DH Newsletter February 2013

NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME – by Martyn & Srin ...............................................................................................................................................................................................3

Paralympic Games 2012: has there been change? ...............................................................................................................................................................4

Aiming high: Paralympic simmer in the making ...................................................................................................................................................................5

Trailblazing as a tourist in Liverpool ......................................................................................................................................................................................6

Guest post: Impey Cares – a scheme for accessible wetrooms ............................................................................................................................................9

Cruising the Accessible Way! ...............................................................................................................................................................................................11

Paralympic Games 2012: is disability viewed differently? .................................................................................................................................................13

G’day to accessible New Zealand: part 1 ............................................................................................................................................................................15

Wing walking with Duchenne: realising a dream ...............................................................................................................................................................17

G’day to accessible New Zealand: part 2 ............................................................................................................................................................................19

Last Night of the Proms: what a sensational evening… ......................................................................................................................................................21

From a stage in Luton to a movie set in LA .........................................................................................................................................................................23

Book review: How to dig for the treasure in people without getting buried alive ...........................................................................................................25

Mexico: accessible or not? ...................................................................................................................................................................................................27

Top 5 accessible walks in the South East ............................................................................................................................................................................32

Navigating through Toronto in a wheelchair ......................................................................................................................................................................35

The Last Leg: what do you think? ........................................................................................................................................................................................38

News round-up: week ending 11th January .........................................................................................................................................................................40

News round-up: week ending 18th January .........................................................................................................................................................................41

News round-up: week ending 25th January .........................................................................................................................................................................42

DISABILITY HORIZONS – Our Vision and Structure .............................................................................................................................................................43

WELCOME – by Martyn & Srin

Welcome to the February edition of the Disability Horizons newsletter: packed with monthly goodness. This month has been a strange one for Srin and I. My second long stay in Spain began, following a long drive through France. I'm on the European Union Grundtvig program. The costs of travel, subsistence and accommodation are covered in return for my working with an organisation in Asturias. Since taking the ferry, on January 15th, I drove through France with no glitches and many lasting memories. Since arriving I've settled, starting to grasp some Spanish and have been teaching English. Meanwhile, in the UK, Srin has been working hard on his MBA in Oxford and battling through the snow. We hope you have had a good January, recovered from the festive action and planned 2013 wisely. We hope you enjoy this month’s articles.

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 3

Paralympic Games 2012: has there been change? Published 3rd January 2013

With the dust from the stadiums settled after the Paralympic Games 2012, questions are now being asked about what the Games has done for disabled people. Has it changed attitudes towards disabled people? Has it made any impact on life for disabled people? Or are things much the same as before? Last month I joined a debate on BBC Breakfast to discuss just this. Being asked to appear in the media is always exhilarating. When I spoke on BBC Breakfast two years ago I was nervous about speaking to 8 million people, but honoured to be deemed capable of being part of such a cool thing. In early December Scope’s press team asked if I’d be interested in appearing on the show again. This time it was to discuss the results of a BBC poll regarding attitudes towards disabled people since the Paralympic Games. I would be representing Disability Horizons too, so naturally I jumped at the chance.

Take a look at the video to see the full BBC Breakfast discussion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QCXt4w8w0Q

Opinions, as you can see, differ. But to my mind, attitudes towards disabled people have improved. The general public were swept away with euphoria, saw disabled people in a new cool and sexy light, and started to understand what life means for us. However, this doesn’t mean our public transport, buildings etc have been improved, or that total social inclusion is now present. We need to take the Paralympic legacy and capitalise on it to educate society on how they can help us to show the world disabled people achieve and thrive when given appropriate support. This is my opinion, but we would love to hear your views and ideas. As a Disability Horizons community we can make a huge difference. By Martyn Sibley

“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

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 4

Aiming high: Paralympic simmer in the making Published 7th January 2013

The Paralympic Games 2012 may be over, but keen athletes are preparing already for the Paralympic Games 2016 in Rio. Rebecca Lawes is one such athlete. 19-year-old Rebecca was born with ataxic cerebral palsy and has moderate learning difficulties, but she has never let this hold her back. A champion swimmer, Rerbecca is currently training in Cambridge to compete in the 2016 Paralympic Games. “When I start a race I feel really, really good. When I hear the whistle go I just burst forward in the pool. I just ignore the crowd, get there and back and just enjoy myself.” To help in her quest for gold, charity Papworth Trust, who provides advice and support services to disabled people and their families, has given her a grant to help cover training costs. Take a look at her video and dive into Rebecca’s training:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVcucxRoveM

The Papworth Trust are always interested in speaking to people who can inspire those that the charity helps. If any Disability Horizons readers have overcome their own challenges to take part in sport and would be open to speaking at one of the Papworth Trust youth clubs or be featured in a video, get in touch by emailing [email protected]. By Katherine Litchfield Let us know about the sports you’re involved in. Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], tweeting us @DHorizons, or sending us a message on Facebook.

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DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 5

Trailblazing as a tourist in Liverpool Published 7th January 2013

My name is David Gale, I live in Carlisle and I have Beckers Muscular Dystrophy. I’m also a Trailblazer! We’re a national network of more than 400 young disabled people, aiming to fight social injustices. But this article isn’t about that, it’s about my trip to Liverpool. Having been to Liverpool to watch football, I have always been keen to go there as a tourist to explore. So I thought it was about time that I booked a trip. Accommodation I initially booked to stay at the Printwork’s hotel for two nights. However, I hadn’t checked the website and to my horror I found it was inaccessible to me, so I had to cancel the booking. Luckily they were very understanding and didn’t charge me the cancellation fee. Thankfully my fellow Cumbrian Trailblazer Carrie-Ann works for Tourism for All and as I

am a member I got a great rate on the very smart Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was next to the striking Liver Building. I would certainly recommend membership of Tourism for All as I’ve easily made my £25 subscription back in hotel savings.

The Liver Building

Transport to Liverpool To get to Liverpool we took the train, as I normally would. There are no direct trains from Carlisle to Liverpool so we had to change at Preston. However, the train was delayed and we missed the connecting train, but luckily there was one an hour later so we got to Liverpool around lunch time.

Accessibility and shopping We were still a bit early for check in so we decided to take advantage of the hotel’s wonderful location on the Albert docks and have a walk around to get our bearings. It was obvious that a lot of money had been spent on the area as there was a smart Beatles exhibition centre/shop and the museum of Liverpool; more about these later. Once we checked in to the hotel we decided to some shopping in the city centre, which was about a 10 minute walk away. It was easy to find as there are signs everywhere in Liverpool’s city centre telling you which direction to go in and how long it will take to get there.

Albert Dock

Our walk lead us to an impressive (cont.)

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Trailblazing as a tourist in Liverpool (cont.) Published 7th January 2013

(…) structure, the fairly new Liverpool One, which houses a lot of major shops and popular eating outlets such as Nandos and Pizza Express. We then walked on to the old city centre, where yet more shops exist. The shopping in Liverpool was good but nothing special; it was similar to other city centres. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit Liverpool, one main reason being that everything was fully accessible. After a hectic day we settled down to have some cocktails in the hotel bar. This was a bad move money wise as it cost a small fortune! But it was a good way to wind down from the day. Sightseeing The next day we took in the sights of Liverpool. One of the best ways to do this is by going on the Liverpool Wheel. It was the perfect way to get a bird’s eye view of all the striking buildings in Liverpool: the Royal Liver Building; Liverpool Cathedral; the Port of Liverpool; Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and the Radio Tower, to name but a few. After the wheel we went around the Albert Docks where we had a cup of tea and breakfast in a nice little cafe called Hansel and Gretel. There are numerous souvenir

shops and restaurants within the Albert Docks and it was where the Beatles Story museum is based. The museum is accessible but unfortunately, I hadn’t realised till after my trip and ended up missing out on it.

Liverpool Wheel

The Merseyside Maritime museum and the International Slavery museum are also in the same area and both of which are fully accessible and free. There is also the Museum of Liverpool, which had everything you could want to know about Liverpool, from the Merseybeat music scene to the football teams. Liverpool really is a place that likes celebrating itself and is very proud of its achievements. The next attraction was a bit clichéd but we had to get a ferry across the Mersey with Mersey Ferries. It was around a 45 minute trip which was worthwhile to get some great pictures and to learn more about the area and

history. After a bit of a break back at the hotel we had dinner went for a few drinks at The Richard John Blackler, the local pub, which was reasonably priced and fully accessible.

Liverpool Empire Theatre

That evening we went to the Liverpool Empire Theatre and again, I found access to be great. When booking the tickets I phoned the theatre to discuss where the ambulant seating was and booked a seat in the circle. When I got there I got to a lift area which took me up to the circle where the accessible toilets were. I thought it was really clever that they built an annex onto the theatre so it wouldn’t affect the original building too much. When I was (cont.)

