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OCTOBER 1993 85p Greenwich This month consults 12-13 _ INTERNATIONAL disabled Rallying in Russia 14 LIVING people Pain: (1) The invisible disability A pioneering project in the 16 PROFILE London Borough of Green- Paralympic gold medalist wich will give disabled peo- Tanni Grey ple more say in services. Under Bexley and Green- 19 wich Health Commissioning SPORT Agency’s “empowerment pro- National Athletics and Special Olympics, ject”, people who need services International Wheelchair like district nurses, physiother- Pentathlon apists, artificial limbs or wheelchairs will help draw up 22-24 the service contracts. ARTS Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Quality development officer The Secret Garden, DAM Eirwen Williams said: “This is a ground-breaking _ initiative. ee Vs 26 We want service users to tell us Life on the ocean wave for Dave Bennett (Jeft), of the Spastics Society in Plymouth, Heidi MOTORING Devon’s new Discovery what they want and what is Smith from Lipson Vale Community College and Lisa Orpin from Hillside Special School. important to them.” They were taking part in the British Gas Sowester Sailing Project on board Sea Legs, a 32-ft 29 catamaran. With them: skipper Jim Wainwright, and Allan Smith, both of the Fieldfare Trust. Greenwich Healthcare Trust LEISURE and Greenwich Association of A day at the races Fears for residential services Disabled People (GAD) sup- 36-39 port the project. GAD director CLASSIFIEDS Linda Lofts said: “We believe this initiative can make a huge Charities and groups repre- the regulations were excessive, must register residential homes difference to disabled people’s senting elderly people have how “unnecessary burdens of and inspect them twice a year, lives. Resources will be limited, condemned Government regulation” might be removed while health authorities must but how they are spent will be plans to consider deregulat- and if the cost of implementing inspect nursing homes. Inspec- decided mainly by service users.” ing private residential and them could be reduced. tors check that homes meet nursing homes as a “cyni- Health Minister John Bowis fire, safety and environmental cal, cost-cutting exercise” defended the move, saying it health regulations and provide which could lead to a dan- was part of a Government bid good quality care. gerous decline in_ safety to improve standards by cutting James Churchill, executive standards. “excessive” red tape that was secretary of the Association for Stuart Etherington, chief “throttling” business. Residential Care, a charity which executive of the Royal National But Counsel and Care, an represents residents with learn- Institute for Deaf People, has advisory organisation for elderly ing difficulties, warned that any written to Health Secretary people and their carers, called dismantling of regulations would Virginia Bottomley, protesting the plans “‘outrageous”’. open the door to “get rich quick about the plan and demanding Director Jef Smith said: “As merchants”. He said: “There a Government rethink. we all know how vulnerable would be pressure to cut corners The Department of Health elderly people are to abuse, it is and standards if regulation and sent a letter in August to resi- hard to understand why the inspection were removed.” dential home associations invit- Government is now question- Philip Hunt, director of the ing comment on the costs and ing these regulations.” National Association of Health benefits of current regulations. Under the 1984 Registered Authorities and Trusts, agreed. It asked owners if they thought Homes Act, local authorities Continued on page 3 No money for special assessments Delays and mistakes in the getting a lot of horror stories County Council in providing assessment of children with about the length of time it is him with appropriate educa- special needs have reached taking councils to assess chil- tion. The Ombudsman said the record levels, as councils dren and the number seems to council had been tailoring help strive to save money. be rising all the time.” to what it could afford rather The Local Government One parent will receive £500 than to the needs of the child. Make it easy on yourself. For the widest choice of Ombudsman has reported on from Sefton Council for malad- In other cases, local authori- new and used Chairman Cars for non-transferring 21 cases of maladministration ministration and delay in pro- ties have been told to repay between April and September, viding special _ residential families for tuition and help wheelchair users, simply speak to Sue on our free compared with 26 cases in the schooling for her speech- bought in while their children’s advice line 0800 220878 last nine years. Complaints impaired child. cases were being considered. about statementing to the Cere- The biggest payout recom- Special education experts bral Palsy Helpline have dou- mended so far is £12,500 in believe Government funding (S) GOWRINGS MOBILITY bled in the last two months. trust to a boy with behavioural cuts have caused the problems. Debbie Thomas, a counsellor and learning difficulties because John Wright of the Indepen- Established 1922 at the Helpline, said: “We are of delays by Lincolnshire Continued on page 10 2 NEWS Parents learn to sign Hearing parents are more pro- British Psychological Society’s sign language than they were annual conference last month, 20 years ago, according to a Dr Sue Gregory said that deaf new study from the Open Uni- children often have more diffi- versity. culties with their hearing par- But many still worry about ents than other teenagers the consequences of their chil- because adolescent problems dren having no other language. are exaggerated by the commu- Forty per cent of over 100 nication difficulty. parents questioned had learnt Stress can occur in the family to sign, a quarter of them so when mothers learn to sign and that they could communicate other family members do not. with their children’s friends. Presenting her study at the Dr Gregory, tel: (0908) 654470 Champions in the making (from left) Robert Waltor from Birmingham, Jame: Bradford from Worcestei and Bromsgrove, anc Christopher Knight from Coventry, taking part in the 21st birthday edition of the BBC1 programme We An The Champions. Teams from three Wes Midlands schools competec in tests of skill, and games on the