Winners of Dimensions 2022 Leaders’ List announced

winners of dimensions 2022 leaders list

Dimensions, Learning Disability England and the voluntary organisations Disability Group announce winners of the 2022 leaders’ list celebrating extraordinary achievements and accelerating social change of people with learning disabilities and Autism. This year’s winners celebrated at a virtual launch event hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce. Annual Leaders’ List award aims to give people with learning disabilities and autism a platform to showcase and celebrate exceptional achievements. Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit that supports people with learning disabilities and autism, has announced the winners of its Annual Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List. Run in conjunction with Learning Disability England and VODG, it celebrates the extraordinary stories and achievements of individuals across the UK. The Leaders’ List gives people with learning disabilities and autism an opportunity to be recognised, celebrated and represented in the mainstream media. Dimensions’ research has revealed that 75% of respondents feel that it is easy for people in the wider community to forget about people with learning disabilities and autism. Therefore, providing individuals with a platform to share their stories on the national stage remains vital to increasing representation. Highlighting the stories and achievements of people with learning disabilities and autism will not only serve to overcome harmful stereotypes but will inspire others in the community to achieve things they perhaps did not think would be possible for them. Considering over 96% of respondents Dimensions’ research felt that they have something to learn from people with learning disabilities and autism, showcasing their talents, successes and achievements will benefit people from all walks of life. The 2022 Leaders were announced across four categories: arts and entertainment; local communities; work and education; and advocacy, policy and media. Recognising leaders across a broad spectrum of fields showcases the breadth of talents that people with learning disabilities and / or autism have. Some examples of the 2022 winners include: The celebration will be hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce and featured presentations for each category alongside a keynote speech from Leader and author Richard Keagan-Bull and a closing speech from Dimensions’ CEO Rachael Dodgson. Rachael Dodgson, CEO at Dimensions, said: “Dimensions is proud to present this award to all of this years’ Leaders’. The Leaders’ List is a reminder of the personal strengths and contributions that people with learning disabilities and autistic people make to the local community. I am deeply inspired by all of their achievements and hope you will join me in celebrating them” The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group said: “We are proud to support the Leaders List 2022. Celebrating the work and contributions of people with a learning disability and autistic people is so important – we are looking forward to celebrating the 2022 winners. Thank you to our partners who have made this fantastic event happen, and an even bigger thank you to all of those who have entered this year.” Ken Bruce, BBC Radio 2 DJ and Leaders’ List award ceremony host, said: “I have had the privilege of hosting the Leaders’ List Awards Ceremony for several years, yet the achievements of the Leaders never cease to amaze me! I have been inspired by all the stories and am very proud to be part of an event that rightfully celebrates these achievements. A huge congratulations to all the winners.” Chloe Douds, 2022 Leaders List judge and 2021 finalist, said: “Being on the leaders’ list is a huge achievement and one that everyone who has been nominated should be proud of. The work that everyone has done has helped change attitudes and opinions around learning disabled and autistic people and improved countless lives – well done everyone.” Leanne Yeo, 2022 Leaders’ List finalist, said: “Initiatives and awards like this are really important to the disabled community. There aren’t many awards out there that recognise people with disabilities. We often put in so much hard work but don’t get much recognition so having such awards is really heartening. This makes us feel valued and that our contributions have made a difference.

