled with errors.

Within the committee it was heard that almost 4,000 PIP claimants detailed “shocking and moving, credible and consistent” accounts of errors made against them.

Speaking anonymously to Victoria Derbyshire, a former benefits assessor whistle-blower revealed that many assessors are known to simply “copy and paste” information into assessments.

In a bid to improve trust amongst claimants and assessors, audio recording is set to be introduced with video recordings being rolled out in the near future for all assessments.

MORE THAN 200,000 SICK AND DISABLED PEOPLE LEFT WITHOUT AFTER BENEFIT ERROR A GOVERNMENT MISTAKE HAS left approximately 200,000 people without vital benefits to carry out daily tasks.

The issue, first discovered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in 2017, has seen sick and disabled people waiting on nearly £6,000 each in benefits.

Dating back to 2011, miscalculations were thought to have affected 70,000 people with new figures showing the number of people impacted rises into the hundreds of thousands.

Around 210,000 people are expected to receive refunds after not getting the correct amount of Employment and Support Allowance. Even so, the DWP are looking at 600,000 reports and has recruited 1,2000 members of staff to

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rectify the error.

The mistake is expected to see the government pay £920 million in back payments on overdue benefits.

COUNCILS IN ENGLAND SET FOR DISABILITY CUTS SURVEY RESULTS REVEAL NEARLY all local authorities in England are set to increase council tax, with some authorities set to cut disability funding.

Eight in ten councils are said to have reported that the current funding system is unsustainable. The survey – carried out by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) and the Municipal Journal – also revealed that 16 per cent of local authorities planned to make cuts in disability support and special education.

Leaders, chief executives and finance directors make up members of the 150 senior council figures responding to the survey, which represent 123 of the 353 English local authorities.

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CAR OF THE YEAR 2019 Family SUV

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Official fuel consumption for the XC40 T3 Momentum Manual, in MPG (l/100km): WLTP Low 31.4 – 32.5 (9.0 – 8.7), WLTP Medium 38.2 – 42.2 (7.4 – 6.7), WLTP High 42.8 – 47.1 (6.6 – 6.0), WLTP Extra High 33.6 – 37.2 (8.4 – 7.6), WLTP Combined 36.7 – 39.8 (7.7 – 7.1). NEDC CO2 emissions 148 – 144g/km. Fuel consumption figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Advance Payment of £2,999 is for the new Volvo XC40 T3 Momentum Manual. Metallic Paint is included free of charge. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years; excess mileage charges may apply.

Offer available from 01/01/19 to 31/03/19 subject to availability at participating retailers. Offer not available with other promotions and may be subject to change. For full terms and conditions, visit www.motability.co.uk. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.

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22/02/2019 31/01/2019 16:56 11:08

Representing disability with

James Moore

In one year, James Moore has made waves in acting circles, and cemented himself as a disability advocate. Fresh from his National Television Award win, Emmerdale’s James speaks exclusively to Lorne Gillies about changing perceptions and promoting inclusion on, and off, screen

I

always thought and hoped that someone would one day come along and [represent disability in television] for the general public, but I never imagined that it would be me,” enthuses James Moore, best known for playing Ryan Stocks in the awardwinning ITV soap, Emmerdale.

“To be able to have a platform on which to talk about disability, to normalise it is amazing. It is important that disabled people can see that it is possible to go out and do what they want to do, and not let anything hold them back.”

Having had a driven passion for acting and the arts from a young age, James, who has cerebral palsy, didn’t let anything prevent him from pursuing his goal.

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CREATIVE

Starting to act during his time in school, James excelled whilst performing with his local theatre group and taking drama to GCSE and A Level. The hard work,

PICS: © ITV PLC

James with his onscreen mum Charity and Paddy Kirk

dedication, and determination for do worry about what the public will James paid off in 2018. think. You do want their approval,” says After sending out applications to James. And the public’s support was agents, it wasn’t long before James was evident, as winners of an NTA are voted signed and auditioning for a spot in for by the general public.

Emmerdale. Now a permanent member James continues: “To have their of the cast, James portrays Ryan Stocks support in that way is unbelievable, it is on the show – the biological son of fantastic. I feel blown away by all of the Charity Dingle. amazing response over the past year, Charity (played by Emma Atkins) and I try to always make time for fans of initially thought her son had died, but the show.”

Ryan returned to the Dales last June to Alongside putting his name up there a rollercoaster of emotions and family as one to watch in acting, James has history. The storyline, partnered with become an advocate for disability rights James’ flawless, engaging acting style and accurate portrayal in the media. It saw James nominated for a is no secret that disability has been National Television Award underrepresented in mainstream (NTA). media, but attitudes are Approaching his first changing with more Emmerdale Emmerdale anniversary, information and education is on ITV James won Best made available.

Newcomer at the 2019 One key way of changing Monday to Friday NTA’s. attitudes is through the at 7pm medium of film and television.

“Many disabled characters APPROVAL in the past have not been “It was amazing to win. independent, or they needed looked When you get into it you after, or you need to feel sorry for them,” emphasises James. “I think disabled characters have been depicted in this way for quite a long time.

“And, when characters do have a disability on screen, they’re not always portrayed by disabled actors – that is still one hurdle we have to overcome,” adds James. “We not only need to have disabled characters, but we need to cast disabled actors in that role. What I would like to see in the near future: having a disabled character where their disability is not part of the plot line, they just happen to have a disability.”

Being conscious of disability on and off screen is vital to fuel the inclusive society we all strive for.

MINDFUL

The work Emmerdale is currently doing,

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interview alongside ITV, and additional British broadcasting services is paramount to the change still necessary in awareness of disability.

There are times where, yes, the general public might not understand, sensory, learning, physical disabilities, or mental illness; in the past the media has been guilty of using the wrong terminology, but there is work being done to encourage mindfulness across disability.

“What is so special with what Emmerdale has done: they’ve got this disabled character who is confident, larger than life and I think to have that message on Emmerdale, or a national show with millions of viewers, is really going to help put into the public eye and make them think about disability,” enthuses James.

“There will be this realisation that disabled people can be independent and disability is a unique quality, making someone different in their own right, rather than just boiling it down to disability.”

James adds: “A lot of people have this perception of disability that people always need help, they’re not independent. That is completely not true. For example, I’ve found my independence: I’ve got my own place, I’ve got a job, I drive. Some people are quite surprised when I say I can drive or I’ve got my own place, but I don’t think it is actually that shocking because a lot of disabled people do, you just don’t hear about it.”

FUTURE

Alongside working to promote change towards disability on screen, James is letting his creativity thrive with his appearance in Emmerdale, writing his own play and working on music: James is going from strength to strength.

Promoting disability on screen, James encourages any budding actors who feel their disability may hold them back in the industry to come forward and shine. Believing that disability needs to be further depicted on television, it is time we had more disabled actors – there is raw talent out their waiting to be discovered.

James’ final piece of advice? “Don’t let anything stop you.”

To be able to have a platform on which to talk about disability, to normalise it is amazing Make sure to keep up to date with James by following him on Twitter @jamesmooreactor

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21/01/2019 12:07:29 22/02/2019 17:29

enable care

Brain injury and me One of the most powerful organs in our body: the brain. It controls our movement, thoughts, feelings and makes us who we are. Acquiring a brain injury can turn lives upside down, for the person directly affected and their carers. However, there is life after brain injury

B

rain injury can leave life significantly changed.

Everything you once knew may change, memories may no longer be the same, and daily tasks that were once easy can become more challenging.

IMPACT

“Our brains control everything we do, think, and feel – they control the very essence of who we are,” explains Luke Griggs, director of communications for Headway. “Any injury to the brain can change everything we take for granted.”

Two invaluable charities supporting those affected by brain injury are Headway and The Children’s Trust. Headway is the UK-wide charity that works to improve life

after brain injury by providing vital FRUSTRATION support and information services, “Tyler had to learn how to do whilst The Children’s Trust works to everything again. Even now after five support children and young people years she has problems with balance with acquired brain injury and and coordination, memory, fatigue neurodisability from across the and her pituitary gland has UK, offering both residential been affected so she is on and community-based numerous medications Annually 40,000 rehabilitation services. for life,” explains Tyler’s Regardless if severe, children in the mother, Liz. moderate or minor: “It’s very difficult to see UK are left with a acquiring a brain injury your child struggling and brain injury can significantly impact a frustrated because she person’s life. In 2013, Tyler can’t do the things she used Manley’s life changed when to. Caring for a child who has she was diagnosed with a brain a brain injury is difficult because tumour at just seven years old, which you don’t know how much things will saw her undergo 13 hours worth of improve, or what she will be capable of surgery, followed by chemotherapy and going forward.” radiotherapy.

After developing a condition called enablemagazine.co.uk

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HARDSHIP

Being a young person with an acquired brain injury can come with its own challenges. As Liz explains, Tyler is missing out on experiences that young people should have due to her brain injury – which can be incredibly isolating.

“If you imagine a brain injury: it can change speech, make processing information difficult, and lead to issues with confidence – all things that can stop people feeling that they are playing an active part in their local community,” explains Headway’s, Luke. “Slowly, and surely, friendship circles have drifted away and they don’t want to hold their own lives back. It is socially isolating,

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Our brains control everything we do, think and feel

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posterior fossa syndrome, Tyler was left unable to make any movement other than blinking. Now aged 13, Tyler is still experiencing the effects of her initial diagnosis.

Liz continues: “It has had a massive impact: Tyler is unable to walk without a stick and gets easily fatigued.

Friendships have been difficult to maintain because they are at an age when they are seeking independence and due to her problems with memory, and balance, we are unable to let her go with her peers because she is vulnerable if left alone.”

which is a big issue for younger people with brain injuries.”

Symptoms of brain injury differ for each individual case. For some, memory loss may be one symptom, in other cases changes to behaviour, or even identity, can be experienced.

“There can be personality changes, to the point of feeling like an entirely new person. Which is a scary concept,” adds Luke. “Brain injury survivors have explained how they identify as a new person, the old person died in their accident and a new person left the hospital to start again.” In these times, support from organisations and experts is crucial.

GUIDANCE

Tyler received support from The Children’s Trust, who were on hand to help her and Liz during their journey.

It was three years before Liz and Tyler became aware of The Children’s Trust,

but since gaining their support it has been instrumental for the family as it was challenging at first to adapt.

Liz urges: “If your child has an acquired brain injury get in touch with The Children’s Trust. They offer support and will attend meetings with you both in school and hospital. Knowing they are there is good to know and they will be in touch again when Tyler transitions into college which will be invaluable.”

“Caring for someone with a brain injury can be difficult as they become frustrated when they can’t remember things or do the things they used to be able to do,” continues Liz. “Fatigue also plays a massive part and you have to bear this in mind when planning anything. It’s very hard to watch someone you care about struggle with normal everyday things.”

The impact of brain injury on carers can be significant, especially dependant on the form of injuries a person has experienced.

Luke says: “If someone has got personality changes, if someone has got inhibition, lack of empathy, lack of insight; all these things that can make the person’s behaviour difficult to live with it puts people under incredible strain and pressure constantly – it’s like walking on eggshells sometimes.”

Through the hardship, guidance is available with understanding of brain injury increasing. Headway provides a number of frontline services, such as its new Brain Injury Identity Card, with cognitive and social rehabilitation and support programmes run by a network of groups and branches across the UK. The Children’s Trust also offers clinically-approved information (www. braininjuryhub.co.uk) covering every stage of brain injury, from being in hospital, going home, and returning to school.

Seeking out the best help, guidance and expertise for your loved one experiencing brain injury is important for adjusting to a new way of life. Liz concludes: “Focus on the important things and take it one day at a time.

Don’t dwell on what could have been– concentrate on getting the best help out there.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Headway www.headway.org.uk 0808 800 2244

The Children’s Trust www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk 01737 365 000

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How the service works Discharge from hospital following injury or illness

Brain Injury Community Service

A child can be referred at any point following their injury or illness.

For some children this may be some years after the initial event .

Supporting children and young people with acquired brain injury in the community

Clinical screening A clinical specialist from the Brain Injury Community Service will make contact with the child/family to complete a detailed telephone interview.

Visits and telephone calls Following the initial screening, our clinical specialist may visit the child and their family, either at home or in school. Contact will also be made with other professionals involved in the child’s care.

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. We work with children and young people aged 0-18 from across the UK with acquired brain injury, neurodisabilities and complex health needs delivering rehabilitation, education and community services through highly skilled teams.

Onward referral

Our Brain Injury Community Service provides goal-orientated rehabilitation delivered in the child’s environment.

If the child has needs which require additional support, our clinical specialist will make the necessary onward referral into local community services, or our specialist multidisciplinary team.

Delivered by specialists from a range of clinical backgrounds, we work with the child and their family focusing on the needs which result from an acquired brain injury. These may be social, emotional, cognitive, communicative and behavioural needs.

Our ultimate goal is to maximise the child/young person’s participation in their everyday life We provide a range of support centred around the child or young person, including clinical screening, advice and onward referral completely free-of-charge for children and young people with an acquired brain injury, including those with a concussion. Subject to funding we also offer community-based neurorehabilitation skills packages delivered by our multidisciplinary team.

This service provides the initial support needed when a child is discharged from hospital to home and can also be accessed after an initial injury or illness which, in some cases, can be many years later. This may be because the effects of the injury may not be obvious for some time.

Brought to you by the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability 015_EN_MA19_ADV.indd 15

Community-based neurorehabilitation skills packages Delivered by The Children’s Trust Brain Injury Community Service, skills packages include understanding acquired brain injury (ABI), developing learning skills, developing study skills, attention and concentration management and many more.

Additional support delivered by local community services The child’s needs will be met by services in their area.

Long-term Our long-term register provides systematic monitoring of a child’s needs at key stages.

