Disabled Living's September Newsletter 2019 by Disabled Living

Disabled Living Newsletter

has been healthcare the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. en Awards.

September 2019

CHANNEL 4 WANT YOU Calling all crafty creatives

PREPARING A CHILD FOR AN ASSESSMENT FOR EQUIPMENT FOR ADAPTATIONS TRAVELLING ABROAD WITH A TUBIE Top tips

WRITING SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATIONS Get Grants will show you how

NEW 'CLASSIFIED ADS'

Charity number: 224742

BUMPER EDITION

In the Dock with an Expert Witness - Book Now!

There are different scenarios which could end up with someone being summonsed as a witness. Whether it is a Coroner's Court or a civil negligence case this workshop will help you to understand what will be required and how to improve your practice so that a court appearance will be less intimidating. Using real life scenarios, expert witnesses and solicitors will lead you through the process and highlight areas you can improve and share good practice in. On this interactive day you will work on a project which culminates in you appearing in the dock in front of a Judge and Jury. Find out how to protect yourself in your reporting and recording at work, what your responsibilities are and how to be confident in your work and not be afraid of being taken to court. Date: Thursday 10th October 2019 Cost: ÂŁ65 + VAT (includes lunch & refreshments) Venue: Redbank House, Manchester

Click here for more information

Watch our new video here

Explore Our Key Features

Moving and Handling - Update for Trainers course...….........…………...…...……......……...…..........4 Disabled people and transportation...…...…….........…...……......….................................................5 Calling all crafty creatives...………......…….…......…….…......…….…......…….…......…….…......……......7 Benefits of technology for older people...………………...…………...……………………….......................8 Writing successful grant applications...…......……...……...............……......………….........……..…….11 Travelling with a Tubie…….........................................................................................................13 Jonathan's story about not being able to speak to communicate......………….………………..........16 4th edition of the Kidz to Adultz Magazine.........………...………......……….........….........................19 Accessible parks and attractions in the UK...…………...…………......…......…............………...…..….23 New classified ads...……………………………………………………………………………………………………....26

The following suppliers have recently joined the Disabled Living Supplier Directory...

Moving and Handling - Update for Trainers Have you updated your training delivery? Do you know the latest information and professional guidance available for your Moving and Handling training? Are you aware of recent legal cases which you can use to refresh and update the training you deliver?

This interactive training day will help you reflect how you train and assess learners. Offering a participative theoretical and practical session each delegate will achieve satisfaction that they have updated and consolidated their knowledge and skills related to their work. A wide range of topics can be included in the course which uses relevant legislation and current guidance, equipment and techniques.

Content Review of Law, Guidance and Legal Cases Law, guidance and legal case up-date: whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Assess implications of changes Review of Safe Manual Handling Principles and Techniques Practical Demonstration and Practical Workshops

Dates 19th September 2019 9th October 2019 Presenter: Elizabeth Hallows Chartered Physiotherapist MCSP LPC (Back Care Management) Target Group: Moving and Handling trainers and advisors. Cost: ÂŁ95 plus VAT - includes light lunch and refreshments Venue: Disabled Living, Burrows House, Worsley, M28 2LY

For more information click here

Individual bookings and bespoke group bookings for your organisation taken for this course

Disabled People and Transportation

Disabled people face considerable challenges when it comes to getting around on public transport, according to several pieces of new research. One in four disabled people say negative attitudes from other passengers prevent them from using public transport, while 40 per cent often experience issues or difficulties when travelling by train in the UK, a study from disability equality charity Scope has found. Its Independent. Confident. Connected report included findings based on interviews with 2,000 UK working age adults with long-term impairments or conditions. “I can’t just travel spontaneously; there are long waits at train stations,” said one wheelchair user. “Having been assured at one station that they have notified my destination of my arrival time, I often arrive to find there are no staff there to assist me.” A. P. who is blind, said: “I travel daily on the trains, tubes and buses around London with my guide dog and two-year-old son, confident that I can get the support I need to get to where I need to go. “But a negative experience can knock that confidence easily. Travel shouldn’t be a barrier to independence. All transport companies provide help for those that need it, but it’s often not well known, or the service isn't consistent enough or

