Smirthwaite Sales Team Strengthened with Jodie Carter Appointment
Smirthwaite, a respected designer and manufacturer of bespoke equipment for children and young adults with additional needs has extended its sales team with the appointment of Jodie Carter who will be taking on the role of Technical Product Advisor, North East & Cumbria/Lancaster. Jodie’s background involves working closely with children and adults with disabilities, including brain injuries. Most recently Jodie has been assessing and installing technology in people’s homes across North Yorkshire to aid vulnerable people, including those with epilepsy or dementia. Reporting to Ewan McPhee, Northern Sales Manager, Jodie will manage her own territory whilst working alongside healthcare professionals to support children with disabilities with bespoke Smirthwaite equipment that promotes a healthier and better quality life for the user. Jodie’s appointment is another exciting opportunity to further strengthen the team at Smirthwaite and include the promotions of Derek York to UK Commercial Manager and Ewan McPhee to Northern Sales Manager. The new appointment and promotions are part of the company’s continued focus on growing its business, investing in its people and delivering excellence for its customers. Jodie commented: “I am delighted to be joining a market leader in the paediatrics industry & a company that’s renowned for quality products and service. I’m very much looking forward to working with our Occupational Therapists and helping to further the growth of the business.” Ewan McPhee, Northern Sales Manager added: “I am thrilled to welcome Jodie to the Smirthwaite team. I’m confident that her excellent interpersonal skills and sheer enthusiasm will help grow market share and help drive our growth plans; strengthening our position in the market moving forward. Jodie also joins us at an incredibly exciting time as we continue to launch new products such as our Asiento postural support chair, Levitex pressure care relief technology & our Moving & Handling equipment. We wish her a very warm welcome.” Smirthwaite are proud of their dedicated, high-calibre staff; and offer competitive pay and rewards, training, career paths, and the opportunity to progress and achieve. Jodie’s contact details: Email: Jodie.carter@smirthwaite.co.uk For further information about UK TPA roles at Smirthwaite, please contact Derek York, Commercial Manager on derekyork@smirthwaite.co.uk or +44 (0)7971126877.
Hidden disability diagnoses have increased by 63% in the UK
To mark UK Disabilities History Awareness Month, Cool Crutches and Walking Sticks, an innovative mobility aid company, reveals a 63% increase in hidden disability diagnoses in the UK. The study looks at government data from 2017-2022 looking at impairments that are hidden disabilities, finding a 63% increase in the last 6 years, with mental health showing the largest increase by a third (33%). Disabled people in the UK increased by 3.9 million from 19% to 24% of the population between 2011 and 2023 and it’s estimated that 80% of these people have a hidden disability, equating to over 10 million people. Hidden disabilities are conditions that are not immediately obvious to others. They can be physical, cognitive or mental in nature. Examining 6 years worth of government data, the biggest rise in hidden disabilities comes from mental health diagnoses, with a 33% increase since 2017. Social and behavioural impairments are second in the ranking, accounting for 22% of diagnoses, followed by learning difficulties at 8%. Social and behavioural impairments are a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions that affect a person’s ability to interact with others and their environment. According to the data, nearly all of the disabilities reported by children are hidden. For disabled children, the most common impairment types were social or behavioural, with half reporting this, followed by mental health (30%) and learning impairments (26%). Amelia Peckham, CEO and Co-Founder of Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks comments: “It is important to note that hidden disabilities can have a significant impact on a person’s life. I personally live with hidden and visible conditions and find the hidden much more complex to navigate. In turn I believe these require an equal level of resources, attention and care to support effectively in order to promote accessibility for all. Hidden conditions and disabilities can make it difficult to work, travel, learn, and form relationships. People with hidden disabilities are also more likely to experience bullying, victimisation and other negative outcomes so prioritising awareness around them is key.” As an expert in the field of disability, Amelia Peckham believes that we need to take action to address the increase in hidden disability diagnoses, outlining ways in which businesses and society can further support people with an invisible impairment: Many people are not familiar with hidden disabilities, which can lead to misunderstanding and discrimination. It is important to raise awareness of these conditions so that people can better understand and support those who are affected. For example, the sunflower lanyard can be used as an indicator of disabilities and can be particularly effective for adults with communication challenges. People with hidden disabilities often need specialised services and support to help them manage their condition and live a fulfilling life. It is important to ensure that these services and support are available and accessible to everyone who needs them. For people with hidden disabilities such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health services can be essential for managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life. This includes making sure that public spaces and transportation are accessible, and that workplaces and schools are inclusive. It is also important to challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes about people with disabilities. Training and education on hidden disabilities can help people to better understand and support those whose impairments may not be visible, creating a culture of acceptance and inclusion Images courtesy of Adobe Stock
