“I’m not giving up on my Paralympic dreams.”
Competition for the Paralympics 2024 is tougher than ever, the journey is long and arduous, made of successes and failures. Here one triathlete Josh Landmann explains what it takes after missing out by the narrowest of margins on a place in the Paralympic GB team, and how failure has helped propel him towards new goals. Josh Landmann from Lancashire sustained a spinal cord injury ten years ago at the age of 20 when he mistakenly dived into the shallow end of a pool while on holiday in Ibiza with his friends, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. After intense rehabilitation and support from his friends and family, Josh has adapted to a new life in the world of sport. Looking back on his experience, Josh said, “Life changed massively. I had planned my life out and what I wanted to do, and it all just changed completely. And now I’m a full-time athlete and competing internationally in para-triathlon!” With six years of intense training behind him, in which he had to learn to use a hand bike and a racing chair, Josh this year tried out for Great Britain’s Paralympic team. ‘I was gutted not to make the team after six years of training but I’m not giving up on my Paralympic dreams.’ Taking the athletes’ top three results over the qualifying period, the top ten were offered a spot on the team. Heartbreakingly, Josh finished 11th. But while many would wallow in self-pity, Josh remains bright and optimistic. “It’s a journey and I’m not going to think I have made all the biggest gains to be the best in the world in in six years. I wish I could but it’s just not realistic. Is it? So yeah, there’s plenty of time left.” Like all para-athletes Josh has developed huge resilience born out of intense rehabilitation and a desire to rebuild his life and achieve things he never thought possible. He is currently doing about 20 to 22 hours of training a week, spread across swimming and is usually in the pool Monday to Friday every morning. Then about 10-11 hours of bike in a week. “If I can apply myself how I’ve done this time but make improvements again. If I can implement those into my training, over the next few years. I don’t see why I can’t be medalling at Europeans and World Championships in the next few years.” So, will Josh be watching the Paralympics event, despite the disappointment of not making the team? “Yeah, I’ll watch it,” he said, “I’ve got a lot of friends racing and I want to see them do well. By them doing well, it’s always good for our sport. So yeah, hopefully they bring some medals home.” Josh is already planning his path to making the LA 2028 team, where he hopes to win a medal at his first Paralympic Games. In the meantime, there will be more training, more competitions, and more incredible sporting successes for Josh, all while he continues to run his disability-focused personal training company, The Accessible Coach, in Manchester. Josh is passionate about helping other disabled people get into sport and became an ambassador for Spinal Injuries Association in 2018 after receiving help from the charity during his rehabilitation. A spokesperson from Spinal Injuries Association said, “Josh is wonderfully supportive of people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities and he works hard to make sport a more inclusive and accessible place. His positive approach to not making Team GB is just one of the reasons he is a fantastic role model for all of us. It is a great honour to have him as an ambassador for our charity and we are extremely proud of his commitment to all he does. “While it would have been fantastic to see him at this year’s Paralympics, we have no doubts that his hard work and positive mental attitude will pay off and he will go on to other incredible sporting success.” Read Josh Lanmann’s story here https://spinal.co.uk/this-is-joshs-story-sciad20/
Night Lark Makes Comfort Accessible thanks to Coverless Duvets
Night Lark, the innovative bedding brand known for its accessible and comfort-enhancing products, is excited to introduce its latest stylish designs in the popular coverless duvets range for Autumn. Perfect for those who value convenience and ease, these new designs blend autumnal trends with the brand’s signature functionality, providing a chic and hassle-free bedding solution. Unlike traditional duvets that require frequent cover changes and fiddly fastenings, Night Lark’s designs are seamlessly integrated, removing the hassle and physical effort often involved in changing bedding, particularly transformative for individuals with limited mobility. This innovative approach ensures a smoother, more accessible experience for everyone, as the duvet is simply popped into the wash as desired and then pulled back over a bed once dry – all in only 90 minutes! Night Lark’s commitment to accessibility and ease is evident in every stitch of these coverless duvets. By eliminating the need for cover changes, these products offer a practical solution for those looking for ease of use, all without having to compromise on style or comfort. New designs for Autumn include: Don’t just take Night Lark’s word for it… One satisfied customer shared, “It has changed my life, no exaggeration. I had difficulty sleeping due to always being too hot in bed and I also had trouble changing my duvet cover due to disability. Now I sleep much better as the temperature is far better regulated and I can wash the duvet and dry it with ease. I can’t recommend these coverless duvets enough.” Another customer praised the product’s practicality, “The material is fabulous, not heavy which is important when you have a disability, keeps you lovely and warm – easy to wash and dry.” “We believe that everyone deserves a good night’s sleep without the added stress of managing complex bedding,” says Danielle Mason, Product Development Manager at Night Lark. “Our coverless duvets are designed to provide not only exceptional comfort but also a simpler, more accessible solution for those with mobility challenges.”