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Trailblazing as a tourist in Liverpool (cont.) Published 7th January 2013

(…) getting to my seat from the lift all the doors were automatic and the staff were all very helpful. The show was Dirty Dancing but it also had the added performance from someone doing sign language on the stage for people with hearing impairments. The show was really good and created a great atmosphere. So it seems the Empire Theatre tries its best to cater for everyone which in my book makes it the best theatre I have been in for access. We ended the evening with a walk down to the famous Cavern Pub and Club. The next day was time to go home! We had some delays getting back but we had a really enjoyable time in Liverpool. By David Gale We want to ensure that all Disability Horizons readers have as much accessible information about their chosen destination as possible. So if you have a trip to tell us about, get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

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We can help you make plans and take the steps you want to take in your own way and in your own time. Peer Supporters have lived experience of disability so whether you're thinking about making a life change like leaving home or starting employment, looking for a little extra practical or emotional support, or newly disabled, you can talk to someone who has been through similar experiences. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence. For further details please contact us: Telephone: 0744 936 2233 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mertoncil.org.uk Twitter: @MertonCIL Facebook: Mertoncil Skype: Merton.cil Address: The Vestry Hall, London Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 3UD

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 8

Guest post: Impey Cares – a scheme for accessible wetrooms

Published 10th January 2013

Howard Francis, from Stafford, shares a guest post about the difference a new fully accessible wetroom – fitted for free through a scheme called Impey Cares run by Impey Showers- is making to the life of his daughter Charlotte, who lives with a series of complex disabilities. “The first year of my daughter Charlotte’s life was spent mainly in hospital. The first sign something was wrong was when she tried to take a drink and her little body wouldn’t let her. She was transferred to the neo-natal intensive care at Newcastle under Lyme, and then to the specialist Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. We spent the first six months of her life there, miles from home, as the doctors investigated what was wrong, and then a further six months back in Stafford Hospital.” During that first year Charlotte underwent

surgery on her heart, as well as several other operations. She could breathe but required oxygen to maintain saturations, and to ensure she received enough oxygen. The breathing problem stemmed from a floppy windpipe. Eventually, when Charlotte was five, she was diagnosed with a defect in chromosome 4. Today, as a 13-year-old, it means Charlotte cannot communicate verbally – although she knows a few Makaton signs – is unable to walk, and has very limited upper body strength. She also suffers from curvature of the spine which means she has to wear a back brace, and has learning disabilities. She is a happy and chilled out kid, who loves being out in the fresh air and used to enjoy horse-riding. But there’s no doubt that day to day life can be challenging – and even the simple task of having a wash or getting in the shower used to be a major operation in our house. The problem was that the bathroom was just so small and inaccessible. Trying to get her into the room and transferred to her bath chair without causing her pain was near on impossible. I could sometimes see tears in her

eyes – it was awful to know it was hurting her, and it certainly wasn’t very ladylike. But now, thanks to Impey Showers and the state-of-the-art wetroom they provided through their Impey Cares scheme, Charlotte can simply be wheeled into the bathroom for a shower. The newly-accessible space is also helping her use the toilet and brush her teeth at the sink, which is boosting her independence.

I first read about the scheme in a magazine and thought ‘why not?’ apply. Impey Showers – a leading firm of wetroom specialists who provide adaptations for both the healthcare and luxury market – set up the Impey Cares initiative at the start of 2012 to represent the interests of (cont.)

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 9

Guest post: Impey Cares – a scheme for accessible wetrooms (cont.) Published 10th January 2013

(…) vulnerable, disabled and elderly people, and raise awareness of their increasingly difficult situation in the face of government spending cuts. It offers wetroom adaptations to those who desperately need the vital work to be carried out but have been refused funding through a Disabled Facilities Grant. Charlotte and I are one of the latest families to benefit – but it’s great to hear the scheme has been extended into 2013, hopefully meaning even more people can experience the life-changing difference a wetroom can make. The adaptation they carried really was a God-send for us. I’ve been laid off work as a HGV driver since April after suffering a complex break to my ankle. It means there’s no way I would have been able to pay for it myself – I dread to think of the state of my savings at the moment. I would have just had to carry on muddling through with the bathroom I had, but as Charlotte gets older it would have only got harder. But now, after the workmen removed a stud

wall and existing WC, hand wash basin and bath, and replaced them with state-of-the-art equipment including Impey EasyFit wetroom floor former, mixer shower and warm air body dryer, our daily routine is far easier. I don’t know where we’d be without Impey to be honest. The first time I showered her she was unsure as it was a big change – but it was a positive unsure, not negative. And when I turned the Air Dryer on, her face was a picture – she didn’t know what to think! But once I turned her into the path of the dryer she started to laugh and stick her tongue out and loved it. Charlotte is such a chilled-out kid. She’s always happy except when she’s in pain. It’s so good to know she can now have such a simple thing as a shower now without it hurting her.” By Howard Francis Nominations are now being invited for Impey Cares adaptations to be carried out in 2013. Applications are invited from those with a mobility problem or disability, their carers, or representatives from schools, charities and other not-for-profit organisations. Visit www.impeycare.co.uk to make your nomination now.

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. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has a very proud history. We were set up in 1959 to help families and children living with muscular dystrophy. We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations and legacies to fund our work. Dedicated volunteers, trusts, companies and foundations help us to raise money to fund our vital work. To find out more, visit our website at www.muscular-dystrophy.org.

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 10

Cruising the Accessible Way! Published 10th January 2013

New Disability Horizons contributor, Laura May Adams shares this article about her recent cruise holiday aboard P&O cruiseliner Azura. Laura shares some really useful tips for a disabled traveller wanting to travel by cruise! My name is Laura May Adams and I have a disability called Cerebral Palsy (CP). Even though I have CP I am very independent using my powered chair and like doing things that everyone else likes to do. I live with my family and my dog Jasmine. I enjoy horse riding, going out with my family and friends, shopping and watching the soaps. I’m a massive fan of Robbie Williams, Katie Price and the American TV hit programme Supernatural and its cast. Also I am interested in travel and meeting new people. My family and I decided this year to go on our first cruise. We know people that go on cruise holidays year after year and say ‘once you have been on a cruise nothing compares

to it’. So we booked a fourteen night cruise on the new P&O ship Azura around the Western Mediterranean visiting Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno (near Florence), Civitavecchia (near Rome), Ajaccio (Corsica) and Gibraltar. We went from Southampton, which is perfect if you’re not a big fan of flying. We stayed in a cabin which was quite difficult for me to move around because of its small size and the step to get into the bathroom. This was the toughest part for me on the cruise. We did not book a specially accessible cabin and I would advise that if you have difficulty with steps to book an accessible cabin, which have wider doors, adapted bathrooms without steps and more space. On my next cruise I will book an accessible cabin to make life a bit easier!

On a cruise you can go on organised excursions at ports you stop at to explore the local destination. Even though the excursions can be expensive, it is worth the money. While on my cruise I went on two excursions to Rome and Pisa. I have always wanted to go and see these historic places and I wasn’t disappointed.

In Rome, I saw the beautiful Trevi Fountain, where my dad threw a coin in to (cont.)

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Cruising the Accessible Way! Published 10th January 2013

(…) make a wish (I always wondered what the wish was!) and the Vatican City was amazing to see, even in 35 degrees of sunshine. At times it was very difficult getting around Rome in my manual chair because of the pebbled streets, curbs and the crowds. But with the help of my family I got to see the sights I have always wanted to see. In Pisa, I went to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and couldn’t believe how far it actually does lean. What amazed me most about Pisa is how historic it is. It still has horse and carts, little markets, pebbled streets, very old statues, but yet round the corner from all that history, there was a very modern McDonalds. Before I went on the cruise I rang up P&O asking for their advice on which excursions would suit a wheelchair user. I would also advise you to ask your travel agents if any ports of call require tenders (small boats transporting you from ship to shore and back, which are not accessible) to disembark. I was quite lucky with this cruise as there was only one port where a tender was needed. At that port, I didn’t want to leave the ship anyway as we were only there for the morning and wanted to just relax around the pool.

I would definitely like to go back to Rome and Pisa. But I would prefer to go in September when it isn’t as hot or as crowded as when I went. Also, I would like to go back to Monte Carlo and see all the rich and famous boats and cars and the dazzling boutiques where even a handbag is thousands of pounds!

