Disability now. May 1995.

32 Pages·1995·13.1 MB·English

by  Scope

The award
winning
newspaper
for everyone
with an interest
in disability
No go at the Ideal 9 Banking on the 12 Liz Thomson lifts the 14 Pressure sores — get 7, Win free tickets to 2/
Home Exhibition telephone lid on domestic abuse back in the saddle the Victory Air Show
VIPs probe ‘disabling’ dips
MPs are to investigate claims that farmers are being permanently disabled by 1986, but failed to get IIB. “My the Government should do more.
toxic chemicals in sheep dips that resemble nerve gases. muscles ache and I have diffi- “There is not enough publicity
culty breathing, but I will not about the dangers of Ops and
Farmers claim they have had pressure group that supports ton, County Durham, was give up my fight,” he said. evidence that protective cloth-
muscle weakness, depression, and advises farmers affected by forced to give up work in 1990 SWEA’s Mrs Sigmund said: ing used by farmers can be pen-
tremors, incontinence, blurred ops, is calling for the dips to be because of blackouts and mood “Few farmers get IIB because it etrated by the chemicals.”
vision, speech impairment and withdrawn. swings brought on by op dips. is so difficult to prove you have Robert Davies, a consultant
heart conditions because of SWEA spokesperson Eliza- He applied for industrial OP poisoning. Many GPs have psychiatrist, said: “The evidence
organophosphorous (oP) dips. beth Sigmund said more than injury benefit (IIB), but was told never heard of it.” is mounting and it is something
The House of Commons Agri- 300 farmers with OP poisoning he had depression. Mr Shep- Government rules introduced the Government cannot ignore. I
culture Select Committee will had asked her group for help. herd won his case on appeal, last year have made it illegal for have little doubt that the high
question the Veterinary She argued: “Sheep dipping but is angry that self-employed farmers to buy oP dips unless incidence of agricultural suicide
Medicine Directorate on 26 was compulsory between 1976 farmers do not qualify for IIB. they get a certificate of compe- is connected with op dips.”
April about licensing op dips. and 1992 so thousands of farm- He said: “They should get this tence. They must use protective A MAFF spokesperson said:
And the National Farmers ers were forced to use danger- stuff off the market now and clothing and respirators. “If op dips are used to the cor-
Union (NFU) is teaming up ous chemicals for 16 years. compensate everyone.” But the Countess of Mar, who rect specifications, there should
with the British Medical Asso- They should be fully compen- Mervyn Rees, from Swansea, has campaigned for the farmers be no health problems.”
ciation to review the medical sated for their illnesses.” was forced to give up work in in the House of Lords, believes Picture, page 2
effects on 2 June. Barry Coomber, from Kent, is
The Ministry of Agriculture, to sue a dip manufacturer after
Insurers’
Food and Fisheries (MAFF) says doctors linked his myocarditis to
there is no evidence to support ops. He developed chest pains
the allegations. The dips are not within two weeks of sheep dip-
tactics
a health risk when used in accor- ping. “I was perfectly fit until I
dance with manufacturers’ used the sheep dip. I know of 23
instructions, it argues. local farmers whose health has under fire
But the South West Environ- been ruined by these chemicals.”
mental Association (SWEA), a Bob Shepherd, from Willing-
Insurance companies are
resorting to underhand
surveillance rather than pay
out for personal injury
compensation.
And disabled people who fail to
qualify for the new Incapacity
Benefit are being targeted to buy
private health insurance.
Tom Jones, of London-based
solicitors Brian Thompson &
Partners, which specialises in
personal injury claims, says
surveillance is “widespread”,
with firms often using hidden
video cameras.
They aim to “trap” claimants
by “proving” injuries are not as
disabling as the claimant main-
tains, so that judges will set a
lower injury award.
“Insurance companies do not
like to pay out the cheques. If
the company can halve an
award or even reduce it to nil,
then a surveillance operation
costing perhaps £15,000 is
worth doing,” said Mr Jones.
Insurance companies will con-
sider any personal injury award
above £25,000 as a potential
ae... ee ——
TOR He’s a winner! Heinz Frei celebrates after winning the 1995 BSAD/ target, believes Mr Jones.
LNootwts MNoGo1r7 E st7aJtZe., TKeilr:k b(y0-6i2n-3A)s h7f5ie4l0d,4 7 (4 lines) 4” oecA NutraSweet London Wheelchair Marathon in a record-breaking A Mail on Sunday investigation
Telex 85201 Fax: [phone] F time of 1:39:14. Full report pages 18-19. GRAHAM BOOL PHOTOGRAPHY Continued on page 2
4
Blunkett misfires | Motability
faces its
on quarantine call
critics
David Blunkett, © Labour’s
Shadow Education Secretary, is As the National Audit Office
calling for guide dogs to be pursues its enquiries into Mota-
exempted from UK quarantine bility, ten leading disability
laws. But his comments have groups will meet Motability’s
left him in the dog house with vice-chairman on 25 April.
disability groups. They are determined to get
Mr Blunkett, who is blind and answers to 21 questions cover-
has a guide dog called Lucy, Blunkett and Lucy: dog house ing the financial structure of
believes the Government should Motability Finance Ltd (MFL)
make an exception to the rules The Ministry of Agriculture, and Motability 10th Anniver-
for guide dogs. Food and Fisheries also poured sary Trust, the profits being
“IT am in favour of a carefully cold water on the idea. made, and whether MFL’s
monitored system that could Ministers were sympathetic to monopoly of leased cars for dis-
allow people like myself to take the needs of blind and deaf peo- abled people is in the best inter-
our guide dogs abroad with us.” ple, said a spokesperson, but ests of its 215,000 customers.
