Birmingham deafblind centre to transform lives
“It’ll be life-changing” – that’s how an internationally renowned deafblind athlete has described a new deafblind research centre at Birmingham City University (BCU). Opened last week (23 October), the Deafblind UK Education and Research Centre will connect researchers, practitioners, and people living with deafblindness, to increase knowledge and raise awareness of the condition. “This centre is the first of its kind in the UK – and it wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with BCU,” said Nikki Morris, CEO of Deafblind UK. “BCU is a university that is making a difference to those affected by deafblindness, building on trust and integrity with us as a partner. “With this centre we can answer questions and come up with innovations that will make the world of deafblindess and those affected by it, a better place to be.” Deafblind UK reports that nearly 450,000 people in the UK are deafblind – around 6 in every 1,000 individuals. With an ageing population, this number is expected to rise to more than 600,000 by 2030. Deafblind UK partnered with BCU in 2019 to launch the Certificate and Diploma in Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies), the first of its kind in the UK. Officially opening the centre was Samantha Gough, a full-time deafblind athlete and content creator, who has captained England’s blind women football team and is a rower on the GP Power Pathway. Samantha, a Deafblind UK ambassador, said “This is going to be an amazing hub for raising awareness but also build on education and research around deafblindness. “Not a lot of people know about deafblindness. People seem to think you’ve got to be deaf or blind, not together. “I want to use my platform to spread awareness that dual sensory loss affects hundreds of thousands of people, but also to share my journey living with sight and hearing loss. “This centre is going to be life-changing for so many people.” Dr Peter Simcock, Associate Professor of Social Work and Centre Lead at BCU, said the centre’s work had already begun and would have an impact globally. “We’re involved in an international project exploring the lived experiences of deafblind people across the world,” said Dr Simcock. “We’re also leading a study exploring the social care experiences of deafblind people in Wales and undertaking a review examining the use of ‘cash for care schemes’ by deafblind sign language users. “This centre also has a pivotal role in equipping junior researchers and the future workforce with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in deafblind research and practice.” Find out more about BCU’s Health and Social Care research here.
Rail regulator tightening up accessible travel redress rules
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has made it mandatory for all rail operators to assess redress claims from passengers whose booked assistance failed, on a case-by-case basis. The change is detailed in an update to the regulator’s Accessible Travel Policy (ATP) Guidance. Redress is a way that operators can seek to put things right for a passenger where they have failed to deliver booked assistance. It is not always or necessarily a form of financial compensation. It could be an apology, a gesture of goodwill, and/or a compensatory payment. Whatever form it may take, redress is a way in which passengers can receive assurance that failures are being acted upon, and for operators to recognise the impact of the failure on passengers. The change follows a consultation prompted by concerns that some operators’ policies could appear to restrict compensation to the ticket price. ORR will shortly be requesting relevant train companies make any necessary amendments to implement the case-by-case approach. A number of wider issues were raised during the consultation, including whether there is a need for further guidance to support decision-making on redress, as well as questions around the scope of redress policy and the way claims are owned and managed. ORR is committed to carrying out further work on these areas and will publish an update in spring 2026. Stephanie Tobyn, ORR’s director of strategy, policy and reform, said: “The impact on passengers when an operator fails to deliver assistance can vary greatly, so it’s right that claims for redress are considered on a case-by-case basis. This ensures operators properly assess each passenger’s experience and provide redress that appropriately reflects the impact of what went wrong.” Contact Information Saj Chowdhurysaj.chowdhury@orr.gov.uk https://www.orr.gov.uk/consultation-accessible-travel-policy-atp-guidance-redress-requirements-decision-document-html
Winter Wonderwheels Powered by Marvel Returns