Entertainment was high standard and included a Freddie Mercury Tribute Act, Bingo, Dance Productions, various bands and a casino if you

felt like a having a bit of gamble. There was entertainment on the Azura for all ages ranging from activities that are more active to those that are more relaxing. With sixteen decks there was plenty to do and with every level having a lift, the ship was very accessible. I felt relaxed knowing I was able to go anywhere on the ship not having to worry about how am I going to get round. During my holiday I saw Danny Price (Katie Price’s Brother). He was on the same ship as me and it was amazing to see him as I am a massive fan of Katie Price and her family. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I noticed it was him. Even though I didn’t get chance to talk to him, it was great to see him. The Azura is perfect if you are a first time cruiser. The ship had everything to offer and was very accessible. I would definitely go on this cruise ship again as I got the whole cruise experience I wanted and even more. Finally, this holiday will always remain special to me as my Mum and Dad renewed their vows on the cruise for their 25th Anniversary and it was wonderful to be a part of that. By Laura May Adams

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 12

Paralympic Games 2012: is disability viewed differently? Published 14th January 2013

Following on from our article questioning whether the Paralympic Games 2012 has changed the way disability is viewed, Disability Horizons contributor Mark Cooper gives us his view on this hot debate. As 2012 draws to a close the stand-out memory I have of the year was participating in the Paralympic Games Torch Relay. I have the torch I carried at home on my lounge wall and I often look at it and wonder. Is the flame of attitudinal change towards disability that the Games were billed to bring still burning brightly, like the torch I carried? Or has it been dimmed to fade away? To answer this question I have begun to think more and more about what it means to be disabled. I think disability is a condition and a mind set. My condition is cerebral palsy and yet in my mind I am not disabled. I do not think of myself as disabled but in

reality I am. I would love to play sports with my friends (in my mind I am scoring the winning goal for Aberdeen in the champions league final), but I know my condition will never allow me to even get close to it because I am a safety hazard on the sports field. What I have just done is framed my view of disability for you. Being framed as a disabled person is something that many people, including myself, do not like to do. And yet for others it’s who they are. The media put activists firmly in that box of being disabled first, then being people second. I recently went to speak at Kent University and if the local paper reported the event I would wager that the first words will be disability activist Mark Cooper came to talk to students at Kent University In reality mark cooper came to Kent today to talk students about disability The mind set of disability is something which politicians struggle with. Any politician now will say that discrimination towards disabled people is wrong and that British society should have freedom and fairness for all. But in reality, society is free for some and for others it’s a prison from which they find it hard to escape.

What politicians of all parties have done is not understand that disability is both a mind set and a reality. They have focused too much on how the mind set of society should be changed and not on the realities of how ensure equality. In technical jargon they subscribe to the medical model of disability, which means that a disability is an issue, which the individual can tackle with help from the state through benefits. When they should do is look at disability through the lens of the social model which paint a a different picture, one where the barriers faced by disabled people are the barriers faced by society as a whole. Therefore the best thing to do is to remove them. Looking at how they have tried to get disabled people back into employment is an example of what they’ve doing wrong. Successive governments have dealt with the problem by arguing that too many people are on benefits so they have changed the criteria for benefits. But this only says that the claimant is fit for work it doesn’t actually help them get into work. Work programs have been devised to provide tailored support to help (cont.)

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Paralympic Games 2012: is disability viewed differently? (cont.) Published 14th January 2013

(…) people back into employment. But they have not worked because there are too few advisers for the amount of people so they have not had the time they need to dedicate to each participant. There are 870,000 participants but of those only 31,000 have found work for six months or more. Those in power need to be braver on the issue. So far they have used the medical view of disability and just put a stent in the heart of welfare reform when in reality what it needs is a bypass. If they opened up the heart through the eyes of a social surgeon they would see that the way to get disabled people back into work is to have a look at the underlying problems of each case. For example I have been on the dole for two years and I am fit and willing to work. The support I need is not how to write a CV or do an interview, but it’s to be able to move house. I live in Edinburgh and found a job in London, which I was offered and accepted. But I sadly could not start the job because I could not find an accessible place to live. For other people the help they require may be transport or access to work environments. So instead of just addressing attitude, society needs to help us by making it easier for

disabled people to move home or travel to work. So how is disability viewed in the UK at the end of this Paralympic year? The answer, unfortunately, is that disability and barriers are still issues that the individual needs to deal with rather than society as a whole. By Mark Cooper You can read more of Mark’s musings on his blog, My thoughts on everything and nothing. We’d love to hear your opinion on this debate. Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

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.

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 14

G’day to accessible New Zealand: part 1 Published 14th January 2013

Ever wanted to visit New Zealand? My name is Toyah Wordworth and in 2011 I was able to go on the holiday of a lifetime to New Zealand, along with my personal assistant Magda as I have axtania, using Kiwi Accessible Tours. It’s not somewhere I ever envisaged being able to go to, but it it was all made possible after winning the Jerry Farr fellowship from AtaxiaUK. Ataxia UK works in two main ways: funding research into finding treatments and a cure for ataxia, and supporting people through a range of services. This fellowship has been made possible by the generosity of friends and family of Jerry Farr, who passed away in August 2007. Jerry was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia at the age of nine, but that didn’t stop him enjoying an action-packed life. He travelled all over the world, taking in the sights of places such as Paris, the Philippines,

Australia, China, Morocco, Norway, Sri Lanka and Florida. According to his brother, Jerry remained “determined, positive, focused, energetic, loving and fun” throughout his life. This memorial fellowship is a way for Jerry’s spirit of adventure and love of travel to live on through the experiences of others. As the winner in 2010 I received £5,000 for myself to be accompanied by my PA to cover all the pre-agreed costs of a trip.

I made contact with Accessible Kiwi Tours in early 2010 when I needed to gather

information regarding the tour so I could complete my application form for competition. There were different tour packages to choose to suit individual needs, all of which included booking suitable accommodation and the use of an accessible vehicle. When finding out I had the award I was so excited, although nervous at the same time. I got straight to my computer to email Accessible Kiwi Tours to tell them. Ataxia UK paid directly to Accessible Kiwi Tours who were really helpful. So after a lot of planning, it was time to set off… After arriving at Auckland airport, we were met by our tour guide, Kas, who was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about New Zealand; including knowing where all the accessible toilets are. Kas took us in her accessible minibus (which we travelled in for the whole tour) to the Rydges hotel, located in the city centre. After unpacking some of my belongings, we went for a drive around city centre and along the harbour to check out the views in this very vibrant bustling city. Afterwards we went to the Sky Tower where we had a lovely meal in the revolving (cont.)

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G’day to accessible New Zealand: part 1 (cont.) Published 14th January 2013

(…) restaurant, which has a 360° view. The tower is one hundred and ninety meters up, and as you can imagine, the views were fantastic. We then went into the casino, which is situated in the same building, where I actually won some money!

The next day we went on a harbour cruise in the morning then to the Auckland Museum, which is based in one of the country’s finest heritage buildings, in the afternoon. The museum is also a war memorial and site of commemoration for all of the New Zealanders lost in the war. The permanent galleries are based over three floors, but

there are lifts and ramps. The following day we departed from our hotel and prepared for the journey to our next destination, Coromandel Bay. On route we stopped to have a look at Kelly Tarlton’s Sealife aquarium. This was a vision created by the man himself, Kelly Tarton, who was a Kiwi adventurer and wanted to share his love of the ocean with others. Inside you can go within an arm’s length of sub-Antarctic penguins and watch them in a natural environment; they were really cute and quite funny. We were also able to see sharks, turtles, and giant stingrays on a moving walkway.

In Coromandel Bay we spent time during the day relaxing on the beach, along with a little sightseeing. In the evening we went to a quaint little restaurant called Coromandels. Touranga and Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty were on the agenda for the next three days. Mount Manganui is a subtropical continent, has lots of palm trees and around one hundred shops. The beach was lovely and very relaxing. It was especially pleasant when the life guards were having a competition, as the life guard championships are held here. It is a fantastic place where you can go kayaking, go carting, and swimming with dolphins. In the evening they put on a typical Kiwi barbeque for dinner. There is also a hot salt water pool opposite the hotel. We couldn’t believe how much we had done already and we were only part way through the trip! Check back later in the week to read about the second half of Toyah’s trip of a lifetime! By Toyah Wordworth

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 16

Wing walking with Duchenne: realising a dream

Published 17th January 2013

Ever been tempted to try wing walking? Adam Yuill tells Disability Horizons about his plans to do so so, all from the comfort of his power wheelchair. Hi, my name is Adam and I am 19 years old and have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is a muscle-wasting condition that severely reduces my mobility. Despite my condition, I enjoy life to the full. I am currently studying for a Film Production and Direction diploma at Newbury College and regularly play powerchair football. I have four older brothers and a sister and live with my parents. To remain mobile I use a cutting edge Etac Balder F920 power wheelchair that was kindly donated to me three years ago by the charity Caudwell Children. This power wheelchair allows me to move around freely at home and college, to travel in the car and to move myself into multiple positions for improved comfort and easier transfers.

This freedom also means I hope to soon be able to fulfill a lifelong dream: to wing walk on a aeroplane. In doing so I also hope to raise funds for Caudwell Children and The Muscle Help Foundation, who organised an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London for both my dad and I. This was part of their 2012 Games Inspired Muscle Dreams, a program running experiences for children and adults with Muscular Dystrophy. We had such an amazing time and it was great to meet so many other young people with a similar condition. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I was so lucky to be part of. I am determined to raise money for this charity to say thanks for the opportunity it gave me and to help fellow guys with Muscular Dystrophy. The precursor to my wing walk dream originated from a tandem skydive I did 18 months ago in aid of Caudwell Children. I raised over £1,000 by jumping out of a plane, but I still feel this is not enough and want to do more for the charity. My donated power wheelchair offers such a remarkable improvement to my day-to-day life and I would be simply lost without it. Hence why I want to make sure I raise funds so other disabled people can enjoy a better quality of

life through the ownership of a power wheelchair or be able to experience an unforgettable Muscle Dream. Nevertheless, health and safety issues are preventing me from fulfilling my dream and I am desperate to hear from any aerial acrobatic company who could help me achieve this lifelong ambition.

