Disability now. February 1992.

24 Pages·1992·13.5 MB·English

by  The Spastics Society

FEBRUARY 1992 85p
Under 5s in benefits row
This month
The Government has rejected appeals from parents of
EUROPE
children with severe disabilities to reform the new Dis-
Italian disabled drivers
fight back ability Living Allowance (DLA).
8 From April, Attendance family with a disabled child
MOTORING Allowance and Mobility under five are the same as a
The new Fiesta Courier Allowance combine to form the family with a child over five, it
conversion DLA. is unfair to make a distinction.”
9 But the new benefit includes Marilyn Howard of the
CAREERS TALK the same age bar as the old Royal Association for Disability
Journalism investigated Mobility Allowance, so under and Rehabilitation (RADAR),
5s will not qualify for its which supported the lobby,
11-13
mobility component. said: “It would only cost the
RELATIONSHIPS
Love, sex and the Last month a delegation of Government £35m to remove
whole damned St parents from the Dearne the age bar completely.”
Valentine’s thing branch of the Child Poverty Michael Meacher, Labour
Action Group urged Anne social security spokesman, said
14-15
Widdecombe, the Parliamen- his party would lower the age
ARTS
tary under Secretary of State bar to three.
Afraid of the Dark, the
Attraction, videos and tv for Social Security, to remove Sally Witcher of Disability
the age bar. Alliance said: “The Govern-
16 Ms Widdecombe sympa- ment’s claims that all under
PERSON TO PERSON
thised with the parents’ prob- fives have mobility problems is
True love finds a way
lems, but insisted that five was ludicrous. A trained medical
Profile: Mo Amin
the right age to start assessing examiner would know whether
17 children’s mobility needs, a child’s inability to walk arises
LIVING because children under five from natural infancy or severe
Clothing workshops
were not independently mobile. disability.
in crisis
Andy Kershaw of Dearne “Two years ago the Govern-
18 CPAG said: “We are obviously ment removed a similar age bar
CHECKOUT disappointed because unless for children applying for Atten-
The low-down on locks this rule is changed 25,000 dance Allowance, so why main-
20-23 children will miss out on this tain this ridiculous age
ae ORES
CLASSIFIEDS Trip lets Rachel, R obe r t and Steven Jow with father Philip benefit, but we fight on. discrimination for a new bene-
arrive outside Parliament in January. TIM RUSSELL “As the mobility costs for a fit?”
RADAR/DLF Peto comes here
" My wife and | go
everywhere together - merger in The Peto Institute, which three weeks to three months.
pioneered conductive edu- The charge will be £70 a day
she’s the most important cation for children with for the assessment and follow-
cerebral palsy, is coming to up programme. Further backup
person in my life..." trouble the UK. Children will no in the form of three-week sum-
longer have to travel to mer schools are planned. In
Hungary for assessment. 1992 there will be two schools
Some will be able to get which will help 150 children.
Merger plans between the treatment here as well.
Royal Association for Dis- In partnership with The
ability and Rehabiliation Spastics Society, the Peto
(RADAR) and the Disabled Institute is opening its first
Living Foundation (DLF) branch, in London, on 17
are hanging by a _ thread February.
after a shock decision by The Peto Andras Centre for
RADAR’s_ executive com- Conductive Education (UK)
mittee before Christmas. will offer assessments and work
Eighteen months of careful programmes using two teams
preparation ground to a halt of conductors from Hungary
" that’s why we
when the committee vetoed its headed by a visiting director. Bc ZA
Da Maria Hari and Society
chose Chairman." chairman’s recommendation of Families from all over the chairman Anthony Hewson
Peter Cardy as director of the UK and Eire are eligible. They
ANNA TULLY
new organisation. will be able to spend a day at
Call Free on 0800 220878 Mr Cardy, at present direc- The Spastics Society’s Fitzroy Parents and pre-school chil-
or Telephone [phone] tor of the Motor Neurone Dis- Square centre, where the child dren can also join Schools for
ease Association, was the will be assessed and the parents Parents, to learn the basics of
GOWRINGS MOBILITY unanimous choice of a panel given advice and help with a conductive education together.
which included RADAR’s work programme. Some already exist, and by
Freepost RG490, Newbury, Berks. RGI3 1BR chairman Dr Adrian Stokes While some children may be April there will be ten. The
and DLF chairman Tom Jack- referred to Budapest, others target is 100 nationwide in six
erences
son. He beat off six other can- will return to the centre for years’ time.
WE'RE M didates, three of whom were intensive work, supported by To support the new centre
Continued on page 3 parents at home, lasting from Continued on page 3
|
.
\
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Workshops at war
|
Clothing workshops which tai- The Government says it.
lor-make garments for disabled must look at the “broader con-
people have come out fighting text” of providing clothing for
following the Government’s disabled people and has no
refusal to grant them emer- legal framework through which
gency funding. to fund workshops.
Their numbers have fallen But Philip Porter, chairper-
from 20 in 1988 to nine today son of the National Association
following the loss of Commu- of Clothing Workshops insists”
nity Programme grants (DN, the Government should step in
December 1991). with cash now.
After MPs highlighted the The campaign involves;
crisis in March 1990, the open days at workshops, to
Department of Health asked which all local MPs will be
the independent Social Policy invited; Mansfield Labour MP
Research Unit to investigate. Alan Meale tabling an adjourn-
Published in November, the ment debate; the publication of
SPRU report called workshops the Association’s response to
“a vital resource for disabled the SPRU report; and the lob-
people” and warned: “Financial bying of MPs at Westminster.
help is a matter of urgency if
[they] are to survive”. See page 17.
Pat Stothard from Colwyn Bay, has asked PM John Major for help in getting an indoor-out- Blackpool’s finest
door electric wheelchair. Mrs Stothard, a member of Campaign for Handicapped Indepen-
dence in Propelled Seats, was told by the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre in Wrexham
she couldn’t have one because her family was strong enough to push her conventional chair.
TV company signs on Paula Marie Gould, 21, from
A UNIQUE SERVICE! Blackpool, has become one of
Lin Berwick, DJN's tele- only 33 people out of 900,000
Britain’s first independent tele- It will also feature major phone counsellor, herself in the UK and Eire to win a
vision production company run news items with sign language disabled, can give other Royal Society of Arts medal for
by deaf people is to have a star- and subtitles, programmes disabled people and their “outstanding achievement”.
ring role in a new tv pro- shown previously without sub- carers advice and support Ms Gould (right), who is
gramme for deaf people. titles or sign language, pro- on personal and spiritual disabled, won a bronze medal
Sign On from Tyne Tees grammes made for deaf viewers problems. Talk to her on for computer literacy and infor-
Television will feature regular in other countries (mainly Monday afternoons, lpm- mation technology.
items from Deaf Owl Produc- European), a “people’s pro- 5pm and Thursdays 6pm- She was nominated by staff
tions when the new 30 week gramme” where viewers. can 10pm. Her telephone at Beneast Training Centre,
series of half-hour programmes have their say, and an arts and number is (04024) 77582. where she has been studying started an administrative job at
starts on 28 March at 9.30am. entertainment guide. computing, and has. now Blackpool town hall.