Bob Shepherd, who has won a three-year battle for industrial injury Dogs would have to be properly adamant the rules would not be Bert Massie, director of the
benefit, wants OP sheep dips withdrawn. innoculated and registered. In changed. “France and other Royal Association for Disability
RICHARD RAYNER/THE GUARDIAN
the past Mr Blunkett said he has European countries still have and Rehabilitation, will be at
had to rely on assistants when rabies. We want to maintain our the Motability Users’ Liaison
HOLIDAYS
attending European conferences. rabies-free record.” Group meeting with Gerald
All dogs currently have to be Acher. “I hope it will clear the
for DISABLED
quarantined for six months air and be constructive,” he said.
Remploy hits 50
before coming into the country. “This is a very important
PEOPLE
The Royal National Institute meeting, a way of trying to re-
for Deaf People said it knew of Remploy, the sheltered work- establish confidence in Mota- —
the campaign, but was happy place company that bility,” said Mike Bruton,
NOW
Flights from London, Manchester,
with the rules as they stood. employs 10,000 disabled people, executive director of the Dis-
Birmingham & Glasgow to A spokesperson for the Guide was 50 years old in April. abled Drivers’ Association.
Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, Florida, Costa Dogs for the Blind Association Chief executive Tony Withey * Motability’s new director will
said: “Any move would have to said he was proud of the firm’s be logistics expert Noel Muddi-
Almeria, Cyprus, Tenerife & Algarve,
be very closely monitored. We achievements. “More and more man, CBE, 51, commandant of
Gites and canal cruisers in France. cannot foresee anything better people are finding they can make the Army School of Mechanical
than we have already.” the step to the open job market.” Transport, north Humberside.
Accessible Accommodation Guaranteed
DisabilityNOw
Insurers under fire of the Disablement Income
Beene eee e we meses eee eens seas eee een esas seers sees eee seeee esas seen sersessseneeneesenshene-ssennene Continued from page 1 Group (DIG), said disabled
people who fail to qualify for Published by
Access Travel (Lancs) Ltd. 16 Haweswater Ave, highlighted three men who said Incapacity Benefit will become Scope, 12 Park Crescent
Astley, Lancs M29 7BL. Tel: [phone] they were intimidated by investi- prey for private health insurers. London W1N 4EQ.
Editorial: 0171-636 5020.
gators. One, Ian Davidson, who One major company, Unum,
Fax: [phone].
has a damaged spine, has gone to has already run advertisements
Subscriptions:
the Insurance Ombudsman. stressing how Incapacity Benefit 0171-383 4575.
FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY BATHING
The Association of British will make it harder to claim Editor Mary Wilkinson
waSs eoes ” - A STYLISH Insurers said surveillance was the state benefits. It urges people to Assistant Editor
Nic Paton
“exception rather than the rule”. protect their income “should
Reporter Tim Russell
FOLDING BATHLIFTER A spokesman said: “It is not the worst happen”. Editorial/Production
unknown for people who claim The DIG, which is 30 this year, Assistant Sarah Rigby
to be totally incapacitated to be had “nothing to celebrate”, said Editorial
Assistant/Secretary
videoed laying a patio.” Ms Thompson. “We should be
Martha Robinson
Pauline Thompson, director having a wake.”
Subscriptions
Manager Karen Bresloff
May we help you with your Assistant Helen Crow
Mobility and disability needs... Advertising
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Disabilitvywow May 1995
Shops warning
Supermarket checkout work-
ers are in danger of being
permanently disabled — by
repetitive and strenuous work.
The Health and Safety
Executive has found that 60
per cent of checkout workers
suffer limb pain, which can
be a symptom of conditions
such as repetitive strain injury.
Most at risk were those who
scanned and packed goods.
The survey covered 1,800
staff at 50 supermarkets.
Sainsbury’s minicom, page 7
Gizza job, Lilley?