flexible enough to adapt to the needs of disabled people.” Meanwhile, accessibility awareness is also a major issue. User experience agency Sigma investigated the user-friendliness of public spaces, transport hubs and leisure venues for disabled people by submitting two accessibility requests – one for a person in a wheelchair and another for somebody with autism – to 132 different organisations. These included airports, train operators, music venues, sports stadiums, hotels and cinemas. Only 46 per cent of organisations responded to the disabled access request from somebody in a wheelchair – this number dropped to 33 per cent when it came to the request for someone with autism.

Some 27 per cent of venues also gave generic responses to requests that would only be suitable for a physically impaired person, without understanding the difference between physical and cognitive conditions. “In our experience, most companies want to do more – but have not made their accessibility policy or staff awareness a priority,” says Hilary Stephenson, managing director at Sigma. “However, the commercial benefits of providing full access are clear. It is estimated that thousands of businesses could be turning away the custom of as many as one in five people by being inaccessible to people of ranging abilities or conditions; a loss of £212bn.” Problems aren’t confined to trains and buses either, as highlighted by disability activist and postgraduate student Bal Deol. Since she steered a campaign to ensure taxis couldn’t refuse to pick up wheelchair users, she says she’s been “blacklisted” by local cab companies in Stoke on Trent. “Taxi drivers overcharging or refusing to take people like me prevents wheelchair users from living life with the same level of freedom as nondisabled people. “Last week I was quoted £35 by one taxi driver and £10 by another on the same taxi rank – the disparity is shocking and has obvious financial implications. I have previously been quoted £55 for a one-mile journey after a night out when the going rate for that trip is only £10 for everybody else.”

James Taylor, head of policy and public affairs at Scope, said: “From airports to buses, we’ve heard too many horror stories of disabled people let down by poor infrastructure, bad service, or being treated as an afterthought. This urgently needs to change. “A genuinely inclusive transport network would allow disabled people to be part of their community, work, and see family and friends. This is where Driving Miss Daisy comes in. A nationwide and fast growing Driving and Companion Service who focus on assisting anyone with additional support needs. Their aim is to help you live your life your way by enabling you to get out and about easily with a friendly companion and transportation service. Whether its social outings, day trips, getting on holiday, assisted shopping, appointments (hospital, hairdresser, doctor) , getting to weddings, funerals or other family events Driving Miss Daisy can help. The vehicles are wheelchair accessible and all their drivers are Private hire licensed, first aid trained, DBS checked, trained on special handling and wheelchair handling and Dementia Friends. To find out more just call 0333 014 6211.

Driving Miss Daisy www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk

Benefits of Technology for Older People

‘Technology is only beneficial if it is accessible to the user’. Over the years, companies have worked harder than ever to ensure that anyone can use their products. In the past, the elderly and disabled have had reason to believe that technology was out of their reach. For some, it was because there weren’t features that could assist them. For others, it was because there was a lack of understanding as to how the use of technology could benefit them. Fortunately, there are now some admirable pieces of technology for disabled people that are easier to use than ever. When talking about using technology to assist disabled people, there’s a whole range of products to consider. There are mobile phones on the market that can help people with a variety of disabilities and there are computer keyboards that anyone can use. Vast advancements have been made to ensure that no member of society feels unable to use technology. There are so many pieces of technology that benefit people with completely different requirements. The key to success is having the right technology for each individual. Here are just some ways disabled people can benefit from technology. Digital assistants There has been an increased use of digital assistants in homes throughout the UK.

These ‘assistants’ answer to the names of Siri, Alexa, and Cortana. They are voice controlled devices that have been designed to lighten the workload of an individual. They are programmed to become more intuitive over time as they become used to different commands that they are presented with. By being voice activated, users with physical disabilities can find themselves some ease. These devices can control lights, televisions, and more. According to Helping Hands, they will never be able to replace the human touch of carer but they can be a very valuable home assistant. Ergonomic keyboards Communication is incredibly important regardless of the level of disability. Everyone needs to feel connected. There are so many different platforms available for staying in touch.