Making a referral is simple and can be made by anybody involved in the child’s care. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/bics bics@thechildrenstrust.org.uk 01737 365 864 Registered Charity No. 288018 TCT424_V1 Enable April 2019

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An

Accessible refuge for all

Women with a disability or a long-term illness are almost three times as likely to experience violence and abuse than those without. These figures continue to rise, but accessible support services for disabled women are sparse, Emma Storr discovers what has to change

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spotlight

I

n 2008 Women’s Aid published a study, Making the Links, looking at disabled women and domestic violence. The report detailed that disabled women were twice as likely to experience domestic abuse at the time, but only seven per cent of women accessing support services were disabled.

The urgent need for change prompted organisation Shaping Our Lives to start A Refuge for All. The project is led by disabled women who have lived experience of violence and abuse to establish practices that will ensure the needs of disabled women experiencing abuse are met through current services. The two-year project started in 2017 after there had been little to no improvement since the Making the Links report was published 11 years ago.

Disabled women are now almost three times as likely to experience violence and abuse than people without a disability.

these experiences if they reflected those in the Women’s Aid report, if anything had changed, and what they would like to change.

One of the main issues identified was inaccessibility of information and support services, Becki says: “There is a shortage and no real provision of accessible information on the whole, when people had accessed services they couldn’t be given accessible documents.”

A lack of communication with disabled women furthered the existing misunderstanding of their needs. “A lot of services assume disabled means mobility, they think they can’t offer them refuge,” adds Becki. “Some disabled women are able to access accommodation without it being wheelchair accessible.”

While sometimes physical accessibility issues cannot be overcome, barriers were often created due to people not realising a process isn’t accessible.

CONTROL

There was a clear need for education and training, Becki explains: “There is absolute commitment from the staff to meet women’s needs, but there is a lack of confidence and understanding around legislation, the definition of disabled, and how to simply and inexpensively become more accessible.”

Meetings were held with support centre staff alongside healthcare professionals and disability organisations to identify how services could be made more accessible.

A lack of confidence in working with disabled women was a common factor.

“Creating a profile of what they did and didn’t know and where they needed more skill development had a dramatic impact on their confidence to work with disabled women,” remembers Becki.

Now, the team behind A Refuge for All are creating a user designed best practice toolkit for support centres and professionals. The guidance will help any person evaluate how accessible a service is alongisde potential improvements. And the toolkit, along with a report on the two-year project, will be available online from Shaping Our Lives (www.shapingourlives.org.uk) at the end of March 2019.

The network of family, friends and formal providers of care surrounding disabled people means there is potentially a wider group of perpetrators carrying out abuse.

This also widens the type of abuse experienced, general manager at Shaping Our Lives, Becki Meakin, explains: “A lot of reported incidents are more than sexual and physical abuse, its people being over fed or under fed, over medicated, or having mobility aids withdrawn.”

A societal view that disabled people are vulnerable often leads to disbelief when they seek help in these situations, Becki adds: “There’s a lack of interest to believe a disabled person, partly because often the perpetrator is perceived as helping them or caring for them.”

Low confidence and self-esteem can leave disabled people unable to recognise abusive behaviour.

“Sometimes people often can’t judge themselves whether this is abuse or not,” continues Becki. “They need some guidance on what makes good relationships, including with paid carers.”

ACCESSIBLE

There is a clear need for the voices of disabled women with lived experience of violence and abuse to be heard. The project asked disabled women with

TRAINING

POLICY

Accessibility is the starting point for positive change, but more policy is needed to support improving

Sometimes people often can’t judge themselves whether this is abuse or not the outcomes of disabled women experiencing violence and abuse.

The Government’s 2016–2020 strategy to end violence against women and girls promotes better understanding of the needs and multiple disadvantages of disabled women experiencing violence and abuse. It also highlights the additional barriers they face when accessing local services plus the need for change.

Despite this, the number of disabled women in these situations continues to rise. Alongside Women’s Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) and other organisations, Shaping Our Lives are campaigning to influence a new domestic abuse bill to address supporting disabled women, not just common policy.

REACH OUT

Reaching out to get help may not be an option for some disabled women, Becki adds: “Many disabled people are in a situation where they can’t leave the home without the support of the perpetrator; perpetrators are controlling and it can be difficult to break away to seek help.”

For disabled women and wider society experiencing violence and abuse of any kind, they should first reach out to the national helpline. “Get guidance from [the helpline] as to what your options are,” recommends Becki. “I think the services are excellent, but we need greater awareness and investment at a national level that disabled women are really at risk and should get specialised support.”

More needs to be done to reduce the numbers of disabled women and people everywhere experiencing violence and abuse. Through projects like A Refuge for All we can create positive change.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing violence or abuse of any kind call the national helpline on 0808 2000 247 in England and Wales or 0800 027 1234 in Scotland.

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PIC: © SNOOTY FOX IMAGES

Celebrating success with

Sarah Gordy

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, we caught up with actress Sarah Gordy, who last year became the first person with Down’s syndrome to be awarded an MBE

F

rom a young age, Sarah Gordy knew she wanted to be an actress and take her talents to the stage and screen.

“I started acting when I was little,” reminisces Sarah. “I remember sitting at our kitchen table with my mum and sister.

My mum would start a story and get us to add bits to it. Sometimes we would do plays in the kitchen.”

What began as family fun soon turned into a dream, and then a successful career.

“I didn’t plan to become a professional, but I was scouted for the part of a character with Down’s syndrome for a complicated role,” explains Sarah. “Filming came naturally to me. People kept asking me if I’d acted before.”

PASSION

Sarah found her passion for acting, and decided to take the bull by the horns and enter into the industry as a professional.

Since this decision, Sarah has played many iconic roles on British television,

including appearing on hit shows Peak Practice, Upstairs Downstairs, and Strike: The Silkworm.

Perhaps her most iconic role, though, was her part on the popular BBC television show, Call the Midwife. Her character, Sally Harper, has Down’s syndrome, and falls in love with Jacob Milligan, who has cerebral palsy. They meet after both being sent to an institution by their parents.

Sally falls pregnant, much to the dismay of her parents, who feel she has been taken advantage of, and don’t believe that she’s in a consensual relationship.

Highlighting the stigma surrounding disability and relationships, the episode of Call the Midwife was hailed for its representation of the couple.

Each character in Sarah’s repertoire has shone a spotlight on disability, both within the TV show, depicting historical attitudes to disability, and in the wider industry.

“Each time I played a part it encouraged writers and other creatives to be more

ambitious in creating better characters,” explains Sarah. “I kept saying ‘diversity is an opportunity, not a problem’. It feels great to be normalising disability in the industry. I just want to be part of good drama.”

STAGE

Sarah’s talents extend beyond the screen, too. She’s been involved in multiple stage productions, and even helped develop her character for the play, Jellyfish: the story of a young woman with Down’s syndrome, in a new relationship, with a mother who is struggling to accept this side of her daughter.

“All actors like to play interesting wellrounded characters. I am really happy when my character is strong with a sense of humour,” enthuses Sarah. “I can live more than one life. I can learn a lot about people and the world through acting. I am growing as an actor and I learn from the brilliant people I work with.”

Not only is Sarah a talented actress,

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interview but also a disability rights activist, through her role as ambassador for Mencap, the learning disability charity.

She’s been involved in their #HereIAm campaign, emphasising the importance of seeing the person, not the disability, and aiming to embrace learning disabilities in wider society.

“Mencap’s work is so important,” explains Sarah. “I want people like me to be safe and happy. They do a lot to improve lives of people with learning disabilities and I will always do what I can to help.”

Sarah has always been frank and outspoken on disability rights, and her acting roles have heightened the profile of disability in contemporary media. She’s one of many disabled actors paving the way for a more inclusive entertainment industry, and in turn, normalising disability on the big screen.

REWARD

For her services to the arts and people with disabilities, Sarah was rewarded last year by becoming the first person with Down’s syndrome to be made an MBE. “I felt proud, happy and pleased,” says Sarah. “I would like my MBE to be an inspiration to others.”

An MBE is awarded to someone for outstanding achievements or service to the community, which will have a long-term effect and is considered an example to others.

Sarah received the award from Prince William, back in November, but it wasn’t the only honour she received in 2018.

She also became the second person in the world with Down’s syndrome to receive an honorary doctorate; the first being Dr Karen Gaffney in Portland, Oregon, who works to promote inclusion for people with Down’s syndrome and other disabilities.

Sarah was made an honorary Doctor of Laws at the University of Nottingham in December.

With 2018 being such a busy year for Sarah, it would be understandable if she were to take the foot off the pedal for the coming year and have a well-deserved rest, but the actress shows no sign of slowing down: she’ll be starring in a London play this coming summer and is in talks for future projects, too.

Sarah’s achievements over the last year, and throughout her career, are inspirational – not only to her fans, but the wider acting community, too. So, if you’re looking to pursue your dream in acting, take some advice from Sarah.

“Enjoy acting: you will learn a lot,” she advises. “Take any opportunity to act; clubs, amateur theatres, anything. Just go for it.

It isn’t about fame: it’s all about the joy of acting.”

Diversity is an opportunity, not a problem

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To keep up to date with all the latest from Sarah, you can follow her on Twitter at @sarah_gordy

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enable life

Standing tall

WITH LEGS4AFRICA If you could give someone the chance to walk again, why wouldn’t you? We speak to the people donating old prosthetics to find out the benefits worldwide

T

here are an estimated 6.5 million amputees living in Africa, and lack of funding, lack of resources and differing attitudes to disability mean they’re at a significant disadvantage.

BEGINNINGS

Tom Walker founded the charity Legs4Africa in 2014, after a chance meeting with an amputee in The Gambia turned into a mission to find him a prosthetic leg.

“We could see how he relied on everyone to do everything for him,” explains Tom. “He hadn’t just experienced the physical trauma of losing his leg, but an emotional trauma, too.”

The first leg, and the gratitude he received, inspired Tom to carry on the

“ It’s a seriously uplifting, and powerful thing to do

“

work. Since, Legs4Africa has sent over 4,000 prosthetic legs to eight countries across Africa.

“Giving someone the ability to walk again can give them back the opportunity to provide for their family or go to school,” enthuses Tom. “You can see that they’re more confident, and they can stand tall again.”

LITTLE LEGS

The charity has also launched their Little Legs campaign, asking for children’s spare prosthetic legs to be donated to child amputees in Africa. As children are always growing, they need a new prosthetic roughly every six months, meaning legs are in huge demand.

Twelve-year-old Euan Murray donated a box of his old prosthetic legs to Legs4Africa, after finding out about the charity on social media.

“You see pictures of people in Africa who’ve been hurt and need a leg but can’t get one, and I had these legs lying under the bed, so it seemed obvious I should give them away,” explains Euan.

“The people are just like you and me, but have been unlucky. You should be the person who gives them a leg and makes them happy.”

Euan featured in a promotional video for the Little Legs campaign, and as a result, got the opportunity to see the little girl, Wudeh, who received his prosthetic in The Gambia.

GIVING BACK

“I’m a strong believer in: out of all adversity comes something positive, and I think this is just one small example of it,” says Euan’s mum, Amy. “Euan leads such a full and active life and it’s great to enable others to have some of the freedoms and the activity that he’s enjoyed.”

Legs4Africa are always looking for donations, to give people the chance to walk again.

“It’s a seriously uplifting, and powerful thing to do,” Amy urges. “There’s absolutely no point in leaving those legs to gather dust in the house somewhere.

They can be given a new lease of life and bring opportunities and freedom to someone in another part of the world, and that’s really priceless.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have a prosthetic leg you don’t use anymore, you can donate it at www.legs4africa.org

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25/02/2019 17:33

Disability

locked up

Of the estimated 93,000 prisoners across the UK in 2018, nearly a third of serving inmates have a learning disability. The criminal justice system is a location for rehabilitation and criminal reform, but how are disabled inmates fairing? Lorne Gillies investigates

P

risons are a location for people who have committed crimes to pay back their debt to society.

On the surface the premise of prison and serving time is evident. However, with prison figures rising in the UK, and a large number of inmates living with physical or learning disabilities, mental ill health: how are disabled prisoners supported behind bars?

In 2015, legislation on how local authorities care for disabled people in prison was amended. Now, local authorities have a duty to respond to disabled prisoners in the same way they would in the community. Even so,

change is still necessary.

RULE BREAKING

“There are places where excellent work is being done, and there are others where there is still a lot to do – this applies both to prisons and local authorities concerned,” explains Ian Anderson from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS). “It is a complex picture.”

Within this picture lies a proportionate number of inmates with learning disabilities or difficulties, and with a growing aging population, more physical disabilities. Having a disability, especially a learning disability, can

“

Some people with dementia don’t understand where they are

“

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spotlight sensory disabilities can be impacted, too.

ADAPT

Anna Fairbank, a caseworker with the Prisoners’ Advice Service, adds: “Prisoners with visual impairments, hearing impairments, or learning disabilities, mental health conditions, even dementia: someone giving you instructions that you’re expected to adhere to immediately and comply, that is going to be difficult. Maybe you haven’t heard what they said, you haven’t seen the big sign, or you don’t understand the order. Even, some people with dementia don’t understand where they are.”

To ensure inmates are having their basic human rights met, reasonable adjustments or adaptations need to be implemented.

“Something as trivial as giving someone an additional mattress to allow for getting out of bed can have a profound effect, which can prevent humiliation and a lot of suffering,” continues Anna. “Lots of prisoners who are wheelchair users or can’t access the whole of the prison: they’re basically just on one level and they can’t get to the gym or the library, meaning they can’t go and get an education.

Working directly with inmates, Anna and her colleagues at Prisoners’ Advice Service have seen the effect that lack of understanding on disability can have. One instance saw a prisoner, who was paralysed from the chest down, not receiving adequate care.

Being injured from repeated falls, suffering pressure sores due to an inability to access sanitary facilities, the inmate’s level of care was affected.