track and in water a the Midlands Sports Centre for the Disabled in Coventry The show, which went out on 9 September, was hostec by Linford Christie. Para. lympic gold medalist Davic Moreton was guest referee and London Marathor women’s wheelchair winnet Rose Hill was there too. 88 Published by The Spastics Society, 12 Park Crescent London W1iN 4EQ. Tel: 071-636 5020. Editor Mary Wilkinson Assistant Editor Alison Rowat Reporter Tim Russell Editorial/Production Assistant Catherine Frame Editorial Assistant/Secretary Victoria Grey-Edwards | Subscriptions "dl Manager Karen Bresloff At last, a pushchair we can Assistant Jennifer Whitehead Tel: 071-383 4575 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: 071-252 1362. Typesetting bureau specification. Total comfort. Banbury Typesetters, Suite 10, Borough House, Its seat, strong and resilient, provides each child with Marlborough Road, just the right support to stabilise the effects of a mild Banbury, Oxon OX16 8TH. Tel: (0295) 272722. or moderate disability. Printed by Cherwell Valley Lithographic Light and manoeuvrable, it’s easy to fold, and is Printers, Banbury, Oxon and Challenge Print strong enough to stand up to regular use. Management. Tel: (0933) 460041. No second glance is needed to judge the Roundabout, ISSN 0958-4676 an exceptionally good looking wheelchair. The views expressed in ourhadbout. Disability Now are not necessarily those of The REMPLOY Spastics Society. Copyright Remploy Wheelchairs, 11 Nunnery Drive, Sheffield $2 1TA. Telephone 0742 757631 Fax: 0742 768347. ©1993 The ABC Spastics Society “MBoER OsF TeHE AU DIT Disability Now October 1993 NEWS 3 1.5 million Grim funding cuts Voluntary groups lost £12 mistakes at 4 million in local authority grants in 1992-3, according |} to a new survey by the Government | National Council of Volun- | tary Organisations (NCV0). agencies Another £28.9 million is | expected to be lost in 1993-4. The Benefits and Employment _ But the survey of 145 Service Agencies made more local authorities did reveal than 1.5 million mistakes in | that voluntary groups on calculating pensions and bene- | contract to local authorites fits last year. 1 to provide statutory per- An error is made every four } sonal social services have seconds of the working day - done better. 1,674,334 in 1992/3. Contract fees increased by The figure came to light in a £78.4 million or 134 per written reply last month to a cent in 1992-3 and will rise question from Frank Field, by £38.4 million or ten per chairman of the House of cent in this financial year. Commons’ Social Security Even so, many community Select Committee. It showed care providers believe the that benefit paid to more than fees are not enough to cover 100,000 newly disabled people all their costs. was wrong. Nearly 10,000 NCVO’s policy _ officer newly retired people got the John Mabbott said: “The wrong pension. report is bad news because Fun in the sun: over a million people crowded the streets of London’s Notting Hill for the The accuracy rate for decid- | grant funding is crucial for annual carnival on Bank Holiday weekend, wheelchair users included. PAT MAGNOLO ing Attendance Allowance local voluntary organisations Disabled people face higher water bills claims for severely disabled and community groups that people was 99.3 per cent in provide advice, self-help 1988/89 with 2,300 given the _and other initiatives.” wrong amount. But in 1992/3 Water meters could leave installing meters and _ their patients who use large amounts accuracy had slipped to 92 per Local Authority Funding for thousands of disabled people effects on consumption and of water in home dialysis, and cent and incorrect payments Voluntary Organisations, £5, worse off, the biggest national bills. It was started after people who are incontinent.” had risen to 73,000. NCVO, tel: 071-713 6161. trial of metering revealed last thel989 Water Act ordered Chris Smith, Labour’s Envi- Complex, means-tested bene- month. water companies to scrap the ronmental Spokesperson, is con- fits were the least accurate. About The three-year trial, cover- current charging method, based cerned that metering does not 250,000 new claims for Income ‘Just Say No’ campaign ing 60,000 homes in 12 areas, on the old household rate, by take account of some people’s Support were paid wrongly. Eighty-two DN readers, found that meters cut the bills the year 2000. need for water, and he singled Lorna Reith, director of Dis- plus 1,100 members of the of most households. Environment Minister Tim out disabled people and _ people ability Alliance, said: “We are Scunthorpe and__ District But they could leave poorer Yeo said the report showed with big families. very disappointed that standards Disabled Access group, joined the protest against families and “people with cer- there was a “very powerful “You shouldn’t hit them seemed to have slipped, given taxing Invalidity Benefit or tain health problems, which case” for meters, especially in with high water bills because of that disabled people rely on tightening the rules. Your require above average toilet drier areas such as the South- their need,” he told BBC Radio means-tested benefits. It illus- letters were handed into the use, bathing and laundry” East. 4’s Today programme. trates the need for better train- Social Security Department worse off financially. But a spokesperson for the ing for Benefits Agency staff.” on 8 September by Peter The national trial, sponsored National Consumer Council, Water Metered Trials Final A Benefits Agency McDonald, disability act- by the water industry and its said: ““We are worried about the Report, WSA Publications, St spokesperson said: “We are tak- ivist and DN supporter. regulator Ofwat, aimed to pro- effects of meters on the pockets Peter’s House, Hartshead, ing a number of measures to Sheffield S1 1EU, £20. vide data on the costs of of poor households, kidney improve the situation.” Residential services Continued from page 1 HIATUS HERNIA ¢ STRESS ¢ STIFF JOINTS ¢ INSOMNIA ACHES & PAINS ¢ POOR CIRCULATION ® ARTHRITIS “Relatives depend on inspec- tions. It is one thing to simplify RHEUMATIC PAINS ¢ RESPIRATORY COMPLAINTS BACKPAIN ‘regulations but you will still Meed inspections to ensure ‘standards are kept up _ to 'scratch.” The Royal College of Nurs- The Concern For Comfort adjustable bed is your ‘ing’s general secretary Chris- personal comfort