Empower magazine issue 5

www.empowermagazine.org.uk

ISSUE FIVE

EMPOWER It’s about ability, not disabilities

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS:

© Invictus Games

30 years of inspiration

solicitors

by

Genium X3

Explore new horizons.

The Genium™ X3 is the world’s most technologically advanced microprocessor prosthetic knee, offering aboveknee amputees the most natural gait possible.

© Ottobock · UK/ADV/OI/0566

Following extensive research and development, the new prosthetic knee joint is waterproof, offers new modes never before available and is virtually impenetrable by dust or dirt.

Walk, run, swim.

Ottobock. With you every step of the way.

Ottobock · 0845 600 7664 · www.ottobock.co.uk

Fitness for Amputees app – available now!

New tool for lower-limb amputees looking to improve mobility and independence. www.ottobock.co.uk/fitnessapp

EMPOWER: OTTOBOCK

Ottobock announced as official technical service provider for Invictus Games Global mobility specialists to provide technical service for all competitors taking part in the international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women

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ttobock, a world-leading supplier of innovative solutions for people with limited mobility and Partner of the Paralympic Games since 1988 has announced that it will be providing technical service for the first Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover. In addition to conducting various repairs to equipment such as wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs damaged in competition, Ottobock is also a proud supporter of the British Armed Forces team for the Invictus Games. Over 400 competitors from 14 nations will take part in the games, with teams coming from the armed forces of nations that have served alongside each other. The Invictus Games will be held in London from 10-14th September 2014 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

“Ottobock has been supporting people with disabilities participate in sports and recreation for more than three decades. We are very excited to use this experience to be part of the very first Invictus Games,” states Phil Yates, Managing Director at Ottobock.

“Ottobock offers the world‘s most advanced prosthetic technology that helps veterans to lead active, independent lives. To see veterans in action using the technology this September will be truly inspiring.”

Some of the competitors at the Games will be users of the most advance prosthetic technology available in the world, including the new Genium™ X3, the world’s most technologically advanced microprocessor prosthetic leg. Offering above-knee

amputees the most natural movement possible, the Genium™ X3 is fully waterproof and offers new activities never before possible. The Genium™ X3 is the result of extensive research and development and is now available worldwide, in clinics trained by the Ottobock Academy to fit the latest hightech prosthetics.

Ottobock has announced that it will be providing technical service for the first ever Invictus Games.

Competitors at the Games will be users of some of the most advance prosthetic technology available in the world, including the new Genium™ X3, the world’s most technologically advanced microprocessor prosthetic leg.

support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country. Supported by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence, it will be a celebration of resilience and passion.

In the UK, an £11 million Government fund has led the way in ensure ex-Servicemen and women who are amputees have access to the highest level of prosthetics and rehabilitation care. This is now the same as the care Armed Forces provide for men and women currently serving in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The Games will shine a spotlight on Armed Forces personnel and veterans who have put their lives on the line for their country and demonstrate how they and their families are valued, respected and supported. Teams from the allied forces of UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, France, Estonia, Georgia, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand and USA will all take part.

The Invictus Games is about survival in the face of adversity and the strength of the human spirit. The event will use the power of sport to inspire recovery,

For more information on Ottobock’s range of innovative solutions that restore mobility please visit www.ottobock.co.uk or follow @ottobockuk.

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EMPOWER: CONTENTS

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS: 30 years of inspiration

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With Thanks to: Douglas Bader Foundation, Invictus Games, Jude Paton, Glenn Johnstone, Pace Rehabilitation, A.Algeos Ltd, Kurt Yaeger, Adidas, CMSUK, New Law, oneathlete, Jim Bonney, Rachael Horton - Change 4 Life, LimbPower, Dorset Orthopaedic, SCAT Bone Cancer Trust, Euan’s Guide & all advertisers.

Images Supplied by: www.professional-images.com, Invictus Games (Front Cover) & thanks to all other image contributors.

Published & Designed by: © Publishing Magazines Ltd www.publishingmagazinesltd.com Contact Us:

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Address Publishing Magazines Ltd 30A North East Business & Innovation Centre, Wearfield, Sunderland, SR5 2TA

FEATURES 08 > NEWS:

Invictus Games: 10 -14 September 2014

14 > KURT YAEGER:

Interview: His Accident, Career, Motivations, Inspirations & Future Plans

16 > REHABILITATION:

Glenn Johnstone: The end is just the beginning

24 > CASE MANAGEMENT: Paediatric Case Management: Why is it so different?

26 > LEGAL:

Returning to work after a serious accident: Know your rights

42 > JIM BONNEY:

Interview: How to get motivated and exercises to improve strength & balance

46 > PAIN MANAGEMENT:

Rachael Horton: Natural freedom from phantom limb phenomena ( Part 3 / 6 )

48 > SPORT:

LimbPower: How to achieve fitness and enjoyment through the arts

52 > YOUTH & FAMILY:

Anna Griffin: Life-Changing prosthesis to achieve ambitions

53 > TRAVEL:

Euan’s Guide: Euan Macdonald’s Story

35 > MOBILITY:

oneathlete: Symmetry, Give the body what it wants

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© Publishing Magazines Ltd 2014.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors and omissions. No responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for any claims made by the advertisers in this publication.

0800 252 614 sales@electricmobility.co.uk

electricmobility.co.uk

www.pacerehab.com

CONVERTING PATIENTS INTO PEOPLE

Rehabilitation Services Prosthetics I Orthotics Physiotherapy I Counselling Occupational Therapy Immediate Needs Assessments Expert Witness Services

Above the elbow amputee Jon-Allan Butterworth powering to glory

Back to life – inspiring National Referral Centre Tel: 0845 450 7357 Email: info@pacerehab.com

PACE Rehabilitation Clinics • 36 Brook Street, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2BX • Unit 1, Anglo Business Park, Asheridge Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2QA

EMPOWER: FOREWORD

The outreach of the All Party Parliamentary Limb Loss Group >> Written By: David Bickers, Chief Executive Officer of The Douglas Bader Foundation Website: douglasbaderfoundation.com I Twitter: @douglasbaderfou

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fascinating part of my privileged involvement with amputees includes the outreach of the All Party Parliamentary Limb Loss Group, looked after voluntarily by two double amputees.

APPLG helps meet the needs of amputees of all ages throughout the United Kingdom and internationally via its meetings in the Houses of Parliament promoting the Prevention of limb loss and the Provision of Prosthetic, Orthotic. Wheelchair/ Special Seating, Medical and other vital Rehabilitation Services to persons of all ages suffering limb loss and associated complex physical disabilities in the United Kingdom and Internationally.

Supported by MPs and Lords and Ladies and Limb Loss charities APPLG has established its NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL CHARTER. CARE IS THE CATALYST - respecting dignity and privacy, throughout the entire patient pathway.

CHOICE - Patients need to be able to choose from a variety of convenient high‐quality providers, with clear and consistent information and advice to back that choice, money following the patient, and staff having freedom to meet patients’ expectations – the location of fitting needs to be convenient with a choice of appointment time to meet the needs of an adult patient and any carer or a child patient and his/her parents/carers.

COMFORT - Any equipment must provide adequate support and accurate fit, maximising comfort enabling the user of the equipment to achieve optimal function and independence. Staff must be given additional training in the needs of Children and of Older People in all environments.

CAPABILITY - Services and Equipment must be appropriate to each Patient’s requirements, mechanically safe, easily maintained and easy to use – instructions must be given which are suitable for and understandable by children wherever possible as well as their parents – there should be a single point of contact for advice about maintenance/recreation/ travel/safety etc.

CONSISTENCY - Services and Equipment provided must not vary with location except where explicable by clinical variables.

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APPLG helps meet the needs of amputees of all ages throughout the United Kingdom and internationally via its meetings in the Houses of Parliament promoting the Prevention of limb loss and the Provision of Prosthetic, Orthotic.

CONFIDENCE - Patient, Carers and the Public have a duty to develop their personal confidence, in order to contribute meaningfully to their own health and social care.

COMPETENCE - All Healthcare Professionals whether from the NHS, Contractors to the NHS, or the Voluntary sectors, must (be enabled to) have the appropriate educational and career opportunities in order to develop and sustain their competencies and skills. Staff should be specially trained in dealing with both disabled adult and disabled children’s needs.

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 07

EMPOWER: NEWS - INVICTUS GAMES

Invictus Games are a unique chance to get behind ‘wounded warriors’ Event will showcase the power of sport in journey of recovery Provided By: Invictus Games I Website: invictusgames.org

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new international sporting event for ‘wounded warriors’, launched

by Prince Harry and coming to London this September, hopes to inspire others who are on their own journey of recovery.

The Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, will run from 10 -14 September at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Lee Valley Athletics Centre. It will bring together more than 400 wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women, serving and veteran and from 13 nations.

A military-themed Opening Ceremony will be followed by four days of adaptive sport, with competitors doing battle in Athletics, Archery, Wheelchair Basketball, Road Cycling, Powerlifting, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Rugby, Sitting Volleyball and Swimming. The event will close in spectacular fashion with a star-studded Closing Concert headlined by the Foo Fighters.

The Invictus Games are the result of Prince Harry’s ambition to bring an event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women to the UK following an inspirational visit last year to the Warrior Games. The domestic event in the US highlighted the power of sport in supporting rehabilitation and inspiring recovery. The Invictus Games will recognise the sacrifices these men and women have made but focus on what they can achieve, post injury.

Andy Grant is one of those who has made the British Armed Forces team. The 26 year old from Liverpool suffered 27 injuries in an IED blast in Afghanistan. “I was blown up, like so many other guys”, says Andy. “It was a routine foot patrol; two bombs went off between me and my friend and that was it, both of us injured. I was in a coma for two weeks, hospital for four months and then spent the

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next 18 months really going through rehab and recovery.”

With wounds to his right leg not healing as well as expected, Andy faced a life-changing decision: to have an amputation or live with a debilitating limp. His leg was amputated just below the knee in November 2010. Now he is looking forward to competing in Athletics and Swimming at the Invictus Games and hopes to help inspire others who are starting out on their own journey of recovery.

“One of the reasons I chose to have my leg amputated was because I could see the guys who were further along in rehab than me and they were walking about,” he explains. “Even them just walking about and getting on with their life with a prosthetic leg was a massive incentive to me. So hopefully the Invictus Games now, if other injured soldiers or people just in general walk of life can see me and the other guys competing with no legs, one leg, one arm and literally doing things that people didn’t think was possible a few years ago, then hopefully it will inspire a nation.”

‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’ and embodies the fighting spirit of these men and women. William Ernest Henley’s famous poem of the same title ends: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul”.

These Games will celebrate this strength in adversity, or ‘invictus spirit’, through sporting achievement at venues made famous by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Invictus Games are being organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence.

Tickets for sports sessions and the Opening Ceremony cost £12.85 and are on sale now at www.invictusgames.org

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> Pictured: Andy Grant © Roger Keller / Help for Heroes

EMPOWER: NEWS

Love Me Tendon SOS Provided By: Pace Rehabilitation I Website: pacerehab.com v Pictured: Jude Paton

Jude contacted Pace for more information and was put in contact with two users. As he recalls, “It was invaluable to speak Glenn Johnstone and Glyn Theobald, who are now experienced Tendon users.” He added, “They both emphasised that it’s not a ‘plug and play’ device and to get the best out of it, you really have to commit to it. But it looked to offer me the function I wanted!”

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assionate mountain biking leg amputee Jude Paton was researching prosthetic solutions that would enable him to ride more competitively with his friends. As he explains, “I was particularly keen to be able to ride ‘out of the saddle, which is almost unheard of for an above-theknee amputee. However I came across some patients from Pace Rehabilitation using the Bartlett Tendon who were doing just that!”

So, following a consultation with Pace prosthetist Jamie Gillespie, the former Parachute Regiment soldier was encouraged to contact Help for Heroes and BLESMA to enquire about possible financial assistance.

To Jude’s delight, both military charities agreed to match-fund his own financial contribution, enabling him to purchase the unique device.

No sooner had he taken delivery of the completed prosthesis, Jude headed to the hills to try it out.

He recalls, “Glenn & Glyn were absolutely right, it took some getting used to at first. I needed to learn how to ride with it rather than how I was used to riding.”

However, following a weekend of riding in Scotland Jude became more natural with it, before heading off to the Alps for a week of extreme riding. As he recalls, “It was fantastic to be able to ride with my mates. I was able to chase them down the most challenging routes. In fact, I can’t believe how I managed before!”

To enquire about a trial of a Bartlett Tendon, or other sophisticated prosthetic devices, such as Genium, BiOM, Rheo II, contact Scott Richardson at Pace Rehabilitation.

^ Pictured: Glenn Johnstone

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Zanzibar:

ALGEOS and Infant Club Foot Appeal to the rescue…

Provided By: A.Algeos Ltd I Website: www.algeos.com

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iverpool based Algeos (Prosthetics and Orthotics supplier) with the help of leading industry partners sourced thousands of pounds (6 Figure Value) worth of Podiatry, Orthotics and Prosthetics products and equipment. Algeos’ collaboration with the Infant Club Foot Appeal charity (ICA) started few months back, when ICA approached Algeos and sought their expertise in helping to equip a brand new Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) workshop for its clinic in Zanzibar, a longterm vision of ICA made possible thanks to its generous donors.

After the initial meeting between Algeos and Infant Club Foot Appeal, it became clear that in order to set up a functional Orthotic and Prosthetic workshop, Algeos needed to help furnish the workshop and supply a huge amount of products ranging from footwear, right up to orthopaedic bracing. Thanks to its extensive experience in the P&O field, Algeos was able to advise ICA on essential P&O workshop equipment, all of which was bought by the donors of the Infant Club foot Appeal to develop the Orthotic and Prosthetic workshop in Zanzibar.

