DH Newsletter December 2012

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS Table is hyperlinked to each article!

WELCOME – by Martyn Sibley ...............................................................................................................................................................................................3

Differently abled through digital art .....................................................................................................................................................................................4

Viewing disability and difference through the eye of a lens ................................................................................................................................................7

Disability art and Turning Points ...........................................................................................................................................................................................9

Accessibility with style .........................................................................................................................................................................................................11

The British Paraorchestra: recruiting new talents ..............................................................................................................................................................13

Q&A with one-handed pianist Nicholas McCarthy .............................................................................................................................................................14

Q&A with Paralympic swimmer Hannah Russell ................................................................................................................................................................16

Invisible disabilities: small gestures and big impressions ..................................................................................................................................................18

Wheelchair pool and snooker: inclusive sports ..................................................................................................................................................................20

Disability products: really useful things from Such and Such Design ................................................................................................................................22

IN-abled.com: inspiration and disabilities...........................................................................................................................................................................24

Accessible New York.............................................................................................................................................................................................................26

Last minute accessible Christmas breaks ............................................................................................................................................................................29

Accessible Paris.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................31

Sponsored post: enjoying an accessible Mediterranean holiday .......................................................................................................................................33

Success in business: PA Pool and the Association of Colleges Gold Award .......................................................................................................................34

Accessible holidays in Tenerife ............................................................................................................................................................................................36

Rust and Bone: a film review ...............................................................................................................................................................................................38

Arlene on the Scene: disability and children’s books .........................................................................................................................................................41

News round-up: week ending 2nd November......................................................................................................................................................................43

News round-up: week ending 9th November ......................................................................................................................................................................44

News round-up: week ending 23rd November ....................................................................................................................................................................45

DISABILITY HORIZONS – Our Vision and Structure .............................................................................................................................................................46

WELCOME – by Martyn & Srin

Welcome to this exciting first edition of our e-newsletter. Disability Horizons has been running for over 18 months now with a wealth of positive, practical and perfect articles written by you, the DH community. Our website is reaching an amazing 20,000 people every month. However, we know there are many more disabled people, friends/family and disability professionals who would benefit from, and bring even more to our next generation view of disability. We have also seen a brilliant shift in the attitudes of non-disabled people towards disability since the Paralympic Games. Therefore, we

know there's an even larger group of people with whom we can share the love. By grabbing all of our articles at the end of each month, packing them into this e-newsletter and sprinkling a few extras on top, we hope you can devour the goodness of Disability Horizons a little easier.

Please do subscribe to the Disability Horizons weekly email by clicking HERE, email your friends/networks, share the link on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc to ensure everyone can get involved. 2013 is looking bright, so stay tuned for more amazing articles, Twitter discussions and some awesome new projects, just for you!

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - December 2012, Page 3

http://disabilityhorizons.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=35b7848a491eb059bd4f74d7d&id=75cf3532a8

Differently abled through digital art

Published 5th November 2012

A rising star, digital artist AJ Brockman creates traditional and modern art using

computer software. We asked AJ to talk us through how he started creating art, his influences, and the success he has had. Can you start by telling us a little about

yourself? My name is AJ Brockman and I’m a digital artist. I also have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a progressive neuromuscular disease, and have been using a wheelchair since the

age of two. My disability definitely influences who I am but it does not define me either as

an artist or as an individual. I view myself as being ‘differently abled’ rather than ‘disabled’ and I live life to the fullest every

day.

How did you get into digital art? It was probably out of necessity more than anything else. As a kid I still had fairly good

use of my hands and was able to paint traditionally using a paint brush.

I developed an impressionistic painting style

because ‘dabbing motions’ were physically easier for me to do than actual brushstrokes. I mainly worked with acrylics and was heavily inspired by Monet. As I began to lose the use of my hands I was forced to come up with a different way to be productive and express myself. I found the answer at high school when I took a course called Commercial Art Technology and learned to use computer software for graphic design. Once I mastered the tools and programmes, the transition from using brushes to using a computer was seamless. I create all of my artwork by manipulating the computer touchpad with literally one finger on my left hand. Creating a full work of art is an extremely time-consuming process, but through it I am able to achieve maximum precision and detail. I then use sophisticated

printing methods to put my work onto canvas and even metal. What inspires your work? I usually just paint what I am in the mood to

paint. That said, for me, living in South Florida is like living in paradise, so I draw lots of inspiration from the beachside lifestyle here. Not only is this something I truly enjoy, but it

resonates extremely well with my audience;

some of my most popular pieces have that South Florida-beachy theme. I have tried experimenting with some autumn settings this year and have been pleased with the results, so that is something I might continue to develop. I’m constantly dabbling in other styles and subjects.

I try to have at least one piece that everyone can relate to, but again, I paint what I’m in the mood to paint, which is

actually the biggest reason I decided to pursue fine art. I was tired of the

commercial art industry and having to strictly adhere to an art director’s or client’s vision. I have started to accept more

commission work lately, everything from pet portraits to client-directed landscapes.

With every new project I do a lot of research into the emotional connection the

client has to the subject, historical significance and/or reason for the chosen subject matter. (cont.)


Differently abled through digital art (cont.)


(…) This, in turn, is like a miniature history

lesson, and I find myself always learning something new. Not only does this enhance my actual technique and skills, but it also leads to a more fulfilling experience overall. My clients and I go through what I like to call a ‘journey’ together and it becomes much more than just an art commission.

I am also inspired by others’ works. I try to follow all the latest trends and upcoming

artists in both the digital and traditional realms. If I see a painting or drawing that resonates with me in terms of both the

subject matter and skills/techniques used, I get that sense of “Wow! That’s really good! I

need to step up my game.” What are the challenges you have faced or

barriers you have had to overcome? One of the most common misconceptions of

my work is that it is parallel with digital photography.

Although my work is often compared to it, it’s

not the same thing by any stretch of the imagination. Another issue is that when people look at my work they don’t see brushstrokes; believe it or not, people subconsciously look for that. I try to use the latest technology in digital printing to replicate a traditional painting, but the lack of brushstrokes is still an issue for some people. That’s why I’m truly grateful for the people who ‘get it.’ Hearing their comments reassures me I am doing what I was meant to do. Perhaps the biggest challenge I face is just getting people to recognise me as the artist. I sometimes wish I had one of those giant arrow signs pointing directly at me saying “artist.” People are more inclined to ask my booth attendants or crew members if they are the artist. I try to be as personable and as

forthcoming as I can, and that helps people to understand that it is my work. Unfortunately, some people still don’t believe ‘disabled’ people can be productive members of society.

This does make me feel a certain sense of responsibility to educate others on what people with disabilities can accomplish, and my artwork is a great way to do it.

I truly believe the only ‘disability’ in life is a

bad attitude. You can accomplish great things as long as you put your mind to it and have the drive and determination.

What current projects do you have on the go?

I always try to stay extremely busy, and as of late, I have become a pro at being busy. I have a bunch of upcoming art shows and

exhibits. This includes a rotating gallery at a very prestigious bank here in the states,

Northern Trust. I will also be participating in one of South Florida’s biggest art and music festivals, Sunfest, along with many other

commitments.

I am involved with Canine Companions for Independence, one of the nation’s premier

service dog organisations. This year I received my second service dog, Dre, and have the honour of being the (cont.)


Differently abled through digital art (cont.)


(…) Featured Graduate for one of their

largest fundraisers. To commemorate this incredible event, I have created a one-of-a-kind digital painting. Community involvement is also very important to me. I regularly volunteer at local schools giving speeches and donating my artwork for fundraisers. I’ve also started working with the local Muscular Dystrophy Association to give digital art tutorials/seminars to others with physical disabilities. Finally, one of my largest and most exciting projects to date: I recently finished a portrait of President Obama and his family. Although this piece was not personally commissioned by the president, I recently had the honour of presenting it to him personally.

AJ presenting the family portrait of the First Family

to President Obama at The White House

We heard you’re doing a documentary. Would

you mind telling us all about it and how you got involved? My most important new project is starting a non-profit production company, No White Flags, with my manager, Art Brownstein. We plan to produce full-length documentaries on individuals who never give up and have overcome extreme obstacles in their lives, be it a physical or mental disability. To further support our mission, we will give special consideration to hiring people with disabilities to be part of our production team (videographers, musicians, playwrights, etc.). I’m really excited that I will be collaborating with industry-renowned reporters, producers and distributors. Our first documentary will be a feature on yours truly: a combination of my life story,

artwork and barrier breaking, with lots of funny moments along the way. In future productions, we will feature lots of other incredible ‘differently abled’ people. No White Flags will be launching a significant fundraising

campaign through indiegogo in the next few days, and I encourage everyone to see how they can get involved.

You can find out more about AJ Brockman

and contact him through is website (www.ajbrockman.com), plus see more of his digital art at Single Handed Studio (www.singlehandedstudio.com). By AJ Brockman

Check out…

iPad art: helping disabled artists to create masterpieces

Dconference: disability and the internet

Arlene on the Scene: disability and children’s books

Do you have a creative side? Let us know about it by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook, tweeting us @DHorizons or leaving your comments on the website (www.disabilityhorizons.com).


Viewing disability and difference through the eye of a lens


Photography can be a powerful way to explore both the human body and how is is seen by the world. Photographer Claire Gilliam talks to Disability Horizons about how she has used it to understand and accept her disability.

I’ve been photographing myself for over fifteen years. Perhaps that sounds rather narcissistic. However, I am not taking photographs to admire myself. In the beginning, the photographs were just self-

portraits, but over the years they have evolved into something more complex; they have become a way of describing my own disabled body and helping me understand my relationship with society’s view of

‘normality’.

When you live in a disabled body, it can be difficult to reconcile the image that you may

have of yourself with the expectations and

perceptions constantly being presented to us by the media. As a visual artist, I felt it was important to explore these issues of body image, in particular, the idea of desirability and difference, and for me, the camera is the perfect ‘eye’ through which I can see myself just as other people might. I have what is termed as right-sided Hemiplegia, a semi-paralysis and weakness of my entire right side that causes me to walk in a manner that suggests I might topple over at any moment. The sound of my footfall, heavy on the right foot, out of sync with the norm, means you can hear me coming a mile off. My disability is thanks to a severe head injury from a car accident I was involved in as a baby. I was fortunate in many ways. As the only survivor of my immediate family, it could have easily turned out very differently. But as those

closest to me will tell you, I am extremely stubborn when it comes to getting my own way and I suppose my tenacity won out over any poor medical prognosis.

I am able to do almost everything I would like to do (except ride a bicycle because my balance is off) and as I was so young at the time of the accident and have known no

different, I’ve grown used to this body of

mine; wonky, scarred, unsymmetrical and seemingly out of the ordinary though it may be. I have even, dare I say it, grown to like it despite all the discomforts and physical limitations I have, for this body makes me who I am.

