Delivering safety, compliance, great looks, rapid delivery, and affordability without compromising quality
Designed for Equipment Services
You can be reassured that the ES-Cot Beds exudes Kayserbetten quality and are fully compliant with the relevant standards.
ES-Cot IDA
£4995, including padding, mattress, and delivery
• Quality and very stable cot bed
• Can be changed from 4 doors to 8 doors
• Available with or without padding
• Beech hardwood that meets DIN 71 part 3
ES-Cot EMMA
£3995–£4395, including padding, mattress, and delivery
• At long last, a childrens bed that doesn’t look like a community bed
• Wipeable secure padding
• Fully compliant with the relevant standards
• Bed, Mattress, Padding, delivery, installation, and training all included
Our Cot Beds are fully compliant with BSEN50637 and BSEB60601-2-52 and come with a certificate of conformity.
WIDEST RANGE FROM THE MARKET LEADER
• Easy and safe for all healthcare professionals and families
• Opportunity for us to see the right place for a child’s cot or bed in a
• No need for home visits or travel
• Great way to include family members, carers and therapists in one call
• Easy-to-use appointment calendar
Art
Carmel Hourigan Manager of Kidz to Adultz
Artbox London: empowering artists with learning disabilities and autism through creativity and community
Artbox London is a registered charity and social enterprise that runs art workshops, trips to galleries, curates’ exhibitions, and creates sales opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism.
Co-director/Founder Madeline Alterman set up Artbox London in 2011. She was inspired by her need for good support with her younger brother who has learning disabilities, and her own experience of studying art and psychology and working in the charity sector.
1.5 million people in the UK have learning disabilities and face many challenges and barriers to achieving full inclusion in society. Only 7% are in paid employment and often have few reasons to leave the house; it can be difficult for adults with learning disabilities to make friends and have contact with nondisabled peers.
Our mission is to increase the wellbeing and inclusion of people with learning disabilities and autistic people while also sharing their art and unique talents with a wider audience.
Artists and workshops
In our accessible and welcoming studio space in Islington, our artists create striking original artworks supported by our team of art tutors, volunteers, and each other.
Our workshops allow artists to explore their creative interests and develop their artistic skills using a variety of techniques and materials. In these sessions the studio is abuzz with creativity and conversation as our artists paint, draw, print, sculpt and make friends.
Our artists are a group of 80 people with learning disabilities and autistic people who develop their creative practice every week. The artists travel to the studio from across London, span decades of different ages and come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
We have found that acting with care, taking an individualised approach, and being led by the artists and people who know them best can help to remove barriers. This has allowed us to make creativity accessible and fun, as well as foster a safe and supportive community.
“Creating art makes me feel comfortable and calm – it’s one of my calming strategies from when I am feeling stressed. It also helps me make friends with people and keep in touch with my friends.”
Christopher, Artbox London Artist
The workshops help to develop our artists’ creative and life skills and provide opportunities for them to make and meet friends, reducing isolation and loneliness.
“The Artbox studio is ultimately amazing, I make a lot of friends and we share some ideas. If they have the same disability as you or are a bit different, you can talk about it if you like... you need to have some positive things in your life.” - Toyin, Artbox London Artist
Regular visits to galleries and museums also inspire the artists and help them develop new ideas, as well as encouraging them to become more confident and independent in using public transport and getting around Central London.
Exhibitions and visibility
To develop positive identities for and raise the aspirations of adults with learning disabilities and autism, Artbox London provides opportunities for artists to create, exhibit and sell their art.
We are currently showing artwork within our new pop-up gallery space on Whitecross
Street, which has been made possible through support from Islington Giving, Lombard Odier and The Arts Council.
A recent group exhibition ‘Familiar’ explored figuration, stylisation and realism in the work of five different artists. Each featured artist has a highly distinct visual language, working from found images and their own imaginations to create both new and familiar worlds. For example, each artwork by Seatton features layers of exquisite use of material to create texture, represent enigmatic figures and emphasise backgrounds. In October 2023, he received an exciting commission to make the album artwork for Irish pop musician CMAT’s second studio album.
Our exhibitions in art galleries, our studio and our online shop showcase the artists’ talent, bringing deserved recognition to our community and changing attitudes about what the artists can achieve.
