Disability Direct News and Events Blog

Please promote Pat's ePetition Campaign!

2011-12-30T00:32:00.001Z

I would like to draw your attention to Pat's Petition. This is a petition placed on the government's own website. It calls for the government to "Stop and review the cuts to benefits and services which are falling disproportionately on disabled people, their carers and families". The link is here

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20968

This petition has come from a group of ordinary volunteers, who are carers and / or disabled who are alarmed by the number of changes taking place and their effect on society's most vulnerable. We judge our society, and our government, by the care and support they offer to those who need it.

The petition is gaining support from charities - Mind, RNIB and Scope are three of the largest to offer their support. A full list is available here
http://carerwatch.com/reform/

The petition would appear to reflect the concerns of a group of Bishops, who have written in the Observer that they have concerns about this government's welfare reforms.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2011/nov/19/letters-bishops-condemn-benefits-cap

It also reflects concerns from various Housing providers who have written:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/07/think-again-housing-benefit-cap

The petition needs to reach 100, 000 votes in order to generate debate in parliament. It will only do this if a broad range of organisations from across the country work together, passing the link to their members and encouraging people to vote and share.

Please sign this petition and ask family, friends and colleagues to sign too! I would also be grateful if you could also forward the details to all your contacts or indeed promote Pat‘s Petition in any other way.

With kindest regards

Hannah
　
　
　

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Disability assessment may be a farce, but it's not French

2011-12-29T18:31:00.001Z

There's no point blaming foreigners for the failure of our government's procurement policies. Profit is the real problem

The biggest surprise of the whole breast implant scandal is, of course, how many women have had them, and naturally I disagree in principle with self-mutilation in the service of a bogus ideal. Yet what's really struck me is how often it is noted that the implants were produced by a French company. Since the scandal originated in France, it's natural to mention that. Often, though, the nationality of its head, Jean-Claude Mas, has been pointed out two or three times in one article.

The preponderance of French manufacturers in breast augmentation is a discernible global quirk in Venezuala, where plastic surgery is very common, 84% of implants come from French companies. And I guess there is a subtextual observation about the notorious "perfectionism" (we call it "body fascism", but that's because we're so fat and Anglo-Saxon) of the French, with their elaborate terror of ageing and phenomenal appetite for anti-cellulite products. But this story reminds me of the fact that, whenever there's a conversation about the dark forces ranged around disability benefit, it is always pointed out that Atos is also a French company.

To recap: Atos assesses claimants for disability benefits, a contract that it was awarded in 2005, running for seven years and worth £500m. This contract should be up for renewal in 2012 and, given the large amount of public distress and anger at this company, coupled with the prospect of unemployment in the UK reaching 2.85m next year, it could be awarded to someone else possibly, call me crazy, a company with more employees in the UK (although I think this is what's called "protectionism").

Also, Atos has just been awarded another huge contract for GP IT services, as well as a contract for the Olympics. So we're staring down the barrel of one of those "procurement situations", where all the commonsense solutions a company closely connected to the area? a company that people don't already hate with a passion? have been rejected for reasons that you have to be in the government to understand.

The complaints against Atos are varied (the company calls itself global, by the way, but is listed on the French securities market). In the course of their computer-generated questionnaires, Atos assessors have beenaccused of rarely making eye contact with the patient, and taking no account of little things like the wide range of outcomes for the same disease, or the intricacies of mental illness. ("Can you pick up a pencil?" they'll ask someone with terminal cancer, or bipolar disorder. "Yes? Well, back to work with you; back to one of those nonexistent jobs that you'll never get.")

These analysts have only six weeks' training in "disability analysis", and are not required to be experts in the field of the illness in question; yet their opinion takes contractual priority over that of the patient's consultant which is to say, it's in Atos's contract with the DWP, which I suppose makes sense from the point of view of the government department. There's no sense blowing £500m on a service and then not listening to it. If only there were some other, meaningful opinions we could solicit freely, some kind of national health service

The iniquity of this process will no doubt run and run. But increasingly, I find unsatisfactory the explanation that it's the foreignness of these large corporations that is the major contributor to their shortcomings. It has become ever clearer, as money's got tighter, that the entire business of commissioning out public services is a stitch-up to suck yet more money out of the public purse and into four or five private ones. So previously, when I heard that Geo (American) or Amey (French) was tendering for a government contract, my immediate suspicion was that a global company will not care enough about its end user; that the reason PIP made low-grade breast implants is the same reason an Atos representative won't meet a cancer patient's eye when they fill in the form: empathy is a function of proximity, and the further away you, as the company's chief executive, are from your well, let's call them your "victim" for brevity the easier it is to disregard them.

On a micro-level it's perfectly logical: you'd do a better job for your next-door neighbour than for someone you'd never see again. But I think this is too easy an explanation to swallow, as opposed to the more problematic idea that it's not a foreigner with a profit motive, but the profit motive itself, that distorts and poisons the relationships of healthcare.

Who speaks out when patient care suffers because of budget cuts? Not private doctors, nor "any willing provider", but the BMA, the Royal College of GPs, the Patients' Association in other words, the public sector and the third sector. When profit is involved, something fundamental can happen to service providers: the danger is they become more attentive to the needs of the paymaster than the patient. This is about profit, not nationality.

Zoe Williams

The Guardian - 28th December 2011

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Happy New Year!

2011-12-29T14:16:00.001Z

A Happy New Year to all follow or read my News Blog!

You may of noticed a drop off in posts in the second half of 2011, which was due in no small part to my increasingly poor eyesight. But you know what? For all the troubles now hitting the disabled community with the latest government cutbacks to funding for services (and not forgetting the still ever present threat to state benefits), thank goodness at least for the NHS who have given me a new Bionic eye!

Well okay, its not quite bionic, but it feels that way after struggling with a cataract for well over a year Santa brought me a new lens on the 22nd of December.

So the News Blog is coming back for 2012.

Have you got a disability related story or event that have got to share with world? Yes? Then email it to info@disabilitydirect.org

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Able Radio Podcasts

2011-09-29T17:25:00.000+01:00

Today the editor and owner of www.disabilitydirect.org, George Johnson, has launched a new website to host his programming for Able Radio.

"The new site www.disabilityradio.co.uk is an exciting opportunity for those who have missed my programming on Able to download past programmes to their favourite media player. And with the programmes also being made available through iTunes who knows how many are going to soon have me in their pockets?" Quipped George.

"One of the problems with live radio is simply the fact that if you miss a programme its gone! Hopefully this way people will get to know me through the podcasts and decide to tune in to hear me live"

George plans to roll out past programmes in the next few months with the idea that once that is complete you will be able to then follow George's programming approximately a week after its broadcast

George makes regular programming for Able Radio, Able Life which is broadcast on Wednesday Evenings @8pm and Able J&B which is also on at 8pm, but on Thursdays.

Able Life is a Magazine style show discussing the real life issues of the day that concern disabled people. George is regularly joined by Sarah Ismail from Samedifference1. But its not all talk as they also play some great pop music too.

Able J&B is Jazz & Blues show. That does exactly what it says on the tin! Its just Jazz & Blues all the way ...

www.disabilityradio.co.uk

No conflict of interest here then?!

2011-09-14T07:33:00.001+01:00

Crippen's latest blog on the Disability Arts on Line web site opens a can of worms involving 'conflicts of interest' and 'jobs for the boys ... and girls'!

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/crippen-blog?domain=www.disabilityarts...

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Future for the NHS?!

2011-09-02T13:10:00.001+01:00

Crippen's latest blogs look at the future of the NHS as predicted by 38 Degrees legal team ... grim reading!

http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/no-future-for-the-nhs/

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/crippen-blog?item=1023&itemoffset=1

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

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Crippen's latest blog comment

2011-08-24T17:07:00.001+01:00

Crippen addresses the latest legal action taken by Atos against disabled groups and individuals

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Anyone wishing to use any of my existing cartoons for their own web sites or publications are asked to make a donation to support my work with groups and organisations of disabled people. Please make your payment by sending a cheque to Dave Lupton, 17 Cawsam Gardens, Caversham, Reading RG4 5JE and marked on the back 'donation' - the amount you pay is discretionary. Thanks for your support.

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Sibling risk of autism examined

2011-08-20T11:33:00.001+01:00

Siblings of autistic children are nearly twice as likely to develop the disorder than was previously believed," The Independent has today reported. The newspaper says a new study has found that the brothers and sisters of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have nearly a 19% risk of being diagnosed with the condition at age three. Previous studies had suggested that the figure was somewhere between 3% and 14%.

These findings come from a study which followed the development of 600 children with an older sibling affected by the condition. It is reportedly the largest study to investigate this question so far. Another strength of the study is the fact that all the children were assessed in a thorough and standardised way by clinicians involved in the research, rather than just relying on diagnoses made when the children's symptoms were reported to their family doctor. However, this very thorough assessment may also mean that more children were diagnosed with ASD than would be diagnosed otherwise. This could be contributing to the higher rates found in this study than in other studies.

The study itself did not include a control group of infants who did not have an affected sibling, so it does not provide a direct comparison of the chances of developing the condition in children with affected and unaffected older siblings. However, this figure is likely to be higher in siblings of affected children than in the general population because genetic factors are already thought to contribute to the risk of developing ASD.

Where did the story come from?

The study was carried out by researchers from the University of California and other research centres in the US, Canada and Israel. It was funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), the United StatesIsrael Binational Science Foundation, the Canadian Institute for Health Research, and the Autism Speaks research foundation.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Pediatrics.

The Independent, Daily Mail and BBC News have reported this research. The Mail and BBC headlines summarise the results of this research clearly, with reference to the actual risk in children with affected siblings. However, The Independent's headline states that "siblings of children with autism more likely to develop condition", which suggests that the study compared children with an affected sibling against some other group, such as those with unaffected siblings. This study did not include a comparator group, but has instead solely quantified the likelihood of a child developing ASD if they have an older sibling with the condition. However, the main text of The Independent's article does explain the research clearly.

What kind of research was this?

This was a prospective, longitudinal study following the siblings (brothers and sisters) of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), to determine how likely they were to develop the condition by the age of three.

The researchers report that ASD is more common in boys than girls, and that genetic factors are thought to play a critical role in whether a child is vulnerable to the condition. In conditions where genetics plays a role, siblings of people with the disorder are at greater risk of developing the disorder than those with no affected sibling. The researchers say that previous studies have found that children with an affected sibling have between a 3% and 14% risk of developing the condition themselves.

This type of study is appropriate for estimating the prevalence of the condition in the siblings of affected children. This can be compared with estimates of how common the condition is in the general population, to give an indication of whether children with an affected sibling are at greater risk. However, the study itself did not feature a control group to directly compare the ASD group against. Following a control group featuring similar infants with similarly-aged older siblings without the condition would allow us to compare the rates seen.

While we can compare the rates of autistic spectrum disorder seen in this study against other estimates, such as national averages, this may not give a clear impression of the difference in risk in children with and without an affected sibling. This is because all the children in the current study were assessed by expert clinicians to identify those with ASD, regardless of whether their parents reported that they had symptoms or not, something that does not happen in everyday clinical practice. This means that this study might therefore detect a greater proportion of ASD cases.

What did the research involve?

The researchers recruited 664 infants (aged up to 18 months) who had an older biological sibling with ASD. They went on to determine what proportion of these infants had developed ASD at the age of three.

The children were part of an international research initiative looking into the development of infants from the US and Canada with a high risk of ASD. The older siblings had to have been diagnosed with autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, or a pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Their diagnosis also had to be verified by the researchers. Children with an identified neurological or genetic cause for their ASD (such as fragile X syndrome) were excluded.

Most (99.1%) of the participants in this study were full biological siblings of the older child with ASD. The remainder were half siblings. Removing these half siblings from the analyses did not affect the results, so they were kept in. Only one infant from each family was included in the analyses.

In order to classify younger siblings as having ASD, the child had to score above a certain threshold level on a standard symptom assessment test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. They also had to be diagnosed with autistic disorder or pervasive developmental disorder based on assessment by an expert clinician.

The researchers also recorded other characteristics of the child and their families, and checked whether these were related to their risk of developing ASD.

What were the basic results?

The researchers found that 18.7% of the children (132 children) with an older biological sibling with ASD had ASD at the age of three.

Among these younger siblings, boys were almost three times as likely to develop ASD as girls, with 26.2% of boys affected compared to just 9.1% of girls. Children with more than one sibling with ASD were twice as likely to develop ASD (32.2% affected) than those with only one affected sibling (13.5% affected).

A child's risk of developing ASD was not related to their age on entering the study nor to their older sibling's gender or severity of symptoms.

How did the researchers interpret the results?

The researchers concluded that the risk of a child getting ASD if they had an older sibling with the condition was higher than previously thought. They say that their study is the largest to address this question so far. This together with the fact that they collected data prospectively means that these estimates are more reliable than previous studies.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the risk of a child with a sibling with autistic spectrum disorder developing the condition themselves at age three is just under one in five (19%).

As the authors point out, there are some strengths to the study, including the relatively large sample. Another strength is the fact that all the children were assessed in a standard way by clinicians involved in the research, rather than relying solely on a diagnosis by their own physicians. However, this very thorough assessment may also mean that more children were diagnosed with ASD than would be diagnosed otherwise, which could be contributing to the higher rates found in this study than in other studies.

In addition, this study did not include a control group of infants who did not have an affected sibling. This means it cannot tell us how much more likely a child with an affected sibling is to have the condition than a child without an affected sibling. However, the chance of developing ASD if a brother or sister already has the condition is likely to be higher than in the general population of similarly aged children, as genetic factors are already thought to contribute to risk of developing ASD. This study does help to estimate the risk in children with affected siblings.

Links to the headlines

Siblings of children with autism more likely to develop condition. The Independent, August 15 2011

'One in five' risk of autism affecting a second child. Daily Mail, August 15 2011

Autism sibling risk 'higher than previously thought'. BBC News, August 15 2011

Links to the science

Ozonoff S, Young GS, Carter A et al. Recurrence Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Baby Siblings Research Consortium Study. Pediatrics 2011, Published online August 15

NHS Choices

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An introduction to the Think Again Fund

2011-08-19T18:53:00.001+01:00

In 2007 Stannah decided to launch an in-depth study into the way the over-50's feel about their lifetime achievements and their attitude to life at this stage. The results were quite revealing and proved to Stannah that they had an opportunity to make a difference.

The key findings of the research showed that a staggering 62% of older people living in Britain regretted not having pursued their dreams in their younger years with only 10% of women and 16% of men claiming they were actively pursuing their goals.

In response to the survey, Stannah Stairlifts launched the 'Think Again' Fund - a pot of money put aside by Stannah to give to one applicant every month for them to put towards achieving their lifelong dream.

In addition to the Fund creating opportunities for those who apply, it is hoped that it will go some way to changing the perceptions that many have of the older generation. Stannah hopes that the fund will allow the younger generations to better understand that being older does not mean that you stop wanting to live a fulfilled life or continuing to achieve goals such as sky diving or learning a musical instrument.

http://thinkagainfund.stannahstairlifts.co.uk/

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Government's "recruitment" farce

2011-08-16T15:28:00.001+01:00

Crippen's take on the latest "recruitment" of a non-disabled civil servant for the role of Director of the Office for Disability Issues (ODI).

Read his latest blog for more information about this continued farce - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/crippen-blog?item=1011&itemoffset=1

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Billy Bragg

2011-08-15T11:56:00.001+01:00

For more info about Crippen's latest cartoon, then visit the Billy Bragg Face Book page at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo7CRHkbMnk

:-)

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Hate crimes against Britain's disabled on the rise

2011-08-08T23:15:00.001+01:00

Disability related hate crime has increased by 75% in the UK as campaigners blame Britain's tabloid newspapers for stirring up hatred against disabled people because of the way they vilify people on welfare.

Charity groups in Britain say there is growing evidence that disabled people are increasingly the targets of abusive comments or aggressive behavior.

