Number 257
September 2013
Welsh Government launch Framework for Action on Independent Living Plans aimed at removing the barriers facing disabled people in Wales have been unveiled by the Welsh Government.
▪▪ Working with the NHS, councils and the third sector so that as much service, care and support is provided at or as close to home as possible. ▪▪ Increasing the number of disabled people that are able to use the internet. ▪▪ A greater voice for disability groups at a strategic level through the establishment of independent user and carer panels. ▪▪ Improving access to public transport, including promoting higher standards of driver training and access to vehicles. ▪▪ Developing a Charter for Disabled Public Transport Passengers so that disabled passengers can identify bus and train operators that are committed to disability access. ▪▪ Continuing the concessionary bus travel scheme for disabled people which offers more generous support than similar schemes across the rest of the UK. ▪▪ Taking action to improve additional learning needs assessment and provision, improve accessibility of school buildings and develop learning pathways for disabled children and young people. ▪▪ Improving the delivery times and quality of complex equipment provided to disabled people.
The Framework for Action on Independent Living outlines the steps the Welsh Government will take to make sure disabled people “have the same access to services and opportunities as the rest of society”. It is the first time there has been a strategic approach to disability in Wales bringing together issues that have previously been dealt with separately within government. The Framework has been created after extensive engagement with disabled people and disability organisations, and follows Disability Wales’ Independent Living NOW! campaign, which called for a national strategy on independent living. Key actions The Framework sets out nine key actions that Welsh Government is undertaking to create “an enabling society in which disabled children and adults enjoy the right to independent living and social inclusion”: 1. Access to good quality and accessible information and advice 2. Improved access to independent advocacy services 3. Improved access to adapted and accessible housing 4. Disabled people having more control over their lives by being able to make choices in the care and support they receive 5. Improving access to technology that supports independent living 6. Improving access to public transport 7. Improved access to buildings, streets and public places 8. Increased employment rates for disabled people 9. An increase in the number of disabled people having access to a Centre for Independent Living in Wales
Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, called the publication of the Framework “a good day for Wales” and “a landmark event on the long journey towards making social inclusion, equality of opportunity and independent living a reality for disabled people in Wales.” “We have worked closely with Welsh Government, WLGA, national disability charities, disabled people’s organisations and many others to ensure that the Framework presents an inspiring shared vision and sets some achievable goals aimed at transforming Wales into an enabling society,” Rhian Davies said. “We look forward to continuing this co-productive approach to developing and implementing policy as we update and further develop the Framework in the years ahead.”
“A good day for Wales” Disability Wales, whose tireless campaigning around their Independent Living NOW! manifesto and coproduction with Welsh Government resulted in the Framework, have highlighted the following measures in the plan:
Jim Crowe, Director of Learning Disability Wales, welcomed the publication of the Framework: “At a time when disabled people seem to be challenged from so many sides, it is really so encouraging to have some
▪▪ Strengthening the tenancy rights of people with a learning disability. Llais Update
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September 2013
Training and Events Welsh Public Health Conference 2013: ‘Healthier, Happier and Fairer Communities’ This joint conference from Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government aims to bring together colleagues from across the public health spectrum to share best practice and ideas. Objectives include developing understanding and learning on how public health can influence key areas, including health, wealth and wellbeing and tackling inequalities. Date and venue: 10 - 11 October, Cardiff Cost: Free - £200 Contact: Public Health Wales, phone 02920 823319, email publichealth.conference@wales.nhs.uk web http:// www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/66731.
Afasic Cymru Conference This conference is aimed at secondary mainstream teaching and support staff, Speech and Language Therapists, service providers and those working with and supporting young people. It will include the impact of language difficulties on literacy and behaviour in mainstream secondary schools. Date and venue: 21 October, Cardiff Cost: £45-£50 Contact: Afasic Cymru, phone 029 2046 5854, email jeannette@afasiccymru.org.uk web http://www. afasiccymru.org.uk. RAatE Assistive Technology conference 2013 RAatE is the only UK conference focused on the latest innovations in Assistive Technology (AT). This conference will be of interest to everyone who uses, works with, develops or conducts research on AT. The conference looks to provide news and updates on new technological developments, service innovations, results of formal research projects, service based research and development, and a wide range of other stimulating topics. Date and venue: 25 Nov, Coventry Cost: TBC Contact: Health Design & Technology Institute, phone 024 7615 8001, email hdti.info@coventry.ac.uk web http://www.raate.org.uk.