The artists take a share of the profits made from selling their art, while the rest of the money is reinvested in our organisation, funding the work that we do.
Artbox London receives no statutory funding and is reliant on raising its own income which is supported by grants. Whether licensing artwork for a range of products, commissioning an artist to create a specific design, or selling our products, there are many different ways to partner with us. Anyone who interacts with Artbox becomes part of our community founded upon a shared love of art.
Find us at www.artboxlondon.org
Offering a safe sleep environment with the versatility of a height adjustable platform making it ideal for individuals who require nursing care.
Designed for individuals who require safer surroundings. The flexible sides and soft floor reduce the risk of injury from hard surfaces providing peace of mind for parents and carers. This product is regularly funded through the DFG.
Voyager Travel Bed
Quick assembly safe travel beds ideal for holidays, respite and trips away from home.
Enabling Treatment for Acute Conditions All our products are designed to meet the needs of individual or multiple users.
Siesta Hi-Lo
Empowering Talent: How Zebedee is changing the face of media
It was a simple walk down the beach that sparked a lightbulb moment for sisters-in-law Laura Johnson and Zoe Proctor—one that would go on to reshape the modelling industry. They envisioned a world where people with disabilities, visible differences and neurodiversity were genuinely represented in the media. From that conversation, Zebedee Talent was born, fuelled by a vision to create a media landscape where everyone is valued and authentically seen.
“It was clear to us that there was a lack of opportunity for disabled people within the media and fashion worlds and we wanted to change this.” said Laura.
“Before we launched, there were very few agencies and clients that would consider disabled talent, and this felt very wrong. As soon as we had the idea, we know that an inclusive agency was a much-needed addition
to the industry, and we would do everything we could to get disability included in diversity conversations and actions.”
Driven by a mission to break stereotypes, they took proactive steps—reaching out to UK disability groups and setting up social media accounts to attract talent. The name “Zebedee” was chosen by Zoe’s performing arts club – a play with the letter Z and
Image credit: Emily Bloomer
also inspired by a cheerful, spring-loaded character from The Magic Roundabout, symbolizing resilience and joy, much like the agency’s spirit. Their persistence paid off, as they gradually built relationships with casting directors, pitching Zebedee talent even when disability wasn’t specifically sought after in roles.
Zebedee’s big breakthrough came when their talent began landing major campaigns, such as a Gucci Beauty ad featuring Ellie Goldstein, a model with Down’s syndrome. This milestone was followed by another high-profile gig when Lenny and Willow, babies with Down’s syndrome, starred in a Pura baby wipes ad, fulfilling Laura and Zoe’s dream of seeing young disabled talent fronting mainstream campaigns.
“Before we launched, we had discussed what success would look like in terms of impact in the industry. Zoe imagined a high-profile fashion campaign, whereas I, a new mum, really wanted to see inclusive baby products (at that time there had been absolutely no nappy packaging featuring a disabled baby). The in summer 2020 this was realised with Ellie
Despite successes, the journey has not been without obstacles. Some casting calls and venues remain inaccessible, making the audition process challenging for their clients. Nonetheless, Zebedee’s impact has only grown, now representing over 1000 models and actors globally and continuing to champion a world where beauty and talent are authentically diverse.
“The global population with a disability is thought to be around 20%, and we will not stop until advertising is representative of this.”
“We want our talent to feature across all media platforms as models, actors, content creators and more. We also now represent creatives and consultants and are taking our fist steps into production ourselves.”
For more on Zebedee Talent, check their website at zebedeetalent.com/uk or Instagram www.instagram.com/ zebedeetalent
Image credit: Emily Bloomer
Image credit: Emily Bloomer
Jessie’s Fund: Changing children’s lives through therapeutic music
Jessie’s Fund was established as a registered charity in 1995 and helps children with serious illness, complex needs and communication difficulties through the therapeutic use of music. Based in York, but work throughout the United Kingdom, they are an excellent example of how the arts can be truly transformative.
We aim to:
• enable children in children’s hospices and hospital wards in the UK to access music therapy by establishing posts for music therapists;
• help children in specialist school and early years settings to participate in creative musical activities;
• train staff in specialist schools to use music as a tool for communication and learning
• provide access to music therapy for children and young people with complex needs in the community.