Geberit Aquaclean Care: The AbleStay Story
AbleStay is a registered charity with the mission of providing fully accessible holiday accommodation to disabled people and their families. AbleStay has purchased its first property in London and has transformed it, making it wheelchair accessible, with a fully adapted bathroom, an accessible kitchen, a bedroom with profiling beds, a ceiling track hoist and more. The AbleStay charity began when it became apparent that most disabled people are unable to visit London, England’s Capital City because of accessibility. Founders Charles and Jo were staggered to realise that no hotel, nor self-catering property was designed to meet the needs of those with complex physical disabilities. Not only this, but there are 1⁄4 million + people in the UK with complex physical disability (Cerebral Palsy, MND, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury etc) and there is nowhere suitable to stay in London. So, they decided to take it upon themselves to create one. Large accessible bathroom/wetroom – ceiling hoist from bedroom, height adjustable bath, Geberit shower toilet, accessible basin, shower trolley, large wet room shower area, Rifton HTS shower chairs and grab rails Accessibility is, of course, more than just handrails and the bathroom in particular is a space that can be a challenge for people with disabilities. THE SOLUTION Geberit gifted a Mera Care shower toilet to the AbleStay house to contribute towards the accessibility of the family bathroom. Stylish and innovative, the Geberit AquaClean Mera Care toilet features an oscillating spray arm that cleans at the touch of a button with a jet of warm water and a warm air dryer, offering ease of cleaning after using the toilet. GEBERIT AQUACLEAN MERA CARE In addition to an oscillating spray and warm air dryer, the Geberit AquaClean Mera Care toilet boasts a host of additional features to aid personal hygiene and help users to live a more independent life, including an automatic flush function via user detection, remote control, programmable user profiles for multiple users, and a continuous flow heater for constant warm water. Geberit has taken every ounce of its 150 years of experiencein helping to understand the wants and needs of its customers and put that into creating a product that can make a guaranteed difference to the way customers live day in day out. Everything is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, and the Geberit development team is constantly evolving and enhancing every aspect of the product to ensure it meets the needs of the customer. THE FUTURE AbleStay intend on expanding and offering more fully accessible homes to families and disabled individuals. Innovations which allow disabled people the same luxuries as everyone else are essential, whether that be the luxury of a family holiday home or the simple pleasure of privacy and dignity in the bathroom. Co-founder Charles said: “We are hugely grateful to Geberit. People need bathrooms with an accessible basin, toilet and bath which currently isn’t available despite huge demand. We intend on expanding throughout the UK and are so appreciative of Geberit’s help with this first curial house.” Learn more about AbleStay here: https://www.ablestay.co.uk/
A third of disabled people forced to cancel Christmas because they can’t afford it
![[Pictured: Keith Butler and his son Geordie, who has CHARGE syndrome, is deafblind and autistic.]](https://ucan2magazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Keith-Butler-and-his-son-Geordie-who-is-deafblind-and-autistic.jpeg)
· Many will go without Christmas presents, festive food or even meeting friends or family, as new research highlights the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people. · More than half of disabled people are in debt and two thirds are constantly worried about bills, as the disability charity, Sense, urgently call on the government to provide financial support. A third of disabled people will be forced to cancel Christmas this year, as they struggle to cope with unbearable costs. That’s according to grim new research by the national disability charity, Sense, who are urgently calling for more financial support to help the most vulnerable households this winter. Spiraling costs have put more than half of disabled people into debt, and two thirds say they are constantly worried about bills. Now, as the country looks forward to the Christmas holidays, many disabled people say they won’t be able to celebrate. A third (33 per cent) of disabled people told Sense that they cancel Christmas this year because of the financial pressures they face. More than a third (34 per cent) said they will not see any friends or family or buy any festive food (37 per cent). Almost half (48 per cent) said they won’t buy any presents, while two in five (42 per cent) will not turn on any festive lights because of fears around the cost of energy. Disabled people, who often have lower incomes and face higher living costs, have been disproportionately impacted by the current crisis. They face higher living costs, paying for specialist diets and therapies, and for energy too – heating is a must for people who aren’t mobile and have to regulate their body temperature – and then there’s the cost of running essential equipment, such as breathing machines and feeding pumps. Sense supports people living with complex disabilities, whom the research focuses on. There are 1.6 million people with complex disabilities in the UK, living with two or more disabilities, and requiring high levels of support. Sense