Disability now. November 1993.

32 Pages·1993·14.1 MB·English

by  The Spastics Society

NOVEMBER 1993
85p
|T his month Road tax
| 6
__ PARTY CONFERENCES
Disability issues at reform
_the seaside
Clinton’s health reforms
12
LIVING ; condemned
Pain (2): The clinic that
teaches you to feel good
13
PROFILE
Albie Sachs, the soft
Motoring groups fear that thousands of disabled peo-
freedom fighter
ple will be driven off the roads by last month’s repeal
16-17 of the Disabled Passengers’ Scheme.
OUT AND ABOUT
If you go down to the Michael Bruton, executive component of the DLA and
woods today ... director of the Disabled people who get a war pension-
Drivers’ Association (DDA), is ers’ mobility supplement, are
18-19 “angry and appalled” that dis- now eligible.
_ ARTS
ability groups were not con- The DDA says elderly peo-
Accion Mutante, Soft
sulted. He has sent protest ple will be hit hardest by the
Vengeance, Bayeux
Tapestry, tv, videos letters to Nicholas Scott, Min- decision, passed as part of the
ister for Disabled People, 1992 Finance Act.
21-24 Michael Portillo, Chief Secre- Mr Bruton said: “Elderly
NAIDEX tary to the Treasury, and the people will be ruled out as peo-
DN’s experts report Department of Transport. ple aged over 65 cannot claim
hints Wile. Under the scheme, people the higher mobility component
26
PERSON TO PERSON Five-year-old Jenny Lowndes (right) and her family are who have a car but need to be of the DLA. We believe the
Parents hit back right behind the campaign to build Scotland’s first chil- driven round are exempt from scheme should be extended,
dren’s hospice. The appeal needs to raise £10 million. Please the £110 a year road tax. rather than limited, so that
29-31 send cheques (made out to the Daily Record Children’s Hos- They must be unable to walk everyone who becomes disabled
CLASSIFIEDS pice Appeal) to the Hospice Appeal, Daily Record, PO Box and get either the care compo- over the age of 65 can get an
900, Glasgow G9 2AA, Scotland.
CHARLES DONNELLY/DAILY RECORD nent of the Disability Living exemption certificate.”
Allowance (DLA) or Atten- David Griffiths, DN motor-
Labour takes
dance Allowance, or the higher ing expert and manager of the
We're mobility component of the Mobility Information Service at
DLA. Up to 20,000 people are Shrewsbury, said: “This is a
on airline eligible. disgraceful decision.
t7 o mt= ake lia fife eas Disabled passengers currently “Tt is terrible that people who
benefitting under these rules become disabled too late to
will continue to be exempt. claim mobility allowance should
for The Labour Party is to take
But since 12 October, only be excluded from the only thing
up the case of the five-year-
people on the higher mobility Continued on page 9
old girl who was banned
from an aeroplane because An ambulance? That'll
of her disability.
Zahrah Manuel was banned
from an American Airlines holi- be £3.25 a mile, please
day flight to New York after her
mother refused to buy two tick-
ets so her daughter could lie A 73-year-old woman was two requests to transport the
down (DN, August). left lying on the floor for woman free, Kent social ser-
Having seen the story in DN, four hours while ambulance vices agreed to pay the £3.25 a
Barry Sheerman, shadow min- staff and social services mile charge for the journey.
ister for disability rights, has argued over who should pay The social worker agreed to
written to the American for taking her to a nursing pay “because the woman had
Ambassador, the American home, it has been revealed. been on the floor for a consid-
Federal Aviation Authority and The Department of Health is erable time and I felt that the
the Civil Aviation Authority, now being asked to spell out issue of payment should not
asking them to investigate. the rules on charging for “non- prevent her admission.”
Mr Sheerman said: “The emergency” journeys. A report on the incident has
Make it easy on yourself. For the widest choice of treatment of this little girl was A doctor admitted the been sent to the Association of
new and used Chairman Cars for non-transferring shameful. It is surely wrong elderly Kent woman to a nurs- Continued on page 9
that an airline which publicises ing home after she collapsed at
wheelchair users, simply speak to Sue on our free
itself as the official World Cup home alone. Under the new
advice line
0800 220878 carriers should act in this way. charging system introduced in
“Many disabled people who April, the ambulance service
want to travel to the World classified her case as “non-
GOWRINGS MOBILITY Cup will be worried about what acute” and demanded payment.
treatment they can expect from Four hours later, after the
Established 1922 the airline.” ambulance service had refused
2 NEWS
Heath backs special needs kids
Former Prime Minister Sir the Department of Education will continue to argue for the
Edward Heath has backed a about the matter. fair treatment of those with
national campaign that aims to The letter said: “Clearly, special needs at every opportu-
raise public awareness of the children with special needs nity.”
rights of special needs children. often require speech, occupa- GOALS __ organiser Ken
The Wrexham-based group tional and physiotherapy to Mack said: “We have had a
GOALS wrote to MPs from all reach their full potential. very positive response to our
parties about the lack of thera- “Sir Edward shares your campaign, and are very grateful
peutic help available for these belief that the Government has for Mr Heath’s words of
children. a moral obligation to provide encouragement.”