Away from my ambition to wing walk, I am involved with powerchair football and have played for two years in the Newbury premiership division. I was top goal scorer at Gillingham and then transferred to my current team, the Aston Villa Rockets (cont.)

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Wing walking with Duchenne: realising a dream (cont.) Published 17th January 2013

(…) based in Erdington, Birmingham. My Dad, Tony, is also one of the coaches there and does a fantastic job! He is really keen to see the sport become a Paralympic event, which might become a reality at the 2020 Games as there is currently no competition specifically for power wheelchair users. There are several issues to overcome with this but like me and my dream to wing walk, my Dad will never give up hope! I enjoy my life and never shy away from a challenge. I am determined to reach for the skies and to demonstrate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy does not have to hold you back from realising your dreams. If you can help me realise my wing walk dream, please contact my Dad, Tony Yuill on 01635 41256. By Adam Yuill Have you achieved a lifelong dream you would like to share? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

What we do We're all about changing society for the better, so that disabled people and their families can have the same opportunities as everyone else. We work with disabled people and their families at every stage of their lives. We offer practical support – from information services to education and everyday care. We challenge assumptions about disability, we influence decision makers and we show what can be possible. Everything we do is about creating real and lasting positive change in individual lives and in the world around us. We believe that together we can create a better society.

Help and information We support disabled people and their families through practical information and support, particularly at the time of diagnosis and in a child’s early years. Services for disabled people and their families We offer a range of services for disabled children and adults, which are primarily focused on those with complex support needs. Campaigns We work with disabled people on the issues that are most important to them and aim to raise awareness, change attitudes and influence government policy. Please donate now to support our work. Thank you.

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 18

G’day to accessible New Zealand: part 2

Published 17th January 2013

Earlier in the week we heard from Disability Horizons contributor Toyah Wordworth, who shared her experience of the first part of her epic trip to New Zealand. Find out how she got on for the rest of her holiday, and what her lasting memories of New Zealand are. One of the best things about my trip to New Zealand was that fact that I got to spend my thirtieth birthday out there. We celebrated by going canoeing, and later I had a Mauri massage and a barbeque on the beach. I was a little disappointed though as I was meant to be swimming with dolphins, which I was really looking forward to doing, but the weather was not suitable. I was particularly disappointed as I had the opportunity when we were in Goaand but I had declined, planning on saving this experience for my thirtieth birthday making it really special. Perhaps I shall now have to do it for my fortieth.

The next day we went to an agricultural farm in Katikati, and then made the journey to Rotorua, which is only minutes from the city centre. Here there where geysers of steaming water and beautiful majestic lakes. We then experienced a Mauri village and show where they were showed us what their lifestyle is like.

The following day we visited the Agrodome, a tourist attraction where you can get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s kiwi icons. If you are feeling energetic you can also participate in some of the adventurous activities such as jet boating or zorbing. If you

just want a relaxing time you can look around the streets, soak in the hot pools or make your way around the gardens all in the centre of the town.

There was also the option to visit paradise valley springs were you can interact with a variety of wildlife such as deer, pigs and wallabies. We decided to go to the Huka Falls, which were amazing and one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen. The sheer volume of bright blue clear water that rushes through the small gap is a real feast for the eyes. The river is huge and squeezes through a twenty meter wide gap and shoots out over eight meters. (cont.)

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G’day to accessible New Zealand: part 2 (cont.) Published 17th January 2013

(…) On the last day we visited Hobbiton, which is a movie set and farm tour.

Overall I think New Zealand is a brilliant holiday destination as it has something for everyone, disabled or not. But, most importantly, the accessibility for wheelchair users is brilliant. However, I do not think that my trip wouldn’t have been anyway near as good if I hadn’t gone with Accessible Kiwi Tours. Our personal tour guide Kasteel was excellent, she was very knowledgeable and

experienced but most of all she was great to be around and extremely helpful. By Toyah Wordworth Travelled recently and have some tips to share with Disability Horizons readers? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

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

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Last Night of the Proms: what a sensational evening… Published 21st January 2013

Regular traveller Kate Bennell, who recently told us about her trips to the Greek islands, talks about her experience of attending the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Last year I had the opportunity to go to the Last Night of the Proms, something I had dreamt of doing since I was a teenager. We arrived early so that we could find our places easily and be there as the auditorium filled up. With my white cane and the directions of the staff, who were very helpful, it was easy to navigate our way around the Royal Albert Hall. My work colleague, who arranged the tickets for me, kindly got us great seats so that I could enjoy the concert as much as possible. We were sat just three rows away from the ‘prommers’ (keen Proms enthusiasts) with the orchestra and choir beyond them. Apart

from that we hadn’t made any special arrangements beforehand. There was a simply amazing atmosphere. It was like a huge party and I felt at no disadvantage as a blind person. I was still able to soak up the atmosphere and really enjoy the music. The crowds in the Royal Albert Hall were colossal with people from all over the world attending the concert. There were so many different national flags on view either hanging from the boxes or being waved by the audience. It felt like being surrounded by good friends as everyone was there to appreciate the entertainment. Although it is a large venue, being so packed meant it had a very intimate feel, which I loved. The solo violinist Nicola Benedetti, who had recently won the Young Musician of the Year competition, was wonderful. Her performance of Bruch’s violin concerto nearly brought me to tears. I also really enjoyed the renditions of Granada, and Rodger and Hammerstein’s You’ll Never Walk Alone, sung by the Maltese tenor soloist Joseph Calleja. Hearing the sea shanties (a popular part of Last Night of the Proms) live

was great fun and I enjoyed bobbing up and down to this piece and cheering as the orchestra played it faster and faster. The choir and orchestra were outstanding and seemed to be having as much fun as the audience. I loved hearing the audience join in with balloons that whizzed around amongst the ‘prommers’.

As the music finished, some of the British medal winners from the Olympics came onto the stage wearing their gold medals while the crowd cheered on. This added to another special memory to the evening. At the end of the concert I was very lucky to learn that my uncle, who is a black cab driver in London, was parked just (cont.)

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Last Night of the Proms: what a sensational evening… (cont.) Published 21st January 2013

(…) around the corner from the Royal Albert Hall and waiting to take us back to Victoria. This was a great help as it meant we were ahead of the crowds leaving both the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park. The evening ended on yet another high when a kind guard on the crowded train noticed my white cane and allowed me to sit in the 1st class carriage. It was an evening I will never forget. Find out more about accessibility at the Royal Albert Hall on the website. By Kate Bennell Don’t forget to get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

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. We work with companies in the disability sector who strive to understand their customers needs and communicate to a younger, vibrant disabled consumer. By offering a channel between these companies and disabled people, the right products/services are created, profits and reinvestment achieved and disabled peoples lives improved. Run by a business owner with a disability, we really understand how to bridge the gap and relate to both non-disabled and disabled communities. Our history and industry expertise has its core within the field of disability and social change campaigns.

SMA is part of the “SUNNIER DAYS GROUP”. SUNNIER DAYS’ mission is to become a stepping stone in changing the world on all things disability related. To allow this to happen, we use a practical ‘can-do’ message, online tools, a vibrant community of likeminded people and a platform for peer to peer learning. We have proved (and will keep on proving), time and time again, that… anything is possible!

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 Give us a shout. It might well be the best start you could give to your enterprise for 2013!

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 22

From a stage in Luton to a movie set in LA Published 21st January 2013

Comedian and writer Spike Breakwell, who uses an electric wheelchair, talks to Disability Horizons about his chance to jet off from the comedy stages in Luton to appear in a Hollwood film, Bad Reception. In October 2007 I found myself being driven to one of the outdoor sets of my first Hollywood film Bad Reception. I say ‘my’ as not only was I due to appear in the movie, I was also the executive producer, meaning I was the guy who paid for the film to be made. Sitting in the crew van as it battled the early morning traffic of West Hollywood I tried to work out how this turn of events had come about. I was then a 38-year-old reasonably successful stand-up comedian (oh, okay, a ‘sit-down comedian’, I use an electric wheelchair) from Luton in the UK. I’d met Mark Todd, the director, on a previous film project ages ago, which I’d

written before it had gone belly up and we had had to return the £2.8 million budget. That had hurt and we had despondently agreed that whichever one of us got the chance to make another movie next, the other would help with the financing. Mark had moved to LA in the intervening years and when he called with the news I got my cheque book out immediately. As it transpired, Mark had forgotten the agreement. But no matter, I was in LA making a movie! Turning off the road onto the set, I asked Theo Caeser, another producer, not to tell anyone I was anything other than another actor. I didn’t want any special treatment. He can’t have heard me as some minutes later he announced my arrival in between takes with the words: “People, this is Spike, the money.” We were a couple of days from shooting my scenes still, but it wasn’t long before I found myself being sought out by cast members eager to get advice on how I thought certain things should be delivered on screen. I was nervous about treading on the toes of our director, this role being far more within his realm than mine. But after he assured me this was a good idea, I was soon holding court on all-things-performance in a little nook

between the food tables and the make-up and costume van.