11am Sunday 7 December 2025 | Dorney Lake, Windsor Winter Wonderwheels powered by Marvel – the UK’s biggest festive mass-participation disability sports event – returns with a flourish and a flurry of fake snow on Sunday December 7, 2025. So, grab your superhero cape, Santa hat and Sidekicks and get ready to run, walk or wheel 1K, 5K or 10K alongside Dorney Lake, Windsor. The ultimate ‘Superhero Santa Dash’ for people with disabilities and their families, this fabulously festive event invites participants to cycle, run, walk, wheel, push or be pushed to complete their chosen distance. Purposefully aligned close to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Winter Wonderwheels gives people the chance to show what they CAN do (not what they can’t) and celebrate what makes them different. Anything goes with adaptive kit and support from Sidekicks actively encouraged to help people cover the distance. There are no cut-off times and all types of gadgets and gizmos are welcome on the course – from day chairs, handcycles and trikes to tandems, race runners and bikes. Who can enter Winter Wonderwheels? That depends on the chosen mission. Participants entering a solo missions must consider themselves to have a disability of any kind. Anyone can enter as a team, as long as at least one member of the team considers themselves to have a disability of any kind. Challenge distances: Get set for a festive festival atmosphere packed with food stalls, music and carols. Santa will start the event, setting off a sea of superheroes, fellow-Santas and elves on their joyful way. “At this time of year there are plenty of opportunities for people to dress up and be active but there are few, if any, options for people with disabilities to do the same,” says Sophia Warner, founder of the Superhero Series including Winter Wonderwheels. “Winter Wonderwheels enables people with disabilities to celebrate the season with their families and friends. It gets everyone in the festive mood which is what it’s all about.” To find out more and enter visit https://superheroseries.co.uk/winter-wonderwheels-2025 Media contact for further information, comment or a press pass for the day: Katherine Selby, Katherine@action-group.co.uk / 07787 533143
Raising Awareness on World Spina Bifida Day
This World Spina Bifida Day, 25th October, occupational therapist Stuart Barrow is sharing his family’s inspiring story, which highlights how accessible homes can transform the lives of children living with spina bifida. His daughter, Bonnie, who is five years old, was born with spina bifida myelomeningocele, the most severe form of the condition. She is paralysed from the waist down, uses a wheelchair, and has encountered multiple medical challenges since birth. For Stuart and his wife, ensuring Bonnie could move safely and confidently around their home became a mission, one that ultimately led to installing a Stiltz homelift. Challenges Faced at Home “When Bonnie was tiny, even the simplest tasks were hard,” Stuart recalls. “She had no head control, a healing wound on her back, and we had to carry her up and down the stairs every day. It was exhausting and frightening. We knew it couldn’t go on.” The family looked into stairlifts but quickly realised they wouldn’t be practical or safe long term. “Bonnie would have had to transfer on and off every time, and our staircase is narrow and curved,” he explains. “We needed a better solution.” Choosing the Right Solution Stuart, who works as an Occupational Therapist, began researching homelifts. “Because of my professional background, I had some knowledge of homelifts and wanted to approach this objectively. I looked at various manufacturers and their products, and Stiltz was the only company that could provide a lift that could be positioned exactly where we needed it.” After nearly three years of planning, grant applications, and construction, the lift was finally installed. The transformation was instant. Bonnie’s Every Day Freedom was Restored “Now, Bonnie’s grandma can take her upstairs safely. Bonnie can wheel herself into the lift, press the buttons and choose where to go. That independence means everything,” Stuart says. “She feels more connected to her home and has more control over her day. There are practical benefits, of course, but the emotional impact is harder to describe. We feel more connected as a family and can enjoy everyday moments again without stress or fear.” The change has benefited the whole family. “My wife and I can go out knowing she’s safe. Her brother loves helping her use it. It’s made our home feel like a place of joy again.” Changing Perspectives on Accessibility For Stuart, the family’s experience has reinforced his commitment to raise awareness about accessibility and early home adaptations, particularly during World Spina Bifida Day. “So many families live with unnecessary stress because their homes simply don’t work for them,” he explains. “It’s not just about lifts or ramps, it’s about independence, inclusion and quality of life.” A Message of Hope Bonnie’s story is a reminder that the right support and equipment can transform lives. “People often think a stairlift is the only option,” Stuart adds, “but a homelift can be safer, easier, and far more empowering, particularly for children like Bonnie.” For this family, what began as a complex building project has become a daily source of pride and freedom. “Bonnie loves showing visitors her lift,” Stuart smiles. “It’s her way of saying, ‘I can do it myself.’” To read the full story, visit the Stiltz website. About Stiltz UK-based Stiltz Homelifts is an award-winning manufacturer and installer of domestic lifts designed to help people continue living in the homes they love, for as long as possible. Global distribution enables older and less mobile individuals around the world move around their home safely and independently. Contemporary design and modular assembly gives Stiltz Homelifts a unique look and functionality like no other lift currently available.