Direct Action Network was busy in April. Scuffles in Cardiff (/eft), an effigy of John Major (and a cement mixer to build a ramp) delivered to
Few of the 220,000 people Downing Street, and a cover feature in the Independent on Sunday all raised public awareness of the group’s campaign for civil rights.
expected to lose their benefit BRENT MOORE/TIM RUSSELL
entitlement in the switchover Seamen fighting
Gulf secrets probed
to Incapacity Benefit will find
jobs, a member of the Policy
Studies Institute (PSI) think-
tank warned in April. Secret British and American deploy chemical weapons dur-
for war pensions
Incapacity Benefit was military documents obtained ing the war. Allied troops were
introduced on 13 April. by a former US secret service exposed to mustard gas and
Richard Berthoud, of the PSI, agent reveal that servicemen sarin, the nerve gas that killed
said its inflexibility could and women with the mysteri- ten people in Tokyo in March.
cause “serious anomalies”. Some veterans will not be cele- a war disablement pension. ous “Gulf War syndrome” were The finding will strengthen the
PSI call on water bills, page 4 brating VE Day on 8 May — the “When the war finished we had exposed to chemical weapons. veterans’ case. The first writs
merchant seamen who are still no medical examination. No one A thousand British men and against the Ministry of Defence
Ticketing u-turn
fighting to receive war disabl- told us anything. We were happy women are fighting for com- are expected soon, following a
Through-ticketing on UK rail- ment pensions 50 years after the to have got back in one piece.” pensation, claiming they have successful application for “col-
ways (DN February) will not end of World War Two. It was only three years ago been disabled as a result of serv- lective” legal aid by Manchester
now end. The rail regulator, The seamen claim they have that he discovered he might be ing in the Gulf (DN February). solicitors Donn & Co, which
John Swift, who proposed been ignored by successive gov- entitled to a war disablement The papers reveal that Iraq did represents 500 veterans.
ending the system whereby a ernments, despite the fact that pension, through his local Mer-
ticket to any destination more than 30,000 died and many chant Navy Association.
could be bought from any more were injured in the conflict. Seaman’s union Numast says New Scope chief that we needed leadership very
station, said that, after con- The Royal British Legion is a “significant” number of sea- quickly at a time of many
sultation, current arrange- campaigning on their behalf and men now say they need help. Ann Robinson, chief executive challenges,”
ments should continue. is urging the Government to be Merchant seamen face a much of Scope (formerly The Spastics said chairman
more sympathetic to their plight. tougher test than naval person- Society) resigned in April, after Anthony
Easier complaints It is taking the case of one vet- nel to be awarded a war disable- only 18 months. She was replaced Ele ws 0 n*.
Complaining about your GP eran, Thomas Worthington, ment pension. immediately by Richard Brew- “Richard was | ~
or health professional will be aged 75, to a pensions tribunal. They must prove their disabil- ster, 42, director of marketing. the best person La
made easier from April 1996 Mr Worthington, who served ity is due to war-related activi- “The Council was unanimous for the job.” Brewster: top job
through a simpler, two-level in north Africa, Sicily, the south ties, rather than just being
system, said Health Secretary of France, and on the north caused while on active service
Virginia Bottomley in April. Atlantic convoys, is now hearing or by activities after the war.
It will include investigative impaired. This is a result, he says, Fifty years on, the Royal
powers for the Health Ser- of the constant shelling and bom- British Legion says this is
vice Ombudsman. Disabled bardment. He has never received harder than ever to prove.
people are being struck off
GPs’ lists for being “ “too Thinking of READ THIS BEFORE
expensive” (DN January). -YOU BUY A SCOOTER
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Disabilitynow May 1995
4 News from Westminster
Hague u-turn as Blair goes missing Barnes bill back
from the dead...
The Government bowed to cross- ously ignored by the bill. awareness of students’ needs. chief whip of the Scottish Harry Barnes’ Civil Rights
party criticism of its Disability The u-turns came as MPs lined The amendments are expected National Party (SNP), 25 (Disabled Persons) Bill received
Discrimination Bill in the Com- up to criticise the Government’s to be added when the bill goes to Labour MPs and four other a stay of execution as DN went
mons by implementing a series plans. Conservative critics the House of Lords in early May. opposition MPs were unac- to press.
of u-turns in March. included David Congdon, Alan However, an amendment to counted for during the vote. Parliamentary time has become
At the same time, Labour Howarth and Sir John Hannam. include a National Disability He said: “While SNP MPs available for the bill to go into
leader Tony Blair came under Mr Hague agreed to widen the Commission within the bill was gave up campaigning in Scot- committee on 26 April — but it is
fire for missing a crucial vote dur- bill’s definition of disability to defeated by 13 votes. land to support an important expected to go no further.
ing the report stage of the bill. include people with a substan- Stratford upon Avon MP Alan vote on disabled rights which Mr Barnes’ bill will follow the
In the debate, William Hague, tial history of disability. Howarth, a staunch supporter could defeat the Government, Carers (Recognition and Ser-
Minister for Disabled People, He promised to look at ways of civil rights, said this left a Labour’s leaders let the Govern- vices) Bill, which will have its
said the Government would legis- of improving access to colleges “hole” at the heart of the Gov- ment off the hook once again.” report stage on 22 April.
late to improve access to coaches, and schools for students with © ernment’s legislation. He has written to Labour But the Barnes bill looks set to
buses and trains, an area previ- disabilities and increasing Mr Blair and _ Scottish chief whip Derek Foster on the be squashed at report stage on
spokesperson George Robertson issue. An early day motion by 29 April because of lack of time.