I’ve not always felt this way. As a child at a small all-girls school, I experienced my fair share of bullying. As a teenager, when

others were starting to get into relationships and later, exploring their sexuality, I began to feel my difference as a woman. I felt as though people thought; “she is a lovely girl, but not really someone

to be fancied.” Yet I had the very same desires and longings as any other ‘normal’

person, and if I’m honest, the constant rebuffs I experienced back then did chip away at my confidence and self esteem.

(cont.)


Viewing disability and difference through the eye of a lens (cont.)


(…) I cannot see what I am doing, I just feel it and keep my fingers crossed that I’ve captured something for the camera. The

emotional resonance I aim for in the pictures is due, perhaps most importantly, to the way I print them in the darkroom. I choose to be naked so I can be fully honest and truthful in the pictures I make. This is a human body and after years of having people stare at me as I walk by, I feel I am finally giving my permission to look. My latest portfolio, a work in progress, is entitled This is You, This is Me and incorporates handwritten text with the imagery.

These words and thoughts, which are both my

own and those uttered by other people, record and reflect upon my experience as a disabled woman. Even though I am approaching this work from a very personal point of view, I am hoping that there is universality to the subject and imagery that others can relate to. Mainly, I hope that my work challenges and get people to question their own beliefs of beauty, disability and the ideal body, in order to enable a wider, positive discussion about difference and body image. You can view more of my work and explore my world at: www.whitespaceimaginings.blogspot.com By Claire Gilliam What do you think of how body image and disability is currently viewed by society? Do

you think there needs to be more awareness of what a ‘real’ body looks like? Let us know about it by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us

on Facebook, tweeting us @DHorizons or leaving your comments on the website (www.disabilityhorizons.com).

SOCIAL MEDIA AGENCY’s mission is

intrinsically associated with supporting people and organisations to harness the internet, communities and ideas… all of

which help make their world-changing ideas come true.

SMA is part of the “SUNNIER DAYS GROUP”, whilst being a joint venture between Martyn

Sibley’s “Sunnier Days” and Filipe Roldao’s “Filipus Alexus” companies.

http://sma.sunnierdays.co.uk

Martyn Sibley has experience of blogging to an ever growing audience on www.martynsibley.com

Filipe Roldao has knowledge in designing websites and creating corporate images

since 2003. www.filipusalexus.co.uk


Disability art and Turning Points


Artist Chris Tally Evans talks to Disability

Horizons about how he became a ‘story teller’ and how his recent work, Turning Points, was recently featured as part of the

London 2012 Festival.

People often ask me; “so what is it exactly that you do?” It’s a reasonable enough question, a simple one, one that deserves a straight and honest answer. So why is it that when I’m asked this I shuffle my feet, cough

and splutter and feel the perspiration start to trickle down my spine?

My name is Chris Tally Evans and I’m a freelance artist. See? I’ve got myself in a knot

already. The word artist has probably conjured up an image of white studios and oil

on canvas, but trust me, I can’t paint for toffee!

So what do I do? Well, we’ve just been fixing my latest project’s website which had

inexplicably changed its font into Times New

Roman and decided to hide half the functions.

I say we’ve been fixing it because as a person with a visual impairment I use a Personal Assistant (PA) to help me overcome some of the barriers that make life challenging for disabled people. I’ve been using a PA for over 20 years now and I think without one I wouldn’t have been able to carry on working. I started working life as a non-disabled person, struggling actor and musician. Then I discovered in my late twenties that I had an extremely rare congenital eye condition that means part of my central retinas no longer reflect light. So now, I see the world like an impressionist painting, a Van Gogh, a Turner. This can be beautiful, but can also be a nuisance when you’re at an airport and you can’t see whether your flight’s up on the overhead monitor. My work has covered different strands in the

arts: actor, musician, theatre director, writer, digital storyteller, radio programme maker. I’ve also written articles and edited disability arts magazines and have been active in the disabled people’s movement here in Wales

where I live. But, what connects all of these varied roles is that they’re all about stories and finding

different ways of telling them. Coming to

terms with life as a visually impaired person has been one of the driving forces that have kept me working. In a large part it’s been about refusing to lie down and be helpless or conform to a stereotype. And that, I think, has helped me have the success that I’ve achieved.

Recently, that success was in the form of Turning Points, an Unlimited commission for

the Cultural Olympiad, the arts festival surrounding the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Turning Points is a

collection of life changing moments from people of all walks of life. The oldest person

to give me a story was 90, the youngest 11, and I even had a story from Hollywood legend Sir Roger Moore. (cont.)


Disability art and Turning Points (cont.)


(…) Six of the stories have been woven

together into a 10-minute film that was screened at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, and the Festival Village Cinema at London’s Southbank Centre. But this hasn’t been my only project. I started out by being very interested in improvised theatre. The first company I founded, Theatre Addix, tried to do for theatre what punk rock was doing for music. I’m not sure we succeeded but it was a lot of fun. However, as I get older – I’m now fifty and it makes me laugh that I’ve officially entered the realm of the grey pound – I’m increasingly inspired by the countryside where I live. A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to make a series for BBC Radio 4 called my Mile of the River, which took an in-depth look at a very small stretch of the beautiful river Wye that flows just 50 yards from my cottage. It

took a year to make, off and on, and was just about the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done because it dealt with the people and places that mean a lot to me. We weren’t trying to please anybody else, just make

something that showed how wonderful a river, its history and those that share in it can be.

So what I actually do varies hugely from day to

day; one day it may be recording sound or images, another day it might be working with actors, or maybe stomping around my living room trying to sort out my own performance. More than often it’ll be the business of trying to get funding, putting together budgets and proposals (many of which come to absolutely nothing) or working on publicity to try and make sure my latest piece of work doesn’t go unnoticed. At the moment I’m trying to secure funding for a theatre project whereby I want to work with other visually impaired actors and musicians to create an ensemble theatre piece based on our life experiences and personal stories; it’s something I’m really excited about. Looking back at what I’ve just written for Disability Horizons, it strikes me that it’s not much easier to write about what I do than it is

to talk about it as either sounds as if I’m showing off or apologising for what I’ve done and I don’t really want to do either. Perhaps it’s better to let the stories and the works speak for itself.

If you’d like to find out more then visit my website, Chris Tally Evans: (www.christallyevans.com).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8brmCQJ3SM

By Chris Tally Evans

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity fighting muscle-wasting conditions. We are dedicated to beating muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions by finding

treatments and cures and to improving the lives of everyone affected by them. To find out more, visit our website at www.muscular-dystrophy.org.


Accessibility with style


Fiona Jarvis talks to Disability Horizons about Blue Badge Style, a guide for stylish, less-physically-able people wanting to enjoy

the finer things in life, cool bars and restaurants accessibly.

I first developed MS in the early 1990s, only realising when I started repeatedly falling off

my high heels and not being able to handle cocktails anymore! I have become

progressively disabled over the last twenty years, moving from using a stick to gliding through life in a wheelchair. I now find it

impossible to walk and I have uncomfortable spasms. So still being able to get out and

have a drink to helps! I had previously worked for financial software companies, but finding stylish places to take clients for drinks and dinner became difficult.

I wanted somewhere stylish, but where I could still get into the venue and to the loo easily. As information about such accessible places wasn’t readily available, I kept my own list of smart places.

I was out so much during this period in my life

that I was often asked by able-bodied family and friends for recommendations on the latest cool venue or boutique hotel. I realised this could be valuable information for the less-able community, as being disabled and maintaining a sense of style can be difficult and ultimately excludes many people from mainstream society. There are plenty of guides to cool restaurants, but it is never clear from the guide, or the restaurant’s website, whether they cater for people with mobility issues or other disabilities. There are also many websites out there with information on disabled access and facilities, but none concentrate on style as well. Plus, access information is often out-of-date or not audited by someone with a disability. So in 2007 I decided it was time to bring this information together on one website, Blue Badge Style (BBS). The website

pulls together reviews, information, news and video, plus our Michelin-like rating system, BBS ticks. Having initially launched Blue Badge Style as a

website this autumn, we have now launched the app too. It was after an arduous appointment at hospital that I realised we needed an app.

I wanted to find an accessible and stylish

lunch venue, close by, but had no way of doing so. The app gives you access to the website’s reviews when you’re out an about, along with directions. It searches for cool venues near you and lets you know what the reviewer thinks of the style, accessibility and facilities. (cont.)


Accessibility with style (cont.)


(…)The main issues I faced in establishing BBS

were money and technology. Being disabled means I often have to convince people I’m up to the job physically. This usually means I work harder than ever. Through dogged determination and with the help of friends and angel investors, I have been able to establish the site and build the app. Getting a significant investment was my biggest business achievement ever. This took a few years and several false starts whilst the idea developed, but I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far. Amongst the work, knowing that the Paralympic Games were coming to London was a real spur to get the idea into action. I couldn’t miss that opportunity! My other triumph was to go to a UCL Mobile Academy course where I met the UCL Advances and Stuxbot teams. They jointly

developed the app and have recently added a magnifying option and text-to-speech version for the blind. My aim for Blue Badge Style is to grow and

grow so that it employs (not exclusively) less able people, is profitable and provides a return for my brilliant investors who were prepared to take a risk on me.

I also want to build a community of like-

minded people for whom style and disability are not mutually exclusive.

I might have become increasingly disabled

since I first developed MS, but I haven’t become any less stylish. I do want to know

what to expect before I arrive at a venue however.

Importantly, this isn’t just a guide for the less-physically-able, but for their friends too. There

are an estimated 10.5 million people with disabilities and 5 million carers in the UK,

which does not include those temporarily

less-able, or families, friends, and unregistered carers. It is still not certain if they include people with MS! I want to encourage this wide community to rate their favourite restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, theatres so no-one has to be surprised or embarrassed by a lack of accessibility or facilities at a stylish venue. The real success for me is when other people in wheelchairs and able-bodied users say what a useful service they think Blue Badge Style is. What started out as a way of me finding somewhere for lunch, I hope will develop in to something everyone can use. After all, being able is only a temporary condition, at some point in everyone’s life there may be a period of disability even if it’s just a broken limb. The UK population is

aging, buy 2033, 23% of us will be over 65. So the likelihood is that we will all suffer from some mobility issue at some point in life, but we can still have fun!

By Fiona Jarvis


The British Paraorchestra: recruiting new talents


The British Paraorchestra have been going

from strength to strength, this year performing at the Paralympic Games closing

ceremony. Here they share a video of their success so far, and what’s next… Do you have hidden musical talents? The British Paraorchestra is now recruiting.

“Paraorchestra is showcasing incredible

musical talent that lies undiscovered. Our vision is to create a platform for the best and most able musicians with disability to

perform and excel at the highest level; to create a world stage for a whole community

of gifted people whose enormous potential is currently overlooked.”