British charity "Scope" says that over the last two years, disabled people have reported a 50 percent increase in verbal abuse and intimidation on London's public transport.

Recently, the organization's chairwoman, Alice Maynard, who has a neuromuscular impairment and uses a wheelchair, admitted she was regularly sworn at when using the London Underground.

Other support groups have reported worse incidents. "When you hear stories of people being tipped out of a wheelchair. That frankly beggars belief. Why would anyone actually do that?" David Congdon from the charity Mencap told Deutsche Welle.

"Being spat at in the street, having things pushed through their letterbox. All those sorts of awful things that go on far too often, we want to stop," he added.

"What we know from talking to people with a learning disability is that too many of their lives are destroyed by the constant harassment that goes on."

Tabloids to blame?

Campaigners say Britain's tabloid press has played a role in aggravating hostility towards disabled people.

Even as public spending cuts have hit people on welfare hard, some tabloid newspapers in recent months have played up so-called disability benefit fraud. Some have even portrayed disabled people as "work shy" and as "spongers."

One story of a 37-year old claimant, who said she needed crutches to assist with walking but was later seen skydiving, was widely written about.

While campaigners say there is invariably fraud within the welfare system, they point out these types of stories are unfair on the majority of people with disabilities because they reinforce stereotypes and spark resentment against some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Signs of progress

While newspapers may be amplifying prejudices that already exist, journalist Katharine Quarmby and author of the book "Scapegoat: Why We Are Failing Disabled People" thinks police forces are beginning to take the issue of disability-related hate crime more seriously.

"Four years ago, many police officers didn't even know that disability hate crime existed. They certainly do now," Quarmby told Deutsche Welle.

"Most of them have to do training for it. Prosecutors have to undertake mandatory training so they can apply the law and ask judges to enhance sentences."

In the last few years, the number of recorded cases in the UK has risen dramatically. The most recent figures, in 2009, show a 75 percent increase in one year.

Quarmby says much of that is the result of better reporting of the crimes. According to her, Britain now leads the world in identifying, prosecuting and challenging disability-related hate crimes.

Victims of 'mate crime'

But there's still a long way to go. In 2007, one of Britain's worst cases of hate crime against disabled people made the headlines and sparked a huge public debate.

Fiona Pilkington, 38, killed herself and her disabled daughter Francecca Hardwick, 18, following 10 years of sustained abuse and harassment by a gang in Leicestershire.

In the case of Steven Hoskin from Cornwall in south-west England, the 38-year -old, who had profound learning difficulties, was befriended by five people who went on to torture him. They force fed him 70 painkillers and made him jump to his death from a 100-foot bridge.

"So many people with learning disabilities in particular are groomed, exploited and eventually attacked by people who they consider to be their friends," said Quarmby.

Quarmy has also written about 'Tuesday friends', where so-called buddies visit disabled people on the day their welfare check arrives in the post, encouraging them to part with most or all of their cash.

Other campaigners too are determined to ensure that hate crimes don't go unpunished.

The charity Mencap has launched the 'Stand by Me' campaign to encourage even more disabled people to report hate crime. They've called on British police forces to continue to improve the way they respond to these sorts of attacks and how they handle the victims.

They say it's about time certain sections of the British public changed their attitudes towards the plight of disabled and learning disabled people.

Author: Nik Martin (jw)
Editor: Anke Rasper

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15293695,00.html

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Buying A Mobility Product?

2011-08-03T11:36:00.002+01:00

If your thinking of buying a piece of mobility equipment, such as mobility scooter, power chair or manual wheelchair. Or a 'daily living aid' such as a bathlift, adjustable bed or stairlift, here are are just a few easy ideas to help make sure you don't get taken for a ride when buying that scooter.

If you are buying off the internet.

Make sure you know who your buying from by checking to see that they show their full contact details on the site. (Company Name, Address and a land-line phone number).

See if they are a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association, either by looking for their logo,which looks like the one on the right, or by finding them on the BHTA's list of members at www.bhta.net/find-a-bhta-member.aspx

Please bear in mind though that not all healthcare suppliers are BHTA members. Not being a member does not mean that they are automatically bad, but its just something you should bear in mind when deciding where to buy from.

When paying for your purchase via the internet always use a credit card, or for smaller items you can sometimes use paypal. All Credit Card payments made over the value of £100 are covered by section 75 of the consumer credit act, so if the company goes burst, fails to deliver or delivers faulty goods you can claim back your money from your credit card company. For more about this, see this section on Moneysavingexpert.com: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-protect-your-purchases

Its important to emphasize, section 75 only applies to Credit cards Not Debit cards or cheques. Debit cards are a form of instant payment where the money (if available) goes immediately from your bank account into theirs, rather like cash ... Cheques could be said to be a little safer as you do at least have a small window of opportunity where you could cancel the cheque before it is cashed. But that depends on you Bank's own policy and you should check with your local branch for information about that.

Paypal use a their own complaints procedure, please refer to their site for more details: www.paypal.co.uk

Make sure you know what your getting!

Sounds obvious perhaps, but don't just rely on the picture, check out the item description, ask questions and if the price seems to be good to be true? Well you know what they say!

Sales people / Demonstrators

If you have arranged for a sales person to call on you in your home there are a few simple things you should do.

Nobody likes to consider or admit that could be vulnerable to high pressure sales, but the fact is regardless of how fit you are of how mentally alert you may feel, its all to easy to find yourself in difficulty when dealing with slick sales people.

So whenever possible make sure that someone else, like a friend or relative, is present when the sales person calls. If that isn't possible ask a friend, relative or neighbour to phone about half an hour after the appointment starts. That phone call both gives you the opportunity to gather your thoughts and could also give you either an excuse to ask the sales person to leave or give a signal to the person who you asked to phone you that you need them to intervene.

Let me explain. I have used this method myself for both sales people and dodgy dates ...

A friend rings my mobile after about half an hour of the sales person calling and asks if I'm okay, if everything is fine then I tell them that and explain to the quizzical sales person after the call that it was just a friend checking up on me. If the sales person is genuine in their interest in your well-being then they shouldn't have a problem with a friend checking on you.

If you are in a situation where you feel pressured and you either need an excuse to get out or you need to be rescued, but feel you can't say that directly, then use a pre determined phrase. One of my favourites is "How's Uncle Bob". My friend will then ask if I'm okay to which I will simply answer "yes" or "no" - they will then ask if I need rescuing, again a simple "yes" or "no". "Yes" means "Help - Come Now!", "No" means "I'm Okay, but check again in half an hour"

It seems rather convoluted, but its got me out of scrapes with both sales people and blind dates!

You can always offer tea. Not only is it polite, but going off into the kitchen to make a cup of tea will give you a few moments to gather your thoughts. If they don't want tea go and make one for yourself anyway, even if you then leave it to get cold. Besides one of the high pressure sales tactics involves trying to wear you down, a cup of tea and biscuit will help keep your energy up. If you find that the sales person follows you to kitchen and you still need a moment to yourself, make the tea then pop to the loo, the can't follow you in there.

Its always difficult when it comes to discussing things like price, particularly for older people who maybe more reserved about these things. But there are two really important questions you need to ask yourself before signing or agreeing to anything.

1) Does what I'm being offered do what I need?

2) Can I afford it?

If you have any doubts, don't sign or agree to anything and certainly do not hand over any money or financial details. At the end of the day, if the sales person represents a reputable bushiness, that is interested in your well-being and providing a good service, they should be prepared to come back another day. Don't feel embarrassed or pressured into making a decision 'then and there' which you are not happy about. You are the customer and just like buying from a shop, if you are not happy, don't buy.

Some less reputable salesman will rely on the 'obligation factor' to make a sale - Meaning that they are banking on your sense of guilt if you don't buy. After all "they have come all this way" or they "have made a special effort just for you" . No, remember you are under no obligation.

Some Golden Rules When Buying

Here are some golden rules for when you are buying any sort of mobility or 'daily living' equipment.

Questions you need to ask yourself:
Does what I want to buy do what I need it to do?
Am I being asked to buy something I don't want or need?
Is the company (or the person) able to offer after sales help if something breaks or I change my mind?
Is it at a price I can afford?

If the answer to any of these questions is no or doubtful, don't buy.

What To Do If Something Goes Wrong

Goods sold over the internet (and TV), through a catalogue or directly to you in your own home are subject to a 7 day cooling off period.

For extensive details about that see this (very long) url leading UK Government web page about 'Distant Selling':
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?=en&r.s=sc&r.l1=1073861169&r.lc=en&r.l3=1074033669&r.l2=1079589261&topicId=1074033669&r.i=1073792577&r.t=RESOURCES&=en&r.s=sc&r.l1=1073861169&r.lc=en&r.l3=1074033669&r.l2=1079589261&topicId=1074033669&r.i=1073792577&r.t=RESOURCES

In simple terms, if you buy anything through the methods described above, you have 7 days in which to change you mind. But you must tell the company you have changed you mind by letter, fax or Email. A phone call, while useful for finding out how to go about things is the first thing you should do, cancellation of an order can only be done in writing.

If you find a older relative or person with a disability has agreed to buy something as a result of high pressure sales tactics there are a number of things you should do.

Ring the company and just ask if they would be willing to cancel the order.
Write to the company and repeat your request to cancel the order and remind of their obligation to provide a cooling off period.

If after the initial phone call you feel that they are not willing to cancel the order ...

Contact your local trading standards office as soon as possible (your county council will have their details) and seek advice

If a payment was made with a credit card, ring the card company and ask their advice, they maybe able to halt the payment.

If a cheque was used, contact the cheque holders bank, the may be able to cancel the cheque.

In Conclusion

Choosing and buying any sort of equipment to help if you have a disability or you are an older person, is really complicated (even if you have been doing it for 20 years like me). If you have any doubts at all you should ask your Occupational Therapist, Social Care Team or GP for advice before making any purchase.

.Despite the odd dodgy company, there are many decent companies out there whose main concern is providing good products and a good service. However they are still in the business to make money. And just like any big purchase, you must do your research and make sure you are happy before making any sort of commitment to buy.

George

Webmaster

Crippen's back blogging

2011-07-23T15:36:00.001+01:00

Crippen's back at his computer with this latest Disability Arts on Line (DAO) blog ... enjoy.

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/crippen-blog?result=success&offset...

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Skegness Butlins bans vulnerable adults group

2011-07-08T11:54:00.001+01:00

Twenty-six adults with severe learning difficulties have been told they cannot visit a Butlins holiday resort because large groups are "intimidating".

The Firth Park Friday Club, in Sheffield, has visited Butlins in Skegness for the past 19 years but this year the manager has refused admission.

Butlins said it found "large all-adult groups very intimidating".

Christina Staniland, 86, whose son travels with the club, said the group were "heartbroken" and "angry".

Mrs Staniland, of Longley, said 26 adults and a group of 10 carers from the Friday Club had visited Butlins for a number of years.

'Cried a lot'

However, when the group attempted to book this year's break, they were told large groups were only accepted "at the resort director's discretion".

Mrs Staniland's son Gary, 59, has Down's Syndrome and relies on day and respite care.

She said: "I'm more than angry. I've cried a lot myself. I'm not only fighting for this but to keep the day services and the respite care."

Butlins said in a statement that due to the group size "growing in recent years" it was "unable to accept this group unless they come in two smaller groups on different breaks".

"We are concerned that a group of adults has experienced some inconvenience over a booking they attempted to make through a travel agent," the company said.

"Unfortunately the group has not been in direct contact with us to discuss the situation, but we would welcome the chance to speak with them and resolve this.

"We do not generally accept large all-adult parties during family holiday breaks. In this particular case the party consisted of 36 adults.

"We would be more than delighted to welcome this group if they can be split into two parties on different breaks."

Mrs Staniland said breaking the holiday into two groups on separate dates was not an option as the council funding was only for a certain date.

She said the decision was "shocking" and she could not understand the resort's decision as the group had not received any complaints in the past.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-14063859

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disability arts online - newsletter

2011-07-04T17:18:00.001+01:00

Disability Arts Online

Listings newsletter

DAO National Disability Arts Bulletin

Welcome to the latest edition of the DAO bulletin. This is a free service promoting details of the most recent events and jobs / opportunities within the disability arts field.

For more events and jobs / opportunities, please go directly to the listings pages on the DAO website

Don't forget that as well as receiving the bulletin, you can also follow us on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/kkks5e and Twitter at http://twitter.com/disabilityarts

Best wishes, Colin Hambrook (DAO Editor)

If you would like to add details of your events, opportunities or jobs, please post your listings via the online form

National events listings:

FOUND REALITY THEATRE presents 'Why Must I Be So Black & Blue'

07/07/2011 - 09/07/2011

A cutting edge dance theatre production created by a disabled choreographer with an integrated company of dancers at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Musical Explosion

08/07/2011 - 10/07/2011

Musical Explosion is a festival that is accessible regardless of age or disability. There will be three music stages, childrens entertainment and more. The festival takes place at Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Wirral Festival of Firsts

08/07/2011 - 10/07/2011

Arts & cultural annual festival celebrating the diversity and talent of the North West The weekend includes arts, culture, literature, poetry, theatre, music and dance

The Dinner Party By Katherine Araniello

08/07/2011

Katherine Araniello, well known for her witty and challenging performances for camera, will be appearing live in person in The Dinner Party at Toynbee Studios, London

Takeaway: Audio Described Performance

09/07/2011

Another hit musical is coming to Theatre Royal Stratford East: this June, the world premiere production of Takeaway takes to our stage

National jobs listings:

Outside In Coordinator

Location: Chichester, West Sussex | Closing date: 11 July 2011

Remuneration: £21,000 pro rata

To take a lead role in developing the Outside In Programme including delivering a major open art competition

Creative Landscapes Trail Blazing Commission

Location: South East | Closing date: 18 July 2011

Remuneration: £6750.00 inclusive of VAT, travel, expenses and materials.

A commission for an arts/ environmental organisation or collective of artists to develop a methodology for delivering an accessible guided tour and stand alone trail, that can be adpated to almost any historic environment. Commission to run from August to

Artist/ Organisation wanted to deliver Trail Blazing

Location: South East | Closing date: 18 July 2011

Remuneration: £6750.00.00 inclusive of tax, expenses, materials and transport.

Creative Landscapes is seeking to appoint a participatory arts/environmental organisation or collective of artists, to deliver “Trail Blazing” in the South East

Shape: Wanted - Shape Administrator/ Trainees (3 x Fixed Term Positions)

Location: Kentish Town, London | Closing date: 20 July 2011

Remuneration: Various, dependent on role and hours

Shape is looking to recruit three professional and confident administrators / trainees to assist in the day-to-day running of a range of arts projects.

Online Artists Residency

Location: Online | Closing date: 22 July 2011

Remuneration: Artists' fee of £2000 GBP (to include any materials and/or production costs) # Travel, access and accommodation expenses to the UK of up to £1800 GBP to participate in the AND festival 2011

DaDa in partnership with AND are developing an innovative artists' online residency programme.

National opportunity and workshop listings:

Ability Media International Awards

03/06/2011 - 15/08/2011

These awards celebrate artistically excellent work from virtually every field of the arts and media. Winning works are creatively excellent and either have been produced by disabled people or promote greater understanding of disability issues.

Youth Express present drama, animation and art workshops

01/06/2011 - 01/08/2011

Youth Express – Ground breaking arts events across the Eastern Region for young people with physical, hearing and visual impairments. Drama, animation and art workshops exploring pathways and overcoming barriers to creativity.