Anna says: “In the Care Act there is a duty to provide reasonable adjustments where necessary. That’s not fully understood. The strict rules of the prison need to have reasonable adjustments – obviously, prisons have security issues and operational issues – but there are very often ways around things.”

leave people vulnerable behind bars and, in some cases, unable to follow prison rules.

Research from the Prison Reform Trust showed that prisoners with additional needs are more likely to break or have broken a prison rule. Additionally, an inmate with a learning disability or difficulties is five times as likely to have been subjected to restraint, and three times as likely to HAVE report spending time in YOUR segregation.

SAY Prison isn’t just How would you challenging for people like to see the with learning disabilities, criminal justice offenders with physical or system improve life behind bars?

Let us know @EnableMagazine

HISTORICAL

An additional challenge to adhering to reasonable adjustments? The layout of prisons. Ian explains: “So many of our prisons where built in the Victorian era and built for fit, able young men.

That can make life very difficult for individuals – there are some prisons that are actually unfit for purpose.”

Though there are difficulties surrounding disability in prison, change is slowly happening. “We are encouraged by the designs of the new prisons coming through, they will have mobility access built into them as well as having facilities for providing people who do need hands on support,” continues Ian.

REHABILITATION

And this is a refreshing prospect.

Prison, as we all know, is not a walk in the park, nor should it be. A person serving time in prison is doing so for a reason, but their human rights must be met and they should have the chance of rehabilitation. Within current prison scenarios, rehabilitation is not an option for some disabled prisoners due to misinformation, lack of education or training on the part of security guards, and even access issue.

Anna explains: “For prisoners who are on an indefinite sentence – you have a minimum tariff that you have to be in prison for. After that you’re only going to be released if you don’t pose a risk to the community. The way you can progress through your sentence and, ultimately, convince the parole board that you have reduced your risk is by doing offender courses.

“Going to work, being offered employment or education, again, that is all dependent on your disability and if you can access work and education facilities in the prison you are in; the rehabilitation side of prison might be very difficult for disabled prisoners.”

Getting supported through your sentence is important for rehabilitation.

It is clear more needs to be done for disabled prisoners, however, with the help of Prison Reform Trust and Prisoners’ Advice Service: prisoners, social workers or loved ones can work together to ensure the criminal justice system is working in the way it should be.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Prison Reform Trust www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk Prison Advice Service www.prisonersadvice.org.uk ADASS www.adass.org.uk

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22/02/2019 17:33

enable voices

Tim Rushby-Smith

How to train your A.B. Our columnist Tim Rushby-Smith looks at the portrayal of disability on the big screen. From the characters doing it right, to those who may have missed the mark

I

n an ideal world, every child would have their own series of books and films to grow up with. I have two nieces and a nephew who were the perfect age when the first Harry Potter book was published in 1998. They grew up with Harry and Hogwarts.

While my own daughter is a huge fan of the wizarding world, she is the perfect age to have been carried away by Toothless the dragon, and this week we went to see the latest, and what looks to be the last, in the series of How to Train Your Dragon.

Significantly (spoiler alert for anyone who hasn’t seen the first movie of the series), our hero Hiccup continues his adventures with a prosthetic leg. What’s most pleasing about his disability is that it is totally normalised.

There is no ‘overcoming adversity’ journey, nor do those close to him have to learn to allow him to be independent as with a certain Clown Fish I could mention.

Narratives involving characters with a disability are a vital part of developing a more accepting and inclusive culture, and it’s good to see a film for kids leading the way, simply by including an incidental disability. I think this is a positive for all children, not just those with a disability.

Meanwhile, the adults have a long way to go. I am not going to dignify the execrable Me Before

You with a critique, except to say, no, I haven’t seen it. However, I have lost friends to suicide and I have others with spinal cord injury who are living full, loving and active lives.

DEPICTION

Three years on, we have at least moved on (or rather back) to the old chestnut: should an ablebodied actor play a character with a disability?

This time, it’s The Upside – the US remake of a French film, The Intouchables – and it is Bryan

I want to see a myriad of characters with disabilities, not in stories about their disability

Cranston who enters this difficult arena.

I don’t have a clear view on this issue. Actors pretend stuff; it’s kind of all they do, really. But when a story like this comes along it’s the perfect opportunity to launch the career of a disabled actor. Without doing that, there will never be a disabled Cranston equivalent at the box office.

Telling stories like the Intouchables is important, but I am more interested in the Hiccups of this world. I want to see a myriad of characters with disabilities, not in stories about their disability, but there because we’re here. I think that would go further to creating an accepting and inclusive culture than the casting choice of a single film.

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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If your child has a learning disability and you’re worried about their future when you’re no longer around, setting up a Trust could be the answer.

Wills & Trusts Service A Trust can help keep your child’s benefits safe

pay for your child to do the things they love

protect your child from financial abuse

Visit mencap.org.uk/ willsandtrusts or call 020 7696 6925 Registered charity number 222377 (England and Wales); SC041079 (Scotland) 2018.164A

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enable care

Planning for the future with

MENCAP

Get free support planning for your child’s financial future with the help of Mencap, the leading voice of learning disability. The charity’s Wills and Trusts Service is on hand with information and guidance on how to make sure your child is provided for when you’re no longer around

T

here is nothing more precious than a parent’s love for their child; it’s a bond like no other.

All you want to do is keep them safe, secure and happy. Mencap know how powerful these protective instincts are, especially if you have a child with a learning disability.

Worrying about how your loved one will cope financially when you’re no longer around is common – and it is important to think about. Now, Mencap’s Wills and Trusts Service can help you put everything in place, ensuring your child’s financial future is protected.

VITAL

Did you know that a lump-sum inheritance – even as little as £16,000 – could affect your child’s benefit entitlement and support package? As you can imagine, this could turn their world upside down, impacting everything from vital care and education through to accommodation, transport use and access to social activities.

Furthermore, an inheritance could leave your child vulnerable to financial abuse because, sadly, there are people who will befriend a vulnerable person just to access their money. But it doesn’t need to be this way.

SUPPORT

Mencap’s Wills and Trusts Service, run by a knowledgeable, friendly team, can tell you everything you need to know about this complex subject – guiding you through the entire process. They can even help you find a specialist solicitor in your local area too.

Everything Mencap’s Wills and Trusts Service does is about ensuring your child continues to live a fulfilling life when you’re no longer around. Offering free, clear and helpful information about writing your Will and setting up a Trust, the Wills and Trusts Service is here to ensure that planning for your child’s financial future is not daunting.

Take the right steps now to ensure your child continues to live life as they choose.

Mencap’s Wills and Trusts Service supports over 4,000 people annually For more information visit, www.mencap.org.uk/ willsandtrusts, or contact Mencap’s Wills and Trusts Service on 020 7696 6925.

PROTECT

By setting up a Trust, you could give your child financial security, protect them from outside influences and ensure minimal change to their quality of life after you’re gone. A Trust is like a special piggy bank, somewhere you can place assets to keep them safe. You can put savings, property, investments and other possessions into the Trust so that those assets can be used to help your child through life.

Setting up the right type of Trust can help to ensure you’ve got their future covered. enablemagazine.co.uk

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25/02/2019 14:04

MND and

24 year old

me

Lucy Lintott is a charismatic, funny young woman. At the age of 19 years old, Lucy’s life took a turn that nobody expected: she received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND). As the youngest person in Scotland to live with the conditon, this is Lucy’s fight

G

rowing up consists of adventures, experiences, and meeting new people.

It was this passion and excitement to discover more of the world, as all teenagers do, that spurred Lucy Lintott on to work in America for the summer.

Prior to her adventures overseas, Lucy was experiencing the initial symptoms of MND. “My symptoms where weakness in my left hand and foot, falling over a lot,” emphasises Lucy. “Slurred speech and twitching muscles,” it didn’t take long for Lucy to receive her MND diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS

After returning from America, Lucy Lucy with her family noticed her symptoms had started to take more physical forms. Finding it challenging to open her left hand the term used for a group of diseases for long periods of time, walking that affect the nerves in the brain and on her toes on her left foot, facing spinal cord that tell your muscles what vibrating muscles when sitting to do. Unfortunately, at present, or standing: in 2013 Lucy’s there is no known cure for road to diagnosis began.

MND. “My journey to getting Lucy adds: “I had never UK wide over diagnosed with MND heard of MND before I was incredibly quick, it was diagnosed. Which 5,000 people are was a week between I’m extremely grateful living with MND at seeing the neurologist for because being naive any one time and going into hospital about the condition at the to getting the diagnosis,” start meant I could stay remembers Lucy. “The positive, which I definitely diagnosis impacted my life needed.” quite dramatically, after a bad fall Upon receiving her diagnosis, it which ended with me in A&E I moved was the love, support, and guidance back home and gave up studying of friends and family that helped Lucy business.” adapt to her diagnosis.

Receiving the diagnosis of MND at aged just 19 meant that Lucy was now GUIDING HANDS the youngest person in Scotland to be “My family, friends and my community diagnosed with the condition. MND is are without a doubt my rock,” enthuses

Lucy. “During the toughest times over the past five years it’s because of them I have carried on going. Having such an amazing support system is incredible and I’m forever grateful and humbled to have them fighting beside me.”

Alongside, the care and guidance of family and friends, Lucy – and others living with MND – are supported by various health professionals, charities, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists. Despite the challenging nature that comes with having a terminal condition, a strong support system is imperative to helping people through the dark times.

A light of community and companionship was turned on for Lucy with the help of the internet.

GOING ONLINE

Lucy explains: “Needing to let my family and friends in, while trying to push

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25/02/2019 14:24

enable

interview Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today

them away because I was struggling to come to terms with my diagnosis, was why I started my blog. I’ve carried on blogging because I need it to sort out my head.”

Through her blog, Lucy’s Fight, Lucy has detailed her journey over the last five years: from diagnosis, fear and relationships, travelling, to getting confident.

“Ever since I can remember I’ve been open and honest. If I’m going to write about myself and my life I’m not going to pretend I’m okay when I’m not,” says Lucy.

“It would be like lying to myself because when I write I’m constantly re-reading and making sure I’m true to my word. Each piece has a part of me in it so it has to be open and honest.

We definitely need more honesty in the world.”

Alongside sharing her thoughts, feelings, adventures, and apprehensions: Lucy is raising awareness of MND in a bid to change the perspective of terminal illness. Through her charity work and achievements in her personal life, Lucy is not being left behind.

FUTURE

Everyone has goals, dreams, and aspirations they want to achieve in their lifetime. Like many others, it is common to continually put them off. Lucy is no different. After speaking with a close friend who encouraged Lucy to write down her bucket list, Lucy had 45 goals she wanted to achieve.

Visiting Paris, swimming with dolphins, to raising £100,000 for MND: Lucy has already achieved a lot from her bucket list, plus more. And is determined to keep going. The future of people living with MND is uncertain,

but Lucy is working hard to show others what life with the condition entails, alongside what can be achieved.

Starring in her own BBC documentary, MND and 22-YearOld Me; speaking to 12,000 Scottish students as an inspirational speaker; continually raising money for MND; and winning countless awards – Lucy is not letting MND hold her back and with her infectious personality and compelling journey she is living her life to the full.

“Keep fighting it, don’t give up,” emphasises Lucy. “If you listen to yourself you’ll know what your body

needs. Also, just know that MND sucks – but it’s not who you are. Don’t let the diagnosis steal your identity. Your still you. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak it means you’re strong enough to show that you are vulnerable and human because everybody needs help.”

Her advice for others? “Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Follow Lucy’s journey through her blog, Lucy’s Fight (lucysfight.com) and get MND support from MND Association (www.mndassociation.org)

enablemagazine.co.uk

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31

25/02/2019 14:24

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22/02/2019 16:59

enable competition

WIN

A MIDWEEK BREAK FOR TWO AT A COTSWOLD CHARM COTTAGE

We’re offering one lucky Enable reader the chance to win a three-night stay for two people at Cotswold Charm Holiday Cottages. Stay at the cosy George Barn, and soak up everything the Cotswolds has to offer

E

njoy a relaxing break in idyllic Chipping Campden, with Cotswold Charm Holiday Cottages. Nestled into the Cotswolds, all of Cotswold Charm’s cottages are a five-minute walk from Chipping Campden’s High Street, making it the ideal location for a getaway.

Immerse yourself in the glorious English countryside surrounding the Jewel of the Cotswolds, or investigate the historic town and other nearby villages – there’s something for everyone.

Easily accessible from Chipping Campden is Bath, Oxford, Warwick, and Stratford-upon-Avon, should you fancy a day trip. And with three nights to play with, you don’t have to rush through your escape to the

Cotswolds: slow down, destress and take your time to explore everything the Cotswolds has to offer.

Should you wish to relax and take it easy, Cotswold Charm has everything you could possibly need onsite. You will be staying in the selfcatering George Barn cottage, which is fully accessible.

Built in 1948 as a storage space for tractors and potatoes, the cottage’s history alone makes it highly desirable. There is a downstairs double bedroom and en-suite wet room, adapted kitchen, and wheelchair access to the beautiful garden, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Your experience will be perfectly tailored to your needs, giving you a chance to fully relax, unwind, and take the well-earned break that you deserve.

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning your perfect getaway, send your name and contact details to competitions@ dcpublishing.co.uk quoting ‘COTSWOLD’. Or enter online at www.enablemagazine.co.uk/cotswold. All entries must be received by Monday 15 April. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All entries must be received by Monday 15 April 2019. Prize includes a three-night holiday at Cotswold Charm’s George Barn for two people. Prize must be used on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Prize includes your required Care Support Package and any equipment necessary during your stay. Prize excludes August, Christmas and New Year, Youth weeks and Alzheimer’s weeks. Transport to and from Cotswold Charm is not included. Prize must be taken by 15 April 2020. Prize is non-transferable. Only one entry per person and subject to availability. The publisher’s decision is final.