Entrants need to be 16 and over, live in the UK and be “a prolific/highly able musician.”

All instruments are welcome! To apply, just email a recent short film of you playing an instrument to: [email protected].

Also include a few lines about yourself, your

talent and why you want to join the British Paraorchestra.

www.vimeo.com/52173058#

You can find out more about the British Paraorchestra and the recruitment process on their website (www.paraorchestra.com) or Facebook page: (www.facebook.com/britishparaorchestra). Now that talents of the British Paraorchestra musicians have been showcased on the global stage of the Paralympic Games, watch this space as we’re sure there will be more to come… Don’t forget to get in touch by emailing us [email protected], messaging us on Facebook, tweeting us @DHorizons or

leaving your comments on the website (www.disabilityhorizons.com).

At Leonard Cheshire Disability, we work for a society in which every person is equally

valued. We believe that disabled people should have the freedom to live their lives the way they choose - with the opportunity and support to live independently, to contribute economically, and to participate

fully in society.

Leonard Cheshire Disability supports thousands of disabled people both in the UK and in more than 50 other countries. We

help people with physical impairments, learning difficulties and long-term health

conditions, as well as their carers, friends and families.


Q&A with one-handed pianist Nicholas McCarthy


Pianist Nicholas McCarthy was born without a right hand. He’s been playing since the age

of 14 and has now joined the British Paraorchestra, performing recently at the

Paralympic Games closing ceremony. Nicholas takes some time out to talk to Disability Horizons contributor, Zubee,

about his passion, successes and the future.

Can you tell Disability Horizons readers what it was like growing up with a disability? As I was born without my right hand so, for me, growing up with a disability was just completely ‘normal’. As a child friends would

forget that I only had one hand, until it came to doing something like climbing a tree for

instance, and then they would remember and help me out.

What inspired you to get into music? Music certainly wasn’t a lifelong dream for

me, I actually wanted to be a chef. But when I was 14 I saw a friend, who was an accomplished pianist, play a Beethoven piano

Sonata and I just fell in love with everything

about the piano. It was at this stage that I decided to be a pianist myself. How long did it take you to learn playing the piano? With any instrument learning is constant and never stops. I think I became serious about playing at around the age of 17 when I decided that being a concert pianist was the career for me. Where did you perform your first concert and how did it make you feel? My first ever concert was in Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford. It is a beautiful venue and where some of Harry Potter was filmed. I was so nervous about performing publicly for the first time, but once I’d finished playing I was hooked. It just confirmed to me that that is what I wanted to do.

How did you get involved with the British Paraorchestra? I was approached by conductor Charles Hazlewood about becoming a member of the British Paraorchestra. As soon as he explained

the orchestra’s mission to me, to give talented disabled musicians a platform to showcase their talents, I was sold and was delighted to become a member.

How did you feel performing at the

Paralympic Games closing ceremony? It was an amazing but surreal experience

performing at the Paralympic Games. 86,000 people were in the audience at the

stadium and a reported half a billion ceremony on television, so it was certainly (cont.)


Q&A with one-handed pianist Nicholas McCarthy (cont.)


(…) the biggest concert I’ve ever been part of.

It was such an exhilarating feeling walking out to all the thousands of people cheering. It is certainly a memory I will never forget. What one memory have you taken away with you from performing at the Paralympic Games closing ceremony? One of the fondest memories was when we were performing with Coldplay and lead singer Chris Martin came and sat on stage about a foot away from my piano and caught sight of me singing along with the song. He seemed quite happy that I knew the words. What advice would you give someone with a disability who wants to learn to play an instrument? I would say to them that anything is possible and they should definitely follow whatever they want to do. I own a teaching agency called Allegro Tuition

(www.allegrotuition.com) that provides one-on-one musical instrument lessons, anything from playing the piano to a guitar. I set this up as I feel very passionately about providing quality teachers to students regardless of

their age, playing ability or whether they have a disability or not.

I have carefully selected teachers who are able

and experienced at working with a range of disabilities. Who would you say is your role model? I have always looked up to my favourite pianist Martha Argerich. Her artistry is just phenomenal and she herself is very insightful, so I would definitely call her my role model. What are your aspirations for the future? I would like to see my concert career continue to grow. I have been very fortunate with my career so far, but there are still venues that I haven’t played in such as Carnegie Hall in New York and London’s Royal Albert Hall. These have always been my dream venues to perform in, so I hope that one day this dream comes true. I also want my teaching agency to continue to grow and to provide quality tuition for all.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=G77mcAAhfyc

By Zubee

Just £5490 advance payment. Sirus are proud to launch the Fiat “Future” – the lowest priced Up Front Passenger vehicle on the Motability Scheme. Travel up front, next to the driver from the comfort of your wheelchair. Call 0121 505 7777 now or visit www.sirusautomotive.co.uk to book a no obligation home demonstration.


Q&A with Paralympic swimmer Hannah Russell


16-year-old ParalympicsGB swimmer Hannah Russell, who won three medals at

the Paralympics Games 2012, already has her sights set on the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. She takes some time out of her busy training schedule to talk to Disability Horizons contributor Zubee about her

career, life before the Paralympics, and what the future holds. Please can you tell Disability Horizons readers how you became an athlete and

why you chose swimming? My parents thought that it was a sport that

someone with a visual impairment could take to easily so I started swimming at four years old. From a very early age I loved the water

and the feeling of splashing around. Our family holidays have always been by the

ocean or next to a big pool. I love the big waves and golden sands of Australia and closer to home in Biarritz. My parents and

younger sister love the water too so it has a strong family connection.

Choosing to swim seriously was an easy

decision to make! Learning to swim was also very rewarding and the praise I received motivated me to get involved with a proper swimming club. So when I was seven I joined Woking swimming club and have never looked back. How did you feel being part of the Paralympic Games 2012? It was quite simply a dream come true and exceeded all my expectations. It is an honour to represent my country and, more importantly for me, to make my family and friends proud of me. I wanted to ensure that I tried my best for the thousands of supporters who made the effort to come and watch ParalympicsGB. My three medals are an achievement not just for me, but for all my friends, family and all those people who supported me.

What memories have you taken away with you? The noise of the crowds and the friendly nature of my teammates, opponents and the

helpers are things something I will never forget. Oh and the food was fantastic!

How did you prepare for the 2012

Paralympics Games? I have 100% trust in my coaches and, along with my family and school, they have created a great environment for me to train and prepare in. I was regularly up at 5am in the morning and not in bed until midnight, so it was very demanding but enjoyable at the same time. If you fail to plan you are planning to fail! Who is your role model and why? This may sound strange but I draw inspiration and learn so much from the people I am with day to day. Teammates, friends and family have so much to offer and this is what influences me and makes me who I am. I do not think many people realise this, but we all have values that inspire people. It does also help having some teammates who are champions in their chosen events!

What advice would you give other disabled people who would like to start swimming? Do not be afraid to try things and experiment, you will be amazed at the

support you will get. Being scared or worried is a natural thing and you can turn this into determination to face a challenge. Swimming is really suited to people (cont.)


Q&A with Paralympic swimmer Hannah Russell


(…) with a range of impairments because the

water acts as extra support.

Do you think the Paralympic Games 2012 have changed people’s perceptions of

disability?

Absolutely, it has been really pleasing to read

and hear people’s comments about their

positive experiences of the Games. The more

exposure we receive the more it instigates

further discussion and this can only be a good thing. The leadership shown by a range of management and administrators involved in making the Games happen must be congratulated and I would like to thank them for their convictions. Did you watch The Last Leg? What did you think of the show? You must be kidding; I was in bed every night by 10 o’clock. But my parents were regular watchers at home and I know it challenged the status quo. Using humour to break down perceptions was very clever. How has your life changed since competing in the Paralympic Games 2012? Outside of the occasional school visit, meeting the Queen and having a cuddle from Prince Harry when he came to support us at the pool, my life is the same! Being an elite athlete is all

about everyday life; the bright lights will have to wait a few more years. When growing up what was your childhood ambition before you became an athlete?

Being a swimmer has always been my ambition. When I was seven and we were asked to draw a picture of ourselves in our dream profession I drew an image of myself in

swimsuit, hat and goggles. I still study

though and would like to go to university. What do you do to let your hair down? I can sleep for Britain, I really mean it, getting up at 2pm is heaven. I like to listen to music and relax with my friends, they’re both a great way to unwind. What are your aspirations for the future and what do you hope to do next? The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are a big one for me, you cannot hide from it and I have already been training since mid-September. The London Paralympic Games have set off a burning desire in me to be the best I can be and that journey begins now. I also want to share my experiences with others and encourage them to follow their dreams. By Zubee

Main image credited to Channel 4 Paralympics


Invisible disabilities: small gestures and big impressions


Artist Tiffanee Griffiths talks to Disability Horizons about how her invisible disability has affected her work and how something

like a small, socially accepted handshake can have such an impact.

My name is Tiffanee Griffiths and I am an artist from the Interior of British Columbia,

Canada. I have not always been disabled but I have always been an artist. An attack in 2009 left both of my hands badly broken, changing

my art forever.

Looking through my portfolio you can see my progression as I have learned to hold my paintbrush again.

I will never draw the same smooth lines that I

prided myself on prior to my injuries, and that has been the most difficult thing to

come to terms with. I am learning to accept what I am able to do

with my hands and how there will be frustrating challenges with small everyday

tasks; opening pickle jars, turning round door

knobs, the list goes on. But life is all about accepting, adapting and carrying on.

My disability can be categorised as an ‘invisible disability’; if you were to meet me, you would never know that I am ‘disabled’ unless I told you, and I never feel comfortable explaining how I’m ‘broken’ on an initial

introduction. This brings me to my topic; shaking hands.

Why is shaking hands such an accepted social obligation? And how do I respectfully decline

shaking someone’s hand without offending them?

My issue with shaking hands stems not from the fear of germ spreading or clammy hands,

but rather the pain when a firm handshaker grips and squeezes, right where I have four

pins holding a steel plate. OUCH!

Usually I try not to flinch and yank my hand away for fear that questions would follow, and then the apologies for not knowing. Honestly,

it’s just easier when I can get through an important meeting without having to tell my

story and getting that look of pity. Oh how I despise that look of P.I.T.Y.

This is the very embarrassing issue that I am

faced with on a regular basis; to shake, or not to shake. How can I leave a positive lasting impression without coming off… weird?

2009 painting

I was always a firm hand shaker; I was brought up believing that a good handshake is the sign of good character. Now I extend

my hand shyly, wincing every time. In 2010 I visited Vancouver for a second opinion on my injured hand. I was referred to a hand specialist who is highly

recommended throughout the medical world. While waiting to be called I was oddly

both anxious and excited to see just how this ‘hand doctor’ would extend his hand to me.