were in Scotland and missed the SNP leader Alex Salmond also Tory MP Dr Michael Clark’s pri-
vote. Mr Blair was at a meeting condemned Mr Blair. vate member’s bill on road traffic
DAREI YSOU AINBVOLLVEED DWIT H on Clause Four and Mr Robert- A spokesperson for Mr Blair will be debated ahead of it.
son was campaigning in the said he and other Labour MPs Mr Barnes said he was
run up to the Scottish elections. had been “paired” to Tory MPs, “pleased” but feared his bill
According to Andrew Welsh, so cancelling out their votes. would be talked out.
a ere
IF SO You must Read ‘Challenge’. The
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If you are organising an event, WE WANT TO KNOW! What event you
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Disabilitywow May 1995
Donations to charities have been the hardest hit.
dropped “alarmingly” since the Cancer charity Tenovus has
launch of the National Lottery, cut 500 jobs and closed its
according to a new report by monthly scratch-card, which
the National Council for Volun- raised £1.5 million a year, fol-
tary Organisations (NCVO). lowing a “catastrophic” slump
The NCVO study found that in fundraising.
the proportion of the popula- Michael Downs, Tenovus’ FONa LT YPESO FP HYSICAL
tion giving to charity has fallen chief executive, said: “The lot- OISOBILITIES. IN ADULTS.
from 81 to 67 per cent since tery’s new £50,000 scratch card
November. This means a cash was the last straw. It’s now
fall of £71 million. impossible for us to compete.” COVERING THE WHOLE OF
CORNWALL.
In particular, the number of The NCVOis seeking an
people giving to street collec- urgent meeting with the Home
tions and buying charity raffle Secretary Michael Howard.
tickets has fallen significantly. Top of the agenda will be
“If the pattern continues for ways in which the Government
the rest for the year, charities can help charities in difficulties,
and voluntary organisations and redistribution of lottery Angry campaigners demonstrated outside Cornwall county council in April in protest at plans to close
will have lost £212 million,” proceeds so that more can be Kerensa and St Christopher’s respite care centre. The council decided to postpone any decision until
said NCVO chief executive Stu- provided for charities. they had carried out further consultation after receiving a 6,000-signature petition.
CAMERACRAFT
art Etherington. Camelot, the consortium that
Mr Etherington said charities runs the lottery, said it was too
Thalidomide group calls for inquiry
that raised funds from raffles early to tell what effect the lot-
and scratchcard games had tery was having on charities.
The Government is being urged by Thalidomide in the UK have as he is unlikely to get legal aid.
Giving Scope credit
to investigate claims that people produced disabled children. “{ may have to sell our family
affected by Thalidomide can The latest, a boy, was born only home or business to fund the
pass on the disability to their six months ago.” action.”
Scope, formerly The Spastics account, the bank will make a children. Thalidomide, given to preg- Australian researcher Dr
Society, relaunched its credit £2.50 donation to Scope. The Thalidomide Action nant women to combat morning William McBride is currently
card in March (below). It will also donate 0.25 per cent Group (TAG) will meet Depart- sickness, was marketed in carrying out a series of tests
of all transactions made on the ment of Health (DoH) officials Britain under the brand name which, he believes, could prove
card to Scope and give a further in April and call for a Govern- Distaval, by drugs firm Dis- the disabilities can be passed
£2.50 after eight and 20 months. ment inquiry. tillers. Some parents may sue the on. He said: “We need to be cer-
A Scope spokesperson said: TAG chairperson Freddie Ast- firm on behalf of their children. tain. At this stage it is only a
“This is a great way for our sup- bury said: “There is now con- Glen Harrison, from Crow- possibility, not a probability.”
porters to make a contribution.” siderable evidence that our land, Lincolnshire, said he The DoH said there was no
disabilities can be inherited. wanted to take legal action but new medical evidence to sup-
Scope, freephone: [phone]. “So far, eight people affected was worried about the expense port the parents’ claims.
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Disabilitywow May 1995
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Disabilitynow May 1995
News 7
Get me to
the polls
New help for shoppers
Sainsbury’s has installed mini-
coms in 30 supermarkets across on Tyne...
the country. The company, which
provides specially-adapted trol-
leys and wider checkouts for dis-
abled customers, is also giving Gateshead council has agreed to
some staff sign language training. improve access to a polling sta-
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson tion after being accused of disen-
said: “Customers with mini- franchising disabled voters.
coms will now be able to call the A portable hut, used as a
store with general enquiries, polling station in Knightside
such as opening times and the Gardens since 1993, will be fit-
availability of certain products.” ted with a ramp in time for the
local elections on 4 May.
Helpine’s fifth birthday The decision was made after
y)
The Cerebral Palsy Helpline complaints by Peter Rutherford,
celebrated its fifth anniversary local divisional secretary of the
on 30 April. Soldiers’ Sailors’ and Airmen’s
The service, provided by Scope, Over 200 emergency alert cards have been given to carers in east Sussex. The cards, which say “Someone Families Association.
averages 1,000 calls a month from depends on me in an emergency’’, give the telephone number of a care centre that should be rung if a Mr Rutherford, who is a
people with cerebral palsy, their carer is taken ill or injured. Centre staff will ensure that any disabled person who is dependent on the wheelchair user, said he had been
families and other interested indi- carer is given the help they need. The scheme has been developed by the East Sussex Council for Carers. unable to vote at the last local
viduals. It provides information, election and felt “disenfranchised
advice and support. Dad’s fight for ‘autistic’ son by lack of suitable access”.