To find out more about Cotswold Charm and the tourist attractions in the Cotswolds, visit www.cotswoldcharm.com enablemagazine.co.uk

033_EN_MA19_Comp.indd 33

33

25/02/2019 15:37

We were established in 1944 to ensure that soldiers returning from World War Two were cared for.

75 years on, our purpose has not changed: we exist to ensure that all soldiers, veterans and their families are afforded the independence and dignity they deserve.

To find out more, visit www.soldierscharity.org Help us be here for their tomorrow.

Contact us for information on how you can apply for help, find out more, or get involved in one of our fundraising challenges: Tel: 020 7901 8900 Email: info@soldierscharity.org ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (039189) Registered Office: Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB

Left to right: Brenda Hale, John Tyson, Mark Smith

034_EN_MA19_ADV.indd 34

22/02/2019 16:59

enable

spotlight

The road to

Resettlement

Returning to civvy street can be a stressful and lonely journey, especially if you’re adjusting to an acquired disability. Discover peace of mind as we spotlight the organisations offering guidance and support for veterans and their loved ones

Support Having someone to turn to for advice and information is essential when returning to civvy street. It is even more important if you are returning with a disability obtained during service.

The Not Forgotten Association (www.nfassociation.org) provides recreation, leisure and entertainment activities for veterans with a disability or illness. From physical challenges to building confidence: there is an activity for everyone.

All activities aim to build camaraderie and friendship with fellow disabled veterans.

BLESMA (www.blesma.org) help limbless veterans to lead independent lives through rehabilitation and welfare support. The charity offers advice and support for members who have been fitted with prosthetics alongside activities for keeping fit, grants and community programmes.

The Help for Heroes (www.helpforheroes.org.uk) Band of Brothers network also offers support to service personnel and veterans who have suffered a life-limiting injury or illness during their service. Their network offers a listening ear and opportunities to meet people in a similar situation to yourself through events, sporting opportunities and more.

Money Installing adaptations in your home, training for a new career path or supporting your family after leaving the Armed Forces can be financially draining.

The Armed Forces Compensation scheme (www.gov.uk) provides compensation for any injury or illness sustained as a result of service. The scheme covers a wide range of injuries from fractures to amputations and other conditions including mental disorders.

If you are awarded money it will be paid either in a lump sum or by Guaranteed Income Payment. This is a tax-free income stream paid monthly usually for veterans who are unable to return to work as a result of an injury. The amount

of money awarded is different for each individual.

ABF, the soldiers’ charity (www. soldierscharity.org), can give individual grants to veterans to help them remain independent.

Grants are judged on an individual basis and can cover the cost of anything from furniture to adaptive equipment for disabled veterans.

Also aiding is The Royal British Legion (www.britishlegion.org. uk). With a range of support services for veterans including compensation advice, help with debt management and support with grants and loans, the organisation can advise you on what disability benefits you are entitled to and help you claim them.

Having someone to turn to for advice and information is essential when returning to civvy street

enablemagazine.co.uk

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25/02/2019 14:44

enable

spotlight

Employment and education After leaving the Armed Forces with an acquired disability you might have to learn new or additional skills for work.

Deciding what you want to do next can be overwhelming. Take a weight off your shoulders, as there are multiple organisations dedicated to helping you get back on the career ladder by utilising your skills or learning new ones.

Walking with the Wounded (www. walkingwiththewounded.org.uk) has a dedicated employment programme to help injured veterans get back

into, and stay in, work. Advisors work with veterans to build their confidence, organise work placements, source funding for training and finding sustainable employment. The organisation can also help injured veterans who are suffering with mental ill health.

Similarly, Hire a Hero (www.hireahero. org.uk) provide career coaching for veterans alongside careers and networking events. Trained career coaches can help you identify your

skillset, what additional skills you need and secure a job that is right for you.

If your chosen career path requires you to complete a qualification or degree the Open University (OU) Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (www.open.ac.uk) could help. The fund offers around 50 disabled veterans access to free OU education every year.

The scholarship covers the fees for all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications along with additional specialist careers and disability support.

Enhance your skills with the RAF Benevolent Fund The RAF Benevolent Fund provides a range of support to serving and former RAF personnel and their dependants. This includes assistance to help with independent living, welfare breaks and the cost of training courses to improve their chances of getting a job.

Warrant Officer Jon Hall was a mental health nurse in the RAF, but after hearing loss led to a permanent change in his role, Jon decided it was the perfect opportunity to change careers.

He felt he could no longer do his job to the best of his ability, Jon says: “When I was medically downgraded it meant I could no longer hold a rifle or be part of the aeromedical evacuation team.

“I felt like I would be a burden to my colleagues because there are so few of us.

So, I decided I would like a change.”

Thanks to a grant from the Fund, Jon was able to look into a more handson role working in countryside conservation. “After discovering I had an interest in the outdoors, the career consultant suggested I apply for a place on a Rural Week run by HighGround,” explains Jon. Before applying to the Fund Jon didn’t realise how much support they

offered, he adds: “I knew of the RAF Benevolent Fund because of my work within mental health, but I had no idea of the breadth of services they offer to serving personnel. It was a good surprise.”

Jon learnt about everything from pig farming to beekeeping, widening the scope of careers on offer to him thanks to the support of the Fund.

And you could get involved, too.

For more information or to apply to the RAF Benevolent Fund visit www.rafbf.org

For more support and information contact Forcesline on 0800 731 4880 or visit the SSAFA website, www.ssafa.org.uk

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25/02/2019 14:44

We provide first-class Care for Veterans Residential nursing care, rehabilitation, respite and award-winning end of life care for physically disabled ex-Service personnel and their families Specialist services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social and recreation activities

For more information, call 01903 213458 Care for Veterans Gifford House, Boundary Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 4LJ www.careforveterans.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1072334

Standing Side by Side with the RaF Family FoR 100 yeaRS If you serve or have served with the RAF, you and your family can request help.

FREE CALL 0800 169 2942 rafbf.org

FInAncIAl AssIstAnce

emotIonAl wellbeIng

wellbeIng bReAks

Independent lIvIng

FAmIly And RelAtIonshIps

tRAnsItIon

Life after traumatic injury can be challenging Blesma is here for all serving and ex-Service men and women who have experienced loss of limb, use of limbs, hearing, sight or speech, either during or after Service

Get in touch to find out how we can support you and your family Tel: 020

8548 7080

037_EN_MA19_ADV.indd 37

Email: membersupport@blesma.org Online: www.blesma.org

22/02/2019 17:35

enable voices

Life with #nolimits Transitioning from the Armed Forces, whilst adjusting to an acquired disability, comes with challenges. Invictus Games athlete and motivational speaker, Mark Ormrod, discusses his road to civvy street and breaking barriers

M

ark Ormrod joined the Royal Marines at 17-years-old, and had already completed his first operational tour in Iraq at 19.

Mark left the marines in 2006, but struggled to resettle into civilian life.

RESETTLING

“I felt like I had no pride,” explains Mark.

“It was little things that got me down; like when you go into a bank and they ask your occupation. Before, I could say Royal Marines, but now I was having to say I was between jobs, so I struggled with that.”

Re-joining the Marines in 2007, less than six months later, Mark was deployed to Afghanistan. On Christmas Eve that year, Mark stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). To save his life, both his legs were amputated above the knee, along with his right arm above the elbow.

“Leaving the Marines the second time round, after my amputations, was easier, to be honest,” says Mark. “I think that’s probably due to all the care I had on the way out. There were so many more options available to me – I don’t know if they were there the first time, and if they were, I certainly wasn’t made aware of them.”

adversity or any challenge is proactively and consciously deciding what it is you focus your attention on,” advises Mark. “Whatever situation you’re in, focus on the goods and the positives. Also, put things in perspective in your own life. In the beginning, I thought I was the most hard done by person in the world. You just have to look at it like a rebirth, with a couple of years’ experience.”

You just have to look at it like a rebirth, with a couple of years’ experience

Mark took a significant experience, which could have upended his life, and turned it into a positive. He’s now an accomplished motivational speaker, travelling the country giving inspirational speeches.

“I just like to help people change perspective,” enthuses Mark. “But I enjoy sharing my story as well and I like answering questions at the end: I can talk about what I love doing in my life, and just share experiences with people and give them some advice, too.”

STRENGTH

Not only has Mark found his passion in speaking, he has competed at the Invictus Games, bringing home an astonishing 11 medals over two years – including four gold.

He’s also an award-winning author, and recently debuted the documentary following his story, #NoLimits.

“I think, the key to getting through any

Mark at the Invictus Games

PIC: © GETTY IMAGES / INVICTUS GAMES SYDNEY 2018

PERSPECTIVE

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25/02/2019 14:06

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#morethanjustaradio

22/02/2019 17:11

enable interview

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Minister for disabled people

Sarah Newton

There’s no denying that British politics has taken a hit at present. We all have many questions about the future of Great Britain, and life as we know it. Keen to learn more about the current political climate and how Brexit will impact the disabled community, Lorne Gillies sat down with the Minister For Disabled People, Sarah Newton

H

ow are you, and the government, working to prevent disabled people from being excluded in the community?

All too often disabled people tell me they are excluded from the day-today activities that many of us take for granted. My personal priority is that we take a more joined-up approach to disability. We’ve made great progress in the last year, whether that’s outlining our vision for making our transport system more inclusive, working with Purple on the UK’s first ever accessible shopping day, or setting out new measures for tackling hate crime against disabled people.

We know there is always more we can do so disabled people can participate fully in society. Our new regional disability network will ensure that we’re listening to disabled people and using their experiences to shape the policies that affect their daily lives.

people get the financial support they’re entitled to, and leaving the EU does not change our commitment to that. There will be no changes in entitlement for UK nationals to disability and carers’ benefits in the UK as a result of our exit from the EU. In employment, the Disability Confident Scheme is a fantastic initiative to get employers disability aware. What additional work is being done to improve the numbers of disabled people getting into employment?

It’s good news that disabled people are, for the first time, more likely to be in work than out of work. Disability Confident has gone from strength to strength and we now have over 10,000 employers signed up across the country.

Recent research shows that Disability

The UK is a world leader in empowering disabled people in all aspects of their lives, and leaving the EU will not change this

As the Government currently works tirelessly to work on Brexit negotiations to secure the future of the UK, can you explain what changes disabled people may experience when leaving the EU? I want to reassure people that issues affecting the disabled community are a priority, and will continue to be a priority after we leave the EU. The UK is a world leader in empowering disabled people in all aspects of their lives, and leaving the EU will not change this.

In what way could funding and benefits be impacted during potential transition periods?

It’s vitally important that disabled

enablemagazine.co.uk

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25/02/2019 14:46

enable interview

I want to see a society in which disabled people are able to fulfil their potential

Confident is having a real impact. Half of all employers have recruited at least one person with a disability or health condition as a result of joining the scheme.

But Disability Confident is just one of the ways we’re supporting disabled people into employment, ranging from national schemes that are backed by millions of pounds of funding to smaller, specialised events at local jobcentres.

Our Access to Work scheme can provide support of nearly £60,000 a year so someone’s disability does not hold them back in the workplace.

This could help pay for transport to work, special equipment or a support worker. More people than ever before are receiving support through Access to Work – nearly 28,000 people had support approved last year, an increase of 11 per cent on 2016/17.

We’re also looking at innovative ways of supporting disabled people into work, and I want to harness the power of technology to tackle the disability employment gap. For example, we’re funding a new mobile phone app which will help support people with mental

health conditions to stay in work.

I recently visited a brilliant Calm and Quiet session at one of our jobcentres, which was specially designed for people to find out about suitable jobs in an autism-friendly environment. We understand that not everyone with the same disability is affected in the same way, and that’s why we offer such a wide range of support. I would encourage any disabled readers looking for work to speak to us and see what our work coaches can do for them.

departments coming together to look strategically at how they support disabled people.

My home department is responsible for the world of work, so a personal ambition is that in five years’ time every disabled person who wants to work has the opportunity to do so. We’re starting to see cultures shift, and I will continue to work with employers to help them understand the benefits of employing disabled people, who I know have a lot to offer employers.

What hopes and ambitions do you have for the next five years to better support the lives of the disabled community, their carers and loved ones?

I want to see a society in which disabled people are able to fulfil their potential, and accessibility is key to that. Everyone, no matter what their background or personal circumstances, should have access to jobs, to healthcare, to education, to housing, to the natural environment and to recreational activities. Over the next five years I want to see more progress in all of these areas, with government

What final message do you have for Enable readers?

I want Enable readers to know that I am proud to be a champion for the disabled community, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I am committed to pushing forwards change for disabled people, whether that’s talking to businesses about the importance of prioritising their disabled customers, or working with employers to build more inclusive workforces. I will continue to listen to your views and experiences, so that we can build a fairer society for all.

Read our full interview with Minister Sarah Newton over at, www.enablemagazine.co.uk 42 enablemagazine.co.uk

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25/02/2019 14:47

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12/04/2018 16:57:00 22/02/2019 17:01

enable spotlight

The importance of

Purple

C

assidy Megan was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was seven years old. Now 20, Cassidy has been raising awareness of the condition ever since.

March 26 is Purple Day, a chance to dress head to toe in purple and spread awareness about epilepsy. Emma Storr chatted to founder Cassidy Megan about why the day is so important

At eight-years-old, in 2008, Cassidy founded Purple Day. The awareness day has taken place on 26 March every year since.