Our Work
Since Jessie’s Fund was established by the George family in 1995 in memory of their daughter Jessie, it has provided musical instruments for nearly all 54 children’s hospice services and worked in partnership to establish music therapy posts in 44 of them.
Our schools project has worked in nearly 300 specialist school settings across the country delivering creative music projects and staff development. The focus of our school work is to leave a legacy of creative music through staff training and demonstrating, through our musicians, how music can be used as a tool for communication. It is a tiered programme through which schools can progress, with one-day taster workshops, five-day creative projects and one-year staff development projects.
Our growing family music projects are helping to deliver early intervention to children with additional needs and offering advice and training to parents at this key time in a child’s development and learning.
Our expansion into developing music therapy and creative music activity in hospitals is ongoing, with two music therapy posts currently established. We have also funded or part-funded almost 12,000 music therapy sessions with children in the community.
Music Therapy
Louis received funding for music therapy from Jessie’s Fund in the spring of 2024. Prior to this, he was a quiet boy who did not reach out to others in his world. Since accessing moving therapy he is showing improved eye contact, joint attention, and confidence with new adults, as well as so much more shared enjoyment. His parents told us that ‘Perhaps most wonderful is the fact that the sessions have brought music and dancing into our home, and with them, joy and connection. We often now turn on the speakers and it is the most wonderful experience to see our little boy smiling and swaying along to the music, and even grabbing our hands to encourage us to join him.’
Creative music projects in specialist school settings
Jessie’s Fund ran a collaborative creative music project across three specialist schools in Merseyside, as part of a programme of Eurovision activities in the summer of 2023. The project culminated in a sharing performance at the Shakespeare North
Playhouse, attended by parents. The students showed great confidence in their performance as well as pride in their work, sharing songs about topics from broken ice cream machines to otters and teamwork. When asked about what the project had meant to them, one student shared:
“I have learnt to use my imagination and put it into practice. The class have teamed up to work together, to share trust with each other and to express our own opinions. We have collaborated our individual opinions and built them up. It’s like a lego house. Everybody’s opinion is like a lego block and when you stack them altogether it turns into a joint success. Music is powerful. It allows you to have a ‘déjà vu’ moment when you listen to a song, it can take you back into your memories, and it is spectacular.”
Jessie’s Fund partners with specialist school and early years organisations, including
Portage, to deliver creative music projects and facilitate staff training and development. Families can apply to Jessie’s Fund for funding for music therapy for individual children with complex needs. You can find out more by visiting our website www.jessiesfund.org.uk
Next year is our 30th anniversary and we are looking for supporters who can help our fundraising efforts. This could be through donations and raffles at a concert or other events, taking on a challenge such as the Great North Run, or by becoming a regular donor through our website. We would love to hear from you if you would like to be involved.
Rebecca Ellis,
Executive Director
Jessie’s Fund, 15 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET 01904 658189
rebecca@jessiesfund.org.uk www.jessiesfund.org.uk
Invest to Save
With the cost of care on the rise Centrobed, a leading manufacturer of bespoke specialist beds, explore how costs can be saved by investing in the right equipment at the right time.
People’s homes now dominate the landscape for long and short term care in the community and the cost of providing this is rising with the complexity of patient’s conditions and the rising levels of the elderly and bariatric population. Patients being cared for in the community are vulnerable and need a regime that is comfortable, easy to comply with and safe. An awareness of the benefits to the patient, family and carers need to be considered.
A regime and environment that is easy for patient and carer compliance is most important. Providing the correct care package is essential to save money and provide safe and efficient care of the client, carer and nursing staff. In many cases with the correct equipment double handed care is not required. Moving and handling is one of the major causes of occupational injuries, we should not expose professionals to unreasonable risks.
Bed blocking is a result of delayed discharge from hospital, something that at some point in our lives affects us all whether professionally, or through a friend or relative. Not only are there financial costs but it is the unseen costs, emotional and physical, affecting the patient the most.
Financially in the last 12 months there were over 1,000,000 delayed days at a cost of £320m to the NHS. Some of these costs could be reduced by providing the correct equipment to allow increased numbers of people to be discharged. Discharge costs will continue unless the correct care package and equipment is provided. Targets are easier to achieve by using technology that is already available.