The P&O workshop equipped

by Algeos, fully funded and purchased by ICA’s donors, aims to transform the lives of thousands of disabled children in Zanzibar with clubfoot and other feet deformities…

The shipment of an entire Orthotic and Prosthetic workshop with modern equipment and materials left Liverpool on 18th August – its final destination will be the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital Zanzibar.

Global Problem – Local Solution

Infant Club Foot Appeal would like to thank its generous donors that have helped with the purchase of the equipment for the Orthotics and Prosthetics workshop and made ICA’s vision to help amputee patients in Zanzibar happen. Algeos would like to thank the following UK partners who helped source all the products and equipment;

Clubfoot (or otherwise known as CTEV - congenital talipes equino varus) is a foot deformity affecting one or both feet and is a widely spread deformity in Zanzibar where up to 50 babies per month are born with their feet turned inwards and upwards. Without treatment these children are only able to crawl for the rest of their lives.

If babies are treated soon after birth, it is possible to transform their lives with a low cost, high impact clinical intervention to re-align their feet with a method called the Ponseti technique. The Ponseti Method uses a gentle, manual manipulation of the foot, followed by application of toe-togroin plaster casts.

Ortho Europe (Bradford), Blatchfords (Sheffield), Ken Hall Footwear (Kettering), Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (Liverpool), Renace Orthotics (Sheffield), Royal Berkshire Hospital (Reading), Salts Techstep (Birmingham), King Mill Hospital (Sutton-In-Ashfield), and Langer Orthotics (Stone).

EMPOWER: SQUARE MILE INSURANCE

Let Insurance Make It Better Written By: Jan Knights – Managing Director, Square Mile Insurance Services I Website: www.squaremileinsurance.info

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t will come as no surprise to readers of Empower, but it certainly surprised me to know that there are about 60,000 people in the UK with a prosthetic body part. And with about 6,000 new amputees each year, there is an on-going demand for prosthetics.

The importance of prosthetic body parts to people’s lives is impossible to overestimate: it allows people to continue functioning physically at a level they want to and ensure they maintain a desired quality of life.

Having worked with the Douglas Bader Foundation for a number of years – a charity helping people who have lost limbs – I saw a definite need for suitable insurance cover for prosthetics. My research showed that there was no insurance available and if it was, it was unaffordable for most patients.

An extension of you...

In this 100th anniversary year of the outbreak of World War 1, it’s worth remembering how far the technology of replacement limbs has come since the early years of the last century when provision for amputees was basic.

The breadth of prosthetics available today does not merely give people back their mobility, it helps to return them to normality.

For example, active people can have separate prosthetic limbs for walking, swimming and skiing. But prosthetics can also mean replacement facial features and even muscles, such as prosthetic biceps for soldiers injured in combat.

“The breadth of prosthetics available today does not merely give people back their mobility, it helps to return them to normality” Such technological advances in this area of healthcare – giving users greater flexibility and adaptability – comes with a price

tag: where average costs for a prosthetic body part may be about £5,000, the more advanced can cost £50,000.

Such high cost items need protection from loss or damage – even for the most responsible and careful owners! Accidents can happen, such as prosthetics becoming unattached during activities, getting damaged in a way that’s not covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee and, even more dismaying, prosthetics left unattended are a target for thieves.

There are many people who self-fund their prosthetics, in other words not on the NHS, which makes it even more critical to protect against the costs of replacing lost, damaged or stolen prosthetics.

In the unfortunate event that a prosthetic limb is required, financial resource to purchase a limb in the first place is not always available – never mind if one should need replacing!

“Financial resource to purchase a limb in the first place is not always available – never mind if one should need replacing!”

Protection for your lifestyle...

My company, Square Mile Insurance Services, has been receiving enquiries about prosthetic limb insurance for at least five years, but there hasn’t been the right type of cover available.

Insurance companies haven’t really known where to start with this emerging area of demand and few have felt it was a viable line of business to get involved with.

For a long time, I feared it would be a challenge too far to get the insurance industry to commit time and investment to creating something right for people with prosthetics.

That is, until now. We have been working with niche and specialist insurance company, UK General Insurance, to devise a comprehensive insurance policy.

The new product ‘LIMB’ has been designed with the help of prosthetic limb users, after all they are the people who know best what they require from financial protection – not what an insurance company thinks they need.

Among those we have spoken to include staff on the Empower team.

“LIMB has been designed with the help of prosthetic limb users; after all they are the people who know best what they require” Some of the risks we are looking to cover include protecting spare prosthetic limbs that may be lost by baggage handlers during travel and providing cover for wheelchair hire if a prosthetic limb is damaged while the owner is on holiday.

We’ve even been approached by charities, which fundraise to provide children and athletes with prosthetic limbs. Their main concern when fundraising was the time and effort it takes to simply buy a limb, and how they could replace it if anything was to happen to it. We now have a cost effective solution to ensure this worry no longer exists.

We’d like to think this is a milestone for people with prosthetics – providing the necessary insurance protection and peace of mind that hasn’t been there before.

For more information: email info@squaremileinsurance.com to register your interest.

> Find out more:

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 11

EMPOWER: FISH INSURANCE

Fish Insurance assists amputees with new prosthetics policy Website: www.fishinsurance.co.uk I Twitter: @FishInsurance I Facebook: facebook.com/fishinsurance

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isability specialist Fish Insurance has launched a pioneering policy for amputees which is the first designed specifically to protect costly prosthetic limbs.

The new policy will, as standard, cover prostheses valued up to £55,000 and costs from £99 annually. Bespoke protection will also be available for prostheses whose value exceeds £55,000 whilst the policy can also protect orthotic devices such as braces for the spine, upper and lower limbs, feet, knees and ankles.

Its introduction comes as prosthetics technology becomes increasingly sophisticated – and costly - with this year seeing the first fitting of a £70,000 computer programmable, Bluetooth controlled knee prosthesis.

Fish’s managing director John Garrard reports that the launch of the new policy was in direct response to enquiries received by the company’s staff from among the estimated 60,000 amputees in the UK. “Whilst many prosthetics will be fitted and remain owned by the NHS, many amputees choose to go private and that’s when they need benefit from effective insurance cover,” he said.

“In addition people will frequently seek to complement an NHS prosthetic by themselves purchasing a specialist limb designed for tackling specific activities such as climbing, running or swimming. These can represent a significant investment and as such need protecting.”

The policy will cover accidental damage and loss worldwide and for prosthetics less than two years old provide new-forold settlements. It will also include £2m in third party liability insurance together with provision of hospital benefit, personal accident and assault cover.

Introduction of the policy has been welcomed by Helen Dolphin, campaigns director at Disabled Motoring UK who had both her legs amputated above the knee following a late diagnosis of meningitis when she was 22.

“Insuring non-NHS prosthetics is in my opinion absolutely vital, and I speak from bitter experience” says Helen. “A carer of mine once mistakenly thought she needed to remove a cover from a prosthetic liner and destroyed it. That mistake cost me £600, a big enough sum in itself, but for someone with a specially designed or microprocessor controlled limb the bill for replacement can run into many, many thousands of pounds.”

Launch of the policy is the latest in a series of pioneering moves by Fish which was founded in 1975 specifically to serve people with disabilities or mobility issues. The company broke new ground when it introduced Independent Living Insurance to assist people taking advantage of the government’s direct payments and personal budget schemes to employ their own care staff.

This included 24 hour access to a specialist HR and employment law helpline to assist policyholders in meeting their new legal obligations as an employer.

It has also designed specialist car and travel insurance for disabled people. As a result Fish is now a leading specialist in its field with over 75,000 policyholders nationwide.

For more details visit fishinsurance.co.uk or call 0500 432 141.

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Follow us: @Empower_Mag

“

A carer of mine once mistakenly thought she needed to remove a cover from a prosthetic liner and destroyed it.

That mistake cost me £600, a big enough sum in itself, but for someone with a specially designed or microprocessor controlled limb the bill for replacement can run into many, many thousands of pounds. > Helen Dolphin, Campaigns Director at Disabled Motoring UK

EMPOWER: INTERVIEW - KURT YAEGER

KURT YAEGER

© Chris Patey

>> EMPOWER talks to Kurt about his accident and how this has changed his life. Also his career, motivations, inspirations and future plans.

Website: kurtyaeger.com I Twitter: @kurtyaeger I Facebook: facebook.com/KurtYaegerFanpage

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© Chris Patey

urt Yaeger was born and raised in the blue-collar town of South San Francisco, CA and is a former professional BMXer turned actor.

He is an adept actor who captured the attention of filmmakers and critics when he starred in the feature film Tenderloin.

Since then, he has appeared in multiple film and television projects. Some of his film credits include Dolphin Tale with Morgan Freeman, War Flowers with Christina Ricci, Knife Fight with Rob Lowe, Camel Spiders with Brian Krause, and Piranhaconda with Michael Madsen. His most recent TV credit is the fan favorite character on FX’s hit show Sons Of Anarchy, “Greg, the Peg”.

Yaeger is a below the knee amputee.

A motorcycle accident caused the amputation of his left leg. He broke his pelvis, fractured seven vertebras, tore his bladder and found himself in the hospital for more than three months.

After twenty-eight surgeries and many months of rehabilitation, Yaeger made a full recovery, his spark for acting returned and he hasn’t let anything stop him.

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>> EMPOWER talks to Kurt about his accident and how this has changed his life. Also his career, inspirations, motivations and future plans.

> When you first had the accident who gave you the most support?

My family and friends were there for me the whole way through. Without them I would be in a completely different place. I’d especially like to thank my Aunt Jackie who brought me food all the time and really took care of me.

> How did you overcome the dark moments when recovering?

Honestly, I don’t know how I overcame those moments. Probably because I knew I had good friends and family backing me up. They gave me so much love, support, financial aid and I couldn’t just throw that back in their faces by not trying at all. So I gave it my best.

> What motivated you to push forward?

In the dark times, my family and friend’s support. After that, I really loved hearing doctors tell me I would never do this or that again. I wanted to prove them wrong.

Follow us: @Empower_Mag

> Do you feel your disability has hindered your career?

It’s done both, hindering and accelerating it. In some cases I get a little extra notice where others don’t. Then, in other cases, I get passed over because of perceived physical limitations. It’s beginning to change for me though. I keep working with directors like John Hillcoat who keep calling me back for the most physical roles and proving that I can do anything any other actor can do, if not far more. The word is getting around Hollywood that I can act and that I’m a hyper-physical actor.

> Do you have any advice for other amputees?

Trial and error. Never ever think something is the way it is. Fix it, experiment, try other methods until you find what is right for you.

> You work with a lot of charities regarding actors with disabilities do you feel the industry are changing attitudes towards disabilities?

Unfortunately no. I won’t consider the industry is beginning to change until an actor with a disability, on a regular basis, is auditioning for able-bodied roles he/ she is right for. At this point in time, there is no reason why someone who say, uses

>> EMPOWER:

PRODUCT REVIEW

a wheelchair, shouldn’t be allowed to read for the role of say, a lawyer who speaks to a courtroom. It makes no sense.

> You inspire many people with your achievements however who inspires you?

My father. If I could be half the man he is I’ll be doing just fine. He’s the best person I know, he walks the walk and talks the talk.

> If you could work with any actor who would it be and why?

I’d love to work with Ewan McGregor. Firstly he’s very talented and he’s impressed me in every role he’s done. Secondly he loves to ride motorcycles and works with mutual friends of mine at Touratech. Seems like an easy person to work with.

> Who came up with the idea to use the story of your accident for Rudimental video?

Nez, a talented director who works in association with Rift-Raft Productions. He had a vision to tell, came up with the entire layout, edit and style for the project and nailed it. He’s a great director and a really nice guy.

> Where can people see your bike tour videos?

They can check out the videos on my youtube channel. It has just under a million views so far and I’ve been getting a lot of great feedback there also.

> You have recently been in the UK what have you been up to?

I got to go on a really awesome tour where I spent several weeks filming across the country, met a whole lot of great people and had a blast. The last time I came was to speak at the Adobe Conference, which was amazing, and did a couple of press interviews, one with the amazing Eammon Holmes. He’s seriously the nicest guy I’ve met, a complete gentlemen.

> Have you got any plans in pipeline?

I can’t announce it yet, but I’m close to selling a TV show to the UK market, one of the other things I was doing in the UK the last time I was there. If it happens it will need all the support I can muster, but it will be an amazing show.

>> EMPOWER Competition supplied by the team at ADIDAS for the ADIDAS ADIPRENE+ Badmington Trainer (www.adidas.com) Comfort and Stability are two of the most important factors with sports shoes, more so in the case of a lower limb amputee. The team at Adidas gave one of our readers the chance to test and review their range of Badminton Trainers and here’s what they said: “The trainers offer good support and balance” “The trainer is lighter, stronger and more flexible than other trainers I have tried” “The shoes are stylish and are a great everyday training shoe”

© Chris Patey

REHABILITATION: GLENN JOHNSTONE

The end “ is just the beginning

>> Written By: Glenn Johnstone

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n 1995 at the age of 27 I was diagnosed with a giant cell tumour in my right tibia.

What was to follow was years of what can only described as sheer hell, cumulating in a right above knee amputation in 2007, after a prolonged attempt to salvage my limb.

In hindsight I could have moved on with my life a whole lot quicker if I had just decided to have my amputation a lot earlier. I have no regrets though as I think what I went through gave me the strength and determination to become who I am today. I’ve learnt a lot. In some cases “The end is just the beginning”.