Richard Whitehead and Adele Roberts to champion inclusive running event
Former British athlete, Richard Whitehead MBE, and Broadcaster/DJ, Adele Roberts, have teamed up to celebrate diversity and encourage people from all backgrounds to take part in an inclusive running event in East London this September. Run to the Future, supported by Nissan, is a mass participation 2k and 5k inclusive run, taking place at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London on Sunday September 15th. UCAN2 OFFER: Free entry to the run with a free code: ‘nissanfree15’ Starting and finishing next to the London Stadium and open to everyone, regardless of ability, participants will be able to walk, run, roll or push as a collective around the iconic venue that played host to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. Richard and Adele are keen for people from all types of underrepresented communities to come and take part. Trained Support Runners provided by the Richard Whitehead Foundation will be available to help individuals with disabilities complete the course and can be requested on sign-up. These volunteers will provide holistic support to participants throughout the day, helping to remove some of the challenges and barriers they may encounter, making the event as inclusive as possible. Richard and Adele are now calling on runners to sign up and take part, with proceeds donated to the Richard Whitehead Foundation, which aims to remove barriers to participation and give disabled people access to the life-changing power of sport. Speaking ahead of the event, Former British athlete and Nissan GB’s diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador Richard Whitehead said: “Disabled people sometimes don’t feel confident enough to enter sporting events. As a former athlete and distance runner, I feel it’s something we should change. “Whatever the race, whatever the distance, it’s always a chance to give back to the running community and inspire the disability community, so I’d encourage people to sign up for the event and give it a go!” Broadcaster, DJ and Nissan GB’s diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador Adele Roberts said: “Everyone should be comfortable to participate in or attend any sporting event, so we’re aiming to create an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, family and friends. I can’t wait to take part and see everyone there.” Run to the Future will be taking place at London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday 15thSeptember 2024.The 5K start time is 10:30am and 2K start time is 12:00pm. Entries cost £15 and will include chip-timed results, an event medal and post-race goodies. For more details on the inclusive running event and how to register, please visit: https://www.runtothefuture.co.uk/event/run-to-the-future-2k-and-5k-at-queen-elizabeth-olympic-park/
YSP: Where Art and The Outdoors Can Be Accessed by All
Planning a day out if you are a person with a disability or have a disabled companion can feel like a full-time task, exhausting in itself before you even get out of the door. According to research for the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, more than half of people with a disability, or their carers, spend between 2 and 5 hours planning a day out. The majority of this research (92 per cent) is conducted online. When it’s an outdoor venue anxiety levels can be even higher, but there are options and help at hand. Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) located near Wakefield is just a few minutes from J38 of the M1. Since opening in 1977, the visitor attraction has strived to offer access to art, no matter what your physical, emotional or economic circumstances. As a registered charity and accredited museum, YSP has 500 acres of beautiful parkland with outdoor and covered gallery spaces, a restaurant, cafés and gift shops. As part of its accessibility work, it won the 2023 Tourist Attraction of the Year Award for Yorkshire and the Cultural Attraction Award. YSP has an ongoing commitment to making its buildings, programmes, and experiences as accessible and inclusive as possible to all visitors. WHAT YSP HAS TO OFFER: ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS YSP has four off-road mobility scooters, which are available to hire free of charge during a visit, they recommend getting in touch to reserve one before you visit. A member of the team will show you how to use the scooter and suggest tips on where to go. Scooters can travel on most outdoor surfaces, but the team will advise if there are any areas which are unsuitable due to weather and seasonal conditions or suggest the best routes. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow for visiting inside the galleries. There’s also a handy accessibility detailed guide that you can download prior to a visit: Download our detailed Accessibility Guide. EATING INSIDE OR OUTDOORS YSP’s cafés and restaurant have flexible seating, with loose tables and chairs, both indoors and outdoors and help will be on hand to assist in finding a suitable place to sit. Benches are dotted throughout the outdoor areas if you need to take a break during your visit. The majority of these are located in the areas near the Underground Gallery, Bothy Gallery, Visitor Centre, and lakeside paths. Seating can also be found in all the galleries, Visitor Centre concourse and cafés. Outside, there are picnic benches near the YSP Learning building and the Visitor Centre. These have fixed seating but also include some wheelchair-accessible benches. Visitors can get in touch if they have any specific queries about accessibility or would like more information to support a visit. ysp.org.uk Images courtesy of YSP
Accessible Hideaways and Retreats in Norfolk and Yorkshire
Norfolk Accessible Hideaways The Able Stables, East Rudham | Sleeps 2, short breaks from £307 https://www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk/sandringham-surrounding-villages/east-rudham-holiday-cottages/the-able-stables-sams-cottage A beautifully converted stable, this cottage offers a stunning and unique stay with level access throughout. Thoughtfully designed to be wheelchair-friendly, it features wide doorways, an accessible kitchen and a wet room, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience. The Able Stables can arrange for either a right or left transfer for the bed when set up as a double, and raise the bed to accommodate a hoist, via an excellent Norwich-based company that rents hoists out on a weekly basis. The heart of this property is a truly amazing connected outdoor and indoor sitting room with ample comfortable seating, a dining area, a wood burning stove and overhead heating. Bootlegger’s Barn, Heacham | Sleeps 4, short breaks from £408 https://www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk/heacham-surrounding-villages/heacham-holiday-cottages/bootleggers-barn This charming barn conversion provides a spacious and accessible retreat, with its open-plan living area, ground-floor bedroom and wet room. Outside, the enclosed courtyard hosts a dining area with accompanying charcoal barbecue, french dining set and ornamental water well, making it perfect for guests seeking a relaxing and accessible holiday. Major’s Lodge (Watatunga), Watlington | Sleeps 8, short breaks from £1455 https://www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk/rural-norfolk/watlington-holiday-cottages/majors-lodge Situated within the stunning Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, Major’s Lodge offers an accessible stay with panoramic views of the surrounding nature. This single storey, fully-accessible detached lodge sleeps eight guests and is positioned with uninterrupted views over the wildlife that roam in the 170 acre reserve. The property has four bedrooms complete with two bathrooms as well as a wet room. Spot a mountain bongo grazing just metres away from the private terrace or sitting room window; or make use of the state-of-the-art bird hide for sundowners overlooking the main lake. With access to electric buggies, guests can take their time and enjoy the ever changing expanses of the woodland, savannah and lakes. West Heath, Brancaster Staithe | Sleeps 12, short breaks from £2491 https://www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk/brancaster-surrounding-villages/brancaster-staithe-holiday-cottages/west-heath A spacious and accessible holiday home, West Heath provides luxurious accommodation with level access, an accessible ground-floor bedroom and a large wet room. With a laid back, modern high-tech interior, this is a seriously sensational detached retreat, coupled with extremely close proximity to the glorious coast and fantastic pubs and restaurants. Yorkshire Accessible Hideaways Canny Grouse Barn, Kirkby Stephen | Sleeps 6, short breaks from £790 https://www.yorkshirehideaways.co.uk/yorkshire-dales/kirkby-stephen-and-surrounding-villages/kirkby-stephen-holiday-cottages/canny-grouse-barn Nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, this barn conversion is designed for accessibility. It features a ground-floor bedroom, step-free access and a wet room, offering a perfect countryside retreat with stunning views and modern amenities. The surrounding area offers numerous accessible trails and pathways, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. For those looking to enhance their outdoor adventures, Canny Grouse Barn offers the option to hire a Terrain Hopper. This impressive mobility power scooter, designed with distinctive looks and extreme off-road capabilities, ensures that everyone can explore the stunning landscapes with complete ease. Visit Norfolk Hideaways here and visit Yorkshire Hideaways here.
