Chi Onwurah MP presents Motability Scheme keys to constituents in Newcastle
Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Upon Tyne Central, has presented the keys for Motability Scheme cars to local constituents Mollie Burns and Carl Fice. The handovers took place at the Lookers Volkswagen Newcastle dealership, Scotswood Road, on Friday 12 May. Mollie Burns, 23, from Newcastle upon Tyne, is a qualified counsellor with an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Psychology. She is currently studying for a BSC at the Open University. Mollie has cerebral palsy and started using the Motability Scheme in August 2019. Her latest car, a Volkswagen T-Cross, is fitted with a boot hoist and a twin flip folding accelerator. Mollie said the adaptations have increased her sense of independence and she’s able to drive others including her relatives, both young and old; “It’s a great thing to do for myself but also to help the people I love. When I’m in the car, no one else on the road knows I’m disabled so I’m just the same as everybody else. It’s a good feeling to have.” Carl Fice, 47, is also from Newcastle and works as a Skills Facilitator at the Education Development Trust. Carl became a paraplegic 25 years ago, following a car accident in Germany, where he was serving in the Army. He has been a Motability customer since 2008. Carl drives a Volkswagen Tiguan, which enables him to enjoy trips to the beach with his children. He said his Motability car means “I can take the kids out and do things on my own. I chose the car because I can put the wheelchair in the back without folding it, plus the kids and the dog. Having the car means I’m able to do my job. I can drive anywhere to meet new businesses.” The Shadow Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Chi Onwurah, said: “I am delighted to present Mollie and Carl with their new Motability Scheme vehicles in my constituency. There are around 830 people in Newcastle Upon Tyne Central who use the Motability Scheme to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter to retain their mobility and independence. I am so pleased to have been able to meet Mollie and Carl again today and to see how invaluable the Scheme is to them and their families.” Barry Le Grys, CEO of Motability, commented: “We are delighted to organise the first MP constituency handovers since the COVID-19 pandemic here in Newcastle. We would like to thank Chi Onwurah for supporting the Motability Scheme, and Mollie and Carl for coming today to highlight what a difference having access to transport can make to disabled people. Over five million cars have been leased by disabled people since the Scheme began 45 years ago and we look forward to supporting many more in the future.” Photography by: Paul Starr
Tri something new as Jorvik Tricycles sets up for a limited time at The Eyot Centre, Henley-on-Thames
Date: Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd June Location: The Eyot Centre, Riverside, Wargrave Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3JD Enjoy the brilliant sunshine and explore a new hobby at the Try-Cycle Experience this June with Jorvik Tricycles. The event will run from 1pm to 4pm on Friday 2nd June, and all day from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 3rd June. One lucky visitor will also win a Jorvik tricycle for themselves! Discover an alternative way to travel and enjoy the freedom of three wheels in the beautiful surroundings of The Eyot Centre, near historic Henley Bridge. Visitors to the Try-Cycle Experience will have the exclusive opportunity to test different models and see what makes a Jorvik tricycle different. There will be an outdoor track set up so visitors can experience the exhilaration of riding a tricycle for themselves, as well as the chance to speak to experts from the Jorvik Tricycles team about the products and features, and a limited number of products will be available to purchase on the day. Accessible, easy to use; Jorvik Tricycles was created by founder James Walker after he struggled to find a solution to aid his father’s love of cycling whilst living with Parkinson’s disease. Adult tricycles have been a growing trend in recent years alongside e-bikes, which have seen sales triple over the last five years, showing the British public are enjoying getting a battery boost up the country’s hills. This popularity surged during the pandemic and fans cite a more balanced and stable ride, particularly when carrying shopping, as the largest reason for the switch. Tricycles also empower users with age or accessible needs to enjoy bike trails and the great outdoors. James said: “We’re really excited to showcase our tricycles. There really is nothing better than getting to try the tricycles out for yourself and that’s what these events are all about. There’s no obligation to purchase, it’s just a chance to come along, try a tricycle for yourself and enjoy being out and about. “We can’t wait to see everyone and help them try out a new way of getting around.” The second installment in a series of national events, the Try-Cycle Experience encourages visitors to saddle up and pick from eight models to test ride, using an indoor track or exploring the beautiful surrounds of the Eyot Centre, easily accessible by car with ample parking available, or by public transport. To find out more and book your place at the Try-Cycle Experience please click here. Images courtesy of Jorvik Tricycles
Hearing impaired opera singer performs for children to inspire love of classical music