As an amputee I have been very fortunate, this is in part to a support group I set up on Facebook and aptly named it Facebook Amputees (I couldn’t think of anything witty at the time). I setup the group for myself truth be told, as a new amputee I wanted to reach out and hear from other amputees, share their experiences and learn what maybe was in store for me. I never dreamt it would attract so many people, it’s now up to 2000 members worldwide.

As time has gone on and I have become accustomed to the new me I find I am doing more than ever. I have a new career working as an assistant physiotherapist and support wise well I couldn’t ask for more.

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Pace Rehabilitation have been fantastic, taking me under their wing from very early on and continuing to support me. I am also sponsored on the awesome Bartlett Tendon by the designer Brian Bartlett.

It doesn’t end there though this year after applying for a grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation I was approved for an Ossur flex Run, running blade. I had to raise the additional funds myself and this was a daunting task. As you know prosthetic components are very expensive. This is where Arctic ONE stepped in and offered me the opportunity to work alongside them.

Arctic ONE in helping fund raise towards my running limb and my part to support them in any up and coming events and to continue to spread the word about disability awareness.

On the 23rd of August I took part in my first ever triathlon, organised by Arctic ONE. This took place at Dorney Lake, Eton, Berks.

To sponsor Mr Johnstone log on to http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/ showFundraiserProfilePage. action?userUrl=GlennJohnstone

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Also you might want to check out a great company who are currently sponsoring me called Bike Swanky. They may be of interest to quite a few of your readers as they run a fantastic scheme where people can afford to get their hands on top end bikes by either purchasing them on a 0% finance scheme, lease a bike for 2 years then either have it replaced or buy it at 35% off rrp or indeed buy a bike out right. (bikeswanky.co.uk) If you would like to keep up to date with my current goings on then take a look at my blog page at: Kotz68.blogspot.co.uk

Improving People’s Lives The London Prosthetic Centre understand that every patient is different. Our specialised private service ensures that your clinical care package is created to complement your lifestyle and to help you enjoy life.

For further information visit: www.thelondonprosthetics.com Unit 20, Kingsmill Business Park, Chapel Mill Road, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 3GZ Tel: 0208 789 6565 Email: enquiries@thelondonprosthetics.com

Call now for a free Consultation and to enter the draw to win an ipad (Entries close 31 October 2014 - Quote EMPOWER) ŠAdolfoMaciocco.com

EMPOWER: BODYFLOW THERAPY

Bodyflow® Therapy: Used by Lymphoedema Practitioners, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and Professional Sporting Organisations around the world to aid in patient & athlete tissue recovery. / PROFESSIONAL RECOVERY / AUTHORISED BODYFLOW CLINICS After evaluating Bodyflow Therapy by conducting internal case studies within their own clinical environment, many leading practitioners and sports trainers from around the world have now incorporated Bodyflow Therapy as an adjunct Therapy for both their respective patients and professional athletes.

/ APPLICATIONS ‘Bodyflow electrotherapy devices have a specific frequency that targets the ‘smooth muscle’ found in arteries, veins & lymphatic vessels.

Clinical trials and case studies have shown Bodyflow treatments to be a safe and effective adjunct to recovery. Around the world Bodyflow has become a ‘gold standard’ treatment modality for many top sporting teams and organisations.

Bodyflow devices are now being used to assist in the management of the following conditions, all of which benefit from increased circulation and/or lymphatic drainage: - Post-operative swelling - Lymphoedema (Chronic swelling) - Sports Injuries - Post exercise recovery - Wound healing - DVT prevention

“ I have been using the Bodyflow system in my clinic in Brisbane for the last 3 years. Myself and all of my staff have found it a useful treatment tool for any sort of sub-acute or chronic oedema. Recovery times for these patients have dramatically improved. It has opened up a whole new demographic of patient to our clinic and has also given us a real point of difference to other health providers in the area. This has resulted in an increase in patient numbers and there has also been increased “passive” revenue due to the number of patients who are renting the portable units for home use on a weekly basis.”

Roger McIntosh / Principal Physiotherapist / North West Physiotherapy / QLD Australia

/ PROFESSIONAL SPORT Bodyflow Therapy is now used by professional sports teams, athletes and institutions around the world such as EIS, EPL, NBA, NFL, Pro Cycling, AFL, NRL & Olympic nations, just to mention a few. “ Having used Bodyflow extensively in the past and being aware of its benefits for lymphatic drainage for sports performance recovery and injury recovery I was delighted to continue this relationship with Perform at St George’s Park.

With the number of professional footballers attending St George’s Park for periods of intensive rehabilitation Bodyflow is a key part of our management of inflammation in injury and recovery post sessions. While the players are residential for their rehabilitation it allows us to use the system a number of times a day to optimise the benefits it may have.”

Steve Kemp / Elite Football Physiotherapist / Perform at St George’s Park

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“ I’ve been using Bodyflow for the past year to help me overcome some injuries and the results in terms of reducing swelling have been fantastic. I also find it very useful after high intensity sessions to help me recover and train or race at my peak. The treatments are simple and really do make my legs ‘feel lighter’ . . . Thanks Bodyflow! ” Felicity Abram / Professional Triathlete

/ TESTIMONIAL Emma Wilson, 29, BTK Amputee.

When I was asked to test the Bodyflow system I was ready to try anything which might help with my stump I am a BTK amputee (lost left leg 3 years ago) my leg and stump ache a lot and the only relief is normally to elevate it. The Bodyflow is easy to use with simple controls to control the intensity of pulsation.

The sensation of the pulsation is pleasant, like a mild massage so it’s ideal for use on a stump.

I used it at level 10-12, but you can adjust the intensity during the 20 minute treatment.

After 20 minutes I removed the gel pads and measured my stump, it was a little smaller and looked a lot less swollen. What really impressed me was how my stump felt, once I put my leg back on it felt a lot lighter and was noticeably less swollen, while the pain did not stop it did decrease so much so that I didn’t need to take pain killers.

We’ll be running a comprehensive review of the Bodyflow Therapy devices in the next edition of Empower magazine. In the meantime Bodyflow offer a free trial of the device to our readers with those interested encouraged to contact UK Sales Director Steve Jones on 07710 532963

/ Find out more: website: www.bodyflowinternational.com email: info@bodyflowinternational.com twitter: @bodyflowint

EMPOWER: TOUCH BIONICS

Touch Bionics introduces new control method for bionic hand

T

ouch Bionics, a provider of world-leading prosthetic technologies, has announced the introduction of the latest enhancements to the i-limb™ ultra revolution.

Key developments include: • grip chips™ – bluetooth-enabled devices for users to assign a grip to an object and assist in performing of activities of daily living.

• my grips™ – biosim™ and my i-limb™ mobile apps have been enhanced to include up to 12 additional custom grips. Patients may easily program custom settings resulting in up to 36 different grip options.

• i-limb™ skin active TS – patients wearing this covering are able to use touchscreen devices such smartphones or tablets with compatible i-limb prostheses.

• android compatibility – all available i-limb prostheses will be compatible with android devices.

“As a long time prosthetic user, grip chips are a significant advance in prosthesis control and grip activation,” said Bertolt Meyer, i-limb ultra revolution wearer. “I am able to easily and precisely switch between desired grips based on what I wish to accomplish.”

“Our grip chips, my grips and i-limb skin active TS are innovative new products which provide significant opportunities for i-limb wearers to precisely control and utilize their bionic hands,” said Ian Stevens, CEO of Touch Bionics.

About Touch Bionics Touch Bionics is a provider of world-leading prosthetic technologies designed to achieve positive outcomes for people with upper limb deficiencies. Touch Bionics was the first company to develop an electrically powered prosthetic hand with five independently

powered fingers and the company continues to be a pioneer in upper limb prosthetic solutions. The company’s products include electronic prosthetic hand and prosthetic finger solutions, as well as passive silicone prostheses that closely match the natural appearance of the wearer.

A spin-out from the UK’s National Health Service, Touch Bionics was founded by inventor David Gow and is funded and supported by Archangel Informal Investment and Scottish Enterprise.

To learn more, visit: touchbionics.com

These prostheses are designed to go unnoticed, while helping you perform a variety of basic functional activities including pushing, pulling, stabilizing, and supporting.

These life-like devices can be designed for a variety of needs including partial and whole fingers, hands and arms.

You have the ability to fully customize your prosthesis, incorporating a variety of real-life features including freckles, hair and colormatching your skin tone.

A prosthesis designed for individuals with missing fingers and partial hands. The prosthesis is fully customized for your needs, acting as a tool to enhance function.

With i-limb digits, you can: • Grasp an object with the digits conforming to its shape • Mimic the grasp patterns of the human hand with up to 14 different operating modes • Gradually increase the strength of grip on an object

A fuller life is within your grasp.

As a leading manufacturer of upper limb prosthetic solutions, Touch Bionics understands the needs of patients with upper limb loss or deficiency.

We have one goal in mind-to partner with your clinician to provide you with a solution that will help increase your function and independence in your daily life Touch Bionics, Unit 3, Ashwood Court, Oakbank Park Way Livingston EH53 0TH, Scotland, Tel: +44 1506 438 556 Email: info@touchbionics.com

www.touchbionics.com The most versatile and advanced prosthetic hand available today. These full-hand prosthetic devices closely mimic the appearance and function of a natural hand.

With an i-limb ultra revolution prosthesis, you can: • Grasp an object and conform to its shape • Mimic the grasp patterns of the human hand with 24 different operating modes • Gradually increase the strength of grip on an object • Control the speed at which your fingers move to avoid crushing more delicate objects

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technology that touches lives MA 01224

Algeos Loyalty Group Earn credits as you spend.

It's free to join. Start earning now!

Go to: algeos.com/loyalty

Innovative movement analysis OptoGait OptoGait (in partnership with Podotech) is an innovative system for movement analysis and functional assessment of patients with normal or pathological conditions.

OptoGait is portable, quick, easy to use and very competitively priced compared to other Gait Analysis systems on the market today.

As used by leading clinicians such as Everton F.C. Richie Porter. “Since introducing this leading technology into Everton, it has allowed us to have improved monitoring of players general biomechanical condition”

Laptop and treadmill not included

Body Screen Perfect for amputees • Ideal for socket users • Combats chaffing

• Soft & Hydrating • Easy to apply

Meet Thomas

Manufacturing Team Leader

• I’ve worked at Algeos since 2010 • I’ve recently passed my driving test

EMPOWER: REHABILITATION

“Independent, invaluable, tailored to individual needs…”

J

ust some of the words recent limb wearers have said about Limb Solutions. Director and Prosthetist, Ian Jones brings 18 years experience to Limb Solutions where the emphasis is on individual one to one care in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Always focusing on a comfortable socket Limb Solutions works to explore and consider the correct options to provide the right product for each individual’s specific needs.

Ian goes the extra mile to help meet deadlines, once even meeting at my hotel at the airport to deliver a new leg the night before my holiday!” >> Carli

“Ian is personable and attentive and takes care to listen and achieve the very best results tailored to individual needs....

As an independent provider Limb Solutions has no restrictions when sourcing the most clinically appropriate components worldwide.

As a family business, Limb Solutions is responsive and able to react to personal requirements.

“Ian Jones’ care has been invaluable and is to me one of the best prosthetists in the country working with me to deliver the most advanced and comfortable limbs as I get ready for the Invicuts Games” >> Derek Derenalagi

For more information please contact 01420 563247 / enquiries@limbsolutions.co.uk

An independent provider providing one to one prosthetic care at an affordable price... please contact us at:

Tel: 01420 563 247 E-Mail: enquiries@limbsolutions.co.uk Website: w w w.limbsolutions.co.uk

More Rehab offer a high quality multidisciplinary therapy service to patients that require specialised neurological or respiratory care.

The specialised services we offer include: • Hands-On Therapy • Exercise Programmes • Hydrotherapy • Electrical Stimulation (Upper & Lower Limb) • Gymnasium Work • Splinting (Upper & Lower Limb) • FES Bike Assessments & Programmes • Carer Training • Amputee Rehab • Accommodation Assessments • Equipment & Aids Assessments including wheelchair & posture • Vocational Rehabilitation and much more, please contact us for more details.

We have clinics in South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the surrounding areas.

We are happy to do visits to your home, school or work place.

Tel: 0114 2353150 Web: www.morerehab.com Page 22 -

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EMPOWER: PACE REHABILITATION

Pioneering prosthetic knee system aids Paralympic hopeful on her road to Rio 2016 15 year-old confirms switch to athletics as innovative prosthetic knee from Ottobock helps her to become one of the fastest female Paralympic sprinters in the UK Provided By: Pace Rehabilitation I Website: pacerehab.com I Twitter: @PaceRehab I E-Mail: info@pacerehab.com

J

ulie Rogers, a 15 year-old from Bedford who took part in the 2012 Paralympics as the youngest member on the Team GB Sitting Volleyball squad, has confirmed her switch to athletics after the successful trial of an Ottobock prosthetic running system. Julie has taken the huge decision following funding cuts to her former sport and has already become one of the fastest female Paralympic sprinters in the UK. Off her marks, Julie powering from the start line with her new prosthesisThe young athlete was born with a congenital disorder had an operation to shorten her leg at the tender age of five in order to be able to use an above-the-knee prosthetic limb. Despite using her ‘everyday’ limb, which was not conducive for running, Julie’s talent has been nurtured by leading amputee running coach Hayley Ginn until she was given the opportunity to trial the 3S80 and 1E90 prosthetic running system this summer with support from Pace Rehabilitation and Ottobock.