It received 25 replies, includ- the resources for these services,
ing a letter from Sir Edward’s and by providing such services GOALS, 19 Crathie Place,
private secretary who said the it will save money in the long Rhosddu, Wrexham, Clwyd,
former Premier had spoken to term. Please be assured that he LLI1 2HB, tel: [phone].
Fearless Colin Corbett —
(above, underneath) enjoyed
the jump of a lifetime, rais-
ing £250 for St Cecilia’s
Cheshire Home in Bromley,
Kent.
Colin, who has multiple
sclerosis, took part in a
12,000 ft free-fall parachute
jump at Headcorn
Parachute Club in Kent.
The jump, organised by
the Leonard Cheshire Foun-
dation, meant Colin had the
nerve-jangling experience of
plunging at speeds of over
120. mph _ before his
parachute opened.
“It was extremely cold up
there, but the actual drop
was lovely and smooth,” he
said. “I was __ securely
strapped to a free-fall
instructor and never felt
frightened.” .
Published by
The Spastics Society,
12 Park Crescent
London WAN 4EQ.
Tel: [phone].
Editor Mary Wilkinson
Assistant Editor
Alison Rowat
Reporter Tim Russell
Editorial/Production
Assistant
Sarah Rigby
Editorial
Assistant/Secretary
Victoria Grey-Edwards
Subscriptions
Manager Karen Bresloff
At last, a pushchair we can Assistant
Jennifer Whitehead
Tel: [phone]
Advertising
all feel comfortable with. Richard Gresham,
Kingslea Press Ltd,
12 Dock Offices,
Surrey Quays Road,
London SE16 2XU.
The Roundabout has been made to the most demanding Tel: [phone].
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specification. Total comfort.
Banbury Typesetters,
Its seat, strong and resilient, provides each child with Suite 10, Borough House,
Marlborough Road,
just the right support to stabilise the effects of a mild Banbury, Oxon OX16 8TH.
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or moderate disability. Printed by Cherwell
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Light and manoeuvrable, it’s easy to fold, and is Printers, Banbury, Oxon
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an exceptionally good looking wheelchair,
The views expressed in
ourhabout
Disability Now are not
necessarily those of The
REMPLOY
Spastics Society.
Remploy Wheelchairs, 11 Nunnery Drive, Sheffield $2 1TA. Telephone [phone] Fax: [phone]. Copyright
©1993 The ABC
Spastics Society suze
Disability Now November 1993
NEWS 3
DLF
Russia
in crisis cuts
Russia’s ten million disabled
people saw their hopes of a
better life go up in flames The Disabled Living Founda-
during the bloody attack on tion (DLF) is cutting staff to
the White House on 3-4 head off a financial crisis.
October. Five employees, including
Vital documents relating two library staff, have already
‘to proposed laws on social been made redundant. Two
‘support, rehabilitation and more will go by next summer.
employment of disabled peo- DLF director Charles Moore
ple were lost during the blamed the cuts on the char-
onslaught by President ity’s £150,000 deficit, a drop in
Yeltsin’s troops. income and plans by _ the
In a special dispatch to Department of Health to
DN, Russkii Invalid editor Sue Elsegood goes Underground in one of only 40 fully accessible stations _ sean smitH/THE GUARDIAN change its Section 64 grant sys-
Nikolai Zhukov said: “With Down the Tube at last tem. The DLF fears that pro-
all these documents gone up posals to give grants to
in flames, and some of those projects, rather than core ser-
who had worked on_ the vices, would mean a big drop in
Social Welfare Law in its income.
Disability groups have wel- and advise wheelchair users Keith Armstrong, chairman
‘prison, the signing of the “We would have had a finan-
comed London Underground’s have been issued to staff, a free of Dial-a-Ride and Taxicard
new law looks a long way cial crisis on our hands if we
decision to open up the tube guide to each station called Users (DaRT), said: “This is a
off. While a new Parliament had not taken this drastic
system to wheelchair users for Access to the Underground is very important and welcome
is elected, another commit- action,” said Mr Moore. “We
the first time in 30 years. available at ticket offices, and a change which will enable the
tee formed, new documents can’t afford to keep the library
Wheelchair-users had been stairlift has been installed at disability community to fulfil
produced - at least another and may give our collection of
banned from deep-level sec- Hounslow West station. their roll as citizens in society.
_year will pass by. books to a library or charity
tions of the Tube since the London Underground’s “But even with the lifting of
- “The events in Moscow and buy in the information we
1960s because, it was said, they development director, David these restrictions, the Tube will
which left over 150 people need.” j;
would be a safety risk if a fire Bailey, said: “Wheelchair users be not be fully accessible to
dead and 600 wounded,
broke out or a train got stuck in are being given the choice wheelchair users. Only 40 out
highlight not only the politi-
a tunnel. Now campaigners about when and where they can of 273 stations have step-free
cal problems of the day but
have persuaded authorities to travel. But we realise there is a access. We need to overcome
the economic ones too. The
lift the ban. long way to go before achieving the problems so all stations are
majority of demonstrators
| supporting Parliament were Guidelines on how to help a step free, accessible system.” made fully accessible.” Lord Jack [
elderly people and war vet- ‘Split charities in two’ says report Aiss hbleegyi nn(irniggh t)t,o ||
erans, those who have led
hear again |
difficult lives and are now
| living in poverty.” Radical proposals to — strip slammed by disability groups. would mean splitting voluntary after having a
eoreh l*erats
Britain’s voluntary organisa- The proposals, put forward groups into two categories.