Everyday tasks When the everyday life of someone is made easier, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to argue against the benefits of technology. Computers, for example, have enabled users with limited mobility to shop online

Mobile phones allow people to speak to each other but laptops and computers enable users to stay in touch over email or video calls. For some, however, typing proves to be an impossibility. Suffers with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) have been excluded from using an accessible keyboard. Fortunately, there are fantastic alternatives. PCD Maltron have available a brilliant ergonomic keyboard that allow users to feel relief while on the computer. Smartphone apps There are enormous amounts of apps available to use on mobile phones. With mobile phones that are accessible to people with disabilities, there is an array of assistance available. There are apps that can be used to remind people to take their medication or to highlight when their next doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment it. Wheelmap shows all of the wheelchair accessible places in the world and HearYouNow amplifies sounds so that conversations can be heard more clearly. Perhaps even more impressive, there is an app called MagicCarpet, enabling users with the counterpart software to engage with interactive displays and learn in unique ways. BEMyEyes is an app that connects visually impaired users to volunteer helpers who can aid with everyday tasks. The magnitude of apps available to use ensures that there is something for everyone..

They can now reorder medication and medical supplies and have it delivered directly to their door. If users have limited eyesight, there are fantastic products that can ensure that they have the same experiences. VisionAid have created desktop magnifiers and extendable monitor arms to combat the issue. There is software that reads text from the screen for people who suffer with dyslexia. Technology can give disabled people greater autonomy over daily life because online technologies are more accessible than the realworld alternatives. Medical assistance Technology is pivotal in modern times to assist with medical issues. There are many practical reasons for someone with recurring health problems to get used to a mobile phone or laptop. Connecting with health professionals via email enables people with disabilities lessen their dependence on others. Most mobile phones come with health trackers (Google Fit and Apple Health). However, there are more sophisticated apps that can help with harder to manage illnesses. Qardio have created a smart blood pressure monitor that connects to your mobile phone. For disabled people with limited movement, this technological advancement ensures independence and gives the option to take charge of a difficult situation. People with a disability should not feel excluded or left behind when it comes to technology. Find the most suitable options and with practice, the benefits can be bountiful.

Leanne White Guest contributor on Disabled Living's blog www.disabledliving.co.uk/blog/benefits-of-technology-for-disabled-people

Grants for Organisations Disabled Living has knowledge of a wide range of charities who provide grants to organisations. Each month we will highlight new funding opportunities.

Our financial giving programme is aimed at supporting projects, activities and organisations that have charitable aims and will be of real direct benefit to families. The support we provide should reach charities and organisations delivering work that aligns to our priorities and has a direct and tangible impact.

We aim to transform communities, improving lives now and in the future. As a charitable corporate foundation, we give independent grants and support locally relevant projects throughout the UK. Whether its helping, charities, local good causes or community activity, all make a real difference to your local community.

Click here for more information.

The Morrisons Foundation supports charities making a positive difference in local communities across England, Scotland and Wales. We award grants for charity projects and match fund the money that Morrisons colleagues raise for their chosen charities.

The CLA Charitable Trust supports projects that promote and provide facilities for the disadvantaged and disabled to access the countryside. Previous awards have been made to a Riding for the Disabled group and special schools for residential weeks on working farms.

Click here for more information.

Disabled Living Equipz Team 0161 607 8200

Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk

Grants for Individuals Disabled Living has access via the Directory of Social Change to over 1,500 charities who provide grants to children and adults. The grants may range from £10 food vouchers to larger contributions including grants for domestic items such as washing machines, wheelchairs and housing adaptations. Via the Equipz helpline we may be able to assist you or your clients to access funds which may be available from: • General Charities • Livery Companies, Orders and Membership Organisations • Armed Forces Charities • Occupational Charities • Charities by Beneficiary • Illness and Disability Charities

The Douglas Bader Foundation exists to support individuals who are without one or more limbs. The grant scheme provides practical support for individuals to reach their goals - these may be varied - from education, sport, art to a small business. Click here for more information.

Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country. Click here for more information.

The Carers Trust currently has a grant fund open for individual adult carers, aged 16+. Carers may be able to apply for grants of up to £300 for items or activities that will benefit them in their caring role.

Trefoil exists to support the development of children and young people with additional needs, to enable them to maximise their capabilities and achieve as much independence as possible.

Click here for more information.

Disabled Living Equipz Team 0161 607 8200

Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk

Travelling with a Tubie

Since having our daughter who is tube fed, we can not just get up and leave. Pre-planning is key! Below are some tips that made our summer travels a little easier this year. 1. Several Homecare providers offer export services. This depends on which country you are travelling to and they require 6 weeks notice. You will also need to liaise with the hotel to make them aware of the shipment. 2. Arrange getting an additional pump, charger and an extra button replacement (if latter applies), to tide you over. The last thing you need is a pump machine or charger dying on you, in addition to a button breaking while you are out there! 3. Going through security checks can be a pain especially if your loved one is connected to a feeding pump. More so, if the pump starts beeping! 4. PINNT charity offer tags free of charge to put on your pump rucksack. The tag can be scanned ensuring security that its a genuine medical equipment. 5. If you use a special needs buggy that does not look as obvious as a wheelchair, Starkidworks have special needs pram tags and Medical Equipment Inside Handle with Care tags for luggage from £4.99. on www.starkid.works 6. Speak to the airline to request additional medical baggage weight and special assistance. 7. Ask your GP to provide you with a medical letter stating meds and equipment you will need to have with you. 8. Research the nearest hospital to location you are going to. Always good to have as a plan B incase its needed. We hope you have found these tips useful for your future travels. Please visit www.tubiekids.co.uk for more information.

Zayne, Co-Founder of Tubie Kids, mum to the cutie with a tubie “Little Karma”

Oska Bright Film Festival For Kids 5+ Oska Bright Film Festival is the world's biggest celebration of short films made by and featuring people with learning disabilities. This year's programme includes Under The Sea, a special morning for children 5+. Were showing films all about the sea and seaside with playful activities led by our learning disabled team. Our Under The Sea screening will have a relaxed environment, low volume, arts activities, soft lighting and a rolling films screening. Join us for an hour of film fun in a friendly and accessible venue at the seaside in Hove! Saturday 26th October at 10.00am or 11.30am Tickets are ÂŁ2.50 per person Children 5+ must be accompanied by an adult. Full details and booking https://oskabright.org/obff19-under-the-sea www.carousel.org.uk

The Impact of Changes to Disabled Students' Allowance My name is Stephanie Headon and I am a doctoral student researching the impact of the changes to Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in English Higher Education Providers. I would very much like to speak with students about whether the changes to DSA have impacted them at all. I am seeking both people to interview and questionnaire completion. This is the link to my questionnaire: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/H9YKZ72

Alternatively, if people would be happy to take part in an interview, and share their story, please contact directly on my email stephkelly29@hotmail.com

IT'S FREE!

Kidz to Adultz North Thursday 14th November 2019 9.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.30pm EventCity, Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AS

180+ EXHIBITORS FREE CPD SEMINARS CHILDREN WELCOME

One of the largest events supporting children & young adults up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and the professionals who support them.

#kidztoadultz Kidz to Adultz is a trademark registered to Disabled Living, Manchester. Established in 1897, Disabled Living, Charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Registered Charity Number 224742.

