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DISABILITY
NEWSLETTER
Issue 102 October 2014
Reg Charity No. 1123915
Company No. 6396331
EDITOR’S NOTES
Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter.
Please remember that the newsletter is distributed throughout the
statutory and voluntary sectors, but if you know of anyone who
would like a personal copy, please let us know.
We are always keen to circulate a wide range of useful information,
so if you have any contributions that you want to include, please
get in touch.
With best regards Christine
SUMMER IS OVER – MAKE SURE YOUR HEATING WORKS!
Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
THIS MONTH PLEASE DON’T MISS:
Page 2: Personal services
Page 2: Wrexham roadshow
Page 3: Volunteers needed
Page 4: Looking forward
Page 6: Access ability
Page 7: Self injury helpline
DWP’S CONFESSION: ‘WE IGNORE BENEFIT-RELATED DEATHS’
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has admitted making no effort to
collect – or learn the lessons from – reports of disabled people whose deaths have
been linked to the withdrawal or non-payment of disability benefits. The admission
came in a response to a Freedom of Information Act (FoI) request from Disability News
Service (DNS).
DNS had asked DWP what records it keeps of deaths that have been found to be
“connected to, or linked to, or partially caused by, the withdrawal or non-payment of
disability benefits … from the person who has died”. The request highlighted benefits
such as Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living
Allowance and Personal Independence Payment. It also asked DWP to say how it
collects reports of such deaths, and how many there have been for each of the years
from 2004 to 2013.
But in its response to the FoI request, DWP’s “freedom of information team” said: “The
specific information requested is not held by the Department”.
PERSONAL SERVICES
BBC 3 are making a brand new series that explores disability in the
under 30s.
• Are you young and disabled and looking for a carer/personal
assistant?
• Would you like a carer who shares your interests as well as
providing for your care needs?
This new series aims to find likeminded carers for young disabled people. If you are
aged between 18 and 30, disabled and need regular care support they would love to
hear from you.
To apply please telephone 01273 224 802 or email [email protected].
or write to: CarePair, 38 Pinnock Place, Tile Hill, Coventry CV49SA.
IMPORTANT CHANGES IN OCTOBER
On 1st October there are two changes that affect many people:
• The national Minimum Wage for the 21 and over age group rises from £6.31 to
£6.50 per hour.
Visit: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
• Car tax discs are being abolished. You will no longer need to display a car tax disc,
although you will still have to pay car tax.
Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-tax-changes
MOBILITY ACCESS ROADSHOW AT WREXHAM
Disabled people, carers and their families are being invited to an all-day interactive
independent living exhibition of mobility, including accessibility, disabled support
equipment and support services, taking place in Wrexham in November. One of the
most prominent exhibitions of its kind to take place this year in the Cheshire and the
North West area, Mobility Access Roadshow will throw its doors open to the public at
11.00 am on Saturday 22nd November.
Information and brochures from suppliers of various aids, travel and leisure services
and support groups unable to attend will also be available for visitors to take away.
The all-day show takes place in Wrexham Volkswagen car showroom in the Rhosddu
Industrial Estate, Rhosrobin, Wrexham LL11 4YL, with free parking available on the
premises. Admission is free and further information on the Mobility Access Roadshow
is available from the event organisers AVF on 01992 503129.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Vale Royal Disability Services is looking to recruit new volunteers to join their
enthusiastic Shopmobility team. Useful training is provided in EPOS systems.
An understanding of disability or suitable personal experience would be welcome.
Contact VRDS on 01606 888400 or email [email protected] for more information.
COMMISSION APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO ITS DISABILITY COMMITTEE
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has appointed seven new members to its
Disability Committee to tackle discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for
disabled people. The Disability Committee is a statutory decision-making committee
which plays a key role in the Commission’s governance. Significant aspects of its work
over the next year will be contributing to development of the Commission’s next
strategic plan, supporting delivery of “Is Britain Fairer?” - the Commission’s periodic
review of Britain’s progress on equality and human rights, and informing the UK’s
forthcoming examination under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Disabled People.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is an independent body that aims to
encourage equality and diversity, eliminate unlawful discrimination, and promote and
protect human rights. The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability,
gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race,
religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.
FREE NETWORKING EVENT
This event coincides with the Carerstrust4all’s Britain's Best Breakfast Fundraising
Campaign running across the region. They are encouraging everyone in the local
community to host a breakfast with colleagues, friends and family and raise a (piece of)
toast to carers.
Enjoy a free networking breakfast, learn about the experience of a young carer
and how Carers Trust 4all supports carers across our local community. Today, 1 in 10
of us is a carer. That's nearly 7 million people. So even if you aren't a carer yourself,
it's likely you know someone who needs support. The aim is to ensure that all carers
are recognised and supported so that their caring responsibilities don’t impact on their
own health and wellbeing.