EXCLUSIVE REPORT implant at
tions of their charitable status in a report* by the Centre for The first would be non-
University |
NEXT MONTH and the automatic tax conces- Research and Innovation in profit service providers fully
College Hos- =
sions that go with it have been Social Policy and _ Practice, funded by the state. The sec-
pital, London.
ond would concentrate on cam-
“T feel tremendous,” he said.
paigning and get no _ state
“My ability to comprehend
subsidies, only donations.
sounds has improved enor-
Ann Robinson, chief execu-
mously and I am starting to fol-
tive of the Spastics Society,
low what some people say
said: “Voluntary organisations
without lip-reading. It was
have extensive experience both
magical to hear my grandson
of providing high quality ser-
PRODUCT speak for the first time.”
vices and of campaigning for
Cochlear implants, which are
ADVISORY - SERVICE social change.
placed in the inner ear to elec-
“These proposals would split
trically stimulate the hearing
us in two - to the detriment of
nerves, are still rare. Only 250
both major activities and, most
/The DEPEND® range of high quality disposable products is importantly, to the detriment of operations have been carried
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Roy Evans, 10 Heathmans Road,
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Disability Now November 1993
4 NEWS
IVB attacks creating |A ! aboard the low-floor bus
Richard Armitage reports now operating in Merseyside. demand [for accessible buses],
a ‘climate of fear’ Three low-floor, accessible On the Scania and East But if you give us the money,
buses were on show at last Lancs Coachbuilders’ model, we'll build it.”
month’s Coach and Bus 793, the Mr Meadows’ wheelchair could Operators in other European
industry’s flagship trade fair. just squeeze past the driver, countries (especially Germany,
Two years ago there were none. and his exit to the middle doors the Netherlands and Denmark)
Government attacks on Invalid- questioned said GPs sometimes
This small breakthrough (70= .
ity Benefit (IVB) are creating a or often refuse sick notes to
coincided with the publication
“climate of fear” among people who advisers consider
of a new survey showing that in
claimants, according to a new unfit for work.
most bus operators would Hounslow x
report published last month. Medical examinations, which
switch to low-floor buses - re —
Worried Sick*, by Disability only lasted ten minutes on aver-
given Government help.
Alliance and the Royal Associa- age, were often stressful and
Low floor buses: the operator’s
tion for Disability and Rehabili- painful, with many relevant fac-
view* was compiled by Lon-
tation (RADAR), was based on tors being missed by doctors.
don’s Dial-a-Ride and Taxicard
a survey of 334 claimants. The report includes calls for
User’s Association (DaRT) for
Instead of being too lenient - better training of adjudication
the Buses For All campaign. Of
as the Government claims - the officers and regular monitoring
the 150 operators with fleets of
system is often too harshly of decisions; more time for
operated by Benefits Agency medical examinations; and more 50 vehicles or more who were low floor bus se :
contacted, 90 responded.
staff. information to be provided to
Asked whether they were
Eighty per cent of claimants claimants about appeal rights.
thinking of buying low-floor ba
Mary Holland, deputy direc-
buses, only 39 per cent said
tor of RADAR, said: “We want
yes. Asked if they would go
to work with the Government
low-floor if there was Govern-
in increasing the effectiveness of
ment support to meet the price Andy Meadows gets on board the Pathfinder RICHARD ARMITAGE
IVB, but we require a consid-
difference between existing
ered review of welfare spending
vehicles and the new low-floor was blocked by a narrow gang- have already put low-floor
involving all interested parties,
designs, the figure shot up to way. Sales manager Peter buses into daily service. The
rather than a _ hastily put
63 per cent. Over half agreed Crawford said it was a small DaRT survey shows that oper-
together, piecemeal approach
that low-floor buses were the matter to widen the gap, but ators’ concerns over the initial
such as that currently being put
transport of the future. his admission that there are no costs of buying the buses, and
forward by the Government.”
DN reader Andy Meadows disabled people on his design the unknown costs of mainte-
travelled from Essex to Birm- team was not encouraging. nance and spares, are prevent-
*£2.50, Disability Alliance, Uni-
ingham’s NEC to take a look Mr Meadows was able to use ing progress in the UK.
versal House, 88-94 Wentworth
into the future at the Coach his experience as a coach driver Buses For All concludes that
Street, London El 7SA.
and Bus ’93 show. when quizzing exhibitors at the to get these buses on the road,
First for inspection was the show, most of whom had noth- the Government will have to
JUST SAY NO UPDATE the Pathfinder low-floor bus, ing to offer disabled people. provide financial help.
