Author: Jessica

Accessibility improvements at three TransPennine express stations

Customers using Dewsbury, Grimsby Town, and Scunthorpe stations are set to benefit from a series of accessibility improvements, as TransPennine Express (TPE) continues to improve accessibility for everyone using the railway. The changes are being made to make access easier and safer for all customers, including those with reduced mobility, with the works due to be completed by the end of April 2025. At Dewsbury, improvements include the installation of new handrails and resurfacing of the north access ramp from Milton Walk. Handrails on the steps from the ticket hall are also being replaced, along with the installation of new anti-slip stair treads installed on steps to enhance safety. Other accessibility improvements include localised surfacing repairs to bridge landings, replacement cycle tracks to access steps, and new tactile paving to support visually impaired customers. At Grimsby Town, the original footbridge steps are being upgraded with new handrails, while the existing step risers and handrails are being redecorated, improving the station’s appearance. Meanwhile, at Scunthorpe, work is focused on providing a more accessible and user-friendly environment for customers. The accessibility improvements includes installing new handrails and the installation of tactile paving on steps and zebra crossings to aid visually impaired customers. Chris Jeffery, Accessibility Lead at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re always looking at ways to improve the accessibility of our stations to ensure that all customers can travel with confidence. “These improvements at Dewsbury, Grimsby Town, and Scunthorpe will make a real difference for those who use these stations regularly, making access easier and safer for everyone.” TPE is committed to enhancing the customer experience across its network, with these latest upgrades forming part of a wider programme of station improvements. https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/

Blind and partially sighted people left behind in AI revolution

Blind and partially sighted people risk being shut out of the AI revolution, a leading diplomat has warned.Dr Walton Aubrey Webson, the first visually impaired UN Ambassador, will tell a major tech conference in Glasgow that AI models should have accessibility built into them from the start.Without proper safeguards, they could “inadvertently perpetuate biases” which exclude blind and partially sighted people, leaving them further behind, he is expected to say.The Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference, organised by RNIB Scotland, will explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming the lives of people with sight loss worldwide.Opening the conference today [MON], Dr Webson, who represents Antigua and Barbuda at the UN, will call for tech firms to prioritise accessibility from the start.He will warn that AI systems trained on biased or incomplete data risk deepening inequalities rather than removing barriers.More than a billion people worldwide have some form of sight disorder, and that number is growing. AI has the potential to transform daily life for people with sight loss, from navigation to accessing information. But without accessibility at its core, it could create new barriers instead of breaking them down, Dr Webson will say. The conference at Glasgow Science Centre will showcase the latest advances in AI, with demonstrations of cutting-edge technology such as robotic guide dogs and smart canes.Sponsored by Google and Meta, one of the key sessions will explore how AI can be harnessed to make everyday life more inclusive for those with disabilities.Dr Webson, who lost his sight as a child due to a rare cancer, will highlight how technology has long helped blind people navigate the world more independently.While innovations such as screen readers and adaptive devices have transformed lives, he will warn that AI revolution risks deepening inequalities if accessibility is not prioritised.He will call for stronger regulations and industry standards to ensure accessibility is embedded from the start.Dr Webson will also raise concerns about privacy and security, warning that AI tools often rely on personal data.He will stress the need for safeguards so users know how their data is used and can make informed choices. Dr Webson is expected to say:“AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases if they are trained on datasets that do not adequately represent the diversity of persons with disabilities.“This can lead to the development of technologies that do not effectively serve all users.“Ensuring diverse representation in training data is essential to creating fair and equitable AI solutions.“Implementing robust data protection measures and obtaining informed consent is crucial to ensuring that users feel safe and secure while using assistive technologies.“Major technology companies must seriously incorporate inclusive design into their innovation and product development processes.“We must view inclusive design not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental aspect of technological development.“Together, we can create a world where technology is genuinely a wheel of opportunity for all.” RNIB Scotland is hosting the conference as part of its mission to ensure everyone with sight loss has access to the technology they need to live independently.Around 183,000 people in Scotland and more than two million across the UK have significant sight loss, and that number is expected to rise.With an ageing population and increasing rates of conditions like diabetes, the number of people affected could double within 20 years. James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “It’s a privilege to welcome Dr Webson, who has been a strong advocate for the rights of visually impaired people and those with other disabilities, alongside other experts at our conference.“Their perspectives are invaluable in guiding us towards a future where technology is truly inclusive.“The rapid advancements in technology offer us a unique opportunity to address exclusion and improve accessibility for those with sight loss. “With the number of people affected by sight loss expected to rise significantly, it’s more important than ever that we prioritise inclusivity in the development of new tech.“We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind in the AI revolution.“Only then can we create a world where technology opens doors for all. https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/navigating-sight-loss/registering-as-sight-impaired/the-criteria-for-certification