This event is to be held on Friday 17th October 2014 between 9.30 am and 11.00 am at
the Carers Trust 4all, Overton House, West Street, Congleton, CW12 1JY.
RSVP to Sandy: email [email protected] or call on 01260 292 850.
THE ORABIS READ-ALOUD VIDEO MAGNIFIER FROM FORCETENCO
People suffering from Macular Degeneration or Retinitis
Pigmentosa have problems with reading continuously; the
Orabis is designed to support daily reading. Just use one
device to magnify and to read aloud… why buy a
separate video magnifier and a reading machine or have
a separate computer with scanner?
The Orabis is a read-aloud text reader and a magnifier in
just one device, the perfect combination to read text
without getting tired. Just select the text that you want to
read and with the push of a button, a clear voice will
immediately start reading.
Tel: 01372 450 887 FREE. Web: www.forcetenco.co.uk
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DO YOU LIVE IN CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER?
If so, please help by sharing your experiences of accessing your GP by completing a
short online questionnaire at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YZCZGH5.
Thank you from Healthwatch Cheshire West. Tel: 0845 340 2859 or 01606 351134
LOOKING FORWARD ACTIVITIES
This is an opportunity for people with learning disabilities aged 16 to 40 to meet new
people, enhance life and social skills and most of all have FUN!
Contact: Telephone: 07511 189 331 Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookingForwardGroupCheshire?ref=hl
Website: http://www.lookingforwardactivities.co.uk
PAVEMENT PARKING CAMPAIGN
Pavement parking is a blight on people’s lives across the country. It stops pedestrians
being able to use the pavement safely and is dangerous for people with sight loss and
wheelchair users who can be forced into the road. We know from Disabled Motorist UK
members just how difficult pavement parking can make getting about.
However, there is now a chance this problem could now be resolved as two MPs
chose to table private members’ bills about pavement parking - Martin Horwood MP,
who tabled the Pavement Parking Bill (for England and Wales). The Responsible
Parking (Scotland) Bill, has also been put forward by Mark Lazarowicz MP, which
would help to progress the issue in Scotland.
Disabled Motorist UK is supporting this campaign and have jointly signed a letter to the
Times with other charities supporting this Bill.
TAKING CHARGE, A NEW PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LIVING WITH A DISABILITY
The guide lets you know what you have a ‘right to expect’ from social services and
healthcare, what support is available in education and employment, how to access
everything from travel to housing, and what tools and technologies can make life
easier. The Guide will be published during October 2014.
Web: http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/takingcharge
PIP FIGURES SUGGEST BROKEN ATOS PROMISES LENGTHENED QUEUES
New official figures appear to have borne out fears that misleading information used by
the IT company Atos to win a disability assessment contract would lead to longer
queues for disabled benefit claimants.
Disability News Service (DNS) revealed last year that Atos Healthcare had broken a
series of firm pledges that helped it win a £184 million contract to assess people
across London and the south of England for the government’s personal independence
payment (PIP), which is replacing working-age disability living allowance (DLA).
Concerns about the Atos PIP tender document were first raised in a joint investigation
by DNS and the disabled journalist Richard Butchins. Atos had promised to provide a
network of 740 assessment sites across London and the south of England, but after
the contract was signed it only managed to secure 96 assessment centres.
This meant thousands of disabled people faced longer delays in being assessed, and
longer and more complicated journeys to reach their assessments, often by
inaccessible public transport.
There were particular concerns that Atos had not provided a single PIP assessment
centre across a vast sweep of north London.
Figures published this week by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suggest
that the lack of assessment centres in some parts of the country may have increased
delays and backlogs.
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FASTEST MOBILITY SCOOTER SMASHES RECORD
World's fastest mobility scooter smashes record with top speed of 108mph, and it even
comes with a shopping basket!
David Anderson and Matthew Hine from the Isle of Man custom built the vehicle in an
attempt to break the top speed record of 82mph. Mr Hine was strapped into the seat as
he raced around the track at Jurby Motordrome on the island. In testing the pair had
managed to reach a maximum speed of 107.3mph and were aiming for at least
108mph in the race – they said on Facebook ‘anything less would be a fail’.
Mr Hine, who built the scooter from scratch with his colleague, said: “It’s a 600 Bandit,
slightly modified, with split exhausts and tweaked carburettors, shoehorned into a
mobility scooter”.
CONFIRMATION THAT THE DWP HAS YOUR FIT NOTE
You can now find out if your fit note (medical certificate) has been received by the
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). To do this, put your mobile number on the
top right corner of your Fit note when you send it. The DWP will send you a text when
they have received it and when you can expect payment. However, you need to wait
seven working days for your note to be received so don’t chase it up before then.