Breaking Boundaries
Shining a Spotlight on Inclusive Clubs and Organisations for Disabled People within Yorkshire Leeds-based specialist healthcare equipment provider Independence Mobility has launched a video series called Breaking Boundaries, which celebrates inclusive clubs and activities across Yorkshire and the North. The series aims to raise awareness, break down barriers, and inspire people with disabilities to get involved in opportunities that can transform both their physical and mental well-being. The idea for Breaking Boundaries was born from the Independence Mobility team witnessing firsthand the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities, from social isolation to physical limitations and a lack of awareness about inclusive opportunities. Too often, people simply don’t realise what’s available to them or have the confidence to access it. In Motion wheelchair dance class at Northern Ballet Breaking Boundaries bridges that gap. By highlighting clubs, sports organisations, and social groups, and chatting with the leaders and participants, the series helps spread the word to individuals and families who could benefit hugely from accessing them. Each video offers an insight into what these clubs provide, from sports like powerchair football and table tennis, to dance, learning programmes, and social opportunities. Anthony Mitchell, Director of Independence Mobility, explained, “We may be a small business, but we believe we can make a big impact. Breaking Boundaries is about showing people that there are inclusive, welcoming clubs and organisations out there waiting for them. So many people we spoke to didn’t know these opportunities even existed, and we want to change that. We’re passionate about changing lives. Breaking Boundaries is about building confidence, creating community, and showing that disability doesn’t have to mean limitation.” Leeds Powerchair Football Club Already, the series has spotlighted organisations including Northern Ballet’s ‘In Motion’ dance class, Leeds Powerchair Football Club, Disability Sport Yorkshire, and Paralympic athlete Oye Abisoye, with his table tennis journey. The response so far has been powerful. Craig Shepherd, CEO of Disability Sport Yorkshire, shared: “In just a few weeks since the release of the video, we’ve seen more service users accessing our programmes, many of them mentioning that a family member shared the video with them.” Social prescribing club at Disability Sport Yorkshire And Ellie, a wheelchair user and dancer in the In Motion dance class at Northern Ballet, expressed: “I didn’t think I could dance in a wheelchair. I wasn’t very good at dancing before I was in a wheelchair, but it’s a really nice friendly group and Kim and Catrina are amazing at making you feel comfortable and welcome. They will adapt things however it suits you.” The initiative isn’t stopping here. Independence Mobility is calling on more inclusive clubs and organisations to get in touch if they would like to be featured in a future episode. To watch their latest feature showcasing Northern Ballet’s InMotion wheelchair dance class, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7JLuy_-IwM&t=5s Or view all features here: https://www.independencemobility.co.uk/breaking-boundaries.html To learn more about Breaking Boundaries, or if your organisation would like a chance to be featured, email hello@independencemobility.co.uk About Independence Mobility Since 2004, Independence Mobility has been providing specialist healthcare equipment, proudly making a positive difference to thousands of customers along the way. They partner closely with the UK’s leading manufacturers to ensure they provide the latest, most innovative mobility solutions. Their extensive range includes specialist seating, wheelchairs, beds, pressure care products, children’s cycles, and more. Independence Mobility is also a preferred supplier for Newlife, the UK’s largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children. For more information, please visit: https://www.independencemobility.co.uk/breaking-boundaries
Expert Tips from The Spine MDT
Keeping Your Back Healthy This World Spine Day Each year on 16th October, people around the world come together to mark World Spine Day – a global initiative that raises awareness about spinal health and the importance of keeping our backs strong and pain-free. Supported by the World Federation of Chiropractic, the campaign highlights how crucial it is to stay active, adopt healthy habits, and prevent spinal problems before they take hold. In 2025, the theme of World Spine Day continues to emphasise movement, resilience, and education – encouraging people of all ages to take small but meaningful steps toward better back health. And for those getting older, that message couldn’t be more relevant. As we age, our backs start to remind us of the years spent gardening, working, and driving. For many people in their fifties and beyond, this can include the arrival of stiffness, aching, or morning soreness that wasn’t there before. You might notice discomfort after a long car journey or a twinge when getting out of bed and assume it’s simply part of getting older. While ageing inevitably brings a little stiffness, most back pain is a normal part of getting older. With the right approach, you can stay active, mobile, and strong well into later life. Anthony Ghosh, Spinal Neurosurgeon and Founder of The Spine Multi-Disciplinary Team, has the ethos that motion is medicine and keeping your spine moving is the best way to protect it. Anthony shares eight expert-backed tips for maintaining a healthy, happy spine as we age. 1. Don’t Panic About MRI Findings If you’ve ever had a spinal scan, you may have seen words like “degeneration” or “disc changes.” These findings can sound alarming, but they’re actually a normal part of ageing. Many people with these changes have no pain at all. 2. Posture Doesn’t Cause Pain It’s tempting to blame bad posture for back or neck problems, but research shows posture alone isn’t usually the culprit. What matters most is movement variety. If you sit for long periods, change positions often, stretch, or take short movement breaks. 