has already provided direct financial support to some of the most vulnerable households, worth a total of half a million pounds. The research reveals the measures disabled households are taking to save money, with more than half (57 per cent) turning the heating down or off, more than a third (35 per cent) skipping meals and almost a quarter (24 per cent) turning to food banks. In last month’s Autumn Statement, the government announced that welfare benefits would be uprated by 6.7% from April next year. However, Sense says this doesn’t come close to providing disabled benefits claimants the money they need to afford the cost of essentials, such as energy, continuing to rise. Sense is calling for emergency targeted financial support now to help the most at risk households cope with spiraling costs, and a plan to support disabled people and their families in the long-term. Richard Kramer, Chief Executive of Sense, said: “With disabled people living in debt and worrying about the next bill, it shouldn’t be a surprise that so many will cancel Christmas plans. “And yet, today’s research is a timely reminder of what some of the most vulnerable households in the country are going through. “Every day, disabled people are having to make impossible choices, like whether to eat or heat the home. And Christmas, far from being a time for celebration, has just become an additional, unbearable expense. “It doesn’t have to be like this. The government must act now to bring in targeted financial support to those who need it over the winter.” More than 80,000 people have signed Sense’s petition calling on the government to do more to support disabled people through the cost-of-living crisis. For more information, or support, visit: www.sense.org.uk/costofliving
Disability Influencer launches world’s first truly accessible retail site
One of the UKs most prominent disability influencers has announced the launch of a fully accessible retail site which he says could unlock a £17bn spending opportunity for retailers. 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. EnableAll.com says billions of pounds is being lost by retailers who don’t meet the needs of disabled people when it comes to online purchasing and suggests major retailers need to think hard about their commitments to the disability community. He said: “With EnableAll.com, we’ve created a very straightforward platform that puts inclusivity and accessibility front and centre and allows any retailer trading online the opportunity to trade simply with the 14.6m people with disabilities in the UK, many of whom find it impossible to complete everyday tasks such as buying products online because e-commerce sites create barriers to accessibility that do not need to exist. “We’re still very early on in our journey, but why wouldn’t a retailer want to gain access to this scale of marketplace? The retail industry has to ask itself in 2023 why there is a need for such a platform.” Mike has been listed in the UK Power List 100 of the most influential disabled people and explained how the idea for EnableAll.com came about during the Covid pandemic when high street and retail stores closed, with vast numbers having to rely on online retail. Mike, who is also the CEO of Purple Tuesday, an organisation changing the disability conversation with businesses and disabled people, first introduced the concept on EnableAll.com to the world at the Dubai Expo in 2021, having seen that buying patterns online would leave people with disabilities feeling even further isolated. The site has been meticulously built in that time to follow strict AAA standards, the highest possible conformance level in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The long-term plan is for EnableAll.com to become the global go-to site for truly accessible e-commerce. The launch of the site has won the backing from a growing number of independent retailers across homes, gardens, pets, clothing, shoes, toys, games, jewellery and accessories. Its straightforward ‘plug and play’ set up for retailers means they can be trading on the site in days and EnableAll.com is now working closely with a number of high-profile high-street brands on developing their presence on the site. EnableAll.com has installed experienced digital retail specialist Kevin Cooper as its managing director. He said: “This site is not only for those people who share a frustration in feeling excluded from everyday experiences that able-bodied people can undertake without a moment’s notice, but also for those many millions who are either carers or are supporters of having an equitable, inclusive and accessible society for everyone. “It’s time for influential people in retail to realise the opportunity here of not only doing the right thing, but opening up an enormous untapped commercial opportunity for a set of willing consumers who are ready and willing to spend what we estimate to be a market worth £17bn annually in the UK alone. Retailers have the opportunity to drive the quality of the online experience for disabled customers.” The site is rapidly gaining support from a host of other influential bodies and individuals, including the likes of Shani Dhanda, a celebrated disability inclusion specialist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. Shani said: “There has been a long-term combination of perception, awareness, and priorities that have held back progress in making online shopping fully accessible. “One big reason is that many see it as a massive and complicated problem to tackle. Making online shopping accessible requires a lot of effort, resources, and collaboration from different players in the industry, but EnableAll.com has created a platform that now offers no reason why major retailers shouldn’t and can’t engage positively.” EnableAll.com is working with charities to partner with that will allow users to select where EnableAll donates 10% of its revenue.