Creating Homes 2013 Social landlords in Wales deliver more than houses. They are at the heart of addressing serious issues of inequality, poverty and exclusion. This new annual event is about moving beyond compliance. It will provide a platform for debate and dialogue on the future direction of equality, diversity and housing. Date and venue: 16 October, Cardiff Cost: £80 - £100 Contact: Tai Pawb, phone 02920 537630, email mair@ taipawb.org web http://www.taipawb.org. The 25th Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Childhood Disability The EACD conference is the largest annual paediatric neurodisability conference in Europe, and was last held in the UK in 2003. The theme of the conference is ‘From Basic Research to Policy’. Date and venue: 10-12 Oct, Newcastle Cost: £120-£450 Contact: Conference website http://eacd2013.org.
Learning Disability Today A visit to Learning Disability Today is a must for everyone involved in the lives of people with learning disabilities the seminar programme and exhibition are a great place to find out about many of the organisations working in the sector today. Whether you work directly with a person with a learning disability, have a learning disability, are studying, or are a commissioner, manager or chief executive, Learning Disability Today is designed to give all stakeholders a forum to learn, share and debate. Date and venue: 28 November, London Cost: £25 Contact: Pavilion, phone 01273 434943 web http:// www.learningdisabilitytodayevents.com
Disability Wales Annual Conference and AGM During a time of Welfare Reform, including significant changes to disability benefits, the provision of information, advice and advocacy is crucial. Join Disability Wales and expert speakers for a lively debate and to have your say on how current provision should be improved for disabled people. Date and venue: 17 October, Swansea (new date) Cost: TBC Contact: Disability Wales, phone 02920 887325 email kelly.stuart@disabilitywales.org.
The European Song Festival 2014 The European Song Festival is a three-day, international music festival in the Swedish city of Upplands Väsby, held in partnership with the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD). The festival includes: The European Song Competition; workshops and open performances; gala dinner and disco party. More information about the festival and how to apply can be found at www.tesf.eu. Applications close on 30 November. Date and venue: 1-3 May 2014, Upplands Väsby, Sweden Cost: Contact EASPD for details Contact: Katrijn Dekoninck, Project & Liaison Officer, EASPD, phone +32 2 282 46 13 email katrijn. dekoninck@easpd.eu.
Changing cultures, working creatively and in collaboration This conference from BILD is about finding the best ways to challenge and change the cultures that limit the possibilities for people with learning disabilities, and how we can use creative approaches to break down barriers and work across the boundaries that can frustrate so many of us. Date and venue: 18 October, Birmingham Cost: £50-£175 Contact: BILD, phone 0121 415 6970, email events@ bild.org.uk web http://www.bild.org.uk. Llais Update
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September 2013
Noticeboard Cerebra Pro Bono Scheme Cebebra have announced a free legal support advice programme for disabled children and their families, in partnership with Cardiff University. The laws of the four nations of the UK place enforceable duties on public bodies to provide education, health and social care support for disabled children. The research evidence suggests that disabled children and their families experience considerable difficulties in accessing these rights and, as a consequence, in receiving good quality health and social care, and educational provision.
Learning Disability Wales training Developing One Page Profiles 16 October, Swansea / 18 November, Llandudno Junction Learn how to develop and use One Page Profiles to develop and improve personalised services. Making Information Easy to Read and Understand - Level 1 17 October, Cardiff / 6 November, Llandudno A one day course to help you include and inform people by making written information that is clear and easy to read and understand.
It is against this background that the Cerebra Pro Bono Programme has been established at Cardiff Law School. The Programme will provide free legal support for disabled children and their families. Cardiff University law students will be the programme’s advisers. This work will be supervised by qualified staff as well as by firms of solicitors. If more specialist advice is needed guidance will be given about getting that support.
Making Information Easy to Read and Understand - Level 2 13 November, Newport / 11 December, Wrexham A course to help you develop and improve your skills in making written information clear and easy to read and understand.
If you have experienced a problem with a statutory agency, such as the NHS, social services or an education authority, and would like to be considered for support by the Cerebra Pro Bono Programme, please contact Cerebra’s helpline number 0800 328 1159 or email info@cerebra.org.uk.
Understanding PIP (Personal Independence Payment) 13 November, Cardiff / 27 November, Wrexham Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is replacing Disability Living Allowance. This course explains who will be affected and how to claim effectively.
Cerebra have also commissioned a series of free ‘rights’ advice guides, designed to help families who are experiencing problems with statutory agencies. The guides can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/19sPy6Z.
To book a place or for more information contact Inacia Rodrigues on 029 2068 1160 or email inacia. rodrigues@learningdisabilitywales.org.uk.
The Megan & Trevor Griffiths Trust The Megan & Trevor Griffiths Trust aims to help disabled people improve their quality of life and achieve greater independence. It was founded in 1990 by Trevor Griffiths to continue his late wife Megan’s work with disabled people in Carmarthenshire.
Theatr Ffynnon’s House for Sale Theatr Ffynnon is a unique Community Arts Theatre Company working primarily with young people and adults with a learning disability. The company’s latest production is House for Sale, a performance based on the themes of community, belonging and identity. Theatr Ffynnon are holding previews of the play on 1 and 2 November, at 6pm and 7.30pm. Ticket prices are £8 (£6.50 concessions).