Invisible disabilities: small gestures and big impressions (cont.) Published 29th November 2012

“Here Kitty” – 2012

(…) When my name was called niceties were exchanged and he offered his hand, but not

in the traditional right-hand-out-vertical- with-thumb-up way.

He instead held his hand out like a C, still

sideways but cupped, and he gently lifted my hand up while covering it with his other. It was wonderful! So gentle, so majestic; I almost blushed.

I went away from the appointment with an understanding of what ‘honoured to meet your acquaintance’ must have been like back when ladies were ladies and gentlemen were easier to find.

Now, two years later, I still smirk when I think

of how that old Dr. had made me almost blush. It’s funny how such a soft handshake, a small gesture, can make such a big impression.

It just goes to show that it pays not to assume, to instead be thoughtful in the way we

approach such accepted ‘norms’. Now, if I can just figure a way to put my hand

out without looking like I’m expecting it to be kissed! Another awkward observation I’m sure

to have an opinion on in the future

By Tiffanee Griffiths Take a look at more of Tiffanee Griffiths‘ work

by visiting her website (www.tiffaneegriffiths.info)

JOIN US!

Disability Horizons is currently run by a

dedicated team of volunteers led by Srin and

Martyn. We are looking for volunteers interested in:

Writing articles (let us know if you have any article ideas or

alternatively, we can provide you with some subjects to write about).

Sharing any expertise in publishing, journalism or web-design.

Spreading the ideas and philosophy of Disability Horizons over social media and helping to find new stories.

If you are interested in becoming part of Team DH, get in touch at: [email protected]


Wheelchair pool and snooker: inclusive sports


After the London 2012 Paralympic Games

the eyes of the world have been on disability sport more than ever before. But

how many people know about wheelchair snooker or pool? My name is Matthew Lester, also known as the Doncaster Destroyer, and I am a

wheelchair user and both snooker and pool player.

I have competed in various sports over the last twelve years including athletics, Boccia,

wheelchair snooker and wheelchair pool. Athletics and Boccia were both highly

featured at the Paralympic Games this year. But I wonder how many people are aware that wheelchair snooker was a Paralympic

sport up until the 1988 Games in Seoul?

I have been involved in competitive American wheelchair pool since 2007 and over the last

five years have discovered that the sport has little or no barriers between non-disabled and disabled players.

This is especially evident in the UK where a

number of British Wheelchair Pool Player Association (BWPPA) players, myself included, have competed in tour or open events with able-bodied pros. Ask any of the top UK able-bodied pool players to name as many wheelchair players as they can and I would wager most could name at least five. However, if you asked that same question to a top professional wheelchair snooker player, most would struggle to name even one; the game has a little further to go than pool when it comes to equality. None the less, with so few barriers, these sports are great examples of how sport should be. This is in fact true of all cue sports, which encompass a wide variety of games played using a cue stick, as they are probably the only

sports where disabled and non-disabled players can compete against each other with no adaptations or changes to the rules. Let me also point out that wheelchair pool

players don’t just make up the numbers in mainstream events, there are quite a few that have been on the receiving end of a winning performance.

In the mid-90s American sports TV channel

ESPN broadcasted the Rider Cup, a wheelchair pool tournament similar to the Mosconi Cup, and featured some BWPPA players including former number 1 champion Roy Kimberley.

I think it is important to mention that the

BWPPA (who were once the English Wheelchair Pool Players Association) (cont.)


Wheelchair pool and snooker: inclusive sports (cont.)


(…) has played a key part in the positive

attitude of the UK pool and has encouraged many to take up the sport. One monumental match I can recall is that of the UK’s greatest ever pool player, Darren Appleton, running a fundraising event for the BWPPA in which he partnered with Karl Boyes in a scotch doubles match against Roy Kimberley and Karl Read. The night also featured trick shots from Chris Melling. Take a look at Darren Appleton taking on his partner Karl Boyes back in 2008 to get a sense of the game:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHZayDePlUk

I think it’s only a matter of time before there

is a wheelchair pool player who breaks into the international mainstream pool world,

even if it isn’t in the immediate future.

The pool world, and in particular in the UK,

should be very proud of its attitude. That’s not to say it is perfect, but we’re getting there. If anyone reading this would like more information on the BWPPA please follow them on Twitter @BWPPA and on Facebook. Bit confused by the difference between snooker and pool? Check out this explanation of pool vs snooker. Video frame courtesy of CueSportTV. By Matthew Lester

Check out…

Paralympic Games 2012: your highlights

The Last Leg: a review of the alternative Paralympics show

Boccia requires skills rather than strength

Let us know about the sports you are involved in. Email us at [email protected], tweet us

@DHorizons or send a message on Facebook.

The service company LeRo (www.lero.net) was founded in Los Cristianos as an out-patient care station in 1988 by Agnes and Roland Leykauf. Our goal is, as it has always been, to help people with limited mobility to organize their vacation experience, so that it is as carefree and pleasant as possible.

Over the years, the scope of our activities has expanded to include the rental and sale of devices for people with limited mobility, our own workshop, pick-up service for travellers and outings with specially equipped vehicles.

Today LeRo is the most complete service company for all needs of disabled people in Tenerife!

We offer full service during the whole holiday including mobility aids, bathroom

aids, transport, excursions and nursing-care.


Disability products: really useful things from Such and Such Design


Sometimes the smallest invention can make the biggest difference. With that in mind, Duncan E., owner of Trabasack, takes a look at some of the newest and most useful disability products from company Such and Such Design. My name is Duncan and I’m director and co-

founder of Trabasack, a wheelchair lap tray come bag. My family, who help with the business, probably see more disability products than most! My wife, Clare, is a wheelchair user (spinal injury C5/6) and my son has severe epilepsy and multiple learning disabilities (Dravet Syndrome). Trabasack is useful for most people but (maybe because of our family!) wheelchair users and children with disabilities have been our initial customers. We launched the company at Naidex in 2009 and since then we have been to quite a few healthcare trade shows and conferences over our three years of trading.

We come into contact with many new product

designers and entrepreneurs as well as the new product releases of established companies. I am also part of a new ethical healthcare business network of eight small but growing companies called Kandu Group. Product reviews As I see so many new and innovative products, I wanted to show you three that have really stood out to me, all from a small team of professional designers at Such and Such Design. There products only make it through to productions after extensive consultations with the public at shows and events. You may have met them at the recent Mobility Roadshow Design Zone in fact. They offer a range of very simple yet extremely handy products that are not clinical or stigmatising, a philosophy of design that we also try to follow at Trackback.

Strawberis straw clip – for hands-free drinking

Despite having been around a few years,

they have re-launched the Strawberri at Naidex National 2012 New Product Showcase this year. With a Strawber, a straw can be clipped onto any glass or cup allowing comfortable, hand-free drinking without worrying about splashes or spills. Also, there’s no need to contend with the annoying ‘popping up’ when you plunge your straw into a fizzy drink as the Strawberi holds it perfectly in place. Who hasn’t chased a straw around in a glass of booze?! Affordable and available in multipacks, the Strawberi solves that problem simply, and once you have got them you will carry them everywhere.

Bridgit – the clever crutch clip

(cont.)


Disability products: really useful things from Such and Such Design (cont.)


(…) Say hello to Bridgit (£6.99), a clever and

simple product that connects two crutches or walking sticks in a stable X shape to allow for secure resting. There is no need to worry about keeping tight hold of your sticks or laying them separately (and dangerously) on the ground. It’s great for when out and about or running errands as the Bridgit is lightweight and easily portable as it can be slipped into a bag or pocket. DUO cup holder – an extra handle for your

favourite mug

The DUO (£14.99) is an ergonomically designed additional handle you can attach to

any cup or mug, aiding grip and protecting your hands from the hot surface. The best

thing about the DUO is that the universal design means it adapts an item you already own so if you have a favourite mug, you can

just attach your DUO without having to buy a

new cup. As you can see, these are three very simple yet effective designs which many people can benefit from. ‘Design for all’ concepts sit at the heart of all these products which is what makes them so effective. By Duncan E. You can follow Duncan or get in touch at @trabasack. Have you got a suggestion for a product you would like to be reviewed? Or maybe you’re an inventor of a new product you would like Disability Horizons readers to know about. Either way, get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook, tweeting us @DHorizons or

leaving your comments below.

Relaxing and lively holidays for disabled and able-bodied guests in a barrier-free

environment. (www.marysol.org) A privately managed hotel, situated in Los Cristianos, in the south-western corner of the island of Tenerife, with Spring temperatures all year round offer a perfect holiday climate. Wheelchair-accessible accommodation throughout (all rooms have bathrooms with wheel-in shower and most bathrooms are also equipped with elevated toilet and with grips). There is a wheelchair accessible transfer and excursions for the disabled and able-

bodied, as well as two big pools with hoist, one heated all year round to approx. 32ºC


IN-abled.com: inspiration and disabilities

Published 22nd November 2012

Disabilities and jobs are topics on the rise in circles across the globe. Chad Moore,

founder of IN-abled.com has combined them all in a small business start-up that offers wall hangings, books and T-shirts

focused on inspiration and disabilities.

People with disabilities have the ability to inspire. We have clearly seen that with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I have talked to many people with disabilities who would like to see more media and everyday images

that include them. The aim of IN-abled.com is to do just that, to give businesses, organisations and individuals something they can use to increase inclusion in their environments.

The company name is meant to honour all

those people who overcome challenges and obstacles on a daily basis. IN-abled.com focuses on IN-volvement, IN-spiration and being IN-cluded… themes describing what anyone can accomplish. The idea for the company came as a result of an invitation to an Olympics event from my life-long friend Chris Hiles as his 14-year-old son Noah, who has been diagnosed with a developmental disability, was being honoured. Noah has been a huge source of inspiration to me his whole life. Before his diagnosis he was struggling a lot with friends, social settings and school, but he never stopped trying. He never gave up. In-abled.com is a small website with big plans. In the blog ‘Cover your space. Change the World’ I speak openly about my daily life and struggles with bipolar as well as the reasons for starting the website, creating the products

and the successes and failures of the company. IN-abled.com wants to change environments by offering cutting edge wall designs that improve the impact of your surroundings or

space. We also offer T- shirts called Pride tees that have a theme of inclusively. We want to challenge everyone to enjoy life, no matter what challenges they might face, and get

involved in contributing to your world, to

‘get in the game’.

IN-abled.com has more than just wall

hangings and T-shirts in mind. The ultimate goal of the company is to create jobs for an integrated workforce, to employ people

with and without disabilities to work together within the same company. Our

start-up team is made up of business men and women who do and do not have

disabilities, but one thing is for sure, we are all committed to raising awareness and creating jobs. (cont.)


IN-abled.com: inspiration and disabilities (cont.)