EDUCATION

The day was created to raise awareness of epilepsy and the need for better education When Cassidy was first diagnosed she on the condition. “There are still people out was embarrassed and didn’t know what there who have epilepsy and think that they an epilepsy diagnosis meant for her. “I was can’t talk about it and that they are alone,” scared and felt really alone,” remembers continues Cassidy. “It makes me realise that Cassidy. “I didn’t know anyone else with there is still so much work to do.” epilepsy – I thought I was the only Each year more schools, kid with epilepsy.” businesses and governments After seeing adverts for around the world are going Purple Day various awareness days on TV, purple to spread this message. takes place on Cassidy asked her mum why Cassidy believes education 26 March there was no day dedicated to is key to improving the lives epilepsy awareness. Explaining annually of people with epilepsy, she that March is Epilepsy says: “With better education Awareness Month, Cassidy comes power: the power to make wanted more. a difference, to make the changes “I wanted to have just one day where the needed and the power to help everyone be whole world could come together and let accepted.” people with epilepsy know they were not alone,” explains Cassidy. “So that no one GOING PURPLE would feel like I did.”

There are countless ways to take part in Purple Day, Cassidy adds: “People can hold events like galas or tea parties, schools can get involved by asking the students to wear purple on 26 March and having their local epilepsy agency come in and do a presentation on epilepsy education and seizure first aid.”

Last year’s highlights included all of NASA wearing purple in support of better education on epilepsy. “Astronaut Ricky Arnold posted pics on his social media wearing purple while he was on the international space station,” remembers Cassidy fondly.

It seems the sky isn’t even the limit on Purple Day, so get creative.

Cassidy doesn’t know where she will be on Purple Day 2019, but for her the best part of the day is seeing photos and videos from people spreading epilepsy awareness around the world. How will you get involved this year?

Purple Day Gala 2018

INSPIRATION

Purple Day Gala 2018

Visiting Global News Edmonton

“

With better education comes power… the power to help everyone be accepted

“

For more information and ideas of how you can support Purple Day visit www.purpleday.org

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25/02/2019 14:55

www.kinetic-balance.com PREMIUM WHEELCHAIR CLOTHING AND APPAREL. DESIGNED WITH STYLE, PRODUCED TO PERFORM.

Kinetic Balance sets a new standard for active, yet fashionable wheelchair users. It’s our ambition to be the leading brand in clothing designed for wheelchair users. We produce jackets, jeans, pullovers, raindeks® and bags. Our core value is performance, we are design driven and we include style and looks.

@kineticbalance #peoplestaremakeitworthit

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22/02/2019 17:01

Accessible clothing THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S FAUX PAS? With the current conversation about accessible clothing extending past social media, there are more options on the market than ever before. But, we investigate if enough is really being done to make the fashion industry inclusive for all

Kinetic Balance

T

he lack of affordable, high street clothing options for disabled people has left many feeling forgotten or ignored by the fashion industry.

Despite an increase in high-street brands taking accessibility into account when designing their clothes, there’s still a distinct lack on the market. However, there are companies out there, striving to deliver stylish and functional clothing for all types of disabilities.

CONFIDENCE

A staple piece in any wardrobe, jeans can often be a problem due to their tight and restrictive nature.

I Am Denim is the first clothing brand to make jeans for people who have had any kind of abdominal surgery, including ostomy surgery, an appendectomy, hernia repair or even a c-section.

The jeans are made from a supersoft denim. Cut lower at the front, so

as not to interfere with the abdomen, and higher at the back for support.

The jeans are functional, but also stylish.

“After my abdominal surgery, I found trying to wear jeans just impossible,” explains I Am Denim founder, Sophie Cooper. “I loved wearing jeans – I had so many pairs hanging up in my wardrobe and after my surgery, it didn’t matter how many I tried on, I just couldn’t get them to fit comfortably. I didn’t want people to be ruled out from wearing society’s most-worn garment: we all love chucking on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, don’t we?”

The jeans also have a second skin, which provides coverage when bending and reaching and also supports the abdomen, encouraging muscle recovery. The skin includes an inner pocket, which can be used to store drains or ostomy bags, and can even be opened to empty bags, without having to take the jeans off.

Kinetic Balance

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enable life

I Am Denim

“

We all love chucking on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, don’t we?

“

“When you have abdominal surgery, you’re thankful because it’s life-saving surgery, but it’s also really hard because it changes your body,” says Sophie. “After surgery, something as simple as getting dressed can become a real task.

“Having a product like this means you can get up, you can put your jeans on, go outside and get on with your day and you don’t have to worry or think twice about it. The second skin gives you a lot of security and confidence that your ostomy isn’t on show. You’re supported and it’s really comforting.”

HIGH STREET

Though there is still a long way to go, more and more high street shops and

brands are beginning to recognise the need for better accessible clothing options.

Last year, high street retailer Marks & Spencer launched their easy dressing range for children. The clothing is designed to be easier to put on and take off, with additional room for casts and hidden pockets for feeding tubes.

All items are made with extra soft material for sensitive skin, and have tags and labels removed. Many items have riptape fastenings or poppers, instead of zips and buttons.

Kinetic Balance is a company also making accessible clothing, producing attire for wheelchair users, with the firm belief that fashion should not only be functional and accessible to everyone, but also stylish.

The company make jeans made with double stretch denim, easy to access pockets and a magnetic fly; soft and light sweaters; and jackets with magnetic closures and extra arm length.

Also making headlines last year with a new adaptive clothing range was designer brand Tommy Hilfiger. Items come in ranges for men, women and children, and the company is committed to developing the range to make it the best it can be, actively asking for feedback on how they can improve it.

IMPROVEMENTS

It’s wonderful to see big brands such as Tommy Hilfiger making more inclusive clothes, but the reality is that many people cannot afford to pay for designer clothes to

accommodate their needs.

And the price tag isn’t the only obstacle: the adaptive range is only available in America, meaning the rest of the world does not have access to the adjusted products.

There’s no doubt that more steps need to be taken to create affordable, stylish and functional clothing for everyone.

“I think the first simple step would be for brands to recognise the demand,” advises Sophie. “Listening to the voices of those with a need for accessible clothing would be a great step forward. Taking an existing clothing line and making it accessible with no obvious stand out differences, offering fashion as well as functionality, would benefit so many.”

With so few high street names leading the way in adaptive clothing, it’s understandable to feel defeated.

But with brands such as I Am Denim leading the way to inclusivity and visibility in the fashion industry, it can only be a matter of time before adaptive clothing becomes more accessible to everyone.

“Make your voice heard,” urges Sophie. “If there is enough awareness, things will slowly start to change.

There are already brands that have started to listen and we need to keep on hearing from anyone and everyone that feels forgotten so the fashion industry can make the changes that are needed.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

I Am Denim www.iamdenim.co.uk Kinetic Balance www.kinetic-balance.com

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25/02/2019 16:43

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Subscribe to Become a subscriber and get the nation’s favourite disability lifestyle title delivered direct to your door every other month

N

ever miss the latest disability news, interviews and more with a subscription to the UK’s leading disability and lifestyle title: Enable Magazine. From discussing benefits with politicians in the know, hitting the track with Jonnie Peacock, or travelling to Berlin to discover the best accessible holiday destinations – you name it, we’ve written about it.

By becoming an Enable subscriber, you’ll get every issue of the magazine delivered direct to your door every other month – that means no queuing up at your local distribution point, and never miss out on any of the action from Enable!

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

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

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

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25/02/2019 16:17

enable life

Product Roundup We round up our favourite products to use at home all the way to the great outdoors HOME

STEADY SPOON

GYENNO, £210 www.amazon.co.uk

MOBILITY

RANGER MOBILITY SCOOTER

Electrokart, POA www.electrokart.com 01233 666 000

Get the ultimate combination of power, performance, and stability with the new off-road mobility scooter from Electrokart. The Ranger works on all terrains, has an innovative design for easy mounting and dismounting, plus the superbly engineered machine can be quickly dismantled. Contact Electrokart to take it for a test drive.

Eat with confidence and reduce spillages with the GYENNO steady spoon. The self-stabilizing spoon electronically adapts the attached spoon or fork utensil to reduce shakes by 85 per cent. Non-slip and easy to hold, the spoon is sleek and stylish and comes with its own charging box and cable.

ARDOO COMBO

Ardoo, POA www.ardoohoists.com, 0155 718 0676

Ardoo Combo ticks all the boxes. The Ardoo 140 hoist is the lightest, folding hoist available. It’s unique lifting boom, facilitates placement in front or rear car seats. The small footprint allows use in restricted spaces. It folds to fit in the boot of a car or aircraft and is the perfect travel companion.

STYLE

MOTORING

COOL PROSTHETIC LEG COVERS

BAS PUSH/PULL BRAKE/ ACCELERATOR

Limb Art, from £199.00 www.limb-art.com

BAS NW, POA (Nil Payment on the Motability Scheme) basnw.co.uk, 0161 776 1594

The new BAS Push/Pull Brake/ Accelerator provides a new design concept where customer safety is never compromised. Unlike many Push/ Pulls on the market, this item offers: full movement of the steering wheel; no interference with or removal of the driver’s airbag; and a range of handles and handle bars to choose from. All this allows for the driver to get the best, and safest driving experience.

MOBILITY

STYLE

Limb-art is a British design and manufacturing company dedicated to producing the world’s coolest prosthetic leg covers. Suitable for all users of above and below knee prostheses, extremely durable and easy to fit. Proven to raise confidence and self-esteem, they restore balance to the silhouette whilst ensuring you #StandOutStandProud.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S JEANS

Kinetic Balance, £96-122 www.kinetic-balance.com

These are the jeans wheelchair users deserve. Kinetic Balance sets a new standard for active, fashionable wheelchair users. Jeans are fourway stretch, staying in place during transfers, no abdominal pressure and reduces skin friction. Jeans come in regular or slim, magnetic or button fly, and in styles for men and women.

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A NEW INNOVATION IN DISABILITY SCOOTER DESIGN The real beauty of the Electrokart Ranger is the ease with which you can take it apart.

No other buggy folds away to be as neat and compact as the Ranger. It dismantles simply, in no time at all, to fit neatly into the boot of most saloons and all hatchbacks.

This off road mobility scooter is rugged built quality, constructed from high quality steel tubing, phosphated and epoxy coated to give longer life and all weather protection.

Adjustable steering column adjusts for comfort and easy, step-on access, with comfortable steel backed, foam filled and weatherproof bucket style seat as standard. With 2 x braked motors for safety.

RANGER with Lithium battery £2,600 HEAVY DUTY RANGER with a lithium battery £2,995

STABILITY GUARANTEED – EVEN ON THE TOUGHEST TERRAIN, YOU STAY STEADY AS A ROCK.

T: 01233 666 000 E: sales@electrokart.com www.electrokart.com

MADE IN ENGLAND

Panova

Smart Lift Solutions

www.panova.biz Mail@panova.biz

01482 480710

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

051_EN_MA19_ADV.indd 51

Your home without limitation Enjoy the feeling of getting around your home freely and easily . Take control of your surroundings and enhance your independence with Panova. Our lifts are discreet, unobtrusive and designed to match your decor. Avaliable for indoor and outdoor use.

22/02/2019 17:14

INNOVATIONS IN ACCESSIBILITY

Empower your clients to live safely in their own homes

Lifts Ramps Winches To find out more about TEC-Angel 01245 860 252 enquiries@tec-angel.co.uk

Come and visit us at

Naidex 26-27 March 2019 NEC, Stand N6132 Call us now on 01509 635 920

Independence . Dignity . Privacy tec-angel.co.uk @tecangeluk

Email: sales@vaporricon.co.uk www.vaporricon.co.uk Vapor Ricon Europe Ltd. Falcon Works, Meadow Lane, Loughborough, LE11 1HS

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22/02/2019 17:37

enable motoring

Disabled motoring event returns to Birmingham for 2019 Following last summer’s success, The Big Event – the UK’s largest display of cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs for disabled people – will return to the NEC in Birmingham on 28 – 29 June

T

he Big Event is the flagship show that kick-starts the popular programme of Motability Scheme events, offering the widest range of display cars available to test drive.

EVENT

Motability Scheme’s The Big Event and One Big Days are free to attend, with free parking, too. They offer disabled people and their families a great way to find out everything they need to know about Motability.

Over the past decade the informative events have helped over 120,000 disabled motorists to find out more about leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Motability Scheme’s worryfree leasing package.

While The Big Event at the NEC is the largest show of the year, all One Big Day events have a wide range of cars on display including Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), adaptations, scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Alison Beasley, One Big Day event manager for Motability Operations Ltd, enthuses: “The One Big Day events have continued to be extremely popular and attracted over 20,000 visitors in 2018, and we’re excited to welcome even more people to the events this year.

“There will be a host of opportunities to gather information and advice, see a wide range of vehicles, and take a test drive, all in one accessible place.”

ON THE DAY

Each event will have helpful Motability

Scheme advisors to answer questions about the Scheme, as well as representatives from Scheme partners: RAC, RSA and Kwik Fit. Information will also be available from Disabled Motoring UK and Driving Mobility.

Visitors can test drive adapted and non-adapted cars with a professional instructor to find out which vehicles are best suited to their individual needs. Test drives can be booked on the day – visitors simply need to bring along their full driving licence and choose a car to test drive.

All visitors receive a free tea, coffee or soft drink and the whole family is welcome to come along. Children can meet the Scheme mascot, Billy the Bear, who is always happy to take selfies. There will also be free face painting and a kid’s play area as well as cafés, plenty of seating, and accessible toilet facilities. Ear defenders are available at all the events, and sensory quiet room spaces can be found at each venue.

What are you waiting for? Head down to The Big Event this summer for all your motoring needs.

THE 2019 MOTABILITY SCHEME EVENTS: Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June

The Big Event at the NEC, Birmingham

Saturday 27 July

One Big Day at Westpoint, Exeter

Saturday 10 August

One Big Day at Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate

Saturday 7 September

One Big Day at East of England Arena, Peterborough

Saturday 21 September

One Big Day at Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

Find out more about The Big Event and the regional One Big Days online (motability.co.uk/thebigevent) or call 0800 953 7000 for information on leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.