PhotoVoice Training Workshops

25/05/2011 - 22/07/2011

Book now for Designing & Running Participatory Photography 3 Day Training Workshops at HCVS, London E8

The Art House presents Networking and Peer Critique Sessions

06/05/2011 - 31/03/2012

First Monday every month at The Art House, Drury Lane, Wakefield. Next session due to bank holiday - 9th May

Salon Art Prize 2011 - Call for Entries

01/05/2011 - 13/08/2011

The Salon Art Prize 2011 is the fifth annual open submission exhibition produced by Matt Roberts Arts at our gallery on Vyner St in East London. Exhibition dates: 7th - 29th October, 2011

www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk

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Your chances of winning appeal revealed by minister

2011-07-04T17:16:00.001+01:00

Employment minister Chris Grayling has revealed what your chances of winning an employment and support allowance (ESA) appeal are, depending on how many points you scored at your work capability assessment (WCA).

We were surprised, in a positive sort of a way, at the figures. Even for the huge number of people who score 0 points, things aren't as bleak as you might imagine, whilst for people who scored more than six, the odds are most definitely on your side. Find out what your odds are here. (All articles are now members only except for the Good News from the Forums. Please see Submit a story below for why).

The odds of getting a job via the work programme, on the other hand, don't look so good. A report just released by the DWP shows that the chances of finding employment under the flexible new deal a very similar scheme to the new work programme were no better than they had been under previous schemes. And under previous schemes, to the best of our recollection, your chances of getting a job were very little better than for people on no scheme at all.

Work programme providers themselves have been making the news this month for allegedly trampling over workers' rights in relation to transfers of employment, with claims of enforced wage cuts and fake redundancies surfacing in the media and on discussion forums.

No matter how unscrupulous some of the private sector companies may be, however, there's no fewer than 500 charities jostling to become sub-contractors to them on the work programme. After all, at a time of shrinking incomes, getting some sick and disabled claimants into work could be very profitable indeed.

So much so that one poster on the industry's website refers to claimants transferred from incapacity benefit to ESA as 'Mr Big Bucks' clients before letting out a 'whoop' at the thought of how much cash they bring in.

One 'industry' where there is definitely no-one going whoop, however, is that of legal advice, which is about to be savaged by massive cuts in legal aid. Welfare benefits is one of the areas of law where, in a bill currently being fast-tracked through the commons, legal aid will end completely.

As many advice agencies fund their welfare rights workers via this route, axing payments along with those for debt, employment and most housing advice will have a dramatic effect on their income.

Even Ken Clarke's announcement this week of £20 million of transitional funding for advice agencies (external link) is unlikely to avert a wave of redundancies throughout the sector over the next two years, especially as this is less than half the amount provided through legal aid.

The result for claimants will be that benefits advice will be a great deal harder to find than it already is and representation will probably almost completely disappear.

So, we'd very much value members views on whether Benefits and Work should help reputable welfare rights workers to advertise their services on a freelance basis on our site? We'd really like to hear from you about this issue.

Someone who will no longer be able to hear from you, sadly, is the After Atos website which collected evidence from claimants about their experience of the WCA and which we mentioned in our most recent newsletters. Shortly after our last newsletter went out, unfortunately, a dispute broke out between the site owner and its webmaster, with accusations of 'sock-puppetry' being bandied about and the home page of the site being given over to an attack on the owner by the webmaster. Now, it seems, the After Atos site has closed down entirely.

SUBMIT A STORY
Finally, before we go on to share some good news from the forums, we'd like to invite you if you're perhaps a budding journalist or just spend a lot of time reading about benefits issues to submit news stories to the site. There's far more goes on in the world of benefits than we have time to report, so if you would like to help keep members informed and get some experience of being published online, this is your opportunity. We've produced some brief guidelines on what to submit and how to do it.

Members can also now comment on any news story in this newsletter. Comments are no longer pre-moderated, although we will remove any we view as unsuitable. However, in order to make this viable and to prevent vast amounts of spam and abuse, we have had to restrict access to news articles to subscribing members only. We apologise to non-subscribing readers for this.

OTHER NEWS
All the latest news is now available from this link.

This includes stories on:

Claimants to be fined £50 for errors on forms

Benefits related suicide

Unum, a conflict of interests?

GOOD NEWS FROM THE FORUMS
DLA reinstated on appeal

Support group for cancer . . . finally

IB appeal, 14 points for mental health

Placed in ESA support group for fibromyalgia

ESA awarded prior to appeal

WRAG without medical for PTSD

DLA renewal for 5 years

Support group and DLA low rate care on appeals

Higher rate mobility and care indefinitely after fraud investigation

Higher rate mobility and care short form success

0 points to WRAG on appeal

ESA success after 14 years on IB

PLEASE PASS ME ON
Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested. You are also welcome to reproduce this newsletter on your blog, website, forum or newsletter.

You can read this newsletter online.

Good luck,

Steve Donnison

Benefits and Work Publishing Ltd
Company registration No. 5962666

If you're not already a member, find out how to subscribe to Benefits and Work and give yourself the best possible chance of getting the right decision.

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

July Coach Holidays

2011-07-04T17:14:00.001+01:00

editor@uhad2bthere.co.uk&token=47d5f56ae5cae2837106af4ab0cdf4c67290ee7d" border="0" height="1" width="3" />

Bond Holidays - exclusive coach offer

Summer Special Offers - Including FREE Return Coach Travel

The arrival of our brand new 57 seater wheelchair accessible coach has enabled us to provide a fantastic service for our guests, reducing their holiday costs and still providing the same quality they expect from Bond Holidays.

8th - 11th July 2011
Bond Hotel, Blackpool

Enjoy 3 Nights, Dinner which consists of a 3 course meal each evening, bed & breakfast with live entertainment every night. This holiday package is available with or without coach transport.

£210.00pp Including Coach Transport

Pick Up Points:- This package is available to guests living within 50 miles of

FY4 1HG

22nd - 25th July 2011
Bond Hotel, Blackpool or Bond Hotel, St Anne's

Enjoy 3 Nights, Dinner which consists of a 3 course meal each evening, bed & breakfast with live entertainment every night. This holiday package is available with or without coach transport.

£210.00pp Including Coach Transport

Pick Up Points:- This package is available to guests living in the following postcode areas

PR BL OL M HX HD LS WF

If you are outside of these areas please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Where ever possible we will be providing a door to door pick up and return service, where this is not practical we will arrange a transfer for you to a convenient location to meet your coach, at our expense. These holidays will now be a regular service from different areas of the country covering alternative route, providing affordable coach holiday solutions.

For more information, contact 01253 341218 or email sales@bondhotel.co.uk

Bond Hotel, 120 Bond Street,
Blackpool FY4 1HG, Tel: 01253 341218

E-mail: sales@bondhotel.co.uk
http://www.bondhotel.co.uk/

editor@uhad2bthere.co.uk&token=1e64995ebf2fca5d5ba6bc3a5537dfe721252775" border="0" height="1" width="3" />

powered by

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disability arts online - newsletter

2011-07-04T17:11:00.001+01:00

Disability Arts Online

Listings newsletter

DAO National Disability Arts Bulletin

Welcome to the latest edition of the DAO bulletin. This is a free service promoting details of the most recent events and jobs / opportunities within the disability arts field.

For more events and jobs / opportunities, please go directly to the listings pages on the DAO website

Don't forget that as well as receiving the bulletin, you can also follow us on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/kkks5e and Twitter at http://twitter.com/disabilityarts

Shape will compete in a public vote for £60,000 of funding on ITV’s London Tonight show at 6pm.

Please vote for Shape Diamonds campaign today by calling 0871 626 88 46. The telephone voting line is open from 9am-midnight tonight (27th June) and each phone can make ten calls (Calls cost 11p per call from BT landlines).

Best wishes, Colin Hambrook (DAO Editor)

If you would like to add details of your events, opportunities or jobs, please post your listings via the online form

National events listings:

Takeaway: Captionned Performance

28/06/2011

Another hit musical is coming to Theatre Royal Stratford East: this June, the world premiere production of Takeaway takes to our stage

Takeaway: Signed Performance

02/07/2011

Another hit musical is coming to Theatre Royal Stratford East: this June, the world premiere production of Takeaway takes to our stage.

Musical Explosion

08/07/2011 - 10/07/2011

Wirral Festival of Firsts

08/07/2011 - 10/07/2011

Arts & cultural annual festival celebrating the diversity and talent of the North West The weekend includes arts, culture, literature, poetry, theatre, music and dance

Takeaway: Audio Described Performance

09/07/2011

Another hit musical is coming to Theatre Royal Stratford East: this June, the world premiere production of Takeaway takes to our stage

National jobs listings:

DaDaLive Director

Location: Liverpool | Closing date: 29 June 2011

Remuneration: Pay: £5,200 fixed fee (to be paid in instalments)

DaDaLive are looking to appoint a Director for year two of DaDaLive, on a fixed term freelance position.

Field Officer, West Wales

Location: West Wales | Closing date: 4 July 2011

Remuneration: £21,261 per annum pro rata, Hours: 17.5 per week

Developing disability arts netwroks in West Wales

Outside In Coordinator

Location: Chichester, West Sussex | Closing date: 11 July 2011

Remuneration: £21,000 pro rata

To take a lead role in developing the Outside In Programme including delivering a major open art competition

Creative Landscapes Trail Blazing Commission

Location: South East | Closing date: 18 July 2011

Remuneration: £6750.00 inclusive of VAT, travel, expenses and materials.

National opportunity and workshop listings:

Ability Media International Awards

03/06/2011 - 15/08/2011

Youth Express present drama, animation and art workshops

01/06/2011 - 01/08/2011

PhotoVoice Training Workshops

25/05/2011 - 22/07/2011

Book now for Designing & Running Participatory Photography 3 Day Training Workshops at HCVS, London E8

The Art House presents Networking and Peer Critique Sessions

06/05/2011 - 31/03/2012

First Monday every month at The Art House, Drury Lane, Wakefield. Next session due to bank holiday - 9th May

Salon Art Prize 2011 - Call for Entries

01/05/2011 - 13/08/2011

The Salon Art Prize 2011 is the fifth annual open submission exhibition produced by Matt Roberts Arts at our gallery on Vyner St in East London. Exhibition dates: 7th - 29th October, 2011

www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk

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Scarlet Road FILM Documentary

2011-07-04T17:10:00.001+01:00

Hi from Australia!

Have you heard of.... Scarlet Road? It's a documentary, which follows the extraordinary work of Australian sex worker, who specializes in a long over-looked clientele, people with disability.

We believe strongly in empowering people to live their lives as fully as they wish too; and sex and intimacy is part of that for most most people.

We want to promote the film's important message and that's where you come in.

Step 1: Watch the trailer! http://bit.ly/i8CNSR.

Step 2: Interact with the campaign "Face Up" - there's a button under the video.

Step 3: Share this on Facebook: "This documentary follows the extraordinary work of Australian sex worker, Impassioned about freedom of sexual expression and the rights of sex workers, she specializes in a long over-looked clientele - people with disability. http://bit.ly/i8CNSR"

Step 4: Send the press release to your database/friends:

OPEN YOUR MIND … TO WHAT GOES ON BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Impassioned about freedom of sexual expression, Australian sex worker Rachel Wotton specializes in working with clients with disability. The latest documentary from award-winning director Catherine Scott and producer Pat Fiske, Scarlet Road follows Rachel in her relationship with John, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 26 years ago, and Mark, a client with cerebral palsy. Revealing the therapeutic aspects of human touch and sexual intimacy, this unique film gives voice to two men generously sharing moments of sexual self-discovery. It follows Rachel on a journey to the UK, Denmark and Sweden, where she meets with sex workers and people with disabilities, as well as making quite an impression as a speaker at the World Congress on Sexual Health.

In addition to undertaking a Masters in Sexual Health at the University of Sydney, Rachel is an active campaigner for the rights of sex workers. She co-founded the charitable organization Touching Base to connect people with disabilities and sex workers, focusing on access, discrimination, human rights, legal issues and the social stigma that these two marginalised communities can face. One of Rachel’s future aims is the establishment of the world’s first not-for-profit brothel, providing services to clients with disability.

Watch the trailer here and interact with the campaign: http://bit.ly/i8CNSR

Thank you greatly!

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

How 1 point becomes 15 in bogus medicals

2011-07-04T17:08:00.001+01:00

When we set out last week to write a relatively brief guide to being moved from incapacity benefit to employment and support allowance (ESA), we knew that we would be highlighting big differences between the two medical tests.

We also knew that we would be revealing a big drop in the number of opportunities to score points for physical health conditions though we weren't expecting it to be quite so huge.

For incapacity benefit, the personal capability assessment (PCA) had 14 physical activities with 70 point scoring descriptors and a total of 786 points. Under the work capability assessment (WCA) for ESA there are now just 10 physical activities with 30 descriptors and a total of 330 points.

That's an almost 60% cut in the number of points available.

But what we didn't expect to find was that for mental health there are at least three descriptors in the PCA that scored just 1 point, but under the new WCA they are potentially worth 15 points, depending on the severity of your condition.

We had to ask ourselves how it could be that one day the way your mental health affects you could be worth just a single point and yet, the following day, the same effect could be regarded as so incapacitating that you should score 15 points and be awarded benefits as unable to work.

We also had to wonder how it could be that 60% of the points awarded under the physical health test for incapacity benefit turn out to have been over-generous errors.

The truth, of course, is that both the PCA and the WCA are bogus pseudo-science created largely by organisations with vested interests in the outcome. They have nothing whatsoever to do with the reality of the effects of long-term health conditions or disabilities.

We can't change that truth, but we can at least do our best to ensure that if you are an IB claimant you have all the information needed to get every point you are entitled to under the WCA.

Our 24 page 'Being Transferred from IB to ESA' guide includes:

Answers to the most common questions about being transferred from IB to ESA.
The text of the letter you will receive when the process begins.
A first-hand account from a member of the phone call you will receive from a decision maker who, as it turns out, could almost have been reading aloud from one of our guides.
A comparison, where it's possible, of the physical health tests for IB and for ESA - highlighting the ways in which the tests have changed.
Suggestions as to which mental health points for incapacity benefit may be relevant to ESA the tests are too different for direct comparison.
A comparison of the exemptions and exceptional circumstances for IB and for ESA

Combined with our step-by-step guides to completing the ESA questionnaire and attending a medical, our new guide to the transfer process should ensure that you are as well prepared as it's possible to be for the process you will be obliged to undergo.

If you are a subscribing member, you can download our new guide from the ESA section of the Benefits and Work members area now.

OTHER NEWS
In our last newsletter we wrote about the possibility of becoming self-employed as a way of escaping the treadmill of ESA medicals.

We received lots of comments in response and this highly cautionary tale from one member threatened with prosecution and homelessness for being self-employed.

Former athlete Steve Cram has also become homeless, at least on Facebook, after agreeing to become the Atos ambassador for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. His Facebook page appears to have been taken down after it was filled with howls of anger and outrage from sick and disabled claimants. (We were going to give you a link to his page but, obviously, that's not currently possible)

There are further howls of protest, this time at the BBC, following its decision to close the BBC Ouch Forum next month. The forum is described by the BBC itself as the 'beating heart' of Ouch, the BBC's disability website. Users are now being advised by the BBC to go to Facebook and Twitter instead, a suggestion which is being met with fury because of the lack of anonymity and protection from harassment on those platforms.

No outrage, however from Professor Malcolm Harrington. The government's independent reviewer of the WCA describes himself in an interim report as 'pleased and gratified' at the progress made by the DWP in making the work capability assessment fairer and more responsive.

Sadly, but perhaps not surprisingly, Harrington does not detail any consultation with claimants, admits that charities have not reported any improvements and entirely ignores the effects of the new, harsher work capability assessment.

Another man with a talent for ignoring large chunks of reality is Chris Grayling, employment minister. Grayling has shamelessly denied that the government bears any responsibility for the current media hatred campaign against sick and disabled claimants.

"Sometimes stories run in a way that completely bemuse me," he told the work and pensions committee, adding, however, that "I don't control... the editorial tone of the newspapers."

Which doesn't mean, of course, that he doesn't privately delight in it or know very well what effect his press releases are likely to have.

Meanwhile, Grayling launched the new work programme last week. 500 charities are now fighting over the scraps the huge private sector providers who won all the big contracts are being obliged to toss to them. You can download a full list of the charities involved.