Abacus Academy vehicles to be showcased at OT Show
Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, a leading manufacturer of specialist care baths, will be highlighting its fleet of educational vehicles at the Occupational Therapy Show (Stand F25, NEC, 22–23 November 2023). Multi-award-winning Abacus is a proven choice for inclusive bathing solutions for bathers with disabilities. Its range of power assisted baths provide better outcomes for clients and their families in terms of safety, comfort and occupation. Abacus Regional Assessment Managers work closely with occupational therapists (OTs) and families so that the most appropriate bathroom equipment is provided every time. This relationship is enhanced by an assessment-led approach and the availability of Abacus demonstration vehicles across the UK. With a range of baths onboard, potential users, relatives and supporting healthcare professionals, can physically test equipment in an enclosed, controlled environment. Eliminating the need for difficult, weather dependent demonstrations outside, Abacus provides the professional choice for clear clinical reasoning. Alongside convenient client assessments, these vehicles provide ideal training environments for OTs. In association with the Abacus Academy, the educational programme run by the manufacturer, these vehicles regularly host CPD ‘lunch n learn’ workshops. Abacus Regional Assessment Managers and associates from the OT Service offer unique insight into assisted bathing from a practical and theoretical point of view. Attendees are able to experience a range of baths onboard whilst exploring various postural supports and therapeutic features. Jane Reid, Occupational Therapist, uses Abacus for her client bathing assessments: “I have found assessments with an Abacus demonstration vehicle to be very successful. Clients are able to see and feel the bath equipment in a safe environment. Some of my ambulant clients and their family members have experienced sitting in the baths during the demo, which makes the assessment much more interactive for them. The vehicle provides shelter from the elements and also allows privacy during the assessment.” As the baths are powered in the vehicle there is no need for products to be transferred into a demonstration space – meaning sessions can be easily and efficiently held in car parks. Abacus educational events can be hosted anywhere in the UK and continue to grow in popularity. They are free of charge and count towards CPD hours with certificates and reflective logs available.
Prism Healthcare to Showcase Group Healthcare Innovations at the Occupational Therapy Show
Prism Healthcare (PHC), a leading provider dedicated to transforming lives in the home, long-term care and paediatric sectors, is proud to be exhibiting at the Occupational Therapy Show this week. Prism Healthcare will be showcasing a diverse range of life-transforming products from its group brands: Prism Medical, Harvest Healthcare, Repose Furniture and Smirthwaite. As 2023’s must attend event for all Occupational Therapists (OTs), the renown show takes place from 22 – 23 November at The NEC, Birmingham. As a collection of companies, Prism Healthcare will be showcasing its comprehensive and innovative range of products and services designed to enhance care quality, improve well-being, and ultimately transform lives. Visitors to the Prism Healthcare stand (D40, Hall 6) can explore various solutions for safe patient handling, pressure area care, paediatric care, premium speciality seating and more. Prism UK will be presenting its new Freeway Flow shower cradle, which provides maximum comfort and support during showering. Smirthwaite will be unveiling its bespoke Asiento chair; designed to improve postural support and symmetry. Harvest Healthcare will be introducing its new state-of-the-art pressure care solution, AirSet cushion, which combines the benefits of foam and air to provide optimal pressure relief. Repose will be showcasing its Boston portering chair, and its smaller counterpart, the Boston Junior. Both are extremely comfortable with independent movement of the tilt in space, backrest recline and leg rest elevation functions, enabling a range of postural positions. Prism Healthcare Chief Executive, Jason Leek, commented: “We are proud to exhibit at the OT Show for the first time as a Group and to showcase our exceptional product range. Collaboration is a very important ethos in the Group. “I feel privileged to be able to help build on Prism’s strong legacy of providing products that enhance independence, comfort, and overall well-being in different care environments. I am excited to be leading the Prism business into the next stage of growth and development, continuing our desire to build partnerships and offer solutions for our customers.” Practising independent Occupational Therapist and owner of Athena Handling Ltd, John Callas, will be holding a series of informative workshops and clinics on behalf of Prism Healthcare (link). John passionately champions the cause of OT professionals, propelling them to new heights and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of occupational therapy. Lee Reeves, Group Development Director at Prism Healthcare, said: “Group collaboration is key; our mission is to impact positively the lives of individuals with diverse needs, and this event provides an ideal platform to connect with people who can make a difference with our life-enhancing solutions. We fully understand healthcare professionals’ challenges and strive to give them the tools they need to deliver exceptional care. Prism aims to make it easy for caregivers to provide excellent care, promote learning, aid movement or recovery, and support independence.”