On the eve of my Hollywood acting debut I was sitting in a bar opposite my Burbank hotel with the script learning my lines. Film acting is different to theatre acting in as far as the latter requires acting with the whole body whereas the former tends to (cont.)

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From a stage in Luton to a movie set in LA (cont.) Published 21st January 2013

favour acting from the neck up (unless you’re Bruce Willis in Die Hard, it’s Christmas Eve and it’s all starting to kick off big styleeee!). The character I play in the film, Ziggy Fontaine, is disabled and, I suspect, based on me. He’s described in the script as the “Stephen Hawking of Hollywood!” I couldn’t foresee any major problems with this, but I was still quite nervous. My brother Iain rang to wish me luck and remind me of some advice from Michael Caine: “Just hit your marks, say your lines and for God’s sake look convincing!”

At 6am the next morning (a time unheard of for a comic unless the duvet’s on fire) I, together with my Aussie helper Johnno Taylor, was waiting in the hotel car-park to

be collected by the van to be taken to the set. This was it. It turned out nobody on the production realised quite how heavy my electric wheelchair was as my scenes were to be filmed on the first floor of a recording studio. They realised its weight as they were carrying it up the stairs while I, ensconced on a sofa upstairs, offered words of support: “Don’t worry lads, it’ll be lighter when you put it down up here at the top,” I joked. “Oh Jeez mate, don’t make me laugh! I’ll drop the bloody thing”, a grinning Johnno replied while appearing to have both a heart attack and a rectal prolapse at once. Who says men can’t multi-task? Two hours later and my five minutes of screen time were ‘in the can’, or rather ‘on the computer’. You can judge how I did for yourself by watching the movie, but personally I’m rather proud of my small dip in the showbiz ocean of Hollywood. It’s a world far removed from Luton or stand-up comedy. It’s a world far removed from everywhere and everything in fact. But it is, as I hope I’ve proved, penetrable. I didn’t find being a wheelchair user a barrier.

The only barrier in Hollywood is, possibly, some preconceptions of disability within the minds of certain casting agents which, hopefully, will be countered by my appearance in this movie. As for the future, I have co-written, with fellow screenwriter Lucy Soper, another movie, The Pommie, which is due to enter production soon in Melbourne, Australia. I still do the odd stand-up show in the UK and abroad and am writing a book of comedic supernatural short stories. My advice for any aspiring performers is have a go. You might find you’re rather good at it. You can buy Bad Reception on DVD at www.guvnorfilms.com. By Spike Breakwell Are you a creative writer, comedian or actor? We’d love to hear your story. Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

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Book review: How to dig for the treasure in people without getting buried alive Published 24th January 2013

Disability Horizons contributor Nichola Daunton reviews Caroline McGraws latest book, a self-help style book about caring for someone, as well as caring for yourself. Caroline McGraw’s new e-book Your creed of care: How to dig for the treasure in people without getting buried alive, has been written for carers who support those with intellectual disabilities, and when it comes to this type of work, McGraw has knowledge and experience on her side. Having grown up with a younger brother with autism, McGraw has spent the last five years working at a L’Arche, an organisation that provides support for people with learning difficulties, in Washington DC. The first L’Arche community was set up in France in the freewheeling sixties as a faith-based centre in which people with intellectual disabilities lived side by side to those without. Since these humble beginnings the concept has spread globally and there are

now ten L’Arche communities in the UK alone. McGraw then, knows what it is to be a carer. She knows the sacrifices that must be made, and she understands the gargantuan amounts of love, frustration and energy that are involved. She is more than qualified to write a book for carers and after reading it, it becomes clear that caring for people is something she is passionate about. As a part-time carer myself, I feel that the book itself is not just a book for carers. Written in what can only be described as a very American self-help style, which may prove to be a bit too much for the more cynical British palette, the advice offered by McGraw, while being very pertinent to carers in particular, is also relevant to anyone out there having trouble coping with the stresses of the modern world and an overly packed schedule. At just over sixty pages long, the book is easily digestible for those who find themselves with little free time to sit down and read. Divided into seven chapters, each one raises a problem and then gives the reader some advice on how to overcome it. For example, the first chapter is entitled Denial/Truth and seeks to tackle the common problem faced by carers, parents,

and anyone with too much to do, of failing to take care of number one. The following chapters go on to examine other healthy changes that carers can make to their lives in order to ease the pressure a little bit, including: the importance of asking for help from others: the need to set up healthy boundaries; how to overcome fear of the unknown and let go of those you care for. While some of these points do seem rather simple and self-explanatory at first, it’s remarkable how often we fail to follow them. After all, how many times, whether you are a carer or not, do you actually deal with your problems face on as opposed to keeping your head down and hoping that eventually everything will just work itself out? Sometimes the things that seem simplest on the page can be the hardest to put into practice, a fact McGraw is well aware of. To help her readers along she offers them ample opportunity for reflection by posing questions and even offering space to make notes within the text itself. Despite its length, the book is packed full of thoughts and ideas and it is likely that the more thought you put in, the more you will get out. (cont.)

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Book review: How to dig for the treasure in people without getting buried alive (cont.) Published 24th January 2013

(…) This book may not work for everyone though, personally I would have benefited from a more no-nonsense approach with less emphasis on the words ‘love, peace and humility’. But that’s just me (a dry humoured atheist from the UK, in case you were wondering!). Despite a clash of temperaments however, I did find many of McGraw’s points interesting and could relate them to both my everyday life and my work as a carer. McGraw clearly knows her stuff and it is the moments in which she uses her own knowledge and experience that the book truly comes to life. Indeed, I think it would have benefited from more in-depth explorations of her experiences, but I can understand why she decided to keep it short for her no doubt busy audience. Whether you are a carer or not then, McGraw’s e-book is worth a browse and does offer many pieces of advice, which although they may seem simple at first, are also vital if we are to live healthy, well-balanced lives. You can download McGraw’s e-book for free from her website, A Wish Come Clear. By Nichola Daunton

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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.

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 26

Mexico: accessible or not? Published 24th January 2013

Have you ever wanted to go to Mexico but wondered whether it’s accessible? Read about wheelchair user Laurie Young’s experience of travelling there and the accessible resort in ‘paradise’. My husband Tim is always generous around Christmas time. I have received such things as diamond earrings and designer clothes. But, he really outdid himself in 2008. We went out for a special dinner alone on Christmas Eve at which time he presented me with a card from one of his co-workers. I didn’t pay too much attention to what the card said because I was more interested in the Starbucks gift certificate inside. Tim insisted that I give it a second look and to my surprise it said something to the effect of “enjoy your trip.” I thought this was a little odd because as far as I knew the only trip we would be taking would be back to the office after the holidays. Tim then presented me with a card of his own which included an

itinerary for a trip to Mexico. Like I said, he really outdid himself! Once the excitement wore off, the reality of whether there would be suitable wheelchair access in Mexico became a concern. When my husband booked the vacation package he was told that it included a transfer from the Cancun airport to the resort. Being a little neurotic about such things, I decided to follow-up with the airline to ensure that the shuttle was wheelchair accessible. Sure enough, it was not. The thought of being stuck in the airport for a week did not appeal, so we had to make other plans. The resort that we were booked to stay at was almost an hour away so I reluctantly cancelled the trip because I did not want to be stuck. But, I later received a call from WestJet vacations, the company we were travelling with, the day after I cancelled the trip. The representative advised me that they did not cancel the trip after all because they found wheelchair accessible transportation for me. Not only did they do this, they decided to cover the cost. It was a very merry Christmas indeed!

Getting to Mexico We were booked on a direct flight with

Westjet in Canada. It’d been a long time since I hand flown, so I was nervous about the logistics of getting on the plane. Previously when I had flown I was able to sit at the front, by the aisle and in the bulkhead seat (one that is directly behind the partition separating the classes). Tim usually carries me from outside the plane to my seat.

When we went to check in and had our seats assigned, I was concerned that I was put in the middle seat as opposed to the aisle. Apparently Transport Canada regulations had changed since the last time I’d flown. The row of bulkhead seats are now also considered an emergency exit row and whoever is sitting there has to be physically capable to assist in the event of an emergency. (cont.)