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DisabilityN.ow February:1992
NEWS 3
Benefits on Union
the BBC
crisis
~The Department of Social
Security is breaking new
‘ground in its efforts to encour- A financial crisis is forcing
age take-up of the new Disabil- Britain’s only trade union for
ity Living Allowance (DLA) disabled people to cut costs and
-and the Disability Working increase contributions.
Allowance (DWA) by going The 2,800 member National
into partnership with the BBC. League of the Blind and Dis-
From 21 January for 12 abled (NLBD) has a £4,500
weeks, video owners will be deficit. The difficulties have
able to record programmes been caused by an £11,000
explaining the new benefits. drop in donations from other
The 15 minute-programmes go trade unions over the past year.
out on Tuesday at 2am on The NLBD needs to raise
BBCI, with repeats at the same £40,000 this year to survive. It
time on Wednesday, Thursday will reduce running costs by
and Friday. The Friday show shortening executive council
will be signed and subtitled. meetings and developing a cen-
The DSS paid £200,000 tral accountancy system for the
production costs, but the BBC, union. Contributions have
treating the programmes as into British Sign Language from English using video technology. FRANK BARRETT increased by 15p per week.
public service broadcasting, NLBD president Bill
Doubts over reading scheme
made no profit. McCready said they had con-
Chris Davies, DNs TV sidered merging or dissolving
critic, was disappointed that the union. “We are determined
the presenter was not disabled. The British Dyslexia Associa- Zealand, will provide primary but we do not believe the new to keep going as an indepen-
He also wondered if the esti- tion (BDA) says the Govern- school children having diffi- programme will be the answer dent trade union.
mated 70 per cent of homes ment’s new “reading recovery culty in learning to read and to all children’s problems. “It’s up to all of us to do
with videos was echoed in the programme” will falter unless write with one-to-one tuition. Teachers must adapt _ their whatever we can, in any way
disability community. more teachers are trained in A BDA spokesperson said: lessons to the needs of each possible, to ensure survival. If
how to help dyslexic children. “We are glad the Government individual and be made more we fail, the consequences for
For a free series information The programme, based on a is talking about the need for an aware of the problems faced by disabled people will be both
pack, tel: [phone]. scheme pioneered in New improved reading programme, dyslexic children.” tragic and widespread.”
Peto comes to UK For an assessment application Merger in trouble Job appointments were put sation.” The DLF has a run-
Continued from page 1 form, contact the Cerebral Palsy Continued from page 1 off to “a later date”. RADAR ning deficit of £150,000.
Helpline tel: [phone]. To members, who have yet to vote Though still committed to a
and these other projects, The make a credit card donation, tel: disabled, including RADAR’s on the issue, were to be con- merger, the DLF is now saying
071 323 3551, or send cheques to
Spastics Society is launching a director, Bert Massie. sulted at three meetings at the it must be within “a reasonable
Partnership Peto Appeal, 12 Park
£2.9m Partnership Peto appeal. On 2 January, RADAR’s end of January. time scale”. A January meeting
Crescent, London WIN 4EQ.
Visiting the UK in January executive committee sent a While there was some relief of the joint steering group was
to sign the agreement, Peto DisabilitNyow statement to 500 member among RADAR staff that the postponed pending more talks
director Dr Maria Hari said: groups saying “the timetable to move might not happen, staff between the chairmen.
“We chose Britain because of achieve formal merger was too and management at the DLF Some say RADAR’s sudden
our long- term connection with Published by ambitious” and “the consulta- were shocked and dismayed. decision was prompted by
The Spastics Society. We have The Spastics Society, tion and _ planning period DLF director Paul Brearley pique because the new director
wanted to have a British branch 12 Park Crescent should be extended with a view was “very disappointed. “Both would not be Bert Massie.
from the start, and now The London W1AN 4EQ. to a merger still taking place in governing bodies agreed in Others, including Paul
Spastics Society has made this Tel: [phone]. 1992.” principle to merge nine months Brearley, do not think the issue
possible. Editor Mary Wilkinson A sub-committee, headed by ago. We’ve hardly been rushing was disability: rather, the exec-
Assistant Editor
“The new branch will com- committee member Sir Peter into it.” utive committee needed to be
plement that of the Peto Insti- Alison Rowat Baldwin, was appointed to look The DLF plans centred on 1 more involved with planning
Reporter
tute in Budapest and _ the at merger plans, including the April. “Where the delay affects than they had been.
Rebecca Reynolds
Birmingham Institute, which proposed April move to the us most is fundraising. We’ve Mr Cardy has not withdrawn
Editorial/Production
we have worked with closely.” Assistant DLF building in West Lon- marked time in relation to that. his application. Dr Stokes, who
She confirmed the new Catherine Frame don, provided the two organi- We would be launching new resigned and then returned, did
International Peto Institute in Secretary sations could remain separate. fundraising for the new organi- not return DN’s calls.
Budapest, to which the Gov- Tracy Scollin
ernment has given {£5m, will Subscriptions
open in 1993, not 1994. Manager Gayle Mooney THE VERSATILITY OF THE HORACEK
But no more national Assistant Karen King
BUGGY IS AVAILABLE IN THE UK.
branches are planned, because Tel: [phone]
she believes training is the key Advertising
Horacek is a range of superbly versatile rehab buggies from
to conductive education. Richard Gresham,
Germany. They come with a host of accessories so that each
Chairman of The Spastics Kingslea Press Ltd., buggy can be customised to suit the individual child, whatever
Society Anthony Hewson is 12 Dock Offices, their handicap or disability.
delighted about the partner- Surrey Quays Road, e |deal for children between the ages of 1 and 10.
ship: “The new centre will London SE16 2XU. Lightweight, compact, highly manoeuverable and easily folded.
Tel: [phone]. ¢ 2 models in a variety of options.
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Printed by Cherwell To find out more about the versatility of a Horacek buggy, contact
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Valley Lithographic Booster using the coupon below
will reduce the pressure on Printers, Banbury, Oxon (postage is free). Or call us horacek
them by providing services on the following number.
and Challenge Print
which up till now have only
Management.
been available in Budapest.”