Julie is making fantastic progress in the sport and has a bright future with her current personal best time for the 100m sprint is 17:54 seconds which would put her 5th in the world rankings this year.

“The trial with the Ottobock 3S80 prosthetic knee system has gone fantastically well and I am currently training really hard,” said Julie Rogers. “When I first got the new leg I realised the difference almost immediately, and have kept training to try and get my time lower and lower ever since. I’m dedicated to getting to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, and will work as hard as I can to get there.”

Jamie Gillespie, Julie’s Prosthetist at Pace Rehabilitation, states, “Julie is a very ambitious and focused young woman who has that ability to overcome the fear of trying something new.

She really has thrown herself into training and although confident, Julie is also very modest. I believe she is a real inspiration to other young athletes.”

“I’ve been selected for the forthcoming IWAS World Junior Games at Stoke Mandeville which takes place in August, and I am expected to close the gap between myself and the medallist sprinters this season. I’d like to thank Ottobock and Pace Rehabilitation for the opportunity I have been given. I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my summer holiday training on the athletics track!”

The 3S80 sports knee joint is designed to withstand the high impact forces imposed whilst running. Rotation hydraulics have been specially optimised for running sports and the joint dampens the extension and flexion movements in the swing phase in such a way that a dynamic movement pattern is enabled at high running speeds. The option of a manually operated lock on the new knee joint also facilitates a secure stance that can be of use during warm-ups and stretching. Julie has also been fitted with a new day leg from Ottobock, a 3R80 knee, which is much better suited to her day-to-day needs.

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 23

CONCEPT 3f : amended

Typeface CMS UK - Trebuchet MS Reg Typeface for text - Agenda Light

EMPOWER: CASE MANAGEMENT

Paediatric Case Management:

CASE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY UK

Why it is so different?

CASE MANAGEMENT

CORPORATE

Written By: Rebecca Rampat Paediatric Case Manager, Corpore written on behalf of CMSUK I Website: www.cmsuk.org

W

hen rehabilitating children who have sustained an injury specialist input is essential, to maximise their potential and to build upon the initial recovery they might have made. A vital part of paediatric case management is appreciating families as families and children as children. Some of the differences between paediatric injured parties and adult injured parties include:

Physical Differences: • Children have a growing skeletal system, • Children have immature motor skills, • Children have thinner skin and epidermis than adults, and • Children are smaller.

These physical differences impact on rehabilitation i.e. fractures healing differently, physiotherapy treatment differing due to the difference in mobility, complications with wound healing, sourcing smaller equipment resources. When it comes to prosthetics these need careful selection to ensure normal biomechanics to encourage normal growth.

Prosthetics should be under regular review and change as growth and requirements dictates.

Physiological differences: • Children have softer bones and are more susceptible to re-injury compared to adults • Increased susceptibility to infections in paediatric injured parties • Faster tissue growth in children (faster rate of healing than adults) • Poorly developed temperature regulation mechanism in children These physiological differences impact on rehabilitation i.e. wound healing, re-fracturing, complications of common childhood infections and of course their understanding and comprehension as to how to best manage their injury.

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Emotional Differences: • Children live in the “present”, they do not worry about the past or think about the future as much as adults • They have difficulty processing information • They have a shorter attention span • They have limited understanding and insight (age dependant) • They are emotionally immature • They are developing self-concept and body image • Children’s concepts of bodily functioning, health and illness change with age.

These psychological differences impact on rehabilitation with regards to processing the accident, moving on from trauma, the focus on treatment and ongoing thoughts and feelings towards themselves and the accident.

As a result of many of these individual differences, some of the differences between Paediatric Case management and Adult Case management include: • You speak with the parents/families as well as the injured party. Families can provide useful information, contribute to the treatment or ensure that recommendations are followed.

• Engagement with return to function is with the school instead of the employer.

• Goals are often focused on return to function/return to school/return to hobby.

• Sourcing specialist paediatric staff (i.e. physiotherapists/psychologists) can be more difficult and more time consuming.

• CRB checks become more significant when working with children.

What is Paediatric Case Management?

Paediatric Case Management includes assessment, treatment planning, advocacy, linking and coordinating with community

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services and monitoring of services. There is a wide of professions involved with paediatric case management from specialist health professionals to teachers and private tutors.

Ultimately, a paediatric case manger needs to have specifically developed skills and be able to effectively undertake the follow; • Talk to children using the correct interpersonal skills • Use several skills to communicate differently with different age groups i.e. adolescents are not completely communicative or cooperative • Talk with family on a 1:1 basis and as a whole as the child is part of the family unit • Be prepared to manage mental health needs of both child and parents • Understand and appreciate the child’s rights and the parent’s rights.

• Have knowledge of CRB checks and their importance • Understanding of family dynamics and their impact on rehabilitation

Case manager register CMSUK although not a regulatory body it does hold a register of 512 approved case managers including paediatric case managers that can be searched and viewed on our website. The register shows all case managers and corporate members that have current membership and meet the minimum requirements in terms of qualification and experience and also adhere to the standards of practice.

A useful reference tool. www.cmsuk.org/default.aspx

EMPOWER: BRIDGE CASE MANAGEMENT

>> Case Study: Simon, 21 year old motorcyclist who was involved in a road traffic accident

S

imon was a 21 year old motorcyclist who was involved in a road traffic accident which resulted in his left leg being amputated below the knee.

DIGITAL

Simon was referred to Bridge Case Management (BCM) during his hospital stay.

Our case manager met with him in hospital, and was involved in discussing the options with Simon, his family and the medical team.

The case manager visited Simon’s home while he was still in hospital, and realised that his home was inappropriate for his needs in its current state. Our case manager was able to suggest some simple changes to make the house accessible. Ramps and grab rails to assist getting in and around the house, equipment to enable more independence, and repositioning of furniture to ease access within the home.

Our case manager liaised with Simon’s solicitor and the insurance company to gain funding for private prosthetic input following receipt of his first NHS limb.

Simon was quite shy before the accident, and he found that his physical and emotional confidence both reduced further following the amputation. This was a significant barrier to him returning to his pre-accident work and also his hobbies which included racing motorbikes and climbing. He found it difficult to engage with the traditional psychological therapy put in place to help address this loss of confidence.

We explored the possibility of involving Adventure Rehab (www.adventurerehab. co.uk) and gained the insurance company’s approval and funding to put him through their programme. We found that this was the perfect solution to his confidence and psychological needs, and he started climbing again. During this programme he realised he was ready to get on with his life again.

Throughout the process our team was there to support him and his family through the unique challenges rehabilitation presents for individuals. Clear communication, with regular updates to all involved assisted

in securing funding for rehabilitation interventions under the Rehab Code and via interim payments.

Simon was ready to return to work just over a year after the accident. He had always worked as an electrician, however so much of his work involved crawling around on his hands and knees, it was deemed inappropriate for his long terms needs as an amputee.

Following discussion with Simon, BCM liaised with his solicitor and the insurers and arranged for him to train as an excavator and digger driver. He now has licences for both 360° tracked and wheeled excavators, and for diggers.

BCM remained involved for over 2 years.

There were the usual ups and downs along the way, but by the end of this time he was looking for work, in a relationship, and enjoying life to the full. His claim was settled a few months later. He has now returned to work, to riding his motorbike off road, and he regularly races. His father told us “we’ve got our son back, thank you”.

With Bridge Case Management you can be assured that you will receive a high level of service, and prompt, appropriate communication regarding your rehabilitation progress.

YOU WILL RECEIVE: • Continuity • Positive Input • Commitment • Experience and Knowledge • Clear rehabilitation plans • Prompt and proactive service

Testimonials from Claimant Solicitors available on request

T: 01759 372 222 E: mail@bridgecm.co.uk www.bridgecasemanagement.co.uk

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 25

EMPOWER: LEGAL

Returning to work after a serious accident: Know your rights Written By: Andrew Baker of New law Solicitors I Website: www.new-law.co.uk I Twitter: @newlawnews

S

o after months of rehabilitation, you are starting to feel better and are contemplating a return to work.

For many people this is a smooth transition but for others it can be a further traumatic experience. One of the most important things to know when considering your options is what rights you have as a disabled employee returning to work after a serious accident.

The Equality Act provides that a disabled person (defined as having a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities) cannot be discriminated against or subject to a detriment because of their disability. The law applies to both existing employees and to people who are still in the application process.

Disability discrimination, at its most basic, will include being overlooked for promotions, getting paid less than comparable colleagues without disabilities all the way through to bullying. This is known as Direct Discrimination and most people would probably recognise this immediately. There are, however, other types of discrimination which may be more difficult to spot.

Indirect Discrimination may exist where your employers have set some criteria or have a working practice that subjects you to a disadvantage compared with your colleagues.

An example might be refusing to alter the

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working hours of a single mother so she can drop her children off at school or having a blanket ban on all part time working.

your employer with the cost of making adjustments and these are definitely worth looking into.

Thanks to the Equality Act, a business has a legal obligation to make ‘reasonable’ adjustments to the working practices of a disabled person to help them remain in employment or to work more efficiently or comfortably. This protection also compels businesses to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people who attend job interviews and many of you will have seen questions pertaining to this on application forms.

What will be deemed to be ‘reasonable’ will very much depend upon the size of the business, the nature of its work and the types of adjustments a person is requesting.

Sometimes, the cost of the adjustment will be low but the nature of the work means that it is not possible. Take an employee who can no longer drive and, as they are now reliant on public transport to get to and from work, must finish by 10pm to catch the last bus home. Whereas it is likely to be completely reasonable for a 24 hour call centre to ensure that the employee never works beyond 10pm, it would be far less reasonable for a nightclub to do the same. In this case, however, a reasonable adjustment could be for the nightclub to pay for a taxi for the employee. This will of course be providing that the cost of doing so was reasonable.

Whilst it may be difficult for a small construction company operating out of a portacabin to find administrative work for an employee who had previously undertaken physical work but can no longer do it, the same is unlikely to be said for an organisation supported by large administrative departments.

If an organisation discriminates against an employee on the grounds of their disability whether directly or indirectly, or fails to make reasonable adjustments, then that employee may have recourse in an Employment Tribunal. Employees only have 3 months, minus one day from the date of the last incident of discrimination, to do this though.

In determining what is and what is not ‘reasonable’, it is important to also look at the cost of making the adjustment, again taking the resources of the company into consideration. What is an unreasonable amount to pay for a small organisation making a modest profit each year is probably going to be entirely reasonable for a larger one making millions.

If an employee is subjected to a detriment as a result of them exercising their rights under the Equality Act, whether that is asking for reasonable adjustments or even making a Tribunal claim, then this is known as victimisation and is also covered by the Equality Act.

On the other hand, however, providing an employee with a small piece of kit at a low cost is very likely to be reasonable for a small organisation, but authorising major construction work to add a lift to the premises at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds is probably going to be unreasonable even in big organisations.

There are some organisations, such as the Shaw Trust, that may be able to help

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At NewLaw, we understand how difficult it is returning to work after a serious accident and how this can be all the more daunting if you do not have understanding employers. We can therefore advise you of your rights and provide you with the support to get back up and running in the world of work.

If you have any employment issues that you would like to discuss please contact Andrew Baker on 0845 521 0945.

We support you

solicitors

Amputee puts his best (bionic) foot forward Not so long ago, the idea of people being fitted with bionic prosthetic feet would have been confined to the realms of science fiction, but they are now being offered to amputees in the UK for the first time.

Even though he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2009, Jozef Metelka swore that it wouldn’t stop him fulfilling his sporting dreams. The selfconfessed adrenaline junkie from Oxford admits, “The accident turned my world upside down but as soon as I could get out of hospital I was back in the gym and trying to exercise as I was doing before. It was very frustrating in the beginning as I had to get used to the crutches and it was difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that I didn’t have my foot. My first prosthetic was from the NHS and it helped me through the first few weeks after my

new-law.co.uk |

operation but it soon became apparent that, for me to continue my sporting lifestyle, I was going to need something more”.

Hilton Obery, a Solictor at NewLaw, first met Jozef in April 2009 at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. After such a traumatic event Jozef was alone in the country, with little or no understanding of what he should do next. Hilton recalls giving Jozef his mobile number in case he needed any help, “I remember he rang me on Good Friday to explain that he was going to have his amputation the following day. At this stage I was essentially offering the services of a Welfare Officer, as he didn’t have one. We very quickly appointed a Case Manager so that he could get additional support.”

NewLaw assisted by directing the Case Manager to the most relevant experts in their field and organised interim

compensation payments for Jozef, allowing him to move to more appropriate accommodation in August 2009. These interim payments have not only allowed Jozef to continue to do the things that are most important to him, but also enable him to be the recipient of a rather special prosthetic.

In the Summer of 2009 NewLaw referred Jozef to PACE Rehabilitation for an immediate needs assessment and, after initial fittings, the 27 year old became the first recipient in Europe of the American BiOM power assisted ankle system. After being in development for six years the BiOM has been fitted to several hundred amputees in the US and Canada, but only recently became available in the UK. Invented by Professor Hugh Hurr, himself a double leg amputee, its design evolved within the leg laboratory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Harvard University and is the first prosthetic

...with a little help from NewLaw. foot which provides power to the user, allowing the amputee to walk faster and with less energy.

His solicitor, Hilton, understands the difference this has made to Jozef, “By providing this latest prosthetic technology, we’re giving Jozef the best opportunity to return to as close to his pre-accident situation as possible. We are always looking to assist our clients in getting the newest technology and, in Jozef’s case, he’s the first person in Europe to have this prosthetic”.

At £55,000 for the whole prosthesis, this latest technology is at the cutting edge of design with a price reflecting that.