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Ford Focus REVIEW

The latest Ford Focus continues to offer something for everyone, but does it risk satisfying no-one in the process? Alisdair Suttie finds out

INSIDE The Focus cabin is a game of two halves. Let’s start with its strengths, which begin with the sturdiness of the materials used throughout that are a welcome step-up from the last Focus’. There’s also plenty of room and whoever is in the driving seat gets lots of adjustment as well as being able to alter the steering wheel’s height and angle.

It’s the same story in the back, where occupants are provided with ample room. The boot is among the biggest in class, but a pronounced lip means you’ll have to lug a wheelchair a bit higher than in some competitors to get it into the luggage bay.

Now for the negatives. Ford has introduced a new infotainment screen that you’ll soon become accustomed to, but there are lots of buttons on the Focus’ dash. It can make adjusting the ventilation more distracting than it should be when driving, while the rotary control for the optional automatic gearbox needs more defined clicks between its drive settings.

On the plus side, the transmission controller makes it effortless to engage the required gear. It’s just a pity Ford hides the ignition button awkwardly behind the steering wheel.

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Enjoy better journeys on the road with Ford Focus.

Available from NIL Advance Payment with Motability www.motability.co.uk

“Take a deep

breath as there are no fewer than six trim levels for the Ford Focus

“

EQUIPMENT Take a deep breath as there are no fewer than six trim levels for the Ford Focus, plus ‘X’ versions for three of those. Style is the entry point and comes with automatic headlights, 4.2-inch infotainment screen, air conditioning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and Ford’s MyKey. The Zetec gains alloy wheels, larger touchscreen in the centre console, cruise control, Quickclear windscreen and sports front seats. Choose the Titanium and you have rain-sensing wipers, all-round parking sensors and sat-nav, while the X version gains 17-inch alloys and half-leather upholstery that’s the same for every X model.

The luxury oriented Vignale has privacy glass, Park Assist, leather seats, heated steering wheel and a head-up display. For the sporty STLine, there’s a larger rear spoiler and unique front bumper, twin exhaust pipes, firmer sports suspension, keyless starting and alloy details for the gear lever and pedals.

DRIVING Some thought is required about what you want from a Focus before deciding on a trim. The ST-Line models we’ve tried have a ride that’s too harsh for our liking and kicks up more road noise from the rear tyres. This guides us towards the other versions that enjoy more soothing suspension without any loss in precision from the Focus’ trademark steering or handling prowess. You can have five-door hatch or estate bodies and both feel comfortable on the usual mix of British roads.

Under the bonnet, there are 85-, 100and 125hp variants of Ford’s punchy 1.0-litre turbo Ecoboost petrol engine.

Avoid the least powerful and, if you want an automatic, go for the 125hp as it’s by

far the best engine in the whole lineup for its performance and 48.7mpg average economy. Diesel-wise, there’s a 1.5-litre in 95- and 120hp forms and a 150hp 2.0-litre. We’d opt for the more powerful 1.5 with the smooth eight-speed auto box capable of 53.3mpg.

SUMMARY The Focus remains the fun driving benchmark while gaining in space and quality, but be careful to choose the right trim to suit your needs.

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25/02/2019 16:40

enable life

What is

Disabled Access Day?

A bi-annual event, Disabled Access Day (DAD) is back for 2019 with the vision of celebrating accessibility across the disabled community. From humble beginnings, DAD is breaking down barriers

I

t was back in January 2015 that the inaugural Disabled Access Day took place. Initiated by a group of disabled people and their friends, sponsored by accessible travel and information website, Euan’s Guide, DAD was a success beyond the imaginations of the founders.

Set up to be a day of fun and activities that anyone, regardless of location and ability, could get involved in, DAD is a celebration of access, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion.

GROWTH

With an estimated 13.9 million disabled people in the UK incorporating sensory, mental health conditions, physical, hidden and learning disabilities: DAD is an integral staple in promoting increased understanding and education.

In 2016, the second DAD event took place in March. After the success of the first event, the founders saw DAD grow. Developing from an original conception in 2014 by Paul Ralph – who first got the idea from attending an accessibility taster session with his local bus company – it is refreshing to see an event dedicated to disability progressing for future generations.

AIMS

Alongside encouraging more organisations and businesses to become accessible, DAD is about promoting confidence amongst the disabled community. The main aim of the event is to encourage disabled people, their friends, families, and carers to try something new.

Going to the cinema for the first time, visiting a new coffee shop, museum or anywhere else, DAD is a chance for disabled people to go outside of their comfort zone to experience something new. Plus, it allows venues to

showcase their accessibility levels and hear from disabled customers on what INVOLVED improvements they could be making.

You can also join in the fun. Organisers And the wave of success DAD is of DAD are actively calling for creating is tangible. individuals, groups, businesses and During the first year, over 1,000 beyond to get involved during this disabled people got involved alongside year’s event. For individuals, groups, 261 venues. The second year families or friends, DAD will be saw 10,000 disabled people hosting a variety of events taking part, and this has throughout the day that increased year on year people are welcome to Disabled Access with: 11,293 people attend. Similarly, venues participating and 1,090 with an idea for an event Day will take place venues, organisations, or activity can approach on Saturday businesses, charities the DAD team to discuss 16 March 2019 and more showing their your ideas. support for the disabled The excitement is community. building, and with not long to go we’re spotlighting everything you need to know PARTICIPANTS before Saturday 16 March. Keep From the Scottish Highlands, the Lake reading to learn more about the District, all the way to the bustling organisations already involved and the cities of Edinburgh, London, Leeds, events you should put in your diary to Manchester and beyond: the UK celebrate Disabled Access Day 2019. becomes a hive of activity during DAD. This year, the event is set to be the biggest yet. From transportation to FOR MORE INFORMATION venues and businesses celebrating their Learn all about Disabled Access Day, how to get accessibility, alongside the disabled involved, and venues participating by visiting, community, we’re spotlighting the www.disabledaccessday.com events you need to know about. enablemagazine.co.uk

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25/02/2019 14:31

FREE TRAINING TOOL FOR FREE TRAINING TOOL FOR MOBILITY SCOOTER USERS! MOBILITY SCOOTER USERS!

See & Scoot is a new mobility scooter training resource, See & Scoot is a new mobility scooter training resource, developed by the Transport Research in Psychology developed by the Transport Research in Psychology (TRiP) group at Nottingham Trent University, as part of a (TRiP) group at Nottingham Trent University, as part of a grant grantfrom fromthe theRoad RoadSafety Safety Trust.

Trust.

Uniquely, Uniquely,the theresource: resource: • • Prepares hazards Preparesusers usersfor for possible possible hazards • • Features “live” footage from realworld worldsituations, situations, Features “live” footage from real filmedfrom fromaascooter scooter user’s user’s perspective filmed perspective Evidencebased, based, informed informed by • • Evidence by scooter scooterusers’ users’views views

Explore Discover Experience Disabled Access Day at St Paul’s Cathedral Saturday 16th March 2019

view,please pleasevisit: visit: www.testmydriving.com/see-scoot www.testmydriving.com/see-scoot ToToview,

Free entry for disabled people and their families or companions

±YouandSomewhereNew stpauls.co.uk/access-day

Explore Discover Live it Great fun for all

See the trial of highwaywoman Joan Phillips and much more...

Visit nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk 058_EN_MA19_ADV.indd 58

25/02/2019 16:46

enable travel

Getting around on Disabled Access Day This Disabled Access Day (DAD), we’re bringing you the best accessible transport features, to make your journey on public transport as smooth as possible

UK

The Disabled Person’s Railcard is available to anyone who receives Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or the Disability Living Allowance at either the higher or lower rate for mobility, or the higher or middle rate for personal care help. It costs £20 for a year, or £54 for two years, and entitles you and one adult travel companion to a third off rail fares.

Stagecoach buses are also active supporters of DAD, and have committed to making their services more accessible to everyone. Since the first DAD back in 2015, the company has invested over £80 million to make their buses more accessible.

The bus company has also pledged to improve services for visually impaired passengers, and provide Journey Assistance Cards to make travel easier, and let drivers know when passengers need extra assistance. Adaptations on public transport have spread to regions across the UK in a bid to promote accessibility.

ENGLAND

Transport for London has recognised the obstacles faced by people with invisible disabilities, and has produced the free ‘Please offer me a seat’ badge and card, to let other passengers know that wearers need a seat. The packs can be sent to any addresses in the Greater London area, as well as south east England.

If you have a Disabled Person’s Railcard, you can also use it to apply discounts on the London Underground. Get one third off Oyster pay as you go single fares, and to set your discount on an Oyster card, take both your Oyster and Railcard to an underground station, an Oyster ticket shop and visitor centres.

London also has a disabled persons

Freedom Pass (www.londoncouncils. gov.uk), which allows free travel across London and free bus journeys nationally.

To enquire about the pass, simply contact your local council.

SCOTLAND

In Scotland, you can apply for a free National Entitlement Card if you have a disability. The card entitles you to free bus travel on local and long-distance bus services across Scotland at any time of day.

Card holders living in Orkney, Shetland or the Western Isles are also able to use the card for two free return ferry journeys to the Scottish mainland each year. To apply, visit your local council’s website.

WALES

Anyone with a physical, sensory or

learning disability can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass in Wales, which will enable them to travel for free on local bus routes, and also to some nearby towns in England. However, passes are not valid on National Express, Trawscambria, or Swansea Shuttle services.

If trying to access Cardiff City Centre, the council provides an electronic vehicle scheme, which can be found outside the Central Market. The buggy can transport up to three passengers around the city centre and can be flagged down by pedestrians. The buggy is free and ecofriendly, too.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Transport Scotland www.transport.gov.scot Scope www.scope.org.uk

Disabled Persons Railcard www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

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Getting

Accessible Disabled Access Day 2019 (16th March) is all about trying something new and stepping out of your comfort zone. Venues are being called on to run events different from what they offer every day. Ahead of DAD we spotlight the events not to be missed

ENGLAND Tune in to access

Barbican Centre, London London’s world-class arts and learning centre is hosting a range of free events for DAD 2019. Tune in to Access is a day of performances and participation events that explore accessibility, technology and the arts.

There will be a special focus on how technology and audience participation can influence musical performance with the aim to break down barriers to music-making.

Drake Music will present The Radical Sound of Many, a showcase of five new commissions by disabled musicians. For this event the Barbican’s Level G will be transformed into studios and performance spaces as the audience are invited to be part of the music-making experience.

Accessibility Evening

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Sandcastle Waterpark is an official supporter of DAD 2019. To celebrate the day the waterpark is holding an accessibility evening. During the evening there will be no music played, only essential announcements and guest numbers will be capped to avoid overcrowding. Water Ambassadors will also be on hand to assist guests.

The waterpark has a host of accessible services including a quiet room, water wheelchairs and the UK’s most popular Changing Places facility.

Accessibility evenings are held at the waterpark on select dates throughout the year.

DAD at Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Hereford Cathedral is opening its doors for DAD with a range of one-off activities. The cathedral was the first place of worship to receive the Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society. A sensory trail, video tours of inaccessible parts of the cathedral and a quiet space will be available on the day.

A tactile tour will take place alongside talks on medieval manuscripts and where to begin when it comes to accessibility.

Need a Little Help

Stratford Circus Arts Centre, London This piece of interactive theatre is based on the experiences of young carers. The show follows characters Joe and Ella – they are a great team and always help each other out. One morning Joe gets tangled up and Ella has to do things alone. The audience will help the performers to look after each other and ensure things don’t get too much for Ella.

The audience will step into the shoes of young carers and learn about their daily responsibilities.

DAD at Kingsmead Horses

Kingsmead Equestrian Centre, Warlingham Try something new this DAD with Kingsmead Equestrian Centre. The stables are giving six to 12-year-olds the opportunity to have a free taster ride with the horses. Older children and adults can also book by contacting the centre.

Kingsmead staff will be on hand to give a yard tour and talks to highlight the accessible services on offer at the centre. Staff at the centre have safe guarding training and specific training from Riding for the Disabled.

Use #AccessDay and #YouAndSomewhereNew on social media to share your experience if you are attending a DAD event

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25/02/2019 16:15

enable life

SCOTLAND Springtime Sensory Storytelling with Maureen Phillip

National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh Edinburgh’s National Gallery of Modern Art is welcoming the new, and hopefully warmer, season with storyteller Maureen Phillip. The fully inclusive multi-sensory event is open to people of all ages with learning disabilities along with their families, friends and carers.

Places for the afternoon event are limited. To book your place call 0131 624 6428 or email: enquiries@nationalgalleries.org

Visible Cinema: RCS Curates Deaf Shorts

Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow Glasgow Film Theatre and Glasgow Short Film Festival (GSFF) are taking part in DAD with movie screenings and a post-film discussion. Short films from the Deaf Shorts programme at Encounters Film Festival and open submissions to GSFF will be screened with captions or subtitles.

This will be followed by a discussion with director Louise Stern with integrated British Sign Language and Speech to Text Service.

Changing places This Disabled Access Day venues are being asked to support the roll-out of Changing Places facilities across the UK. Currently there are 1254 Changing Places facilities in the UK and around a quarter of a million people who require them.

A Changing Places facility is an accessible toilet with: height-adjustable changing bench; overhead track or mobile hoist; peninsular toilet; privacy screen; large bin; emergency alarm; paper roll; non-slip floor; and space for two carers.

Venues taking part in DAD are required to have their own Changing Places facility or be in close proximity to a public Changing Places facility.

For more information on the Changing Places campaign visit www.changing-places.org

For details and information on all of these events visit www.euansguide.com enablemagazine.co.uk

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spotlight

BREAKING BARRIERS WITH

Barbie B

arbie is a far cry from the disproportionate blonde she once was. In June Barbie will debut a doll with a prosthetic leg and another in a wheelchair to celebrate Barbie’s sixtieth year.

Mattel collaborated with 13-year-old Jordan Reeves to create the new dolls.