Tel: [phone].
Director of Operations ISSN 0958-4676
Robert Hancock said he
The views expressed in
expected the London branch to
Disability Now are not
do at least eight assessments Please send me full details of the Horacek buggy, plus the name of my local dealer.
necessarily those of The
and 16 follow-ups a_ week. NAME (mp, MRS, MISS) ORGANISATION
Spastics Society.
Although he expects a lot of ©Co1p9y9ri2g htT he _LABCI ADDRESS
interest from families “we think POSTCODE TEL
we will cope with the vast Spastics Society ““"™"™ FREEPOST this coupon to: Booster, FREEPOST HF 2238, Huddersfield HD3 3LE.
majority of children.”
‘Disability Now February 1992
ing, of course, people with a dents are not included so far. House point
background in education”. Peers had feared that when IN BRIEF
The point was made by Lord funding councils were told to * An injustice to people with
Cavendish of Furness, Educa- avoid providing education learning difficulties = was
tion Department spokesman in involving “disproportionate righted at the beginning of
the Lords, replying to various expenditure”, they might inter- the year when the new Crim- More money
amendments put forward by pret that to include expensive inal Procedure (Insanity and Home Improvement Agencies
IN PARLIAMENT Baroness Darcy de Knayth equipment or support needed Unfitness to Plead Act) (HIAs), which help elderly and
(Ind) on 14 January. by disabled students. became law. Previously, if disabled people repair and
To meet all-party concerns Government minister Lord someone was unfit to plead adapt their homes, will receive
Government concessions raised at the Bill’s committee Belstead said the Education they could not be sent for a 28 per cent increase in their
on Education Bill stage, the Government is plan- Secretary would spell out the trial; they were automatically budgets on 1 April.
Government amendments to ning to “issue guidance” (less -position to councils. “There committed to hospital indefi- Environment Minister Tim
the Further and Higher Educa- need be no fear that such guid- nitely, whether they had Yeo anounced last month that
tion Bill now at report stage in ance would be ineffective or committed the offence or not. the HIAs allocation for 1992/3
the House of Lords, have been would not be attended to.” The same thing happened if would rise from £3.04 million
welcomed by a national consor- The Government also plans they were found not guilty by to £3.9 million.
tium of disability organisations to issue guidance to funding reason of insanity. Now the Janie Casey, director of Care
which is lobbying for students councils and local education court must determine if the and Repair, the national coordi-
with disabilities. authorities to make sure accused did commit the nating body for HIAs, said:
The amendments are all to “assessment is given proper crime. Sf they did, ,o r ya “We are delighted with the
do with the responsibilities of priority in further education,” defence of not guilty by rea- increase. It means an additional
the new further education and said Lord Cavendish. son of insanity is accepted, 18 agencies will be funded”.
higher education funding coun- Baroness David (Lab) had the Court has five options
cils, who will take over funding wanted it to be a requirement. open to it, from detention in Employment action
control from local authorities. “Nothing is argued except that a psychiatric hospital down to Action for Blind People is
The Government will the process used in schools an absolute discharge. launching two new _ projects
require the councils to provide should simply be extended,” aimed at getting blind and par-
for students with learning diffi- Baroness Darcy de Knayth she explained. seemed inadequate and wanted tially sighted people into jobs.
culties up to age 25. Previously But Lord Cavendish thought funding “based upon a clear The six month “Employ-
it was 19. strong than “requirement”) on assessment was already implicit process of diagnosis and assess- ment Action” scheme will give
A new condition of the Goy- several matters. in the Bill. He assured peers ment of real need”. 15-20 people work experience
ernment’s grant to the funding While full-time students that “this is not a guidance that An amendment to secure in office work, such as account-
councils will be that they must with disabilities up to age 25 they will ignore”. funding for support services in ing or public relations. It pays
seek specialist advice about the will get free transport within Baroness David was disap- further education colleges was £10 a week on top of social
needs of students with learning the Bill, the Government will ‘pointed. She noted that the security benefits.
withdrawn after Lord Belstead
difficulties if no member has issue guidance to local educa- Association of Principals of The other scheme comprises
said it was covered in the Bill.
that knowledge. The same tion authorities to ensure they Sixth Form Colleges thought two 16-week “pre-work train-
Some amendments put for-
would apply for quality assess- provide it too. Part-time stu- the special needs provision ing” courses for 15-20 people
ward were turned down. For
ment committees.
in London, where you learn
example, Baroness Darcy’s
This does not go as far as
Quotes of the month job-hunting skills and acquire
attempt to make further educa-
consortium members like Skill
work experience. People on this
(National Bureau for Students “T do not see why it should always be necessary to go to lawyers tion funding councils responsi-
course get benefits only.
with Disabilities) or the RNIB to find out what an Act of Parliament means, especially an Act of ble for providing free courses
At the end of both schemes,
would like: they want councils this kind.” Lord Henderson of Brompton (Ind) on the Further and in daily living or communica-
Action for Blind People will
to definitely include a special Higher Education Bill, 14 January. tion, eg braille, was opposed by
help candidates find a job.
Lord Cavendish. It made better
needs expert.
“the Secretary of State, having commended the measures to us as sense administratively and edu-
But the Government thinks
For places, contact Rachel Tripp
not only decent but even generous, would be horror stricken if cationally for LEAs to keep the
this is covered in the Bill
quickly, tel: [phone].
because the Education Secre- he, or any members of his immediate family or any of his hon- responsibility, he said. But he
tary is required “to have regard ourable friends who will be supporting him, had to live on the left the door open for a possible Telethon action
to the desirability of appointing benefit standard of living he enthuses about.” Shadow Social change in the future.
The disability movement in
members of the councils from a Security spokesman Michael Meacher, regulations debate, December. The debate was adjourned. London is set to benefit from
Mary Wilkinson
range of backgrounds, includ-
ITV Telethon money.
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Disability Now February 1992
BREAKTHROUGHS 5
commented: “Although it is too NAC mops up chemicals in
soon to evaluate the treatment the nuclei of cells which dam-
for such a long-term condition, age DNA, and stops them from
the initial results are promising. causing changes that lead to
“But it must be stressed that cancer.