Oscar qualifying short film, Headspace: The struggles of a young man with Down Syndrome
Director Aisling Byrne’s HEADSPACE takes us on a journey with a young man, Tony, who has Down’s Syndrome and struggles to find paid work, causing him to be faced with a moral dilemma whilst staying at a community home. This phenomenal film has qualified to be considered for a 2024 Academy® Award after winning the OSCAR® qualifying award at Cork Film Festival. As the tensions and frustrations of life in a community house start to close in on him, a young man with Down Syndrome realises he may have to cross a line to end a nightly disturbance. Writer and director Aisling Byrne is an award-winning theatre director, screenwriter and filmmaker. Her narrative short debut HEADSPACE premiered at Cork International Film Festival, and won the Oscar Qualifying Grand Prix Best Short. Aisling is the founder and Artistic Director at Run of the Mill, an award-winning arts organisation at the forefront of inclusive arts practice in Ireland supporting learning disabled artists and performers. Their recent work includes a 9 venue National Tour of the award winning MAKING A MARK and the All Abilities Casting initiative in collaboration with the National Talent Academy aimed at levelling the playing field for people with intellectual disabilities in film and tv. Aisling was selected to represent Ireland at the Screen Talent Europe/ Cinesud’s Directors Village 2023. Her narrative short debut HEADSPACE has been selected for the Prestigious European Film Awards and qualified to be considered for a 2024 Oscar®. She continues to work alongside Killian Coyle on the Screen Ireland Focus Short Award recipient short film TURNAROUND, set to film in April 2024. Producer Killian Coyle is a creative producer working alongside theatre and filmmakers between Ireland and the UK with a focus on socially engaged storytelling. He has worked on a diverse range of projects, from film and site-specific performances to national and international tours, and artist development programs; some of the notable highlights of his career include GOOD SEX, MAKING A MARK and HEADSPACE. Killian is continuing to work alongside Aisling Byrne on the development of various TV and film projects including the recently Screen Ireland Focus Short Award recipient short film TURNAROUND, which is due to film in April 2024. The stunning cinematography was created by award winning filmmaker and video designer Kilian Waters. This authentically cast, heartwarming short has qualified to be considered for a 2024 Academy® Award. Upcoming Festivals Kerry International Film Festival (22 October) Past Festivals Boyne Valley International FF – Runner Up Best Short Film Catalyst International Film Festival – Jury Special Mention Flickers Rhode Island FF New Hampshire FF Cork International FF Vancouver Women in Film Manchester Film Festival Fastnet Film Festival International Short Film Festival of Cyprus Louth International Film Festival Disappear Here Film Festival
Beach Wheelchair scheme improves access for all
A popular beach wheelchair scheme providing year-round access to some of the most breathtaking beaches along the Pembrokeshire Coast is empowering more locals and visitors to explore this magnificent coastline than ever before. The Beach Wheelchair scheme is run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority with funding support from the Welsh Government and Visit Wales’s Brilliant Basics Fund. Feedback from users has been hugely positive: “My husband has recently become disabled, it’s been a traumatic time for the whole family, having the wheelchair helped enormously, he could be part of our trip to the beach which was so vital and important. It was truly life changing.” “Your wheelchair was amazing and made our holiday! My son was able to play with his dog in the sea for the first time ever just like everyone else!!” The wheelchairs are hosted by local businesses around the Park, such as seaside cafes and activity providers. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, the wheelchairs are designed for users young and old, some of whom may use a wheelchair frequently or those who may find it hard to walk on sandy beaches. Other resources include roll-out trackways, all-terrain rollators and a mobile hoist. Individuals bringing their own equipment accessories, such as harnesses, are advised to contact the project coordinator first to discuss fitting and compatibility. We also ask users to read individual chair/equipment instructions before booking, to ensure a fun and safe experience. Avoid disappointment by booking in advance at https://beachwheelchairs.simplybook.it/v2/#book. Further information: www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/access-for-all. Specific enquiries: beachwheelchairs@pembrokeshire.org.uk.