Planned purchases, without associated disposables or high running costs that can add to the cost. Recycling, regular
maintenance all add to savings that can be easily achieved. Dignity and independence for the client along with education and training for the carer and professional is paramount in any caring environment. The easier the regime is to work/operate the greater chance there is of patient compliance. We have to invest to save, this can be achieved by increasing awareness of available equipment along with educating and training those associated with the provision of care.
The Arctic Repositioning/ Turning Bed
The Arctic turning bed is a multi-positional and multifunctional versatile bed system that can accommodate even the most complex needs. The Arctic has the following features: turning, high low, trendelenberg, reverse trendelenberg and profiling. As a patient’s needs become more complex the bed becomes more intricate. The patient has the added feature of an independent leg movement and the ability to turn left or right whilst staying in the seated position,
repositioning reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and paresthesia. Height adjustable, the bed reduces unnecessary strain on carers backs. The automatic turning function can be fitted and tailored for each individual’s needs, programmed to turn at a frequency/pattern to suit, reducing the cost of nighttime care. Repositioning a patient at the touch of a button, reducing any unnecessary discomfort and pain along with, in some cases, either eliminating or reducing the need for carer intervention. Repositioning with ease.
Client A
A dementia patient who needed regular turning to prevent pressure sores. This was costing £60k annually. By providing an Arctic turning bed these costs could be reduced to £10k an incredible £50k saving a year.
Client B
A mother whose child has muscular dystrophy was having to turn him at regular intervals throughout he night, disturbing the child and also the mother. He was issued an automatic turning bed that did not disturb his sleep or that of his mother. His behaviour noticeably improved at home and at school because of his improved sleeping pattern. Generic beds have limited functions and can sometimes be unsuitable for patients with specific needs. Bespoke beds which are built around the client’s needs, assist in providing a bed that can help maintain a degree of independence which otherwise may require physical intervention by a care provider (eg. turning, getting out of bed). Some of the equipment does not have to be costly, a simple Nile leg lifter or Ultimate Pillow Lifter can provide a degree of independence allowing patients to get themselves in and out of bed independently.
Client C
On any one day 6000 beds are blocked in our hospitals.
An average of 13,662 patients a day were stuck in hospital in England in February 2024. It means one in seven beds (17 per cent)
nationally were filled by someone who should no longer have been there, rising to one in three (33 per cent) in the worst affected areas. Many will have been waiting for a place in a care home or for their council to find them homecare package.
Leading health think tank the King’s Fund has calculated that it costs the NHS £395 a night to care for someone when they could be discharged, with the direct costs of delayed discharges totalling £1.9billion in 2022/23.
Patients who stay in hospital when they are ready to be discharged are also at higher risk of catching infections and of losing mobility and independence.
The average carer salary in the United Kingdom is £24,103 per year or £12.36 per hour. Entry level positions start at £21,450 per year while most experienced workers make up to £35,271 per year.
A simple calculation can easily demonstrate the savings that can be made.
• 1 Arctic turning bed at a cost of £8,000(approx) gives a potential annual saving of £50,000. Initial cost can be recovered in 40 days
• 20 Arctic Turning beds at a one-off cost of £130,000 gives a potential annual saving of £1,000,000.
Other than servicing there are no other ongoing costs.
These are achievable savings and do not consider the savings associated with the risk of injury or the independence and dignity for the client, which no price can be put on.
www.centrobed.com
Step Change Studios: making a difference, one dance step at a time
Step Change Studios is proof that no matter your age, ability, or background, dance can be inclusive of everyone. An award-winning dance company, set up in 2017, whose mission is to break down barriers and make dance accessible to all. The Step Change Studios team sat down with KtoA magazine to discuss the inclusive space they have created, where everyone can experience the joy of movement.
Inclusive dance for all
We offer a range of programs, each designed to meet the needs of different groups, whether that’s wheelchair users, people with sensory impairments, or older people affected by dementia. Our blind dance program, for example, allows participants to explore styles like ballroom and Latin, enabling them to be expressive and creative, to perform and compete. We work closely
with the education sector, charities, and local authorities to provide inclusive dance classes for all ages, offering a safe and encouraging space for children, young people, and adults to develop their skills and confidence.