Doctors are testing a new treat- this is not a miracle cure,” she If researchers can prove the
ment for multiple sclerosis added. condition can be prevented in
(MS). this way, the result could be a
In people who have MS, Signing on daily pill that would cut the
white cells in the immune sys- risk of lung cancer in heavy
tem “turn against” nerve cells the screen smokers.
to produce symptoms such as
speech problems, unsteady gait
and weakness in limbs. More people will get the
Researchers from the Oregon chance to learn British Sign
VA Medical Centre in America Language following the launch
hope the new treatment will of a new video-computer sys-
turn off the part of the immune tem this month.
system that causes MS and The British Sign Language
leave the rest of the defence Tutor, designed by Attica Scientists from Britain,
system intact. Cybernetics, lets people prac- France, Belgium, Holland,
tise without the constant Italy, and Spain are studying
supervision of tutors, who are 2,000 patients who have had
in short supply. smoking related cancers of the
With the system, which will head and neck and been cured
cost around £5,000, students by surgery.
are played a series of tutorials This group has the highest
on video which have been Attica Cybernetics’ Mike Lloyd “talks back” to the screen. risk of developing a second
PATRICK BAGLEE
devised by the Bristol Univer- tumour unrelated to the first.
Patients are injected with a sity Centre for Deaf Studies. the hands or face. Lung cancer Of every 100 patients, ten to 15
vaccine which enables the body Each tutorial covers words Peter Furrer of Attica men will develop a _ second
to identify the “bad” white and phrases students will have Cybernetics, which developed vitamin link tumour within four years.
cells, called T-cells which dam- learnt in class. Once each les- the system with the Employ- Professor Gordon McKie,
age the myelin sheaths that son is completed, the student ment Department, said: “This director of the Cancer Research
protect nerves. films themselves practising the system’s great advantage is that European scientists _ believe Campaign, which is funding
The injection then causes the signs with a video camera. it enables students to work vitamin A and the drug N- the British research, said he
body to manufacture more By splitting the screen and unaided at their own pace. This acetylaysteine (NAC) may help hoped the study would halve
“good” T-cells and antibodies replaying the film of the stu- is a real breakthrough because prevent lung cancer. the rate of second tumours in
to attack the “bad” cells. dent signing alongside a video it means teachers, who are in They believe Vitamin A this group.
Oregon Health Science Uni- of their tutor, the system very short supply, will be able helps cells that have been “If it did, this would be a
versity has been testing the makes it easy for people to spot to spend more time with other affected by carcinogenic chemi- breakthrough of immense
vaccine on 11 patients since last their mistakes. It also lets stu- students”. cals, and have stopped growing importance,” he said.
February. dents study particular aspects normally, to continue their The first results of the study
Researcher Dr Halina Offner of a tutorial by zooming in on Tel: (0865) 791346. development. are expected next year.
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DisabilityNo.w February 1992
6 NEWS
Snowdon inspires cheap hearing aid Now it’s
Lord Brian
£400 cheaper than rival hearing
Lord Snowdon’s determination
aids.
to provide partially deaf people
with a cheaper aid has led to Lord Snowdon first thought Brian Rix, chairman of the
the development of a new of it after watching deaf chil- Royal Society for Mentally
dren use a radio-microphone Handicapped Children and
infra-red hearing device.
The peer has been the driv- system to help them hear in Adults (MENCAP), became a
ing force behind the Link TL, class. baron in the New Year’s
which helps partially deaf peo- “The device is not discreet, honours list. The former actor,
ple hear in noisy places, like it does make it obvious that who was knighted for his
offices, pubs, and schools by someone is hard of hearing, but charity work in 1986, will
improving the clarity of the it enables you to hear clearly in become Lord Rix of Whitehall.
speaker’s voice and reducing crowded places where partially “Tm delighted at the
background noise. deaf people traditionally have opportunity of going into the
It uses infra-red rays to send the greatest problems.” House of Lords. It will give me
signals from a small battery- Connevans managing direc- much more opportunity to
powered transmitter (worn by tor David Evans said: “The lobby on behalf of mentally
the speaker) to a receiver (worn Link is the first infra-red handicapped people,” he said.
by the hard of hearing person), device that has a social, rather Ivor Cohen, chairman of
which is connected to a hearing than educational, use. Lord Remploy, and MP John
aid or headphones. Snowdon provided the motiva- Hannam, secretary of the All
It is not the first infra-red tion and we have done the Party Disablement Group,
hearing device on the market, development.” became Knights Bachelor.
but at £300 it is the cheapest. A spokesman for The Royal
“A lot of devices on the mar- Institute for the Deaf said: “We
ket are far too expensive and are delighted with the Link
many manufacturers make system and welcome the inter-
unrealistic claims about them,” est shown by Lord Snowdon
said Lord Snowdon. “In con- and his determination to make
trast, the Link is both cheap the device cheaper than its
and very effective.” rivals.”
The Link is less than half
the price of similar German Connevans Lid, tel: (0737)
infra-red devices and £300- Lord Snowdon: “A lot of devices are too expensive”. 243134
New education magazine
Abortion anniversary
Lord Rix of Whitehall
OBEs went to John Edwards,
The Royal National Institute The RNIB estimates there The Society for the Protection Glasgow in January. chairman of the Welsh Council
for the Blind (RNIB) has are over 6,000 visually impaired of Unborn Children (SPUC) A spokesperson for WinVisi-
for™ *thie Disabled, and
launched a new magazine for children in the UK who have launched its Heartbeat Cam- ble, an organisation of women
Mohamed Amin, the tv
parents and professionals on multiple special needs. paign last month to mark the with disabilities, said: “While
cameraman who lost an arm in
the education of visually 25th anniversary of the passing we oppose the imposition of
an accident last June (see
impaired children who have For a free copy contact Jane of the Abortion Act. any policies or laws for the
Profile, page 16).
additional learning difficulties. Pickerden, RNIB Education and SPUC claims there are over extermination of people with
A CBE was awarded to
Eye Contact comes out every Leisure Division, 224 Great 40 million abortions in the disabilities before or after birth,
Klaus Wedell, Professor of
term. Features in the first issue Portland Street, London WIN world each year. we believe every woman has
Educational Psychology,
cover music therapy, respite 6AA, tel: [phone] ext UK-wide events began with the right to choose in every
Children with Special
care and communication. 2297. a Service of Light and Hope in case”.
Educational Needs, at the
University of London.