Jordan was born without a left forearm and has worked to change attitudes around physical differences from a young age.

When Barbie first contacted Jordan she was overjoyed, she says: “My dreams of having a doll with a limb difference were coming true.

“I explained what it is like to live with a limb difference and why people do and don’t use prosthetics.”

REPRESENT

The new dolls are part of parent company Mattel’s mission to make their toys more

It’s really important for typical kids to see disabilities in mainstream toys

For six decades Barbie has been idolised by children around the world. Now, the iconic doll is getting an inclusive upgrade

Jordan Reeves

representative of the children playing disabilities will mean kids won’t think with them. Barbie joins Lego and Disney twice when they see someone different Plush on a list of toys becoming on the playground or coming down disability inclusive. the street.”

“It’s good to see disabilities Wheelchair experts from included in mainstream toys UCLA Mattel Children’s The two new brands,” adds Jordan. “It Hospital helped design Barbie dolls will shows kids that they are a Barbie’s wheelchair, one be available from part of the world and that of the most requested June 2019 they matter.” accessories from fans. The This isn’t Mattel’s first wheelchair Barbie will use venture into disability is designed for a permanent representation: in 1997 Becky physical disability. was introduced.

A DreamHouse compatible ramp Labelled a friend of Barbie, wheelchair will be included and Barbie’s prosthetic user Becky was branded to appear limb can be removed for a more realistic different to her counterpart. Called play experience. a role model at the time, Becky was discontinued after reports that her EDUCATION wheelchair didn’t fit through the doors of Disabled people young and old will be some Barbie dollhouses. empowered by the two new Barbies. The Over 20 years later Barbie herself is a dolls will show disabled children that it wheelchair user, has a prosthetic and can is ok to be different while teaching all still access her DreamHouse. children that having a disability is not something to be fixed.

“A wheelchair and a prosthetic leg are COMMUNITY just the beginning,” adds Jordan. “I hope The effort to ensure the dolls reflect the we start seeing more toys that show realities of living with a disability has paid even more disabilities.” off. The new dolls have received praise The introduction of the two new dolls from the disabled community and people is a step towards ending the stigma around the world. around disability, but there is more to be “It’s really important for typical kids done. We can’t wait to see what Barbie to see disabilities in mainstream toys,” does next. explains Jordan. “I hope toys that show enablemagazine.co.uk

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2019:The year of para sport It’s an exciting time for sports fans around the UK, and 2019 promises to be another packed year. Running, swimming to tennis and skiing: we’re rounding up some of the most exciting Paralympic sport events happening this year, ahead of the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo WORLD PARA ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP

4 February – 21 March Locations worldwide Though it sounds fancy, all alpine skiing really means is skiing downhill, as opposed to cross-country. The good news is, if you want to get involved, you can head to your nearest dry slope to give it a try. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could make a weekend of it, and head to one of the UK’s many ski resorts including The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, or Glencoe Mountain Resort in Scotland.

Make sure to look out for Great British skier, Menna Fitzpatrick, as she hits the slopes at the World Cup.

WORLD PARA SWIMMING WORLD SERIES

15 February – 9 June Locations worldwide This year’s World Series will be the largest ever, being hosted across seven different cities, from Melbourne to Glasgow. Tickets for the Glasgow leg (25 – 28 April), which takes place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre, are available on the British Swimming website (www. britishswimming.org), and cost £34 for an adult, or £18 for a concession. Great Britain’s Louise Fiddes is the 2018 World Series champion, and will be back to defend her title.

WORLD PARA ATHLETICS GRAND PRIX

24 February – 30 August Locations worldwide The World Para Athletics Grand Prix is heading into its seventh year, with nine events scheduled across the next six months. The competition sports a wide range of events, meaning there’s something for everyone: from sprint and relay to high jump, shot put and javelin. On top of sports equipment, many Paralympic athletes use assistive devices, making athletics accessible to everyone. Many local athletics clubs have para-athletics facilities, including Gloucester Athletic Club (www.gloucesterac.co.uk) and Deeside Amateur Athletic Club (www.deesideathleticclub.com).

WORLD WHEELCHAIR CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 3 – 10 March Stirling, UK Taking place at the PEAK Sport’s Village in Stirling, the World Wheelchair Curling Championship is fast approaching. Keep an eye out for the Scottish team, consisting of David

Melrose, Robert McPherson, Hugh Nibloe, Aileen Neilson and Gary Logan.

Tickets start at a very reasonable £4 per session for round-robin games, £6 for the Saturday play-offs and £10 for the medal matches. For information on accessible seating, call 01786 473 544, and for more information, visit www.worldcurling.org/wwhcc2019

UCI PARA CYCLING TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

14 March – 15 September Locations worldwide The British cycling squad will head to Apeldoorn in the Netherlands from 14 – 17 March to compete at the Championships. Making the team is Dame Sarah Storey – Britain’s most successful female Paralympian – as well as Kadeena Cox, Jody Cundy, Neil Fachie, George Peasgood. You can get involved with para cycling, as there are clubs all over the UK, such as the Para-T Cycling Team, founded by Jody Cundy. The Great British Cycling Team has also set up hubs in Manchester, Nottingham, Glasgow, London, York and more, to ensure that those wanting to improve their cycling skills can do so.

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PIC: © AELTC_DILLON BRYDEN; ©LUC PERCIVAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett

Menna Fitzpatrick

Quad singles and doubles events are set to feature at Wimbledon 2019 For more information, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/ disabilityhubs

IWAS WHEELCHAIR FENCING WORLD CUP

21 March – 17 November Locations worldwide In 1960, wheelchair fencing made its Paralympic debut at the first ever Paralympic Games in Rome. Starting out with just three medal events, it has now progressed to 14, with 88 wheelchair fencers taking part at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. For more information about how you can get involved with wheelchair fencing, visit the British Disability Fencing website (www.britishdisabilityfencing.co.uk) or email info@BDFA.org.uk

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS AT WIMBLEDON

11 – 14 July London, England We all love to gather round the TV to watch Wimbledon in the summer, and this year will be no different. However,

one key change is coming to wheelchair tennis at Wimbledon in 2019: quad singles and doubles events will feature, meaning players with loss of function in one or more upper limbs will be able to compete. Keep an eye out for world number three and Paralympic silver medallist, Andy Lapthorne, who has been playing in the quad division since 2008. To find out where you can try wheelchair, deaf, visually impaired or learning disability tennis, visit www.tennisfoundation.org.uk

WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

25 August – 1 September Linz-Ottensheim, Austria Rowing first became a Paralympic sport at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, and ever since, it has only grown in popularity. Taking place on a scenic leg of the Danube river, the Rowing World Championships showcase some of the best Paralympic rowing talent in the world, with men’s, women’s and mixed races taking place across the week.

If you’re heading to watch the Para rowing, the venue is fully physically

accessible, but you can find out more about the accessibility features by emailing office@wrch2019.com. You can sign up to adaptive rowing by visiting the British Rowing website: www.britishrowing.org

IBSA BLIND FOOTBALL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

15 – 24 September Rome, Italy Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the beautiful game? Well, blind football is a great way for visually impaired people to get active and socialise.

There are a few slight adaptations to make the game more accessible, including a smaller ball which makes a noise, allowing players to locate it, and a five-a-side team. There are many blind football clubs across the country, including Swansea City Bravehearts, Cambridge United and Pompey Disability Football. Make sure to tune into the European Championships for some inspiration and see the professionals play. For more information, make sure to check out: www.britishblindsport.org.uk

For more information on all the Para sport events taking place this year, visit www.paralympic.org enablemagazine.co.uk

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The key to

KEEPING FIT

There is often an assumption that disabled people can’t participate in sports to stay healthy – that’s not the case. We look at the tools you need to keep fit, active, and healthy

A

common misconception that disabled people are unable to exercise has created barriers to accessible sport and knowledge on staying healthy.

Starting a strict diet or hitting the gym aren’t always a practical option for disabled people, but keeping fit is more than just lifting weights in the gym.

EXERCISE

It is recommended that adults get at least two and a half hours of exercise every week.

Regular exercise brings many benefits. It can help day-to-day problems like strains, muscle pain and balance issues. It is also scientifically proven to improve sleep.

Along with physical health, regular exercise benefits your mental health, too.

Exercising releases endorphins, your brain’s very own painkillers. This in turn reduces stress and wards off feelings of depression.

Joining a sports club or starting a new activity can also mean more social interaction and meeting new people who have similar life experiences to you.

ADAPTATIONS

Ever dreamed of taking up cycling, snow sports or gymnastics but haven’t because of your disability? As the conversation surrounding disability grows, more sports

are becoming adaptable.

It has long been known that some activities, like yoga, curling or swimming, are adaptable as well as being great for your health.

Now, more activities than ever can be adapted or have specific clubs for people with disabilities taken by a qualified instructor. Enquiring with your local club is the first step.

MOTIVATION

Once you find an activity that works for you and get into a routine keeping fit gets easier, but staying motivated can be challenging.

Setting personal goals is a great motivator and often means you progress faster.

Pushing yourself to try a new activity, get better at a certain exercise or just getting out and about are great starting points.

Choosing an activity you enjoy makes a big difference. There’s nothing wrong with some trial and error until you find the perfect fit: adaptive yoga or swimming aren’t for everyone.

Planning to exercise with a friend is a great motivator. In this instance you will be less likely to cancel because you are making a commitment to them as well as yourself.

STAYING ACTIVE WITH OTTOBOCK Keeping active should be comfortable as well as accessible. The Ottobock Sportsline running prosthesis are perfect to get moving again.

Great for running or playing sports such as basketball, netball or football, the Sportsline running prostheses are available for both adults and children. Something for all levels of ability, the range is suitable from beginner to high performance levels.

To learn more about the Ottobock Sportsline running range visit www.ottobock.co.uk

Always consult your GP before starting a new activity

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Search for accessible sports clubs near you on the Parasport website (www.parasport.org.uk)

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DANCE for Parkinson’s

Ahead of World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April, we’re investigating one of the most creative and confidenceboosting programmes out there, which helps people with the disease: dance

I

n the UK alone, there are around 145,000 people who have Parkinson’s, and it’s estimated that two people are diagnosed every hour.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, caused by a loss of nerve cells. The main symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness and slow movement. People living with Parkinson’s can experience fatigue and mental health issues associated with their physical symptoms.

RHYTHM

Proven to temporarily relieve symptoms, boost emotions and help socially, too, is dance.

Leading dance organisation, English National Ballet (ENB), has taken this on board, and is providing stimulating dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s.

Fleur Derbyshire-Fox is the engagement director at ENB. She started the classes which have been running since 2010.

“When you are close to someone who has Parkinson’s, you see just how much their world is changing and the risk of social isolation and loss of confidence,” explains Fleur. “I could see that English National Ballet could make a difference by extending our work in this way and in doing so, challenge public perceptions of Parkinson’s.”

PIC: © RACHEL CHERRY

“

Going to English National Ballet classes has changed my life

“

SELF-EXPRESSION

ENB’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme runs weekly classes in London, Oxford, Ipswich, Liverpool and Cardiff, as well as monthly classes at the Royal Albert Hall, which over 1,000 people attend. Scottish Ballet also runs their Dance for Parkinon’s Scotland programme in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Classes are based on ENB’s classical and contemporary repertoire, and aim to improve confidence, creativity, selfexpression and physical strength.

“The classes are for people living with Parkinson’s, their carers, family and friends, which creates a supportive and inclusive environment,” continues Fleur. “They’re structured like any other dance class, starting with a seated warm up, moving to the barre and then to the centre for creative work and ending with a cool down.

“There’s always joy and laughter filling the room and each session is followed by social time with tea and biscuits and plenty of conversation.”

CONFIDENCE

Alan Ferrett joined English National Ballet’s classes after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003.

“The class is a place where we can totally relax and be ourselves,” says Alan. “Dancing to live music is most exhilarating in the surroundings of a ballet company where you meet and know professional dancers. It makes one feel very special.”

Not only offering a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for participants to share their experiences and support each other, classes are also a place for the dancers to express themselves, and provide an escape from Parkinson’s.

“Going to English National Ballet classes has changed my life,” enthuses Alan. “The atmosphere is more like a club where everyone is upbeat and happy. I couldn’t do without it.”

Find out more about English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme at their website www.ballet.org.uk

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Celebrating

HER ABILITIES Her Abilities is the first global award honouring women with disabilities who have achieved greatness in their life and work

“The award

shines a light on disabled women achieving greatness around the world

T

he award, now in its second year, shines a light on disabled women achieving greatness around the world.

A celebration unlike any other: it is the first global award of its kind.

INSPIRATION

Disability organisation Light for the World founded the award, with blind disability rights activist Yetnebersh Nigussie as a key spokesperson for Her Abilities.

Yetnebersh is an Ethiopian lawyer and has dedicated her life and career to making education, health and livelihood inclusive for people with disabilities.

She was inspired to champion an initiative that celebrates women with disabilities who have achieved amazing things after she herself received recognition from other organisations.

In 2017 Yetnebersh won the Right Livelihood Award, an award that recognises those who offer answers to the most urgent challenges in the world today.

The next year, in 2018, Yetnebersh went onto win the Spirit of Helen Keller Award in 2018. Helen Keller International is dedicated to saving and improving the sight of vulnerable people around the world.

CATEGORIES

NOMINATIONS

Split into three categories: health and This year (2019) will mark the second education; arts, culture and sports; year of the Her Abilities Award. and rights, the Her Ability Award sees Nominations for all categories open one winner chosen for each category on 8 March. Anyone can nominate annually. someone for the award apart from In 2018 stories of members of the jury. inspirational women were In order to be nominated sent to the jury who chose you must be a disabled Nominations three female role models woman, over the age of for this year’s to be awarded.