“Interest in the helpline has “T was told I could get a proxy
snowballed,” said co-ordinator vote, but I want to go along and
Veronica Lynch. “There has vote like anyone else,” he said.
been a five-fold increase in calls David Norman of _ the
since we started.” The father of a 17-year-old boy that the council-did not let him extend to his being taken away Gateshead Council on Disabili-
who has been diagnosed as put his side of the argument. from his father and me being ties said: “We have been com-
Tel: [phone]. autistic, is threatening to take This diagnosis, he argues, wrongly accused,” said Mr plaining about this hut for years. I
legal action against a council meant that Paul did not receive Clarkson. am glad the council is finally
Video stars which, he claims, wrongly diag- a specialist education, blighting “T said Paul was autistic before doing something to improve it.’
Members of Write Away, a pen- nosed his son. his future job prospects and they took him into care.” Sarah Langton-Lockton of the
friend club for children and Godfrey Clarkson says Lin- emotional development. He has written to his MP, Centre for Accessible Environ-
young people with special needs, colnshire County Council was In 1993, Paul, who is now back Conservative Sir Peter Tapsell. ments said: “This is a nationwide
can now keep in touch by video. wrong to diagnose his son, with his father, went to see Pro- Norman Riches, director of problem. It is good — that
Director Nicolle Levine said: Paul, then aged eight, as being education for Lincolnshire Gateshead are starting to recog-
“Up until now, members have “emotionally deprived” rather County Council, said he was nise the needs of disabled voters.”
either used pen and _ paper, than autistic. not prepared to discuss individ- A council spokesperson said the
braille or cassette tapes to com- In 1986, Mr Clarkson, who was ual cases. ramp would be installed as soon
municate, but they can now going through a divorce and try- “We will always reconsider as possible.
make videos to send to their pen ing to run a guesthouse, asked new evidence and new profes-
pals. It means deaf people will the council to receive Paul and sional opinions. There is a his-
Smith to stand
be able to use sign language.” his sister into temporary, volun- tory of cases where we have
Write Away has over 3,500 tary care, under section two of repeatedly done that.
members aged from eight to 18. the 1980 Child Care Act, “as I “Sometimes there are occasions Peter Smith, a member of the
couldn’t cope”. Paul Clarkson: legal battle where opinions are in conflict.” Conservative Disability Group,
Write Away, 29 Crawford At this point, Mr Clarkson Mark Bebbington, advice is standing in the local council
Street, London W1H 1LP, tel: alleges the council imposed a fessor Digby Tantum at Gold- worker for the National Autistic elections in Rugby.
0171-724 0878. full care order on the children, stone Hospital, Coventry, an Society, said: “It is a grave mis- Mr Smith, who is a wheelchair
arguing that Paul showed signs expert in autism, who diag- carriage of justice if someone is user, said: “People have been
People of the Year of “emotional deprivation”, nosed him as autistic. misdiagnosed and they are not very pleasant. You do get one or
There is still time to send in your and put the children into foster “T am looking for historical getting the services. It is horren- two who treat you differently,
nomination for the Royal Associ- care. Mr Clarkson also alleges damages. Any damages must dous all round.” but I can handle that.”
ation for Disability and Rehabili-
tation’s (RADAR) People of the
Year Award. If you know some- We provide ATTENTION ALL READERS!
CEREBRAL PALSY information, advice
one who deserves this honour, we still have a few places available for our
and support for
write to Jo Coombs at RADAR. HELPLINE FLORIDA FANTASY
people with cerebral
Closing date: 31 May.
0800 palsy, their parents
Fully Escorted Tours on October 12th and 27th.
and carers, and
RADAR, 12 City Forum, SO professionals. Our All Inclusive price covers Return Scheduled Flights,
City Road, London EC1V 8AF. 626: Whatever your 2 Weeks in Specially Adapted Luxury Accommodation,
16 question — child Specially Adapted Transport to ALL the main attractions,
care, benefits, plus all the admission charges. This fantastic holiday is
education, leisure — now available to Disability Now readers at only £899.00
Correction >
please call our free p.p. (3 sharing).
From DN’s March issue:
and confidential
The correct telephone number For more information on FLORIDA FANTASY or a wide
Helpline.
range of other Special Holidays available for Summer 1995:
for the National Film Theatre
Lines open Monday
bookshop is 0171-928 3535. Call FREE to Friday 11am — Call A.T.S. TRAVEL NOW! on: MEMBER
Spm, Saturday and Tel: 01708 - 863198
DN’s weekly news service Sunday 2pm — 6pm.
7 daysa
or write to us at: A.T.S. House,
on the internet is available
1 Tank Hill Road, Purfleet,
on Disabilities Access at a Essex RM16 1SX. American society
of Travel Agents
http://www.pavilion.co.uk week Retail Agents for
Integrity in Travel’
/CommonRoom/ FOR PEOPLE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY A.T.O.L. holders.