Motability’s Road to 45

wheelchair-user-using-accessible-motability-transport

Motability, the Charity with a vision that no disabled person shall be disadvantaged due to poor access to transportation, today marks its milestone anniversary of 45 years.  Before Motability was established in 1977, only disabled people who could drive themselves received any government help with transport, usually in the form of a small distinctive single-passenger blue trike which was unable to take passengers. As a result, many disabled people were housebound for long periods and dependent on others to get around. The introduction of the Mobility Allowance by Government in 1976 allowed recipients to choose the best way to meet their mobility needs, whether that be driving a vehicle, using taxis or getting a mobility scooter. Although the new benefit was a positive advance, it soon became clear that it was not enough to buy and run even the smallest of cars. The Secretary of State of Health and Social Services at the time invited the late Lord Goodman to consider how disabled people could affordably obtain a vehicle using this allowance. He enlisted the help of Lord Sterling and together they established Motability, the Charity, in December 1977 when the formation was announced to the House of Commons. From this, the late Lord Goodman and Lord Sterling devised the Motability Scheme to provide a simple way of leasing a new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair without the worrying of owning and running one. The Motability Scheme delivered its first vehicles to customers in July 1978 in a ceremonial presentation at Earl’s Court, London. Since then, over five and a half million vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs have been delivered through the Scheme to help disabled people and their families. Today, more than 640,000 people benefit from the Motability Scheme by exchanging their qualifying mobility allowance to help gain more freedom and independence. Around two thirds of Scheme customers drive, but those who do not can still lease a car and travel as a passenger. Similarly, parents or carers can also apply to join on behalf of a child aged three and above. Overseeing the Motability Scheme continues to be the main method by which the Charity strives to achieve its vision. Its Scheme-related Grant Programmes continue to provide financial support to those who want to join the Scheme but who need help with the cost of an Advance Payment and the adaptations they may need. Investment in this area continues to be a priority, with the Charity awarding the highest ever number of Scheme-related grants in 2021/22, supporting thousands of beneficiaries in leasing a vehicle.  The Charity has further increased its grant-making by offering support that reaches beyond the Motability Scheme to have even greater impact on the lives of disabled people. Its steady investment in innovation activities and research, combined with its oversight of the Scheme will help to enhance the transportation needs of disabled people in the years to come. This year, the Charity launched a new portfolio of grants to provide support to other charities and organisations in areas where its research and insight has shown opportunities to have the greatest impact. A total of six new programmes have been launched in this area to address the challenges disabled people face accessing transport right now, while Motability continues its research and innovation work into longer-term solutions to make all transport accessible.  Last month, Motability hosted a Parliamentary reception at the House of Commons to mark the launch of a new British Standards Institute (BSI) standard, sponsored by the Charity and the UK Government Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV). This world-leading standard sets out best-practice for making public electric vehicle (EV) charge points accessible, and was created with disabled people’s involvement. Now work is underway to encourage adoption of the standard, as the Charity is keen to work closely with Government and site owners, such as local authorities and providers, to ensure the standard is implemented to make EV charging accessible for all. Barry Le Grys MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Motability says: “Motability has grown from strength to strength over our remarkable 45-year history. We have a strong vision and sense of purpose, which has been at the foundation of our growth. We have supported disabled people with their mobility for over four decades, and we aren’t stopping here. “As the world of transportation advances, we too are determined to evolve and further support Motability Scheme customers and our beneficiaries to ensure they aren’t left behind. As well as focusing on their transport needs now, we are also looking at the longer term and next generations to grow and expand our purpose, ensuring we continue to make a real difference well into the future.” Throughout its 45-year history, Motability has had the honour of having the presence of its Chief Patron from inception, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, attend notable milestone events. The most recent event was to mark its 40th anniversary and over four and a half million vehicles, held at Windsor Castle in 2017. To see an animated roadmap of Motability’s Road to 45, including key moments from its history, please visit Motability’s YouTube channel.

Bristol and Bath charity announces plans to improve access to green spaces for disabled people and unpaid carers

disabled woman cant access green space in Bristol park

The first research to be carried out in Bristol and Bath into the experience of disabled people and unpaid carers in the cities’ parks has revealed stark findings. Local charity, Your Park Bristol & Bath, who commissioned the research, is determined to use the findings to deliver significant improvements to this group’s experiences in local parks and green spaces.  One in three people living locally has a disability of some kind or cares for someone who couldn’t manage without their support. The charity wants to ensure they can access safe, inclusive and welcoming parks and is calling on local organisations, individuals and community groups to work in partnership on a series of actions over the next three years: With funding from Quartet Community Foundation, the charity commissioned the qualitative research earlier this year to better understand the experiences of disabled people and unpaid carers. It involved in-depth interviews and revealed the participants experienced a disproportionate number of barriers, making it harder for them to access parks and green spaces than other groups.  Charlee Bennett, CEO of Your Park Bristol & Bath, said: “We know that being out in parks and green spaces is transformational for our wellbeing, but sadly, going to the park can be particularly challenging for the one in three people in Bristol and Bath who are disabled or unpaid carers.  “We wanted to understand better the barriers for disabled people and unpaid carers, both adults and children. It’s sad to say that the results weren’t unexpected, but when you see extent of the hurdles that must be overcome just to go to the park, it is shocking. Our research participants told us how they have to meticulously plan visits, anticipating every potential problem. Parent carers carrying tents so they can change their child in private, searching for play areas that have suitable equipment, or wheelchair users mapping the complex journey to the park entrance.  “Sadly, many of these visits ended badly – we heard about wheelchair users getting stuck in gates, sand getting into important medical equipment, disabled people being shamed out of play areas and closed toilets cutting visits short.  “Even where improvements have been made, the feeling was it’s often the bare minimum and access requirements are seen as a check box exercise. We clearly heard that for things to change, parks need to be looked at as a whole. There’s no point installing an accessible toilet if there is no disabled parking, or the pathways aren’t suitable. “This is the first piece of research carried out in Bristol and Bath into park access for this group and we are determined to act on what is uncovered. Disabled people and carers need to be able to spend time in parks as nature rich, free to use, community assets that are so good for our health. We want to galvanise collective action and deliver real change that will make a significant impact on their experiences.” The key findings from the research revealed a number of recurring issues: All of the participants interviewed said that spending time in green space was good for their health. However, more than half of the parent carers said that visits to the parks have a negative effect on their mental health, evoking extreme anxiety for themselves and the person that they provide care for because of the barriers involved. Many of them talked about the lack of adequate facilities meaning they felt unable to protect their children’s dignity or had to leave the park early.  One of the interviewees was Nicole Rumney from Keynsham, a mum of three and former carer to people with special educational needs and disabilities, who herself suffers from a number of conditions that cause mobility issues and pain. She said:  “Parks are really important to me because they are where I relax, exercise and meet friends and family. But I can’t use them because they don’t have accessible toilets and there isn’t enough seating. On the few occasions I have been, I can only use a tiny area because there are steep pathways without railings so I can’t get around. I miss out on days out with my family and I wish I didn’t have to.” The report set out a number of specific recommendations to take forward, including: With Bristol City Council’s draft budget released last week proposing cuts to parks services, with an impact on disabled people and carers specifically mentioned and the expectation that it will be reliant on community groups to take on greater management, it makes the charity’s action plan even more critical. Your Park Bristol & Bath is asking for anyone interested in working with them to deliver their action plan to contact them by emailing: info@yourpark.org.uk.  There is also a further survey for disabled people and unpaid carers to complete, to help the charity continue to build a detailed understanding of their experience. https://yourpark.org.uk/not-just-a-checkbox To read the report, visit: https://yourpark.org.uk/not-just-a-checkbox