The 83 DN _ readers who one of 68 due to go into service (The Department of Trans- But low-floor buses _ still
responded to our “Just Say in London after Christmas. “I port’s Disability Unit was a need to prove themselves in
No” campaign against cuts prefer to board at the front, to notable exception. It released UK operating conditions. Next
Jacqueline James from York to IVB are to cach get a per- be able to talk to the driver,” two new videos: one for bus year’s trials of the 68 vehicles
(above) is the 1993 winner of
sonal reply from officials in he said. “But access on these is and coach drivers on disability in London, and five in Tyne
the £1,000 Frink Award,
Social Security Secretary through the middle doors.” awareness, and the other for and Wear, will be a crucial
which honours visually
Peter Lilley’s private office. This all-British newcomer to bus operators on the advantages stage in the marathon slog to
impaired women or those
who work with them. Ms D(ecision)-Day for IVB will the market was equipped with a of low-floor buses.) get accessible buses running
James, 31, is a weaver, spe- the Budget on 30 November. powered ramp at the middle The attitude of Kevin Tay- regu.arly on Britain’s roads.
cialising in rugs and wall Watch this space. doors, as was the front entrance lor, Plaxton’s coach sales man-
hangings. to Neoplan’s accessible bus, ager was typical: “There’s no ¥£3.50, tel: [phone].
sod Solicitors.
play fair
The Law Society, which repre-
sents 60,000 solicitors in Eng-
land and Wales, passed a new
rule last month forbidding dis-
crimination within the profes-
CONTROLLER CHAIR
sion on the’ grounds of
The ORIGINAL Spa Controller Chair has 8 disability, race, gender or sex-
ADJUSTABLE FEATURES and can be fitted to the ual orientation.
majority of potential users providing a greatly enhanced Society President Roger Pan-
none said: “I attach special
quality of life.
importance to our profession
TO AID THE CARER within seconds arms can be being in the forefront of efforts
to eliminate discrimination and
unlocked and either slid out to maximum or removed
I hope that once these propos-
easily WITHOUT TOOLS.
als are implemented, they will
Accessories include ADJUSTABLE FOOT PLATE. lead to a fairer and better pro-
fession which is open to all.”
Product quality and customer satisfaction are key aspects Firms will be required to
of the RBF Products philosophy. To this end the company introduce equal opportunities
has achieved accreditation to BS 5750 part 2 and can policies.
turn-round orders in 48 hours. Malinga
Available in several aesthetically Our after sales service is second to none. made mayor
pleasing colours. |
RBF Products Limited Our nationwide team of agents will be only too pleased to Joshua Malinga, chairperson of
55 Comet Way Southend-on-SeEass*e x SS2 6UW demonstrate the chair, answer any querves or carry out assessments Disabled People’s International,
Tel: [phone] * Fax: [phone] without obligation. has become Mayor of Bulawayo
in Zimbabwe. Mr Malinga is
the first disabled person to hold
the office.
Disability Now November 1993
Every Mondeo is
packed with
features we hope
you ll never use.
Reinforced cro.
Front impact bars
Reinforced rocker beam
The Ford Mondeo is the only car with Dynamic in the seat. Specially designed “anti submarining” seats
Safety Engineering. None of the safety features also stop you sliding under the belts.
are optional extras, they are all fitted as standard. Before an accident you wouldn't even know these
In a crash, side impact bars and crumple zones features were there, thankfully after one, you'll be able to
immediately absorb the force, the fuel supply from the appreciate why they were. For more information on Motability
reinforced tank is automatically cut off and sensors instantly schemes and details of your nearest
detect the severity of collision. Ford Motability dealer, call free (quot-
If the force of impact is great enough, within a tenth of ing M19) on: 0800 111 222.
a second the steering wheel airbag will inflate and seatbelt
Everything we do is driven by you.
‘grabbers’ and “pretensioners” will operate to hold you tight
Disability Now November 1993
6 PARTY CONFERENCES
Lib Dems agonise over policy
Se
7 iberal
policy before the meeting Concern was “appalled by this they will not be able to cope.” venue’s administrators, fire reg-
because it was not on tape. stereotype”. “Let’s not assume For the party’s Disability ulations and contractors, rather
Democrats
And as Ms Lynne spoke, two that people by virtue of their Association, the main concerns than the party.
delegates in wheelchairs tried age are less capable of manag- were access in and around the Ms Gee is now on the con-
to find space in the over- ing themselves.” Riviera Centre, and getting dis- ference committee, and will be
Simon Crompton
crowded room. Both had been In the main conference, dele- ability issues firmly embedded battling for easy access at
reports
delayed as stewards struggled gates backed genetic engineer- in party policy. future events. She wants to get
to find a way down to the ing research aimed at disability issues on the agenda
The Liberal Democrats’ con- apparently inaccessible base- individuals, but not at off- Access a problem by joining the party’s policy
ference in Torquay was bound ment room. “On our way out spring. Liz Lynne said: “We Pat Atherton and Beth Gee had committee. At the moment the
to be portrayed by critics as the we discovered there was a lift reject wholeheartedly any use visited Torquay three months group does not have status as
latest act in the continuing that took us all the way”, said of genetic engineering of before to check access. But now an associated organisation of
tragedy of a party that could Audrey Steele. humans for reasons other than they were dismayed to find the party, and therefore has no
not make up its mind. The dis- At the same meeting, gene therapy. Therefore we major parts of their advice had powers to put down motions
cussions on health, social and Bernard Donoghue, campaigns reject its use in selective breed- been omitted from the agenda. for debate at conference.