centre. Relief from cramped ‘tine Hancock warned _ that ‘deregulation could become a muscles and aching joints - gain independence. cynical, cost-cutting exercise Call or write for a free colour brochure. and result in a “free for all” in POCKETED SPRINGS care standards, while Age Con- REMOTE CONTROL TO SELECT THE MOST cern said it was “alarmed” that COMFORTABLE EIGHT LAYERS OF the Government would put POSITION FOR: COTTON AND WOOL costs before protection. UPHOLSTERY Labour’s Shadow Health Minister David Blunkett went UNWINDING further. He warned that dereg- ulation would be a “disaster” and said homes could be reduced to “firetraps and cen- READING tres of food poisoning”. LIFETIME But Barry Hassell, chief DUAL AND TWIN GUARANTEE ON VERSIONS ALSO executive of the Independent AVAILABLE COMFORT AT THE Healthcare Assocation, thought TOUCH OF A BUTTON SIMPLANTEX 3S ime’, “it is timely that an open and WATCHING TV informed debate should com- — Health Care Ltd oy CONCERN FOR COMFORT FREEPOST (PAM 6722) LONDON W13 OBR mence on how best to provide _ a TREAT YOURSELF PROPERLY PHONE: 081 810 9508/9 high-quality services at afford- SIMPLANTEX HEALTH CARE LTD Name able, value-for-money prices.” DN SIMPLANTEX HOUSE SS WILLOWFIELD ROAD EASTBOURNE Address Mr Bowis denied that stan- EAST SUSSEX BN22 SAP TELEPHONE 0323 410470 dards would fall. ‘““We are only seeking views to see if we can THE BRAND LEADER DN 10/93 simplify things.” Disability Now October 1993 | | S_NE_WS ___________—> | || Blind man fights |N ew paper for job ‘unjust’ jury ban seekers A blind man who was disquali- Blind (RNIB), the National fied from being a juror because Federation for the Blind (NFB) The first edition of a free, of his visual impairment has and Britain’s first blind judge, quarterly, newsheet aimed at protested to the Lord Chancel- John Wall. disabled people looking for lor’s Department Judge Wall, who sits in the work has been published by the Jim Bennett, 57, from High Court and is chairman of Department of Social Securty. — Merseyside, arrived at Liver- the RNIB, said: “I see no rea- New Start, inserted with this pool Crown Court last month son why blind people can’t do month’s DN, gives practical only to be told his disability just as good a job as anyone help and advice, including tips disqualified him. else in most cases. Unless there on job applications and infor. g Mr Bennett said: “I am very are photographs or machinery mation on Disability Working angry. It’s an absolute injustice. to be studied, there’s no reason Allowance (DWA). | I can hear evidence as well as why they shouldn’t be. We It says that DWA claims are the next man. I think blind must make it harder for courts being dealt with “normally people make better jurors than to turn down jurors just within two weeks”. | sighted people because they because they are blind.” New Start will be mailed to don’t get distracted and have to NFB president Jill Allen- 8,000 people who _ have Nicholas Killen, 7, presented John Major with a replica of the concentrate harder on what is King said: “This is another responded to the Government’s statue on which the new RNIB logo is based. DOUG McKENZIE being said.” example of blind people being DWA campaign, plus disability He is being backed by the discriminated against for no New start for RNIB organisations and advisers. Royal National Institute for the good reason.” Free from Disability Working Lucy’s winning swing The Royal National Institute deciding what they need. We Allowance, FREEPOST, (BS4 for the Blind (RNIB) is cele- also have a mission: to chal- 335), Bristol BS] 3YX. For tape brating its 125th birthday with lenge blindness.” version, tel: (0800) 100123. a new strategy to challenge The new “See it Right” cam- A 16-year-old schoolgirl has blindness, and a logo which won the Young Engineer for Speaking out “has character, is mobile and is Britain award after inventing a purposeful and _ energetic.(s”e e swing exercise for disabled right). children. Help the Aged has launched a Prime Minister John Major Lucy Porter, from Bath, won Speaking Up For Our Age launched the new RNIB in a £500 personal prize from the Campaign, which asks older London on 16 September. competition’s organisers, the people what they need to keep Minister for Disabled People Engineering Council, and her mobile. Nicholas Scott was there too. school was given £1,500 to buy Older people all over the Director general Ian Bruce paign aims to give 1.7 million engineering equipment. country are being sent ques- said the RNIB was setting a visually impaired people the Her device uses a handle to tionnaires. They are being new agenda that would take it right to get information im a for- enable children to swing with- asked such things as whether into the next century. “It’s an mat that is accessible to them. out using their legs. transport services are good agenda which is not about dis- “Engineering is very addic- enough, should they be sub- abilities, but equality - not See it Right report, £3.50, RNIB tive,” she said. “Especially if sidised for pensioners and about telling blind people what Customer Services, PO Box 173, making something solves a SSS could trains, tubes and buses they can have, but blind people Peterborough PE2 6WS. problem and helps others.” Inventor: Lucy Porter be better designed. Is Your Mind Razor Sharp? Do You Have An Outgoing Personality? | Are You a Member of a Quiz Team? Annalogue Ltd is looking for teams from all over PRODUCT the UK to take part in a new BBC TV series ADVISORY SERVICE ‘The Great British Quiz’ You will need to have an extensive general The DEPEND® range of high quality disposable products is knowledge, preferably a specialist subject manufactured by Kimberly-Clark, the makers of KLEENEX® and and a sense of humour. KOTEX® products. DEPEND® products are specifically designed If this sounds like you and you know two people for all bladder control problems in both men and women. who would also like to appear, send a large SAE to: ANNALOGUE LTD, 20-24 BEAUMONT ROAD, LONDON W4 DAP. Products are available from Chemists and Home Delivery Service:- Custom made service for local Shields For light bladder control problems (ultra authorities and caring organisations slim for discretion) () Passenger safety equipment ae Undergarments. - Normal and Extra absorbency for moderate i> Seat Harness of all kinds to heavy problems (comfortable