Mrs Elizabeth Standon,
If you
are ina
wheelchair and
want to go places, Hannam: Knight Bachelor
then why not contact
Car Chair Ltd? employment officer for people
We can help you into the with disabilities at Bristol City
front seat of a standard car Council, was awarded an MBE.
with our Carchair System, or David Jones, vice-president
you can travel in the back in one of COMPANION DE LUXE RANGE: 350, 400 & 425 of the Disabled Drivers’
a wide range of rear access vehicles. Association, won an MBE. So
COMPNot eveAryone whNo uses aI wheelchOair needNs to
did Robert Denney, chairman
And, if none of the systems match your be in it all day, so if you are an Occasional
of Kettering Age Concern.
needs, we'll design one for you. Getting User, our Companion is the ideal solution.
people mobile has, after all, been our > DE% , Lightweight and rugged, the Companion is Other MBEs included
business for many years. a we designed for comfort and practicality as an Marion Welchman for services
oJ & attendant or self propelled chair. to the British Dyslexia
Association; Mrs Angela
ec) ea ee ae, eS SS
Hendra and Hubert Sturges for
REWIECR Newton Products, Freepost, Birmingham, B33 8BR | services to sport for disabled
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
NAME: people, Mrs Mary Wheeler,
THE MOBILITY SPECIALISTS president of the MENCAP’s
ADDRESS:
Freepost BR1032, Dept DN, Hailsham, E. Sussex BN21 1BR E3 e ePOSeTCsOD E: 2 BMiodn-hSaums sefxo r sberravnicche;s toH albfloirndd
Head Office Tel: [phone]
For full information, tick box(es) required and return this coupon to the above address. people; Irene Park for services
LDN ]29 G2M eAnNerUaAlL PuCrHpAoIsReS L] SMpAeNciUaAl LA ppClHiAcIatRiSo ns L MHHooAsmNpieUt Aal&L, SpNCeuHcrAisaiIlnR gS/M Reedsiicdaeln tuisael GPPeuOnrWeprEoasRle E &D SpCeHcAiaIlR S tion Mdoifsfaabtl.e d and elderly people
Disability Now February-1992
EUROPE 7
Italian disabled drivers are fighting back
In Italy it is difficult to get a drivin g licence if you are disabled and one company monopolises the adaptations market.
But that didn’t stop disabled driv ers making their feelings heard at an historic mobility seminar. David Griffiths reports
When Raffaello Belli, the inde- inaccessible restaurant. A regi- of mobility was a powerchair many stands crammed with him to drive so that he could
fatiguable campaigner for dis- ment of portable loos stood which her husband had man- visitors. live a life of his own?
ability rights in Italy, guard in the courtyard. The aged to make for her with After my own stint on the A quiet man _ approached
announced casually that there scene was set for what tran- wooden supports to hold her in platform I toured the exhibi- clutching a video. Would I look
was hope Italy would have a spired to be one of the most a semi-standing position; a tion, trying to make contact at it? Could I help make it pos-
seminar and exhibition on driv- moving and rewarding of expe- young man from Brindisi with with other disabled people. sible for his child to drive?
ing and disabilities, we guessed riences. muscular dystrophy and You did not need to look far. With Brian Page, who
immediately that come what Naturally the exhibitors were another from Naples; helpers The ratio of visitors and deserves great credit for driving
may he would deliver the largely Italian with a predomi- (so necessary in such a country) stand personnel with disabili- a Clio replete with adaptations
goods. The meeting at the end nance of Fiats and Autobian- and a sprinkling of genuinely ties appeared much higher than 1,400 miles through the fog to
of November turned out to be chis. GuidosimplIex, which has involved professionals. at similar events in our country join me on an adjacent stand,
a major turning point for dis- we suggested a few simple
abled drivers in Italy. adaptations and automatic
Italy is scantily sprinkled transmission for this young
with disability concessions. man of 17 with severe athetoid
The only motorway services cerebral palsy.
with facilities for wheelchair Later I talked to his doctor
users seem to be Esso, BP and about the implications of driv-
Shell. Ramped kerbs do occur ing and the likelihood of his
from time to time in the form being able to drive. The doctor
of 3-5in drops where 8-14in is asked me to file a report on
the norm. I have never seen a returning home.
pedestrian crossing so graced; Our “mother-in-law” would
generally they are installed in be able to drive too. Why had
total isolation, leaving you sit- he not already done _ so?
ting in the cavernous gutter on Because he had been quoted
the opposite side. the equivalent of £6,000 for the
There is one adapted camp- adaptations he needed. Brian
site on the Adriatic Coast near Protestors against the car adaptations monopoly of Guidosimplex put up posters at the Page and I estimated we. would
Ravenna with two excellent exhibition. They also wanted Italian disabled people to have independent medical and driv- be overcharging him at £1,000.
showers and _ toilets and ing assessments, in line with the rest of Europe. DAVID GRIFFITHS I met many people who
mosquitos who show _ no either could not afford the cost
descrimination against those a monopoly of disabled driver They were addressed by and disabled people, having so or would not pay on principle.
with disabilities, but I have yet adaptations, had by far the some of the best that Europe much more to fight for, were A driving instructor boasted
to find an Italian who is aware largest stand replete with eye- can offer: Ann Frye, head of more vociferous, more ready that he took his car to Ger-
of it. catching sports cars. our ‘Transport Department’s and willing to do something, many to have it adapted. Such
So we viewed our visit with A group of disabled people disability unit, setting the ini- less suppliant than our young is the effect of a monopoly.
some trepidation. Would any- clamoured for an end to the tiative for an open market, free- people often are. Sadly, the Italian Ministry of
one be there, bearing in mind monopoly, which has brought dom of choice and _ greater I was struck too by the com- Transport seemed unmoved by
the extreme difficulties inflated prices and _ restricted material support; Jan Brekkel- radeship, the humanity and the seminar.
involved in travelling with any choice to so many for so long. mans from Holland’ on simplicity. A group of young But Raffaello Belli doesn’t
form of handicap? Could sup- Their poster-decked stand advanced vehicle conversions; disabled drivers brought along give up. Now he plans to
pliers and manufacturers be highlighted the poor position of Dr Dolfuss, an _ orthopaedic their friend who, they claimed, launch a national committee
counted upon for support? And disabled drivers in Italy com- surgeon and wheelchair user was like a mother-in-law to representing _—_all disabled
what of the seminar location? pared with their European from France, Dr John Taylor, them - always in the back seat! drivers’ organisations to put
What about accommodation? Community neighbours. head of the medical advisory Could we make it possible for pressure on his Government.