civil rights issues did little to officer of the charity Sense, ing of humans.” Problems included a lift with But it will have input into
defy expectations. questioned whether disabled At a fringe meeting organ- limited access, the siting of the party’s new policy working
First, there was the contro- people and carers were gen- ised by the Alzheimer’s Disease wheelchair space right at the group on disability. The group,
versial proposal that the con- uinely consulted about commu- Society, Caring Costs and the back of the auditorium, and no which will work out how dis-
tributory principle for state nity care plans, and warned of Carers’ National Association, ramp on the podium. An ad hoc ability issues can be fed into
pensions be scrapped, and the the dangers of a new kind of Liz Lynne also called for better metal ramp proved too steep every aspect of the party’s poli-
pension uprated in line with “ghettoisation” as people were support for carers. “Deprived for wheelchairs. cies, is to report before the next
prices rather than earnings, tar- transferred from institutions of respite care or day centres, The Association blames the conference.
getting extra help at those most into the community. “Have we
in need. just replaced one form of isola-
Despite a proposed amend- tion in the community with a
ment from the leadership to smaller scale one now?”
restore the link with earnings,
conference supported the paper. Money worries
But it made it clear that this The extent to which service
was “a basis for further consul- users should have control over
tation”. The motion passed also the money allocated to provide
called for improvements to Dis- services for them was another
ability Living Allowance, a new moot point.
carers’ benefit and legislation to Peter Bryden, chair of the
outlaw age discrimination. Liberal Democrats’ personal
social services working group,
Firm on anti-discrimination pondered: “Should you
Anti-discrimination — legislation empower people by giving
was firmly endorsed by Liz them the money to allow them
Lynne, the party’s Health and to make choices? Is it right that
Community Care Spokesper- you give grannies money so
son, at a session on personal that they tuck it under the bed
social services. for a rainy day, or for the chil-
But her comments on equal- dren who abandoned them
ity were undercut by Debbie years ago, or should you make
Baird, a visually impaired dele- sure it is used for heating, >
iia Bia
gate from Watford, who had transport and so on?” Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown (left) fingers the braille edi tion of the Disability Daily, a
been unable to read the party’s Gordon Lishman of Age newspaper produced by disability groups specially for the party conferences
Labour talks tough on disability
THE BALMORALS
STABILITY LEAVES While Labour’s internal wran- motion that a Labour govern- support are to be hit by VAT
glings over one member one ment must allocate resources so on fuel, pensioner poverty in
RIVAL vote dominated media coverage as to ensure families caring for 1993 is not just an evil, it is a
from the Brighton Centre, VAT infirm people were “adequately crime.”
jib on fuel and the Conservative re-imbursed” for their caring
MODELS | mt " Ns ale
onslaught on benefits were the role, including compensation Potential denied
recurrent themes in the confer- for lost earnings and free, regu- In the debate on rights at work,
SHAKING ence hall. lar, respite care. Susan Watson from Battersea
Vey WW People with disabilities made Ms Munn told the confer- CLP made a stand on behalf of
their own powerful contribu- ence that one week’s respite disabled people, which gained
tions on the subjects during the care now cost £300 - “You her one of the most rousing
debates on the economy and could send your granny to receptions of the conference.
Do you get the shakes STABILITY the health service. Over 60 per cent of disabled
Labour’s Shadow Health
before you transfer? people in the country were
This Bathlifter has super Secretary David Blunkett ended unemployed, she said. She was
Does your bathlifter stability and is always the health debate with a warn- the exception - she had a job
wobble from side to side assured by the unique ing that the Government and a roof over her head. “But
threatened to inflict prescrip- I have first hand experience of
when transferring? stabilizer bar. tion charges on those who could how hard it is to achieve in
least afford them - for example British society.”
Not with the Balmoral. Guaranteed. those who needed skin creams Benidorm for less.” Two thirds of disabled peo-
for long-term conditions. But Mr Blunkett succeeded ple lived below the poverty
Nesbit Evans Ltd. “We are not only being in having the motion with- line, and those who were work-
x | Regent Rd. City charged when we become ill,” drawn. “I am committed to ing often earned a very low
X= Liverpool, L3 7BX Mr Blunkett said. “We are also public spending, but the ideas wage. “If Britain had a national
Tel: [phone] being charged to be made ill, of doubling the health service minimum wage, along with a
QO Please send me a free colour brochure because that is what VAT on budget in this way hadn’t comprehensive equal opportu-
1 | would like a free home assessment fuel bills will mean.” occurred to me,” he said. nities policy, disabled people
Name: Tony Jewell of the Socialist In the economy debate, would be more likely to achieve
Address: Health Association, and Mar- Shadow Chancellor Gordon their potential.”
garet Munn from Cunningham Brown made a tub-thumping In the debate on fair taxes
North Constituency Labour attack on fuel tax: “When nine and benefits, Beryl Urquhart of
DN 11/93 Party (CLP), proposed a million pensioners on income Bridgwater CLP proposed a
Disability Now November 1993 eee rese
PARTY CONFERENCES 7
“$ |Cold comfort from Tories
CONSERVATIVE
accessible for disabled people.