Charlotte Hoather has been performing at a collection of 13 schools across Cheshire and London. To encourage creative and intuitive thinking, Charlotte Hoather has been sponsored to share her love for opera with children across the hearing spectrum. Charlotte’s drive to encourage and inspire the deaf and hard of hearing stems from her own personal experience of being diagnosed at birth as profoundly deaf in one ear. She has documented her extensive career and loss of hearing through a personal blog that has inspirited readers across the country. The award-winning soprano-turned-freelancer has dreamt of making her music accessible to children from all walks of life, including those that are deaf or experience hard of hearing. Singing to over 1,000 school children, she has performed her rendition of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. After creating the opera, writing the libretto and working closely with Nino Russell, her husband and renowned music composer, she has cleverly reimagined this show as ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’. Charlotte, born in Winsford, Cheshire, established her passion for performing arts from the tender age of three. What initially began as a hobby in dance, she grew her skillset when she began singing and acting at age six in Northwich. She then went on to graduate with a First Class Music Degree from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The Royal College of Music Master of Music. Closely working with other like-minded talents, she has produced a heart-warming and captivating album which she is showcasing to local schools with the desire to encourage, inspire and educate children through the beauty and universal power of music. Claire Mera-Nelson, the Director of Music and London at the Arts Council of England, said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy high-quality musical experiences, and we know this can boost their confidence, support their learning, and encourage self-expression. “Thanks to the money raised by National Lottery players, we’re excited to be supporting the award-winning soprano Charlotte Hoather and her immersive opera project for children. Charlotte will bring a narrative inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life through music, physical theatre, British Sign Language and more – all to make sure that more children, including those who are Deaf or across the hearing spectrum, can experience the joys of opera and let their creativity roam without limits.”
Two Museums in Dorchester join together to offer a BSL deaf-led tour.
To celebrate Deaf Awareness Week, Dorset Museum and Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester, Dorset are offering a BSL tour on Saturday 29 April 2023. Deaf visitors are invited to join renowned deaf tour guide John Wilson to explore two of Dorset’s most fantastic museums. Image: Mark North / Dorset Museum © 2023 Dorset Museum allows you to explore 250 million years of Dorset’s history. Discover Roman mosaics, Jurassic Coast fossils, the literature of Thomas Hardy, and the sculptures of Elisabeth Frink, with much more to see along the way. Shire Hall Museum is an award-winning social justice museum that brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life. Walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorchester’s Shire Hall. Immerse yourself in the cells before ascending to the dock. Tickets include the opportunity to explore the galleries before or after the tour at either museum or both when purchasing a joint ticket. There is also time to have lunch in one of the Museum’s fabulous cafes between the tours. Elizabeth Selby, Interim Director of Dorset Museum says “We’re delighted to be offering these tours for British Sign Language users on the eve of Deaf Awareness Week. Dorset Museum already offers BSL interpretation on our gallery films, and we hope these tours will allow the deaf community to explore our Museum even further.” To find out more: dorsetmuseum.org/event/british-sign-language-deaf-led-tour
Sophie Morgan Attends No.10 Downing Street For RightsOnFlights Campaign
Presenter and Disability Rights Campaigner Sophie Morgan has just been pictured delivering her RIGHTS ON FLIGHTS petition to No.10 Downing Street Over cross-party 100 MPs have already signed Sophie’s petition which highlights the consistent failings of the airline industry when it comes to Disabled access. The Rights On Flights campaign is calling for airlines and other actors to be held accountable for: (Pictures available via Backgrid & Splash. Photographer credit: Brett Cove) Damage to wheelchairs or essential mobility devices When they leave Disabled passengers on flights for a prolonged period once the flight has landed When they fail to provide adequate assistance despite prior knowledge of Disabled passengers’ needs https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/rightsonflights Sophie Morgan comments: “I am pleased to be at Downing Street to deliver the RightsOnFlights Open Letter to the Prime Minister today, but I wish I didn’t have to be. My wheelchair, which is essentially my legs, my independence and my lifeline, was broken by an Airline and I, like so many other Disabled travellers, have had enough. Throughout the campaign, thousands of people have contacted me to share their own traumatic experiences on flights – equipment being broken, no toilet access, lack of accessible safety materials, inadequate assistance, adults dragging themselves around airports, or down aircraft aisles, children being left, like discarded rubbish, on the aircraft for hours. Worse still are the countless numbers of people who are now avoiding flying as or those who, due to the inaccessible design of the aircraft, aren’t able to fly at all. This has been happening for decades. It really is unbelievable that we are having to fight for our basic human rights in 2023. The systems that are currently in place are clearly not fit for purpose. We are in a crisis and we need our Government to support and protect us by granting the Civil Aviation Authority the power to impose fines when Airlines (and other parties) fail us. Other countries have these in place, so why don’t we? And this is just the start. We will not stop here. Next, we will be calling on the Department of Transport to draft new and improved assisted travel legislation. The time is NOW and this visit to No.10 today is one step on the long but necessary journey towards systemic change. So, it’s a shame Rishi didn’t invite me in for chat this time, but this won’ation at the highest political levels.”
Disabled people struggling to recover from their experience during the pandemic
Disabled people struggling to recover from their experience during the pandemic, according to new research to mark the third anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown. Disabled people make up almost 60 per cent of those who have died from Covid, and research by the disability charity, Sense, shows that one in two (49 per cent) disabled people are yet to recover from the wider impacts of the pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, loneliness and isolation spiralled, with three in five (61 per cent) disabled people describing themselves as chronically lonely. The figure, today, remains worryingly high at 50 per cent. Two in five (40 per cent) disabled people are still worried about catching Covid, and over half (56 per cent) believe their needs have been largely overlooked in the government’s response to the pandemic. One in two (49 per cent) disabled people say they are yet to recover from their experience at the height of the pandemic, according to a new poll by the national disability charity, Sense, published ahead of the third anniversary of the first national lockdown on Thursday 23 March. Disabled people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. They make up almost 60 per cent of those who have died from Covid, and cuts to services contributed to isolation and loneliness levels spiralling. At the height of the pandemic, three in five (61 per cent) disabled people described themselves as chronically lonely (i.e. feeling lonely often or always). Today’s poll, however, shows that while the figure has reduced, it remains worryingly high, with half (50 per cent) currently describing themselves as lonely always or often. More than two thousand disabled people were surveyed, with the findings revealing that fears around Covid and frustrations at a lack of support, have not gone away. Two in five (40 per cent) disabled people said they are still worried about catching Covid, and over half (56 per cent) feel their needs have been largely overlooked by the government. Less than a third (28 per cent) of disabled said they were confident that the government will be better prepared to support them in the event of a future health emergency. Head of Policy at Sense, Sarah White, said: “Disabled people make up almost 60 per cent of those who died of Covid, and millions of disabled people experienced hardship and isolation during the pandemic. As we approach the eve of the third anniversary of the first national lockdown, disabled people tell us they have felt unsupported, and their needs overlooked, during the pandemic. Many remain worried about catching Covid, while loneliness levels, which spiralled during the height of the pandemic, remain high, raising huge concerns around mental health. The upcoming public inquiry is an opportunity to learn from the mistakes that have happened during the pandemic and ensure that never again are disabled people treated as second class citizens. We must seize it.” The Covid-19 inquiry will begin hearing evidence on June 13. Case study (Pictured – Natalie Williams, Photo Credit: Sense) Natalie Williams (40) from Ebbw Vale in Wales, lives with her husband and two children. She has Usher syndrome. Born deaf, she began losing her vision in her late 20s. Losing her eyesight has meant she’s had to work hard to build up her independence, but she says her experience during the pandemic has knocked her confidence and made her very anxious. As a result, she now rarely goes out. Natalie Williams said: “I was going out on my own, I was going on the buses, on the train, and I felt comfortable doing it. Since Covid I’ve lost all that and I can’t seem to get it back. I’m just too anxious to go anywhere, to do anything. I’m stuck in the house all week because I don’t go out unless I’ve got someone with me. I’ve lost all my independence really and am struggling to get it back. It’s like nobody really cares.”
Try the latest mobility aids at Naidex!
The much loved Mobility Test Track is back on 22-23 March at NEC Birmingham. The track will include a variety of artificial off-road terrain, ramps, and obstacles in order to gauge manoeuvrability and suspension across all brands of scooter, wheelchair and powerchair available at the event. This provides visitors with a true representation of product performance before purchasing. We’re excited to announce this year’s sponsors: Alongside this great feature, access some great sessions, discover products and assistive technology from over 200 exhibitors, take on the adaptive climbing wall, attend live comedy performances – there really is something for everyone. We can’t wait for you to join us! The Naidex Team Parking at the NEC is free for blue badge holders, for more information on accessibility check out the event’s website.