A representative from PACE said, “We appreciate that it will only be available to the fortunate few at this time. However, we hope that future developments will allow more accessibility for a greater number of amputees who will surely benefit from this design”.

Jozef, who has been skiing and mountain biking since he was three and playing tennis since he was six, could not imagine a life without sport. “I have been very fortunate to receive great prosthetic support and have tried to continue to lead an active life.”

“I have been very fortunate to receive great prosthetic support”

energy, but I still walk faster! It’s unlike any other design I have tried, it’s as if my amputated leg has come alive again and without NewLaw’s help, I wouldn’t be wearing it today”.

Jozef has no plans to stop striving to achieve more and is looking forward to trying out the next addition to his collection, a rollerblading leg!

For more information on how NewLaw can support you,

He is now the owner of 12 specially crafted prosthetic legs, allowing him to compete in cycling races across the world and to become a professional ski instructor, but the sports lover’s favourite prosthetic is his BiOM foot.

“I try to focus as much of my energy to these high level activities, so it’s important that I rest when I can. Using the BiOM foot for everyday use allows me to use less

call Rob Thomas on 0333 321 7496, or email him on Robert.thomas@new-law.co.uk

We support you

solicitors Tel: 0333 321 7496

Personal Injury

Scott’s Story Life for Manchester teenager, Scott Wall, was turned up-side-down when he was knocked down in a ‘hit and run’ incident just a few hundred yards from his home in Droylsden.

Scott, who was 17 at the time, had been making his way to the local gym when he stopped to talk to a friend on the pavement at the side of the road. He was struck by a car driven by an uninsured, unlicensed driver which had sped out of control whilst breaching road traffic signals, pinning Scott against a wall. The driver and passenger of the vehicle fled the scene immediately after but were apprehended after police investigations.

His friend managed to get out of the way of the vehicle, but Scott was not so lucky and sustained serious injuries.

He was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department at Tameside General Hospital and had to undergo a below-the-knee amputation to his left leg. His lower right leg was also very seriously injured and emergency doctors only just managed to save it.

Positive actions From the beginning, Scott and his family received support from Irwin Mitchell’s inhouse Client Liaison Team. Scott’s Mum was determined to get the best possible care for her son and worked closely with Jonathan Betts and the team to investigate the possibilities of getting an extension annex built at the family home.

Jonathan Betts, partner and a member of Scott’s legal team, commented: “Due to the traumatic nature of Scott’s injuries he could not climb or descend stairs which was a huge issue, as at the time of the incident the only bathroom facilities were on the first floor.”

Personal Injury

“I am so lucky I had such a strong team of people around me, including Mum, who fought hard with my lawyer to ensure I received the best possible treatment.”

- Scott

Working together From the outset, a collaborative approach was adopted in dealings between Irwin Mitchell and the Motors Insurers Bureau (MIB), who were ultimately responsible for handling Scott’s legal claim as the driver of the car had been uninsured.

Irwin Mitchell managed to secure their agreement to implement the code of best practice for early intervention and rehabilitation. This resulted in the MIB providing case management, occupational therapy and architectural assistance together with funds to build a self contained annex to the side of the family house within just three months of the incident.

The annex had its own custom built bedroom and bathroom. This was a real triumph and restored some dignity for Scott who had for a short time been living in the family dining room where all his care and personal needs were met.

The relationship between Irwin Mitchell and the MIB and subsequently their solicitors, was excellent. Interim funds were available not just for Scott’s needs but those of his family too.

Now 20 years old, Scott is currently studying Business Management at Salford Univerisity.

Its only through the collective and dedicated commitment of Scott, his family, the care and legal team that Scott has progressed so far after his incident and he is now optimistic about his future.

Interim payments were also secured for surgery on a private basis and for the provision of vehicles, wheelchairs and other equipment that was needed. Scott hit the headlines in 2006 for being one of the first people in the UK to wear a bionic foot which he had fitted at a clinic in South Manchester.

Dedicated commitment The value of building links between the Irwin Mitchell legal team and that of the Motor Insurers Bureau to ensure Scott’s immediate and future needs, were considered above everything else. Crucially, this ensured that Scott and his family could concentrate on his progress.

To talk to a specialist advisor today simply call free on 08000 23 22 33 or text CLAIM to 61993 and someone will call you back

Irwin Mitchell

Birmingham

Bristol

Leeds

London

Manchester

Newcastle

Sheffield

Irwin Mitchell Scotland Glasgow Irwin Mitchell Consulting Office† Irwin Mitchell Abogados

Madrid

Leicester Málaga

2011

www.irwinmitchell.com Irwin Mitchell LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Its associated firm Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP is a separate Scottish legal practice which is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland.

A refreshing approach to legal care Losing a limb does not mean losing your independence. At Thompsons, we have helped thousands of adults and children to adapt and enhance their lifestyles following an amputation.

Our serious injury team brings together the most dedicated serious injury lawyers from every corner of the UK, so there is someone close by wherever you are.

We understand the physical, emotional and psychological impact that losing a limb can have on individuals and their families.

So whether it’s helping you to come to terms with your amputation, accessing the best medical care or ensuring that you regain your independence as quickly as possible, we can put you in contact with a network of experts and support you through a compensation claim.

“

Aer the accident I felt so low, as I had so much taken away om me.

I couldn’t work or cay out normal every day tasks such as picking up a gl…ompsons Solicitors were superb, ering suort and guidance and ultimately suring me a nancial slement that meant I could plore top-end thnology.

Michal Takac Thompsons’ amputation client

www.thompsons.law.co.uk

”

“

ompsons Solicitors really did ght my corner; th were very patient with me as I tried to rebuild my life aer the amputation.

Matthew Roache Thompsons’ amputation client

”

What Thompsons can do for you: Provide expertise to guide you through a compensation claim to cover lost earnings, healthcare costs, and adaptations to lifestyle Put you in touch with dedicated client support co-ordinators, occupational therapists, prosthetic specialists and the Limbless Association

Ensure your long term care and wellbeing is planned for including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, psychological and neurological treatment and cosmetic surgery Help you present the best evidence possible and advise on time limits that may apply in relation to your claim

We have expert knowledge of running military, road traffic, clinical negligence and industrial accident cases and a proven track record of success. What’s more, we work solely for people who have been injured. We never work for employers and we never work for the insurance industry.

Call us on 0800 0 224 244 to get free, no obligation, advice from our specialist serious injury team.

Standing up for you

EMPOWER: LEGAL

Linnitts Solicitors:

We know from first hand experience what you are going through Written By: Chris Linnitt of Linnitts Solicitors I Website: www.linnitts.co.uk I Twitter: @chrislinnitt

“

What makes this different to any other cycle event is that Chris is a left leg above knee amputee and will be cycling with other amputees making this a particularly unique event.

s in M on 30 ltati ee u Fr ons C Call 01626 33 33 80 or Click linnitts.co.uk

Personal Injury

Family Law

No Win, No Fee

Fixed Fees

• All types of accidents/injuries

• Divorce and Separation

• No win, No fee

• Children and Finances

• Clinical Negligence

• Pre-nuptial agreements

• National Coverage

Our Services Include: • Personal

Injury • Family Law Litigation • Employment Law • Wills, Probate & Tax Planning • Civil

Linnitts Solicitors. Suite 1, Wessex House, Tuckers Maltings, Teign Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4AA

Page 34 -

Follow us: @Empower_Mag

I

n our previous articles we emphasized that Linnitts Solicitors is different to other law firms. Why? Because we know what you are going through, be it from a divorce to a personal injury claim.

Our solicitors are experts in the fields we practice and our Chris Linnitt is a leading Personal Injury lawyer with first hand experience of what it is like to go through a personal injury claim.

Chris has been training hard for this event whilst also working full time and achieving some great settlements for clients. So far he has completed a 60 mile bike ride in good time.

He also recently completed a cycle ride in Sardinia to intensify his training. Chris cycles regularly and is achieving some great ride times.

Linnitts Solicitors is proud to be sponsoring Chris for this event. You can follow Chris on Facebook, Twitter or Blogger.

This September, Chris Linnitt will be cycling from London to Amsterdam for a charity called the Olivia Holmes Foundation, which raises money to improve the lives of children with Cancer.

At Linnitts Solicitors we offer fixed fees for various matters including divorce, litigation and Wills & Probate. That way you know where you are with your fees and don’t have to fear any unexpected bills.

What makes this different to any other cycle event is that Chris is a left leg above knee amputee and will be cycling with other amputees making this a particularly unique event. The cycle party will have to achieve 70 miles per day over a 3day period. This is an example of what you can achieve following intense rehabilitation and our Chris Linnitt knows how to get you the correct treatment as soon as possible.

If you have a legal query, big or small, then please contact us on 01626 333380 or email info@linnitts.co.uk If you wish to donate to the Olivia Holmes Foundation please support Chris Linnitt by visiting www.linnitts. co.uk and clicking the link on the bottom left of the page to donate. Alternatively, please donate via www.justgiving. com-ChrisLinnitt

© David Baird davidbaird.photoshelter.com

EMPOWER: MOBILITY

Symmetry:

Give the body what it wants

Written By: Tim Stevenson - oneathlete I Website: www.oneathlete.co.uk I Twitter: @one_athlete

A

t oneathlete, in the early stages of working with an athlete we go through a process of assessing their needs and analysing their sport. We look at the movements involved and the body positions the athlete is required to create.

Those body positions translate into shapes or patterns and that is what we train in the gym and treat in the physiotherapy room.

If we are to maximise movement potential and performance we have to give the body the tools and options it needs. One of these is symmetry. The human body moves well and without injury when things are symmetrical.

Due to the asymmetry of a single arm or leg amputee, it’s important we recognise this and add exercises to your training repertoire that have the purpose of recreating as much symmetry as possible. For double leg or arm amputees, there may be more symmetry, but using prosthetics can change the muscle activation patterns creating muscle imbalances.

To live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life, we need to move. We all do it at different speeds or intensities whether it’s through recreational hobbies, training in the gym or playing sport. But, our enjoyment of these activities is routed in our ability to do them to the level we want to. We can support this by creating as much symmetry in our bodies as possible. Playing football with your children would be easier and more fun if your body is balanced and symmetrical. For one, you’ll be less likely to get injured and so be able to take part for longer.

We wanted to share with you some of the concepts we use with our athletes. However,

as everyone is different, we recommend you work with your medical practitioner, physiotherapist of physical trainer to help you create a plan specific to meet your needs.

Range of movement

Simply put, if we can’t move our joints through a full range of motion we start a cascade of physical compensations and potential asymmetries. Going about our day-to-day lives places stress on our body and muscles get tight and short. This can make things difficult like bending down to pick something up or performing more specific movements required in sport. But, the body is very clever, if it can’t find a way through option A, it simply moves the joints into different, less than optimal positions until it finds the path of least resistance. Correcting this and making option A available means less injury risk and improved movement quality.

Some of the tools we use with our athletes are foam rolling and stretching. Foam rolling offers a very low cost and effective selfmassage to help decrease muscular tension and improve range of movement. You can foam roll tight muscle groups to help create more symmetry. We couple it with stretching to help restore more optimal muscle length, making movement easier and more effective.

We’d recommend checking with your medical practitioner before you start though, as foam rolling may not be appropriate if you have a skin or nerve condition.

The Pillar

‘Pillar’ is another term for the core but highlights what we’re talking about more than just our ‘abs’. It covers all the muscles joined at some point to your spine and/or

pelvis and includes your glutes (buttocks) and the muscles around your shoulder blades. It’s particularly important for leg and arm amputees to develop these muscles. Strengthening your pillar creates the foundation for all motion and is key to improving quality of movement. It’ll also help improve your posture, which creates more symmetry and decreases your risk of injury or muscular pain. We recommend finding someone who can help you include pillar training exercises in your weekly programme and you’ll feel the difference.

Stability

Whether we know it or not, we spend a lot of time in unstable positions. Standing, walking and running all need some form of stability.

In sprinting for example, there is only ever one foot or blade in contact with the ground at any time. The body is made up of different muscles that have two distinct jobs - one creates stability and the other force. If each muscle type does its job properly, we can move with higher levels of quality, accuracy and control creating more symmetry. One of the first exercises we ever asked Richard Whitehead to do as part of his strength and conditioning programme was to stand on one leg without his prosthetics on. He’d never done it before, but the benefits were significant. Over a period of time the body learns to activate muscles in a controlled environment that it can then use for more functional movement patterns and at speed.

Like winning gold medals.

If you’d like oneathlete to help you with your training programme, visit www.oneathlete.co.uk

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 35

EMPOWER: ELECTRIC MOBILITY

Innovative device propels wheelchair E-Move analyses and meets specific needs

E

- Move powered hubs are available through the authorised network of Rascal Rehab Specialists across the UK. The Decon wheels are a powered assist to your existing wheel chair and are very easy to use. Simply by swapping the wheels over this enables you to be more independent, yet still maintains cardiovascular activity due to the effort of the self-propelling movement. The E-Move will increase momentum and speed of the chair up to 3 times more compared to the same effort you put into touching the handrims.

The E-Move has the motor built into the hub, so the motor is far more efficient which allows the range to be extended by an additional 20%. The extra width of the wheelchair has also been reduced by 10%.

The unique feature of the E-Move is that it can be programmed to suit each user’s needs.

It is also possible to have two programs and switch between them, for example, 1 for indoor use and 2 for outdoor use.

If you need extra power at home, at work or outdoors, the E-Move is a simple and reliable solution.

Everybody is unique. So why provide all individual users the same settings? With the E-Move the “one-fit-all” settings are history!