The impact of Step Change Studios goes beyond just learning dance moves. We believe that dance is about building a sense of belonging and community. Our work in care homes has been transformative. Tailored classes meet the physical and emotional needs of participants, offering gentle movement-based routines that enhance mobility and mood. For many older adults, these sessions are not just about staying active—they’re a chance to engage socially and creatively in a supportive environment.
A word from Rashmi
Founder Rashmi Becker is a keen dancer and a guardian to her older brother, who has autism, a learning disability, and visual impairment. Witnessing the lack of inclusive opportunities for people like her brother, Rashmi created Step Change Studios to tackle barriers to participation and support people’s potential.
24% of the UK population is disabled, yet inequalities persist. People we support have often experienced exclusion which can impact their confidence. At Step Change Studios we support participants to develop their abilities and self-belief; this not only benefits their dance skills, but also their quality of life.
From studio to stage
Alongside our community dance work, we enjoy creating new, innovative dance performances that showcase diversity and talent. We have worked with exceptional artists and choreographers to present dance performances in the UK and overseas that challenge perceptions and inspire
“Dance is such a creative, fun way for people to connect, to feel good, and to be active.”
wider inclusive practice in the dance sector. Since setting up Step Change Studios, it has been encouraging to see more organisations recognising the importance of representation. We especially take pride in seeing disabled dancers we have supported and worked with achieve their ambitions and gain the wider recognition they deserve.
Why not take the first step and discover how dance can transform your life?
For anyone interested in taking part in our work visit www.stepchangestudios.com
For those looking to donate, find our funding page at https://gofund.me/e98dae66
Photo credit: John Trigg
Photo credit: Alicia Clarke
For children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and the people who support them
Championing creativity: Inclusive arts organisations supporting disabled artists
The art world is becoming more inclusive, thanks to organisations dedicated to supporting disabled artists. These groups provide resources, studio spaces, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities, helping artists develop their talents and gain visibility. By celebrating diversity and breaking down barriers, each of these organisations is creating a more welcoming and representative arts community. Here, we highlight some of the inspiring charities making a difference in inclusive arts.
Intoart (London)
Intoart is a London-based arts organisation dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities in their development as visual artists. Founded in 2000, Intoart provides a professional studio space where artists can explore creative practices in drawing, painting, print and design. Their mission is to promote inclusivity in the art world, creating opportunities for learning-disabled artists to showcase their work and build professional art careers. Intoart’s exhibitions, collaborations and public projects challenge perceptions and celebrate the talent and vision of its artists, fostering a more inclusive and diverse art community. intoart.org.uk
Unlimited (Wakefield)
Unlimited is a Wakefield-based arts commissioning programme that funds and supports disabled artists to create groundbreaking work across various disciplines, including theatre, visual art, music, and digital media. Through grants, mentorship, and showcasing opportunities, Unlimited helps artists develop their practice, gain visibility, and engage with broader audiences. In collaboration with partner organisations, Unlimited strives to make the arts sector more inclusive, challenging perceptions and championing the work of disabled artists. Their mission is to celebrate artistic diversity and ensure disabled artists have a strong presence and voice within the cultural landscape.
weareunlimited.org.uk
Art in Motion (Bristol)
Art in Motion (AIM) is a Bristol-based organisation that provides creative opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Through a supportive studio environment, AIM encourages these artists to explore a range of artistic media, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The
organisation focuses on promoting selfexpression, personal growth, and visibility for its artists, often collaborating with local galleries and community events to showcase their work. AIM’s mission is to foster inclusion, celebrate diversity and enable learningdisabled artists to pursue meaningful, fulfilling creative practices within the wider arts community.
artinmotion45.com
Art Link (Edinburgh)
Artlink Edinburgh is a Scottish organisation that supports learning-disabled and neurodiverse artists by providing creative opportunities and professional development. Through its studio spaces, workshops, and exhibitions, Artlink Edinburgh helps artists build skills and gain visibility in the art world. The organisation aims to create a more inclusive arts sector by offering mentorship, funding, and exhibition opportunities to disabled and neurodiverse artists. By promoting diversity, challenging barriers, and increasing representation, Artlink Edinburgh fosters an environment where artists can flourish and contribute to the cultural landscape of Edinburgh and beyond.
artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Pyramid is a Leeds-based organisation that supports artists with learning disabilities in developing their creative skills and pursuing professional art careers. Founded in 1989, Pyramid provides studio sessions, mentorship and opportunities to exhibit work in galleries and public spaces. Their mission is to empower learning-disabled artists by nurturing their talents, promoting independence and increasing visibility in the art world. Through exhibitions, collaborative projects and community engagement, Pyramid champions inclusivity and celebrates the unique perspectives of its artists, contributing to a more diverse and representative arts sector. pyramid.org.uk
Venture Arts (Manchester)
Venture Arts, based in Manchester, is an arts organisation that works with learningdisabled artists to support their creative development and help them build professional art careers. Offering studio sessions in a wide range of art forms—such as ceramics, photography, painting, and textiles—Venture Arts provides a collaborative and inclusive environment where artists can explore and showcase their talents. Through exhibitions,
workshops, and partnerships with galleries and cultural institutions, Venture Arts aims to challenge perceptions, advocate for inclusivity, and celebrate the artistic contributions of learning-disabled individuals within the wider art community.
venturearts.org
Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) (Wales)
Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) is a Wales-based organisation that supports disabled artists and promotes disability arts across the country. DAC provides a platform for disabled artists to showcase their work, offering funding, professional development, and opportunities for collaboration. By working with artists from various disciplines, including theatre, visual arts, and music, Disability Arts Cymru aims to challenge stereotypes and ensure that disabled artists have access to the resources and networks they need to thrive. Their mission is to foster inclusivity, promote cultural diversity, and champion the rights of disabled artists within the wider arts sector.
disabilityarts.cymru
Top tips for Christmas shopping with someone who has autism
The Christmas season is full of excitement but can also feel overwhelming, especially for those with autism.
Shopping at this time of year often means big crowds, bright lights, loud sounds, and an array of new sensations. However, with a bit of planning and the right approach, Christmas shopping can be a more positive experience.
*Names have been changed for anonymity purposes.
We spoke with Catherine, whose son Bailey has autism, and she shared her top tips on how she prepares for Christmas shopping with Bailey.
It’s important to remember that autism is a wide spectrum, so everyone experiences it differently, and what works for us may not work for everyone.
1/Plan with a Shopping List
Why it helps: I find that having a clear list helps us stay focused and reduces stress by limiting our time in shops.
How to do it: Before we leave, I make a detailed list of everything we need. I like to involve Bailey in creating the list, so he feels part of the plan – it really helps him know what to expect.
2/Shop at quieter times of day
Why it helps: Busy stores can quickly become overwhelming, so quieter times are key.
How to do it: Many shops now offer quiet hours, which I love to take advantage of. I also try to plan our trips for early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s less crowded, which makes a big difference for Bailey.
3/Create a visual schedule
Why it helps: Bailey does so much better when he knows what’s coming next, so visual schedules are essential.
How to do it: I use pictures or a written list to outline each step of our trip, like driving to the shopping centre, going to specific stores, taking breaks, and heading home. I tick things off as we go, which reassures Bailey and helps him stay calm.
4/Bring sensory tools
Why it helps: Bringing along familiar items helps Bailey stay comfortable, even in busier or noisier places.
How to do it: I pack things like noisecancelling headphones, sunglasses and fidget toys. I let Bailey choose which items he wants to bring, so he has something comforting on hand when he needs it.
How to do it: I plan breaks into our trip where we find a quiet spot to relax, have a snack, and talk about how things are going. It helps us recharge and makes the trip feel less intense.
7/Practice coping strategies
Why it helps: Practising coping techniques beforehand helps Bailey handle any difficult moments that may come up.
How to do it: We practise things like deep breathing or visualisation at home before we head out. During the trip, I remind Bailey of these strategies if he’s feeling stressed –they help him feel more in control.
8/Have a quick exit plan
Why it helps: Knowing that we can leave if things get too overwhelming keeps Bailey calm.
How to do it: I make sure Bailey knows it’s okay to cut the trip short if he needs to. Just having that option available reassures him and makes him feel safer.