The Fortessa di Sasso in The exhibition was glossy, branch of our ‘Transport
Florence is as modern and attractive and packed with Department, on the rights of
accessible as any exhibition things to see, try and talk disabled people to have driving
‘Keep Mobile’
centre. Level approaches, about. licences. | Guaranteed
ample parking, ramps to the In fact nearly 2,000 people There were speakers from Car Insurance for
| to save you
upper floors and even an came along, from every corner Sweden, Denmark and Ger-
People with Disabilities
adapted toilet (rumoured to be of the land. There was a lady many together with the most money
the only one in Florence). The with brittle bones from Trento influential and important peo-
eve of the show saw diligent in what resembled a pram unit ple in the field from Italy.
workers installing a splendid mounted on a powerchair chas- The second day the atten-
Provides the
ramp to what had been a totally sis; a woman whose only form dance was even greater with
widest cover
Dutch suggest Council of Disabled People
available
in the UK
Philip Mason reports about who will serve on it, how My own view is that before
European laws have disability they will be selected, what their any further cooperation is
implications whether they con- responsibilities will be and who undertaken, we should consider
cern transport, trade, educa- will meet the costs. the potential problems of hav- available from
tion, entertainment, building, Some representatives ing a mixed association. Dis-
M.J. Fish & Co.
communications, so the argu- thought the proposed body abled Peoples’ International
FREEPOST
ment for a legislative review must be composed only of dis- already exists and for those
body representing the interests abled people, chosen by and concerned about the “purity” PRESTON
of disabled people is convinc- answerable to them, while oth- of the voice this may be a more PR2 2BR
ing. The question is: how does ers regarded parents, disability acceptable means of organising Tel. [phone]
one bring about such a body? consultants, orthodox charities, at European Community level
This was the business of a organisations for disabled peo- than a new council. INSURANCE
meeting of “disability interests” ple, etc, to be a legitimate part There is no doubt that the
Sie Stara
called by the Dutch Council of of the “voice of disabled peo- voice of disabled people needs | Please send more information on “Keep Mobile” Car Insurance a
Disabled People and sponsored ple”. to be heard. To have credibil- | Please send me your leaflet explaining about insurance for people |—
by the Dutch Government at Representatives were encour- ity, it must speak from the
| with disabilities
the Hague in December. aged to report back to their daily experience of living with
Two views emerged about organisations and invite com- a disability.
setting up a European Commu- ments. A steering group is to
nity Council of Disabled Peo- try and reconcile the different Philip Mason, tel: (0420)
ple. One was eager to establish opinions and possibly draw up 474261, was a_ representative
Postcode
a body; the other was more draft principles, a constitution from the British Council of
cautious, asking questions and a plan of action. Organisations of Disabled People. a,
Disability Now February 1992
8 MOTORING
A winner except for the windows
DN’s David Griffiths
was the first
motoring
correspondent to
ride in the new
Fiesta Courier
conversion from
Gowrings Mobility
Fiestas have a good reputation.
They are generally reliable,
economical and comfortable.
Fiesta owners tend to return
again and again, a fact which
speaks for itself.
Ford’s new Fiesta Courier
van offers a wide-bodied,
extended roofline package in
the French Renault/Citroen than the Escort. On the road, the ride was
style. Not particularly attractive Two forward-facing rear very good for a vehicle of this apd
from the rear, perhaps, but a passenger seats offer a fair type. The Courier took the The Ford Courier van (left and above) has joined the Chair-
very practical way of ensuring degree of comfort despite being worst of country roads in its man range. Five adults, one in an electric wheelchair, still
maximum carrying potential narrowed to accommodate stride, soaking up bumps and had “plenty of breathing space” but vision needs improving.
from a smaller vehicle. wheelchair footplates. They dents and allowing only really
With much of the initial put the efforts of several other large potholes to jolt us. There were large, fixed side prevent the “greenhouse” effect
package already offering access companies to shame. Getting to Fully laden as we were, over- windows which, because of the setting in on summer days.
potential for wheelchairs, it is them via the front doors is taking was rather slow, the 1.3 basic body design, stopped A diesel engine is available.
only natural that Gowrings much easier than might be engine being tight at under below my eye level. All I could But as you can expect to get
should incorporate it into their expected, thanks to the fold- 2,000 miles, but it took a short, see ahead was about two sec- 45-55 mpg, maybe more, from
Chairman range. down front seats. But people sharp | in 7 hill without strain. tions of the white centre line the petrol version, paying extra
with reduced agility may find it As might be expected, inter- disappearing into the fog. for diesel may be unnecessary.
Plenty of space easier to use the rear ramp. nal finish is of a good standard, Those shorter than I am With some additional glass
Externally, the Courier Chair- Strong and non-slip-coated, although somewhat plain and (although I am pretty short) the new Courier could be a
man is one of the smaller the ramp gives rear access for uninspiring with an _all-grey may find they have a good view winner. It looks good on the
wheelchair carriers, but inside the wheelchair user. Its gradi- trim and white paintwork. of their surrounding, but I was road, is quiet, refined and eco-
it is a different story. ent is limited by a continued far from happy at not being nomical, and the price slots
With four adults aboard, incline from the lowered floor- Safety good, vision poor able to see adequately other nicely into the medium range
plus me with a power chair, pan of the vehicle. In general, I felt very comfort- than in a rearwards direction. at £10,700.
there was still plenty of breath- Powered inertia belts provide able and extremely safe. Prospective buyers would do
ing space. Surprisingly, head- anchorage and stability when But I was less than happy well to opt for sliding side win- Gowrings freephone (0800)
room at 54in is an inch more loading and unloading. with the all-round vision. dows rather than fixed ones to 220878
The Kelly is a good looking,
lightweight, foldable buggy
Send this coupon off today for
for children with mild-to-
more information.
moderate physical
disabilities. NAME:
This versatile buggy
ADDRESS:
provides effective
positioning and support
without sacrificing comfort
or appearance.
Kids will love the “with-it”
look and smooth ride.
Parents will love the
convenience. With its 6”
front swivel castors and 8”
rear wheels, it is easy to TEL?
push and folds in seconds.
Ortho Kinetics (UK) Ltd.,
The Kelly accommodates a
Wednesfield, Wolverhampton
variety of sizes of seating
WVI13 3XA.
systems that can be changed Telephone: [phone]
as the child grows. DN2/92
se EES a Gee
Disability Now February 1992
CAREERS TALK 9
SCOOP!
Journalist
PATRICK BAGLEE at work
I left Sheffield University in
1987, age 22, with a degree in
English literature, and no idea
of what career I wanted. So
when I was offered freelance
work as a theatre critic on my Careers (2): Richard Bowen, a journalist who
local newspaper, the Sale and
has a disability, gives the inside story
Altrincham Messenger, 1
decided to give it a go.