Take a seat in the E-Move and just drive. Don´t bother about driving in a straight line, just drive as you would do normally. The E-Move will analyse your driving and come up with advice which is best suited to your specific individual needs.

Also available, the E-Drive which is a set of powered quick release wheels of only 7kg each with a swing away joystick and or dual control option to enable your existing wheelchair to become a lightweight power chair that can be easily folded up in a boot of a car. E-Drive can be customised to suit individual needs, which means that it offers a high-quality solution for users.

• If your left arm is a little bit stronger than your right? Then the right wheel will be more powerful.

The wheels are only 7kg in weight so they are easily removed and transported in your car and the battery can be fitted in various positions on your wheelchair with the benefit of being charged in remotely.

The Crash Tested Decon systems offers a wide range of wheel sizes that is not offered by any of its competitors and makes it suitable for people of all ages from children through to senior citizens. With a maximum user weight of 150kg, and the options of rear wheel sizes from 20”22”24”25” and 26”, the E Move offers a world of choice and can also be an ideal combination with our range of custom build folding and rigid wheelchairs from Berollka, which are exclusive to Rascal Rehab in the UK.

• If your motion in the right arm is better than your left arm, then the left wheel will be programmed to be a little bit more sensitive.

Not too much, just what you need!

It is even possible to program the “willingness” to drive in a straight line. Of course, the one-hand-operation mode (single hand driving) is still available. The best thing is, that all these wonderful specifications are standard.

The E-Move works especially well with the Cobra sport rigid wheelchair.

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by

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When you use the Decon powered add on systems you can still have camber on your wheelchair and also the option of solid tyres for peace of mind when you are out and about. This enables you to use your existing manual wheelchair and seating that you know works for you and your lifestyle!

E-Drive will give you more freedom and make your everyday life easier

Contact Electric Mobility for more information and details of your nearest Rascal Rehab Specialist.

0800 252 614 sales@electricmobility.co.uk

electricmobility.co.uk

Be Empowered, Feel Great, Look Great We all want to look good and feel positive, both of which rely on us feeling enabled and empowered. Conventional wheelchairs fail to offer these benefits so we decided to re-invent the wheelchair.

Carbon Black is the result of a seven year development combining leading F1 composite engineers, top designers and active wheelchair users.

Never before has a wheelchair received such a high level of design and development. The result is a chair that epitomises minimal, low impact simplicity.

Outside the “less is more” form means more person less wheelchair is the reality. The discreet height adjustable and interchangeable backrest offers postural support and comfort beyond the conventional. The ergonomic carbon pushrims give a pleasing tactile grip for effortless pushing.

Within, Carbon Black has all the composites engineering akin to a formula 1 race car resulting in unparalleled energy efficiency, outstanding strength, minimal weight and a smooth vibration absorbing ride. This all cocooned in carbon fibre, a material that doesn’t scratch the users car or damage their home and is warm and pleasing to the touch.

The sleek sexy style is far removed from the conventional wheelchair as we know it.

Every chair is built bespoke to the customer’s size and configuration needs. Every chair is hand built in the UK by expert carbon fibre engineers.

The minimal form of the carbon fibre monocoque gives the user easier access for transfers and a very compact, light chair to lift and stow in the car.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS

But the journey to develop the ultimate wheelchair had a deeper challenge than to create a technical marvel. The challenge was to empower the user and create positive perceptions towards them and their chair.

Today Carbon Black is changing how many view the wheelchair, no longer a style stifling medical device but a stylish accessory that draws positive admiration from all who see it.

The Carbon Black team are highly experienced and available to answer your questions and carry out a no obligation demo.

Visit our website: www.carbonblacksystem.com for more information and to arrange a demonstration.

EMPOWER: MOBILITY Are you finding that your stairs are now appearing as challenging as a mountain?

A

1 Stairlifts Services can help! With over 100 years experience in the stairlift industry, we specialise in the installation of rental stairlifts - straight or curved. Our team want to help find the best fit and solution for you.

We offer fixed monthly payments including all maintenance on straight stairlifts. There is a fixed deposit of £395 which includes the installation and removal of your stairlift. With no minimum rental period.

“

“The whole process of my purchase was made very enjoyable from the first visit from Danny all the way to the final installation. Well done for a first class service.” Amy Lewis, Cardigan

“My worries about a first visit to a mobility shop were forgotten... very friendly and interested in me AND my disability.

M. Watt, Darvel

Rental

• Straight or curved • From £10 a week • Low £395 deposit for straight stairlift & Maintenance FREE for life • Nationwide Quick installs

A1 Stairlifts Services can also offer fixed price service warranties for most makes of Stairlifts, undertaking one off services and repairs for people that don’t want to commit to a contract.

Our customers love our friendly, reliable team and our smooth installation process.

Our sister companies also sell or can remove unwanted Stairlifts for you; www.easystairmobility.co.uk www.unwantedstairlifts.co.uk www.completestairlifts.co.uk

Call FREE to talk to an expert on:

MOBILITY AID SERVICES 01292 288 224

HELPING PROMOTE WELLBEING AND MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES

MOBILITY | BATHING | NURSING CARE TECHNICAL SUPPORT | HOUSEHOLD | DAILY LIVING AIDS TOILETING | EQUIPMENT RENTAL & SERVICING

Follow us: @Empower_Mag

0808 808 1020212

www.a1stairlifts.co.uk

For advice or a free survey please contact us on 0808 102 0212 or visit A1stairlifts.co.uk

65 Main Street | Ayr | KA8 8BU FREEPHONE 0800 084 2336 TELEPHONE 01292 288 224 www.mobilityaidservices.co.uk sales@mobilityaidservices.co.uk

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Short or Long Term

On curved rentals the price of installation depends on the configuration of you stairs. Prices are subject to survey but start from £1850 saving you up to £3000 on the cost of a new one.

With curved rentals we require a minimum commitment of 6 months. We can however remove it before then if you require.

>> Written By: Richard Jackson, Owner of Mobility Aid Services

I

’m Richard Jackson, owner of Mobility Aid Services. I would like to share my 15 years of healthcare experience with you, as I believe it enables me to help those with a disability.

After serving in the Armed Forces, I took on the role as a physiotherapy assistant with the NHS, providing exercise and rehabilitation programmes in a Hospital Outpatients department.

This led to an opportunity to develop inpatient experience working on Care of the Elderly and Stroke rehabilitation wards.

Following on from this I became a Technical Instructor with a community based Older Peoples Team, providing assessment, rehabilitation and support to clients in their own home.

After 9 years with the NHS, I moved into the commercial sector, working for an internationally recognised healthcare equipment manufacturer providing products and support to the NHS and Social

Services. This provided the insight and experience in the design, production and sales of specialist rehabilitation equipment.

At the forefront of my decision to purchase Mobility Aid Services was an intention to use my experience to the benefit of the community.

The vast majority of my customers have either a chronic condition or mobility issue, which causes difficulty or even puts them at risk whilst carrying out a task or activity. Mobility Aid Services provides a range of aids to daily living, mobility equipment and nursing products to help address or even prevent such issues.

I provide an advice service which allows my customers and their families to make an informed decision - ensuring that needs are being met and that independence is maintained. Assessment areas have been established in the shop to highlight the use of specific equipment and provide appropriate advice.

EMPOWER: TEAM COLOURED CRUTCHES

Supporting People on a Daily Basis Website: www.teamcolouredcrutches.co.uk I Twitter: @teamcolouredcru I Facebook: facebook.com/teamcoloucrutch

Y

ou may be recuperating from a long or short term Sports Injury, or do you suffer from mobility issues as a result of any of the following complaints:

• Lower Limb Amputation • Ruptured Achilles tendon • Broken leg, knee joint, shin any lower • limb fractures or injuries • Hip or knee replacement • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) • Osteo-Arthritis • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Muscular Dystrophy (MD) • Cerebral Palsy • Permanent User of Walking aids

Then SmartCrutches are for you!

These really cool coloured crutches

by SmartCrutch are by far the most comfortable of forearm crutches, way ahead of any others out there.

SmartCrutches are available in a range of 6 great colourways, graphic options and crutch accessories.

The unequivocally unique design of smartCRUTCH spreads the entire load over your whole forearm which absolutely releases the pressure and pain from the hands and wrists.

You have the ability to adjust the height as well as the platform angle position taking more or less load off your forearm.

This is done by simply loosing the spline plate and adjusting to your unique position preference.

Handle position can also be adjusted to suite the length of your forearm.

For increased comfort, the hand grips are ergonomically designed to give you a natural wrist angle while providing you with an evenly distributed weight load across your palm.

Also, the length of the forearm platform is adjustable to 3 different settings, and the height of the crutch leg can adjust to 14 different points via 1” increments.

Features and Benefits: A revolutionary crutch design driven through need.

• Multiple adjustments for a personalized fit.

• Forearm platform padded with memory foam for lasting comfort • Pressure reduced by up to six times per square cm (0.5kg/cm2) • Hourglass shaped crutch tip for maximum stability.

• Ergonomically correct for overall comfort and wellness.

• Locking spline for secure adjustments.

• Comes in a variety of colours.

Even More Comfort!

SmartCrutches now have 3 lower leg sizes available giving more height choices. Extended (700mm), Standard (600mm) and Short (500mm) making them suitable for the extra tall and the smaller user. We now have 2 new colours added to the range, Brown and Purple. The range now feature Short Cuffs in most colours ways with Velcro straps, the Junior range in Black, Blue, Grey, Orange, Pink, Purple and Red! SmartCrutch, as supplied by TeamColouredCrutches is a remarkable, ergonomically designed platform crutch. These Forearm Crutches are ideal for people who experience limited upper body strength or anyone who finds customary crutches uncomfortable. The SmartCrutch differs from other elbow crutches and forearm crutches because the platform design is fully adjustable.

Offers the user quality of life and unprecedented comfort through fully adjustable settings.

SmartCrutch, Probably The world’s most comfortable crutches

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 39

EMPOWER: DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION

‘A disabled person who fights back is not disabled…but inspired’ >> Quote by Douglas Bader Website: douglasbaderfoundation.com I Twitter: @douglasbaderfou

2

014 is a great success so far for DBF and the reaction from our Bader Braves and their families continues to re enforce to us that what we do works! The joy and fun and networking between those attending our Events are our reward and the feedback we receive is always positive. Creating the DBF was to perpetuate Inspiration and we meet Inspiring children and adults with limb loss and other disabilities as you can see in these images.

Page 40 -

Follow us: @Empower_Mag

HELP US TO HELP THEM You can make a donation by visiting our website

www.douglasbaderfoundation.com Charity commission registration number 800435

EMPOWER: INTERVIEW - JIM BONNEY >> EMPOWER talks to Jim Bonney about his accident and how this has impacted his life. He also gives advice on how to get you motivated from his own personal experiences.

Website: www.adventurerehab.co.uk I Twitter: @ADVENTURE_REHAB I Facebook: facebook.com/adventurerehab

J

im Bonney is no stranger to seeking and thriving in adversity – a Mountaineer, Sea kayaker and Sailor and former Royal Marine Commando Officer. In 2001 whilst attempting an unclimbed route on a mountain in Alaska he fell a 1000ft, dragging his climbing partner with him.

Faced with 2 broken legs and a critically injured climbing partner his remarkable rescue was just the beginning of the Adventure.

18 months of surgery and rehabilitation resulted in him electing to have one of his legs amputated below the knee. He learned the hard way that rehabilitation is a difficult, lengthy and an emotionally challenging process, particularly having attained such an elite level prior to injury – his passion and drive for adventure and challenge, supported by his colleagues and family, motivated him through the difficult times. He went on to regain his fitness and he continued to lead Royal Marines in extreme environments both at sea and on land until he retired in 2010.

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His unique experiences saw him selected to lead the Royal Marines recruit rehabilitation organisation and he was active in developing motivational rehabilitation programmes for battle casualties returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He now leads ADVENTURE REHAB, a unique motivational and challenging recovery program for amputees and their families.

>> Jim Bonney gives advice on how to get you motivated and active. He also suggests exercises to improve balance, stength and agility.

Leading and guiding motivated individuals, teams and groups who have to operate in challenging situations and environments is core business for Jim. He has unique insight into the physical and emotional challenges that humans can face and thrive from; some of the most effective growth emerges from the traumatic and exceptional circumstances that austerity and unexpected experiences deliver.

As an above knee amputee (trans-femoral) then probably an option that would get you active would be to look at water sports – SCUBA diving particularly is a fantastic pursuit that can be started in a swimming pool and once you have mastered your body stability under water it is a really amazing experience that really doesn’t matter if you have 2 legs or not! – The other easy win is to go kayaking – the more recent trend for ‘Sit on Top’ kayaks makes the connectivity issue with the boat easier and for AK amps I use kayaking as a quick way of getting folk more active and enjoying the real world. All kayak clubs should be able to support you here – if

Jim lives on Dartmoor and spends his time leading rehabilitation and adventure projects at Sea or in the Mountains. He has 2 young sons, neither of whom is showing any signs of settling to an indoor life!

Follow us: @Empower_Mag

> I am a LAK amputee and want to get more active, I’m just not sure where to start?

EMPOWER: INDEPENDENT LIVING

“

He learned the hard way that rehabilitation is a difficult, lengthy and an emotionally challenging process, particularly having attained such an elite level prior to injury...

they can’t give us a call! For water activities a water activity limb is useful – as a means of safe access to watery environments – but in most cases people I work with use their standard limb to the water edge and then we plan how to remove prosthetics in a useful way.. its all about planning and working out where things need to be to be useful – including towels and chairs and a friend to help out when things don’t go to plan!.. hey go for it.