open-sided NL Lap and diagonal harness AV garment with elastic straps) Square brace restraints Child control harness Fitted Briefs Heavy bladder control problems (unique £ Inertia seat belt garment which gives all round lower body WHEELCHAIR PASSENGER systems SECUREMENT protection) Unit 17, Lake Business Centre, Tariff Road, London N17 OYX For further information please telephone the DEPEND® Product . NMI SAFETY SYSTEMS LTD y) Tel: 081-801 5339 Advisory Service on CALLFREE 0800 521 128. Fax: 081-801 3491 Disability Now October 1993 Every Mondeo is packed with features we h Ope you ll never use. Reinforced cro Front impact bars Reinforced rocker } The Ford Mondeo is the only car with Dynamic in the seat. Specially designed “anti submarining” seats OC 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 Il 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 October 1993 6 BREAKTHROUGHS Alzheimer’s dementia which affects people used by the body to store and our members. But more large The new technique is simila over 65. retrieve information. The test scale studies are now needed to to a cervical smear. Foetal cell gene found The team studied 42 families was developed after scientists replicate the findings.” are washed from the cervi with a history of “late onset” discovered that the channels of with a sterile saline solution Alzheimer’s. They discovered people with Alzheimer’s are Smear test The fluid is then drawn into | Important advances have been that 90 per cent of those people missing or malfunctioning. syringe and the cells isolated s made by scientists researching who inherited two copies of the Although the test can only gives early that doctors can search th into Alzheimer’s disease, a con- gene were affected, while 47 identify the condition once it is nuclei for signs of the condi dition which affects around per cent of those with one copy established, it is hoped that warning tion. 350,000 people in Britain. had the condition. another test will eventually be Dr Peter Soothill, consultan Researchers at Duke Univer- Meanwhile, researchers at developed that identifies people in foetal medicine at Universit sity in North Carolina, USA, the USA’s National Institute of at risk. British scientists are developing College Hospital, London, saic have announced that the gene Health have devised the first A spokesperson for the an early test for Down’s Syn- the test means mothers coulk APoF4 is responsible for two diagnostic test for people with Alzheimer’s Disease Society drome which they believe is be told if they have a foetu thirds of “late onset” Alzheimer’s. It checks the con- said: ““These developments are quicker, safer and easier than with the condition before tht Alzheimer’s, a form of senile dition of potassium channels potentially very significant for other screening procedures. 12th week of pregnancy. He has successfully testec the method on 12 women anc now plans to ask pregnan mothers, due to be screenec using other procedures, if they will take the new test first. A DynaVox Case History He said: “We think that the My Best Friend” new method is probably safer 66 easier, and quicker than other techniques. It is also less inva- sive, as we do not need to g¢ into the uterus. I would like ma every woman to be offered thi test when she attends the hos- pital for the first time.” Anna Khan, director of the Down’s Syndrome Association. said: “Doctors and researchers are placing too much emphasis on screening out these babies. Mothers should not have an abortion just because their baby has Down’s Syndrome, as peo- ple with the condition can lead full and normal lives.” Genetic vaccine to combat HIV British and American scientists hope to combat Aids by devel- oping a genetically engineered version of the HIV virus. The harmless HIV replica : Fs Oh would be used to pass a genetic vaccine into T-cells, an impor- = tant part of the body’s immune system that are taken over and Abe what ten-year-old Courtney Whitfield calls machines. And its intu- destroyed by the HIV virus. her new DynaVox® electronic communication aid. itive, language-based And although she’s only had it for 6 months, architecture allows them The vaccine would be made she was happy to use it to tell us so. to develop a new, more of “therapeutic genes” Because Courtney has cerebral palsy, and she’s natural sense of self: designed to immunise the cells struggled with other communication aids for expression. But, best of noSeeess by depriving the invading virus most of her life without much success. In fact, all, it’s so fast and easy to learn that most people of the protein it needs to sur- she says they left her “sad and confused.” can begin using it in less than halfa n hour. vive. The vaccine would lie But now that she has the DynaVox, things are “T assumed it would be hard to learn,” says inactive in each cell until it was different. “Easy for me”, she says. “I more talk.” Vickie, “but I let her play with it for a day, and attacked by the virus. Vickie Whitfield, is just as pleasantly surprised Courtney taught me how to use it.” The work is being carried as her daughter. “We were coming from another And the secondary benefits can be immeasurable. out by teams of scientists at system where you had to remember everything in “This machine has totally changed her life,” says Oxford University and _ the it,” says Vickie. “Some of the logic was baffling to Vickie. “It’s made her independent. It’s the next University of California in San me. After 7 years, I still didn’t trust myself to best thing to having Courtney speak for herself.” Diego, USA. They began program it. And she hated it. It was like a And Courtney agrees. “DynaVox best,” she says. assembling the replica virus last punishment.” “Love most!” year. Fortunately, things took a turn for the better So if you know someone who might benefit Dr Susan Kingsman, a lead- when the DynaVox was recommended by from the DynaVox, we urge you to give us a call. ing researcher at Oxford Uni- Courtney’s rehabilitation advisors. Because nothing gives us greater pleasure than versity, said: “We are making Because the DynaVox’s user-friendly, state-of. making new friends. the-art technology is designed to free people like cs it’s helping those friends find their voices good progress and hope a Courtney from the constraints of old-fashioned at replica of the HIV virus will be ready to test by next