With these little adjustments, we’ve found that Christmas shopping can be a more positive experience for both of us. It takes a bit of planning, but it’s always worth it! Just remember that everyone with autism is different, so it’s essential to tailor these tips to meet the unique needs of your loved one.
5/Set realistic goals
Why it helps: Shorter trips with smaller goals make shopping more manageable for us both.
How to do it: I aim to accomplish just a few things on each trip. If possible, I break up our shopping over multiple short outings instead of doing it all in one go, this helps to prevent Bailey from feeling overwhelmed and allows me to be flexible if we need to leave early.
6/Take regular breaks
Why it helps: Shopping can be tiring for Bailey, so regular breaks are a must.
What’s on?
Sport
Walking Netball
England Netball is proud to present Walking Netball, it’s an experience that is one of a kind and gives access to a whole world of fun, activity and lots of laughter. Brought to you by a specially trained Walking Netball Host, the physical and mental benefits are endless, you’ll be supported and welcomed every step of the way.
Sessions take place in local communities, often in leisure centres or community venues, all over the country – the list of them is in the Session Finder.
They occur in weekly sessions that are run by Walking Netball hosts, largely at indoor venues.
Click HERE for more information on Walking Netball.
Special Olympics
Do you have a visual, physical or additional needs? Have you ever dreamt of competing in a Paralympic Sport?
Are you dedicated? Are you determined? Can you learn new skills? Are you driven to see what you could achieve?
The Paralympic Potential programme is the first step in finding out what your future Paralympic sport could be!
If you want to find a competitive pathway and to unlock the opportunities that sport offers, then now is the time to Discover Your Paralympic Potential - could you #BeTheFuture?
Attend a Discover Day and you will experience Paralympic sports, meet Paralympic medallists, find out about Paralympic classification, take part in performance profiling, speak to coaches and talent leads, hear from National Disability Sport Organisations, charities and ParalympicsGB partners.
Dates for Discover Days are as follows:
• Sunday 2nd February 2025 - Greenbank Sports Academy Liverpool
Click HERE for more information on Special Olympics events.
Theatre
Tom Fletcher’s
The Creakers
Southbank Centre, London
Saturday 28 December, 6pm
Expect surprises, silliness, scares and rocking new songs in a brand new magical, musical adventure for all the family, from musician and author Tom Fletcher.
Saturday 28 December is Audio described.
Click HERE for tickets. Rumpelstiltskin
Touring November & December 2024
Oh no! Boo! Hiss! The greedy Queen has locked up the miller’s daughter in a dirty dungeon and demanded she spin straw into gold. Rumpelstiltskin to the rescue! He’s clever, mischievous and fun. But is he a friend? Or is he just too naughty? Find out at this year’s relaxed pantomime. Just make sure you remember his name. Rumpelstiltskin! Rumpelstiltskin! Rumpelstiltskin!
A different kind of Pantomime where Everyone can Join In!
Rumpelstiltskin is a fun interactive relaxed pantomime for ALL families.
Using Makaton signing and props, our highly engaging shows encourage children to be a part of the story. Everyone is invited to join in!
Our shows are cram-packed full of multisensory and interactive moments, songs and silliness, led by a professional cast experienced at working with children with special needs and disabilities (SEND). Actors perform alongside and amongst children to stimulate their participation and heighten the
Expect puppets, props and sensory toys for added fun and stimulation.
CRAWLEY, WEST SUSSEX
Saturday 21 December
Click HERE for tickets.
Exhibitions
Design and Disability V&A Museum, London
Opens June 2025
Both a celebration and a call to action, Design and Disability showcases the radical contributors of disabled, Deaf, and neurodiverse people and communities to design history and contemporary culture, from the 1940s to now.
Click HERE to plan your visit.
Film and TV
The Club That George Built (Discovery Plus)
The extraordinary story of George Dowell, chairman of Worthing FC. George was seriously injured in a car crash that left him in a wheelchair. After his accident, he purchased his local club Worthing and has led the club to unprecedented success.
Watch on Discovery Plus HERE.
Out of my Mind (Disney)
“Out of My Mind,” a Disney Original movie based on the bestselling novel by Sharon M. Draper, premiered earlier this year at Sundance Film Festival and arrives Nov. 22 on Disney+.