> I am fine walking up hills but struggle going down them, I worry about going over on my knee any suggestions?

Carry a modern 4 part walking pole, (lightweight mountaineering style pole) very light and take up little space on a daysack – and loads of folk use them – so who would know the difference? I would also coach that you need to train the specific muscle skills to be expert in the manoeuvre – train on a small slope that is safe first – and get harder and harder surfaces to train on. Learn how your foot module reacts on different surfaces, and know what to do to counteract it if its unhelpful!. Don’t disregard side stepping. Before crampons were invented mountaineers side stepped every ice slope cutting steps as they went!.. epic!..

As they say – ‘an expert in anything was once a beginner’ why should we be good at any of these things? mastering a prosthetic is like any tool.. its just that this one for us is essential. So go and train with it. If you are concerned about the knee module collapsing in the case of a AK prosthetic – then some of this will be specific to the type of knee you have – speak to your prosthetics team – and don’t be ashamed to find another route!.. more than one way – always!

> Can you recommend any specific ways of getting up after a fall?

This is a subject I work on with amputees in the early phases – we have to be able to get ourselves up, independently and from a series of scenarios – a client recently did a leg change in the saloon of a yacht at sea.. and ended up on the cabin deck floundering about.. he aced getting sorted solo including getting up off the deck once it had gone wrong – with me on the helm looking on (he told me to leave him to sort it!!) – and that was just practice. Practice is the key , as is working deliberately at your strength and agility. These are key attributes to being healthy as a human – but much more specifically now you are an amputee – so like any training, break the movements into phases and train it.. no point being incapable if you don’t need to be. Carry a phone and let people know where you are going – and don’t take risks!.. Too late to discover you can’t get up with a snow board attached to your feet on a junior slope when you are lying on the snow watching 5 year olds jump you on their boards!.. another story!

> Can you suggest any exercises to improve balance?

called a ‘slack line’.. google it.. bit extreme but we can never stop improving our game. To start with work on single leg balance – on your unaffected side if you have one (!) – stand cleaning your teeth in front of the mirror, stand relaxed and draw a ‘tooth pasty’ line with your finger on the mirror that is the centre of your face. Balance on one leg, hold the sink if necessary and maintain that balance line in the centre of your face. Carry on cleaning your teeth.. the distraction of your hand moving is great real time interference.

Maintain your balance, change to your affected side and try again..(!).. keep working on it. Ensure that everything, every movement you make, every time you are in a queue you concentrate on balance. Take charge of your core muscles and stand well – helium balloon attached to your head. Watch your gait in shop windows and make a point of ensuring that your gait is not any different than anyone else’s – play a game with your self – can you tell..?.. you’ll be surprised how well you can balance when you train it. The secret is training and being conscious of it.

>> Written By: Jim Bonney, Lead coach and Director of ADVENTURE REHAB Ltd

Thats a big subject!.. and I would argue its one of the critical keys to success as a leg amputee – and it’s a challenge that we can never stop developing – I’m training using a training aid for balance that climbers use

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 43

EMPOWER: HANDS FREE COMPUTING

Making technology accessible to everyone Website: www.hands-free.co.uk I Twitter: @Hands_Free_UK I E-Mail: quotes@hands-free.co.uk

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ince 1997, Hands Free Computing has been providing disability software and training. For the last seventeen years we have continued to grow and are now one of the UK’s leading providers of assistive technology and training. Our offices, based in West Sussex, supply customers all across the UK with help, support and advice regarding any problems they may be facing in the workplace as a result of a disability.

We believe that it is important to provide specialised training and software to allow those with a disability to have full access to the world of technology. Having the ability to access computers is now an essential skill required in the workplace and we are here to ensure your disability isn’t a barrier to using your computer. We work with a wide range of clients from self-employed individuals, to large organisations such as the NHS. We are passionate about providing high quality software solutions that make technology accessible to everyone, regardless of their technology. Our company’s motto is “improving working life” and we work closely alongside government scheme Access to Work to ensure individuals with disabilities

have access to equipment, training and funding to help them stay in the workplace.

If you are currently working or about to start employment Access to Work can come and assess your needs and provide funding for any equipment and training you may require.

Our software and training benefits individuals with a variety of needs, from dyslexia to complex physical disabilities. These innovative products make working life easier for so many people and in thousands of cases they also enable employees to remain in jobs and lead a productive working life.

Managing Director, Lawrence Howard said: “Everyday our staff are helping to change lives for the better. Our ethos at Hands-Free is always to go that extra mile to help our clients and ensure we deliver the best service.”

Hands Free Computing are dedicated to improving working lives, for further information on how we could help you, please contact us on 0845 899 0880 or email quotes@hands-free.co.uk

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“

Everyday our staff are helping to change lives for the better. Our ethos at HandsFree is always to go that extra mile to help our clients and ensure we deliver the best service > Lawrence Howard: Managing Director of Hands Free Computing

EMPOWER: INDEPENDENT LIVING

Choosing the soft option‌ >> Case Study: Medoris

Pressure ulcers affect approximately 700,000 people in the UK every year, taking 4% of the NHS budget. 80% to 95% of pressure ulcers can be prevented, making savings which could be utilised in other areas of care.

With the individual’s comfort in mind, MEDORIS has developed a range of flexible, and very soft micro-bead products for positioning and pressure care to help prevent pressure ulcers. Many existing pressure care support surfaces can be uncomfortable for the user and are often expensive. Pressure ulcers most commonly occur at the sacrum and the heels so the MEDORIS M057 16-Chamber Cushion and M061 6-chamber Heel Support are just two products from their wide range which offer a very affordable benefit.

Customer Testimonial: The cushion gives support and comfort. As an amputee I prefer

my stump to sink in to the material so it is a great way of elevating the limb to relieve pressure. I have tried and tested a lot of different products from low cost pillows to expensive pressure relieving cushions and my personal opinion is that the range MEDORIS offers is the best. I use the leg ramp which offers great value for money and due to the micro-beads also gives me some much-needed relief and support whilst still being soft and pliable adjusting to my stump shape.

As a BK amputee I find that my stump is normally rather hot after I take off my prosthetic. The ramp, which is a different thickness at one end compared to the other, seems to help to cool the limb without having to use an ice pack. I was also impressed with how lightweight the range of products is and after use I was able to fold and put away so it does not take up much room. > Written by: Emma Wilson, 29, BTK Amputee

Making computers accessible to everyone

Hands Free Computing is the leading disability software and training provider.

If your disability is limiting your use of a computer, our specialised software, equipment and qualified trainers will be able to help.

If you are employed or seeking employment you may be eligible for funding and support from Access to Work. For more information contact 0845 899 0880 or visit www.hands-free.co.uk

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EMPOWER: RACHAEL HORTON

Natural freedom from phantom limb phenomena Rachael Horton, hypnotherapy expert, unlocks the secrets of how to change your thoughts so you can think positively and experience more comfort.

Written By: Rachael Horton, Clinical Hypnotherapist I Website: www.change-4-life.com Try this

Photographer: Dik Ng

Recall an upsetting thought about your phantom limb pain, such as “I’ll never be able to get over this pain and enjoy myself.”

By simply adding the words “I’m having the thought …” allows you to view it more objectively and avoid buying into it.

Y

ou are what you think

Pain doesn’t just affect the body physically, it also affects how you feel emotionally. When in discomfort there is often a tendency to worry and feel distraught, so you feel two types of pain – one physical (organic pain) and one mental.

Thoughts are so powerful. Since stress starts with a single thought, by improving the quality of your thinking you can take back control over your state of mind thereby reducing both physical and mental pain.

The good news is that we all have the ability to choose our thoughts and hence how we feel from moment-to-moment – I’ll share with you how.

How do you think currently?

Some thoughts are easy to recognise and let go of. For instance, what you might have for lunch. Others are more urgent: “I mustn’t forget to send birthday card to my friend today,” which prompts the thought: “I must write her card now.” Others can be emotionally charged or catastrophic: “The pain in my head is worsening, it’s probably serious. How will I cope with treatment?”

But thoughts are not solid facts. They’re just thoughts that are continually changing.

Recognising they’re simply expressions of anxiety can help you become more objective. Then if sensations worsen, instead of imagining terrible consequences, you can instantly change your thoughts bringing you great relief too!

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Getting off the Thought Train

One thought can prompt the next. You could imagine this is like watching a train of carriages (each carriage representing a thought) moving slowly along a track. As you watch the train go past you see each thought.

If you notice yourself jump into a carriage and get carried along the track by that thought, take back control by choosing to remain a bystander simply viewing thoughts as they go past.

Catching your thoughts

Another way to improve your thoughts is to imagine catching them in a net. Take a look at the thoughts and let any unhelpful ones fly away like butterflies. Then replace them with more positive alternatives that make you feel good.

Letting go of fears

We all have the ability to reduce our sensitivity to pain. The aim is to detach from it by recognising it, accepting it without reacting to it. Doing this helps make your emotional state, and pain, more comfortable as you release any negativity and bitterness.

Soften against any old tension and discomfort that might have built up by focusing on pleasant sensations however subtle. For example, instead of lying in bed thinking about how dreadful you might feel, focus on the comfort of the pillow beneath you, or the feeling of warmth.

“We all have the ability to reduce our sensitivity to pain.”

From unpleasant to pleasant

Improve the quality of your thoughts by observing any unpleasant sensations your currently feel. Perhaps you have cold feet, or a slight tightness in your stomach, or tension in your neck? Then repeat noticing

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pleasant sensations. Perhaps the warmth of your hands or the feeling relaxation in your face? Recognise how pleasant words and thoughts make you feel more comfortable and relax your body. This is the power that your thinking has on your body!

Changing your story and your outlook Break free from talking about pain and your limitations. Instead seek out improvements and your mind will responds with more relief.

Develop a caring attitude towards yourself and any discomfort will aid relaxation and recovery, improving your quality of life – and your relationships too!

Your bright future

Imagine a happy scene in the future where you’re free from pain, sleeping well, feeling refreshed, energised and enjoying life. Before you get out of bed each day, practice thinking through your day in this positive way – see your day going just the way you want it to and feel how you want to feel. The mind cannot distinguish real from vividly imagined so make the image, sounds, feelings really compelling.

Using techniques you’ll very quickly get control over your state of mind. By realising that thoughts are not facts, you can eliminate unwanted thoughts, including those relating to phantom limb sensations, so you can enjoy more comfort and experience relief.

For further advice on positive thinking: Check out Rachael’s 28 Day Plan for more tips on promoting a positive mindset www.change-4-life.com/shop As seen in Woman’s Own, Bella, Chat It’s Fate and Chat magazine. Now available on Kindle.

Note: Rachael Horton is an expert in Hypnotherapy with a keen interest in natural techniques for pain relief rather than Phantom Limb Pain. Techniques represented here are safe and natural ways to promote comfort and symptom relief which have been trialled for use with PLP sufferers by the EmPower editorial teams. Always seek medical guidance on the suitability of techniques for you.

EMPOWER: PAIN MANAGEMENT

DRUG FREE PAIN RELIEF FOR PHANTOM LIMB Seeing is Believing.

Growing evidence proves Mirror Therapy works and it has been described in medical literature to be of benefit to 80% of users, when used as part of a therapy programme.

Read testimonials and the medical evidence at:-

www.reflexpainmanagement.com Or ask your physiotherapist about Mirror Box Therapy.

Folding Mirror Box. Reader offer Only £23.56* Voucher Number EMP314

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I believe that the heeling of the wound was speeded up through using this product and also helped to lessen the pain. I was a sceptic to begin with but having nothing to lose I now believe that both the vest and knee support have and are greatly helping me to get back to an active life again.

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After speaking to other people I heard about the vest tops that were sold by Absolute 360. I was not convinced they would help but I decided to try. After wearing the vest for a couple of hours I realised that the pain in my back had significantly lessened. In fact within a couple of days the pain in my lower back completely disappeared. This was especially useful whilst I was confined to my wheelchair and during the period when I was learning to walk again with my prosthetic leg.

Having experienced the benefit of the vests and reading more about the healing benefits of the Absolute 360 products, I ordered a knee support which I wore on the stump after my left lower leg was removed.

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After suffering from osteoarthritis for many years, which had involved my back being operated on and rods and screws being inserted, one of my biggest fears when I was faced with having my leg amputated was the prospect of sitting for many hours. The pain in my back always became worse after sitting in one position for any length of time.

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www.absolute360.co.uk www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 47

EMPOWER: SPORT

How to achieve fitness and enjoyment through the arts Provided By: LimbPower I Website: limbpower.com I Twitter: @LimbPower

L

imbPower’s objectives are to introduce amputees and the ambulant disabled to the wide range of sports and lifestyle activities available to them. An amputation is a traumatic, life-changing event, which can feel like ‘the end’ of their previous way of life.

LimbPower’s goal is to show amputees and the limb impaired that this is not the case, and that there is a whole world of opportunities available to enable everyone to reengage, to be active, get fit and have a great time doing so. Not everyone is interested in sport, so it

is incredibly gratifying to find an amputee who demonstrates how to achieve fitness and enjoyment through the arts as perfectly as Lyndsay Adams.

group gave. The noise in the stadium, and the knowledge that millions of people were watching created a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere for everyone.

Lyndsay contracted an MRSA infection during knee surgery in 2006, and for four years lived with pain and dramatically reduced mobility, until August 2010 when she elected to have an above-knee amputation.