FreshWipes: The go to brand for when showering is not an option
Plastic Free Wipes – 100% Biodegradable FreshWipes launched in 2020 with extra-large, extra-wet adult body wipes that are designed to clean your body whenever you can’t shower. Imagine how good you would feel if you could quickly and easily remove body odour, freshen up and feel clean, even if you haven’t showered for days. FreshWipes makes that possible. Forget worrying about odour, no more standing at the sink or worrying about slipping/falling in the shower or bath. Just one, quick, easy, portable pack of body wipes ensures you can clean yourself from the comfort of your chair, bed, tent or vehicle without fuss. Key Product Details • 12 x Rinse-Free,Thick Body Wipes • Each Body wipe is 30x20cm/8×12″ • Biodegradable & Plastic-Free • Antibacterial to remove body odour • Gorgeous light coconut or grapefruit scents (unscented also available) • Only one body wipe needed for a full body wash • Saturated with moisture to fully cleanse your body • Vegan friendly and not tested on animals Sustainability. FreshWipes are made from a biodegradable viscose – a natural material derived from wood pulp, which is treated and spun into yarns to make an entirely biodegradable fabric. Brand Background. In 2019, before creating FreshWipes, Founder Liz Barnes worked as a Medical Rep in hospitals, selling antiseptic solutions for pre-operative skin cleansing. The key ingredient of these solutions, Chlorhexidine, was prioritised over Iodine by NICE in April 2019 as the first choice in skin prep for hospital use. She saw this as an opportunity to provide the public with a gentler antibacterial skin wipe, for use at home, that could remove everyday bacteria – the major cause of body odour. Barnes found, in her initial research, an optimal level of Chlorhexidine to incorporate into her own brand of wipes to kill the bacteria, that would still act in a gentle way on skin. After successfully launching FreshWipes in 2020, Liz is now expanding the business to launch no rinse Shampoo Caps, making it even easier for people to stay fresh and clean when showering just isn’t an option. And new for Summer… FreshWipes Shampoo Caps Designed for anyone struggling to wash their hair e.g. Campers or those with a disability, illness or post-surgery. So simple to use – just place the cap containing the special fluid, over the hair and massage in for 3 minutes. No need to rinse as the fluid will clean, freshen and moisturise the hair all in one, simply remove the cap and marvel at your clean hair! The cap can even be warmed in the microwave prior to use – perfect for cooler days. Key Ingredients FreshWipes packs start at £5.99 FreshWipes Shampoo Cap £4.99 Products available at freshwipes.co.uk, amazon.co.uk and on QVC @FreshwipesUK Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine today to keep up-to-date with all the latest products to make independent living easier and more accessible.