Minister for Disabled People
Nicholas Scott attended meet-
The Conservative rally at the
ings of the Group and _ the
Winter Gardens in Blackpool
Royal National Institute for
gave few clues about how much
Deaf People. Commons Leader
Government changes to bene-
Tony Newton chaired a
fits and tax will affect people
National Autistic Society meet-
with disabilities.
ing, revealing that his cousin is
Social Security Secretary
autistic. At the meeting, Mahip
Peter Lilley said: “The number
Vaish, who has Asperger’s syn-
of people on Invalidity Benefit
drome, described his experi-
- has trebled, while the nation’s
ences of being “kicked around”
health has been improving. So
by employers. He asked
I am devising a reliable medical
employers to try to understand
test of fitness to work. IVB is
the simple situations which
intended for those who are not
autistic people found very diffi-
fit for work, and not those who
cult to cope with.
are.” The audience loved it.
Brian Lamb, head of cam- Beggars can’t be choosers
paigns at the Spastics Society,
Disabled delegate Margaret
said Mr Lilley’s speech “shed
McConochie from Penrith and
no light on what the Govern-
the Border wanted to see a
ment is really going to do about
comprehensive disability bene-
IVB, who’s going to lose out
fit instead of separate social
and by how much.” security payments. There was
an element of stigma in having
VAT man
to apply for separate benefits,
Chancellor Kenneth Clarke Pensioners demonstrate outside the Tory conference PHILIP MEECH/THE INDEPENDENT she said. “I don’t like being
said two thirds of the £36 mil- classed, because of social secu-
lion raised by VAT on fuel “the fabric of our society”. Formed in 1989, the Disabil- cal grounds. “At the moment rity, with some beggar who
would come from households In the health debate, Colette ity Group now has 372 mem- it’s being handed out for clini- won’t work.”
with an income of over Jones, from County Down, said bers, with up to 40 new ones cal reasons,” said Mr Dunlop. Zelda Dunlop, a_ scooter
£12,000. “I say that no sensible that while services had joining at each conference. However, the Group’s advo- user, was concerned about
person should condemn the tax improved over the last year in cacy of anti-discrimination leg- access in the Winter Gardens.
until they have seen our pack- Northern Ireland, there were Hard line on employers islation leaves it at odds with The Conservative Disability
age of help for those people still gaps - particularly the need According to Mr Dunlop, a the official Government line Group had several complaints
least able to pay.” for respite care for over-19s recent meeting with Lord Ull- that discrimination should be from people who could not find
Despite the usual efforts of with learning disabilities. swater, former Under Secretary ended through encouragement the toilet for disabled people,
conference organisers to smother And the Conservative Dis- for Employment, yielded a and incentives. “We’re in and when they did they had to
dissent, one or two delegates ability Group told DN that it pledge that civil servants would favour of legislation if it’s find the key - which was kept
were bold enough to speak out. was concerned about the group be instructed to be more hard thought through very clearly,” at one of the most crowded
Ann Addison from South of disabled people just above line on employers who did not said Mr Dunlop. He “couldn’t cafes in the complex. “It’s
Northamptonshire was worried the cut-off point for the pro- fulfil their three per cent quota, stand”, however, the Bill pro- really embarrassing having to
about the reduction in the posed VAT compensation pack- and that offenders would be posed by Alf Morris because it ask,” said Mrs Dunlop. She
number of social services local age. Director Malcolm Dunlop prosecuted. failed to recognise the input of had also found the lifts down to
authorities could provide, and said this would be raised at a The Group believes IVB employers and the real prob- the conference floor rather
the effect this would have on meeting with the Chancellor. should only be given on medi- lems of making all buildings small for wheelchairs.
controversial motion. It called ence venues. But the group was
on a future Labour government wound up in 1990 because his
to link pensioners’ entitlement union was having to take all the THE BALMORALS
to a cost-of-living index, taking responsibility for running it,
into account the special heating said Mr Barrett. “We need a
BATTERY BACK-UP
and other needs of older peo- disability group in the Labour
ple, and to equalise the retire- party, but I don’t see the
ment age at 60. Despite a League as running it - it has to WON'T
recommendation from the come from the grass roots.”
national executive to withdraw
GET YOUR
this motion, it was passed. Facilities impressive
Donald Dewar, Labour’s This was the first national con-
Shadow Social Security Secre- ference for George Johnson of BACK UP
tary, also attacked the “mad- Donald Dewar Clwyd North West CLP and he
ness” which had brought about was impressed with the facili-
the imposition of VAT on fuel. told DN. Over 13 years, dis- ties. Toilets were accessible and
It was, he said, a “cruelly abled people had developed a there was wheelchair access up Total reassurance RELI ABILITY
regressive tax designed to vic- wider political voice. “We are to the microphone in the con- Smooth and quiet
timise old people and families”. now getting much more from ference hall. Wheelchair access
Simple to fit The only bathlifter to
the rank and file about employ- to fringe meeting venues was
Nothing but cuts ment issues for disabled peo- clearly marked in the confer- Requires no water come with 2 batteries
Michael Barrett, of the National ple.” He saw the main issues as ence programme. pressure or mains and one fast charger as
League of the Blind and Dis- equalisation of opportunity, The Disability Alliance/ electricity. standard.
abled (NLBD), slammed the independent living and anti- Royal Association for Disability
Guaranteed.