Jonathan’s Story About Not Being Able to Speak to Communicate

Can you imagine not being able to speak to communicate? The silence, the loneliness, the pain. Inside you disappear to magical places, but most of the time remain imprisoned within the isolation. Waiting, longing, hoping. Until someone realises you potential and discovers your key, so your unlocking can begin. Now you are free, flying like a wild bird in the open sky. A voice for the voiceless. This is me, and this is my story. When I entered the education system I was labelled as having Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). I was enrolled at a Special School. At first I enjoyed my time, making new friends and having fun with my lovely teacher – who made lessons engaging, varied and entertaining. Once a week, I attended my local primary school where I joined in with my able bodied peers for the afternoon. That first academic year set a foundation of friendship, forming the basis for my self-esteem; and belief that I can meaningfully join in with peers, despite my physical disabilities. Entering year one I was looking forward to learning more, but instead I found my learning stagnate at a preschool level. For example, during literacy the teacher would read us an oversized toddler book with occasional flashes of the pictures, whilst we

were given objects to feel. How was I going to learn to read without access to text? Outwardly I looked vacantly stupid (giving credence to the idea that academically there was very little going on for me); inwardly I was amusing myself lost in my own thoughts. Meanwhile, I was increasingly enjoying my afternoon at the local primary and the learning I was joining them for. During the summer of Year 2 Marion Stanton, an AAC literacy specialist, suggested to my mother that she should try to teach me, and so at the start of year 3, I was taken out of my Special School for an hour a day to be taught, by my mother, to read, write and do basic maths. During the previous summer I had done some work on basic phonics at home using an eye gaze computer. It was frustrating because the computer couldn’t read my eyes very well, but my mother and carers could using an etran frame – my access to learning was found!

My story of learning to read and write should not be unique. For this reason, I have set up my charity, Teach Us Too envisaging a world where all children are taught to read and write regardless of their educational label. Because labels should help educational practitioners understand the kind of barriers to learning a pupil will face, and the interventions that will help to overcome those barriers; but labels should never be an excuse not to teach children to read and write.

Initially, the progress was slow, but thankfully, the advice my mother was given, resulted in her making the lessons more challenging and I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t looked back since. By year 5, two years after I started literacy and numeracy lessons at home, I had caught up with my peers and went on the roll of my local primary school. Now I am entering year 9 at my local mainstream secondary school studying English, maths and science. Being able to read and write has totally transformed my life. As a non-verbal child, I can now communicate exactly what I want to say, my relationships have been renewed as I can hold conversations with family and friends, and there is new life in my free time!

Whilst the vision behind Teach Us Too is my passion, my love is writing: prose and especially poetry. Last year these two amalgamated when my memoir Eye Can Write was published, with my share of the profits going to my charity. Sharing my story in the hope that it will change the stories of children like me. Jonathan has a book which is available on Amazon and all good book stores. Find out more via: http://bit.ly/EyeCanWriteBook Facebook: Eye Can Talk Twitter: @eyecantalk

Jonathan Bryan Eye Can Talk www.eyecantalk.net

Share your story on Disabled Living's blog Disabled Living are listed as in the 'Top 10 Disability Blogs' via Feedspot. We are always looking to hear about new stories to share across our blogs: Disabled Living, Bladder & Bowel UK, Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions and Redbank House.

For more information please email: Natasha.bolger@disabledliving.co.uk

The New Edition of the Clinician's Seating Handbook A new edition of Martina Tierney OT's famous Handbook, used the world over, has just been launched. This useful, clinical resource contains advice and clinical research to assist you in the prescription and use of clinical, therapeutic seating. Further your knowledge on clinical seating provisions and request your copy today! Each book contains the following: Providing practical tips on performing seating assessments Your go-to guide for supporting various spinal presentations An extended guide to seating bariatric and paediatric patients Information on the new staging guidelines for pressure injuries Expanded, detailed patient case studies

Request your free copy here

4th Edition of Kidz to Adultz Magazine

The 4th edition of our Kidz to Adultz Magazine is now live online! The 44 pages are packed with interesting articles including: Olly Murs and Brainwave Charles Dickens Charity Link 24 Hour Postural Care ÂŁ18M Centre Opens Employing Personal Assistants Bedtime Worry-Free for Summer From School to Award Winner 70 Years of Life-Changing Work

Take a look at the new magazine via: https://issuu.com/disabledliving/docs/kidz_to_adultz_magazine _4th_issue?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ You can also access the magazine via our Kidz Exhibitions website: www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

Kidz to Adultz North Our next event is...