Norfolk Industries is a national level award winner
Norfolk Industries for Disabled People is exceptionally proud to have received a Highly Commended at the 2024 National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards. The award was given in the ‘Employer of People with a Disability’ category which looks for a business or charity that demonstrates true values of respect, equality and accessibility for their employees who have a learning disability and/or autism. These are values that are close to our hearts and reflect the ethos and ambition of our business. To take the runner up slot in a national-level award, open to both businesses and charities across England, Wales and Scotland, is a real achievement and we are honoured to have been recognised in this way. What the judges said: “Norfolk Industries for Disabled People go above and beyond in employing those with learning disabilities and deserve high commendation in this category. They stand as a shining example of inclusivity and take an approach many can seek to learn from.” General manager, Sharon Tooke said: “It’s been so inspiring to have the business shortlisted for such an award. The event was wonderful and an opportunity to see the amazing work that is going on in the care sector across the country. To gain Highly Commended in our category of Employer of People with Disabilities is such an honour and a real acknowledgment of our work to provide a supportive working environment for people with disabilities in our local community. It’s also something that our commercial customers can be proud of in that they are supporting a business such as ours by trading with us! Win, win!” Sales of our pet products are crucial in supporting our mission to provide disabled and disadvantaged people with access to the world of work. We’d like to thank everyone who currently trades with us for the part you play in making this happen and welcome any prospective new traders to get in touch. Contact us at sales@norfolkindustries.co.uk. Visit their website at https://www.norfolkindustries.co.uk/
Sun’s out. Time for DIY
Painting, removing damp or draught proofing aren’t usually the first things you associate with summer. But the warmer, drier months are a fantastic time to carry out some DIY such as home improvements, whether small tweaks or larger projects. Install tap aerators If you want to kick off your summer DIY with something that’s not too daunting, fitting tap aerators is a great idea. They only cost about £5 and are fitted inside existing taps. They’re full of holes that mix air into your water supply reducing the amount of water that comes out while still leaving you with plenty to wash and clean with. It can save you around £20 a year on your bills. Block out draughts and keep in heat Don’t wait until winter arrives to start combatting heat loss. Get it done while the heating is off and warm air floods naturally into your home. A simple job is adding draught excluders to letterboxes, doors and windows. Getting a professional in can cost well over £200, but it’s easy to do yourself, with self-adhesive foam strips, metal or plastic excluders with wipers or brushes attached. Placing reflective panels behind radiators is also a good idea as this stops too much heat being absorbed into the walls, rather than warming your room. These panels only cost around £30 to install. Declutter No one wants to be clearing out the garage or attic and making trips to the tip when it’s cold or wet outside. But if the weather’s nice, you can use outside space to help sort through the years of accumulated clutter. Arrange them into piles for throwing away, giving to charity, recycling or even, if you’re feeling creative, upcycling. The drive to the tip or charity shop can also be more enjoyable when it’s warm and sunny. Take the opportunity to sort out all the frustrating living room or bedroom clutter while the weather is good otherwise you’ll have to spend months on end indoors, staring at it all. A lick of paint If you can paint with windows or doors wide open you’ll avoid inhaling unpleasant, overpowering fumes, particularly if you’re using a gloss finish. It’s help speed up paint drying too. Sanding furniture or floors can create a lot of dust, so these tasks are also better done with windows open. A gentle breeze flowing through the room will disperse much of the dust, before it can irritate your lungs or eyes – though it’s important to always wear a protective mask and eye covering, whatever the weather. Tackle damp and mould These common problems can start to develop during summer. By the time the weather gets wetter and darker, they can be much more widespread and perhaps have got out of hand. Sort them out with specialist products early to avoid more work and serious issues later. Review your mobility When the days are long and sunny, it’s a perfect time to appraise your mobility. Is it taking a lot of effort to negotiate your way around the house while you’re working on the DIY projects? Is carrying bags of nails, power tools, draught excluders and paint pots a struggle? Do you look at your stairs with trepidation or even fear? It might be time to consider some additional help, whether you’re DIYing or not. AStiltz Homelift allows you to move effortlessly and quietly between floors in no more than 