By 1990 I had had reviews wonder what I had to do - newspaper on computer, was
and features published, edited short of giving birth - to get much more enjoyable.
a newsletter for a Manchester- into journalism. I wasn’t the first disabled Getting the story: Richard Bowen (left) interviews Billy Butt
based charity, and had written I wrote to a dozen student to study at Stradbroke of the Packet House football team during a game. —_sonnxine
publicity material for The newspapers in Manchester, as - the department had people
Spastics Society. But that staff well as a couple of magazines. with epilepsy and heart
journalist’s job, which I now Out of four replies, only one - conditions long before the example, by doing freelance big toe.
longed to land, seemed no the Stockport Messenger - RADAR scheme was even work or getting work I strongly disagree with
more than a pipe dream. In offered me a job. thought of - but I was the first experience on a local paper. Chris Davies (DN, January),
three years I had not had a The journalism course at “obviously” disabled one. As for the future, I am that newspapers should have a
single interview. Sheffield’s Stradbroke College Although my cerebral palsy waiting to hear when I can disabled desk, in the same way
I heard about the Royal consists of three academic does not affect my walking, I start the staff newspaper job they do a foreign or a sports
Association for Disability and subjects - local government, noted that Stradbroke has on the Stockport Messenger. I desk. If this was the case,
Rehabilitation (RADAR) central government and law. made access one of its have passed five of my six disabled journos would
“Opportunities in Journalism” Trainees also attend journalism priorities. It has a number of course exams (law 1&2, invariably staff these desks,
scheme through the classes where most of the time wheelchair ramps, lifts and administration 1&2, and placing us back in the ghetto.
disablement resettlement is spent learning how to write disabled loos and a generous newspaper journalism 1) and The ideal would be to raise
officer at my job centre. and construct news stories. number of disabled parking am waiting for the result the awareness among able-bodied
RADAR funds three places on You also learn how to write spaces together with a general last one (newspaper journalism reporters so they can cover
the one year training course in to length and meet tight willingness among staff and 2) with bated breath. disability issues sensitively,
I see myself as a journalist asking advice from disabled
CURRICULUM VITAE students to help disabled
who happens to have a colleagues if necessary. But
people as much as possible.
disability rather than as a before that happens, many
At the start of the course, I
“disabled journalist”. One more newspapers must open
was afraid the lecturers would
NAME: Richard Bowen treat me with “kid gloves” reason why I find journalism their doors to disabled
so satisfying is that my cp trainees.
because I was disabled. My
JOB: Journalist anxiety was misplaced. If I doesn’t matter. What counts is
the fact I can write. If you are Closing date for the 1992-93
wrote a poorly constructed
QUALIFICATION S: 5 O Levels, 7 CSEs, 3 A levels, degree in news story, I was told it was disabled and can turn in good RADAR scheme is 28 February.
English literature. Wrote freelance and worked on newsletter for unacceptable. If I put in a pieces, it doesn’t matter if you Contact Caroline Gooding, 071-
alcohol abuse agency as part of Community Programme scheme. good piece, it was praised. And have to type them with your 637 5400 ext 322.
if the class was given a project
SKILLS: Ability to write and get on with people. to do, I had to hand it in at
INDEPENDENCE
the same time. Disabled people
newspaper journalism run by deadlines. Typing up a news who are offered a place on the
the National Council for the story in 40 minutes used to NCTYJ course will get a rude at the touch of a button
Training of Journalists really take it out of me, but in awakening if they expect to be
(NCTYJ). It will also cover your general I managed it, which treated as a special case.
living expenses if you can't get was rather satisfying. What do you need to be a
a grant from the local council, Trainees also had to learn good journalist? You have to
and pay for any equipment shorthand. My cerebral palsy be able to write pieces that are
you might need. prevents me writing in clear and concise, spot good
I saw the course as my only longhand - I use a tape stories, and write them so that
remaining hope of getting into recorder - so I was exempt people want to read beyond
the newspaper industry. I had from these classes (rendering the first paragraph. All these
had enough rejection letters to me the object of much good- skills are developed on the
paper a large wall and had sent humoured envy from NCTYJ course. HEIGHT (Hi/Lo)
cuttings to editors all over the classmates). A good journalist also needs & UNDER BED CLEARANCE
country. But I was still jobless. We had to complete two to be able to get on with and SELECT COMFORT FROM A AUTOMATIC |&
The NCTJ entrance exams main projects. (This was part get the best out of all sorts of THOUSAND POSITIONS
SEAT LIFT
included writing a news story of the “Mundela scheme”, people. Some people might HEAD-UP- OUT EASILY
CHAIR
from a hotch potch of unique to Stradbroke, which think a journalist who has cp
information and a fairly easy allows trainees going on to would have problems
general knowledge test. Sheffield University to miss communicating. When I asked
I was offered a place on one out the first year of the one of the lecturers, who _ SUPPLIERS TO DHSS
condition - unlike any other journalism degree course and speaks through a voice box, if & HEALTH AUTHORITIES
applicant, I had to secure a gives them the beginnings of a he felt his speech had held
Telephone: [phone]
newspaper job to go to after journalism portfolio.) him back he replied “Only as
oe
the course ended in December The first assignment was far as broadcasing goes.” I Send for a FREE BROCHURE ALSO THE Ss
1991. The NCTJ wanted me covering a parish council as if didn’t have any problems with THERAPOSTURE LIMITED AUTOMATIC SEAT LIFT
to do this because it would you were a reporter on a local Sheffielders, the majority of FREEPOST, (NO STAMP REQUIRED) SFOLRU MCOBMEPRL ETREE CRLEISNT ER
prove to them that somebody paper. If you get a lively whom were very friendly and WARMINSTER, WILTS. BA12 9YT OR PEACEFUL SLEEP.
wino utlhde bbues ianbelses tob eclioepvee dw iIt h the ceonujnocyialb,l e.t hiIs wcaasnn 'tb e sov erlyu cky: notB eacta uaslle paRtAroDniAsRin g.o nly funds 3BN SA MSE PleBaSseB ticBk BS[B EDS SB[ JECHTATIR S DN2/9S2T ® “—S_y
rigours of newsroom life. with the sleepy village of three places on the NCTJ
g ADDRESS
I was peeved about this to Eckington I had to really fish course, competition is fierce.
say the least. After all, I had for news. The second You may stand a better chance i
just spent three years trying to assignment, gathering news if you can demonstrate a Tel:
get a staff job. I began to and putting together a mini- commitment to journalism, for @ug SB SB SB BSB SESS SS Ss Ss DB
Disability New February 1992
10 COMMENT
Lattice
Letters to the Editor Motability explains of £386). He was therefore Worth passing on
I am writing to comment on comparing prices on different I would like to tell readers of a
some of the information given models and a special discount couple of finds my wife and I
in David Griffiths’ article (DN, rate against the normal rate. made recently.
Disability Now, 12 Park Crescent, London W1N 4EQ December). I do not know which car he First, we had been looking
It is certainly true that most was quoting at £2,400, for a variable-height double
advance payments on the implying that the advance bed for about four years.