Thursday 14th November 2019 9.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.30pm EventCity, Barton Dock Road Manchester M17 8AS

Visit our website for more information: www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk/kidz-north

The British Disabled Waterski and Wakeboard Association

The British Disabled Waterski and Wakeboard Association is a national charity with its headquarters at Heron Lake situated near Staines where we have been successfully teaching people with all types of disability to water ski for the past 39 years.

All our full members are people with disabilities and all our helpers are volunteers except for a summer season manager/driver and a part time office administrator. We receive no regular grants and are supported by donations and the charges we make to our members and users. The thing which we all learn very quickly is how beneficial it is for people with absolutely any type of disability to water ski. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a water sport that with our special equipment and teaching techniques can be taught rapidly and then to see the almost immediate change in mental outlook of those learning is incredibly rewarding. People who have thought that such an exciting sport was not possible find their confidence boosted immediately and within a day or two their whole outlook to life changes from feeling deprived to one of confidence that they are capable of tackling pretty well anything else they thought

beyond their reach. With a variety of equipment we can get any one out on the water. Many of our full members are wheel chair users as a result of either injury or illness and for them we use large skis with frames for the hips to fit in so that they are seated skiers. For those with a loss of limbs we can usually find a way for conventional stand up skiing. Those who are totally blind take no longer to learn than sighted people because of our teaching methods. After all itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a uniform surface with no obstructions. During the week we get many disabled groups who are often children with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Downs syndrome and learning difficulties. Depending on their individual abilities they may have exciting rides on inflatable devices or be taught to ski. The point is we have something for everyone.

Thirdly we always need financial help. We very much welcome visitors when we have busy days who can then see what it is that we do so successfully. We need to use a large and powerful boat which is aging and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t at the moment see how to replace it.

Speed over the water is definitely exciting but at the same time it is safe and you do not hurt yourself if you fall in which is important if you already have an injury or loss of a limb.

We provide wet suits, dry suits and buoyancy aids for all our participants and these wear out. The inflatable devices get heavy use and also wear out.

We know what we do is incredibly worth while but quite honestly we are struggling. Firstly we need volunteers to help on and off the water. Secondly we would like more people with disabilities to come along and see what it is like and have ago. Up until this year we had a steady stream of injured service men who where rehabilitating at Headley Court but this establishment has now closed and its responsibilities moved up to Stanford Hall in Leicestershire.

Our centre is the best in the world. In competitive disabled water skiing again we led the world and for many years we where the champions. All those pioneers have now retired but a new group of younger disabled competitive waters skier are presently training hard for the World Disabled Water Ski Championships this July in Norway. There is no funding and they will rely on what they can raise themselves or their own savings.

Robin Nichols MBE Chairman BDWWA

A website by Verite Collins. "Cancer patients are sometimes discharged without clear-cut instructions on dealing with long term side effects from treatment, drugs, etc. These can crop up years after we have supposedly finished, and GPs are often unsure of what should be done. Latest figures say more than half of cancer survivors report problems." As a survivor, Verite has written a guide on where to find information.

Read the guide here

New: NICEimpact Adult social care Adult social care services help people with care and support needs to live better lives. Local authorities receive more than 5,000 requests for care and support each day. This report highlights progress made by the health and care system in implementing NICE guidance. We recognise that change can sometimes be challenging and may require service reconfiguration. It may also require additional resources such as training and new equipment.

We work with partners including Skills for Care, the Local Government Association, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, the Care Providers Alliance, the Think Local Act Personal partnership, the Social Care Institute for Excellence and NHS England to support changes. We also look for opportunities to make savings by reducing ineffective practice.

