The FA Launches Ambitious New Strategy to Grow Disability Football
The Football Association (The FA) has announced an ambitious new four-year strategy for disability football in England, titled Football Without Limits, setting out plans to grow disability football participation by more than a third. This follows the announcement of The FA’s new 2024-28 strategy, ‘Inspiring Positive Change Through Football’, to take English football forward, with a clear focus on the biggest opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed. The new Football Without Limits strategy marks an important milestone in The FA’s ongoing commitment to drive positive change in para and disability football. To realise this vision, The FA has developed a comprehensive long-term plan focused on seven key pillars: One of the strategy’s key aims is to increase the number of players by more than a third across all Disability Football formats, reaching 28,300 registered disabled players by 2028. To help achieve this, The FA aim to provide further opportunities for disabled people to have access to local grassroots clubs tailored to their needs, including upscaling the new Comets programme. Comets is a new pan-disability programme by England Football for children aged 5-11 years old, providing a safe space for children to kick start their football journey. At present, there are around 150 registered Comets providers across England. Pan-disability football is the most inclusive format of the sport, bringing together players with a wide variety of disabilities and health conditions. Comets introduces a fresh, adaptable, and welcoming approach to the game, focusing on enjoyment, building friendships, and simply having fun. The FA has identified two key objectives to help the Comets programme grow: Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said: “This new four-year strategy sets out our long-term vision and commitment to grow disability football across England. We want to ensure that everyone has the choice and inspiration to play football regardless of age, background or ability. Our new strategy will increase participation opportunities, provide more support for coaches, and through our talent pathways, develop England Para teams for international success.” Catherine Gilby, Head of Para Performance at The FA said: “Our new landmark disability football strategy presents both the opportunity and responsibility to create meaningful change in this important area of our game. With the next phase of the four-year Football Without Limits strategy, we can nurture and grow key elements which support the growth of disability football, while giving children, participants and elite players the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe this approach will help to drive world-class performances that can inspire the next generation of aspiring Para footballers to represent England on the world stage.” Louise Gear, Head of Development at The FA said: “We believe that people of all ages and abilities should have the chance to experience and enjoy football, and through pan-disability programmes like Comets, we are able to create those opportunities. We will be able to give children aged 5-11 the safe space and support to get involved and experience football tailored to their needs. It’s encouraging to see participation growing, and over the next four years, we plan to increase the number and variety of ways to play. We’re committed to helping schools and grassroots clubs strengthen their disability football offerings, both on and off the field, ensuring football is truly open to everyone.” To find out more information on local Comets sessions or how to become a Comets provider please visit: www.englandfootball.com/play/Disability-Football/Comets Further information our new Football Without Limits strategy for Disability Football, which is available for download in various accessible versions can be found at www.TheFA.com.
Disabled Entrepreneur Pulls on Purple Socks
Award-winning adaptive designer, disability advocate, speaker and writer Victoria Jenkins is spearheading a campaign to show support for disabled entrepreneurs – by wearing a pair of purple socks! The 38-year-old founder of the award-winning adaptable clothing brand Unhidden is backing this year’s Purple Sock Day on December 3 to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. She was one of the first to slip on the special edition sustainable bamboo socks, manufactured by BAM, that went on sale this week at https://bambooclothing.co.uk/purple-sock-day/. Victoria, recognised by Vogue in their 25 most influential Powerhouse Women and named second most influential disabled person in the UK by the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List, is encouraging everyone to raise awareness and money by ‘buying, wearing and sharing’ in support of national Purple Sock Day. Organised by the social enterprise Parallel Lifestyle, 40% of the profits from #PurpleSockDay will be donated to the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) to help fund support for disabled entrepreneurs. The remaining profits will be used to support other entrepreneurship ventures in the UK and re-invested into growing Purple Sock Day and Parallel Windsor, a national celebration of disability inclusion and wellbeing. Disabled entrepreneurs currently account for an estimated 25% of the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses but represent only 8.6% of total small business turnover. Small Business Britain estimates suggest that creating equal opportunities could unlock an additional £230 billion for the UK economy. “There are significant challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs in the UK, identifying inaccessible support services, poor access to finance, and the “burden of proof of disability” are key issues that need addressing,” said Victoria, a co-chair of the influential Lilac Review, an independent review on tackling the inequality faced by disabled founders and aiming to level-up entrepreneurial opportunity across the UK. “We want to be given equal access to opportunities, so we are free to be entrepreneurs and to grow our business to the best of our ambition and abilities.” Victoria, who became disabled in her mid-20s after an undiagnosed ulcer burst, has a variety of gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions and symptoms from surgeries and complications of her conditions, wants every sock wearing person to help budding entrepreneurs start their businesses by supporting Purple Sock Day. “All we’re asking you is to buy and wear a pair of soft, sustainable bamboo socks manufactured by BAM and share by tagging #PurpleSockDay and you will help to raise positive awareness for disability inclusion,” said Victoria. “Sustainable style with social impact – what’s not to love. It’s a fun initiative with a serious message that you, your family, friends and work colleagues can get behind by pulling on a pair of purple socks.” For further information visit https://www.parallellifestyle.com/purple-sock-day or https://bambooclothing.co.uk/purple-sock-day
Diversity encouraged for the next series of The Great British Bake Off
Applications for the next series of THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF are NOW OPEN! The Great British Bake Off is looking for the next batch of talented homebakers to enter the tent! Are you a star baker in the making and have a passion for baking? Have you ever wanted to lay your oven gloves on a place in the famous white tent? Are you fabulous with flavours? Wonderful with a whisk and inventive with ingredients? GBBO want the cast of bakers to represent the wonderful diversity of the Great British public and is passionate about seeing more under-represented communities on our television screens. The Bake Off tent can be adaptable to meet any individual’s accessibility requirements. DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2024 AT 1PM The Great British Bake Off is casting for series 16, and are looking for the next batch of bakers to represent the wonderful diversity of the British public! They want to encourage their casting outreach to find its way to people from under-represented communities. Series 15 was judged by Paul Hollywood alongside Prue Leith and presented by Noel Fielding with Alison Hammond returning for her second series. Applications are open to everyone although you must be 16 or over on the 1st of January 2025 and you must be a UK resident (including Isle of Man and Channel Islands). What does The Great British Bake Off look for in an applicant? A love and passion for baking is a must! It is good if you have a broader baking repertoire than just baking cakes. We all love cake, but on the show, there is a bread, biscuit, pastry week etc. Applicants don’t need to have knowledge or experience in making absolutely everything. There is always time to practice throughout the process, and lots of bakers who have appeared in the tent will say how much they learnt throughout the process in a supportive environment. Tips for filling out an application: Include as much information about you and your baking in the application as possible! This gives a sense of who you are and what type of baker you are as well as what you have made before. Make sure to include what makes you stand out from the crowd, and what you can bring to The Great British Bake Off tent! Include as many photos as you can, they are a fantastic way to show off the bakes you have made before. Accessibility in the application process: The application process can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals with accessibility requirements. For example, postal applications can be sent in different colours and fonts, or someone can fill out the application on your behalf. If any adaptions you feel would help, please feel free to let them know. There is a specific section in the application form where you can note any additional accessibility adaptions you may need during the interview process and in the tent. When is the deadline? The closing date for applications is 1 pm on Monday 9th December 2024. It is ok to spend a bit of time on your application, but it is encouraged that people don’t leave it until the last minute to submit their application. What’s next after applying? If an applicant has been successful to the next stage they will be contacted by a member of the casting team. If an applicant has not heard anything by Friday 14th February 2025, then unfortunately the application has not been successful on this occasion. Accessibility in the tent: It is important to mention that for anyone with a disability who is thinking of applying, and who may be concerned about the accessibility of the tent, the team at The Great British Bake Off would make any adaptations necessary to make it possible for them to take part. Past bakers: Over the years, there have been several disabled bakers rising to the top in the Bake Off tent, including the lovely Tasha Stones from series 14. The creative Marc Elliot and Liverpudlian Lizzie Acker, who made a fantastic SEN celebration cake in the tent. And also Briony Williams who came 4th in series 9 and has gone on to have a successful career in broadcasting since. Interested? Get in touch! For more information, contact us by emailing applyforbakeoff@loveproductions.co.uk or calling 0117 456 8530. Apply online: www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk
Paralysed Walsall father’s podcast brings hope and help to others
Tony Pearson, 57, a married father with three young adult daughters, has just gone live with a podcast to bring help and hope to others. Inspired by his own lifechanging injury, it’s called Fliqer – after the flicker of response that gave Tony a glimmer of hope during his rehabilitation sessions. The podcast aims to build a community where people can find resources, advice and support. Born out of the complete change of direction that Tony’s life has taken, it is channelling his new-found resilience and purpose after his own life changed following an accident in April 2022 at his home. “I collapsed at the top of the stairs and fell down headfirst, breaking my neck,” says Tony. “It was 10.30pm on a Friday night and I was taken to Walsall Manor hospital. I was then blue lighted on the Sunday to Royal Stoke Hospital where I underwent a seven-hour operation on my neck.” Fateful fall Tony was then put into an induced coma for three weeks but soon afterwards had two cardiac arrests and was resuscitated on both occasions. Tony’s spinal cord injury means he is a full-time wheelchair user and has limited use of his arms. When he was discharged from hospital on 23rd December 2022, he struggled due to a complete lack of specialist community rehabilitation services. He was given access to his local gym but as a new wheelchair user and still getting used to what he could and couldn’t do, Tony simply didn’t find this accessible or helpful. “I was astonished how poorly supported people with a spinal cord injury are once out of hospital,” says Tony. “There is just nothing available: you suddenly drop off the radar and are left to your own devices to find what you can for yourself.” Five-hour round trip for rehab Tony’s wife Janine set out to find some support for him and found the specialist neurorehabilitation charity Neurokinex. Problem was, the closest of its sites was 90 miles away in Bristol. Despite this, in November 2023 Tony visited Neurokinex and decided to try its induction programme in the New Year of 2024. From there he completed its 6-week intensive programme, attending three session per week each week. The five-hour round trip wasn’t easy but Tony says it was completely worth it as the Neurokinex Intensive Rehab programme brought him on massively. Setting goals and eating chips Together with his trainers, Tony set some goals and targets. “I wanted to regain simple skills like eating with a knife and fork and drinking out of a cup,” says Tony. These were tricky to master as Tony’s left hand was permanently in a fist and his right hand permanently open. But they persevered. One session was spent almost entirely on using stabbing movements with his arms and hands which Tony later found out to his delight enabled him to use a fork unaided. “It was lunchtime at Neurokinex and they sent out for chips which I was able to eat on my own. It was a delicious moment in more ways than one being able to manage without anyone’s help,” says Tony. Rare people It’s this personalisation and understanding that Tony values so greatly at Neurokinex. “Their approach is always bespoke to the individual’s needs and they design the programme around you,” says Tony. “Importantly, they truly listen to what you want and how you feel: we have a really great relationship and I find them hugely motivational and supportive without ever being condescending. It’s rare you get that in people.” Tony’s next goals are to keep progressing with his arm and hand movements, work on his cardio fitness and lose weight. Between sessions he works hard at home, spending two hours a day on his exercise bike and completing strength and mobility movements. Giving back A blessing for Tony was retaining his job post injury. As theco-founder and director of BJS home delivery company, covering the sales department, he works from home and offers support to colleagues by phone. As this isn’t full time, he has branched out to deliver motivational talks to businesses and charities. Giving people an insight into his new reality, he hopes to build their empathy and resilience. He often starts with a challenge asking people to sit on their hands for five minutes and not move for any reason. “You’ll get an itch but you can’t scratch it – that’s not allowed – for five whole minutes,” says Tony. “It seems interminable – but that’s been my life for the past two-and-a-half years! While it is a fun way of saying ‘welcome to my world’ there’s nothing fun living this reality. Yet it does help give people a glimpse into my life and is a real eye opener.” Starting with a Fliqer These talks led Tony to offer mental health coaching which, in turn, has led to him starting his podcast Fliqer. Sharing his story through the podcast gives people a different perspective and context on their own situation. Tony candidly says, “I am truly grateful for what I have: I didn’t know if I would even survive! Despite our challenges, we can all find a way to be a better version of ourselves, be it through weight loss, staring to exercise, stopping drinking or smoking. I help people find their ‘why’ to bring about change and encourage them to achieve it.” Tony is also truly grateful for Janine’s support. “Not everyone has a Janine in their life and I’m very fortunate that she has been at my side all the way. She found Neurokinex for me and she has worked tirelessly to help adapt our home and find gadgets to help me be more independent around the house. She wasn’t keen on driving but committed to taking me on those five-hour round trips for my rehab: I’d really be lost without her.” To tune into the podcast Fliqer … Visit Where there’s a Fliqer, there’s hope – Hosted by Tony Pearson (acast.com)
Individuals with learning disabilities and autism raise over £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support
Home From Home Care’s inclusive Macmillan Coffee Morning beat last year’s fundraising target by almost £100 Home From Home Care, one of the country’s most innovative care providers for adults with learning disabilities and autism, has raised over £500 to support Macmillan Cancer Support whilst celebrating community inclusivity. As part of the national Macmillan Coffee Morning campaign, individuals supported by the care provider hosted two inclusive coffee mornings which, collectively, raised almost £100 more than previous fundraisers. The coffee mornings, which took place in Bardney and Ruskington, saw individuals take an active role in serving drinks and cakes, as well as sellingtombola tickets to raise additional funds. There were also various tabletop games, music and a ‘guess the weight of the cake’ competition for visitors to get involved with. Claire Hanson, Activities and Wellbeing Manager at Home from Home Care, said: “We’re so pleased with how well our inclusive coffee morning went and how much was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support, beating our previous fundraising target. “This was an amazing opportunity for all of the individuals to really show what a part of the community they are and give back to a good cause – it was great to see so many of the locals come along and get involved. “Being socially included is really important to the individuals, so it was wonderful to see everybody come together and celebrate each other for who we are.” Lindsay Hall, Assistant Manager at Home From Home Care, added: “So many individuals came along and got involved – making coffee, selling cakes and helping with the tombola. It’s really rewarding for them and helps them to develop their skills, as well as showing their own achievements for helping charities.” Founded by Paul, Ann and Hugo de Savary in 2004, Home From Home Care has become an award-winning care provider that’s unique thanks to its pioneering approach to delivering better care. The company runs 11 care homes across Greater Lincolnshire, which are coordinated by a high-tech, data-informed model of care that was developed in-house. For more information about Home From Home Care, please visit www.homefromhomecare.com.
Raising autism and menopause awareness with a new guide
The National Autistic Society launches a downloadable menopause guide to help autistic people and to raise autism and menopause awareness. The National Autistic Society is celebrating the start of Menopause Awareness Month by launching a new guide for autistic people. The downloadable Autism and Menopause guide offers advice and guidance for autistic people who are going through menopause or perimenopause. Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. At least one in 100 people are autistic, more than 700,000 people in the UK. The menopause – which is reached 12 months after a person’s periods have ended – can also bring many challenges whether or not you are autistic. However, research suggests an autistic person’s traits may become more noticeable during this time, for example, intensified sensory sensitivities and difficulty with emotional regulation. To mark World Menopause Day on 18 October, and to help increase understanding of autism, the National Autistic Society has produced new advice and guidance on menopause and a downloadable Autism and menopause guide. • The online menopause advice and guidance pages have been created following a thorough review of the best available and most up-to-date evidence from research, professional practice and lived experience from autistic people. • The new downloadable Autism and menopause guide includes details of what to expect during the menopause, insight from an autistic person’s menopause journey, tips on what can make it easier, and the treatment options available for menopause and perimenopause. Research suggests that it is beneficial to know if you are autistic before reaching menopause, as it can help with understanding how and why the experience may be different to non-autistic people. It also allows autistic people to have more compassion for themselves and come up with coping strategies that work for them. Dr Sarah Lister Brook, Clinical Director at the National Autistic Society, said: “Being autistic doesn’t mean you bypass the experience of menopause. In fact, perimenopause and menopause symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings and sensory sensitivities may be intensified. “Some autistic people have even reported that their menopause played a role in discovering that they are autistic, because their autistic differences and needs became more apparent during this time. “We know there is a need for autism-specific resources and support for menopause, so we hope our guide, created for World Menopause Day, will help some of the 700,000-autistic people in the UK.” Carol was diagnosed as autistic in her late 50s. She said: “I didn’t realise what was happening when the menopause hit me. I was tired, aching all the time, and extra stressed. I realised I also had memory and attention problems when I started missing meetings at work and forgetting what people had told me. I also had uncontrollable emotions and, though I’ve always been anxious, for the first time I experienced panic attacks.” Find out more by visiting the charity’s website: www.autism.org.uk
Inspiring Paralympic Athlete Stories You Need to Know
Dive into the extraordinary lives and achievements of Paralympic athletes who defy the odds and inspire millions around the globe. Overcoming Adversity: Stories of Unyielding Spirit The Paralympic Games feature athletes who have faced incredible odds and emerged victorious. These stories are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and determination. Consider the story of Tatyana McFadden, a wheelchair racer who was born with spina bifida and adopted from a Russian orphanage. Despite her early challenges, she has gone on to win multiple Paralympic gold medals and marathons across the globe. Another shining example is Jessica Long, a swimmer who was adopted from Siberia and had her legs amputated due to fibular hemimelia. Long has become one of the most decorated Paralympians in history, showcasing that with sheer willpower and hard work, anything is possible. Trailblazers: Pioneers of the Paralympic Movement The Paralympic Movement has been shaped by pioneers who broke barriers and set the stage for future generations. Sir Ludwig Guttmann, often called the father of the Paralympic Games, started the Stoke Mandeville Games for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries, which eventually evolved into the Paralympic Games we know today. Athletes like Trischa Zorn, the most decorated Paralympian of all time, have also paved the way for others. Blind from birth, Zorn has won an astonishing 55 medals in swimming, demonstrating that limitations are often just a matter of perspective. Breaking Records and Stereotypes: Unforgettable Achievements Paralympic athletes are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, breaking records, and shattering stereotypes in the process. In the 2012 London Paralympics, Alan Oliveira stunned the world by defeating the legendary Oscar Pistorius in the 200 meters, proving that new talents are always emerging to challenge the status quo. Another remarkable achievement is that of Markus Rehm, a long jumper who has consistently broken his world records. Despite debates over whether his blade prosthesis gives him an advantage, Rehm continues to inspire and redefine the limits of athletic performance. From Injuries to Inspiration: Athletes Who Turned Setbacks into Comebacks Many Paralympians have stories of overcoming severe injuries to achieve greatness. Brad Snyder, a former Navy lieutenant, lost his vision after an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Just one year after his injury, Snyder won gold in swimming at the 2012 London Paralympics, exemplifying the power of resilience and determination. Similarly, Oksana Masters was born with limb differences due to the Chernobyl disaster and faced numerous surgeries throughout her life. She has since become a multi-sport Paralympian, winning medals in rowing, cross-country skiing, and cycling, turning her physical challenges into sources of strength and inspiration. The Future of Paralympic Sports: Emerging Talents to Watch The future of Paralympic sports is bright, with emerging talents poised to make their mark. Athletes like Ntando Mahlangu, a double amputee from South Africa, are already making headlines. At just 19 years old, Mahlangu won gold in both the long jump and the 200 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Another rising star is Beatrice Vio, an Italian wheelchair fencer who has won multiple gold medals despite losing her arms and legs to meningitis. These young athletes are not only breaking records but also inspiring the next generation to dream big and aim high. “I’m not giving up on my Paralympic dreams.” – 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. Read the full article here.
Travelling with a continence problem – advice from TENA
Worried about loo trips when out and about? Learn how to prepare for the journey, and travel in comfort with advice and tips from incontinence experts at TENA. Tackle toilet trips on the go, confidently Whether you’re nipping to the shops or jetting off somewhere sunny, travel can be stressful. For those living with disabilities, many unique challenges can make travel tougher, like needing the loo. TENA understand managing bathroom breaks on the go can be tough. You might need to change a TENA pad or locate the nearest disabled loo in a new, unfamiliar place. But that shouldn’t mean you miss out. With the right planning and products, you can travel with confidence and comfort. Here are some practical tips to help you travel smoothly and focus on enjoying the journey, wherever you’re heading, and whatever challenges you face. Proper planning makes all the difference when travelling. It can be the difference between endless delays or smooth, stress-free sailing. If you’re planning to take a longer trip or are travelling by plane or train, consider booking an aisle seat if there is one available, or a choose seats that have good access to the restroom. This will make it as easy as possible to get to the toilet if you need to. Another top tip is to check that the toilets aren’t out of order, so you aren’t caught out when nature decides to call! If you’re travelling by car, make a note of service stations or places you can make a pit stop to relieve yourself. Choosing appropriate travel attire is key to staying comfortable when travelling. It’s best to pick an outfit that is loose fitting, or that reduces pressure on your bladder while sitting for extended periods. Loose fitting clothing can also help you stay cool. Dressing in several easy to remove layers will make it easier to regulate your temperature whether it gets too hot or cold. Packing a travel kit will help you stay organised and prepared when on the move with incontinence (or other loo-related concerns). Packing essential supplies will both ease anxiety and help you deal with any unexpected leaks. Be sure to include: It’s a good idea to keep a travel kit like this together in one place so that you don’t forget any other essentials (i.e an extravagant assortment of bathing suits/sundresses/sandals if you are going abroad!) while packing. When you are in the process of travelling, make sure to keep these essentials close at hand. This will give you peace of mind and help you manage your personal hygiene with discretion wherever you are. Staying hydrated is important, and drinking smaller amounts regularly can help you control incontinence by reducing feelings of urgency. Drinking large amounts all at once isn’t recommended as this can increase the urge to use the bathroom. Its also important to be mindful of what you’re drinking, as certain beverages can irritate the bladder or make you need to use the toilet. Avoid highly caffeinated beverages unless you have easy access to bathroom facilities, as the diuretics in these drinks can increase feelings of urgency and increase the risk of incontinence. If you’re worried about travelling with incontinence, make sure to speak to your healthcare provider. They may be able to offer personalised advice, medication or even just reassurance to help you travel worry free. It’s natural to feel some anxiety about travelling with incontinence, but being prepared will ease your concerns and ensure you don’t miss out. Empower yourself with the right products and strategies, so you can live life to the fullest. Safe travels! For more information, visit TENA’s website here.
Embracing Accessibility: Smart Door Solutions for Enhanced Mobility
In an era defined by technological innovation and an evolving understanding of accessibility, the concept of future-proofing homes is gaining momentum in support of the aging and disabled population with calls for the Government to raise building standards so that ‘accessible and adaptable’ design is a mandatory baseline for all new homes. As we strive for inclusivity and convenience when creating living spaces for all, ‘barrier-free living” can help ‘access all areas’ mobility inside and outside the home. The term future proofing encompasses the idea of designing and equipping homes with features that adapt to future needs. When it comes to mobility within the home, doors play a crucial role. Traditional doors, while functional, can present obstacles for individuals with disabilities, especially those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. Hence, the evolution of smart doors has become instrumental in enhancing accessibility and ensuring that homes are inclusive spaces. Smart door technologies encompass a range of features designed to improve convenience, security, and accessibility. Automatic door openers, for instance, enable individuals with limited mobility to enter and exit wide thresholds with ease. These openers can be equipped with motion sensors or controlled remotely via hand transmitters or smartphone apps, offering flexibility and independence to users. Moreover, incorporating features like proximity sensors further enhances the user experience, making it effortless to move from one room to the next. By embracing these advancements, house builders and home improvers can enhance accessibility. Garage access also presents unique challenges. Accessing a mobility scooter, for example, can be a daunting task. Traditional garage doors operated manually may require physical strength and coordination, posing barriers to entry for some. However, developments in garage door designs have revolutionised accessibility, offering solutions that cater to diverse needs. There are features that can help. Some insulated sectional garage doors, for instance, have an epdm bottom seal that closes against the floor creating an efficient seal without a raised threshold. Contrary to traditional options which can have a small step. Moreover, Side Hinged Garage doors are easy to open for access on foot or in a wheelchair. Whilst strong and rigid, the door leaves are light and easy to open, and the door handle easy to operate (extensions can be added to these to provide more leverage). Doors can also be configured with asymmetric leaves – a smaller leaf is quite easy to open and perfect for nipping in and out of the garage without needing to open the full door! Home automation systems also allow users to operate garage doors remotely, through wireless wall buttons or fingerprint recognition. For individuals with disabilities, this means greater independence and convenience. Furthermore, features such as obstacle detection often seen on higher quality roller garage doors and sectional garage doors, enhance safety, providing peace of mind. By embracing smart garage door solutions, homeowners not only improve accessibility but also elevate the overall functionality and security of their properties. In the quest for future-proofed homes, inclusivity should remain a central focus. Designing spaces that accommodate individuals of all abilities not only promotes equality but also enriches the lives of occupants. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for enhancing accessibility within the home are plentiful. By harnessing the power of smart door solutions, homeowners can create spaces that are not only future-proofed but also welcoming and inclusive for all. Here are some more solutions relating to garage doors that can be effective in aiding independent living for the disabled: About Eastern Garage Doors Eastern Garage Doors is a leading supplier and installer of garage doors. With thousands of customers across The East of England, including North London and Essex. Eastern Garage Doors focuses on the customer experience by supporting homeowners, commercial and industrial organisations with a full range of services from pre-sales support to installation, servicing, and maintenance. Founded in 1975, the company is family owned as a private limited company and has its headquarters in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Learn more at www.easterngaragedoors.co.uk Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine today.