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Mexico: accessible or not? (cont.) Published 24th January 2013

(…) I understood the reasons, but I was unsure whether Tim would be able to safely place me in the seat without hurting the both of us. The pilot came out to discuss this with me and allowed Tim to go in and take a peek to see if we could manage. My ever confident husband gave the thumbs up and we were ready to go. I was particularly impressed with the pilot. He was aware that it would take us additional time to get me settled on the plane and he advised me that he was willing to wait however long it took. Not only was he concerned about my safety, he was also concerned about my dignity. The six-hour flight went by really quickly. I find sitting in an airplane seat is particularly difficult on my back. But, I have learned for future trips to have the seat cushion from my wheelchair on the place making the ride more comfortable. Hola Mexico! With the flight being over, our concern turned to whether my power wheelchair had safely been transported and whether our ride to the resort would be there. As there are stairs leading up to the gate from where the plane landed, they were not able to bring my

power wheelchair directly to me. So I instead had to use an airport wheelchair. No sooner were we out of the terminal when my power wheelchair arrived. This was my first experience with Mexican hospitality as airport staff took us to customs to gather our luggage and then out of the airport to our fully adapted van that was waiting for us. Our ride was booked through Cancun Accessible, who not only provide transportation to and from the airport, also private tours and medical equipment rental. After almost an hour’s ride we had arrived at the Barceló Caribe resort.

Welcome to paradise Upon our arrival we were quickly checked in to our room. The room was very spacious and

had an excellent bathroom with a roll-in shower. We were on the ground floor so we also had a small patio which I could easily wheel onto. With the exception of the spa that had stairs to get in, the rest of the resort was completely accessible. It was very large and consisted of three buildings, which had paved sidewalks all the way around. However, it was difficult accessing the beach with my chair as I would get stuck in the sand. There was plenty to do in at the Resort, including theatre shows on every night. On my first day I discovered that there was a full shopping centre in the resort. Being a shopaholic that was a dream come true! The staff was incredibly friendly and they quickly learned what I liked to drink and always remembered to bring a straw. We never went hungry and the food was delicious. Being on vacation and not eating properly and consuming too much tequila, I came down with a bit of a sore throat. Helpfully the resort had a medical facility and a pharmacy on site. (cont.)

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Mexico: accessible or not? (cont.) Published 24th January 2013

(…) The care was excellent, albeit a little bit expensive, but thankfully I have Blue Cross insurance through work. The absolute best part of our trip was the people that we met. The lobby bar, where we spent our evenings, was always very busy. We had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world including a lady from France who also has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It was great to share our travelling stories.

Despedida Mexico Our wonderful week in Mexico went by way too quickly. We left with new friends and a full suitcase from all of my shopping. The van from Cancun Accessible returned us to the airport in plenty of time. We had over three hours to spend in the airport as we had

checked in early to ensure that I received the seat that I require in the airplane. This gave us an opportunity to explore the Cancun airport, which has an abundance of shopping and dining options. It is also fully wheelchair accessible and has a private family washroom. We enjoyed our trip to Mexico so much that we went back the following year and this Christmas just gone! By Laurie Young Recently been on holiday and would like to share your experience with Disability Horizons’ readers? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

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 HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 29

Disability sport: don’t be afraid to try new things Published 28th January 2013

January isn’t the most popular of months. It signals that time of year when everyone starts their resolutions. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s the perfect opportunity to try new things such as getting motivated by a sport. That’s certainly what I’ve done over the past year, so I thought I’d share how sport has impacted on my life… Since leaving university and continuing studying from home I’ve thrown myself into disability awareness, such as speaking at conferences, writing articles and using other media outlets (being Social Media Executive for Disability Horizons as one example!). The work has been mostly about sharing my experiences and sometimes offering my own slant on different issues. This has opened up many opportunities for me to meet new people and try new things. One thing that always struck me is that it seemed like everywhere I went people were

asking: “Have you ever thought of doing X disability sport?” I’ll be honest, a lot of these I’d never even heard of at the time, so trying one out was very much like going into the unknown. I’ve always been passionate about sport. Growing up in a family that was football crazy and having two older brothers, it would’ve been hard not to be! So you’re probably wondering why I haven’t got into disability sport before? Unfortunately, football always took precedent over everything and as a child; it’s all I wanted to do. Then, as I got older, my cerebral palsy meant I couldn’t participate anymore. I then replaced playing football with supporting Swansea City football team, and to this day I have been a fanatic. However, over the years I definitely missed participating in sports. I’ve always been competitive so I decided that I no longer want to just sit there and do nothing, so I started to take people up on some of these invitations and see what I could achieve. To begin with, one of the main problems for me was getting back into the mindset of playing sport again as opposed to watching

and cheering on the sideline. It’s difficult to explain but I’d had years as a spectator where the pressure was off, but now all of a sudden I had ‘potential’ again, and with so many other sports waiting for me to try I was a little overwhelmed. So I first tried Club Throwing (an athletic event where you literally throw a wooden club!) in Cardiff. I met so many interesting athletes who went on to collect medals at London 2012 (I’ll resist the temptation to name drop). They certainly inspired me to continue to push myself in disability sport. I decided however to focus on something different, Boccia, so I joined the Swansea Boccia Club. Knowing nothing of the sport initially, I was drawn to the fact that it is a game of skills rather than strength. The club has been very welcoming and we definitely have a good mixed group. We certainly have lots of laughs even though it’s very competitive, which is one of the reasons I’ve stuck it out. We’ve also benefited as a group from some fantastic experience and coaching from London 2012 Boccia Silver (Individual) & Bronze (Team) Medallist David Smith. (cont.)

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Disability sport: don’t be afraid to try new things (cont.) Published 28th January 2013

(…) David is a fantastic player and is a great example to anyone looking to get into Boccia (or any sport) of the level of focus and commitment a player needs to compete at the highest levels.

Boccia sometimes gets unfairly labelled as not really a spectator-friendly sport. Countless times when you explain “it’s a lot like bowls,” people instantly get the image of an old man’s game. The reality is, Boccia is for everyone. For me, it’s a game all about skill, as well as inner strength and

concentration, as a lot of the time you spend on court is taken up with trying not to physic yourself out and just focus on your own game. I’ve learnt a lot in the last year or so and I’m constantly trying to improve my own game. I can’t be doing to badly as I was given the Players’ Player of the Year award by the club. In the coming year I’m hoping to be at least on the GB radar for Rio 2016. It’ll be a big task but I’m hoping that what I lack in experience I’ll make up for in enthusiasm for the game and determination. I certainly don’t want to look back with any regrets and to know that I’ve tried everything to reach my goal. At Swansea Boccia club I’m certainly in the best place possible to improve. My message for DH readers this 2013 is simply: always try new experiences. You might not be the sportiest person in the world, but disability sport is a fantastic way to get motivated, get exercising and meeting new people. So get yourself out there! By Mark Phillips You can follow Mark on Twitter, and don’t forget to join in the discussion with his weekly Twitter Takeover on Monday and Thursday.

Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. We want everyone to have the opportunity to achieve the things they want out of life. We work in partnership with people with a learning disability, and all our services support people to live life as they choose. For people with a learning disability Our easy read site is full of videos, information and links about the key issues in your life. Getting the right support Visit our families section for information and advice for parents, carers and family members of someone with a learning disability.

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 31

Top 5 accessible walks in the South East Published 28th January 2013

Looking for a getaway in the UK to shift those January blues? Steph Fairfoul from Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a small independent travel website showcasing bed and breakfasts and guest houses, shares five accessible breaks to start you off on the perfect 2013! The festive period is well and truly over and the days are slowly but surely getting longer, which can only mean one thing; it’s time to re-emerge from our respective hermit caves and start to enjoy the great outdoors! Last summer, we brought you the top 5 accessible walks on the South West Coast of England. This year, we’re going one better and starting a miniseries covering the whole of England. So what better place to start then the South East of England and the stunning Sussex Downs. Getting outdoors in the region is a joy, and with four national trails and more to choose

from crisscrossing through awesome landscape, quintessential English villages and fascinating heritage, it’s fair to say the South East of England has it all. 1. Alice Holt Forest, South Downs near Farnham Forming the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park and once a royal forest, Alice Holt was mainly noted in the 18th century for its oak trees, which were used as materials for the ships for the royal navy. These days it’s a beautiful example of woodland, with easy access trails, plenty of wildlife and boundless conifer trees. The Easy Access Trail is a double looped route that runs for about 1.5 miles (2.5km) and is specifically designed for those with limited mobility. The trail leads through the conifer plantation, then into an area with ancient oak trees and deep into the canopies of the woodland. A sight to look out for is a fallen tree studded with countless woodpecker nests. If you’re with children, the forestry commission have produced an Easy Access Discovery Trail leaflet you can pick up before you start, for fun things to do on your way round. The trail leads straight of the car park, with

disabled parking spaces and toilets, and there are plenty of benches and picnic spots scattered along the route. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, the forest has partnered with CTC to create easy access cycle paths too. You can hire an adapted cycle from Quench Cycles in the forest. For more info, give them a call on 01420 520355 or see more info on the scheme visit the Forestry Commission website’s cycle page. 2. RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, near Lydd in Kent Jutting into the English Channel, Dungeness Nature Reserve is a hive of activity for migrant birds flocking in from the coast. Appearing on first look to be a ravaged and desolate landscape with miles of shingle and gravel pits, it’s hard to believe it has one of the most rich and diverse habitats for almost a third of all UK plants and wildlife. There is a circular trail running for about 2 miles (3km) starting from the visitor centre , which has blue badge parking, disabled access toilets, cafe and binocular hire. The track surface is primarily hard packed shingle, although there are a couple (cont.)