There's more snippets in our Stop Press News section, which we're hoping to expand and improve over the next few weeks. More on that in the next newsletter.

Harking back momentarily to the last newsletter, we've been asked by the After Atos website we mentioned there to point out that they have an anonymous survey which people who have had an Atos ESA medical can complete. The results are published for use by campaigners.

Finally, as ever, we finish on a cheerier note with some positive feedback from the forum

From 0 to 33 points on ESA appeal

Higher rate mobility and middle rate care backdated for two years

Successful IB to ESA transfer without medical

Won ESA tribunal

Successful ESA appeal

Higher rate mobility for chronic fatigue syndrome

Higher rate care and higher rate mobility on initial claim

DLA tribunal wins ESA appeal

ESA support group with no medical

Higher rate care and higher rate mobility on renewal without medical

6 points to 18 points on ESA appeal

PLEASE PASS ME ON
Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested. You are also welcome to reproduce this newsletter on your blog, website, forum or newsletter.

You can read this newsletter online.

Good luck,

Steve Donnison

Benefits and Work Publishing Ltd
Company registration No. 5962666

If you're not already a member, find out how to subscribe to Benefits and Work and give yourself the best possible chance of getting the right decision.

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Disabled People will be turned into prisoners

2011-07-04T17:05:00.001+01:00

PRESS RELEASE

Disabled People Against Cuts say Maria Miller the minister for disabled people and the coalition government are betraying the 80,000 disabled people living in residential care homes who will lose their entitlement to the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance in 2013 when it is abolished and replaced by PIP the Personal Independence Payment.

Disabled people living in residential homes will be treated like criminals and deprived of the opportunity to leave their homes and go out into the community or even in many cases to maintain contact with their families. In the 21^st century such a move is disgraceful and unacceptable.

Residents in care homes will now face a drop in their incomes of 66% leaving them only £22 a week for all their extra costs such as the cost of toiletries, clothing, outings, travel, and other essential items.

Not only has this cut been sneaked in through the back door while the government promised it would research the impact of this vicious cut further but it totally ignores disabled people’s human rights guaranteed by the UNCRPD which was ratified by the UK government less than 12 months ago.

A disabled resident of such a care home who has asked not to be named said “ we already pay the charity who run this home 60 p a mile to be driven anywhere by a volunteer driver but if we lose the mobility component we won’t even be able to afford that.”

ENDS

Contact – Linda Burnip 0771 492 7533/ 01926 842253

Eleanor Lisney -07737480378

UNCRPD

Article 9 – Accessibility

Article 20- personal mobility

Article 28 – An adequate standard of living and social protection.

ECHR – a right to family life.

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Sh! Celebrates Disability Awareness Day

2011-07-04T16:32:00.001+01:00

Sh! Celebrates Disability Awareness Day

Disability Awareness Day on 10^th July turns into a month of celebrating otherness at Sh! Women's Erotic Emporium.

A photographic body of work titled 'Bodies of Difference' by Ashley Savage (www.savageskin.com) will be exhibited in the downstairs gallery at the Portobello Road store, 1 31 July. The exhibition is free to visit Monday- Sunday 11am 7pm. True to the female-focused ethos of the company, the 'Sh! Girlz' ask that men are accompanied by a woman when visiting the store and exhibition.

BODIES OF DIFFERENCE

For as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn towards appearance that is strange or unique, that which falls far outside of the narrow parameters of normative beauty. Within my photographic practice, 'normality' is of interest merely as a means by which to measure degrees of difference in a society that continues, on many levels, to regard that which is extreme as deviant.

The 'Bodies Of Difference' series is an ongoing body of work, a celebration of otherness, aiming to document bodies deemed as atypical, and in doing so, explore and challenge perceptions of disability and sexuality. As a trained counsellor, I am especially interested in the therapeutic application of photography in order to address issues of self esteem and body image.

I am currently looking for funding or sponsorship to facilitate the continuation of this project. I can be contacted via my website,

www.savageskin.co.uk.

Ashley Savage

Notes to Editors:

Sh! Women's Erotic Emporium was the very first shop of its kind to open for women, by women in 1992. The mission was simple: to create a safe, welcoming environment in which women can shop guilt-free for good quality playthings. Everyone is offered a cup of tea when they come in and the knowledgeable and friendly Sh! Girlz aim to make information about sex accessible to all, old or young of whatever sexual persuasion, background or culture. They do welcome men, but only if escorted by a woman.

Sh! were the first to launch the 'Jessica Rabbit' well before it debuted in 'Sex and The City', and the founder, Kathryn Hoyle has been a regular spokesperson promoting the ethos behind the store and the brand and has even been to 10 Downing Street to attend an Aids Awareness Event.

Sh! set up its very own research and development department and works with many NHS trusts offering advice and help on women's health care, particularly at post-surgery dilation stage.

Sh! host plenty of different nights and events at their London stores ranging from workshops, art and photography exhibitions, literary readings and much more. To find out more about the events on offer at this amazing emporium visit the website www.sh-womenstore.com.

To speak with the Shop Manager regarding promotions, events, or to simply find out more about the 'Bodies of Difference' please contact:

renee@sh-womenstore.com or phone 0207 221 54 76

Sh! Women's Erotic Emporium:

Unit 4, 253 Portobello Road, W11 1LR (corner Lancaster Road)

57 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6HD

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Crippen takes a look at Phil Davies MP

2011-06-22T15:08:00.001+01:00

What is behind Phil Davies MP's comments about treating disabled people less equally?!

Click on the follwing url to vist his blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/pay-us-less-than-minimum-wage-says-mp-davies/

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Crippen's latest blog posting

2011-06-16T14:08:00.001+01:00

Crippen becomes involved in the current euthanasia discussions. Read more on this week's DAO blog ...

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?location_id=6&domain=www.disabili...

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Independent Living Newsletter, 2nd June

2011-06-06T17:00:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the latest Independent Living newsletter. If you prefer, you can read this on our website by clicking the link below:

http://newsletter.independentliving.co.uk/

Contents:

1. Children's Mobility Needs Not Met
2. NHS "Care" for Elderly Patients
3. Built-In Obsolescence or Future-Proofing
4. Urgent Operational Requirements, Huh?
5. Fighting Loneliness in Old Age
6. Last Minute Bits and Bobs

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1. Children's Mobility Needs Not Met

Many of our loyal Independent Living site subscribers are businesses dedicated to meeting the needs of children with disabilities, providing extremely specialised and often quite costly equipment to enable families with a disabled child to live life with more ease and comfort than would otherwise be the case, and crucially, ensuring that the child with special needs is not left out of activities because of their limited mobility.

I was dismayed to learn recently that children with very severe mobility problems are being denied the opportunity of using the latest generation power chairs because of a legal technicality which is frankly absurd. Some of these chairs are rather heavy, weighing more than 150 kg, and for this reason, they are classified as cars, rather than "invalid carriages"(a term which could also benefit from updating). As cars, they are forbidden to young people under the age of 17, who are too young to drive.

For families with a youngster who has a degenerative condition, such as muscular dystrophy, the idea that they are prevented from using a wonderful mobility aid that could help them participate more fully in life at school and at home, because of a ridiculously pointless rule, must be painful in the extreme. For many, it will be too late by the time they are 17.

Suppliers of highly functional sit to stand powerchairs, such as Etac UK, and Newlife and other charities who help to fund them for children in need, are lobbying Maria Miller, Minister for Disabled People, to get the law changed as quickly as possible. Sadly, there does not currently seem to be a great deal of movement from the minister's side.

This is our area with products to help children:
http://www.independentliving.co.uk/disabled-children.html

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2. NHS "Care" for Elderly Patients

The rational, grown-up part of me is well aware that no matter how much anger or despair I express here, I am not going to achieve a scintilla of change. Nonetheless, there is still the other part that clings to the idea that outrage might be contagious, and that if a lot of people feel the same way, then perhaps we will be able to alter something as important as the way our National Health Service treats many of the older patients entrusted to its care.

Following the first published results of the CQC (Care Quality Commission) inspections of hospital wards up and down the country, I was angry enough to write my weekly blog in less than measured terms, as this latest in a long line of negative reports revealed patients suffering miserable and illegal neglect of their basic needs.

Old age isn't something that just happens to other people: we are all likely to reach a stage in our lives when we really need good care from an institution we have paid to support throughout our working lives. Ideas on how we can protect the interests of every older patient would be much appreciated:
http://www.independentlivingblog.co.uk/2011/05/can-we-teach-nhs-to-care-for-older.html

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3. Built-In Obsolescence or Future-Proofing

A number of enquiries that have come our way recently involve expensive adaptations that no longer meet the needs of the user.

For example, a wheelchair accessible vehicle that doesn't accommodate current seating needs. An adapted bathroom that was absolutely fine until the user's mobility became more reduced, so a hoist became necessary, and there isn't enough room. A kitchen which is perfect except for the fact that the eye-level oven is overhead and out of reach, now that the cook is permanently in a wheelchair.

All these are reminders that any big-ticket purchase should be accompanied by a lot of careful thought. Modular design has done a great deal to ensure that products can change with the user, and thoughtful manufacturers try to future-proof their offerings, by building in flexibility and adjustability, as far as possible. The ability to adapt to a person's changing needs, or indeed to the needs of a different user, is becoming increasingly important, as tight budgets dictate that social services make the most of the mobility equipment they invest in; refurbishing and reissuing making better financial sense than discarding and replacing.

You can't plan for every possible future contingency, but some forethought will help ensure that you aren't caught out by changes that are predictable. If you'd like to share any examples, of either quick obsolescence or great future-proofing, please tell me about them!

You can email us, post a comment on our Facebook wall:
http://www.facebook.com/IndependentLiving or send us a Tweet, @IndLiving.

Whatever works best for you, we'd love to hear your stories.

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4. Urgent Operational Requirements, Huh?

May not be entirely unconnected with item 2 in this newsletter, but I am beginning to receive a steady trickle of personal stories of redundancy within the care industry; an inevitable consequence of the governmental budget cuts that are being imposed.

I started ruminating about this in the blog last week, and the way in which money can apparently always be found for running wars, no matter how straitened the times. The Ministry of Defence has a neat phrase: "urgent operational requirements". What it means is that equipment which hasn't been bought as part of the ministry's normal budget, either because of incompetence or lack of resources, can be acquired at the last moment as an emergency purchase (you can imagine what that does to the price).

Wouldn't it be great if social care resources could be subject to the same regime of urgent requirements? As always, you can add your own thoughts to the blog, whether you agree or disagree!
http://www.independentlivingblog.co.uk/2011/05/urgent-operational-requirements.html

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5. Fighting Loneliness in Old Age

June is a month when many organisations are focusing on the challenges of getting older, and I have had communications about various projects, a couple of which really caught my eye.

Abbeyfield Week includes a Skills Swap, which is intended to try and bridge the gap between generations, following research showing that neither teenagers nor the over-65s have much respect for each other. From lack of morals and loss of family values to laziness and poor writing skills, a majority of the over-65s were less than impressed with what they saw as typical traits of young people. The latter responded with a belief that older people were stuck in the past, prejudiced against them (looks like they may have a point there!), and clueless about technology.

A lot of the mutual suspicion surely comes from the fact that as a society, we seem to have lost the knack for mixing age groups. Activities are very often age-based, either overtly or in a subliminal way, making it difficult to find friends who aren't your contemporaries. So, an opportunity to share skills and experience seems like a great way to start breaking down those barriers. Some of the events that have already been planned during the week 10 to 19 June include internet training from Loughborough University students; schoolchildren introducing their smart phones, iPods etc to home residents in New Malden; and Pendyrus Male Choir giving a masterclass to school choirs in Taunton. You can find out more on the Abbeyfield Week website:
http://www.abbeyfieldweek.co.uk/

From 20 to 26 June, Friends of the Elderly have come up with a poignant way to highlight the loneliness experienced by more than 1 million older individuals in Britain. Isolation Week is a social experiment that will see 10 volunteers experiencing life as it is for older people who feel trapped in their own homes. They will spend the week alone in their home with only a television for company, and with vision-impairing glasses and special gloves to simulate some of the effects of ageing. Their daily video diaries and one way Twitter feeds can be followed on the Isolation Week website:
http://www.isolationweek.com/

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6. Last Minute Bits and Bobs

If you are fond of taking family photos, you have just got time to get involved with Stannah Stairlifts' competition. You upload your favourite images to their Flickr group pool, to be in with a chance of having your lifelong dream come true. The photographs will be made into a photo book and displayed in a public gallery space, so this sounds like a great project to get involved with, even without the possibility of winning that great prize! This is the link to follow for the competition on Flickr - closing date is Friday, 10th June:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/thegreatbritishfamilyphotopool/

I wrote last time about Max Reid's more positive redesign of the international access symbol. Quite a few people asked for a high res version they could use in print or around their premises. If you would like a copy, it isn't too late, just drop me an e-mail and I'll be happy to send you one. You can see what it looks like, and compare it with the traditional version here:
http://www.independentlivingblog.co.uk/2011/05/international-symbol-of-access-time-to.html

I hope you've enjoyed reading our latest newsletter. Don't forget you can now access all the news as soon as it is uploaded in our News Centre:

http://www.independentliving.co.uk/news/

And if you like your information in short, sharp chunks (140 characters or less) we tweet regularly about what's happening on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/IndLiving

To let us know what's on your mind, you have the online version of this newsletter and my blog, on both of which you are very welcome to leave comments. Our Facebook page would love to have a visit from you, whether or not you want to say anything - it's another place to find out what's new:

http://www.Facebook.com/IndependentLiving

Frances Leckie
Editor

E: editor@independentliving.co.uk
t: +44 (0) 208 133 0628
Skype: francesleckie
w: http://www.independentliving.co.uk

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Go Folic Northern Ireland Launch

2011-06-06T16:57:00.001+01:00

Association for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus - Ability Beyond Disability

Go Folic Northern Ireland Launch

Go Folic Before You Frolic!

A major new campaign has been launched that will urge all sexually active women who might become pregnant to take the correct dose of folic acid everyday.

The Go Folic! initiative was launched at on 27th May at the Professionals Conference, Belfast by the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH). The event was attended by David Proud, the former Eastenders star who has spina bifida.

Go Folic! aims to improve womens’ folic acid intake and so reduce the incidence of Neural Tube Defects such as spina bifida, which occur in the early weeks of pregnancy. Every day in the UK, an average of two babies conceived - 900 each year - will go on to develop a Neural Tube Defect (NTD).

Up to 72% of these defects could be prevented if women took folic acid tablets at the right time and dosage. However, at present, only 5.5% of women take folic acid correctly and the incidence of Neural Tube Defects remains stubbornly high, often with tragic consequences.

NTD’s happen within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

It is therefore essential that women take the correct dose of folic acid daily – ideally for three months - before they become pregnant.

The Go Folic! campaign aims to inform and motivate women to act on this information and impress upon them that a healthy balanced diet is not enough to achieve the required levels of folic acid in their bodies to help prevent NTDs developing in their unborn babies.

Women need to take 400mcg of folic acid daily prior to conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some women may need a higher dose, particularly if there is a family history of spina bifida or if the mother has diabetes or coeliac disease or if she takes anti-epileptic medicines.

ASBAH Northern Ireland Director Cathy McKillop has called on everyone who can influence women on this critical issue to get behind the campaign and help reduce the often tragic consequences of NTDs.

"NTDs are a serious health threat which can lead to enormous challenges and painful decisions. The most serious form, anencephaly, means that the baby will not live beyond birth, and many babies born with spina bifida face a life with serious, multiple disabilities. We can drastically reduce the incidence of NTDs if we can get women to take folic acid correctly.

"We need a concerted effort from everyone - not just health professionals - to get this message across to women: If you are sexually active and might become pregnant, take a folic acid tablet everyday; it's simple to Go Folic!"