Learn more here

Accessible Parks and Attractions in the UK

Image courtesy of CareCo – their newest class 3 scooters, the Corvus Rapide and Vega RS8. CareCo share some accessible parks and attractions to visit in the UK. We are lucky to have so many accessible parks and attractions in the UK, and as by law all public places must be accessible, a comprehensive guide is impossible. But here we share our favourite places that you may not have explored yet – some quirky, some off the beaten track, and some simply spectacular.

So get out for an adventure and explore these tourist attractions without any concern that you’ll be left in the sidelines or miss the main event due to access problems. Here we share some great gardens, stately homes and also where to experience the great outdoors. Botanic Gardens, Sheffield Robert Marnock designed Sheffield’s Botanic Gardens in the Gardenesque style, and they opened in 1836. The 19 acre site has plants from all over the world, with Mediterranean, Asian, American prairie-style, woodland and rock-andwater plantings in different garden areas. The paths through the gardens are well surfaced and mostly easy to navigate, although there are some

steep sections and some places with steps. A map of the garden is available to allow you to plan your visit. Knebworth House and Gardens Knebworth is probably most famous for its annual music festival that has seen the likes of The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Oasis, and Robbie Williams. But for rest of the year it is a stately home of the Lytton family. Only the ground floor is accessible to wheelchairs (mobility scooters are not allowed though) and wheelchair accessible toilets can be found in the gift shop.

By arrangement you may park right in front of the house too. Walking through the Gardens at Knebworth is like entering a romantic dream set in bygone times. The walled garden and rose garden are always a popular choice. There is also a maze and a dinosaur trail, which are great fun if you visit with children. The paths are mostly gravel, but also mostly flat, although there are some areas with steps. As well as the annual music festival there are many events throughout the year. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London The London 2012 Games may now seem like a lifetime ago, but the legacy certainly lives on. East London now has the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with beautiful parklands and waterways to explore. It has good quality paths throughout and benches every 50m. You can also hire mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs. This is a great place to head to if you live in London and are new to exploring places in a wheelchair or on a mobility scooter. The New Forest The New Forest has several accessible attractions to visit. First up is Beaulieu, which is mostly accessible to all visitors, although some parts of listed buildings are not accessible as changes have not been allowed. Beaulieu offers free manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters, on a first come, first served basis. The lower level of Palace House is accessible to wheelchairs, and although there are 2 steps down to the dining area and kitchen shop, staff can take wheelchair users around to a private entrance to gain access. The National Motor Museum, Abbey, and World of Top Gear are accessible. If you wish to explore a little of the natural New Forest, head to the Blackwater Arboretum trail, which is a 0.9km circular walk. It runs from the car park and through the arboretum where you can see trees from all over the world.

The Lake District The combination of mountains and lakes may not be an obvious choice, but the Lake District National Park has gone to great efforts to make the area more accessible. It offers “42 Miles Without Stiles” where you’ll find well-kept paths with wide gates for easier wheelchair and mobility scooter access. They have 48 routes planned out with start points and directions provided, plus an interactive map. They also provide advice on gradients on each route so you know what to expect, and what areas to avoid. You can purchase all the routes from information centres too. Stonehenge This may be an obvious one, but it is amazing how many wheelchair users do not realise that Britain’s most famous ancient monument is now accessible. It has ramped access and a paved path running alongside the ruins, along with many disabled parking bays and accessible toilets. They even have an emergency disabled toilet closer to the stones. So, now you have no excuse for not getting out and exploring some of the great outdoors and history that the UK has to offer. If you are heading to a national park on a mobility scooter or powerchair, it is wise to ensure that your battery is fully charged in advance, and to carry a backup battery too, just in case. Climbing hills will burn through the battery faster than usual, so always be prepared.

Jon Wade on behalf of CareCo Visit CareCo’s page on the Disabled Living Supplier Directory here

Preparing a Child for an Assessment for Equipment or Adaptations Get wise to preparing a child for an assessment for equipment or adaptations. The BHTA has produced this guidance to ensure families and carers understand what an assessment is and what outcomes should be achieved. A health professional will carry out the assessment. They must be qualified, trained and experienced in identifying needs and offering suitable solutions for disabled children.