Top activities for children with ADHD

child at outdoor play area

In the UK it is estimated that around 2%-5% of school aged children have ADHD. However, in England only 0.35% of girls and 1.5% of boys are being treated for ADHD compared to the global average of 5.3% of children.   A lot of children with ADHD struggle to concentrate and complete tasks, including activities. Here we list the best activities for children with ADHD. What is ADHD? ADHD, also known as Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects people’s day-to-day behaviour in the following ways: These symptoms are usually noticed at an early age, the most noticeable time is when a child starts school. Most cases are diagnosed in children under 12 years old and people of any intellectual capability can be diagnosed with it, however it is more common in children with learning disabilities. However! It’s not all negative, people with ADHD have strengths that they may not even realise, some of these include  It’s important to remember that every child is unique and will have their own individual likes and dislikes that should be considered. Planning and catering the activities to their needs is vital for the completion and enjoyment of the activities, they will be more likely to take part in activities that they enjoy or have some interest in. The child’s skills should also be taken into consideration, ask yourself: what can they do? Would they enjoy this?  Usually children enjoy activities with an outdoor element or one that involves physical activities, so make sure the weather is nice and they are wearing suitable clothing! Physical activity increases the production of dopamine and noradrenaline, this helps to increase attention and ease symptoms of ADHD (e.g. hyperactivity). However, it is important to monitor their energy levels and don’t overwork themselves to the point of over-tiredness or burnout. Other factors to consider is that the child is always supervised and even if the activity includes friends, there is always a parent or guardian involved.  Activities Team Sports  Taking part in a team sport helps build social skills, boosts their self-esteem and helps them feel accepted, whilst also developing their physical ability. It’s important to consider which sport is best for them as certain sports may not be constantly stimulating. Some great team sports are: Individual Sports Individual sports where children can be taught individually with a coach, mentor or teacher means they get the attention they require. Some great examples are: Creative Classes Some children with ADHD show a lot of curiosity and creativity, involving them in a creative class such as an art class or music class may benefit them greatly. On the other hand they may not want to be in another class based environment after spending 5 days a week in the classroom.  But fear not!  It is always doable from home! Get some art and crafts supplies and let their imagination run wild, let them write and come up with stories, or build something. Alternatively if they prefer the musical route, see if there is an instrument they may want to learn to play or even just put on some music and let them dance! Outdoor/Green activities The more time spent in “green environments”, the better. A green environment may be a park, a garden or a farm and can inspire a whole range of activities: Indoor activities Every child loves to play games or “play pretend” and invent new magical realities, mostly with other friends their age. Meet up with other parents and their children at events or just for a casual playdate!  If they are busy or no events are taking place then do not despair, some activities are great for the whole family, involving siblings, parents, relatives etc… Some of the games you could play are: Events and days out Getting them out of the house altogether is a great idea and a great way to let them experience new and exciting things, some ideas are: Some extra tips Although they may not be classed as “activities” there are a range of toys and devices that can help children with ADHD: Living in an increasingly digital world can make it difficult to keep children away from technology, gadgets and the internet. Where possible it is more beneficial to reduce their screen time as too much time in front of the screen can elevate their symptoms. Setting restrictions or time limits may be beneficial for them. In the end, no one knows your child better than you. You can plan, structure and cater around their specific needs, likes, dislikes and what they want to do or what they would excel at. Let their strengths and skills shine! For more information on ADHD visit: What is ADHD? | CDC For more information on diagnosis of ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Diagnosis – NHS For information on treatment of ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Treatment – NHS 