The Trust provides small grants for aids, equipment or services to disabled people, primarily people with a physical and/or learning disability. Funding is limited under the Trust deed to items that cannot be obtained from Health Services or Local Government.
For more information about the production and Theatr Ffynnon visit http://www.theatrffynnon.co.uk or contact Catherine Capelin-Watkins on 0785 2345612, email projects@theatrffynnon.co.uk.
Applications must be supported by someone who can confirm the information, such as family doctor, social worker, occupational therapist. Grants for financial assistance for debt relief, repairs to property or for white goods and furniture will not be considered.
Social Care Jargon Buster
Anyone in Wales who is disabled can apply but people living in Carmarthenshire receive priority. Further information and an application form can be obtained from the Honorary Secretary: Dr Janet Griffiths MBE, 46 Partridge Road, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3QX, email mtgtrust@googlemail.com.
The Social Care Jargon Buster is a plain English guide to the 52 most commonly used social care words and phrases and what they mean. It can be downloaded for free at http://www.thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk/Latest/ Resource/?cid=9555. September 2013
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Llais Update
Welsh Government launch Framework for Action on Independent Living as one of the enablers of independent living in the Framework, following a national forum meeting that Learning Disability Wales convened in 2010 as part of the project.
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good news from the Welsh Government. There are parts of the Framework where we would like to see more specific actions identified, but that is for another day. We are confident that the Welsh Government will continue to work with disabled people and partner organisations in the co-productive manner that has resulted in the Framework and been so evident in recent years.’’
Reference to the ImPaCT project is made throughout the section on person-centred technology, alongside the key messages that came out of ‘Technology Works’, Learning Disability Wales’ European conference on employment and technology in June 2011. Information on the ImPaCT project can be found at http://www. learningdisabilitywales.org.uk/impact-in-europe.php.
ImPaCT in Europe impacts on Wales
The Framework for Action on Independent Living, plus an Easy Read version that has been produced by Learning Disability Wales, can be found at http://bit. ly/15Fl7f6.
The Framework provides another successful outcome of Learning Disability Wales’ involvement in the European Commission assistive technology project, ImPaCT in Europe. Person-centred technology was included
Learning Disability Consortium celebrates success of awareness training and accessible information project Representatives from People First groups, disabled people’s organisations, health boards and local authorities joined with the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, to celebrate the success of the awareness training and accessible information project. The event at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay marked the end of the Welsh Government-funded three year project. Managed by Learning Disability Wales, in partnership with All Wales People First, the All Wales Forum of Parents and Carers and Mencap Cymru, the project delivered awareness training to local authorities and criminal justice agencies, and produced the following accessible information products:
Samantha Williams, Information Officer for the Learning Disability Advisory Group and a co-ordinator of the project, introduced the Clear and Easy handbook. Written by Anne Collis from Barod and Social Interface, the bilingual handbook is the first of its kind in Wales, and goes further than existing guidelines by assisting organisations to understand the barriers faced by people with a learning disability in accessing information. The handbook - which includes Check It!, an accessible toolkit for checking the quality of easy read information, and guidelines on making information in Welsh easy to read - is currently being sent out to around 400 organisations in Wales. Legacy Following the celebration event, Gwenda Thomas announced a further seven months of funding for Easy Read Health Wales, proving a successful legacy for the project. Samantha Williams will continue to lead the development of the website. To find out more about Easy Read Health Wales, or if you want to add information to the website, contact 029 2068 1160.
▪▪ Easy Read Health Wales, a bilingual website that provides easy read information on health and wellbeing. http://www.easyreadhealthwales.org.uk ▪▪ Clear and Easy, a handbook on how to produce easy read information. ▪▪ Check It!, an easy read evaluation tool that enables people with a learning disability to assess the quality of easy read information. ▪▪ Guidelines for making information easy to read and understand in Welsh. Delegates heard about the 64 training courses that were delivered to mainstream housing and leisure services and criminal justice agencies across Wales. The training was delivered by people with a learning disability from People First groups in partnership with parents and carers. Dawn Gullis, External Affairs Officer with Mencap Cymru, spoke about her experiences in delivering training to health professionals and introduced the Easy Read Health Wales website.
Published by Learning Disability Wales, 41 Lambourne Crescent, Cardiff Business Park, Cardiff CF14 5GG. Phone 029 2068 1160 © Learning Disability Wales. Editor: Kai Jones email kai.jones@learningdisabilitywales.org.uk. Printed by Hartley’s Colourprint UK. We reserve the right to edit copy accepted for publication. Opinions expressed in Llais Update are not necessarily supported by Learning Disability Wales. Copy deadline for next edition is 11 October 2013.
Llais Update
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September 2013