18 and fit into one of the Toyin Janet Aderemi three categories. Each awards open on received the award for category is based on the 8 March 2019 health and education impact, recognition and for being an advocate for relevance of a nominees’ sexual and reproductive work. health. This issue is especially A jury then judges each important for people with disabilities award, made up of female role models due to a lack of information available on with and without disabilities. the topic.

In 2018 the jury included the Bangladesh native Ashrafun Nahar first President of the Paralympic received the rights award for being Committee, Farida Gulamo, Director involved in the creation of a number of of the disability rights division at organisations focusing on empowering Human Rights Watch in the USA, disabled women and addressing issues Shanta Ru Barriga, along with eight such as gender-based violence. other inspirational women. In 2019, Zambian filmmaker Musola Cathrine who would you nominate?

Kaseketi received the arts, culture and sports award. Musola is the country’s FOR MORE INFORMATION first female professional film director and has long been an advocate for improving the lives of women with disabilities.

To learn more about the award or to enter a nomination visit, www.her-abilities-award.org

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thediary MARCH 21 MARCH KIDZ TO ADULTZ MIDDLE

Ricoh Arena, Coventry www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk This year marks 10 years of Kidz to Adultz Middle. Held

by Disabled Living, the free conference is an essential day out for people with a disability, their families, carers and professionals who support them. More than 120 exhibitors will be on hand to offer advice and information on mobility, communication, education and more. A full seminar programme will run at the event alongside a free CPD programme suitable for professionals and parents.

enable life

All the latest events in March and April

21 MARCH WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY (WDSD) GLOBAL VIDEO EVENT

Worldwide www.worlddownsyndromeday2.org

To mark WDSD, Down Syndrome International are teaming up with Down TV (www.downtv.org) to create a global meeting point. This year’s call to action is #LeaveNoOneBehind. The campaign aims to tackle negative attitudes about the potential of people with Down’s syndrome.

People with Down’s syndrome, their friends and families are invited to create a video about why this is important and submit it to Down TV. On WDSD videos from around the world will be available to view, spreading information on the barriers against equal opportunities.

26-27 MARCH NAIDEX

NEC, Birmingham www.naidex.co.uk

APRIL 6 APRIL SPECTRUM NIGHT WALKS

London, Manchester, Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff www.autism.org.uk Join hundreds of other National Autistic Society (NAS) supporters as you walk through the night in your closest city. NAS Spectrum Night Walks take place in five cities throughout the UK every year with the option to complete a five, 10 or 15 kilometre walk solo or in a team.

By signing up to take part in a Night Walk you are playing a part in transforming the lives of autistic people and helping to challenge public perceptions of autism. Autistic people, their families, friends or anyone else can take part.

Naidex is the largest trade, professional and public event in Europe dedicated to the care and lifestyle of disabled people. For its 45th year, Naidex will focus on the future of inclusion, accessibility, empowerment and efficiency. Over 350 exhibitors, a live sports arena, and more will be available under one roof. The free event will feature 250 seminars and world-class CPD opportunities.

Naidex is an essential day out for healthcare professionals, disabled people and those who live and work with disability. Make sure to see us at stand N12104.

24 APRIL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ADAPTATION SHOW

Leeds www.otac.org.uk

After 10 successful events in 2018 the Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference is back with nine events in 2019. The free event showcases the latest equipment and adaptation guidance to further the knowledge of OTs. There will be a host of exhibitors on the day, a range of seminars, workshops and a moving and handling theatre. Seminar topics include the do’s and don’ts of ceiling hoists and carrying out practical assessments for home adaptations.

If you have any events coming up in May and June, email us at diary@enablemagazine.co.uk with the details for inclusion in next issue’s diary enablemagazine.co.uk

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enable employment

SUPPORTING

Stress

in the

Work is a central part of our lives, and is often the place we spend most of our time. In this case, what can we do when the workplace begins to be the root of your stress?

Workplace

I

n 2018, work-related stress and mental ill health accounted for over half of work absences.

A total of 15.4 million working days were lost as a result, equating to 57.3 per cent of all work absences due to ill health.

It’s estimated that UK workers spend over 82,000 hours at work throughout their lifetime. Combine this with the fact that mental health is having such an enormous impact on people’s ability to do their job, it would be an evident assumption that more employers would be making mental health training and awareness a priority.

Yet of the employees phoning in sick

with stress, 95 per cent feel the need to give a different reason for their absence.

“There can be nuances that come with mental illness that can mean it’s not always easy to admit to being unwell,” explains Mark Winstanley, CEO at Rethink Mental Illness.

“A perceived fear of negative repercussions from colleagues, being seen as weak or flaky. There can also be a personal stigma that stops people asking for help. No matter the reason, it often means that members of staff come to work when they reasonably shouldn’t be there.”

STIGMA

Despite the fact that a spotlight is

currently being shone on mental health in the public eye, there is still a stigma present in the workplace.

Phil Merrison experienced mental health issues, which accumulated as a result of stress and anxiety at work.

“There was a lot of peer pressure.

I was being almost bullied by an immediate manager who would criticise my work, threaten to sack me, undermine me and just slowly eroded away at my confidence,” explains Phil.

“To counter that, I tried to work harder and harder to pacify him, to such an extent that it became unsustainable and I ended up having to take time off work.”

As a result of his experience, Phil left his job and took some time out:

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enable employment he’s since completed an ironman triathlon in aid of Rethink. He also created A Platform to Talk (APTT), a company that aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in his old line of work – the petrochemical industry – which is a male-dominated sector.

“Historically, men don’t like to talk about their emotions, so I felt there was a definite need to raise the profile of mental health,” says Phil. “I set up A Platform to Talk to deliver different types of mental health training programmes to companies and organisations.”

APTT supports employers by improving mental health policies, holding awareness courses for employees and providing training to management on mental health, mental resilience and suicide prevention.

CARE

Employers have a duty of care to their employees, which includes looking after their mental health. But, not only this: it’s estimated that the cost of absences caused by mental ill health amounts to an average of £1,035 per employee per year.

“There are genuine economic benefits to businesses taking care of their employee’s mental health,” explains Mark. “Something as simple as promoting an environment where people don’t have to hide how they’re feeling can be extremely beneficial: it can be the difference between an employee working themselves into long term sickness, or an issue being nipped in the bud before it becomes something more serious. If you support your staff, you’re more likely to be repaid with loyalty and people willing to go the extra mile.”

Mental health charity Time to Change

encourages companies to appoint an Employee Champion: someone within the company pushing for positive changes of attitudes towards mental health, actively tackling the stigma and discovering how they can improve wellbeing among fellow employees.

Employee Champions pledge to start open discussions with colleagues about mental health, and also organise workshops and activities to ensure everyone feels comfortable at work.

They also act as a point of contact for any colleagues who are feeling under pressure, and can act as support when addressing the issue with a manager or supervisor.

Phil Merrison

RESOURCES

Prince William recently launched the Mental Health at Work website, which provides employers and staff members with resources to address policies and start a conversation at work.

Finding the right resources is half the battle, but many believe employers need to be doing more to lead the way in mental health training and support their employees.

“There’s not enough awareness about mental health, we don’t talk about it enough and there’s still a stigma around it because people don’t understand it,” says Phil. “We need to normalise and raise the profile of mental health, not just in the workplace, but in everyday life, too.”

It’s perfectly normal to feel a little stressed about work: in fact, according to Rethink, small levels of stress can even be healthy. But what’s not healthy, is letting it build up until you’re not able to cope anymore, and that’s when you should feel able to approach your employer with the issues you’re having.

“Talk to somebody, whether that’s family, friends, a GP, supervisors,”

We need to normalise and raise the profile of mental health

urges Phil. “Don’t allow the problems to mount up; a problem shared is a problem halved. The sooner you can identify these problems, the better.

Don’t be afraid to open up, there is help and assistance out there.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

A Platform to Talk www.aplatformtotalk.co.uk Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org Time to Change www.time-to-change.org.uk

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enable employment

UNDERSTANDING

ACCESS TO WORK Finding work can often come with extra costs for people with a disability.

The Access to Work Scheme helps disabled people get into, and stay in, employment

E

xtra costs of looking for jobs and working with a disability can often be off-putting or cause stress. Access to Work is a fund for people with a disability or long-term health condition to help cover the costs of getting into, travelling to, and staying in employment.

The fund applies to any job, not just full-time work with an employer. This includes part-time work, temporary work, work trials, apprenticeships, work experience and self-employment.

You can apply if you are already in employment or are starting a job in the next six weeks.

APPLICATION To be eligible for the grant you have to be 16 or over, have a condition or impairment that affects your ability to do your job and be in or about to start paid work. People living in England, Scotland or Wales can apply for Access to Work.

The grant isn’t available for costs associated with voluntary work; and other benefits like Employment and Support Allowance can affect your eligibility. The best way to check if you are eligible for funding is online.

If you are eligible, you can apply for Access to Work online or by phone.

For either method you will have to provide the address of your workplace, a workplace contact who can authorise your payments and their details. If you are self-employed you will need your tax

reference number to apply.

During the application process you will be asked to explain how your condition affects you at work or getting to work.

You will also have to disclose what help you are already getting and what else could help you.

Speaking with your employer about reasonable adjustments before you apply can be helpful.

Applications in alternative formats, such as braille or large print, can be requested by calling the Access to Work number.

After you have applied, an Access to Work adviser will contact you or your employer to discuss what could help you at work. An assessor might visit your workplace to better assess your needs.

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enable employment

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT There are many benefits for employees receiving Access to Work.

If your application is successful, one of the main benefits is that the money you are awarded doesn’t have to be paid back like a loan.

The support you are offered will also be specific to your needs and job.

Help covering the costs of practical support in the workplace, the cost of getting to and from work or the cost of travelling while you are at work are all covered in the grant.

Practical support could include adaptations to equipment, special equipment and software, taxi fares to work and more. If you require a British Sign Language interpreter, support worker or job coach: this is covered alongside disability awareness training for your colleagues.

An Access to Work grant won’t cover reasonable adjustments that your employer is required to pay for to ensure you have adaptations to help you succeed in your role. However, employers have to honour reasonable adjustments.

Access to Work does not provide support independently, but reimburses the cost of the support required to you or your employer

EMPLOYER BENEFIT Access to Work is an example of a good employment practice.

Having good employment policies and practices can help show that you value and support your employees and their health.

While there are many benefits for disabled employees receiving support from Access to Work, there are also benefits for employers.

The grant goes beyond the reasonable adjustments you are required to provide under the Equality Act 2010 as an employer.

The practical support offered through Access to Work, like a BSL interpreter for a job interview, can help employers hire disabled people who have the skills required for a position.

The funding can also cover

disability awareness training for other employees.

If an existing employee develops a disability or long-term health condition, this support could help employers retain an important individual in the team.

This saves both time and money recruiting a replacement and keeps their valuable skills in the company.

Similarly, if an employee has a mental health condition, they will be offered help to develop a support plan through the Mental Health Support Service (MHSS).

This can include supporting them to remain or return to work.

The MHSS can also give employers guidance to help them understand mental ill health and how they can support their employees.

FUNDING During 2018 new funding for the Access to Work grant was announced. Access to Work will now encompass new elements to support individuals under the current Work Choice employment programme, which ends in March 2019.

Businesses that are currently supported under the Work Choice employment programme will receive an extra £5,000 a year from Access to Work for each individual in a Work Choice Protected Place from April of this year.

The increased funding will cover existing employees, but also enable businesses to employ more disabled people. A total of over 2,000 disabled people across England, Scotland and Wales will be able to access support in employment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Access to Work visit www.gov.uk or call 0800 121 7479

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enable voices

The trip of a lifetime Travelling the world and seeing new sights is one of life’s great pleasures, but accessibility can hold disabled travellers back from planning their worldly adventures. One group of friends wanted to challenge this idea, and ended up on the journey of a lifetime

K

evan Chandler was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that weakens muscles, and causes them to degenerate over time.

Determined not to let his condition hold him back from amazing experiences, with the help of some friends, Kevan decided to take a leap and backpack – literally – around Europe.

PLANNING

It all started with a visit to the local sewer.

“My friend Tom wanted to explore the sewers in our hometown, and he wanted me to come,” explains Kevan. “So, we made a very makeshift backpack for him and three other guys to carry me in, and we did it. It was after this little adventure that we started asking ‘what’s next?’”

Realising that many of the sights they wanted to visit in Europe were not wheelchair accessible, the crew set about designing a bespoke backpack for Kevan to be carried in. Three friends would share the responsibility of carrying, while the other two would film their adventures.

Taking a leap of faith, they left Kevan’s wheelchair at the airport in Atlanta, with only a back-up backpack, in case of an emergency.

and you’ve got a crew that’s willing, the world becomes accessible.”

Kevan’s adventures not only provided him with the trip of a lifetime, but also inspired him to write his latest book: We Carry Kevan: Six Friends. Three Countries.

No Wheelchair.

“We’ve heard some wonderful stories these past few years,” says Kevan. “It’s encouraging and humbling to see how our story has inspired folks to step out, in both the disabled community as well as the non-disabled. My hope is that we can inspire people to rethink accessibility, not just in some big travels and crazy adventures, but in everyday life.”

ADVICE

It’s normal to have worries about accessibility when planning your next trip abroad, but don’t let your reservations hold you back – your next holiday could be your biggest adventure yet!

“Go for it,” urges Kevan. “And don’t go alone. Invite others into it, for your sake and theirs. It might be tough, but I promise, you’ll have an adventure in the process. Whatever your dream might be, no matter how big your TV or vivid your imagination is, it’s better in person.”

Kevan’s book, We Carry Kevan: Six Friends. Three Countries. No Wheelchair. is available from 23 April 2019.

SUPPORT

“Travelling with my friends, we all work together and get creative,” enthuses Kevan. “We have yet to meet an obstacle we couldn’t conquer. When you’re willing to think outside the box, take a few risks,

“

It might be tough, but I promise, you’ll have an adventure in the process

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