year. It is impossible to say, however, how long it will take before the DI y[n falv o[x } technique is perfected.” A spokesperson for the Ter- co A SENTIENT SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY ence Higgins Trust said: ““We NBOW Rainbow Rehab m Unit 15 m7 Ainfeld Road m Christchurch a Dorset BH23 3TQ m Tel: (0202) 481818 mwaeyl colmeead taon ya naedwv atnrceea tmtehnatt but that’s still a long way off. It will take many years before doctors can vaccinate people for the virus.” isability Now October 1993 NEWS 7 TUC fight for deaf No time workers’ rights to lose The Trades Union Congress unions must play their part in An investigation by Age Con- (TUC) is calling on members creating job opportunities for cern shows that the Govern- to negotiate a better deal for deaf people and ensure equality ment’s new community care _ deaf people at work. in the work place.” system has got off to a “‘a very It has joined forces with the RNID president Lord Jack uneven start”. | Royal National Institute for Ashley said: “It is scandalous The charity believes that | Deaf People (RNID) to pro- that over 50 per cent of all deaf action must be taken now if duce a booklet for unions, people of working age are early problems are not to Deaf People and Their Rights, unemployed. The TUC’s become entrenched. _ which offers practical advice on action will go a long way The investigation is part of a _ what can be done to help deaf towards changing this.” year-long monitoring process people. Bernadette Hilton, chairper- carried out by Age Concern The booklet encourages son of the TUC’s equal rights organisations. unions to: committee, condemned Govy- The report shows: * seek the inclusion of deaf ernment policies which dis- * wide variations in the quality workers’ needs in equal oppor- criminate against disabled and availability of information tunities agreements; people at the TUC annual from local authorities; * negotiate for adequate com- congress last month. * lack of appropriate informa- munication aids, such as sign She warned that the intro- tion for elderly people from language interpreters and loop duction of market testing, com- ethnic minorities; amplification systems; pulsory tendering and * wrong information given to * and ensure union publica- privatisation were having a older people about the new tions, meetings and offices are “devastating and disproportion- financial assessments for resi- accessible to deaf members. ate impact” on disabled work- dential and nursing home care; TUC president Alan Tuffin ers and said 100,000 jobs could * discrepancies between the said: “Deaf people are often be created for disabled people price of local residential and On your bike: Kevin Cherry, 8, from Middlesex, is presented excluded from job and training if the quota system was fully nursing home care and _ the with a custom-made tricycle by Recreation and Easy Access opportunities because they are implemented and fines levied money local authorities are pre- for Disabled Youth (READY), a charity which helps young not given adequate communica- against offending firms. pared to pay; people take part in activities with able-bodied friends. tion facilities. * and local variations in rules “We have produced the Deaf People and Their Rights, about who is eligible for com- Artistst o celebrate historic day booklet because we feel trade 60p, TUC, tel: 071-636 4030. munity care assessments. Director Sally Greengross Great goods if you can find them Disabled artists are being asked help organisations, will give a said: “It is still early days for to paint a picture, make a first prize of £15,000 for “a the community care system, Products designed to make life had never heard of the prod- sculpture or create any other work of art that will be a per- but we are keen that the views easier for elderly and disabled ucts. work of art to celebrate The manent and tangible reflection of older people are not over- people work well. The trouble “Our volunteers said the International Day of Disabled of human rights of disabled looked at this crucial stage.” is many customers do not know products really helped them,” Persons on 3 December. people.” they exist, according to a report said Which? editor, Sue Leg- The European Community No Time to Lose, Age Concern, in the September edition of gate. “But before they took Committee of Disabled Peo- Entry forms from DPI-EC, 11 Astral House, 1268 London Which? magazine. part in the tests few of them ple’s International (DPI-EC), Belgrave Road, London SW1IV Road, London SWI 4ER, no Volunteers who tried out knew these things existed.” part of a global network of self- IRB. price yet. equipment like tap turners and zip pullers all agreed they made Which?, 2 Marylebone Road, life easier, but complained they London NW1, tel:071-486 5544. “lhe Adjustable Bath Chair JAMES LECKEY Latest design DESEel RGL EN NEATER Choosing the most comfortable bathing position for both carer and child is easy with the James leckey Design Adjustable Bath Chair. Using the simple yet comprehensive adjustment system many different sitting and lying positions are possible - in or out of the bath. QDons sitting QDigh lying @ow lying The Neater Eater has enabled hundreds of people with tremor, ataxia and athetoid to feed themselves. Now for people with CP Hidden Springs now lift the self-levelling spoon both upwards and forwards to the user's mouth. These enable people with cerebral palsy, as well as people with multiple sclerosis, parkinsons disease, and head injuries to feed themselves. FREE demonstration and trials! @Peclined sitting Available direct from the designer and QDish sitting ig manufacturer of the Neater Eater. To:- Jon Michaelis, Michaelis Engineering Ltd., 13 Spencer Road, Buxton SK17 9DT. Tel/Fax: (0298) 23882 Name Address COMFORTABLE e SECURE @ CONVENIENT @ LIGHTWEIGHT AVAILABLE IN 3 SIZES TO FIT A VARIETY OF BATHS Postcode ForQ furathe r inGforamatrionz, daemo nstr0at8io0n,0 or 3a1ss8es2sm6en5t, call Tel/Fax(s): DN 10/93 James Leckey Design, Design House, Kilwee Business Park, Dunmurry, BT17 OHD. Disability Now October 1993 8 NEWS National teaching campaign launched Disabled people who want to organisations and how to deal become teachers can now get with medical regulations that advice and information from a have to be met before a person new booklet. can get into teacher training. So You Want to be a