TOP TIPS FOR DISABLED AIR PASSENGERS
If you are disabled or have difficulty moving around, you can
receive free assistance when you fly to and from the UK and
Europe, including on domestic flights. Under European law, this
assistance is available to anyone with mobility requirements – for
example because of their disability, age or a temporary injury.
Sometimes, however, the assistance you get may not meet
your expectations or communication can break down. In
some limited cases, your requirements may not be covered by
the law.
This leaflet explains your rights and what to do to make sure
you have the best chance of a smooth journey. You can find
out more from our free step-by-step guide ‘Your Rights to Fly’,
available to download from www.equalityhumanrights.com.
NEW SHORT FILM: SAVE THE INDEPENDENT LIVING FUND!
There is a new short film about the fight for the Independent Living Fund, made with
False Economy, Ros Wynne Jones (Daily Mirror), Disabled People Against Cuts and
Moore Lavan Films. The ILF is a fund that disabled people use to pay for the extra care
hours (personal assistance) that they need to live full and independent lives. The
government plans to close the fund in June 2015.
The film features Mark Williams and Daphne Branchflower – two disabled people who
talk about their lives and interests, and the central role that ILF funding plays for them.
The film also features Angela Smith, a disabled woman who does not receive ILF and
must rely solely on her local council care system.
Disabled people will again fight for the ILF in court on 22nd and 23rd October. See
Disabled People Against Cuts http://dpac.uk.net/ for regular updates on campaigning
and events, and https://www.facebook.com/ILFpostcard to take part in the Save the
Independent Living Fund postcard campaign on facebook. Earlier this year, disabled
people occupied Westminster Abbey to protest at government plans to close the ILF.
Disabled people have every right to independence and to live their lives just like
everyone else expects to. This fight against government can’t and won’t be lost.
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ACCESS ABILITY
This is a web based service designed to help injured armed forces personnel find
sustainable work.
The service – which was launched officially on Armed Forces Day – enables those
personnel leaving the service due to sickness or injury, to identify the relevant
specialist employment and training providers in their local area so that they can access
the right expert support to assist them into civilian employment.
See: www.accessability.info/armedservices
NEW MOUNTING SYSTEM RANGE FROM LECKEY
The patented Mount’n Mover system provides movable
mounting solutions to position, secure and quickly switch
out laptops, phones, iPads, speech devices, reading and
writing trays, and cameras.
The mounts work on wheelchairs, tables and floor stands.
According to the company, it is the most accessible and
customisable out-of-the-box mounting system available.
Freephone: 0800 318265 (02892 600750).
Web: http://www.leckey.com/
NEW PIP FIGURES
At least 150,000 disabled people have been waiting longer than four months for the
government to decide on their claims for the new disability benefit, new official figures
suggest. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures show that about
490,000 people registered a new claim for personal independence payment (PIP)
between its launch in April 2013 and 31st July 2014. But of those claims, only 200,000
have so far been cleared. The figures suggest that at least 150,000 people had been
waiting at least four months for their PIP claim to be dealt with by the end of July.
A DWP spokesman dismissed these calculations, though, and said it was “not
statistically correct to simply subtract the number of clearances from the number of
registrations”.
NEW SUPPORT FOR OLDER BANK WORKERS
THE Bank Workers Charity (BWC), the UK’s only charity that helps current and former
bank workers, are working together with Independent Age, the national charity that
gives advice and support to older people. The partnership is a result of BWC’s Retiree
Support Service launch on 1st October, as part of its holistic approach to meeting the
needs of those who contact them.
The Retiree Support Service provides unique support for retired bank workers,
specifically aimed at helping people in later life.
Through the partnership, Independent Age will provide a bespoke advice and
befriending service to prevent social isolation through a telephone service or a regular
volunteer visitor. Practical information and advice guides for the over-65s on finances,
staying independent, and getting the most out of later life will also be available, drawn
from Independent Age’s in-depth experience of helping thousands of older people
across the UK.
For more information about how the Bank
Workers Charity can help, please telephone
the Freephone number 0800 0234 834.
Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
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NEW PLAN AIMS FOR MORE SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS
The government has published a new plan that it hopes will see more disabled people
achieving senior positions in the Civil Service. The Talent Action Plan includes
measures designed to remove the “obstacles” which have limited the number of
disabled people, and other minority groups, joining the Civil Service and reaching its
highest levels.
Although the proportion of civil servants “declaring a disability” has risen from 4.1 per
cent in 1998 to 8.6 per cent of about 439,000 people in the UK and abroad, the number
of disabled people achieving senior status has remained stubbornly low, at just 3.1 per
cent of those in what is known as the Senior Civil Service (SCS). Three years ago, a
leaked, unpublished government report obtained by Disability News Service revealed
the “disturbing” levels of discrimination, bullying and harassment faced by disabled civil
servants.