3. Stay Active Prolonged rest can actually slow recovery and stiffen joints. Gentle, regular movement helps your spine stay supple and your muscles stay strong. 4. Strength Training is Safe Strong muscles provide natural support and protection, reducing the risk of injury. With the right guidance, resistance training is safe and highly effective at any age. If you’re new to strength training, start light and seek advice from a physiotherapist or trainer experienced with older adults. 5. Sitting Isn’t the Problem Many people worry about sitting too much, but sitting itself isn’t harmful; staying in one position for too long is. Set reminders to stand, stretch, or walk around every 30–60 minutes. A few minutes of movement can make a huge difference to how your back feels. 6. Keep Your Hobbies Whether it’s gardening, golf, or hiking, staying engaged in the activities you love is key to both physical and mental well-being. You may just need to adapt how you do them. 7. Know the Red Flags Most back pain improves with time and gentle movement, but a few symptoms require urgent attention. Seek medical help immediately if you experience: These can signal a serious underlying issue that needs prompt care. 8. Motion is Medicine Above all else, remember this: the more you move, the healthier your spine will be. Movement nourishes your spinal discs, strengthens muscles, and keeps your joints flexible. Back health after 50 isn’t about slowing down; it’s about moving smartly and confidently. The Other Common Culprit It’s not just the lower back that needs attention. Neck and shoulder pain are incredibly common as we age, with studies suggesting up to half of people over 60 experience persistent symptoms. Much of this isn’t due solely to wear and tear, but rather how we use our bodies in modern life. Prolonged screen use, phone scrolling, or carrying heavy bags on one shoulder all contribute to muscle imbalance and strain. Exercises That Help The good news is that regular, targeted exercises can help strengthen your back and ease tension. Try these simple moves (ideally guided at first by a physiotherapist or osteopath): A few minutes a day can make a real difference. Keeping People Moving World Spine Day is a reminder that spinal health matters at every age. For those over 50, it’s an opportunity to celebrate what your body can still do and to take simple, proactive steps to protect it for the future. With the right knowledge, confidence, and care, you can continue doing gardening, golfing, walking, or simply enjoying daily life without fear of movement. Website: http://www.spinemdt.com Youtube.com/@spinemdt All socials: @spinemdt
Government accused of “ambulance chasing” disabled people
The Government is facing backlash from disability campaigners over plans to place Job Centre staff in GP surgeries, a move critics say is intrusive, discriminatory, and “turns the state into ambulance chasing” targeting disabled people. The policy, part of a new back-to-work initiative, will see Job Centre advisers based in doctors’ surgeries to “help patients access employment support sooner.” But disability advocates argue it risks intimidating vulnerable patients and blurring the line between healthcare and welfare enforcement. Ed Balls was quoted on GMB, saying this will stop people visiting the doctor’s surgery for treatment. Snowball, the UK’s leading disability-access platform, founded by Simon Sansome, has condemned the plan as a “shocking failure of understanding.” Founder Simon Sansome said: “Instead of chasing disabled people to their doctors, the Government should make Job Centres accessible. Disabled people don’t need to be cornered in GP waiting rooms, they need access, fairness, and real opportunity.” Snowball met with the Disability Minister last year to discuss introducing the Snowball Accessibility Scheme in Job Centres, a system designed to rate, improve, and standardise accessibility nationwide. The company even submitted a formal tender to the Government to deliver the work, but the proposal was ignored. Sansome added: “We offered a fully developed accessibility framework that would have made Job Centres fit for everyone. Instead, the Government has gone for a headline-grabbing shortcut that risks humiliating disabled people in the one place they should feel safe, their GP surgery.” During recent discussions on GMB about welfare reform, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden MP stated: “Job Centres are not suitable for everyone.” Sansome responded: “He’s right. Job Centres are not for everyone, because they’re still not accessible to everyone. Until those changes are made, this entire policy is built on inequality.” Campaigners say the move could create fear and confusion among disabled people, many of whom already feel unfairly treated by the benefits system. Sansome said: “People go to their GP for care, not a career consultation. If the Government really wants to help, it should start by making its own services inclusive, not by turning GP surgeries into Job Centres.” The app is available for download on both Apple and Android devices ● Website: www.snowballassessment.com ● Apple App Store: Snowball Community – Apple ● Google Play Store: Snowball Community – Android