Teacher? A series of fact sheets are has been published as part of a also available which aim to help national campaign that aims to school governors, teacher train- improve disabled _ people’s ing establishments and _ local access to teacher training. education authorities retain and The campaign, co-ordinated attract disabled teachers. by the Royal Association for RADAR’s education policy Disability and Rehabilitation officer, Paul Simpson, said: “In (RADAR), has the backing of 1978 the Government-spon- five leading disability groups, sored Warnock Report said including — Skill: National more disabled teachers were Bureau for Students with Dis- needed in schools to ensure abilities and the Royal National special needs children were Institute for the Blind. successfully integrated. The booklet, published by “Unfortunately, this has not RADAR and the _ Disabled happened. Our own research Teachers’ Campaign Group, is has shown that disabled teach- aimed at disabled people con- ers still only make up 0.1 per sidering a teaching career. cent of all teachers employed in It offers advice and informa- LEAs. This is just not good All change here: deaf businesswoman Sarah Brooks is looking for a larger workshop after) tion on choosing a course, how enough and we hope our cam- beating the recession. She set up her London upholstery firm, All Change Upholstery, a year | to get funding and support, paign will help to improve the ago with the help of a £1,500 bursary from the Prince of Rya lee Youth Business Trust and | useful publications and helpful situation.” funding from the North London Training and Enterprise Council. Fighting elder abuse | Bursary offer Carefree Holidays Ltd 64 Florence Rd, A new organisation set up to AEA chairman, Dr Gerry The South East Arts board will | Northampton NN1 4NA fight elder abuse, headed by Bennett, called on _ health award two or more bursaries to | ex-Disabled Living Foundation authorities and social services help artists, technicians or | UK & Continental Holidays and Short Breaks clothing adviser Ginny Jen- departments to work together administrators with disabilities | For people with a disability or a mobility problem. kins, was launched by Health to develop joint strategies. living in Kent, Surrey, East Minister John Bowis last He said: “There has been a Sussex and West Sussex. Wide choice, competitive prices, luxury coaches month. tendency to ignore elder abuse Each of the bursaries, worth with lifts. Fully escorted throughout. Many joining Action on Elder Abuse because it is a taboo subject for up to £1,000, is designed to | points in the Midlands, London and the South East. (AEA) aims to prevent abuse of many people. It must be recog- help disabled people develop Door to door service available. older people by promoting nised as an important problem their skills and take up training | changes in policy and practice. and be adequately tackled.” opportunities at home and | ABTA bonded for your security. It plans to raise people’s aware- abroad. Individuals, couples, groups welcome. ness through education, AEA, Astral House, 1268 Lon- The board, which was set up | [ABTA 93611] research, and providing infor- don Road, London, SW16 4ER, by the Arts Council in 1991 to mation, guidance and advice. tel: 081-679 2648. provide financial support, Write or call for a free brochure advice and information on the 0604 34301/30382 Babies ‘twice as likely’ to die arts to people in the South| East, plans to offer at least two | more bursaries next year. DISABILITIES, Premature babies in neonatal ing 1.5kg or less in nine teach- intensive-care units in district ing hospital and four district Application forms from BENEFITS & WORK hospitals are twice as likely to units. Charmian Stowell, South East| die as those in teaching hospi- Dr William Tarnow-Mordi, Arts, 10 Mount Ephraim, Tun- | tals, a new study has revealed. of Ninewells hospital, Dundee, bridge Wells, Kent TN4 SAS, If you are disabled, or work with people with The International Neonatal who carried out the research, tel: (0892) 515210. Closing disabilities who want to get back to work, you will Network research group looked said: “We will now carry out a date: 30 October. at 1,548 babies born five weeks bigger study involving 200 need to know when that odd little job will lose you or more premature and weigh- units throughout the country.” A UNIQUE SERVICE! | . your benefits or leave you seriously out of pocket. A new computer programme will simplify: ASSISTANCE TRAVEL SERVICE LTD A.T.S. House, 1 Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, Essex RM16 1SX rules and options available on current benefits Our holidays are tailor-made to each and every need STOP PRESS. SPECIAL TRAVEL NEWS Assistance Travel Service Ltd in association a psycho- | with the North Cyprus Tourist Board are pleased to offer a full range of Holidays to North calculate other options - DWA points Cyprus. All holidays are suitable for the less able and include: ¢ Self-catering apartments therapeutic : - or pre-tax wages and villas ¢ Hotels ¢ Flights from most U.K. airports ° Car hire ° Special service with Couuseliog fully accred-_ adapted transport ¢ Full packages ¢ Nursing staff can be arranged at hotels ¢ Escort ‘ited Methodist mee service if required. for any IBM- type P.C. and parallel printer Assistance Travel Service are the only Tour Company working with the North Cyprus Tourist Board to promote and open up this lovely country to all disabilities. Group holi- days arranged. THE SUNSHINE STATE OF FLORIDA Stay at our own fully adapted MOTOR INN available on 5.25" and 3.5" disk where help is only a minute away. Our Specialist Service offers: © Full or part escorted Tours ¢ Self-drive, fully adapted mini-vans ¢ Standard fly-drive arrange- ments, with hand controls if required ¢ Also available, other destinations in Price £95.00 + VAT America, Hawaii & Canada EUROPE A wide range of European adapted hotels unique to A.T .S. Travel Ltd (additional £25.00 + VAT for next year’s upgrade e Malaga, Spain e Israel Health & Therapeutic Holidays e¢ Tenerife ¢ Portugal - sent week commencing 4 April 1994) e Malta e Italy ¢ Cyprus ¢ Russia ¢ Germany e Adapted Cruises on The Nile, Talk to her on Monday a Egypt * Gran Canaria * Turkey e Rhodes « Ireland ¢ Euro Disney holidays by air afternoons, lpm-5pm _ Telephone or write for details or CLOSER TO HOME « Blackpool ¢ Star-studded weekends at Folkestone * 24 and Thursdays 6pm- hour care centres ¢ Clacton-on-Sea * Torquay ¢ Boating holidays on the Thames Skills & Employment Opportunities Project e Plus much, much more. 10pm. Her telephone Call us and let us take all the worry out of arranging your trouble free travel, holi- Redlands House, Hungerdown Lane, day and accommodation. number is (0708) 477582. DN’s helpline is spon- Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 0JP CALL US NOW FOR A FREE BROCHURE AND DETAILS ON sored by The Wellcome Tel: 0249 443800 Q708-863198 or 0708-860514 (6x/phone) Foundation Limited. Disability Now October 1993 NEWS 9 New funding for scooter space to help deaf students ' Adisabled Halifax pensioner “Its been driving me mad as )spent six months virtually all I wanted to do was be able } trapped in a sheltered housing to go out on my own, get some Nottingham Trent University | scheme designed for disabled fresh air and do my own shop- has been awarded a £78,000 ) people because there was not ping.” grant to investigate ways of |,e nough room for her to keep a Mrs Moroney wrote to local helping deaf students succeed |: scooter. counsellors and Halifax MP in higher education. | Alice Moroney, 66, began Alice Mohan who supported The money provided by the | her battle with the Yorkshire her and urged the YMHA to Higher Education Funding | Metropolitan Housing Associa- find a solution to the problem Council will be invested in a | tion (YMHA) six months after as quickly as possible. year-long research project into } moving into Asquith Court in “This was a fight I felt I had the best ways of encouraging ) Halifax last September. to win,” said Mrs Moroney. more deaf and hearing impaired She decided to buy a scooter “There should be space for all students to apply for university | because a broken hip meant she kinds of equipment in housing places. | found it difficult to walk more schemes like Asquith Court. The project will look at how | than a few steps. YMHA, how- They are meant to be designed universities currently provide } ever, objected, telling her there for disabled people after all.” communication support and |w as not enough room to store YMHA chief executive Bill recommend a_ series’ of |t he equipment. Payne said a fire officer had improvements. | Mrs Moroney was left wait- caused the delay by insisting A specialist researcher will } ing from April until September that the scooter would be a fire Assessing his chances: David McManus (centre), from ask the views of deaf and hear- when the association finally hazard if it was kept in the cor- Cardiff, was one of the first people to take a new assessment ing impaired students at vari- (found a safe place for the ridor or foyer. course for Welsh visually impaired people without a job. ous universities and the results {scooter after months of wran- “But we have now found a The course, which gives information, guidance and advice, of the survey will be included |g ling. safe place where it can be is organised by the Wales Ability Development Centre in a report on good practice She said: “I asked if I could stored and recharged,” he said. (WADC) and run in partnership with the Partially Sighted published next year. keep it in the foyer or a corri- “We realise it has been very Society and the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Brian Robins, head of aca- ‘dor. But I was told that it frustrating for Mrs Moroney, WADC, tel: (0222) 664636. demic support services at Not- ) would be a fire hazard. I was but we hope she understands tingham ‘Trent, said: “This | angry because I had to depend that we had to put a consider- Climbing into history research is badly needed }o n others for lifts or take taxis able amount of effort into find- because there is growing con- ing the correct solution.” cern about the low proportion Six British mountaineers with by the MacIntyre charity and of deaf students entering uni- Russian appeal launched learning difficulties are setting led by explorer Robert Swan, versity in the UK, the lack of out this month to make history the first person to have walked adequate support for them and and conquer one of Everest’s to both poles. the shortage of qualified inter- The Belarusian Association most daunting peaks. Top mountaineer Chris Bon- preters working in higher edu- of International Youth Work* is They plan to scale the nington has helped the team cation. asking for donations and wishes 6,173m high Island Peak. It prepare for the climb and some “We hope the research pro- {) dren affected by the Chernobyl to hear from anyone who can would be the highest ascent of them have also had media ject will play an important part nuclear disaster. help out at the centre as a vol- ever made by people with skills training to enable them to in charting the best way for- The centre is needed because unteer. learning difficulties. write their own record of the ward for universities and pro- 5 »many children have no access The expedition is supported expedition. vide a model of good practice.” (to rehabilitation services and * 34 Tikotski Street, Munsk, ) there is no money to send them 220119, No 64, Republic of } abroad for treatment. Belarus. “lhe Wacsteoat JAMES LECKEY MOTORBILITY FOR ALL DUE SOtwGyN. For dignified trunk support the James Leckey Design PROBABLY THE BEST VALUE Waistcoat has few equals. Fitting snugly around all sizes of FOR MONEY AVAILABLE children and securely to a variety of seats, the waistcoat For detailed information or provides that additional comfort and security. a no obligation test drive contact us at either address e Fits chest sizes from 14-45 " © Easily secured to a variety of chairs © Fully washable with a UNIVERSAL MOBILITY LTD detachable bib JORDANS, PARTRIDGE LANE RUSPER, SUSSEX, RH12 4RW Tel: 0293 871019 Fax: 0293 871007 or UNIT G, ROYD MILL DYEHOUSE LANE, BRIGHOUSE For further information, demonstration, or assessment, call WEST YORKS, HD6 1LL (as GTN 0800 318265 Tel: 0484 400795 Fax: 0484 400796 James Leckey Design, Design House, Kilwee Business Park, Dunmurry, BT17 OHD. Disability Now October 1993 10 NEWS Benefit report to IN BRIEF Sustify’ clampdown Child friendly Leicester City Council has Doctors consider factors other will be used to justify the Gov- launched a scheme to make the than a patient’s medical condi- ernment’s proposed clampdown city the most “child friendly” tion