Government for parading itself discrimination legislation. and Rehabilitation (RADAR)
as looking after disabled people. Like last year, a disability meeting on the Government’s
“Those of us working in those group within the Labour Party plans for IVB attracted Profes- Nesbit Evans Ltd.
areas know that since 1986 we was highly conspicuous by its sor Ruth Lister of Bradford r= Regent Rd. City
have seen nothing but cuts in absence. Labour is the only University and the Commission = Liverpool, L3 7BX
benefits for people who want to party without a group, but it on Social Justice, and Donald Tel: [phone]
live with dignity and less anxi- emerged that things may be Dewar, as speakers. O Please send me a free colour brochure
ety.” different by next year. “We had an amazing turn- OO | would like a free home assessment
Mr Barrett was: representing Mr Barrett helped establish out of around 80 people,” said
the NLBD for the last time at a the Socialist Disability Action Mary Holland, deputy director Address:
Labour conference. “I think Group in the mid-’80s. It held of RADAR, “so it’s obvious
I’ve been successful in keeping several fringe meetings, press- that people are very worried
the disability voice heard,” he ing for better access at confer- about what’s happening.”
Disability Now November 1993
8 BREAKTHROUGHS
Scientists and pLIVI during studies into the spread of cancer cells from “We believe this is an impor- A British-Japanese team, led
the role of female hormones in the breast tissue to lymph tant medical development, but by Professor Mark Hanson of
find two breast cancer. glands, bones and other parts it is early days yet.” University College London,
The hormone _ oestrogen of the body. and Dr Kozima Shiro, of
stimulates breast cells to multi- The gene pMGTI is acti- Artificial Tokyo University, has been
new genes
ply rapidly and encourages the vated by anti-cancer drugs, and working on the project for ten
growth of some types of scientists think it plays a role in womb to years.
Scientists have isolated two tumour. The research team halting the growth of breast The system involves placing
genes, thought to play a major have been investigating how tumours. aid babies the foetus in a bath of saline
role in the development of this growth can be reversed by Dr Green said: “The work is fluids mixed with some pro-
breast cancer. oestrogen-blocking drugs. still at an early stage but it teins, which is designed to be
Dr David Manning of the The genes are switched on might help doctors to match Doctors working on an artificial as close as possible to the amni-
Tenovus Cancer Research Cen- and off by oestrogen and influ- treatment more effectively to womb, which would allow otic fluid found in a womb.
tre, Cardiff, and Dr Chris ence the behaviour of breast patients.” more premature babies to sur- Tubes are inserted into the
Green, of Liverpool University, cancer cells. The pLIVI gene A spokesperson for the vive, believe it could be in clin- umbilical arteries and veins and
identified the genes pMGTI appears to be associated with Breast Cancer Campaign said: ical use within five years. blood is pumped from the foe-
tus through an artificial lung,
supplying it with oxygen.
The lung also removes car-
THE bon dioxide, while a dialysis
unit maintains the balance of
chemicals in the blood. Glucose
is supplied as a nutrient.
Dr Peter Moore, of Univer-
sity College, London, said the
system was being developed for
INDEPENDENT babies born prematurely with
diaphragmatic hernias, where
the diaphragm is torn.
He said: “At present these
babies cannot breathe and so
cannot survive. If the artificial
womb proves successful it
could save their lives.
CHOICE
“We will continue develop-
ing the system with the aim of
using it on even more prema-
ture babies. It will not be in
clinical use for the next five ©
years but we feel the potential
is enormous.”
Helping the
brain deal
with pain
Scientists have discovered how
the brain deals with pain and
believe their work may improve
the treatment of many condi-
tions, including arthritis and
rheumatism.
Dr Anthony Jones and col-
leagues at the Manchester
Rheumatism Centre, used a
new imaging technique to look
at the brain’s frontal lobes.
It has long been known that
natural painkilling substances
called endorphins played a cru- ©
cial role in suppressing pain,
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Disability Now November 1993
NEWS
|E SSE
Councils
IN BRIEF
dodge
| Fears about ageing
) Many older disabled people are
duties
anxious about the future and feel
) ageing threatens their indepen-
| dence, according to a report by
Councils are not providing dis-
| Gerry Zarb of the Policy Stud-
abled people with the services
| ies Institute and Mike Oliver of
they are legally obliged to,
}) the University of Greenwich.
according to a new report by
About 60 per cent of the 200
the Royal Association for Dis-
| older disabled people who
ability and Rehabilitation
»responded said there were
(RADAR). The charity has col-
| important services, such as
lected over 500 complaints
\ home help, adaptations and
since July last year.
' financial advice, which they
RADAR is in the middle of a
| were not getting.
two year project to enforce sec-
Mike Oliver said: “Several
tion two of the Chronically Sick
} people described ageing being
and Disabled Persons Act 1970.
RADAR found that liaison
| ability. The report shows that
between agencies was often left
|| the unresponsiveness of profes-
to the disabled person. And the
i sionals and service providers to
introduction of charges for care
li these people’s needs greatly Joan Williams and Robert Hancock of The Spastics Society slip-slide away with Jodie Wass of
has forced many people to stop
) threatens their independence.” Meldreth Manor Schoool in Cambridgeshire at the opening of the Learning Curves sensory
the service. Many people were
adventure playground. The 150m of raised platforms and pathways include sculptures, a
anxious about complaining,
| Ageing with a Disability, £10, theatre, giant musical instruments and a waterfall.
fearing they might lose the ser-
| tel: [phone].
vices they had.