Government departments have not been able to use the Access to Work (AtW)
scheme to fund workplace adjustments since October 2006, and the leaked report said
this had resulted in civil servants receiving a “second class service” compared with the
private sector and the rest of the public sector. The report found that many disabled
civil servants were facing a “real fight” to secure the adjustments they needed to do
their jobs. It also found that examples of good practice across the Civil Service were
“the exceptions to the rule”, while the “serious problems” faced by disabled civil
servants needed “urgent attention”.
SPORT ENGLAND INVESTS A FURTHER £2.1 MILLION
Sport England has recently provided a further boost to disability
sport by awarding £2.1 million of National Lottery funding to help
increase the number of disabled people playing sport.
Sport England will be directly funding seven national disability sports organisations
(NDSOs), between October 2014 and 2017, to advise, support and guide other sports
bodies as they create opportunities for disabled people to take part in sport. The
funding will provide impairment-specific support to National Governing Bodies (NGBs)
and deliver engagement programmes. The seven disability sports organisations to
benefit from the investment are:
• British Blind Sport
• Cerebral Palsy Sport
• Dwarf Sport Association UK
• Limb Power
• English Learning Disability Sports Alliance
• WheelPower
• UK Deaf Sport
The investment over three years will work to strengthen the delivery of sport for
disabled people, engagement and partnership creation with the purpose of educating
and supporting specific groups, and working with NGBs and other organisations.
http://enablemagazine.co.uk/index.php/2014/10/sport-england-invests-a-further-2-1million-to-get-more-disabled-people-playing-sport/
NATIONAL WOMEN’S SELF INJURY HELPLINE
This UK-wide Women’s Self Injury Helpline is now open on Wednesdays from 7.00 pm
to 9.00 pm and Thursdays from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. You can call for confidential,
non-judgemental emotional support around self injury: Phone 0808 800 8088.
All volunteers are female and have received specialist training. For more information,
go to: http://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/womens-self-injury-helpline-0808-800-8088
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NEW MEMORIAL TO DISABLED PEOPLE KILLED BY NAZIS
Earlier this month a memorial was unveiled outside the Berlin Philharmonic Building.
The blue glass wall commemorates the 300,000 disabled people killed as part of the
T4 programme during the Second World War.
For more information, there are several sources:
• An Article about the memorial in the Jewish Times: Berlin Memorial To Nazi’s
Disabled Victims
• A BBC news article about the memorial at: BBC News: Nazi Disabled Victims
Memorial Unveiled In Berlin
• For information about the Holocaust and disabled people, go to the 2009 BBC
Ouch web page
LAW SOCIETY ACCESS TO JUSTICE CAMPAIGN
The Law Society has launched a new campaign because 600,000 people have lost
access to civil legal aid. The campaign will be focusing on three core goals: persuading
policymakers to amend parts one and two of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and
Punishment of Offenders Act; raising public awareness of the importance of legal aid
and the areas of law where it is still available; and encouraging and supporting Law
Society members to make their services more accessible to the public. Find out more
at www.lawsociety.org.uk/representation/campaigns/access-to-justice/
DISABILITY HISTORY MONTH WILL LOOK BACK TO FIRST WORLD WAR
This year’s UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) will examine the appalling treatment
of veterans who became disabled after fighting in the First World War. UKDHM was set
up to celebrate disabled people’s lives and explore the history of negative attitudes and
their consequences, and runs from 22nd November to 22nd December every year.
Contact: Basement, 78 Mildmay Grove South, London N1 4PJ.
Telephone: 02073 592 855. Mobile: 07715 420 727.
Web: http://ukdisabilityhistorymonth.com/contact-details/
____________________________________________________________________
VALE ROYAL DISABILITY SERVICES
Hartford office
Telephone: 01606 888400
Northwich Shopmobility
Telephone: 01606 288820
Winsford Shopmobility
Telephone: 01606 557550
Northwich Infirmary Desk
Telephone: 01606 564096
_____________________________________________________________________
If you have any news that you would like us to publish, or comments you want
to make, then send them to us. To receive your personal copy of this
newsletter, please refer to the newsletter page on our website www.vrds.org.uk,
or telephone us on 01606 888400 or email [email protected]
Published by: Vale Royal Disability Services, 4 Hartford Business Centre,
Chester Road, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2AB.
Editor: Christine Pickthall MBE.
Registered Charity No. 1123915.
Important disclaimer:
Please note that much of the information in this newsletter is acquired from third parties.
The views expressed may not in any way reflect the views of Vale Royal Disability Services.
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