30 seconds. Homelifts can assist with transporting not just you and other members of the household, but a range of items from that awkward DIY equipment to the far more pleasant suitcases when going on holiday. The best thing about a Stiltz is its size. The smallest model takes up just 0.55sqm, which is the size of a bedroom armchair. A larger model which takes a walking frame or wheelchair is available with additional length to accommodate equipment. All Stiltz Homelifts are affordable and come finished in a soft, warm grey colourway which compliments the clear sides of the lift car and the soft blue ambient internal lighting. They look perfect in both traditional and contemporary homes. So, if you’re carrying out updates to your property in either a big or small way, it’s the perfect time to think about installing a homelift. For more information on the full range of Stiltz Homelifts, visit stiltz.co.uk/
First-ever Autism Acceptance Campaign at University of Birmingham
Happy Autistic Lady partners with Guild of Students for first-ever Autism Acceptance Campaign at University of Birmingham. Iveta Pudilova (22), University of Birmingham Alumna, is the CEO & Co-Founder of Happy Autistic Lady LTD; a multi-award-winning marketing and consultancy business, committed to creating student spaces where neurodiversity is celebrated. Recently, after competing against more than 400 other entries, Iveta won the Inclusivity Award at the regional Inspirational Youth Awards 2024. This award largely acknowledged Happy Autistic Lady campaigns that raise awareness about autism and neurodiversity at UK universities. Happy Autistic Lady directly addresses a key problem universities face: disabled students are less likely to access employment after graduation, and 37% of autistic students alone drop out due to a lack of support and inclusion, that’s up to 8,000 students each year. Happy Autistic Lady delivers training, workshops, and creative campaigns that empower neurodivergent individuals and raise awareness about invisible disabilities. Happy Autistic Lady is a member of the University’s start-up incubator and has a fully neurodivergent workforce, including two other University of Birmingham Alumni supporting the business, Sarah and Rosie. As a local start-up whose roots can be traced to the incredible community at the University of Birmingham, the team thoroughly enjoyed working with the Guild of Students on the first-ever Autism Acceptance Campaign. Thanks to the support of Dean Turner – Welfare and Community Officer – and Aoife O’Driscoll-Paton -Disabled Students’ Officer- the campaign includes 1,100 branded awareness badges for students and staff members. The badges provide a simple yet effective tool for self-expression and advocacy. The aim is for the University of Birmingham’s 5,000+ disabled and neurodivergent students to feel empowered by their identities and gain the support and understanding they need without having to repeat themselves each time. The badges will be available to students and staff at the Guild of Students from June. The campaign also consists of educational social media content and infographic posters displayed around campus and student accommodation highlighting definitions, important statistics, how to (and not to) respond when someone shares they are neurodivergent, and tips on supporting your neurodivergent friends and classmates! A few include meeting in sensory-friendly spaces, providing agendas in advance for team meetings, and using clear, direct language. Happy Autistic Lady is now looking to partner with other schools and businesses in the region and continue to promote acceptance and awareness about neurodivergence. Happy Autistic Lady is now looking to partner with other schools and student’s unions to create acceptance campaigns for Autism Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Disability History Month, and others. Iveta Pudilova, CEO and Co-Founder of Happy Autistic Lady commented: “As a small family-owned business and a University of Birmingham alumna, we were delighted to be back on campus. It was great working with the Guild of Students to foster a more supportive environment and seeing the officers’ commitment to student inclusion! When a student told me that Happy Autistic Lady made them “feel so empowered and proud of being a disabled UoB student”, I knew that our work is valuable and needed.’’ Dean Turner, Welfare and Community Officer and Aoife O’Driscoll-Paton, Disabled Students’ Officer agreed: “We’re so pleased to announce the launch of our Invisible Disabilities Campaign, which aims to provide a platform to open conversations about hidden disabilities and neurodivergence.As a part of this campaign, which forms a part of the Guild’s ongoing EDI strategy and cultural education work, we’ve had the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the Happy Autistic Lady, a new start-up run by Birmingham Alumni. Through these collaborative efforts, we’ve identified key messaging and worked on the creation of various resources, including a selection of badges which are intended to raise awareness of different invisible disabilities. We really hope you like the badges, which will be available to collect from the Guild in the coming weeks.” Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine today.