DisabilitiesAccess Formerly The Spastics Society
Disabilitywow May 1995
8 Health news
A helping as a breakthrough for women
who do not respond to Tamox-
hand from ifen, the most widely prescribed |
breast cancer drug. .
the USA It could be years before it is’
generally available, but initial
studies suggest the drug is safe
US scientists have made a device and effective.
that enables people with Now a more detailed trial is
quadriplegia to use their hands being planned by the Cancer |
to grasp and release objects. Research Campaign (CRC).
The Neuroprosthetic Hand
Grasp System (NHGS) is being
tested on people with spinal Breath of ©
cord injuries who are able to
fresh air —
move their shoulders but cannot
move their hands.
When the spinal cord is injured,
the brain can no longer send People with asthma are being
messages to the nerves in the invited to test a new drug-free
arm. NHGS gets round this treatment — yoga therapy.
problem by sending messages Some children and adults have
directly to the arms, bypassing 5 3 reported great improvements in
the user’s damaged nerve system. their condition after a few
eee uae i
Neurologist Peter Gorman, months of the therapy.
who is leading the Baltimore A stretching time: Dr Robin Munro puts a yoga class of people with asthma through their paces at Robin Monro of the Yoga
research programme, said: “A the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital GAVIN SMITH/THE OBSERVER Biomedical Trust (YBT) is now
person can activate the system offering other people a chance
by moving their shoulder. An Medicines (CSM), the Govern- ety said it was “disappointed”. Jonathan Simons of the John to take part in clinical trials to
external sensor, mounted on the ment’s licensing body, rejected The Department of Health Hopkins Oncology Centre in see whether early results are
shoulder, senses the movement an application in March, even would not comment. Maryland, America. borne out by a long-term study.
and sends a signal to a unit though it has been approved in The vaccine will be given to The YBT, which was set up by
mounted on the wheelchair. Sweden, Australia and the US. the first three people next Munro to carry out research
Electrodes attached to the fore- Research suggests that tacrine Vaccine month. Altogether, over 30 peo- into the benefits of yoga, holds
arm, stimulate the muscles to temporarily stops the progress of ple will receive it with doctors sessions at the Royal London
grasp and release things.” Alzheimer’s in some people. tests to assessing its effectiveness. Homeopathic Hospital.
Side-effects, however, include Dr Simons said: “The idea is Jocelyn James is among those
begin
nausea and liver damage. to make a vaccine that will who have benefited from yoga.
Anger over Professor Gordon Willcock of stimulate the body to generate She was put on a high dose of
Bristol University, an expert in immune cells that go on a steroids after developing asthma
drug ban care for elderly people, said the The first vaccine for prostate search-and-destroy mission to and told that her condition could
CSM’s decision was SChagyan. cancer is to be tested within a eradicate any prostate cancer only be controlled by drugs.
“There is good evidence about month. cells that remain in a person’s “You open your arms and
A leading medical expert is tacrine’s benefits. It can offer an The prototype vaccine aims to body.” stretch, and you feel brilliant
angry that tacrine, a drug used improvement to a minority.” He stimulate the body to mount an ° A new drug that could offer because the conditions tends to
by over 200,000 Americans with believes the cost of the treat- attack on the common cancer, hope to women with advanced crumple you. If I don’t do it for
Alzheimer’s disease, has been ment — £2 a day — may have which affects about 10,000 men breast cancer has been devel- a few days my chest tightens.”
refused a British licence. influenced the CSM’s decision. each year. oped by British scientists. Dr Munro said: “We don’t
The Committee on Safety of The Alzheimer’s Disease Soci- It has been developed by Dr Idoxifene Two is being hailed advise people to stop taking their
medication, but many find they
need it less often or in lower doses
and can control their asthma bet-
MOTORBILITY FOR ALL
ter after a few months.”
He said people with emphy-
Quality conversions for:
sema, arthritis and multiple
Wheelchair driver sclerosis can also benefit.
Wheelchair passenger BYT, tel: [phone].
Special Needs & Minibuses
Chilli burns
away pain
-PROBABLY THE BEST VALUE
FOR MONEY AVAILABLE
American doctors are using
For detailed information or chilli peppers as a new painkiller
a no obligation test drive for people with cancer.
Researchers at Yale University
contact us at either address have shown that chillies can
relieve pain for two hours by
desensitising pain receptors in
the body.
UNIVERSAL MOBILITY LTD
They have successfully used
JORDANS, PARTRIDGE LANE the treatment on people with
RUSPER, SUSSEX, RH12 4RW oral muscotis — painful mouth
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] ulcers caused by cancer therapy.
Patients were given sweets con-
taining small amounts of chilli.
UNIT G, ROYD MILL
Within 30 minutes of sucking
DYEHOUSE LANE, BRIGHOUSE
the sweet, the pain had virtually
WEST YORKS, HD6 LLL
disappeared. The painkilling
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
effects of each sweet lasted
about two hours.
Disabilitywow May 1995
Home improvements 9
Where can
you find your
7i | deal home?