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Top 5 accessible walks in the South East (cont.) Published 28th January 2013

(…) of stretches of grass. There are 6 hides along the route and all are accessible by wheelchair. There is a detailed route map showing view points and gradients on the Forestry Commission website. The trail directs you through a series of hides where you’re certain to see a variety of wildlife. Most watch out for bearded tits in winter and in the summer, lapwings and redshanks. There is an RSPB fact sheet to help with spotting their star species if you’re interested. A brief summary access statement and a full downloadable PDF of the reserve are also on the RSPB website. 3. Chichester Canal Path, Chichester The Canal was opened in the mid 19th century to link Chichester with Portsmouth, but was never commercially viable. However, it has since been a popular trail to follow. A return trip covers approx. 2.7 miles (4.5km) and is a very well surfaced path. The terrain is mainly compacted stone and is almost entirely level asides from one bridge with a gradient of 1:12. A favourite is to start in Hunston and head towards the Canal Wharf, which has a cafe

and disabled access toilets, before heading back. Alternatively, a local favourite is The Spotted Cow Pub in Hunston. It’s a traditional English inn renowned for its takeaway fish and chips. There’s also the opportunity to take an hour long round trip on one of the resident barges from Chichester, The Egremont, which is accessible by wheelchair. Much of the route is exceptionally peaceful and serene and you’d easily forget how close you are to the city. There is a bounty of wildlife to see along the canal, from foxes and deer to kingfishers and moorhens. There’s also a beautiful view of Chichester Cathedral where Turner famously painted the canal in the 1820’s. The canal path is one of 14 easy access walks organised by West Sussex County Council. The full list, with maps and extra info can be found on the website. 4. Dyke Railway trail and Devil’s Dyke trail, West Sussex The Dyke Railway was constructed in the late 1800’s to ferry passengers from Brighton & Hove up to the renowned vantage point of Devil’s Dyke. It closed and remained disused until the eighties but has since been turned into a popular and easy access trail.

Starting out from the car park at Hangleton Way, the trail is primarily hard surface and level with no steps or steep gradients. There are no disabled toilet facilities or refreshment stops, but the path only runs for approx 1.2 miles (2 kms) and has rest spots every 300 metres or so. It’s more than worth it too as views span through the rolling hills, farmland and right down to the sea. To the West, are great views of Benfield Hill Nature Reserve, with its nationally rare chalky grassland. Dependent on how far you want to ramble (and your bladder!) you can continue to follow the railway trail to join onto the Devil’s Dyke Trail. This route is circular and equal in distance and accessibility to the railway trail. There’s a picnic spot, visitor’s centre and disabled toilet facilities within the first kilometre of the trail and numerous vantage points and resting areas along route. For detailed maps of facilities and gradients see the Dyke Railway Trail and Devil’s Dyke Trail accessibility maps. 5. Beachy Head Peace Path, Eastbourne Albeit, not the most strenuous of trails, the Beachy Head Path (cont.)

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Top 5 accessible walks in the South East (cont.) Published 28th January 2013

(…) (click here for an accessible path map) more than makes up for it with its panoramic views out to the English Channel. Sitting proudly on the top of Eastbourne’s downland, Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. Looking East is a stunning view down to Eastbourne beach and harbour and further on to Hastings. On an exceptionally clear day you can see all the way to Dungeness in Kent more than 40 miles away. The peace path is a 750m circular route starting out from the Beachy Head car park with disabled access toilets, parking, visitor centre and the all important pub. The Beachy Head Pub is a traditional rustic inn serving top notch pub grub and local cask ales. Children are more than welcome, with an adventure play area in the pub garden, and the pub restaurant has full disabled access and toilets. Although you won’t have really earned yourself a pint off the back of the peace path trail, the pub is most certainly worth the indulgence! Where to stay… The South East of England has some beautiful

independent accommodation to choose from with varying accessibility. High Ray Barn, situated south of central Farnham with beautiful views across the countryside may suit your needs. The self catering Rose Flat has been awarded by the NAS as suitable for part time wheel chair users. To check your requirements can be met just call Alexine and Warren ahead of booking on 01252 715 589 Summerfield House in Hastings is a real countryside retreat set in several acres of garden and woodland. The accessible Garden Room is a cosy double/twin room with en-suite accessible wet room. Little luxuries like bathrobes and slippers are also provided. Guests rave about the breakfasts so be sure to give it a try. If you’d like to call in advance to check requirements you can get in touch with Liz on 01424 718142. Heath Farm in Lewes is situated on the doorstep of the South Downs surrounded by breathtaking scenery. A working farm, with live stock and beautiful self catering cottages to choose from. There is a virtual tour on the Heath Farm website to check the cottage’s suitability. Robyn and Marilyn have worked in close partnership with the NAS scheme to

ensure the accessibility of their cottages. You can call ahead to speak with them on 01273 890712. Enjoybedandbreakfast.com 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

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

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 34

Navigating through Toronto in a wheelchair Published 31st January 2013

Hi, my name is Rob Wasdell and I’m an ataxic wheelchair user after having a brain tumour removed when I was 18. I’d always travelled quite a bit, and suddenly becoming disabled did not really stop me wanting to go everywhere and see everything. So I wanted to tell you about my latest trip over to Canada’s biggest city, Toronto… After the 8 hour flight to Toronto from the UK, one of the first things I noticed was the tram lines. Like many cities, Toronto has long had an extensive tram network. In Toronto, most major streets, as well as the trams, run east to west, while the buses on the other hand run north to south. The whole city is essentially laid out in a grid-like design, and this can pose quite an irritation to a traveller in the wheelchair. As the tram lines are quite deep, the front castors of a wheelchair could easily be trapped, thus stopping the wheelchair suddenly and leading you to be tipped out

and having to spend the night in a Canadian hospital! Not exactly the ideal way to start off a holiday.

As I was travelling with my father, we came up with a plan to overcame the issue. With him leaning on the back of the chair, the front castors were just off the ground, allowing us to just wheel over the grooves with no problems whatsoever. However, if someone in a manual

wheelchair was travelling on their own, they would have to lift the front of the wheelchair as if to do a wheelie, and just continue to propel themselves forward on the back wheels. Definitely something to bear in mind whichever way you plan on wheeling yourself around Toronto. The good news for people in wheelchairs is there is a vast, and mostly flat, underground network under Toronto that connects every major building in the city. It’s called PATH and is signposted clearly. Some PATH entrances do not have lifts, but you download a map here from the Toronto PATH website so you can plan your journey.

For most people visiting Toronto for the first time, at the top of the ‘must-see’ list are the CN Tower and Niagara Falls. Luckily, both of these attractions are wheelchair accessible. On our first day in Toronto we visited the CN Tower, almost of all of

which is wheelchair-friendly. You have to use the entrance on Bremner Boulevard as this one has no steps and automatic (cont.)

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Navigating through Toronto in a wheelchair (cont.) Published 31st January 2013

(…) doors (you enter from the Rogers Centre sports stadium side, not directly from the street), but that’s the only area where you have to do something separate.

The lifts up the tower feel a bit cramped when there’s half a dozen other tourists, the CN Tower staff member, you and a

wheelchair all crammed in. But accessible it is. It’s certainly worth it as the views are great. It’s even worth the rather hefty admission price of $22-30, which is approximately £13-19, depending on what floor you visit. There are 3 different levels and the highest level, currently called the Sky Pod, is up a flight of stairs. There are a few windows on the lower level you can peer out of, but it’s not really worth an extra $8 in my opinion. Next day, it was off to Niagara. There are several companies that offer return excursions from Toronto to Niagara Falls, which is about 2 to 3 hours by coach. There are companies that have specialised vehicles for people who are totally wheelchair-bound (these have to be pre-booked, so speak to your hotel’s concierge). But these tours tend to costs a bit more, so, as I can walk up steps holding onto a grab rail, I chose the standard tour. It’s quite a long trip down the Gardiner Expressway (the main elevated, highway that goes through the city near the lake’s shore), then the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way, which is the highway that connects Toronto to Niagara). Be aware that toilets on coaches probably aren’t accessible. The tours all tend to follow a similar pattern:

Niagara Falls then either the Niagara River rapids and whirlpool (a cable car there takes you over the river, then back) or a small town called Niagara-on-the-Lake. Both with tours include a quick stop in Queenston Heights for the view over the Niagara River. All the tours also include a short trip on the Maid of the Mist, the classic (albeit touristy) ‘must-do’ boat trip in Niagara. It takes you near the bottom of the falls where (cont.)