Assisted Performances In London And Manchester From The National Theatre This Christmas

hex the musical advertisement assisted theatre performance

Assisted performances available this festive season for new musical, Hex, at the NT and The Ocean at the End of the Lane playing at The Lowry in Salford Celebrate the festive season with Hex, a new musical based on the story of Sleeping Beauty, playing on the National Theatre’s biggest stage this Christmas. A vividly original retelling of Sleeping Beauty, Hex is a mythic, big-hearted musical that goes beyond the waking kiss. When the fairy is summoned to the palace to help the princess sleep, her spell becomes a curse, and she is plunged into a hundred-year quest to make everything right. Recommended for ages 8+, Hex will run from 26 November until 14 January. Assisted performances are available throughout the festive season, including: Smart caption glasses will be available for performances of Hex from Thursday 8 December. Tickets are on sale now and available to book via the NT website. 500 £20 tickets available for every performance, for adults and children alike. To book specific Access allocations online including wheelchair spaces, the best seats for captioned performances and tickets at the Access adjusted rate, audiences can subscribe to the National Theatre Access List. For more information, please visit here. The Ocean at the End of the Lane, based on the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, is a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship. Direct from London’s West End, this critically acclaimed production will open at The Lowry in Salford on 12 December where it will play over Christmas until 8 January 2023, before visiting 28 other towns and cities, across the UK and Ireland. Recommended for 12+ and with assisted performances available at every venue across the tour, this first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten, blending magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling and imagination. Assisted performances available throughout the festive season include: To book specific assisted performances at The Lowry, please email access@thelowry.com or call 0333 320 2838. Tickets are on sale now and available to book via oceanonstage.com

4 Common Hearing Loss Myths

woman at ear clinic suffering from hearing loss

Hearing loss is the second most common disability in the UK. It affects one in six of us, and yet, research has discovered that we wait an average of 10 years before seeking treatment for it. Although it impacts more than 40% of people over 50, and 70% of people over 70, almost half (47%) of the UK population has never had a hearing test. If one thing is certain, it’s that Brits don’t want to address hearing loss, but why? In truth, there are many reasons. Some are worried about the stigma attached to hearing aids, whereas others are afraid to adapt to a disability. The most common reasons, however, are that people simply do not know enough about hearing loss or are discouraged by misinformation. It is the myths about hearing loss that often prevents people from seeking the help they need. To break the cycle, people need to know the truth about hearing loss, which is why the most common myths have been debunked below:  Myth: “Hearing Loss Only Affects the Elderly”  Truth: Hearing loss affects people of all ages. Age-related damage to the inner ear, otherwise known as presbycusis, is the most prevalent cause of hearing loss, but there are many others too. These include:  Myth: “Hearing Loss Does Not Affect Your Overall Health” Truth: There are a range of emotional, psychological, and physical difficulties associated with untreated hearing loss. In fact, it can affect your overall health in more ways than you can imagine. These include:  Myth: “Mild Hearing Loss Does Not Need Treating” Truth: Mild hearing loss is defined by being unable to hear sounds that are quieter than 25dB. It can be easy to dismiss but must be treated because it puts the brain at risk of auditory deprivation, affects interpersonal relationships and social interactions, and increases the risk of cognitive decline, social isolation and mental health problems.  People with mild hearing loss often say that they hear well in quiet environments when they are having one-to-one conversations; however, not so well in loud environments, and nor when a person is standing some distance away from them. They also have trouble hearing high frequency sounds. The longer the hearing loss is left untreated, the more the brain loses its ability to process the sounds it is no longer hearing. Hearing aids treat hearing loss by re-training the brain to hear certain sounds again and can even reverse early-onset brain atrophy. Mild hearing loss is the easiest to treat because the brain is less likely to have lost the ability to process sound. If mild hearing loss is neglected, however, and advances to moderate or severe, it becomes much more difficult to treat.  Myth: “Hearing Loss is Inevitable and Cannot be Prevented” Truth: Hearing tests are not part of routine check-ups which is why hearing loss is not treated as seriously as it should be. It also explains why so many people are unsure about what to do when they experience hearing loss. People need to know, however, that prevention is always better than cure.  While it’s true that hearing loss is somewhat inevitable – everybody’s hearing will change in one way or another across the course of their lives – people can reduce the rate at which it is deteriorating. Fortunately, there are various ways to prevent hearing loss:  Scarlet Lewitt is a consultant for Hear4U. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scarlet-lewitt-046172198/