(…) I was able to develop an understanding of

the workforce during my time working in government. I was privileged to meet International Workforce Expert Jay Block and Jesse Roberts, Manager for Columbus, Ohio’s Possistivity electronic waste service line. Possistivity is a not-for-profit company aimed at providing business solutions to customers and business partners. All Possitivity employees are talented people with disabilities. Jay Block recently launched his Protean approach to careers, jobs, and economy, the philosophy being finding a creative way to adapt, solve and accomplish. Both have agreed to participate on my board of advisors to help IN-abled.com take a creative approach to raising awareness and creating jobs.

Awareness and employment is so important to

me because throughout my life I’ve dreamt of having a working environment I can be part of that adapts to me and doesn’t demand me adapt to it. In traditional work settings a person has to conform to the environment and change to fit rigid structures provided to them. For people with disabilities I truly believe there is potential for performance to be as good, if not better, if the environment adapts to their needs and styles. This isn’t taking it easy on people or letting someone not work as hard as someone else. It’s creating a flexible structure to bring out a person’s strengths and what makes them unique in order to contribute to the success of their employer. IN-abled.com plans to release a new line of products each year, with the 2013 line being called Determined to Work, focusing on

people with disabilities in careers. Also, IN-abled.com plans to donate $3 of every purchase to an organisation that assists people with disabilities to lead more active lives professionally and personally.

So we ask you, get in the game! By Chad Moore

ORIGIN (www.origincare.com) is an

experienced, specialist care agency providing, one-to-one, 24 hour, live-in care services for people with spinal cord injuries. A spinal injury is a complex injury that

requires specialist care. This is why, in order to maintain the highest standards, we focus on providing live-in care services exclusively for spinally injured clients. Our clients are men and women who are mostly

aged between 18 and 55 approx and all our clients are wheelchair users, often as a result of a serious accident on the road, at work or playing a sport.

Our services concentrate on understanding and meeting the individual, practical and

social needs of people with spinal injuries who wish to live independent lives in their own homes, for which our Personal

Assistants, also known as PAs, are specially trained.


Accessible New York


Freddie Sheffield tells Disability Horizons about his recent trip to New York City, from

the Empire State Building to Central Park, plus all the adventures and mishaps in between. During the summer, I went on an amazing

holiday to New York City with my family; my parents, my brother (13) and sister (11), and me (14, with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II and using a wheelchair). It was a really exhilarating experience for all sorts of

reasons, and I managed to get to plenty of the major attractions and typical New York

experiences under my belt with only a little difficulty. Access tends to play a huge role in just about everything that I do.

Our trip was from a Friday to a Tuesday, but

seemed so much longer because of the huge number of things that we did and places we saw. So, late on Friday morning, we left

Heathrow and set off for New York… At least, that was the plan, until stormy weather

in the city delayed our 7½ hour flight a further

5½ hours, and we arrived at JFK via Boston. The good side was that I managed to get more value from my in-flight entertainment, but the bad side was that I began to get a bit uncomfortable having sat in an airplane seat for the whole day.

When we finally landed and got all of our baggage (including my Balder wheelchair, portable Aquatec Ocean Shower Chair and back-up manual chair, which were kept in the hold), we were driven by some friends with an adapted car to the hotel. They also had a Molift Smart portable hoist, which we borrowed. This was a huge advantage as my own hoist and its case weigh an extra 36kg and the airline would have treated them as excess baggage. Our hotel, the Hilton, was very central within Midtown, and because of this it was an ideal

base. However, aside from the location, it was not completely ideal for what we as a family needed; two interconnecting rooms, one of which would have a roll-in shower. We had confirmed our booking from the UK,

but were horrified to find that the combination we required did not exist at this Hilton.

We eventually had to settle for two

separate rooms, and I ended up sleeping in an extra bed in my parents’ room. This was not at all convenient, but after mentioning the word ‘discrimination’ to the management of the hotel, multiple discounts pretty much compensated. One word of advice, in this kind of scenario with a chain of hotels, always check room details with the individual hotel rather than the booking agent. From this point forward our trip went brilliantly. The next morning, after breakfast in one of the innumerable cafés in the city, we walked to the Empire State Building. It was already an awesome experience, but on top of it we got to skip all the queues! At around floor 90 we got out of the elevator where we had an unobstructed view of

Manhattan. This is a great start to any New York trip as it helps you get your bearings. Then it was along to a very crowded 5th Avenue; Oxford Street, eat your heart out!

It was absolute mayhem, but spectacular at the same time. After walking about twenty blocks with pothole-ridden crossings, we arrived at the Apple Store (cont.)


Accessible New York (cont.)


(…) (in today’s world, this has to be classed as

a major tourist attraction). After that we went to Central Park, which seemed like the only place in the whole teeming city where there was actually empty space. Later that evening, after dinner just off Times Square, we went to the world-renowned Broadway, where we saw Newsies, a musical that I would highly recommend. A wheelchair accessible ticket had been difficult to book from overseas via the theatre agent, so once more a friend based in New York had organised this locally.

The following day we visited a very accessible Museum of Modern Art and saw some of the most well-known art works of the 20th

century; some of us appreciated them more

than others! We went to an open-air concert at the Lincoln Centre, which was a great way to end a warm summer’s day in the city. The highlight of our final day – and probably the whole trip – was without a doubt the New York Yankees match. The atmosphere was fantastic, like any big football match in England plus foot long hotdogs, massive souvenir shops and waiters bringing all the food and drink to your seats! We got there by train, walking to Grand Central and taking the over ground to the Yankees Stadium station. We felt a little tentative about the train journey as we were not sure how accessible the trains were, but it all went without a hitch, and the guard there was very helpful, pulling out a ramp when the gap between the platform and the train looked too wide. I think the trip turned out to be a success

chiefly because we chose a wide range of accessible activities. It is not always straightforward to find the right places to visit with a wheelchair in a foreign city, so there was an element of trial and error. In our

experience the American people were both welcoming and helpful, which makes a big difference.

Although our hotel had limitations, its

central location meant that we did not have a struggle to find accessible taxis (these are few and far between). I had an action-packed three days and came home with a lasting impression of sky scrapers and large portions of food. Top tips for wheelchair users: - Terminal 5 at Heathrow is less crowded, highly efficient and well worth the visit. All British Airways flights to NY leave from here. - When arriving at JFK ask airport assistance to take you to the front of the immigration queue (or else it could take you at least 45 minutes to clear immigration). - Book airport taxis in advance. - Book a hotel in the most central location and you will not need to worry about taxis. - As I mentioned, with a chain of hotels, always check room details with the

individual hotel rather than the booking agent. By Freddie Sheffield

New York skyline image credited to Wikipedia.


SCOPE’s appeal

Infographic

Infographic: Families with disabled children lacking local support

Families with disabled children are suffering massive strain because vital support they

need isn't available locally...

6 in 10 Families with disabled children are not able to access the services they need in their local area ...which means a lot more time spent in the car.

Percentage of children travelling more than

half an hour to get to school: - Children with disabilities 21% - UK average 1% Everyday life shouldn't be a battle...

4366 Average number of miles travelled each year by disabled children to access basic

services ...roughly the same distance driving from Lands End to John O'Groats 7 Times.

80% suffering anxiety and stress

51% missing out on family activities such

as birthdays

43% pressure on relationship with partner

36% financial pressures

...and it's taking a massive toll on families:

What do parents say are the main impacts of not being able to access services locally?

"My wife has been driving over 100 miles a day just to get our daughter to school" - Father of a disabled child

What would having services closer to home

mean for families? "It would be mind-blowing. It would mean togetherness and building relationships. It would just be heaven-sent, that once in our life, we could do things normally." - Mum from London The Government is currently putting a new Children and Families Bill through Parliament. This is our chance to get a guarantee of good local support for disabled children and their families. Please support our campaign by telling your MP that you want them to change this.


Last minute accessible Christmas breaks


Looking for a Christmas getaway in the

UK? Steph Fairfoul from

enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a small

independent travel website showcasing bed

and breakfasts and guest houses, shares

five accessible breaks to get you in the

mood for the Christmas holidays.

It’s getting chilly and Christmas is just around the corner. What better way to get in the

festive spirit (and treat yourself to an early present) then a break away?

Whether it’s culture, family fun or just a cosy winter hideout you’re after, here’s my pick of

five alternative and accessible Christmas breaks to get you in the mood for the season.

1. Blenheim Palace – Oxfordshire The birthplace of Winston Churchill,

Blenheim Palace (pictured) is steeped in history. When the festive period arrives, there is no shortage of splendour. From the 10th November – 14th December the Palace will be decorated in a special theme, telling

the Christmas story of the three Kings through

the stately rooms steeped in silks and glittering with gold. The trail passes through the exquisite banqueting hall adorned with jewel-encrusted palm trees, peacock feathers and lavish and exotic festive decorations. The vast majority of Blenheim Palace and the grounds are fully accessible by wheelchair, with adapted toilet facilities and parking. Need somewhere to stay? Green Gables Guest House is a great value, charming Edwardian B&B with one room on the ground floor adapted for wheelchair access. 2. Dickensian Christmas Market – Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland German Christmas markets can be found in any city these days, but for something a little different head to Berwick Upon Tweed, where a charming and original Dickensian Market will

be in full swing in the town centre on the 12th December. Situated right on the high street, the entire market is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

If you’re really feeling in the mood, you can join the rest of the town as they dress up in Victorian costume and entertain visitors. With well over 50 stalls expected this year, the

market will be perfect for last minute

Christmas shopping and stocking fillers. To top off the festive spirit, there is entertainment and live music throughout the day, as well as a hog roast, roasted chestnuts and the obligatory mulled wine! Need some where to stay? A warm welcome is guaranteed from Christine and Tony at Meadow Hill Guest House . Situated on the outskirts of Berwick Upon Tweed, Meadow Hill is a delightful and traditional B&B with two wheelchair accessible rooms. 3. Castle Howard - Yorkshire Castle Howard, one of England’s finest and grandest Baroque mansions, embraces the festive spirit from the 24th November – 16th December. The castle is decked out with elegant decorations, open roaring log fires, Christmas trees and more, all set against a backdrop of stunning 18th century

architecture. There’s a variety of live musical performances daily and, for the young ones, an audience with Father Christmas every weekend.

To top off the magical experience, you can relax in one of the cafes or restaurants and enjoy homemade freshly prepared seasonal fare. (cont.)


Last minute accessible Christmas breaks (cont.)