EDITORS NOTES:

* If you would like to host a fundraising event, or if you would like to find out more about the work of ASBAH in Northern Ireland, please contact Cathy McKillop (Director ASBAH NI) by post ASBAH PO Box 132, Cushendall, BT44 0WA or email cathym@ashba.org or telephone: 07762574861.

* ASBAH is Europe’s largest organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they face the challenges arising from spina bifida and hydrocephalus. For further details on the charity please visit our 'About ASBAH Page'.

WORTH NOTING:

Spina Bifida occurs very early in pregnancy when the spine and brain are being formed. It is a fault in the development of the spine, which fails to close properly. Spina Bifida often results in paralysis below the fault resulting in severe disability.
A major secondary complication of Spina Bifida is Hydrocephalus – excess fluid pressure in the brain, which can cause brain damage if not treated promptly.
Hydrocephalus can also occur at any time of life, for other reasons, including meningitis, premature birth, stroke or tumours.

ASBAH Media Contacts:

For more information on the work of ASBAH and how this event benefits the work of the charity please call Tom Scott, Marcomms Officer at ASBAH, on 07769 217050 or email toms@asbah.org

STAY IN CONTACT WITH ASBAH:

created with newsletter.ie

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Beware: benefits check could cost you thousands

2011-06-06T16:54:00.001+01:00

In this edition we're warning members about a nationally advertised benefits checking service (members only) which could charge you thousands of pounds possibly without getting you a penny extra in benefits.

The service has close connections with a claims management company which went bust owing around £100,000 and is very reticent indeed about who does its benefits checks, though we have our suspicions.

THE WORD WE DARE NOT USE
And in order to avoid raising the suspicions of your spam filter, we are unable to use a three letter word beginning with 's' and ending with 'x' in this newsletter. However, if you substitute the 's' word for 'serious physical assault' in the paragraph below, it will make complete sense.

Because Benefits and Work can exclusively reveal that a company which specialises in helping the police catch serious physical assault offenders (members only) is interviewing hundreds of benefits claimants across the UK as part of the move to abolish disability living allowance (DLA) and replace it with personal independence payment (PIP). (Members only)

Without their prior knowledge, the DWP has passed the names of many hundreds of DLA claimants to the company, which then contacts them directly. Benefits and Work is urging members to be very cautious if invited to take part in the trial, not least because of concerns over how wise it is to accept the £30 in vouchers being offered for doing so.

ATOS THREATENS LEGAL ACTION
Meanwhile, executives from another company many claimants would rather avoid have been explaining to MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee why their organisation is 'feared and loathed' by disabled people. The best that Atos executives could manage was that claimants don't really understand the role that Atos plays in the benefits system and that failing the work capability assessment does not mean that you are being classed as a malingerer.

However, Atos are not so meek and mild outside the corridors of power. Last month a UK based website run by disabled claimants had to take down a large amount of its Atos related content after being issued with a 'cease and desist' notice by the company, which threatened legal action if the offending material was still there in a fortnight.

IS THIS THE BEST WAY FORWARD?
But as claimants face ever more frequent Atos medicals and the ending of incapacity benefit, with some contemplating suicide as a result, the pressure to find an alternative has never been greater. So, in this edition Benefits and Work looks at whether setting up 'micro-businesses' and trying to negotiate thousands of pounds in payouts from work programme providers may be the way forward for a minority of claimants. We'd be very interested to hear what you think.

NEW FEATURE
We'd also be interested to hear what you know for a new feature on the site.

As you're probably aware, one of the forums the one that discusses benefits news - is still closed in order to relieve pressure on moderators. But we do realise that this means that members are missing out on the many fascinating news items that used to be posted there.

So we've set up a new feature called Stop Press. It's simply a page which uses our new comments feature which proved extremely popular with readers of our DLA cuts article to allow members to post benefits related news items. So, if you've got news we haven't reported, please let us have it! And if you want to keep up with all the benefits news, we hope Stop Press will be the place you turn to first.

YOUR GOOD NEWS IS AN INSPIRATION
As usual, we're finishing with some good news from the Benefits Questions, Problems and Results forum, which happily is still open. And please do keep the good news coming. As one of our posters, who got her higher mobility and middle rate care renewed explained:

"The whole experience has been hugely stressful and has caused a relapse in my CFS. Without the support of Benefits and work I was ready to give up and just do without my benefit, but seeing all the success stories helped me to persevere."

So it's true: your success stories really can change people's lives for the better. Please do keep them coming.

WRAG on appeal, backated to June 2010

Incapacity benefit appeal success

Higher rate mobility on appeal

Higher rate mobility and middle care renewed without medical

4 minute incapacity benefit appeal

From 0 points to ESA success without a hearing

Higher rate mobility and middle care on initial claim

ESA 6 points to 18 points on appeal

Good luck,

Steve Donnison

Benefits and Work Publishing Ltd
Company registration No. 5962666

If you're not already a member, find out how to subscribe to Benefits and Work and give yourself the best possible chance of getting the right decision.

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disability arts online - newsletter

2011-06-06T16:46:00.001+01:00

Disability Arts Online

Listings newsletter

DAO National Disability Arts Bulletin

This bulletin is a free bi-monthly service promoting details of the most recent events and jobs / opportunities within the disability arts field.

For more events and jobs / opportunities, please go directly to the listings pages on the DAO website

If you would like to take advantage of this service, please post your listings via the online form

National events listings:

Japanese Homes: Evening Exhibition Talk

07/06/2011

A special free evening at the Geffrye: Join our deaf guide Jennifer Little on a highlights tour of our special exhibition At Home in Japan: Beyond the Minimal House. Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA

Japanese Homes: Evening Craft Workshop

07/06/2011

Enjoy some refreshments and create a lucky owl with deaf artist Sheng Kai Chou. Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA

Touring Performance: Shape Creative Steps

09/06/2011

Shape Creative Steps is for those interested in creating and touring their own work, or are developing a long-term project and want to learn from someone who has experience of making things happen - at Deane House Studios, Kentish Town, London

Arts Catalyst and Shape present Alternative Ways of Thinking

10/06/2011

The Times Cheltenham Science Festival, hosts two events reflecting on recent ideas about the minds of autistic and dyslexic people, considering whether these ‘impairments’ can or should be thought about in different ways.

CoolTan Arts Open Day & Mad Hatters Tea Party

11/06/2011

Join CoolTan Arts for a fun-filled afternoon, learn more about CoolTan Arts and the Largactyl Shuffle, imagine, inspire, create!

National jobs listings:

Shape Service Co-ordinator – Training & Access Services

Location: Kentish Town, London | Closing date: 7 June 2011

Remuneration: Salary £20,550 plus benefits, (full time – 12 month fixed term contract)

Shape is looking for a focused, confident and highly professional Service Co-ordinator to be responsible for the reconfiguration and delivery of Shape’s Training & Access Services.

Shape Programme Manager – Audiences, Training & Access

Location: Kentish Town, London | Closing date: 7 June 2011

Remuneration: Salary £25,907 - £28,634 plus benefits (Full time)

Shape is looking for a focused, confident and highly professional manager to be responsible for a portfolio of services.

Shape Service Co-ordinator - Audiences

Location: Kentish Town, London | Closing date: 7 June 2011

Remuneration: Salary £20,550 plus benefits (full time – 12 month fixed term contract)

Shape is looking for a focused, confident and highly professional Service Co-ordinator to reconfigure and deliver Shape’s audience-related services.

Fittings Multimedia seek Administrative Director

Location: Liverpool | Closing date: 22 June 2011

Remuneration: Fee: £10,000 plus expenses

Invitation to tender: Development Consultant, Fittings Multimedia Arts

DaDaLive Director

Location: Liverpool | Closing date: 29 June 2011

Remuneration: Pay: £5,200 fixed fee (to be paid in instalments)

DaDaLive are looking to appoint a Director for year two of DaDaLive, on a fixed term freelance position.

National opportunity and workshop listings:

Ability Media International Awards

03/06/2011 - 15/08/2011

Youth Express present drama, animation and art workshops

01/06/2011 - 01/08/2011

PhotoVoice Training Workshops

25/05/2011 - 22/07/2011

Book now for Designing & Running Participatory Photography 3 Day Training Workshops at HCVS, London E8

Physical Disability in Culture and Literature: A Public Discussion Group

25/05/2011 - 22/06/2011

A series of events to explore the representation of the physically disabled body in contemporary literature, culture and society.

DAO: The New Voices Project

20/05/2011 - 17/06/2011

DAO is looking for deaf or disabled people in the Brighton area - keen to develop arts writing skills and experience.

www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk

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Join in the debate

2011-06-04T13:51:00.001+01:00

Fancy joining in a debate where Deaf activist Alison Smith gets called a 'dick' for sticking up for her rights?!

Go to Crippen's latest cartoon blog by clicking here, or by cutting and pasting the following url -

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?domain=www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk&offset=0&unique_name=crippen-blog&item=957&itemoffset=1

;-)

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Mischief on the Internet!

2011-06-03T19:26:00.001+01:00

As more disabled people try to share their experiences of the ATOS Work Capability Assessment, strange things are happening on the Internet. Read what Crippen has to say in his latest blog.

Cut and paste the following link to visit his latest blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/they-dont-give-atos/

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Precautionary measures?!

2011-06-02T10:11:00.001+01:00

Crippen looks at the possible next stage of the ConDem's march to a Big Society!

Cut and paste the following link or click here to go to this week's blog posting:

http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/precautionary-measures/

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Care is failing 1.5 million people with learning disabilities

2011-05-31T20:36:00.001+01:00

Spending cuts are bringing system to the brink of collapse, says a report commissioned by the Department of Health The system of care and support for the 1.5 million people who have a learning disability is breaking down because of spending cuts and an "alarming" shortage of accommodation, according to consultants commissioned by the Department of Health.

There is a "pressing need" for the government to intervene to set a clear strategy and to prevent many care providers going out of business, the Laing & Buisson consultancy says in a report.

It comes ahead of a BBC Panorama special on Tuesday, which will include secret filming of what is described as "physical assaults, systematic brutality and torture" of men and women with a learning disability by staff at a private unit, believed to be near Bristol. The programme is certain to spark a debate about the wider treatment of people with a learning disability, whose numbers are growing by up to 5% a year and who can require care and support costing a typical £1,500 a week.

Laing & Buisson was commissioned by the department to report on the relative costs of different models of care and support. That analysis remains unpublished by the department, but the consultancy has released a separate report based on its findings "as a springboard for further discussions".

The study says local authorities, which are responsible in England for arranging care and support, are cutting both hours they pay for, and rates they offer, and "there is a real danger that support is already, in some cases, and will increasingly be, insufficient to meet the fundamental rights and support requirements of people with learning disabilities and will jeopardise their wellbeing".

Squeezing the rates paid to companies and charities, which provide almost all paid-for care and support, may mean a reduction in the quality of service or even a shortage of supply.

There is already a severe shortage of suitable housing for people with a learning disability, the report says. Doubts about viability of the existing system are undermining the prospects of investment by providers and support for them from the banks.

Hopes for a change in funding rest on a report due in July from a government commission led by economist Andrew Dilnot, who has been tasked with finding sustainable solutions to the challenges of funding the care of people with disabilities.

William Laing, chief executive of Laing & Buisson, said: "Unless these issues are better recognised and more holistically addressed, for instance through extra funding by the commission, there is an increasing likelihood that many providers will go out of business."

The department said that the Laing & Buisson report would be published "in due course".

Undercover care The Abuse Exposed: Panorama on BBC1 at 9pm on 31 May

The Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/31/care-failing-those-with-learning-disability

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'One in three drivers abusing blue badge permits'

2011-05-31T17:30:00.001+01:00

AN OPERATION to prevent fraudulent use of blue badges in Harrow last week revealed that one in three drivers are misusing the permits.

Police officers and staff from Harrow Council's fraud team challenged drivers in the town centre on Thursday last week (May 25), only to discover that more than 30 per cent of motorists were misusing disabled parking benefits.

This has led to the council urging transport minister Norman Baker to pick up the pace on reform of the badges.

In February, Mr Baker announced new powers that would allow council officers to confiscate badges on the spot to deter illegal use, however, the legislation is unlikely to be enforced until 2013-14 at the earliest.

Harrow Council is now writing to urge the minister to bring the reforms forward to deal with a pressing problem that threatens the independence of older or disabled residents.

Speaking about the need for quicker reform Avani Modasia, Chief Executive of Age UK Harrow, said: "We know so many people who depend on the blue badge to live life to the full but have a real problem parking because others think it is okay to abuse the privilege. It is really damaging and I would say to anyone who does misuse the permits, just think of your own elderly or disabled relatives before you take these much needed spaces.

"We fully support the action the council is taking on this issue and join the calls for new powers to stand up for the rights of genuine blue badge users."

Councillor Graham Henson, portfolio holder for performance, customer services and corporate services at the council, added: "Elderly and disabled residents depend on their blue badges and suffer when parking spaces are snapped up by fraudsters. We are standing up for residents and need to protect the independence their permits give them but despite action, publicity and prosecutions, the message is not getting through.

"That is why we will urge the Transport Minister to introduce these new powers now as a real deterrent to those who think it is acceptable to abuse the blue badge scheme.

"It is not on, they are denying access to a service for some of our most vulnerable residents and we need these reforms now if we are going to tackle this increasing problem."

Speaking about blue badge reforms a spokesperson from Norman Baker's office said: "Many of the Blue Badge reforms announced in February 2011 will be implemented within a year. or example extending eligibility to more disabled children under the age of 3 with specific medical conditions will happen in June and the introduction of a new badge design that is harder to copy, forge and alter will be implemented from January 2012.

"However reforms that involve changing primary legislation will take longer as they will depend on the availability of Parliamentary time. This includes providing local authorities with an on-the-spot power to recover badges that have been cancelled and misused, which will come into effect in 2013/14".

Harrow Observer

http://www.harrowobserver.co.uk/west-london-news/local-harrow-news/2011/05/31/one-in-three-drivers-abusing-blue-badge-permits-116451-28795691/

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Vote to put wheelchair access on Rightmove

2011-05-31T16:32:00.001+01:00

Wheelchair access and Rightmove - please support our campaign!

Rightmove is the biggest property website in the UK and 90% of estate agents advertise on it. Currently, Rightmove neither identifies, nor provides search options for property with wheelchair access.

There is now a unique opportunity to change this!

Please support the Accessible Property Register campaign to persuade Rightmove to identify and provide search options for property with wheelchair access. Please vote and publicise the link below to members, colleagues, and allies. Anyone can vote and we need to maximise support to make this happen.

Here is the link:

http://accessible-property.org.uk/site/index.php?page=rightmove

Thank you for your support.

Conrad Hodgkinson
Accessible Property Group
www.accessible-property.org.uk
www.propertytoyou.co.uk
0774 911 9385

Promoting only wheelchair accessible property and holiday accommodation

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Annual Ladies Lunch - Friday 17 June at The Mere

2011-05-30T23:24:00.001+01:00

Ladies_Lunch_Booking_email.pdf Download this file

Tickets are selling fast for the annual CAFT Ladies Lunch and we'd love you/the ladies in your life to join us for an action-packed day with non-stop entertainmentwith cocktail reception, live music from talented vocalist Penny Mac and swing singer Howard Wing, fantastic range of stalls and demos, special appearances from Butlers In The Buff and local fire heroes, catwalk show from Cheshire Lady followed by accessory show from Gravity Live, plus a superb lunch!

Book now by completing the attached booking form, or by phone or email: T 01565 830053 E events@caft.co.uk.

Thank you!

Pippa Watton
Senior Events Fundraiser
events@caft.co.uk
Tel 01565 830053

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NATIONAL CHARITY TO BENEFIT FROM NEW MEMBERSHIP SCHEME

2011-05-30T23:19:00.001+01:00

Association for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus - Ability Beyond Disability
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Registered Charity Number: 249338

NATIONAL CHARITY TO BENEFIT FROM NEW MEMBERSHIP SCHEME

People with the lifelong disabilities of spina bifida and hydrocephalus are to benefit from a £250,000 grant from the Big Lottery.

The Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH) has been awarded the four-year grant to develop a membership scheme which will see disabled people playing a much more significant part in the development of the 46 year old charity.

The grant will also help in funding a national Membership Development Officer who will enhance communication between members and the teams that support them.

Members will have a greater say in what they need, as well as the capacity to influence how they would like to see the charity develop and to play a major role in that development.

Through the creation of peer support groups at local level it is intended that there will be an increase in the number of social opportunities for members who often experience loneliness and isolation.

The scheme will also include the promotion of online forums and the development of an Adult Members Council, a group which is run by and for adults with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Chief Executive Jackie Bland believes the grant will be a key stepping stone in the charity’s progress, “In gaining this grant we will be able to significantly enhance our support to people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

"As an organisation focused on a communicative and interactive membership we will be able to learn more about the people we support and thus make greater strides towards meeting their needs and aspirations.

"The creation of such a membership has not been possible to date, but with the Big Lottery grant we can finally realize this aim.”

EDITORS NOTES:

WORTH NOTING:

Spina Bifida occurs very early in pregnancy when the spine and brain are being formed. It is a fault in the development of the spine, which fails to close properly. Spina Bifida often results in paralysis below the fault resulting in severe disability.
A major secondary complication of Spina Bifida is Hydrocephalus – excess fluid pressure in the brain, which can cause brain damage if not treated promptly.
Hydrocephalus can also occur at any time of life, for other reasons, including meningitis, premature birth, stroke or tumours.

Interview opportunities:

* For more information from those directly involved in the new membership scheme please contact Lisa Cain, Chair of the Adult Member’s Council, on 01733 555988 email: news@asbah.org or Jackie Bland, Chief Executive at ASBAH, on 01733 4211356 email: jackieb@asbah.org

* To find out more about the work of ASBAH and how this news benefits the work of the charity please call Tom Scott, Marcomms Officer at ASBAH, on 07769 217050 or email toms@asbah.org

STAY IN CONTACT WITH ASBAH:

created with newsletter.ie

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ATOS Week of Action

2011-05-30T23:16:00.001+01:00

ATOS WEEK OF ACTION.doc Download this file

ATOS WEEK OF ACTION

A successful week of actions called by various disabled and claimants groups and supported by Right to Work protesting against ATOS the private firm milking millions of tax payers money from the testing of disabled people through their tick box computer Work Capability Assessments occurred all around the country. Over 50 anti- cuts groups also supported the week of action.

Several events took place in London supported on Monday by PCS members who share the hatred disabled people feel towards ATOS since they also make profits from testing civil servants who have been off work sick. In Northern Ireland NIPSA, the largest public sector union, whose members are losing their jobs next month to ATOS expressed support for the protests.

On Thursday the Islington event picketing both ATOS and A4e was supported by RMT staff whose jobs are being replaced by the use of unemployed people through workfare programmes. This is something we feel union members will start noticing much more of in the near future as these schemes continue to be rolled out nationwide.

Other major protests took place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Truro, Nottingham, Hastings, Cardiff, York, Chatham, Plymouth and Bristol plus on 2 days in Brighton, and on 2 days in Birmingham. In Birmingham protesters performed Brighton Benefits Campaign play ‘The Computer says NO’ . In Cambridge there was an occupation of the ATOS office.

Fuller details can be found at http://benefitclaimantsfightback.wordpress.com

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Protesters-occupy-healthcare-building-12052011.htm

http://www.demotix.com/news/685823/atos-origin-demonstration-london

pics from Monday’s Triton square demo can be found at:

Whilst The Guardian has a video at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/video/2011/may/11/disability-protest-atos-origin-video

Birmingham, May 13th

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Kidz South 2011 visitors information

2011-05-30T23:05:00.001+01:00

Come and visit one of the largest, Free UK exhibitions totally dedicated to children with disabilities and special needs, their families and carers, and the professionals who work with them.

Kidz South is back!

at the Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading.

Thursday, 9^th June 2011 9.30am 4.30pm

Bigger, better and attracting a broader audience!

Information on funding, mobility, seating, beds, communication, access, education, toys, transport, style, sensory, sports, leisure and much more......................

Disabled Living is delighted to be back at the Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading for its 5^th year. There has already been a great deal of interest in this event primarily due to the success of previous events and the overwhelming success of both Kidz up North and Kidz in the Middle. In addition the Rivermead Leisure Complex is an easily accessible venue with the exhibition hall on the ground level.

Many of the companies that exhibit at the 'Kidz' events do so year on year, as they have chosen our exhibitions to launch new equipment and products. The company representatives are often experts in their field and usually have solutions to what may seem like unmanageable problems so make sure you visit all the stands and do take the opportunity to pick their brains.

As funding equipment continues to be a major concern, the Kidz team have taken a proactive approach and introduced 'The Funding Point' to all our Kidz events where visitors can access information about alternative funding streams for equipment and much more.

Working in close partnership with the commercial sector, the Kidz team continues to develop a comprehensive resource of information, developing new services and products relating to children's equipment, which both public and professionals can access through our dedicated helpline 0161 214 4599.

Once again we have some excellent speakers presenting our free seminar sessions who can provide you with information on best practice, new research and good practical advice. For our professional visitors, certificates of attendance are available to support your continued professional development. Children and parents are more than welcome to attend.

To find out more information and for updates on the timetable of all the free seminars and activities running alongside the event visit www.kidzsouth.co.uk

We do welcome feedback as year on year we want to improve our events. Please take the time to complete a questionnaire at the event, or email your comments and suggestions to carmel.hourigan@disabledliving.co.uk

Dates for your diary for 2011:-

· Kidz South Thursday, 9th June 2011, Rivermead Leisure Complex, Reading.

· Kidz Up North Thursday, 24th November 2011, Premier Suite, Middlebrook Exhibition Centre, Reebok Stadium, Bolton

For more information on any of our Kidz events, or to order your visitors FREE entry tickets to the exhibition visit www.kidzsouth.co.uk or contact the Kidz Team at Disabled Living on 0161 214 5959.

Kind regards

Peter Dean
Business Development Coordinator
Direct Line: 0161 214 4591

Breaking news!!!

You can now follow the Kidz events on Facebook.....

Kidz up North/Kidz in the Middle/Kidz South....... follow the link or graphic below

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kidz-up-NorthKidz-in-the-MiddleKidz-South/178174555543123

Disabled Living, Redbank House, 4 St Chad's Street, Cheetham, Manchester, M8 8QA
Tel: 0161 214 5959 Fax: 0161 835 3591
Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk
Website: www.disabledliving.co.uk

Established in 1897, Disabled Living is a Registered Charity No 224742

Kidz South 2011 flyer.pdf Download this file

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Defend our right to protest

2011-05-06T13:25:00.001+01:00

Visit Crippen's latest blog and leave your own comments by cutting and pasting or by clicking on the following link - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/defend-our-right-to-protest/

Dave Lupton

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Light relief?!

2011-04-28T18:35:00.001+01:00

"I was in the park the other day and saw a poop scoop bin with the wording 'Thank you for using this bin'.

My thought processes being what they are, this is the cartoon that popped into my head.

Enjoy!

:-)

Description: A young wheelchair user is in the park with his assistance dog. The dog is on a lead and is perched on the top of an open poop scoop bin. A sign on the side of the bin says 'Thank you for using this bin'. A couple of people are passing by and look at the dog. One of them says to the other: "They train those dogs so well!"

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Save our NHS

2011-04-27T22:46:00.001+01:00

Produced for the Socialist Health Association fighting to save our NHS

Cartoon description: A white male wearing blue striped pyjamas is laying on a hospital trolly. A large wooden cross has been hammered into his chest. The cross has 'RIP' printed on it. Blood is dripping from the trolly onto the floor where it has pooled over a large area. White lettering stands out from the red colour on the floor and spells out 'NHS'

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Sledge hammer tactics

2011-04-23T15:26:00.001+01:00

Crippen's latest blog exposes the way in which the CONDEMs are using a massive sledge hammer to smash our welfare state.

Click on the following link or cut and paste it to your browser.

http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/sledge-hammer-tactics/

Dave Lupton

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Lies, damn lies and DWP statistics!

2011-04-23T14:26:00.001+01:00

An article challenging the latest statistics to come from government by Bob Williams Findlay accompanied by a Crippen cartoon.

Click the link or cut and paste into your browser.

http://www.dpac.uk.net/2011/04/lies-damn-lies-and-dwp-statistics/

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Cameron's Big Society Sucks!

2011-04-21T20:09:00.001+01:00

This week's Disability Arts on Line blog finds Crippen illustrating a poem by disabled poet Ann Young.

Please click on or cut and paste the following link -

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?domain=www.disabilityartsonline.org.u...

:-)

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Disability Arts on Line

2011-04-16T23:11:00.001+01:00

Follow Crippen on the Disability Arts on Line blog as he addresses the funding cuts ...

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?result=success&offset=0&uniqu...

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

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Further cuts ...

2011-04-16T23:04:00.001+01:00

Another cuts cartoon from Crippen ...

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?result=success&offset=0&uniqu...

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

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Grave news from the front line

2011-04-16T23:01:00.001+01:00

Click the following link to access crippen's blog and the news about SKILL having to close down .... another funding cut victim!

http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/04/16/grave-news-from-the-front-line/

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Corporate funding link

2011-04-02T08:52:00.001+01:00

There's now a link between Crippen's blog to the article he's written on the Disability Arts on Line web site about corporate funding.

Click here to get there ... or cut and paste this url - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/corporate-funding-link/

:-)

Dave Lupton

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Resistance: Which way the future?

2011-03-29T15:36:00.001+01:00

If you've yet to see Liz Crow's Roaring Girl Production's 'Resistance: Which way the future?' then I'd suggest the best place to start is with this short video, based upon audience reactions of the installation.

You can also obtain more information about the installation and where it will be appearing next on the Roaring Girls web site - http://www.roaring-girl.com/

Don't miss out on the opportunity to see this powerful production ... it won't be touring for ever, especially as the CONDEMs continue to cut funding to the arts and arts venues.

Dave Lupton

Crippen's Disability Arts On Line blog - http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?unique_name=crippen-blog&offset=0

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Vacation reply

2011-03-26T21:18:00.001Z

I'm currently in hospital having the body of a 23 year old fitted.

I should be back at my drawing board by about Wednesday 30th March, 2011, when I'll answer your email.

;-)

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Fw: I Still Need Some Help For The Aspergers Awareness Project...

2011-03-26T21:15:00.001Z

I am putting together a short online video in order to showcase the positive qualities of children with Aspergers Syndrome.

It is an A-Z of Aspergers video featuring a real child’s photo, who has a name and quality associated with that later, for more details go to http://www.parentingaspergers.com/aspergersawarenessvideo.html

For example I have currently got:

Awesome Alonzo

Briany Branden - Boundless Bobby

Curious Carter – Captivating Candace

Determined Dan – Dextorous Dylan

Enthusiastic Eric

Kind Kobe

Loyal Louis

Millenium Max – Marvellous Mark

Precious Piper - Positive Paul

Risible Rachel

Stupendous Sarah

Willing William

But that still leaves me short for the following letters:

If you would like to help and take part in the project and have a child with a name beginning with one of these letters (or even a middle name come to that!) I would need the following from you:

a. A photo

b. Your child's name

c. 1 or more positive qualities of your child (using words of the same letter as his/her first name e.g. Adventurous Andy, Bright Belinda, Charming Chris)

d. A few words about your child and why they have such qualities (if you have a short story that can illustrate this, then even better!)

Please email me with these 4 things by April 1st to aspergersawarenessproject@gmail.com or just reply to this email.

If I can’t get enough people to help, then sadly the project is not going to get off the ground.

Thanks again if you can help to make this possible,

Dave

Aspergers Information Online, PO Box 789, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO19DY, United Kingdom

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Disability Arts and Corporate funding

2011-03-26T15:43:00.001Z

Crippen looks at the real threat of the big corporations becoming involved within Disability Arts.

Get the low down on his Disability Arts on Line blog ...

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?domain=www.disabilityartsonline.org.u...

Dave Lupton

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Fw: NAS monthly newsletter - March 2011

2011-03-24T16:17:00.001Z

This month, you can read a very touching story by one of our members about the way her son's life changed since he received a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, aged 31. You can also read an exclusive feature from our members' magazine, Communication, which is full of practical tips for helping children and adults with autism to manage stress and anxiety.

Did you know that the NAS has over 20,000 members around the UK? They include people with autism, parents, carers, professionals and others who want to get involved with our work and change the world for people with autism.

If you were to join us, then as a member you would receive our quarterly membership magazine, a 10% discount on our books and resources and access to discounted travel and life insurance, among other benefits. If you haven't already considered joining the NAS, I'd urge you to find out more - I've been a member for many years and much enjoy everything that membership brings.

Don't forget it's also World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April. Find out how you can mark the occasion below.

With my best wishes as always,

Jane Asher
President, The National Autistic Society

Getting support

Real stories:
Kath Ellis

Tips for managing stress

Come to the Autism Show

Celebrity photographer supports NAS

World Autism Awareness Day

Real stories: Kath Ellis

Kath Ellis, a primary school special support assistant, lives in Bury with her husband Alan and son Andrew. Following years of frustration at not being able to secure a diagnosis, Andrew was finally diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2009. Read more.

Tips for managing stress

Anxiety can be a serious problem for children and adults with autism. In the Spring 2011 issue of Communication, our members' magazine, we shared some tips and ideas for dealing with stress and anxiety which have been submitted by our supporters. Download the exclusive article.

Come to The Autism Show

The NAS will be a headline partner at The Autism Show at ExCeL London in June. The new conference, developed by the parents of a child with autism, is open to parents, professionals and people with autism and will include presentations and workshops from leading professionals. Read more.

Celebrity photographer supports NAS

John Swannell, the world renowned photographer, is hosting a lecture on 7 June to raise funds for the NAS. John will talk about his experiences of photographing some of the world's most well-known faces, how fashion has changed over the years, and the amazing places across the world he has visited. Read more.

World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April

World Autism Awareness Day is fast approaching and we want to let you know how people will be standing up for autism on Saturday 2 April. We'd also love to hear what you will be doing to raise awareness. It doesn't matter how big or how small - everything you do will help to tell people about autism. To find out more, visit us on Facebook.

Support us

Train Walk 2011

Join our online community

Donate

More news
from the NAS

Stay in touch with The National Autistic Society: follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube or join our Facebook group.

The National Autistic Society, registered office: 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 2299, Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9666, Email: nas@nas.org.uk
VAT registration number: 653370050; a charity registered in England and Wales (269425) and in Scotland (SC039427)
Copyright The National Autistic Society 2011

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Mobility Products Retailer closed down in the public interest

2011-03-24T14:10:00.001Z

A company selling orthopaedic products to elderly people in their own homes, was this week wound up in the public interest, in the Manchester District Registry following an investigation by Company Investigations (North) of the Insolvency Service.

Reo Marketing Ltd operated from premises in Chesterfield and carried on an almost identical business to two previous failed companies. The company's tactics included telesales staff who cold-called private individuals with the intention of deliberately misleading them into agreeing to a home visit. The pretext being that they were participating in a survey designed to obtain feedback on the company's products.

In reality, the company was seeking to exploit a selling opportunity. Once inside the home, the company's agents employed further misleading or high pressure tactics on vulnerable people. For example, the agents made unsubstantiated claims with regard to the medical benefits of the products, on occasions falsely claiming to represent social services, in order to complete a sale.

Investigators found the average age of the company's customers was 79 years. Despite the fact many of those targeted suffered from physical and mental health problems, sales visits routinely lasted for three or more hours, with some customers reporting they were followed around the house by the salesman or that they only agreed to a purchase to conclude the appointment.