Watch the access to cash Access Officer Motability contract hire payment rental had doubled, There were plenty of singles
London Borough of Hammer- scheme rose quite dramatically but an increase of £1,200 but no-one seemed to make a
As an ex-voluntary worker in
the access field, now an access smith and Fulham on 1 October because of a would not have been caused double version other than the
officer employed full-time by a steep increase in insurance only by an insurance increase. kind that sits you up, lays you
London borough and hon sec NHS charges premiums. The rise was not These increases were indeed down, lifts your legs and
I have read with some interest restricted to Motability - every unfortunate and unwelcome (I whistles Dixie.
of the London Region of the
Tim Russell’s article “Why motorist will be affected and myself have to find another At last, at Naidex, we came
Access Officers Association, I
read Anne Royston’s article should the needy pay?” (DN, there has been a large amount £500 for my new Motability across Comfort Care by Relaxa
(“Converting knowledge into December). of media coverage. car). There were some cases _ Ltd (tel: [phone]) who
cash” DN, January) with great Apart from heart trouble, I The reason why there was where dealers did not inform said they would make us one
interest. suffer fron chronic asthma and ‘such a sharp increase in our customers quickly enough, to our specifications.
But I write in haste to warn have also been recently advance payments is that three but many manufacturers and It is marvellous. It raises to
my fellow disabled about the diagnosed as having years’ worth of insurance have dealers accepted lower deposits a comfortable height for
pitfalls of “going it alone”, emphysema. to be included in the than were required and personal care, then lowers for
even for cash! I was prescribed a nebuliser computation. They do not Motability’s charitable funds easy transfer to and from a
Planning is a statutory by my consultant and, as a apply, of course, to cars hired helped out in many other wheelchair. It looks just like a
requirement for developers and temporary measure, was loaned before 1 October 1991. cases. conventional bed and is
architects to consider the one from the hospital I attend. Motability employs brokers David also stated that finished to a high standard.
effects of their plans on the Like Margaret Escott, I was who approach all the major private buyers get the option Second, we stayed for one
whole community, including informed that I would have to insurers to obtain the best of spreading insurance weeks bed and breakfast at
people with disabilities. Their purchase my own and was possible terms for our contract payments, so why should Stratton Farm, near Wisbech
proposals receive professional given the necessary order form hire fleet. However, there has Motability customers “stump (tel [phone]). The
scrutiny from development and letter. been a very heavy increase in up the lot at one go?” wheelchair-accessible room is
planning control officers who Being on Invalidity Benefit the number and cost of In the past, we had a system excellent and of a very high
advise acceptance or refusal in and qualifying for Income insurance claims in the past of annual payments, which standard, as are the breakfasts.
accordance with the local Support, I decided to approach year which resulted in a large caused a lot of problems since Sue and Derek King
Unitary Development Plan the Social Fund for either a increase in premiums. many customers had difficulty couldn’t be more hospitable. I
(which sets out how the local grant or loan. I was told, with The example of the VW in meeting them. For leases use an electrically powered
authority wants its land used great sympathy, that I could Golf Driver automatic needs taken out since 1 October Carchair and had no problems
and the standards to be not be helped from this fund clarification. In June 1991, the 1990, there is no additional at all.
implemented). because there is a directive advance payment was £1,193, annual charges for insurance Michael Kirk
Access officers like myself which states that no assistance but from July (for a short and all premiums are included. Burringham,
who are employed by local is to be granted for any period) it was reduced to £561 The bulk of the costs of South Humberside
authorities have the time and medical aids. by Volkswagen, as a special providing vehicles under the
resources to ensure that the I am lucky because I have a offer to Motability customers. contract hire scheme, including Your letters on charity
existing statutory obligations of family who are willing to In September the deposit went insurance, is of course met by advertising and images of
making public buildings purchase the nebuliser for me. back to £1,193. the weekly mobility allowance disability in the media (see DN
accessible are applied, and to However, no matter what On 1 October, because of payments. January) are rolling in. Do keep
pursue plans from application excuses health authorities or the increased insurance I can assure our customers writing. We hope to print some
to completed project - which the Department of Health premiums, the initial deposit that we will continue to obtain of your comments in the March
can take up to five years. Time make, it would seem that they for that 1991 model became the best insurance package we issue - Editor.
is money. As Anne Royston are ensuring the solution to £1,570 (an increase of £377). can.
has to share her £20,000 a the problem by the premature The price David quoted of Ann Hodgett PaCS B18 aia de ENE Oe AS
year, I only hope she has not death of the patient! £2,184 was correct for the Information Services Manager
SIC
given up her day job. C J Spooner-Harvey 1992 model, which was Motability
Kenneth Matheson Driffield, E Yorks previously £1,798 (an increase Harlow, Essex (ne ee Sead
A bit of a mux ip
\\ For ALL who We know they’re all bright
7P rosieus sparks at London’s City
University, but can they see
SLEEPING? NEED TO WALK into the future too? An
invitation to “The Way Ahead
-1992 and Beyond” conference
on disabled people in Europe
lists among the speakers
%* Secure “Viscount Ullswater, Minister
for the Disabled”. Shall we tell
Positioning
Mr Scott?
Ease tired and painful muscles. —— % No way in
Fancy being a publications
— Wake up to the new Beautyrest Adjustable Bed % Maximum
editor for the National Asthma
Campaign? The first
Freedom
THERES NO NEED TS SuprER requirement on the list,
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS PLIE To
deemed “essential”, is “Does
ARTHRITIS , RHEAMATISM y
BACK PAIN OR DI—S_AB.I LITIES .. . not require disabled access”.
%* Stimulates With friends like that, who
Long sleepless nights needs enemies?
could be a thing of the Movement
past with a Beautyrest Adjustable Bed
Funny money
Further proof that DN reaches
Ease arthritis, rheumatic and muscular problems.
Watch TV, breakfast in bed or read. the parts that other
Gives you total support with its hundreds of positions. newspapers don’t reach came
in the form of an anonymous
PLEASE SEND DETAILS OF BEAUTYREST ADJUSTABLE BED donation for £50 signed
Name FRONT-LEANING “Henry the Eighth”, address
Tel £iRifton “heaven only knows”. Thanks
Address Henry, and if you can catch
GAIT TRAINER
Rockefeller or the man who
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Post Code broke the bank at Monte
KEER/ABLE Carlo, the address to send
SEND TO KEEP ABLE, FREEPOST, BRENTFORD TW8 OBR Full colour brochure:
cheques to is DN, 12 Park
RIFTON, Dept. DN, ROBERTSBRIDGE, E. SUSSEX TN32 5DR. Tel: [phone]
DN2/92 Crescent, London WIN 4EQ.
Disability, Now February 1992