(…) There is designated parking, ramps and

level access to the gardens. Inside Castle Howard, wheelchairs can access all areas of the House, except for the Chapel and the first floor of the Exhibition Wing. Need somewhere to stay? 4 stars accommodation is available at the picturesque Thornton Lodge Farm. Thornton Lodge makes a perfect winter escape from the hustle and bustle with beautiful views over sprawling fields. 4. Rural Retreat – Shrewsbury, Shropshire For those who truly just want to get away from it all, Shropshire, one of the quietest counties in England, is perfect. Shrewsbury is a traditional market town and the birthplace of Charles Darwin. It was most extensively developed in the 16th century and features almost 600 period buildings. Nestled in a loop of the River Severn, this characterful town is

a perfect escape. Need somewhere to stay? Situated 4km out of the town centre is Penn Peel Cottage, the perfect place for escapism. Your hosts, Helen

and Martin, will greet you on arrival with a hot drink and a slice of homemade cake before showing you to your accommodation.

All of the rooms have their own private

entrances so you can come and go as you please and be left in peace and quiet. For added luxury, a hearty Shropshire breakfast can be served to you in your room. The self contained Merrington room has twin beds, one with space for a hoist under the bed, and a full en-suite wet room adapted for wheelchair users. 5. Luxury escape - Hexham, Northumberland Nestled in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country and encircled by Roman history sits Grindon Cartshed. The B&B is a beautifully converted barn and provides the ultimate base for exploring or simply relaxing and unwinding. There is no shortage of things to do in the area at any time of year. Take your pick from Roman baths, forts or the Senhouse Roman Museum. The museum is brimming with artefacts, the most impressive of which is a commission of 22 altars by the Commanders

of the fort for Jupiter. Situated within Northumberland National Park, Gridon Cartshed has spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a perfect setting for either breakfast or

dinner, both lovingly prepared using local produce. Both the Bed & Breakfast and self catering

accommodations are accessible by

wheelchair users. The self catering lodge has received an Access Exceptional Award from Enjoy England. For a comprehensive overview of Grindon Cartshed’s facilities including video footage by Accessible Places please Gridon Cartshed website (www.grindonfarm.co.uk). Enjoybedandbreakfast.com also believes strongly in equal opportunities. That’s why they recently launched a hand-picked collection of Accessible Bed and Breakfasts exclusively for disabled travellers. By Steph Fairfoul

Check out…

Top 5 accessible walks on the South

West Coast Accessible Paris?

Accessible holidays in Tenerife

Do you have a favourite holiday spot in the

UK? We’d love to hear about it. Get in touch by emailing us at

[email protected], tweeting us at @DHorizons or messaging us on Facebook.


Accessible Paris


Thinking of going on a trip to Paris? Regular

Disability Horizons contributor Hayleigh Barclay tells us about her trip to Paris, from the romantic highs to the tiring lows.

Bonjour! Or if you are reading this in the

evening, bonsoir! No, I am not here to give you a lesson on the very complex system of the French language; I am in fact going to

give you a brief insight into my latest trip to Paris.

Now for a city that is renowned for being the city of love it is ironic that I left the place being both in love and heartbroken with the most beautiful city in the world. The reasons

for such extreme emotions will become apparent soon… I should point out that from a very young age I wanted to be just like my French cousins. I

was desperate to find myself coming face-to-face with such Parisian delights such as the

Arc De Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and the

numerous designer boutiques that would offer

the type of chic garments that only the French can make! My obsession first started after watching countless episodes of Tots TV (does anyone remember that show?) with its red haired rag-doll character Tilly who was by origin French. This gave me my first taste of the French culture and ignited my desire to learn French and dye my hair red; I haven’t been brave enough to actually try that one! So it seemed appropriate that my first trip out of Britain for ten years was destined to be to Paris… actually my last holiday away from Britain was to Disneyland Paris, coincidence? But it wasn’t the same as actually getting the chance to stay right in the centre of the French capital. So this summer my family and I set out on our

journey. We got the train from Glasgow to Kings Cross in London, where we stayed one night and then took the Eurostar the next morning into Paris. By this time my excitement was at boiling point at the thought of

experiencing a new culture and hopefully a whole lot of better weather!

I must say the Eurostar journey was very

pleasant; the wheelchair access is very good. I also noted that staff members weren’t averse to addressing me, an issue which I have had problems with in Britain. But no I was addressed as Madame or Mademoiselle (I’m not entirely sure whether I should be offended at being called Madame, I’m only in my twenties but as it was in French I will take it) and treated the same as everyone else. I really cannot complain about the attitude towards myself as a disabled person throughout the trip, whether it was hotel staff or shop assistants; I was considered a valued customer and given the same choices and options as everyone else. Even in the hotel my ‘unusual’ dinner requirements (my dinners consisting of mashed potato with olive oil and an array of sauces, which I switched between each

night) were not questioned and were accepted. By the way I can highly recommend French food just by tasting even this simple mixture, as well as the wine and champagne!

But of course with every love story there has to be a twist in the tale, which leaves our heroine disheartened. (cont.)


Accessible Paris (cont.)


(…) Unfortunately I was let down by the lack

of accessible transport. We were advised before travelling to Paris that the Metro wasn’t the best for wheelchair users and that I would be best avoiding it.

A friend of mine also advised me that the buses would be difficult, even though they are considered accessible, so that would be a

no go area. But we were undeterred, learning from a guide book that the taxis would be suitable; famous last words.

When we arrived in Paris we booked a taxi to

take us from the station to our hotel only to find an hour later that the only way that we could get the wheelchair into the taxi would be to fold it and for me to sit in a taxi seat. This is not an option for me as my chair does not fold and I cannot sit in a standard seat. The taxi driver then phoned his base and explained the situation but was unable to guarantee that a solution could be found, by this time we had been waiting almost an hour and a half. With no other option we had to walk for an hour to our hotel with luggage in tow. We quickly realised that for the rest of the week we would have no other choice but to walk around the streets of Paris in order to get to sightseeing spots etc. By the end of the week both my family and I were shattered, having traipsed for miles navigating some very cobbled pavements and roads, which were not good for the spine. I am

unsure what the best mode of transport would be under these circumstances but if anyone knows of any taxi companies in Paris who can accommodate disabled passengers please let me and other Disability Horizons readers know

as it would be a shame for this to be the lasting impression I have of what would otherwise have been a very enjoyable

opportunity. Of course there are the usual

issues of old buildings not being accessible and the difficulty of accessing disabled toilets, but I think this is an issue that has to be addressed on a worldwide scale. I think the main priority for any disabled traveller would have to be planning. I know it seems such a simple piece of advice but I cannot stress it enough. We have discovered that the best way for travelling to Paris would have to be by ferry and taking the car in order for us to be more mobile. Unfortunately we missed a lot of the sights that we would have loved to have seen as they were just too far away and, like I said, by the end of the week my body was too tired and sore to travel by foot, or wheels! However the disheartened feeling hasn’t taken away the obsession. I am still

determined to learn French and I am sincerely convinced that I have been French in a previous life; I think it would suit me! By the way the French word for lift is

ascenseur! Au Revoir! By Hayleigh Barclay


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Success in business: PA Pool and the Association of Colleges Gold Award


Wheelchair user and creator of PA recruitment website PA Pool (www.papool.co.uk) Katy Etherington paints a picture for Disability Horizons of the night

she was awarded an Association of Colleges Gold Award at the Houses of Parliament.

The morning arrived and I opened my eyes with some trepidation. Today was the big

day; we were off to the Houses of Parliament where I was to be presented, amongst a line

up of other seriously notable winners, with an Association of Colleges Gold Award.

The awards ceremony is held each year to recognise further education graduates as well

as acknowledge the vital role that colleges play in the careers of the winners. Apparently my achievements since leaving the National

Star College (who kindly nominated me for this award) have warranted this accolade.

Alongside people like Justin King the CEO of

Sainsbury’s and boxer Amir Khan, to name

but a few, I still can’t see how anything I’ve

done compares to their achievements; setting up PA Pool and a bit of Freelance work in graphic design?! Really?! My PA, Edit, did a fantastic job of making me look the part and by the time dad arrived I was buffed, polished and as ready as I’d ever be! I spent the entire journey to London practising my speech; that was the bit I was most nervous about as public speaking is my idea of hell! But, by the time we arrived at the first line of Policemen guarding the colossal building, I was pretty confident I’d mastered it as well as I could.

Once inside, a blue-coated escort appeared

and marched us into the building past even more Policemen armed with automatic weapons. Quite overwhelmed by it all – and concerned that we hadn’t been search by security as we were warned we would be – I sat silently in the main cafeteria looking out for any famous faces. Conservative MP Eric Pickles waddled past and disappeared behind a screen towards the back of the room. I concluded that must be where the ‘notable’ people sat to escape the ‘nobodies’. Eventually dad and I plucked up the courage to move from our seats and venture out onto the Terrace Pavilion to see the view of the Thames and the London Eye. A few more recognisable faces were congregated around tables sipping chilled glasses of wine, but I found the view over the river

much more interesting. On the way back to my seat I bumped into another wheelchair user, Craig, my ‘mini me’. Every winner had a ‘mini me’ and

Craig, who was still a student at National Star College, had been picked as someone who would follow in my footsteps. We joined in conversation with David, (cont.)


Success in business: PA Pool and the Association of Colleges Gold Award (cont.)


(…) who was my tutor from National Star

College and is now Director of College Development. We were mid chat when I was summoned to do an interview for local radio. Scary, but I tried not to think about it and let my brain go on autopilot! They seemed pretty pleased with my responses to their questions. Mind you, I think they always say how fantastic you were, don’t they?! The room began to fill up and people mingled and chatted. Justin King stood talking to me for ages, extremely interested in who I was and what I’d done. At the time, I embarrassingly couldn’t for the life of me remember who he was; oops! I was absolutely mortified that all the effort I’d made swatting up on the other winners had been in vain; my brain had turned to Swiss cheese. It didn’t seem very long before the time came

to present the awards. Everybody gathered around the small podium ready for the ceremony presented by Liberal Democrat Lord Willis. He seemed like a very pleasant and genuine chap and read a short biography

about each winner before presenting them with their award.

I was the very last

person to receive their award and sat awkwardly listening to Lord Willis read my biography, still not quite fathoming how I could be amongst such a wealth of high achievers! Then it was my moment to approach the podium

and accept my beautiful cast glass accolade. My speech was a bit of a blur, but I think I said thank you to all the right people. Dad said it sounded really natural and unrehearsed, which I’m guessing meant it was OK. I was just mightily relieved when that last word passed my lips! With all the formalities over we were all able

to chill out a bit! Everybody was really friendly and the atmosphere was much more relaxed than I’d feared. Before I know it Big Ben was chiming 6pm; the time had flown, but it had been a really, really lovely two hours. I still

couldn’t quite believe where I was though and what had just happened!

As we exited, I was able to take in a few

more sights of the impressive building, especially at the crossroads of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It was an amazing sight and I was so awe struck that I almost missed a sighting of Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson who whizzed past in a pink blur! Back home and with a nice chilled glass of wine the realisation that I had won this amazing award was slowly starting to sink in. The reason I had won was PA Pool. Finding and recruiting your own PA isn’t easy and, as I often say; “when it’s good it’s fantastic, when it’s bad it’s horrid.” For me that sums up having to rely on finding the right person to help with the most everyday of tasks! Being a PA user has not only given me some of the most liberating experiences of my

life, but also some of the most stressful! I hope, therefore, that you will find PA Pool helpful in enabling you to make choices for yourself.