Commenting on the case, Insolvency Service investigator Scott Crighton said:

"This company's tactics were typical of those that prey on the elderly and vulnerable. The methods used to get people's trust and gain entry into people's homes and the conduct of sales people once they got there, were unacceptable. Companies that adopt these tactics should know that Company Investigations can and will investigate and, where appropriate, take action to put them out of business".

Investigators found that the company achieved a turnover of £1.3m in under 10 months by adopting a confusing pricing structure and offering non-existent discounts. In reality, they added mark-ups against the cost price of several hundred percent and, in one case, as high as 1,326%.

The investigation also found that the company had been in breach of both consumer & data protection legislation and to have improperly applied VAT exemptions.

Ends

1. Reo Marketing Ltd was incorporated on 15 October 2009. Its current registered office is at Raincliff House, Barker Lane, but has previously been at 2 Coney Green Business centre, Wingfield View, Clay Cross and at Unit A Clumber House, High Street, Clay Cross, all in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The directors of the company have been Mr Stephen Watkinson, who resigned in March 2010 and Mr Rodney Stone.

2. The petition was presented under s124A of the Insolvency Act 1986 on 15 December 2010 and the Winding Up Order was made on 08 March 2011.

3. The Official Receiver was previously appointed as provisional liquidator of the company on 14 January 2011.

4. In winding up the company, the Judge described it as a worrying case in which the company had charged huge and in some cases astronomic mark ups to members of the public who, the directors of company freely admitted, were categorised as vulnerable.

5. The two companies referred to above, which operated in a similar manner to Reo Marketing Ltd were:

More Than Mobility Ltd: wound-up in the public interest on 8 December 2009 following an investigation by Company Investigations of The Insolvency Service;

Compass Mobility Ltd: went into creditors' voluntary liquidation on 29 September 2009.

6. The Insolvency Service administers the insolvency regime investigating all compulsory liquidations and individual insolvencies (bankruptcies) through the Official Receiver to establish why they became insolvent. The Service also authorises and regulates the insolvency profession; deals with disqualification of directors in corporate failures; assesses and pays statutory entitlement to redundancy payments when an employer cannot or will not pay employees; provides banking and investment services for bankruptcy and liquidation estate funds; and advises ministers and other government departments on insolvency law and practice. Further information about the work of The Insolvency Service is available from http://www.insolvency.gov.uk

7. All public enquiries concerning the affairs of the company should be made to: The Official Receiver, Public Interest Unit, 2^nd Floor, 3 Piccadilly Place, London Road, Manchester, M1 3BN. Tel: 0161 234 8531 Email: piu.north@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk

8. Media Enquiries should be directed to:

Denise Rawls, Press Office Manager, Telephone 020 7674 6910 or

Ade Daramy, Press Officer on 020 7596 6187

Source: http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/view/pressrelease/insolvency-service-national-mobility-products-retailer-closed-down-in-the-public-interest-597141

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Protest Outside The Daily Mail - Stop the Defamation - Stop the Lies

2011-03-22T20:22:00.001Z

As part of the third National Day of Action Against Benefit Cuts a protest has been called outside the Daily Mail's head office in Kensington on 14th April 2011.

The Daily Mail has a long history of abusing and defaming benefit claimants. Lurid headlines have dishonestly claimed that disabled people, people on sickness benefits, single parents and the unemployed are workshy, scroungers or even fraudsters. Hate filled rants by Daily Mail columnists have spewed out propaganda about the most vulnerable in society, which have been used by politicians of all major parties to launch an attack on the Welfare State.

Discredited Atos test results have been twisted to claim that two million people claiming sickness benefits are 'cheats'.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1220211/Just-incapacity-benefit-claimants-genuine-tough-new-test-reveals-TWO-MILLION-cheating.html

Join us outside the Daily Mail's Kensington headquarters to demand no more lies and no more defamation of disabled people, people with illnesses, parents, the low waged, the unemployed, carers and volunteers who are all set to face devastating cutbacks in the already meagre state support they receive.

Bring musical instruments, megaphones, banners, placards and come prepared to tell the truth as loudly as possible to the faceless hacks who write this poisonous garbage.

The protest will begin at 2pm. Nearest tube is Kensington High Street (not accessible sadly), which is also well served by bus routes.

At 5pm a protest is also being held outside Westminster City Hall to protest at the Housing Benefit caps as well as the ban on rough sleeping and food distribution in parts of the borough. This is a short bus or tube ride from the Daily Mail HQ. Details at the link below: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186039361439862

Details of events around the country can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164277070288955&index=1

or: http://benefitclaimantsfightback.wordpress.com/

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Claimants Fightback

2011-03-22T15:51:00.001Z

Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) have announced a virtual protest for people unable to attend the March For the Alternative on Saturday in person, please visit: http://www.dpac.uk.net/2011/03/in-solidarity-with-the-protesters-on-the-streets-on-26-march-online-map-disabled-people-and-allies/

DPAC will be meeting with activists from London Coalition Against Poverty (LCAP) at Savoy Street near Charing Cross at 11am to join the TUC march. Some of us will be meeting slightly earlier at 2 neighbouring accessible cafes: Caffe Amici , 7B Kingsway, London WC2B 6YA and the Costa next door. The Costa opens at 9am.

There's lots of other things happening all over London on the day, there's a round up at: http://freelondonlistings.co.uk/news/1-latest/150-free-london-events-saturday-26th-sunday-27th-march-to-the-streets.html

The big news is that Stay For 1 Day - the planned event to occupy Hyde Park for 24 hours is not cancelled, despite it's recent disappearance from facebook. For more info visit: http://www.resist26.org/post/4020653091/stay-4-one-day-is-not-cancelled

Finally, in case you missed the event invite, as part of the third National Day of Action Against Benefit Cuts on 14th April a protest has been called outside the offices of the daily Mail demanding Stop the Defamation - Stop the Lies - details at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161556473898500

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Internet Buttons

2011-03-22T11:23:00.001Z

We Are What We Do creates new tool that makes using the internet super easy for new or nervous users.

We Are What We Do, the not-for-profit company behind Historypin and the I’m Not A Plastic Bag shopper, is back with a new creation set to make a major contribution to digital inclusion: Internet Buttons.

The webtool allows people confident online to create a simplified, personalised experience of the web for those people in their lives who are new to the internet or find it confusing.

Currently, 9.2 million people are digitally excluded in the UK, of which 6.4 million are over the age of 65. Yet 75% of those excluded know someone who could help get them online.

Designed to get this audience onto and into the Internet in the simplest way possible, Internet Buttons aims to contribute to getting 1 million people online by 2012.

At internetbuttons.org users can set up a page of Buttons, which link to sites and services the person their helping might find useful or enjoyable. It removes all the complicated bits of the internet and makes it easy to keep going back to the places they like.

These Buttons are saved on their own personalised URL (e.g. internetbuttons.org/joanmiller), so they can be accessed from any computer. They work well as a homepage.

The supporting users can also add a photo and message to the page, reminding the person they are helping to call them if they get stuck. As well as better access to personal support, there is extra help for new users on the site via a permanently available helper bar and guides to using their Buttons.

As their experience and confidence grows, new Buttons can easily be added, either remotely by the original creator or by the new user. Suggestions and guides to new Buttons in the ‘Ready-Made Buttons’ section allows users to explore and expand their use of the internet comfortably and gradually.

Nick Stanhope, CEO of We Are What We Do commented:

"Internet Buttons is the simplest way to help someone you know have a much easier, less stressful experience online. For new users, and for lots of people that have been struggling for years, the Internet can be full of pot-holes that put you off using it.

“By setting someone up with some Internet Buttons, you can give them quick and safe access to what they want straight-away whenever they go online and get heaps of help and support."

Helen Schofield, 50, Internet Buttons user from Tywyn, said:

“I love using Internet Buttons and use it almost everyday now. My daughter, Beth, set it up for me. I find it easy to keep in contact with friends and relatives through email, Skype and I’ve set up a Google calendar that is shared by the whole family. Some of my favourite buttons right now are BBC recipes, thetrainline.com, and shopping sites such as Marks and Spencers and Sainsbury's.”

Internet Buttons was created by We Are What We Do as part of their work to get people from different generations spending more time together. In particular, Internet Buttons aims to overcome the growing digital divide which is often a barrier to communication.

The webtool is supported by the Nominet Trust and UK Online Centres, who are already promoting it to centres and Digital Champions throughwww.helppassiton.co.uk.

Annika Small, Director of the Nominet Trust, said:

“Internet Buttons is an imaginative and practical tool that enables people to get their family and friends online, which will hopefully help a raft of new, previously excluded users to see the potential of the internet to enrich their lives.”

UK Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox, who founded the Race Online 2012 ambition said:

“Internet Buttons are an excellent way of making the web more fun and accessible for new users. They are simple, intuitive and a fantastic tool for onliners who want to pass on their skills and show their offline family members and friends specific benefits of the web that appeal to each individual.”

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres said:

“Internet Buttons is a fantastic tool for UK online centres because it gives our staff another way of engaging people and instantly making the internet both easy and relevant.”

For more information or interviews with a spokesperson please contact Frank PR:

wawwd@frankpr.it/ 020 7693 6999

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

We Are What We Do

We Are What We Do, registered charity number 1134546, is a not-for-profit company which encourages individuals to take small actions that will make a big difference to major social and environmental issues. Founded in 2004, We Are What We Do has published three titles, Change The World For A Fiver which sold over one million copies worldwide, Change The World 9 to 5 which was launched by David Cameron in 2006 and Teach Your Granny To Text which was given to every school in the country by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) as a teaching resource. A collaboration with Anya Hindmarch and Sainsbury’s in 2007 launched the I am NOT a Plastic Bag shopper, taking the plastic bag issue onto the front pages and helping Sainsbury’s reduce the number of free carrier bags issued by 38% in the following two years. WeAreWhatWeDo.org features over 150 simple, positive everyday actions anyone can do to and track. – the current most popular actions include Cook a meal from scratch, Use a mug not a plastic cup and Read a story with a child.

Nominet Trust

Nominet Trust is a charity which launched in 2008 to mobilise the internet for social good. To the majority of Internet users, the name Nominet remains largely unknown, but for millions of website owners in the UK, Nominet provides registration and administration support for their .uk domains. For Nominet Trust – the organisation’s charitable arm – it’s the users that are the primary focus, and the Trust funds in distinctive and innovative IT-related projects that make a difference to people's lives, particularly in the areas of web access, education and safety. The Trust also supports projects that use the internet imaginatively to address specific social problems.

Almost ten million people in the UK have never been online and four million of those are amongst the country's most socially excluded. So the people who have the most to gain from the Internet - whether to overcome isolation, to save money or to find help - are the ones who are missing out. Nominet Trust seeks to redress these imbalances by funding projects that give people the skills and tools to be online safely and responsibly.

UK online centers UK online centres provide millions of people with access to technology and support in using it, at 3,500 local centres. Centres are based at the heart of communities, in libraries, community centres, on high streets and even on buses. They offer free or low cost access to the internet and email, help people use online public services, deliver online courses and encourage people to progress onto further learning. Visit www.ukonlinecentres.com for more information.

Digital Exclusion Digital exclusion in the UK has a series of consequences for the 9.2 million adults who are currently offline, for their families, friends and communities, for the delivery of national and local government and for society as a whole.
- 9.2 million adults in the UK have never used the Internet – a substantial proportion which highlights the urgency of the digital inclusion campaign

- 4.6 million (46%) of these are over 65 years of age

- 31% of internet users say they don’t visit new sites and 37% carry out 0-5 out of 17 types of activity; older people, those on low incomes and people with a disability are more likely to be narrower users – showing the extent and implications of narrow use of the Internet

- While 90% of those aged 16-24 say they use the internet (anywhere) only 22% of those aged 75+ do - demonstrating the potential consequences of the digital divide for inter-generational relationships

- 4 million of 10 million offline are socially as well as digitally excluded – which highlights the need for community level access, support and outreach to bring new users online

- Offline households are missing out on saving £560 per year from shopping and paying bills online – and these households are often those that would benefit the most from these saving, again highlighting the urgency of digital inclusion work

- The total economic benefits of getting everyone in the UK online is in excess of £22bn – even as an estimate, this importance of this substantial figure is amplified in the current economic climate

- 59% of people don’t see a reason to get online, and this rises to 63% of those 65-74 and over

(Sources: Manifesto for a Networked Nation, Race Online 2012 (2010); Strategy & 2010 Plan, Race Online 2012 (2009); The Economic Case for Digital Inclusion, PriceWaterhouseCooper (2009); The Connected World Report, The Carphone Warehouse / Mobile Life (2008); Digital Participation – 2010 Metrics Bulletin, Ofcom)

Race Online 2012 On June 18th 2010 Martha Lane Fox was appointed by The Prime Minister as the UK Digital Champion with a remit to encourage as many people as possible to go online, and improving the convenience and efficiency of public services by driving online delivery.http://www.number10.govuk/news/latest-news/2010/06/martha-lane--appointed-uk-digital-champion-52086
Full copies of Networked Nation are available to download at WWW.RACEONLINE2012.ORG/MANIFESTO
The UK’s Digital Champion is asking organisations of any size to get involved to ensure everyone can use the web. It’s simple to sign up and only takes a few minutes to register and make a digital promise at www.raceonline2012.org
Digital Inclusion Limited is government funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government (through the Community Development Foundation) but is an independent organisation

See the full gallery on Posterous

INTERNETBUTTONS-pressrelease.doc Download this file

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The Ashes Epilogue Lunch With James Anderson

2011-03-22T11:10:00.001Z

AshesEpilogueLunch.pdf Download this file

Since the early 2000's CAFT has received some incredible support from The Lord's Taverners, and Lady Taverners, which has included donations of two amazing minibuses, to collect children for their holidays, take them out on day trips and return them safely home after a magical week, plus significant funding for specialist sport equipment.

As a small token of our appreciation we are delighted to support an event they have coming up, by helping with promotion, and very much hope you might consider joining them for a fantastic time.

Please find attached further details for THE ASHES EPILOGUE LUNCH WITH JAMES ANDERSON on Wednesday 13 April 2011 at The Point at LCCC - a superb venue.

Should you wish to purchase tickets please contact Chantal at GB Events on 07780 663 271 or 0161 718 5919 or email chantal@gb-events.co.uk.

Pippa Watton
Senior Events Fundraiser
events@caft.co.uk
Tel 01565 830053

On 27 March 2011 I will be running a 1/2 marathon for CAFT. Please sponsor me by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/PipandMel

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DISABILITY SNOWSPORT UK ANNOUNCES DATE FOR NATIONAL SKIATHON 2011

2011-03-22T11:09:00.001Z

Attention skiers and snowboarders: Tuesday May 17^th 2011 is the date of Disability Snowsport UK's (DSUK) third National Skiathon. Skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in teams of 6, alongside the British Disabled Ski team, and an exciting collection of Britain's top freestylers and celebrities (to be announced).

Entry is £66 per team with the requirement to raise a minimum of £666. The challenge is to ski 666 runs in 6 hours at one of 6 UK indoor ski slopes including the Chill Factor in Manchester; Tamworth Snowdome in Staffordshire;
The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire; Sno!zone Braehead in Glasgow; Sno!zone Castleford in West Yorkshire; Sno!zone Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Equipment hire is included in the entry fee and there are prizes for the teams that raise the most money and ski the most runs.

There's no need to be a top-flight skier or boarder - quizzes and games give everyone the chance to win extra runs for their team. Each participant also receives a goodies bag and a T-shirt as a memento of a great day out raising money to help bring joy and excitement to many people living with disabilities throughout the UK. DSUK's target is to raise a minimum of £35,000 so get a team together now. To enter visit: https://regonline.activeeurope.com/disabilitysnowsportuknationalskiathon

Or contact Sophie Wood: SophieWood@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk / 0161 749 2290.
Issued for Disability Snowsport UK by Media Contacts PR:

Contact: Jane Parritt; jane@mediacontactspr.co.uk / 01367 820 766

Notes to Editors follow:

ABOUT DISABILITY SNOWSPORT

Established in 1980 Disability Snowsport UK brings people living with disabilities the chance to experience the thrill and joy of skiing alongside, on an equal basis with, able-bodied helpers. The intention is to enhance quality of life for disabled people through fitness, mobility, freedom, social interaction and independence and also to identify and nurture potential athletes and help disabled people to conquer the barriers that confront them in daily life.