NHS Veteran Aware accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS), a leading and well-respected independent occupational therapy company, has been awarded NHS Veteran Aware accreditation in recognition of its training to support the Armed Forces community. Delivered by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, NHS Veteran Aware is an accreditation programme designed to help healthcare providers understand and meet the needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families in the UK. TOTS identified this initiative as aligning with its values so applied for training to enhance its intervention for military charities, case management companies, the NHS and local authorities. This accreditation proves that the service it provides meets national standards and has proven competency in terms of social value, intervention and inclusion. Lucy Leonard, occupational therapist and Director of The Occupational Therapy Service, commented: “For me, the visit was a proud moment but also a challenge. Pride that our team has done the work to reach this point; challenge because it reminds us to keep learning and adapting. It’s not about a plaque on the wall, it’s about how we approach every assessment, every recommendation, and every conversation so that veterans and their families get the right support and opportunities to live full, independent lives.” Servicing for over 40 years in the British Army, retired Lieutenant Colonel Guy Benson was invited to the TOTS headquarters to unveil a plaque which illustrates the new TOTS accreditation. Guy is the National Programme Director and Team Leader of the NHS VCHA and National Training and Education Programme. One of the most moving moments was sharing a painting given to our Director Samantha Shann, by a Ukrainian veteran she met earlier this year. Guy added: “The Occupational Therapy Service, who recently joined the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), are absolutely brilliant. This is a well led, professional and compassionate organisation who are making a real difference and playing their part in ensuring that the Armed Forces community do not face inequalities, unwarranted variation or disadvantage in the provision of healthcare. These are ordinary people, delivering the extra-ordinary and as such are playing their part in making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran.” Lucy sums up Guys visit by saying: “It was inspirational to meet Guy and hear about his past military experiences and commitment to improving care for fellow veterans. He was very humble and a real leader We’re grateful to Guy for giving his time, for sharing his experience so generously, and for encouraging us to keep going.” www.theotservice.co.uk
World Sight Day: Blind Veterans UK praise for Surbiton care home
A care home has been praised for the care and support it is providing a blind RAF veteran on World Sight Day. Staff at Royal Star & Garter’s Surbiton Home invited Blind Veterans UK to give them support and advice after former RAF policeman Jeremy Sellwood became a resident. According to Jed, as he is known, and his family, it has helped him to settle in and enjoy life at the Home. The praise for Royal Star & Garter comes on World Sight Day, 9 October, and during World Blindness Awareness Month, which is running throughout October. Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care and support for veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia, through its Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. It also provides services reaching into the community, including Lunch Clubs, Day Care and a national Telephone Friendship Service. Blind Veterans UK supports anyone who has served in the Armed Forces and is now living with significant sight loss. Jed lost his sight after sustaining a serious head injury in 1987, aged 25. It happened while he was based at JHQ (Joint Headquarters) Rheindahlen in West Germany, and he was off-duty at the time. With the support of Blind Veterans UK, he was able to live independently for more than 20 years. However, a series of falls resulted in Jed, now 63, coming to Royal Star & Garter in 2024. It was after moving in that the Home’s dedicated Wellbeing Team reached out to the sight loss charity. Wellbeing Coordinator Lesley O’Driscoll said: “The team haven’t had to support someone who is totally blind and we wanted advice and to know what we can do to help his wellbeing.” Blind Veterans UK provided a box of activities and advised on the set-up of Jed’s room. A case worker also meets Jed each month and Lesley added: “We’ve definitely been able to improve the support and wellbeing we provide Jed since contacting Blind Veterans UK.” Jed said: “I think it’s excellent that Royal Star & Garter got in contact with Blind Veterans UK. It’s refreshing to see two organisations working together this way. Staff here always go the extra mile for every single resident.” Jed’s sister Kim said: “Blind Veterans UK has been supporting Jed for a long time, so I was thrilled when Royal Star & Garter reached out to them to help with the support they can provide him.” Mark Wheeler, from Blind Veterans UK said: “We are proud to have been supporting Jed for many years. It was fantastic to work with Royal Star & Garter to share our expertise and support them to provide the best care possible. It’s great to see two veterans’ charities working together for Jed’s benefit and we’re grateful that staff at the Home reached out to us. It’s good to know that Jed is now receiving such wonderful care and that he is happy.” Speaking about Royal Star & Garter, Jed added: “This place feels like home, it’s absolutely fantastic. Everybody’s friendly and helpful, and I feel lucky to be here.” Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton is also welcoming new residents. For more information on this, its other services or to work at the Home, go to: www.starandgarter.org/surbiton