when deciding whether to on IVB. in Britain. endorse Invalidity Benefit Sally Robertson of Disability The Council will make | (IVB) claims, according to a Alliance said: “Ministers seem awards to shops, restaurants study commissioned by the determined to use anything to and public buildings that have Department of Social Security. justify their actions. We would, easy access for children with | GPs interviewed said they however, back the doctors disabilities. also took into account a per- quoted in the report. They are son’s job prospects, age, moti- right to take other relevant fac- Leicester City Council, _ tel: vation to work and financial tors into account.” (0533) 549922. circumstances. It said some are A spokesperson for the unwilling to stop payments if British Medical Association New post announced there is no real prospect of said: “We fear it will wreck The Irish charity Disability their patient finding work. doctor-patient relationships if Action (DA) _ has appointed | Although the research was we are made the final arbiter as Monica Wilson as its new chief ' carried out by an independent to whether someone gets IVB.” executive. group called Social and Com- Ms Wilson carried out devel- munity Planning Research, dis- GPs and IVB, £12, HMSO, opment work for the Interna- ability groups fear the report tel: 071-873 0011. tional Year of Disabled People | and worked on Northern Ire- Travel servic e launched land’s first information service | for disabled people before | becoming an assistant director | The John Grooms Association dation at a wide range of holi- with DA in 1989. for Disabled People has day destinations, including Ms Wilson — said: “Pm launched a new travel service Euro Disneyland and Legoland delighted at the appointment for disabled people, their fami- Park in Denmark. Put to the test: Jean Ward of Barnet’s Access Group and her and see my main job as chal- | lies and friends. son Jonathon were impressed with the new ramps and lenging the discrimination Freeway Holidays provide Freeway Holidays, tel: 081-800 lightweight doors installed at Edgware Library in August. faced by disabled people in accessible travel and accommo- 8695. Two parking spaces for disabled people are also provided. everyday life.” No money for assessment don’t know what to do because worse as the number of chil- He said: “Schools must be Continued from page 1 they have no money.” dren with special needs going provided with _—_ additional Record sales Alan Yeo, the Spastics Soci- to mainstream schools resources. It is vital that the A firm which makes knitwear, dent Panel for Special Educa- ety’s education officer, agreed. increases. A Department of Government recognises the print and design products and tion Advice said: “These cases “Government funding cuts Education estimate leaked last financial demands made by this employs 8,500 disabled people are just the tip of the iceberg. have meant local authorities are month to Wallend’s Labour growing number of children.” has announced record sales. There are many other people in trying to avoid appropriately MP Stephen Byers anticipates The Department of Educa- Remploy Limited achieved the same boat because of the assessing children’s needs in a leap from 71,000 now to tion said the new education act sales of £124.7 in 1992/3 - financial problems facing local case it costs them too much 113,400 by September 1997. would lead to a code of practice nearly four per cent up on last authorities.” money. There is also a greater Mr Byers has asked Educa- giving practical guidance on year. Baroness Warnock, whose awareness among parents of tion Secretary John Patten to effective procedures. It also The firm has now increased 1978 report led to the 1981 their rights and it is good that ensure that the needs of state- plans to introduce independent its sales each year through the Education Act and the present sO many are going to the mented children are not sacri- appeal tribunals to help parents recession and placed 400 dis- system, said: “Local authorities Ombudsman to fight for them.” ficed to the Treasury’s public fighting for formal statements abled employees in managerial are in absolute despair. They The situation is likely to get spending review. of their children’s needs. and supervisory posts. Travellers’ tape ("TOP QUALITY} @.1.SITS YOU DOWN. A taped version of the Trav- ADJUSTABLEBED + ellers’ Charter has been pro-_ 2.LAYS YOU BACK. duced by HM Customs and 3.MASSAGES YOU. Excise for visually impaired people. (IF YOU WANT! ) The tape contains informa- 4.STANDS YOU ON tion on Customs laws and pro- YOUR FEET AGAIN. cedures, as well as changes brought about by the European « Rheumatic & Arthritic pain Single Market. ~ Re iratory problems * Hig & low back pain ¢ Poor circulation Free, Master Transcriptions, PO “ Lack of mobility Box 124, Tunbridge Wells, Kent ¢ Fluid retention TN4 8YL. ¢ Stress & Tension Minicom launch The ChildLine charity, which HIGH QUALITY FITTINGS CALL OR helps abused children, has FOR MOVING PARTS COMPLETE WITH LINKED TWINS WRITE launched a new minicom ser- QUALITY MATTRESS AND ELECTRIC POWERED BED SURROUND ACTIONS 24 VOLT FOR vice. MH QUALITY CONTROLS BY MOTORS FOR SAFETY ChildLine Minicom _ will GERMANIA REMOTE HAND HELD FREE W KILN DRIED & STABLE CONTROL enable children with hearing en. WLtwAeMo:Io NDA TED BEECH WW CROADNITOR/OILNSF RIAFR REEDQ UIRED COLOUR <“#@ impairments to get through to a (EXCLUDES MH SLICED BEECH VENEERS © M@ VIBRATING DEVICE IF BROCHURE* counsellor who can _ advise, HEAD BOARD) | USED REQUIRED + <A< MAZ= INGME SPRUNG BEECH FLEXIBLE | ~=MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 2 ady comfort and protect them. 30 STONE LOW PRICE ChildLine Minicom, tel: (0800) 400 222. 70803 ELECTRIC MOBILITY EURO LIMITED [rr rn nnn nn on ee ee ee ><2-- ,j MSEA OKINGB ROIAD, LLYNIX ESTTATE,Y YEO VILJ, SOMEaRSET, )BA20 2 NZ. Yes | would like a: (1) Free Colour Brochure 322533 enone ED Corrections CUT From DN, September. Largs is MOBO ies ees doecconssenssnvenensandseanssnnesanpedticeetons tickled in Strathclyde and not Aberdeenshire. The correct <_< «<< <'- POS<TCODE_... < <_<" P7o2s,t coBdAe.B..B.A..C..O.M..B:E.. ...R.D.,. .FTeOleRpQhoUnAe YS,SS CRSSDS ESeVe OSEN ee. e eSe TeeQ e1eeis ees3eeSseWS telephone number for Relaxa Tapes is (0242) 251454. Disability Now October 1993

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