Celebrity endorsement for the DSUK Skiathon 2010:

Mark Foster (5 x Olympic Gold swimming) said: 'I am proud to support the National Skiathon event. I'm passionate about encouraging EVERYONE to take part in sporting activities, whether it's swimming, dancing or skiing and Disability Snowsport UK are doing a fabulous job promoting equality & opportunity for anyone of any age with disabilities to take part in Snowsports.'
Graham Bell (ski racer/TV presenter),said: 'I am happy to support the Skiathon after watching the team compete out in Whistler for the 2010 Winter Paralympics. After skiing for a morning in a sit-ski I can certainly appreciate the skills involved.'

Sir Steve Redrave (Olympic Gold rowing) said: 'DSUK do some fantastic work with people promoting self esteem and confidence regardless of their disability. I can't see a better way than a Skiathon to raise money for such a deserving charity.'

Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards (ski-jumper) said: 'I am just as excited to put on a pair of skis now as when I started skiing 32 years ago. It's great that I can come along to events such as this and ski with lots of people and have so much fun and, most importantly, raise money so lots of other people can have the chance to have a go at such a great sport''.

If you can't take part yourself, please spread the word and tell your friends.
Among those taking part this year are The Combined Services Disabled Ski Team made up of soldiers who have lost limbs or been seriously injured during service in Iraq and Afghanistan and The British Disabled Ski Team (BDST) whose spokesperson Sean Rose (World Cup Gold medalist, Winter Paralympian and British Disabled Ski Team number one) said: DSUK provides snowsports experiences to people with all disabilities. It is life changing for some, a feeling of independence for others and a thrilling adventure for everyone. DSUK also scouts for talented new members to join the national team, who one day could fly down a race course representing their country. For me it does not get much better than that.'

Date: Tuesday May 17
Entry fee: £66 per team of 6 (minimum pledge of £666)
Enter at: https://regonline.activeeurope.com/disabilitysnowsportuknationalskiathon
Contact Sophie Wood: SophieWood@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk / 0161 749 2290

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Care Not Killing ENewsletter, March 2011

2011-03-22T11:07:00.003Z

Care Not Killing ENewsletter, March 2011

The majority of people with locked-in syndrome are happy
A study on the well-being of patients with chronic locked-in syndrome in the new journal BMJ Open shows that the vast majority consider themselves to be happy. The author of the study, Steven Laureys of the Coma Science Group at the University Hospital of Liege in Belgium, concludes that ‘results from Studies like this challenge people to reassess what makes life worthwhile and “dignified”.’ In fact, ‘the longer people were locked-in, the more likely they were to be happy.’ The research also makes suggestions on how better to care for these patients and is very positive about continuous improvements in provision as technology advances.

Nitschke
Philip Nitschke faced strong opposition during his recent visit to the UK. He attempted to bring his suicide workshops and home-suicide kits to people around the country, yet, all but three of his meetings were cancelled and one meeting had more protestors present than delegates. Nitschke did not object to the fact that his activities could put vulnerable people at huge risk when speaking to the BBC.

Commission on Assisted Dying
The Commission on Assisted Dying which has attracted wide criticism for bias has now begun its evidence hearings. Lord Falconer, who attempted unsuccessfully in 2009 to legalise assisted suicide, set up the Commission following a suggestion from Dignity in Dying (formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society). The Commission is being part-funded by DID patron Terry Pratchett and nine of the twelve commissioners are already known to support the legalisation of assisted suicide, yet, it is being portrayed as independent. Along with others, CNK has declined to give evidence.

Speak out
A number of celebrities have recently expressed their support for legalising assisted suicide. Often well meaning, but deeply uninformed about the complexities of the debate, this popular but vocal minority have the potential to influence members of the public. It is becoming increasingly important that the majority speak out. Please keep writing your comments online in response to articles in the media. Engage in discussions and write letters to newspapers and politicians with your views. Medical members can write to BMA News and medical journals.

Care Not Killing DVDs
Request our free DVDs and pass them onto your friends, families, colleagues, schools, places of worship, or organisations. Our most recent DVD 'Disabled people speak on assisted dying' and our earlier DVD 'Doctors speak on assisted dying' are both available. Email info@carenotkilling.org.uk .

Abroad
In the last twelve months, Euthanasia bills have been defeated in Canada, Australia, the US, Israel and France. In addition to the overwhelming defeat of the End of Life Assistance Bill in Scotland last year, all of these defeats are a great encouragement and serve to help promote better palliative care around the globe.
Resistance Campaign
Read about the Resistance Campaign and please sign the petition, write to your MP and make the campaign known to others, to help support the lives of people with disabilities.
Please contact your new MP
Any future voting on assisted suicide in Parliament will be one of individual conscience, so please contact your new local MP, to make your views known to them and to find out where they stand on the issue. Why not follow it up by arranging to speak to them in person? Before becoming Prime Minister, David Cameron wisely spoke out against any relaxation of the UK law on assisted suicide. Please write a short email or letter to express your support for him taking this stance.

Personal Stories
As the risks of any weakening in the law in relation to Assisted Suicide become increasingly highlighted, a number of you are writing to the Care Not Killing Alliance with your own experience of why you feel the law is best kept as it is. Send us your own story to info@carenotkilling.org.uk. Please include whether or not you are happy for your story to feature on our website, and visit our Personal Stories page.
BMJ Tribute to CNK
The British Medical journal in January ran a report on Care Not Killing and paid tribute to our effectiveness as a lobby group by giving us the quote of the week.

Support
CNK continues to be grateful for every donation

Twitter

Join for FREE and keep up-to-date with all the current CNK news
Events
Come along to up-and-coming events surrounding this important issue

Stay informed
Check the CNK website for regular updates

Thank you for your continued support and action!
CNK Alliance
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More FANTASTIC EVENTS in aid of The Children's Adventure Farm Trust!

2011-03-22T11:07:00.001Z

We are well into our 2011 Holiday Programme and since the start of February we've been welcoming groups of wonderful children to The Farm, for a much-needed break. Our annual Holiday Programme is now longer than ever before, and this is thanks to the support we continue receive from you - thank you.

Two fantastic events are coming up very soon in the Altrincham area, the first a Brazilian evening at the new Sabor Do Brazil Bar & Restaurant on Thursday 24 March. Secondly, a Ladies Spring Fashion Evening at HALO's stunning showroom. Both are in aid of CAFT and both offer a brilliant, and very reasonably priced, evening out.

Details are attached and if you would like to find out more, or book tickets, please get in touch by email or phone, through CAFT or as advised on the flyers.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Pippa Watton
Senior Events Fundraiser
events@caft.co.uk
Tel 01565 830053
On 27 March 2011 I will be running a 1/2 marathon for CAFT. Please sponsor me by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/PipandMel

A Taste Of BRAZIL!.pdf Download this file

HALO Ladies Spring Fashion Evening.pdf Download this file

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GO FOLIC BEFORE YOU FROLIC

2011-03-22T11:04:00.001Z

Association for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus - Ability Beyond Disability
To open this email in your browser, please click here.

Tell A Friend | Visit Our Website Registered Charity Number: 249338

PRESS RELEASE

GO FOLIC BEFORE YOU FROLIC!

A major new campaign will urge all sexually active women who might become pregnant to take the correct dose of folic acid everyday.

The Go Folic! initiative will be launched at the House of Commons on Wednesday by the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH).

GoFolic! aims to improve womens’ folic acid intake and so reduce the incidence of Neural Tube Defects such as spina bifida, which occur in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Every day in the UK, an average of two babies conceived – 900 each year - will go on to develop a Neural Tube Defect (NTD). Up to 72% of these defects could be prevented if women took folic acid tablets at the right time and dosage.

However, at present, only 5.5 per cent of women take folic acid correctly and the incidence of Neural Tube Defects remains stubbornly high, of ten with tragic consequences.

NTD’s happen within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is preg

nant. It is therefore essential that women take the correct dose of folic acid daily – ideally for three months - before they become pregnant.

The Go Folic! campaign aims to inform and motivate women to act on this information and impress upon them that a healthy balanced diet is not enough to achieve the required levels of folic acid in their bodies to help prevent NTDs developing in their unborn babies.

Women need to take 400mcg of folic acid daily prior to conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some women may need a higher dose, particularly if there is a family history of spina bifida or if the mother has diabetes or coeliac disease or if she takes anti-epileptic medicines.

ASBAH Chief Executive Jackie Bland has called on everyone who can influence women on this critical issue to get behind the campaign and help reduce the often tragic consequences of NTDs.

"NTDs are a serious health threat which can lead to enormous challenges and painful decisions. The most serious form, anencephaly, means that the baby will not live beyond birth, and many babies born with spina bifida face a life with serious, multiple disabilities. We can drastically reduce the incidence of NTDs if we can get women to take folic acid correctly.

We need a concerted effort from everyone - not just health professionals - to get this message across to women: If you are sexually active and might become pregnant, take a folic acid tablet everyday; it's simple to Go Folic!"

Notes to Editors:
* Go Folic! Will be launched in the Terrace Room at the House of Commons on Wednesday 16th March from 4pm-6pm.

* Public Health Minister Anne Milton will provide the opening address

* Celebrity GP and presenter Rob Hicks and former England footballer Danny Mills (whose baby son died from an NTD) are backing the campaign and will be present at the launch

* NTDs include spina bifida (when the spinal cord does not fully close) which can lead to lifelong disabilities. Other NTDs, such as anencephaly (absence of part of the brain) are incompatible with life.

* For more information, please visit www.gofolic.co.uk

* To arrange interviews/features on any aspect of NTDs and the Go Folic! Campaign please contact: Annette Angell, Assistant Director (Special Appeals), Email: annettea@asbah.org, Tel: 01733 421336 Add: ASBAH House, 42 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2UQ

* ASBAH is Europe’s largest organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they face the challenges arising from spina bifida and hydrocephalus. For further details on the charity please visit our 'About ASBAH Page'.

STAY IN CONTACT WITH ASBAH:

This email was sent to info@disabilitydirect.org.
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Save our NHS

2011-03-22T11:03:00.003Z

The Save our NHS petition is growing fast: Over 110,000 of us have signed so far.
Click to add your name to the petition and to help it reach 200,000 by Friday? It only takes 2 minutes.
The Save the NHS petition is growing fast. Over 110,000 of us have signed in less than a week. That makes it the fastest-growing 38 Degrees petition ever!
We know that the government’s plans for the NHS are a serious threat - that’s why so many of us have joined in. Local health services would be broken up, and private companies brought in. [1] Andrew Lansley, the health minister, wants to rush the plans through. But if we work together, we can stop him.
On Friday, 38 Degrees members will start visiting key MPs at their local constituency surgeries. These are politicians with the power to challenge the plans now, because they’re on the Health Bill committee. [2] We want to hand them the biggest petition they've ever seen.
Please add your name in time for the first petition deliveries this Friday:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
Yesterday, the main group representing doctors, the British Medical Association, said the plans were "dangerous" and called on the government to withdraw them. [3] Last weekend even Lib Dem party members voted to tell Nick Clegg the government's plans are "damaging and unjustified". [4]
It's not hard to see why so many of us have signed the Save the NHS petition. Sooner or later, we all rely on our NHS. It's not perfect, but it is worth protecting. Doctors, health experts and charities are all saying our NHS is in grave danger. [5] That's why 38 Degrees members voted to do all we can to protect it.
Please join in and add to the pressure:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
We know a big response from 38 Degrees members can help stop these plans. On Monday, the Independent newspaper said, ‎"The campaign group 38 Degrees – which was instrumental in forcing the Government to drop its plans to sell off parts of Britain's forests – collected more than 80,000 signatures against the plans over the weekend." [6] Suddenly, all the work we did together to save the forests feels like a bit of a warm up!
When we hand in our petition, we'll also hand in copies of another one organised by the website SaveOurNHS.org. This campaign is a team effort. People power helped build the NHS in the first place. People power has saved it from threats in the past. So, as 38 Degrees members get ready to hand in the petition to key MPs, let's all add our names and make sure it's huge.
Please join the 110,000 of us who've already signed, and help it to reach 200,000 names:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition

Thanks for being involved,
David, Hannah, Johnny and the 38 Degrees team

PS: On Sunday, 38 Degrees members will be getting together in woodlands across the country. It's a great chance to get out into local woodland and meet other 38 Degrees members. There'll be walks, picnics and the weather's looking good too! Click here to find one near you: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/celebrate-our-forests
PPS: Many 38 Degrees members have been in touch expressing their horror at events in Japan, and asking if there's anything 38 Degrees could be doing to help. We've put together some information and links to organisations who are active on the ground here: http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/?p=3281
NOTES:
[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2011/feb/25/david-nicholson-companies-mergers-nhs-hospitals
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2011/jan/04/andrew-lansley-nhs-re...
[2] Right now, government plans are being debated by the Health Bill scrutiny committee of MPs. That makes the 26 MPs on the committee, and particularly the 3 Lib Dem and 11 conservative members, a key target for our campaign. If they start feeling the heat on their own doorsteps, it will be a powerful signal that the government needs to rethink. http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/healthandsocialcare.html
[3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12737206
[4] http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/mar/13/nhs-reforms-overhaul-liberal-d...
[5] http://www.channel4.com/news/nhs-reforms-criticised-by-health-charities
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/mar/15/bma-meeting-rejects-nhs-reforms
[6] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coalition-may-backtrack-on-nhs-...

The bigger we are the more we can do. Please forward this email to your friends and ask them to get involved.
38 Degrees brings you together with over 500,000 people to take action on the issues that matter to you and bring about real change. To find out more visit our website, Facebook or Twitter.
Donate: 38 Degrees doesn't accept money from government, big business, or political parties. We rely on donations from individuals to help pay for the technology, the research, the equipment and the small office we need to organise campaigns. Support our work by donating here

Unsubscribe: If you no longer wish to be part of our movement and receive our emails you can unsubscribe here
This email was sent to info@disabilitydirect.org.
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virtual march, March 26th

2011-03-22T11:03:00.001Z

As you probably know, the TUC is organising a national march and rally on 26 March 2011(http://marchforthealternative.org.uk/), in response to the government's programme of fast and deep public spending cuts. Disabled people are the ones who are hit the hardest by the cuts and we will be at the forefront of this march on the 26th. I hope you will be there too - with your organisation, trade union, DPOs, community groups etc.
Access information for the march is at http://marchforthealternative.org.uk/march-logistics/access-and-disability-2/
I will be there at Savoy Street with DPAC, Disabled People Against Cuts. Hope to see you there.
However, we also know many disabled people (and carers) will not be able to make it - with barriers such as distance, transport, access, pain, worry, lack of support etc. Can you please let them know that we have set up an online protest with some techies(http://www.dpac.uk.net/2011/02/light-up-a-map-of-the-uk-online-in-solidarity-with-the-protesters-on-the-streets-on-26-march/) which will light up the map of UK with disabled people sending in their message of support and saying they would have come if they could?
To make it effective we need as many as we can - we have to show the present government that they have to rethink their cuts - and we can only do that if they think we have the will to do it. Rights not Charity is what we want to say to them - we do not want to go back to the Victorian era. We think the TUC will be showing this on the big screen at Hyde Park alongside the other events there. (not confirmed as yet)
But you know all that. So please can you get this to as many people as you can?
http://www.dpac.uk.net/2011/03/email-us-your-protest-to-be-in-solidarity-with-the-protesters-on-the-streets-on-26-march-online/

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