Melody Brooks, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, has a quick wit and a sharp mind, but because she is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, she is not given the same opportunities as her classmates. When a young educator notices her student’s untapped potential and Melody starts to participate in mainstream education, Melody
Podcasts
Shape Arts Project
Welcome to the Shape Arts Podcast!
Based in the UK, they’ll be exploring arts, heritage and creativity of all kinds from a barriers-facing perspective, hearing from leading makers, activists and cultural workers about the things that matter to them.
They will also be introducing new or upcoming projects, and discovering new ideas about what disability is – and what contemporary culture might be as a result.
Click HERE to listen on Spotify.
shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.
Watch the trailer HERE.
Disability And… Podcast: The Series
The Disability And…Podcast promises to get right to the heart of some of the most pressing issues in arts, culture and beyond with a series of bold, provocative and insightful interviews with disabled artists, key industry figures and the odd legend. Click HERE more information on how to listen.
Books
Able to Laugh: Finding joy though the struggle is real (from TikTok’s much-loved interabled couple!)
Q: Why is your wife in a wheelchair?
A: Because she can’t walk.
Q: Why were you ironing in the nude anyway?
A: No wait, I can explain...
Q: Why would this happen to you?
A: Why wouldn’t it?
People ask the silliest things.
But for Jade and John Reynolds it’s the silence surrounding disability that’s the strangest of all.
When Jade unexpectedly suffered from a rare condition which left her paralysed and in a wheelchair at the age of twelve, she never imagined that she’d one day meet her husband John and that together they would take to social media to dispel the stigma surrounding disability, one story at a time.
Available at Amazon.co.uk, click HERE to buy your copy.
Raising the Sen-Betweeners
How many times have you heard, “He doesn’t look autistic,” or “She seems fine to me”?
Do you feel lost and alone on this parenting journey, like no one really gets it?
If that sounds familiar, it’s time to throw out the perfect parenting guides and join me on this crazy ride, where there’s no rulebook!
*Raising the SEN-Betweeners* shares the heartfelt and hilarious journey of a mum raising two children on the autism spectrum—a boy and a girl—in a neurotypical world. From the early days of discovering their autism to navigating the unpredictable moments, this book covers it all:
• Stopping your child from grabbing strangers’ back fat.
• Watching your child tell friends their house is “boring and smelly”.
• Dealing with a meltdown in the middle of a rollercoaster.
• Picking your battles (and losing most of them).
This isn’t a guide on what to do—more like a collection of what *not* to do! Ever wondered what happens when you take your autistic 3-year-old on a haunted ghost ride? Wonder no more.
Full of highs, lows, and delightfully neurospicy moments, this book is for every parent raising the ‘in-between’ children—those who don’t quite fit the mainstream but aren’t considered severe enough for special education needs support.
To all the parents in similar shoes: You are never alone.
Available at Amazon.co.uk, click HERE to buy your copy.
Disabled Living
W h o w e a r e & w h a t w e d o :
Disabled Living
A charity which provides impartial information and advice about products, equipment (assistive technology) and services for disabled children, adults, older people, carers and the professionals who support them. We have a range of services which you can access via our helpline, through the website or at our Kidz to Adultz exhibitions. www.disabledliving.co.uk
Adapt & Live
Adapt & Live is the new name for the helpline and training services by the charity Disabled Living. The team provide advice to members of the public and healthcare professionals about equipment and services to support independence. In addition, we offer Occupational Therapy assessments, access audits and accredited training programmes
Helpline: 0161 214 4590 | www.adaptandlive.co.uk
Bladder & Bowel UK
The team provide information and advice for children, young people and adults with bladder and bowel problems. We provide a confidential helpline managed by a team of specialist nurses and knowledgeable information staff. In addition, the website offers a wide range of downloadable free resources.
Helpline: 0161 214 4591 | www.bbuk.org.uk
Kidz to Adultz
We organise the largest FREE UK exhibitions totally dedicated to disabled children, young adults, their families, carers and the professionals who support them, with over 100 exhibitors at each event We currently deliver five events nationally in Coventry, Farnborough, Newport, Glasgow and Liverpool www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk
