The National Autistic Society on personal independent payments (PIP)
The National Autistic Society has responded to the Government announcing a consultation into personal independent payments (PIP). Joey Nettleton Burrows, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the National Autistic Society, said: “We are extremely concerned about the Government’s suggestion of restricting payments for people with ‘certain conditions’ such as ADHD and learning disabilities – both of which affect a significant number of autistic people. “Reforms are desperately needed, but we are concerned that changes to personal independent payments (PIP) could have a detrimental impact on autistic people in receipt of it. “Autistic people already face an unsuitable system in accessing the benefits they are entitled to – with only 19% of autistic people telling us that the location of their health assessment was suitable. “Stricter rules won’t help, instead they are likely to take away a key source of income for autistic people who are unable to work or face numerous barriers to finding employment – currently only 3 in 10 autistic people are in work. Find more articles from the National Autistic Society here on our website. “The Minister also outlined that for many people in receipt of PIP, talking therapies and social care should be the answer – but he fails to acknowledge that social care reform has been promised and yet this Government has consistently failed to deliver. “We will respond to the PIP consultation and make our concerns clear that the current system is not suitable for autistic people and any proposed reforms must consider their needs.” The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. To find out more about the charity and autism, visit www.autism.org.uk. Follow the National Autistic Society’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, LinkedIn and YouTube. View our digital magazines here. Subscribe today and never miss an update from Ucan2 Magazine.
‘Sad-looking’ garden transformed into a relaxing haven for learning-disabled adults
A new sensory garden for learning-disabled adults at the Herald Resource Centre in Shefford, Bedfordshire, was officially opened last week. The garden was opened by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, and the Mayor of Shefford, Ken Pollard. The day service, run by the learning disability charity Hft, supports 32 learning-disabled adults who attend on various days throughout the week. However, the resource centre’s garden was very bare and uninspiring so staff took it upon themselves to apply for a grant as well as raise money to transform the space. It has taken 111 volunteer hours to see the garden go from being an empty patio area with only three “sad-looking” bedding planters to a relaxing haven where those who attend the service can enjoy the space with friends. For those who prefer some quiet time, there are outdoor sofas under a large pergola and a patio area with tables and chairs for soaking up the sun. “With much help and support, we have turned the space into a beautiful and tranquil area that boasts a large seating area with a pergola, swing chair, tactile hexagons lining the fence, wind-spinners, mirrored balls and even an LED colour-changing sensory water table,” explains Teresa Mead, one of the volunteers who also works for Hft as a community support worker. “In addition, for sensory seekers, the planters are now filled with tactile plants and there is an arch covered in thorn-less rose bushes. There is also a large greenhouse fully fitted out with new tools, work tables and accessories needed to continue and maintain the gardening sessions we run at the centre,” explains Teresa. A local Trust donated nearly £4,000 for the project. The amount needed for the walk was £1,550, which was raised by Teresa, her husband Dave, and friends Yvonne Woods, Jane Johnson and Tracey Wallace last August when they undertook a 10-mile sponsored walk at Grafham Waters. Another Hft colleague, Teresa McCracken, oversaw the gardening aspect of the project, working wonders in the soil while a group of learning-disabled adults who attended the day service did their part by planting seeds and flowers, helping with painting the planters, and having their say as to what they wanted in the garden, where they would like it, and even choosing the plants at the local garden centre. “They also chose the colour of paint for the planters, so they have been fully involved from the start,” says Teresa. “We have already noticed a difference in the demeanour of those we support, with many of them going out to look at the new space and, like the staff, they are all very excited to enjoy the finished project.” One of the parents who attended the opening said: “My son had a lot of fun in the making of the garden and he will now get pleasure from it,” while another added, “what I have seen today is a wonderful achievement … creating valuable space for the day centre”. Find out more about the charity Hft and what they do by visiting their website: https://www.hft.org.uk/ Alternatively, you can find a selection of various other articles by Hft here.
Berkshire disability charity to host horse racing night alongside Chris Tarrant
You won’t want to miss this… TV Presenter Chris Tarrant will be hosting a night of bookies and betting in aid of a Berkshire disability charity with a horse racing night. Swings & Smiles based in Thatcham will be holding its ‘Race Night in Bucklebury’ on Friday 17th May to raise funds for play and respite resources for disabled children and their families. Guests will bet on horses for eight different randomly selected races with the help of a professional race host. For the final race of the evening, guests will bid to become the owner of a horse. The lucky owner of the winning horse will take home a percentage of the total raised. The face of the event, TV presenter Chris Tarrant, is a patron for Swings & Smiles and will be introducing the evening. CEO of Swings & Smiles Rhonda Nicklin said she was looking forward to welcoming guests for a fun and entertaining evening. Rhonda said: “We absolutely love hosting events to highlight the work of the charity. The race night is perfect for work socials and meetups, as well as friends and family who want to enjoy a fun evening together. “I’m so grateful for everyone who attends our fundraising events. We get to celebrate all that we’ve achieved as a charity and say a big thank you to everyone who supports us.” Chris Tarrant said: “The work Swings and Smiles does for disabled children and their families is incredible. I’m really looking forward to supporting what promises to be a hugely entertaining fundraising event.” Tickets for the race night are £25 and can be purchased via the Swings & Smiles website: https://www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk/Event/race-night Swings & Smiles offers a unique and accessible place to play for disabled children up to the age of 18. Find a range of other events near you by visiting our events page.
An Expert Reveals Why Accessibility in Retail Industries Must Be a Priority
According to research from the UK Parliament, around 16 million people in the UK were identified as disabled in 2021/22, which is around 24% of the population. However, 90% of retailers don’t have an online accessibility strategy to account for these shoppers, meaning they’re heavily underserved online. Mike Adams OBE is a celebrated disability pioneer, Creator and Founder of Purple Tuesday and also the founder of EnableAll, a boundary-pushing online marketplace that puts accessibility at the heart of its mission. He’s imploring retailers to prioritise strategies towards accessible e-commerce and tap into potential billions in unspent online shopping from the purple pound. He’s outlined the opportunities available for retailers, large and small. The underserved market of millions EnableAll was created because they understood that the millions of shoppers within the disabled community go underserved in all retail spaces, both in-person and online. Particularly with how prevalent online shopping has become in recent years compared to the past, having a disability cannot and should not be a barrier to being able to participate. One thing that many vendors may not realise is that it’s not just disabled people you’re catering to but also their carers, families, and millions of conscious consumers who increasingly want to see diversity and inclusion in their brands. This is a highly lucrative market that, until now, has gone largely untapped, and the barriers to entry are much lower than anticipated. These shoppers are incredibly loyal, and once they find a retailer that suits their needs and requirements, they return time and time again. Think about how it would feel to navigate your favourite sites without the use of your mouse or trackpad. Or what the experience would feel like having to discern between different fonts, font sizes, colours, moving graphics, video, music etc for those living with anxiety. In short, it can be off-putting and stressful. These are just some of the accessibility issues on a wide spectrum that need to be ratified. These are fundamental accessibility concerns that should always be considered, and once amended, an increase in traffic and conversions from shoppers can be seen thanks to the inclusive efficiency that comes from removing these barriers. The commercial element On top of the ethics and legislative requirements of having a site that’s accessible to the disabled community, there’s a significant commercial opportunity being missed. The spending power of disabled shoppers in the UK alone has been estimated at around £274 billion according to statistics from Purple and is constantly rising. This extends to $13 trillion when you expand the view to a global scale. And with so many retailers within the industry not taking a straightforward approach to unlocking this market, many are missing out. This is why EnableAll is such an important platform for accessing these shoppers, especially with how our marketplace is incredibly low-cost with the potential for huge benefits from a commercial and social impact perspective. Empowering disabled entrepreneurs Underserving disabled people in retail doesn’t end at the shoppers but extends to those on the other side of transactions too. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has estimated that around 25% of small business owners have a disability, yet only generate 8% of the revenue for businesses of this size. This is another area where accessibility should be prioritised to assist disabled entrepreneurs and small business owners to get the most out of their opportunities. This can include support in the form of services, financials, and training that they can learn from to optimise their business. At EnableAll, we’re starting to build a marketplace that not only adheres to existing levels of digital accessibility but also pushes those boundaries beyond what most people believe acceptable. We want all shoppers who visit the site to feel comfortable while simultaneously catering to disabled people so they can take control of important basic tasks required in their lives. For more information on how to sign up as a retailer and unlock the millions of underserved online shoppers, visit https://www.enableall.com/uk and get in touch today. Mike Adams OBE has initially launched EnableAll.com with a host of independent retailers with the aim of making it the world’s first truly accessible marketplace, read our full article here.
A new dimension in special needs seating
The potential to use specialist seating to positively impact a child with physical, emotional or sensory issues is being extended through developments at AAT GB. Gravity Chair, the unique foam positioning system that is already proven to achieve a safe, stable environment for severe and complex motor and sensory impairments, is now available in a choice of colours. Blue, green and pink compliment the standard grey. The colours have been specifically chosen for their role in positively influencing a child’s emotions, reinforcing feelings of harmony and calm that Gravity Chair delivers via its innovative design, harnessing the natural forces of gravity. The deep, inclined structure of Gravity Chair naturally “hugs” the child and encourages a stable seating position without any harnessing. It reduces muscle tension whilst accommodating muscle contortion and spasms. AAT has a range of accessories that enable the seat to be perfectly set up for each child and make it more than “just a chair”. These include wedges, head rests, lateral supports, rockers, abduction pommels and therapy tables, all designed to reduce anxiety and encourage engagement. Clare Mason, Children’s Occupational Therapist @ Sefton Carers Centre/ Alderhey is just one fan of Gravity Chair. She comments: “When children feel safe, secure and comfortable their muscle tone relaxes, allowing them to focus and enjoy play activities. Children who require supportive seating spend many hours strapped in functional seats and wheelchairs using harnesses or chest straps. Gravity Chair can give them seating away from all that and is in my experience always positively received by the children and their parents.” Adds AAT Director Peter Wingrave: “Adding colours into the mix of benefits that Gravity Chair brings further encourages the positive feelings that children experience when using the chair. It adds another dimension to their comfort and relaxation.” Full details of the Gravity Chair foam positioning system can be found here. Find more articles from Ucan2 here.
Disability Inclusion in the Workplace: The Definitive Guide
SMBGuide is here with the definitive guide regarding disability inclusion in the workplace, giving strategies you can implement to make your workplace more inclusive and accessible. In 2023, the US Department of Labor reported that 24.5% of people with disabilities were in employment. In 2022, that figure stood at 23.1%, and in 2021 it was 19.1%. In today’s world, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of a successful and forward-thinking workplace. One crucial aspect of diversity that is often overlooked is disability inclusion. Embracing disability inclusion not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enhances the overall work environment and drives organisational success. Check our our existing article Increasing Office Accessibility: Inspiration and Expert Tips We spoke with Ellie Westgarth-Flynn, Learning, Culture, and Change Consultant, about how the ADKAR framework for change can guide businesses towards creating organisational change to better support employees with disabilities. Here are some key strategies to promote disability inclusion in the workplace: 1. Educate and Raise Awareness: Educate employees about different types of disabilities and the challenges individuals may face. This can help foster empathy and understanding among colleagues. 2. Provide Reasonable Accommodations: Make sure your workplace is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing physical accommodations such as wheelchair ramps, as well as accommodating different communication styles or assistive technologies. 3. Encourage Inclusive Policies: Develop and enforce policies that promote inclusivity, such as flexible work hours, remote work options, and inclusive language in company communications. 4. Promote Diversity in Hiring: Actively seek out and hire individuals with disabilities. Ensure that your recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive. 5. Offer Training and Support: Provide training for managers and employees on disability awareness and inclusion. Offer support and resources for individuals with disabilities to thrive in their roles. 6. Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a culture where individuals feel comfortable disclosing their disabilities and asking for accommodations. Encourage open dialogue and provide support when needed. 7. Celebrate Diversity: Recognise and celebrate the unique contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace. By embracing disability inclusion, organisations can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees. Together, we can build a more inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Source: SMB Guide Read more here: https://www.smbguide.com/disability-inclusion/
Breaking Barriers: Disability Representation in Dating Shows
The Evolution of Disability Representation in Media Disability representation in media has come a long way in recent years. Historically, people with disabilities were often underrepresented or portrayed in stereotypical and limited roles. However, there has been a noticeable shift towards more inclusive and authentic representation of disabilities in various forms of media, including dating shows. This evolution has been driven by a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and the need to reflect the experiences of all individuals in society accurately. Advancements in technology and increased accessibility have played a significant role in the evolution of disability representation in media. With the rise and popularity of social media platforms and online streaming services, individuals with disabilities have been able to share their stories and experiences directly with a wider audience. This has helped to break down barriers and challenge societal misconceptions surrounding disabilities. Technological advancements have also introduced dating apps and online dating websites, some of which are catered to people with disabilities. Check out our article ‘Navigation Online Dating with a Disability: Tips and Advice‘ if you are interested in exploring this topic further. Or, check out our ‘Top 5 Dating Websites For People With Disabilities‘ to see which dating sites we recommend. Overall, the evolution of disability representation in media, including dating shows, is a positive step towards fostering inclusivity and promoting a more accurate understanding of disabilities. By showcasing the diverse range of experiences and perspectives within the disabled community, these shows have the power to challenge stereotypes, educate viewers, and create a more inclusive society. Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities in Dating Shows While disability representation in dating shows is a step towards inclusivity, it is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by people with disabilities in this context. Dating can be a complex and challenging experience for anyone, but individuals with disabilities often encounter additional barriers and misconceptions. One of the main challenges faced by people with disabilities in dating shows is the prevailing societal stigma and ableism. There is often a lack of understanding and awareness about disabilities, which can lead to misconceptions and stereotypes. This can make it difficult for individuals with disabilities to find genuine connections and form meaningful relationships. Another challenge is the limited representation of diverse disabilities in dating shows. While some shows have made efforts to include participants with disabilities, there is still a long way to go in terms of representing the full spectrum of disabilities. This lack of representation can perpetuate the idea that only certain types of disabilities are acceptable or desirable, further marginalising individuals with less visible or less understood disabilities. Despite these challenges, it is important to highlight the resilience and strength of individuals with disabilities in navigating the dating world. Many success stories have emerged from disability representation in dating shows, showcasing the potential for genuine connections and relationships regardless of disability. These success stories serve as inspiration and hope for individuals with disabilities who may feel discouraged or excluded from the dating scene. Success Stories of Disability Representation in Dating Shows Disability representation in dating shows has provided a platform for many success stories, demonstrating the power of genuine connections and relationships regardless of disability. These success stories challenge societal misconceptions and showcase the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals with disabilities in the dating world. One example of a success story is the story of Steve Carruthers, who appeared on the popular show ‘The Undateables’ which can be watched on Netflix. Steve has Crouzon Syndrome and bravely shared his experiences and challenges on the show. Steve was able to find a genuine connection and form a meaningful relationship with his partner Vicky Matthews who got in touch with Steve after his appearance on the show. The two have since gotten married and are planning to have a family in the future. Success stories not only provide hope and inspiration for individuals with disabilities but also contribute to changing societal perceptions and attitudes towards disabilities. By showcasing genuine connections and relationships, dating shows with disability representation challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive understanding of disabilities. Impact of Disability Representation on Audience Perception The impact of disability representation in dating shows extends beyond the individuals directly involved. It has the potential to shape audience perception and challenge societal attitudes towards disabilities. One of the main impacts of disability representation is the promotion of empathy and understanding. By showcasing the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the dating world, these shows help to normalise disability. This can lead to increased empathy and a greater understanding of the barriers and misconceptions that individuals with disabilities often encounter. Furthermore, disability representation in dating shows can challenge societal beauty standards and narrow definitions of attractiveness. By featuring individuals with disabilities as desirable and worthy of love and companionship, these shows broaden the definition of beauty and challenge the notion that disability is a barrier to romantic relationships. This can help to promote body positivity and self-acceptance among viewers, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Additionally, disability representation in dating shows can inspire and empower individuals with disabilities by providing role models and showcasing the potential for genuine connections and relationships. This can have a positive impact on the self-esteem and confidence of individuals with disabilities, who may often face societal messages that they are less desirable or capable of forming romantic relationships. Overall, disability representation in dating shows has the power to reshape audience perception and challenge societal norms and misconceptions surrounding disabilities. By showcasing the diverse experiences and strengths of individuals with disabilities, these shows contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.
Couple meet through charity’s learning disabled friendship service
A couple who met through a friendship service for learning disabled and autistic individuals have shared their happiness at finding one another through Luv2meetU (L2mU). Mags, 24, and 32-year-old Kieran, from Denbighshire in North Wales, first met around three years ago at a L2mU-hosted social event, soon after the service had started up in the area. “We started off as friends – I thought Kieran was kind and caring,” says Mags. The pair have now been together for nearly two years and are “very happy”, she adds. L2mU, run by learning disability charity Hft, is a service for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism and strives to help people improve their overall health and well-being by supporting them to get out and about to different places and try new things. Check out our similar article “Friendship & dating agency for adults with learning disabilities launched” for more information on Luv2MeetU and their services For just £10 a month, club members can access a combination of virtual and face-to-face activities and opportunities (though access to the latter depends on what is available locally), paying an additional £5 for in-person events. Gemma Milburn, National Virtual Coordinator for Hft, says: “For Mags and Kieran, L2mU played a vital role as, without it, they simply wouldn’t have met. They live in separate counties and were both quite socially isolated before this, so L2MU really did play the leading role in their relationship.” Both Mags and Kieran have embraced the opportunities available through L2mU since becoming club members. Mags says: “I love having more friends and being more social. I have more friends now than I’ve had before, and trying new things at events help me to feel more self-confident.” “I liked Mags as soon as I met her. She’s kind, caring, helpful and fun. We’re happy living as we are at the moment but I’d like to move in together in the future,” enthuses Kieran. As for what’s next on the cards for the happy couple? “We’re happy to carry on as we are for now,” says Mags. “We’re happy, and we will carry on living with our parents, as this works well for both of us.” Image courtesy of Luv2MeetU.
Increasing Office Accessibility: Inspiration and Expert Tips
In this guide, Jack Roberts, Senior Technical Surveyor at commercial property consultancy Making Moves, shares his top tips for increasing accessibility in your office. With the government working on new legislation to encourage more disabled individuals to enter or re-enter the workforce, employers must ensure that their offices and equipment are accessible and welcoming to all. Building a more inclusive work environment with adaptable facilities not only benefits disabled employees but also contributes to a more diverse and innovative workplace culture. It may even increase revenue, according to Forbes. Check out the Ucan2 article on disability inclusion in the workplace. If you’re looking for ways to welcome and support more employees with disabilities within your workforce, here I’ll discuss several tips for increasing office accessibility in the UK. Tips for increasing office accessibility Begin with a thorough accessibility audit of the office space to identify areas for improvement and prioritise necessary action. Start outside the building — this can help you to ensure that facilities such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are in place and well-maintained. Ensure that accessible parking spaces are always available and marked clearly. Within the office, be proactive in providing helpful accommodations for disabled employees such as ergonomic workstations and equipment. If your work is computer-based, invest in assistive technology to ensure that all digital platforms and communication tools are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Screen readers, voice recognition software, and captioning services can make a significant difference in the accessibility of digital content. Accessible office inspiration If you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to accessibility, here are a few examples of famous offices that have successfully implemented adaptable facilities or are accessible to those with disabilities: These companies have not only implemented physical accommodations but also fostered inclusive cultures that support employees with disabilities through policies, programs, and resources. By implementing these strategies, employers can start to contribute to a more inclusive work environment. Office accessibility is not only a legal, moral, and social imperative, but it can enhance the well-being of all employees. This creates a stronger, more vibrant workplace. The tips and examples above can be used to put together your own accessibility blueprint. Images courtesy of Adobe Stock Images.