Raising awareness of hidden disabilities
1 in 5 people have a disability in the UK alone, 80% of those have an invisible disability which is not immediately apparent to others or they may have a combination of both visible and hidden disabilities. Hidden disabilities can range from visual, physical, auditory or neurological disabilities. From autism and ADHD to cognitive impairments such as dementia, learning disabilities as well as various mental health conditions. They can also be respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain and sleeping disorders as well as sensory loss such as speech impairment, sight loss, hearing loss, or deafness. Hidden disabilities in more depth Mental health conditions 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England with the overall number of people that are reporting mental health problems increasing in recent years. Anyone can have a mental health problem, some of the following are the most common conditions: Other, more complex mental health conditions could be: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar, Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and schizophrenia. Neurological disabilities Neurological disorders come from a dysfunction of the brain or nervous system. Some examples of hidden neurological disabilities are: Sensory loss / processing difficulties Sensory loss or impairment is the broad term used to describe conditions such as deafness, blindness, visual impairment, hearing impairment and deafblindness. Sensory loss is when one or more of your 5 senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste) does not function properly. Cognitive impairment If someone has cognitive impairment they struggle with mental abilities such as remembering things, learning new things, concentrating, language problems and making decisions in their everyday life without help. Dementia and Alzheimers disease are just two examples of cognitive impairment. Non-visible physical health conditions There are various types of physical disabilities which are non-visible. Diabetes type 1 and type 2 are both invisible disabilities, as is asthma. The conditions which result in chronic pain are also hidden disabilities. Crohn’s disease, Colitis, Coeliac disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Endometriosis and Multiple Sclerosis all class as an invisible disability. Long Covid could now even class as a hidden disability, symptoms are wide ranging and some can be quite severe. Speech and communication disorders Some forms of speech and communication disabilities are: How to identify a person with hidden disabilities or make others aware Daily life for a person with hidden disabilities can be more challenging but, without visual cues, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge or understand the barriers they might face or that they have a disability at all. The sunflower is a widely recognised symbol for non-visible / hidden disabilities. Most people with a hidden disability will wear the sunflower lanyard, others may carry a sunflower card with them or wear a sunflower badge. The sunflower acts as a sign or an indication that the person wearing it may need extra help, support or patience from those around them. For more information on hidden disabilities or the sunflower symbol visit: https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/
Matthew Campbell-Hill appointed as Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
Department for Transport welcomes new Chair tasked with providing advice to Government and driving accessibility improvements. The former Team GB wheelchair fencer brings board-level experience from multiple government departments. Accessibility Minister Richard Holden: “DPTAC plays a vital role helping us ensure equal access to travel in the UK and I’m delighted to welcome Matthew as the new Chair.” The Department for Transport appointed a new Chair of DPTAC, on 21 February, to represent the needs and rights of disabled people across the UK’s transport network. Matthew Campbell-Hill, a tech regulation expert and former Team GB wheelchair fencer, will work alongside the Department for Transport to advise Government on the needs and rights of passengers, and to ensure its projects are inclusive and accessible for all. Having held a number of Government advisory positions and with a Senior Fellowship at the University of Birmingham, Matthew brings to the role extensive knowledge and experience of working in complex industries. Roads and Local Transport Minister Richard Holden, who has cross-DfT responsibility for accessibility said: “Everyone deserves the right to get from A-to-B with ease and DPTAC plays a vital role helping us ensure equal access to travel in the UK. “I’m delighted to welcome Matthew as the new Chair. His background speaks for itself in his breadth of experience and I look forward to working closely with him in the coming months.” Building on the work of previous DPTAC Chair, Keith Richards, who held the role for over eight years, Matthew will provide an independent, expert voice tasked with holding the government to account in ensuring disabled people can travel safely and independently across all modes of transport. The new Chair currently serves as a non-executive director at the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), where he heads up the Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee and leads on advice on vehicle autonomy. He previously held a non-executive director position at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and was part of a government-commissioned review to improve diversity within the public appointments process. With more than ten years of experience as a wheelchair athlete, including multiple World Cup medals and winning the National Championships in 2012, Matthew Campbell-Hill brings a wealth of experience and a personal perspective to the role of DPTAC Chair. Matthew Campbell-Hill said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the new Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. “As a seasoned traveller with lived experience of disability, I am looking forward to working with the excellent team in place to help them continue to share their expertise with the government. The transport landscape has rapidly evolved in recent years, and I am passionate about leveraging this momentum to improve accessibility and inclusiveness across the UK’s transport network. “I would like to thank Keith Richards OBE for his tireless efforts ensuring that all disabled people and their carers have had representation at the highest political levels.”