Since that momentous occasion, Lyndsay has continued to pursue her love of the aerial circus and joined the Graeae Theatre Company transferring her trapeze skills to the hoop and performing as a solo and part of a duet. As a part of the Graeae team Lyndsay has performed at several large-scale outdoor events such as the Greenwich & Docklands Festival in a production where she played ‘The Limbless Knight’. The Company have also travelled to Brazil where they shared their circus skills with disabled performers and developed a show with them called ‘Belonging’ which they performed across Brazil and also in London.

After the operation, Lyndsay regained her strength and fitness and chose to make the most of her new status by joining an agency representing amputees in the media. In 2012 she received an offer to be part of a team of 40 disabled people who would be trained in aerial circus arts in order to perform at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony in London.

This chance encounter changed Lindsay’s life and was where Lyndsay’s love for the circus was born.

Lyndsay was trained in cord lisse (rope), static trapeze, silks, performing skills and somersault harness aerial performing and fell in love with the buzz and feeling of danger that working at height gave her. The trapeze in particular utilised her upper body strength like no other fitness training had, and she enjoyed the feeling of grace and freedom it gave her. She was trained by ablebodied instructors who never allowed her to say “I can’t” and found it hugely gratifying to master skills which most able-bodied people wouldn’t imagine that they themselves could ever do.

The nights of the opening and closing ceremonies were incredible, and I’m sure we all recall the amazing performance the

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Since losing her leg, Lyndsay has become a self-confessed ‘yes-person’ who has a go at anything available. She has not only mastered difficult circus performance skills, but has also completed her PADI scubadiving qualification, learned to water-ski in a ski-seat, raced hand-cycle marathons, skied in a sit-ski, driven a husky sled, done a 24 hour snowmobile safari and ridden a camel!

Lyndsay clearly thrives on being pushed and pushing herself and always wants to go higher, race faster, walk further, dive deeper etc. Her ambition is to never stop pushing herself and discovering what is possible, and the next challenge she has in mind is to get back on a horse after a 7 year break. The LimbPower team have very little doubt that she will achieve this too.

Not everyone has Lyndsay’s abilities and talent or the same opportunities, but LimbPower will continue to strive towards encouraging all amputees to take a little bit of Lyndsay’s spirit and apply it to their own goals and ambitions, to test what they can do, and push themselves a little bit further. Whether it is simply to improve basic walking mobility in our ‘Learn to Run’ clinics, or tackle a new sport at the LimbPower Games, we hope that we can help many more amputees feel as great about their achievements as Lyndsay rightly does.

If reading this has inspired you please do get in touch we have a few non sporting challenges coming up, which might be just want you need to take you in a new direction.

EMPOWER: WDSA (UK)

Meet Tedwood the bear

Website: wdsauk.co.uk I Twitter: @WDSAUK I Facebook: /WDSAUK

I

t has been a busy period for the Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (UK) with a choc-abloc calendar of events and activities leading up to the big launch of the WDSA’s kids club and accompanying mascot, ‘Tedwood Bear’. The launch was held in Welwyn Garden City at Lakeside School and was a fun-packed day of dance taster sessions and performances with a variety of activities and

“

Tedwood will be back for another day of dancing in the near future so keep your ears to the ground if you fancy a chance to dance with Tedwood!

contests available to those in attendance. It was a great day for the WDSA who were proud to have the Mayor of Welwyn Garden City and his wife not only in attendance, but also getting involved in the dance!

Perhaps the most important appearance at the event was the real life, full size Tedwood bear himself, who came out to dance with the children, some of which were trying wheelchair dance for the first time. The day was a great success as the event saw a great deal of participation from everyone in attendance making for a great launch of ‘Tedwood Bear’ to begin his journey as the mascot for the WDSA’s kids club. A big thank you to Lakeside School and everybody who helped out, attended and got involved. Hopefully Tedwood will be back for another day of dancing in the near future so keep your ears to the ground if you fancy a chance to dance with Tedwood!

If you would like Tedwood to come and dance at your school or become a member of his club please email tedwood@wdsauk.co.uk

WHEELCHAIR DANCE SPORT ASSOCIATION (UK) BEDFORDSHIRE LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTOR COURSE RECEIVES FUNDING! This fantastic opportunity will enable you to become a qualified instructor and help you to start your own group within your community.

Running during October Half term 2014 Contact us for more information info@wdsauk.co.uk - www.wdsauk.co.uk - 0300 111 30 45 @WDSAUK - facebook.com/WDSAUK

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 49

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EMPOWER: SPORT

Specialised Sports Blade keeps Paralympic Hopeful in Training Provided By: Dorset Orthopaedic I Website: www.dorset-ortho.com I Tel: +44 (0) 1425 481 740

Emily relies on a sports blade for her land training such as running and circuit training, in order to reach her peak fitness potential for swimming. Emily’s prosthetic limb is essential for her training, but her previous prosthesis had worn out beyond repair. Dorset Orthopaedic and Ottobock collaborated to donate a specialised sports blade for the athlete after a special request from the Paralympics organisation and Baroness Sue Campbell.

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E

mily, aged 16, is a Paralympic standard swimmer and is earmarked for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Born without the Tibia in her right leg, Emily had her right leg amputated through the knee when she was one year old.

Emily’s mother Donna comments on the blade; “Emily was very lucky that Dorset Orthopaedic and Ottobock heard about her positive outlook and her swimming aspirations and donated this high-tech prosthesis in order to support her training. Emily loves her new prosthesis and the responsiveness of the blade, it is a massive improvement from her

last blade as she has a better range of movement on it and it gives her greater freedom to keep fit and participate in land training.”

In order to create a prosthesis specifically suited to Emily, Ottobock donated the hydraulic fitness knee and double curve carbon fibre blade, while Dorset Orthopaedic produced the Comfort Fit Socket™, manufactured from super lightweight carbon fibre.

Dorset Orthopaedic Managing Director, David Hills comments; “Emily has been a client of ours since she was 2 years old and we have watched with pleasure as she develops her swimming career. As she is anticipated for the Rio 2016 Paralympics, this prosthesis will benefit her greatly with her future training, hopefully allowing her to achieve her dreams of representing her country. We wish her all the best and look forward to watching how she gets on.”

Emily is ranked as one of the top ten swimmers in her age group and disability category in the world and is a hopeful for the Rio 2016 Games.

As well as studying for her GCSE’s Emily maintains her demanding swimming routine of 8 water sessions and 3 land sessions a week. Her sports blade is vital so that she can continue training at this level. The land training is specifically important for strengthening and conditioning, as well as improving a swimmers’ aerobic capacity.

“I am so proud and grateful that I have been able to receive this prosthesis and have been given the opportunity to use this technology.

It enhances my quality of life and is vital for my training. The new blade is helping me to achieve what I always wanted to do, which is to make it to Rio.” (Emily Harris)

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Far infrared rays are invisible waves of energy that can penetrate all layers of the human body, right into the innermost regions of the tissues, muscles and bones, naturally generating heat by causing the subcutaneous proteins, collagens, fats, and water molecules to vibrate, elevating

tissue temperatures and causing the blood vessels to dilate.

Scientific studies show that this improvement in blood circulation delivers more oxygen to the tissues, which provides a range of therapeutic effects. Far infrared rays help to gently heal, soothe, stimulate and detox the body.

Wear ABSOLUTE 360 during any physical activity for more power and endurance, as a recovery aid after exercise, when recovering from injury, or every day for improved well-being and as part of a healthy life style.

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EMPOWER: YOUTH & FAMILY

Life-Changing Prosthesis to Achieve Ambitions Anna Griffin was fitted by Dorset Orthopaedic for a confidence-boosting C-Leg after valuable funding from the bone cancer trust.

Provided By: Dorset Orthopaedic I Website: scatbonecancertrust.org

A

stroke of luck meant that Anna came across SCAT Bone Cancer Trust and applied for funding for her prosthesis. Thanks to the ongoing close relationship between Dorset Orthopaedic and the charity, Anna was then fitted with a C-Leg and there has been no stopping her since!

Anna, now 18, had her right leg amputated above the knee in 2009 after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma bone cancer. Initially provided with a basic prosthesis, Anna found this very uncomfortable and kept falling over, even breaking her left leg! But everything changed one day when Anna’s Mum Liz was looking online; “I was online searching for a cover for Anna’s prosthesis when I came across SCAT by chance.

I read up on them and wondered if Anna would qualify so I sent them an e-mail. They said yes straight away and it all happened so fast. The charity put us in touch with Dorset Orthopaedic and within weeks we were on our way to their Burton clinic for Anna to be assessed for a new prosthesis!”

Dorset Orthopaedic Prosthetist and Burton Clinic Manager, Mark Woolsey, worked with Anna to find the most suitable solution and they decided on a C-Leg with a high definition silicone cover. Mark also fitted a pro-seal socket to reduce pressure and make wearing a prosthesis more comfortable for Anna.

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Anna comments on her prosthesis; “I don’t hide my prosthesis but I don’t want it to be the first thing people notice about me either.

The silicone cosmesis means that my prosthesis looks natural and real and I am confident wearing shorts, skirts and leggings!”

The C-Leg’s computerised knee allows Anna to walk more easily and naturally and provides her with enhanced balance. Liz commented that she has noticed an obvious improvement in Anna’s posture and pressure problems that she was experiencing on her residual leg have also recovered.

With the benefits of her prosthesis Anna has been busy for the past two years. Anna passed her driving test last year in an adapted car that allows her to drive with her left leg, and with the confidence gained from her new prosthesis Anna has just returned from a girls holiday in Tennerife!

As well as swimming regularly, Anna has recently been accepted for a place at University to study medicine. Anna says that her limb has made her realise that she can acheive what she wants and she can do what anyone else can.

“I can now pretty much do anything I want to do. I feel comfortable doing my own thing now I have the support of my leg. I just want to get on with my life as normal and thanks to this prosthesis that is what I am able to do. I am delighted with the outcome!”

Follow us: @Empower_Mag

> Pictured: Anna Griffin

For more information about Dorset Orthopaedic and for updates about clients and clinicians visit: www.dorset-ortho.com and facebook.com/DorsetOrthopaedic Contact Dorset Orthopaedic: +44 (0) 1425 481 740 enquiry@dorset-ortho.com

EMPOWER: TRAVEL

DO SOMETHING AMAZING Kieran wears a High-Activity prosthesis and Custom-Finish Socket for gymnastics and the mini Great North run.

Euan’s Story

E

uan MacDonald was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2003. He was just 29 years old then.

More than a decade later, Euan’s resilience and good cheer continues to astonish his friends and family. His determination to overcome the limitations enforced upon him by this dreadful disease inspires all who know him.

In 2007, thanks in part to a generous donation from the MacDonald family, the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research was established at the University of Edinburgh. The new centre built on the university’s already strong research facilities into motor neurone biology and regenerative medicine.

But though the search for cures for MND and other, related, diseases remains vital, it is not the only part of Euan’s story.

He has never wanted to be defined by Motor Neurone Disease. There is an important

“

Dorset Orthopaedic support who help clients like Kieran.

Dorset-Ortho.com Contact +44 (0)1425 481794

The user’s experience of train stations, concert halls, bars, restaurants and every other kind of public place is more personal than “official” stamps of approval.

> Pictured: Euan MacDonald difference between living with a disability and being confined by it.

When Euan started using a wheelchair, a little over 5 years ago, he became frustrated at the lack of disabled access information available and fed up of going to the same places again and again because he knew he could definitely get in the door.

Euan and his sister Kiki came up with the idea of Euan’s Guide – a disabled access review website & app. Euan’s Guide is designed to make life easier for disabled people, offering them reliable, peerreviewed information on hundreds of places across the UK (and beyond – they have already started to receive their first international reviews).

The user’s experience of train stations, concert halls, bars, restaurants and every other kind of public place is more personal than “official” stamps of approval. Many venues that boast disabled access in theory do not do so in practice.

Similarly, there are places that have great disabled access but are not telling anyone about it.

There are also places in which helpful, considerate staff make up for technical shortcomings in the level of access provided.

www.empowermagazine.org.uk - Page 53

EMPOWER: TRAVEL

Euan’s Guide is a listings and review website that helps disabled people and their families know which venues are truly accessible. “A generic disabled access badge doesn’t always tell the whole story” says Euan. “Our website can give you confidence that someone in a similar situation has been there and can make a recommendation. The website makes it easier to enjoy experiences that many people might take for granted. It could be as simple as meeting a friend for a cup of coffee but you still need to know which places are suitable before you go.”

Knowing in advance can avoid disappointment and frustration, making life easier and smoother for disabled

people, their carers and their families.

Euan’s Guide already has more than 1200 listings and Euan and his sister Kiki, who is helping run the website, hope this number will increase rapidly in the months ahead.

“Often disabled people are put off visiting places because they can’t find out if they can get in, if there is an accessible toilet and what the staff are like” says Kiki. “Euan’s Guide sets out to remove these fears by sharing each other’s experiences on an easy to use and accessible website.”

Euan’s Guide are asking all Empower readers to contribute by reviewing their five favourite places – visit EuansGuide.com to get started.

> Pictured: Euan MacDonald at the T in the Park Main Stage Provided By: Kiki Macdonald of Euan’s Guide I Website: www.euansguide.com Twitter: @EuansGuide I Facebook: www.facebook.com/EuansGuide

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15/04/2014 14:04

Legal Advice from Irwin Mitchell Compensation is only part of the story as limbloss and amputations have a dramatic and life-changing impact not only for the person injured but also for those who are close to them.

We passionately believe that our clients and their families deserve the best possible medical care, rehabilitation and specialised support after a serious injury. www.irwinmitchell.com/personalinjury Freephone: 08000 23 22 33 Follow us on Twitter @IMAmputeeInjury

Personal Injury

Irwin Mitchell LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.