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Navigating through Toronto in a wheelchair (cont.) Published 31st January 2013

(…) you get wet (and I mean very wet) and then heads straight back to the dock. That’s it, but you have to do it. Be aware though, although the boat is accessible, the ramps down from street-level to the boat are rather steep. My father and I had to struggle to stop the wheelchair from rolling down, and the short ramps at the bottom onto the actual boat are even steeper still. Back in the city, we also visited the Royal Ontario Museum (normally called ROM for short). It’s totally accessible; I couldn’t find anything inaccessible. The toilets are a bit strange in Canada. There are no specific ‘disabled’ toilets, wheelchair users instead use the same male or female toilets where one of the stalls is double-width with grab rails. In my book, this is admirable for it’s inclusiveness. But it does take some getting used to, particularly learning to manoeuvre in, parallel park by the toilet, then use the grab-rails to side-step). On the last day we took a trip over to the islands in Lake Ontario for a great view of the city. The ferries are wheelchair accessible, and have a large ramp much like the car ferries in Scotland that run between the smaller isles.

The view is well worth the trip. After that, I spent the last afternoon at a (again, wonderfully accessible) football (well, Canadian football) match at the Rogers Center (next to the CN Tower, and just down the road from the ferry terminal). So, in my view, Canada is well worth the trip, although a little forward planning never goes amiss. By Rob Wasdell Let us know about your travel experiences by emailing us at [email protected], tweeting us @DHorizons, or letting us know though Facebook.

TREKINETIC's K-2 ALL TERRAIN offers a revolutionary departure from conventional manual wheelchairs. It is front wheel driven with a singular rear trailing castor for excellent stability and ability to negotiate uneven (off road) terrain. The seat is of carbon fibre, offering excellent comfort and support. Folding or unfolding by an able bodied person takes about 8 seconds. Weather equipment is in the form of an attachable automatic umbrella, which is stored discreetly on the back of the chair when not in use. No more embarrassing plastic macs!

DISABILITY HORIZONS: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 37

The Last Leg: what do you think? Published 31st January 2013

Have you been watching The Last Leg? Regular Disability Horizons contributor Sarah Ismail tells us her thoughts on the show and how it may be playing a part in the Paralympic legacy. During Channel 4’s coverage of the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, the comedy program The Last Leg, a hilarious highlights show, aired each night at the end of the day’s sports coverage. By the way, its two disabled presenters, Adam Hills and Alex Brooker, are amputees who have one leg each. The third presenter, Josh Widdecombe, is not disabled. Disabled people loved The Last Leg in its original format. However, once the Paralympic Games ended, there seemed to be no need for it to return. Like the Games itself, it soon became all but a treasured (and extremely funny) memory. So I was thrilled last week to discover that it was returning on Friday nights at 9.30pm

with the same presenting team. But, readers, before I watched it, I thought the new version of The Last Leg was going to be a round-up discussion of the week’s big disability stories. I was expecting something like the BBC’s This Week, but with disability news, disability-related one-liners and disabled studio guests. Why was I expecting all this? Well, simply because Adam Hills and Alex Brooker just happen to be missing a leg each. Yes readers, I, a disabled person, am guilty as charged. I fell into a mainstream trap. Because, of course, no one but no one in their right minds would ever let two disabled presenters loose on national television to talk about anything that wasn’t related to disability in some way. Right? Wrong Sarah. So very, very wrong. I sat and watched in wonder as these three witty presenters brought their usual brand of fun, friendship and laughter to my screen. However, in this new series of the show, they are discussing the mainstream news stories of last week – horse meat in burgers and Prince Harry’s recent return from Afghanistan – not disability-related soundbites. The strongest connection it had with disability was when they read out a tweet from

disability rights campaigner Sue Marsh asking whether or not the program was still going to be disability related! As a journalist who specialises in disability news, I would personally have found the revamped The Last Leg that I was expecting very interesting and useful. However, when I turned off my TV on Friday night, I sat back and thought about what I had just spent half an hour watching. And very soon I realised I was thrilled that Channel 4 had let two disabled people loose on my screen to discuss things that had no connection whatsoever to disability. Because, first and foremost, I am a disabled person who would love to see full inclusion of disabled people in the media, as well as all other areas of society. I thank Channel 4 for bringing The Last Leg back to my TV screen. It really and truly is new and improved. The program’s theme tune, carried over from the original, says: “Thank you for letting us be ourselves.” With this new series Channel 4 have allowed Adam Hills and Alex Brooker to be themselves; two talented and hilarious TV presenters (cont.)

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The Last Leg: what do you think? (cont.) Published 31st January 2013

(…) who are fully qualified to discuss anything they like without making any secret of the fact that they each wear a prosthetic leg. This program, readers, is the Paralympic legacy in action. You can catch up on the first episode of The Last Leg on 4OD. By Sarah Ismail Have you been watching The Last Leg? We’d love to know what you think of it and whether it’s part of the Paralympic legacy. Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected], messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons.

A charity that strives to create a more positive image of disabled people in our society. Diversability supports individuals who are aiming to create attitude change through their own efforts. The charity’s ultimate goal is one day for the word diversability to eventually replace disability in common speech, and for “diversability” to enter the Oxford English Dictionary.

People with different disabilities, each with different challenges, all share the ability to find solutions to the obstacles, big & small, that they face each day. Contrary to the prevailing stereotypes, the disabled are in fact diversely able. This is diversability. Diversability has three roles: 1 - To provide funds & logistical support for individuals who are aiming to create more positive perceptions of people with disabilities.

2 - To instigate perception-changing campaigns of its own that crystalise and strengthen the meaning of diversability. 3 - To support products & services that directly create a more accurate, less stereotypical portrayal of disabled people, and enable them to live more fulfilling lives.

Max’s fitness regime (using a reclining exercise cycle) led him to the idea of the Everything Is Possible In Life Cycle – a 730 mile-long campaign, riding a recumbent trike, from Aberdeen to London. He did this in 2009, repeating the ride in July 2010. His aim was to lead by example – to meet the public and show as many others as possible what can be done, even when the odds are stacked against you.

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News round-up: week ending 11th January Published 16th January 2013

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

The head of the Motability car scheme has admitted his organisation has made no attempt to persuade the government to soften its disability living allowance cuts and reforms.

A report has given new weight to concerns that the rapid spread of “academy” schools is undermining the inclusion of disabled children in mainstream education.

A disabled peer has warned that government plans to scrap a vital piece of legislation would leave the Equality and Human Rights Commission less able to uncover scandalous violations of rights and equality.

Campaigners have secured a high court injunction that has – temporarily – prevented a seriously-ill disabled man from being returned to prison.

The Department for Work and Pensions has refused to admit that it plans to tighten eligibility for support for people with the highest mobility needs, despite proof in its own documents.

The government has admitted that households which include disabled people are more likely to be affected by its decision to restrict most benefits to below-inflation increases.

The Department for Work and Pensions has refused to say how many disabled people who took part in a major public consultation were opposed to its decision to close the Independent Living Fund.

The government has refused to explain why it has still not appointed six new commissioners to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

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

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

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News round-up: week ending 18th January Published 23rd January 2013

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

The country’s most influential disabled people’s organisation has insisted that its survival is not at risk, despite being forced to make several staff redundant, including one of its most high-profile campaigning voices.

Major new changes to the government’s “fitness for work” test could breach the Human Rights Act and see many more disabled people losing the support they need, say leading campaigners and lawyers.

A disabled activist has accused the government of a “cynical attempt” to hide its intention to tighten eligibility for support for people with the highest mobility needs.

The government has “blood on its hands” from the deaths of disabled people caused by its “fitness for work” test, a minister has been told during the angriest and most outspoken parliamentary debate yet on the much-criticised assessment.

Protesters took part in a vigil outside the Royal Courts of Justice this week as they awaited a ruling in a case that could force the government to improve its much-criticised “fitness for work” test.

A disabled peer has told a minister that her government’s cuts and reforms have “emasculated” the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The government has appointed one of Britain’s most-successful Paralympians to be the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s new disability commissioner.

Disabled people with the highest support needs will lose 19 times more than the average person as a result of “devastating” government cuts to services and benefits, according to a new report.

The system set up to give service-users their own social care budgets is wasting hundreds of millions of pounds a year on bureaucracy, despite having no impact on people’s well-being and independence, according to new research.

The author of a government report on disability employment has welcomed an extension of the Access to Work scheme to some disabled entrepreneurs, but has called for funding to be extended even further.

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

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

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News round-up: week ending 25th January Published 31st January 2013

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 disabled campaigners have welcomed Labour’s plans for “full integration” between the NHS and the social care system, but have raised concerns about putting the NHS in charge.

A review by the government’s “high street tsar”, Mary Portas, has made it even harder to secure access improvements to local shops for disabled people, according to a leading access consultant.

A minister has refused to admit that her government has tightened eligibility for support for people with the highest mobility needs, even though her own department’s figures prove that it has.

A new project could improve augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services “for a generation”, by taking advantage of the government’s major reforms of the NHS, according to a prominent disabled activist.

New figures show for the first time that a majority of new claimants of out-of-work disability benefits are – eventually – found not “fit for work”.

New documents published by Disability Rights UK have raised fresh concerns about its financial position, following last week’s announcement of redundancies.

A minister has revealed which individuals and organisations were given free government tickets to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics.

A benefits bill that will see disabled people in 3.4 million households across Britain lose out looks certain to become law.

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

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: NEWSLETTER - February 2013, Page 42

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 about to commence 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.

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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.

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