By Katy Etherington


Accessible holidays in Tenerife

Published 1st November 2012

The Mar y Sol hotel in Tenerife, for which Disability Horizons readers can get a

discount, caters for disabled and non-disabled holiday makers with accessible

accommodation and leisure facilities, mobility items and a therapy centre.

Disability Horizons reader Maggie Layton recently stayed at the hotel with her family and here tells us all…

Earlier this year we had a lovely family

holiday in Tenerife, the first time we had been abroad by plane as a family of five; myself and my husband, our 11-year-old

disabled son, 8-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. There were in fact many ‘firsts‘ to

try out this holiday, and it all went surprisingly well. We hadn’t flown on a plane for seven years with our 11-year-old son, who has severe

learning difficulties and some physical problem, so we had a number of concerns. Would his wheelchair get damaged on the

plane? Would there be sufficient equipment

for his gastrostomy feeds and continence needs? How would he cope on the flight? But we were pleasantly surprised. Monarch Airlines gave us extra legroom (a letter from the family helped) so that we could help him stand up out of his seat. The airport and airline were very helpful and organised getting us on and off and we were given enough extra luggage allowance for all his medical needs. It was the also first time we had to manage without our wheelchair adapted vehicle, which was a little daunting, but the drop off went without a hitch. We booked a transfer from the airport to the hotel through the travel agency, but this can also be done easily directly with Lero, which is next door to the hotel. Another first was the type of holiday; it was

the first in a hotel rather than rented house, static caravan, or camping. For the first time no shopping, meal planning, cooking or washing up; I’d had enough of self catering holidays! There was a lot of flexibility in length

of stay too. As we went slightly off season (May) we could choose any length of stay. We went for thirteen days as this suited our preferred flight times.

We chose Tenerife for the climate and the

Mar Y Sol hotel for the accessibility and variety of things to do. Our son cannot cope with extreme summer heat, and Tenerife has a very pleasant climate. The two unheated pools helped us stay cool as well. The hydrotherapy pool was a real hit with all of us. Our children were fine with having to be a little restrained to respect other users’ needs and vulnerabilities, and could be a little more exuberant in the other pools which are much less used. They loved the water features, jets and bubbles in the hydro pool. But an even bigger hit was the sports hall with activities from Boccia and wheelchair rugby. This is very new with lots of sports equipment and very roomy accessible toilets. The highly qualified and welcoming sports and physiotherapy staff there were

great at involving the whole family in activities, keeping all the children active and amused. The Mar Y Sol hotel sits in Los Cristianos

resort, which is well adapted for mobility scooters, prams and wheelchairs. The hotel is in a quiet area of the town, but within reach of shops, market and beach. (cont.)


Accessible holidays in Tenerife (cont.)


(…) Helpful lifeguards at the wheelchair

accessible beach will transfer you to a three-wheeled buggy with big wheels to help you get across the sand and into the sea. We found many good accessible toilets on the island, at swimming pools and beaches especially. There are boardwalks onto many of the beaches, great for families with buggies and wheelchairs. Los Cristianos is a little touristy, you don’t get a feel for original Tenerife there, but there are adapted vehicles available to rent on the island and wheelchair spaces on many of the buses, although in high season these may need to be booked. The staff at Mar Y Sol appear to take everything in their stride. The rooms were great, as were the showers. We were also able to borrow a shower chair free of charge. The emergency buttons proved to be a little

problem for us as they were in reach of our 2-year-old daughter, who could not resist initially. But it was good to know that if we needed help, it was there.

There is plenty of room in the restaurant to move around, relaxed staff, lots of food to choose from with a different international theme each night.

The buffet means you don’t have to wait for

food and choose what you like; great for little hungry ones! We would definitely recommend this hotel and intend to go there again. It is great to have finally found somewhere that makes our lives easier on holiday and has all the facilities needed; and all on a fabulous island with lots of excursions on offer. We saw pyramids, pilot whales, sea water pools, amazing volcanic scenery and we still have lots to see and do there! By Maggie Layton Disability Horizons readers can get up to 10% discount at the Mar Y Sol hotel. Visit the Mar Y Sol hotel page within our resources section to find out more about the hotel and to claim. Happy holiday!

“No one will give me a chance!” Well, that’s not true. We will give you two days a week (for six weeks), the opportunity to show you do wish to work, either in the Workshop or the Office. Are you between 18 to 30, out of work for more than a year or a single parent and would like to show any potential employer

that you really do want to work, but have not had the chance to prove this.

If you are interested and feel you have what it takes to prove it, give us a call on:

01954 782 666 or drop your CV into us at: Andy’s Kars, 6 Viking Way, Bar Hill, CB24 4TR Cambridgeshire


Rust and Bone: a film review


Last Monday Disability Horizons reader Judith Merry went to the preview screening

of the new film Rust and Bone, courtesy of Think Jam. Here, she tells us what she

thought of the new film about love, passion and disability.

As a proud self-declared film buff I jumped at the opportunity to review the new film Rust

and Bone for Disability Horizons, especially as the preview was to be hosted in a glamorous

hotel in London opposite Liberty! Often with cinemas the accessibility to the

seat and then transfer from my wheelchair can be a bit of a kerfuffle. But thankfully this

time was smooth sailing – although I did have to use the side entrance – and I had a lovely spacious seat. If only all cinemas could be as

accessible.

Typically a tall fella sat two rows in front of me, and as Rust and Bone is a subtitled French film, and I am of short stature, I

needed to move or I would have only been

able to see the first and last word of each sentence. Giving my new carer, who I was trailing, a challenge, I transferred to the next seat. No mean feat in almost total darkness, but she rose to the challenge. So enough about me and on to the review of the film! So for a brief synopsis (from IMDB): “Put in charge of his young son, Ali leaves Belgium for Antibes to live with his sister and her husband as a family. Ali’s bond with Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, grows deeper after Stephanie suffers a horrible accident.” The accident leaves Stephanie with a disability, something that we see her come to terms with through the rest of the film.

I found Rust and Bone to be a wonderful rollercoaster of emotions; passion, romance and sadness.

Set in Antibes, the most south-eastern part

of France, the setting was certainly no Cannes. Against a somewhat dismal, depressing backdrop, a beautiful and very poignant love story develops, enveloped in some very affecting music might I add. The film at just two hours long allows enough time to get to know both characters, Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts) and Stephanie (Marion Cotillard), and to see them emotionally ‘grow’, both separately and together after a chance meeting at a nightclub. As they say, actions speak louder than words, and this film is certainly testament to that with the gracefully shot camera work allowing the actors to do most of the work as the dialogue is often kept brief. Marion Cotillard is an enthralling actress. Known for being a method actor, Marion

said she wanted to think more about the character rather than researching the disability. Her approach made sure she could better understand how her character would transition from being able bodied to

disabled, rather than creating a character based on the disability. Stephanie is already a very independent, financially secure and strong woman. (cont.)


Rust and Bone: a film review (cont.)


(…) The accident does change her physically

and emotionally. However, her financial stability enables her to adapt and live perhaps more comfortably easily than most. She turns to Ali for company, starting off as friends. It is his no-nonsense treatment of her that injects some life back into her. Together they benefit each other with emotional and moral support throughout the film.

Ali is a ‘hardened’ character, appearing as sometimes brutish and emotionally stunted, especially towards his son and sister. Scenes

with his family are a stark comparison to his very thoughtful and pragmatic treatment of Stephanie after her accident. He has a very refreshing reaction to disability; he just seems to take it all onboard in a very matter of fact way. As their relationship develops there aren’t any awkward moments and the sex scenes are handled and shown with practical finesse.

This is a rare thing to see in films; sex scenes

involving a main character who is female and disabled. The compassion shown in the treatment of the subject matter meant that at times I found Ali’s character hard to understand and heartbreaking to see. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the film; I loved it. It’s a slow burner that pays off tenfold, and a subtitled film I forgot was subtitled. Rust and Bone at its core is about raw human emotions; love, grief and survival. In the wrong hands – i.e. Hollywood – this loose adaptation of two of Craig Davidson’s short stories could have been a slushy romantic comedy with disability being a stereotypical addition. But in the hands of renowned director Jacques Audiard, disability is only a part of a story about basic human emotions. Rust and Bonr is a romantic, albeit dark

comedy with undeniable serious issues that only the French could do with panache. It had many hand-to-your mouth tear-filled eyes moments, and I wasn’t alone when I looked around the cinema room!

Though not one of the cheeriest films, I would be more than happy to see it again and own it on DVD. Any film that portrays disability in a

more positive way rather than a sob story in

mainstream cinema is always a plus and recommendation in my eyes. Take a look at the trailer to get a taste for it yourself:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyAJDL3mTxI

By Judith Merry

Seen any good disability-related films you think we should review or would like to write about for Disability Horizons?

Let us know about it by emailing us at

[email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons


Accessible Travel and Leisure

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Our Managing Director is himself a wheelchair user and family man with

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Arlene on the Scene: disability and children’s books Published 1st November 2012

Arlene on the Scene is a children’s book about disability and embracing differences.

Author Carol Liu talks to Disability Horizons about the book and how she’s using it to teach children understanding.

The printed sign hanging eye level on the

gate was quite clear: “only one person in the batting cage at a time.” But I ventured in anyway to help my six year old swing the bat

like a real ballplayer, like only his mother could show him. He swung all right, great

follow through, all the way around to my face. I had a beauty of a black eye for a week. It transformed me, into…well, depended on

who was staring at me. Some may have correctly thought I was one of those people who ignored clear safety warnings. But some looked at me with pity. Was I a survivor of an accident? Domestic violence? Some looked

with an eerie curiosity. What was this suburban mum doing with a black eye?

The experience taught me many things. Yes,

my son is on his own in the batting cage from now on! But it also made me realise the inextricable link between the opinion of others and our own self-image. We are, to a certain extent, comprised of how others see us.

I thought of this as I watched my kids and my friend’s daughter, Grace, play one summer day. Both my friend and her daughter have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive

peripheral neuropathy that impacts mobility. Young Grace had on her new leg braces,

having been recently told she should start wearing them full-time. So at nine years old she had undergone a tremendous

transformation. She now appeared to some others to be…”that girl with the leg braces.”