Not here...
Martha Robinson went along to the Daily
Mail |\deal Home Exhibition to see if
access had improved since last year
IDEAL HOME
does not include a special dis-
y play of accessible furniture.”
<:
A Pyram fitted kitchen did
im catch Siby’s eye. The cupboards
* and fridge had drawers which
2 pulled right out. “This fridge is
ic great. | wouldn’t have to strain
to reach for things at the back.”
Hanging out in the kitchen: Siby tried out Lord Snowdon’s new mobility concept
ROY FARTHING
No ramps in show village
AWE
The Parkhomes showhouse was Accessible Environments, said: uses, she would not buy the to open at Earl’s Court in
accessible. But only inside. Siby “This is not good enough for hoist. “I would find it frustrat- September. A stair lift and new
You are about to move house. could not get in as there were 1995. An event of this size ing. I like being in my chair and ramp are planned for the
You want to shop for new furni- steps at the entrance. A should, at the very least, offer in control.” Brompton Road entrance. Per-
ture, have a fun day out and a Parkhomes representative said disabled people the opportunity Siby was definitely a fan. “My haps Lord Snowdon’s concept
bite to. eat.’ The 1995 «Ideal that the DMG Exhibition to have the same food as every- initial reaction when I saw the could also be used to improve
Home Exhibition at Earl’s Group had banned a ramp as it one else.” hoist was ‘That’s stupid’. It future access?
Court, London is the place for was “too dangerous”. didn’t look like you would be Airborn visitors in hoists
you. Wrong. The exhibition was The Bellway Homes show vil- Heavy doors able to get to all the nooks and would then be guaranteed a
anything but ideal for disabled lage had stairs at entrances and Siby got upstairs by using a stair crannies in a room. But it really glimse of all the exhibits.
visitors. exits. Their information desk lift to the foyer and then taking does get you around. If I had a
Pyram (UK), tel: [phone].
Siby Boyd, a wheelchair user, had received complaints from a lift to the first floor. She had choice between waiting for
will be moving to a new house wheelchair users. to pass through several heavy someone to do things for me or Rompa, tel: [phone]
with her two children in May. “It’s terrible for such a big swing doors which were diffi- using this, I would try it.” Wessex Medical, tel: (0800)
So DN asked her to check out event,” complained Siby. “The cult to open without help. An accessible restaurant is due 581223.
the exhibition. things I want to see, I can’t.” Upstairs, many of the food
We reserved one of the 25 free Caroline Jones of DMG told stall counters were too high for
parking spaces for disabled peo- DN that ramps were not fitted Siby to see over and the eating DO YOU OR A MEMBER OF YOUR
ple. Inside we met Kevin Taylor area had tables designed for
FAMILY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A
and his mother Doreen who is a standing, able-bodied people.
SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR YOUR
wheelchair user. They had In contrast, two exhibits had
arrived to find all the 25 spaces been designed for people with COUNCIL? ARE YOU GETTING THE
were taken. They had to go toa disabilities. EDUCATION, COMMUNITY CARE OR
nearby multi-storey car park The Rompa Snoezelen room SERVICES YOU NEED?
and park on the top floor. at the NCH Action for Chil-
dren stand looked like a 70s
David Ruebain is a disabled Solicitor
Raised platforms grotto (minus the Bee Gees). It
specialising in Education, Community
Siby was armed with her credit was designed to stimulate chil-
card in search of a bargain. “I dren with severe disabilities and Care and Local Government Law. He
would like to see some disability behavioural problems. Siby is committed to the Disability
aids. It will be interesting to see chilled-out surrounded — by
Movement and is involved in the
what’s on offer.” soothing music, glass tubes full
Many of the furniture exhibits No entry at the show village of brightly lit bubbling water, campaign for Civil Rights Legislation
were on raised platforms. A few MARTHA ROBINSON multi-coloured lighting and soft for Disabled People.
had ramps. “It seems that some to the houses as “disadvan- play toys.
Legal Aid work undertaken.
companies have bothered to taged” people could be a safety
think and others haven’t,” Siby hazard inside houses in the Innovative hoist
observed. event of an emergency. Lord Snowdon’s new mobility
For free initial advice, contact him at:-
According to April White- All this lack of access was concept was also a success. Siby
David Levene & Co. Solicitors,
head, the exhibition press offi- making us hungry — time for travelled around the showhouse
cer, exhibitors are advised to fit lunch. But the restaurants were in a Wessex Medical Travelmas- Ashley House,
ramps to stands, but it is not not accessible. Siby asked how ter hoist, connected to rails on
235-239 High Road,
obligatory. “The exhibition has to get to the pasta restaurant at the ceiling. She moved from
Wood Green,
been criticised in the past and an information desk. She was room to room and adjusted her
some changes have been made, told: “Try one of the food stalls. height using a remote control. LONDON,
but there’s still a long way to Do you really have to have Tracy Lewis, a wheelchair ath- N22 4HF
go. ” pasta?” lete, was demonstrating the
TELEPHONE- 0181-881 7777.