Pat Saunders, man of action, dies
Disabled People Have Rights,
£3, tel: [phone].
| regional electricity company to Ann Darnbrough writes ence as possible and he spoke at people how to write in to local
‘support the Royal National Pat Saunders, veteran disability many conferences throughout papers, and the A-Z of Disabil-
Student focus
Institute for Deaf People’s campaigner, has died aged 73. the UK. He was also a prolific ity, a handy reference book.
“Louder Than Words” charter, ini 1995: Pat se actives lifes in writer, producing a lively col- Pat was never short of prac-
which encourages organisations the forces (first in the army and umn in the Portsmouth Evening tical ideas, which included A high-ranking educational
to meet deaf people’s needs. then in the navy) was brought News, and for a number of some useful inventions. One of body is investigating services
The company’s three-year to an abrupt end when he con- years he was assistant editor of these, the Pat Saunders straw, and facilities for students with
programme will include tracted Guillaun-Barre Syn- has been of enormous practical learning difficulties.
installing induction loop sys- drome. help to many disabled people. The three-year review is
tems, minicoms, textphones and Despite this setback, Pat, Pat (who is survived by his being carried out by the Fur-
Typetalk, as well as training always a man of action, lost no wife and a son), will be greatly ther Education Funding Coun-
some staff to use sign language. time in taking on an even more missed by the many friends and cil, a Government-appointed
vigorous lifestyle: one devoted acquaintances who valued his body. The learning difficulties
Inventors honoured to fighting for services for dis- ideas and the humour he committee has been asked to
Remap, the charity which abled people. brought to all he did. come up with clear definitions
designs technical aids for dis- His main concern was to Above all, he was unfailingly of students with learning diffi-
abled people, had its 1993 ensure that disabled people got supportive of other people’s culties, determine how they
awards presented by inventor, the information they needed, ideas and I shall remember him will be assessed and advise how
professor and tv _ personality founding the Portsmouth (later especially for this. money can be best spent.
Heinz Wolff in September. Hampshire) Disability Informa-
Pat Sanders
The first prize of £250 went tion Advice Line (DIAL) and THE NEWS PORTSMOUTH
to Remap’s Kent East branch the Havant District Association
THE BALMORAL
for a device that pulls disabled for the Disabled. Handicapped Living (later Prac-
people up steps on to a bus. As an expert communicator, tical Caring). He also produced
Other winning inventions Pat believed that it was impor- the booklet, All Write Now, GOES UP, GOES
| included a “wheelchair width tant to reach as wide an audi- which advised other disabled
reducer” which enables you to
DOWN, IT
swap your usual wheels for Road tax reform the car themselves.”
smaller ones to get through Continued from page 1 A spokesperson for the
narrow doorways, a duvet Department of Transport said: WON'T
dropper, and a rising toilet seat. that keeps them on the road.” “The Disabled Passengers’
Ron Salt, secretary of the Scheme was repealed because GO AWAY!
Remap, tel: [phone]. Disabled Motorists’ Federa- the Treasury decided self
tion, said: “I can’t condone this assessment was not an adequate
Pain in the back?
decision because I think it was way of deciding whether some-
Have you got a bad back or do made to cut costs. But I recog- one should get an exemption
SERVICE
you get sore lifting the person nise that there has been some certificate, and the Chancellor What service!
you care for? Two new guides abuse of the scheme by people felt new procedures would be 2 minutes of your time
from the National Back Pain who claim the exemption for disproportionately expensive The only time this
Association (NBPA) might their family but rarely travel in and intrusive.” is all it needs. Bathlifter goes away is
help. Back Pain: A Handbook No need for spanners
when you take it on
for Sufferers tells you about the
treatments available. A Carer’s Ambulance charges Michael Campbell, ACC or screwdrivers. your holidays.
Guide explains the best ways to Continued from page 1 social services under-secretary,
Guaranteed
move and handle people. said: “This situation is unac-
County Council’s (ACC) social ceptable. We want clarification
Handbook, £4.99, Carer’s Guide, services committee. The ACC from the Department of Health Nesbit Evans Ltd.
£1.50. Tel: [phone]. is concerned that there appears of how the charges system is Ty 1 Regent Rd. City
to be “an emerging custom and supposed to work.” N= Liverpool, L3 7BX
Correction practice since 1 April of ambu- A Department of Health Tel: [phone]
Spelling Out Your Wishes: How lance services improperly seek- spokesperson said: “The situa- O Please send me a free colour brochure
to Make and Change a Will ing to charge local authority tion in Kent was unacceptable. C1 | would like a free home assessment
(DN, July) is available in braille social services departments.” Ambulances should treat peo-
and print from the National It is understood the problem ple first and ask for payment Address:
Library for the Blind, Cromwell has arisen in six other authori- later. Who pays the charge
Road, Bredbury, Stockport, ties in the South East, but the depends on who has a contract DN 11/93
SK6 2SG, tel: [phone]. ACC is refusing to name them. with the service.”
Disability Now November 1993
10
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Disability Now November 1993