What would that do to her self-image? Having

recently felt the intense gawks from my whole

black-eye experience, and having seen my

friend ensure innumerable stares herself because of her wheelchair, we couldn’t help but worry how Grace would be transformed on the inside. Would she remain powerful and empowered, despite the stares and the

well-intentioned sympathy she might receive from others? We wanted to do something to help, to create a guidebook of sorts for Grace’s

fellow school friends. Thus began an incredibly fun collaboration between

myself, my friend Marybeth Caldarone, and her wonderful daughter Grace, and the result is the book Arlene On the Scene, soon

to become a series with the sequel due out in the spring of 2013. Our premise: take a

typical heroine girl, slap some leg braces on her and see what happens.

Ours was a lofty goal: redefine disability for young readers. Define it so that the word

doesn’t even apply anymore. Can we transform, in our own minds, disability as

difference, akin to race, religion, culture, personality, favourite topping on a pizza?

It seems worth a try. I now visit primary schools across the country and use the book

as a launching pad to talk honestly (cont.)


Arlene on the Scene: disability and children’s books (cont.)


about how we view disability, and how we can view it differently. I find it helpful to first

bring to the surface our own reactions toward those who are different from us or who have different abilities.

Then I explore with the kids the difference

between sympathy and empathy, a key concept. Sympathy can sometimes create

distance, I tell students. It has its purpose, but

there’s one step beyond sympathy that we can strive for; that’s true understanding, real empathy. I show the kids how to practice empathy and apply it to everyday situations, starting first with the fictional character Arlene, just to get used to it before we turn our attention to each other for real. I’ve spent some time with the issue of empathy through my work as a therapist for kids with emotional and behavioural challenges. While we’d like to think there is a natural empathy spring bubbling through all of us, empathy is not always our first reaction, especially when confronted with differences that we don’t understand, differences that make us feel uncomfortable. And so I believe we need to actually practice empathy, just like piano or handwriting. Or batting baseballs. By Carol Liu

You can find out more about the book and contact Carol at the website: www.arleneonthescene.wordpress.com and

you can buy the book for £4.96 on Amazon.

Check out…

Once upon a time: children’s books need disabled heroes

Tilly Smiles: inspiring disabled

children Book review: Off Balanced by

Zachary Fenell

Have you read any children’s books featuring disability?

Let us know about it by emailing us at [email protected], messaging

us on Facebook, tweeting us @DHorizons or leaving your comments on the website

(www.disabilityhorizons.com).


News round-up: week ending 2nd November


John Pring who runs the Disability News Service publishes his weekly

news round-up of the happenings in the disability world the past week.

Three more charities have suggested that Atos Healthcare used

misleading claims about them in a document it used to win two lucrative disability assessment contracts.

A review of the equality watchdog’s disability committee could

slow down further progress on disabled people’s rights, campaigners have warned.

Disabled and older people will make a million fewer cheap coach journeys this year as a result of government cuts, say

campaigners.

A Supreme Court hearing this week could lead to important new

protection from discrimination for thousands of disabled volunteers, and benefit claimants forced into government work

experience programmes.

Housing providers will be able to bid for money from a £300 million fund

to help boost the provision of specialised housing for disabled and older people.

Government plans to “shrink” new school buildings will threaten the inclusion of thousands of disabled children in mainstream settings, campaigners have warned.

Some of Britain’s top Paralympians will be appearing at a new festival of sport that aims to build on the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and unearth future medal-winners.

The sentencing of 11 former employees of a private hospital for abusing people with learning difficulties has become mired in confusion, with the government unable to say whether the judge treated the offences as disability hate crimes.

Sentences handed to staff who admitted abusing people with learning difficulties at a private hospital near Bristol have been branded “woefully inadequate” by leading members of the self-advocacy movement.

The new minister for disabled people has agreed to

consider fresh demands for the government to assess the full impact on disabled people of all of its cuts and reforms to benefits and services.


News round-up: week ending 9th November


John Pring who runs the Disability News Service publishes his weekly news round-up of the happenings in the disability world the past week.

A judge has been criticised for his “appalling” failure to treat the “degrading, cruel and inhuman” abuse of people with learning

difficulties at a hospital as a disability hate crime.

Labour will this week ask MPs – and the National Audit Office – to investigate allegations that Atos, the government’s “fitness for work” contractor, used misleading claims to win two lucrative

disability assessment contracts.

Senior figures in Nepal’s Paralympic movement have denied “detestable” claims about the death of a disabled member of their delegation to London 2012.

A Paralympian who won three gold medals at London 2012 has called for action after a new survey revealed “shocking” access failures in city centre car parks across England, Wales and Scotland.

The decision not to reappoint the Equality and Human Rights

Commission’s only disabled commissioner has raised fresh concerns over the government’s plans for the watchdog.

The author of a major report for the government on employment support has told a minister of her “serious concerns” about the rapid fall in the number of disabled people funded by the Access to Work scheme.

A disabled man has this week staged a public hunger strike in protest at the failings of the government’s “fitness for work” contractor Atos Healthcare.

Four disabled models will be taking to the catwalk this week in a bid to persuade some of the country’s top women’s magazines that they should be featuring on their front covers.

New government figures appear to show that “improvements” to the controversial “fitness for work” test are having limited impact on how many disabled people are able to hold on to their out-of-work disability benefits.

A leading figure in the self-advocacy movement has called for a national user-led organisation that would represent

people with learning difficulties right across England for the first time.

Organisers hope that a month-long disability arts, culture and human rights festival could become an annual fixture

and help turn a London borough into a centre of excellence.


News round-up: week ending 23rd November


John Pring who runs the Disability News Service publishes his weekly

news round-up of the happenings in the disability world the past week.

Leading disability rights figures have warned that key parts of the

country’s equality legislation are under threat from the government, after the prime minister announced that he was

“calling time on equality impact assessments”.

The third annual review of the government’s “fitness for work” assessment process has received a cool response from disabled activists.

A new report by a committee of MPs has added weight to

concerns that hundreds of thousands of disabled people could find themselves driven “over the edge” by one of the government’s key welfare reforms.

The government has announced a series of new measures it

hopes will reverse the slump in the number of disabled people benefiting from its Access to Work employment support scheme.

A new private members’ bill that would allow MPs to “job share” for the first time would make it easier for disabled people to

stand for parliament, say campaigners.

A 15-month parliamentary inquiry has called for determined action to tackle the barriers to inclusion and equality faced by young disabled people.

The growing trend to provide services online is generating an increasing gap between advances in new technology and disabled people’s ability to take advantage of them, according to a new report.

Government cuts and reforms are creating a “perfect storm” that could see many disabled people losing their homes, according to a leading disabled campaigner and politician.

A new parliamentary inquiry is a “huge opportunity” for disabled people to raise their concerns with MPs about the accessibility of public transport, say campaigners.

Two little-known government regulations could hold the

key to helping thousands of sick and disabled people who have been unfairly found “fit for work”, according to a new

campaign.

For links to the full stories, please visit Disability News Service

(www.disabilitynewsservice.com)

Disability News Service (DNS) is run by John Pring, an experienced journalist who has been reporting on disability issues for more than 15 years.


DISABILITY HORIZONS – Our Vision and Structure

Created on 11th April 2011

Our vision To create a positive, interesting and useful disability related magazine

with articles and resources to help disabled people achieve whatever they wish.

Co-founders and Co-editors Srin Madipalli and Martyn Sibley

Disability Horizons was founded by its co-editors, Srin Madipalli and

Martyn Sibley who both have a physical impairment called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Martyn Sibley, 29, lives in London and runs his social media consultancy called Sunnier Days. He

previously worked as a product development executive at Scope, the UK’s leading disability charity. Martyn graduated from Coventry

University with a Masters degree in Marketing and a bachelors Degree in Economics. After university,

Martyn briefly lived in his hometown of St.Ives (Cambridgeshire) before moving down to London

to take up the role at Scope HQ. Since university Martyn has become an influential voice in the disability sphere through his pioneering use of social media and e-campaigning via his blog,

www.martynsibley.com. He aims to inspire, inform and change the world for disabled people.

Srin Madipalli, 26, also lives in London and worked as a lawyer at a leading international commercial law firm in the City of London. He graduated from King’s College, University of London with a first class degree in Biochemistry, before re-qualifying as a lawyer.

When he is not being a corporate lawyer or an aspiring social entrepreneur, Srin loves to travel and experience adventures of a more extreme kind in their wheelchair accessible form! Some past adventures have included scuba diving, flying a plane, wheelchair trekking through the Alps and a camping safari in Africa. In the second half of 2010, he took some time out from work to go travelling around the world for four months and consequently takes a keen personal interest in trying to encourage disabled people to travel more. Srin is now studying for an MBA at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. If you would like to get in touch with Srin or Martyn, please email them at [email protected]. The Team Elizabeth Ransome – Content Editor

Liz joined Disability Horizons to help expand the magazine and its reach to

people with disabilities. Liz is a journalist living in

London, and has always been passionate about promoting a positive view

of disability, thanks to the inspiring attitude of her brother, who had cerebral palsy.


DISABILITY HORIZONS – Our Vision and Structure

Created on 11th April 2011

The Team Filipe Roldao – Sub-Editor

In a nutshell, Filipe describes himself as a

traveller and a wannabe DJ, who likes to walk and cycle… He graduated from University of Minho (Portugal) in 2002 with a Degree in

International Relations. Since then he has extended his knowledge to other domains… having ended up working as Personal Care Assistant here in the UK.

One of his dreams is to do a trip around the world, preferably on a motorbike. Crossing borders shouldn’t be a problem because, as he puts

it: “I look like Prince William (aka Duke of Cambridge)… when we are both wearing a helmet!”

He enjoys meeting people from all kinds of horizons. Adventure comes naturally along with travelling and is always welcome. Most of the times

he prefers to explore places “by himself”… to follow his own path… More about him on www.filiperoldao.co.uk

The Team Mark Phillips – Social Media Executive

You could say I’m the voice (minus

the welsh accent) behind the infamous #TwitterTakeover!! I was born with ‘Asymmetric Diplegic Cerebral Palsy’ hey it’s kind of sexy when you say it out loud… or maybe that’s just me! One thing you could say about me is that I’ve always had a strange sense of humour when it comes down to it

and I’ve always been open and honest about disability. I completed a Law Degree at Aberystwyth University and then went on to complete my Legal Practice Course. Now when I’m not tweeting I’m back home completing my LLM (Masters) in Legal

Practice. Since leaving university I’ve done a lot of writing and sharing my experiences and then helped out the Disability Horizons team during the London 2012 Paralympics and it all kicked on from there

or it’s just that the rest of the Team can’t get rid of me… I’ll let you decide. When I’m not Disability-Myth-Busting, I’m diving head first into this crazy world of disability and I’m always on the lookout for

something new to tryout. I’m pretty easy going and I’ll talk about anything, so don’t be afraid to give me a shout and keep an eye out for that.


DH Newsletter December 2012

Documents

disability art

disability products

accessible new york

accessible paris

table of contents table

invisible disabilities

new talents

digital art