Much of the funiture was not When told of DN’s experience, hoist. “It’s ideal for someone to
suitable for Siby’s new house. Sarah Langton-Lockton, chief get around without a carer.”
“It’s a pity that each feature executive of the Centre for Although Tracy recognises its
Disabilitywow May 1995
10 Motoring
Safety, sure, but what
At about double the price of
David Griffiths is
basic push/pull controls, (hand
unimpressed by a control system, £45, right-hand
“safety Conscious” indicator, £35, quick-release
about the driver? steering ball, £35), they are just
hand control system
not competitive. They drive
badly compared with even the
cheapest kit controls.
When the Research Institute for
Many who drive on direct-
Consumer Affairs (RICA)
acting push/pull systems would
launched its report last year on
find TechMobility impossible
secondary safety — what hap-
pens to car and driver after the to use. The dangers of
occasioning the very thing these
impact of a crash — it made
some manufacturers think controls are designed to help
harder about safety. cushion could be all the greater
Essex-based TechMobility is a as a result of fitting them.
case in point. It claims to have
Eye on the Tigra
devised hand controls that do
not intrude on driver knee and For those tired of pedestrian
foot space, collapse with the saloons and hatchbacks, Vaux-
steering column in the event of hall has introduced an auto-
a crash, and “address all the matic transmission option on
problems highlighted by RICA”. their sporty little Tigra.
All very admirable — especially Daewoo wants to bring a new image to car buying. Its Nexia 3-door looks particularly disability friendly. For such a small vehicle the
if the cars are good to drive and doors are huge, and the rear
competitively priced. surmounted by a hard plastic normally never use a steering full frontal impact involving stowage more than adequate
Visually, the controls present a knob, it looks out of place in wheel knob, but I found it steering column collapse, and for a fast weekend away.
somewhat unusual layout. an arrangement supposedly virtually impossible to drive there is no denying that they However, you have to cultivate
Although following the push/ aimed at safety. without one on this system. leave the driver’s knee space free. the right image and clamber out
pull principle, the accelerator Indicating was a matter of But my candid opinion is that whilst maintaining decorum.
and brake are separate levers, Unexpected hazards lashing out at either the they pay scant regard to the Daewoo and Halfords are
mounted on the same side. This presents the driver with original stalk or the transfer requirements of a disabled endeavouring to bring a
The brake is a small padded unsuspected hazards, the main rod, and then hastily grabbing driver, and show marked lack completely new image of car
block surmounting a curved one being that of trapping the controls or the wheel again. of knowledge in this area. buying to Britain. Automatic
flat bar, which disappears into one’s fingers between the brake It was impossible to dip the
the column shroud. and the accelerator unit. The lights without taking a hand off.
The accelerator unit hangs two pass so close to each other Braking required a hefty shove,
above. Made of thin rod, it has that, in an emergency, anyone while the accelerator was heavy
a down-hanging, vertical with frail, weak or stiffened and stodgy, and not helped by
operating section without grip. fingers could injure themselves. some half inch of slop in the
A cable carried behind the Both controls are positioned cable. All this on a car renowned
column shroud links it to the so as to make it impossible to for smoothness and lightness!
pedals above the pedal fulcrum, steady the wheel with the right An hour at the helm was more
AID-style. hand while maintaining control than my right arm could take
A “transfer-stalk” formed by of the vehicle. The transfer (and I had just returned from a
a horizontal rod carries the stalk sits woefully out of reach, 2,300-mile haul to Italy on
operation of the left indicator glinting in the sunlight. someone else’s hand controls).
function stalk over to the right. Out on the road, the problems TechMobility controls may be |
Made of strong, shiny metal become thoroughly annoying. I less likely to cause danger ina TechMobility hand controls pay scant regard to the disabled driver —
transmission and power-
assisted steering is available
The New Volkswagen Caravelle
throughout the Daewoo range,
and the Nexia three-door looks
by Invatravel Conversions
particularly disability-friendly.
INVATRAVEL
It is too early to say what
CONVERSIONS
Daewoo’s policy on disability
will be. Hopefully it will see the
wisdom of following the trail
of Proton, Hyundai and Kia.
Fiat is taking a serious look at
the European disability market
and attempting to link with
major conversion companies to
give them a better image.
With most of the automatics
being constantly variable
Selecta transmission (CVT), they
have failed to find favour with
Various options of wheelchair access available on this super new model, including: many potential customers.
Fiat is developing a torque
* underfloor electro-hydraulic lifts
converter to match the Selecta
° hydraulic lowering rear suspension with spring assisted alloy ramp system, which it is claimed will
remove the jerky progress at low
* manual ramps, etc
speeds and introduce the very
Disabled driver options for full independence.
thing that CVT was designed to
remove — transmission “creep”.
Prices start from £15,150.00 on the road excluding all taxes from which disabled users are exempt. Funny old world...
Contact Paul Cassidy, tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. TechMobility, tel: (01206)
210440.
66 Knob Hall Lane, Southport PRY 9QS.
Daewoo, Mark Carbery, tel:
RECOGNISED CONVERTER
[phone].
Fiat, tel: [phone].
Disabilitywow May 1995