New Enhancements to Award-Winning DoodleMaths App

Global edtech leader Discovery Education today announced new product enhancements to its award-winning DoodleMaths app. Providing self-paced, personalised maths practice from EYFS to KS3, DoodleMaths is trusted and enjoyed by thousands of teachers and pupils across the UK.  Part of the Discovery Education family of solutions, DoodleMaths is a research-based, curriculum aligned digital learning app that boosts student skills and confidence. Designed by teachers , DoodleMaths is filled with interactive exercises that continuously adjust to the unique needs of children, creating a fun learning environment that builds numeracy skills for the classroom and beyond. DoodleLearning’s product team has worked with teachers and education experts to develop the new enhancements to DoodleMaths, making the app even more intuitive, interactive and accessible. These enhancements include:  ●      New, interactive lessons  New three-part concept lessons deliver a ‘Connect, Discover and Explore’ lesson structure. Pupils are encouraged to consolidate learning, discover new skills and put learning into practice by engaging with interactive, real-world, in-app tasks.  ●      New digital manipulatives and modelsNew interactive tools give pupils a hands-on learning experience that encourages deeper number sense and understanding. DoodleMaths now also includes more images to boost pupil engagement and new animations to bring concepts to life. ●      New accessibility updatesNew text-to-speech audio (TTS) enables users to play single lines of text while a new glossary helps pupils to instantly access definitions of unfamiliar words. In addition, a new approach to UI design enables learners with low vision and colour blindness to distinguish text and non-text elements. Hundreds of questions within the app have also been redesigned to align with accessibility best practice.  ●      New curriculum designDoodleMaths now covers even more of the primary maths curriculum – particularly at EYFS. Shorter, snappier lessons also enable pupils to complete a Doodle session and earn rewards in as little as ten minutes.  Steve Richards, UK Product Manager at DoodleLearning said, “These new enhancements and updates to DoodleMaths make it even easier for pupils – including those with differing abilities – to access high-quality learning experiences that support increased achievement. We are committed to ensuring every pupil using DoodleLearning can progress at their own pace and grow in confidence, and we look forward unveiling even more updates to our award-winning suite of apps very soon.” Designed to create every child a personalised learning experience tailored to their needs, DoodleLearning also helps to boost pupil confidence and ability. A study by the University of Bath showed that children who use DoodleMaths for 20 minutes a week are four times less likely to experience learning loss than their peers. Research also found that using Doodle ‘little and often’ doubles a child’s rate of progression. Further updates to DoodleLearning are in the works and scheduled for release throughout 2025/6. For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.co.uk and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Exciting Competition Prizes

Open Road Access (ORA), a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) rental company is thrilled to announce an exciting competition in partnership with Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes. The competition aims to promote accessible travel and reward participants with fantastic prizes, including an accessible holiday experience. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes on this amazing competition” says David Dew-Veal, Co-founder of Open Road Access. Planning a getaway as a wheelchair user can involve complex preparation, often leading to less frequent travel. Accessible Holiday Escapes, Heddwch Accessible Escapes and Open Road Access are on a mission to make travel more accessible for everyone by considering the needs of wheelchair users, to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. This amazing giveaway offers one lucky winner an extraordinary accessible holiday. However, this is not the only prize to be won. What prizes can be won in the competition? There are 3 incredible prizes to be won in this competition. The grand prize is an accessible holiday experience, including a four-day WAV rental and a three-night stay at an accessible cottage. The second prize provides a one-week WAV rental, ensuring an independent and accessible travel for all. The final prize features a pair of AirPods. How to enter the competition: The competition is open now. Individuals can record an entry by filling out a short form. As part of this initiative, Open Road Access will be hosting a stand at Naidex, Europe’s largest event dedicated to disability and independent living, held at NEC Birmingham on 19-20 March. Individuals can double their chances to win by visiting the Open Road Access Naidex Stand (G110) and recording a short video sharing their take on accessibility. David Dew-Veal continues: “This competition embodies the company’s mission to transform accessible transport and empower individuals with unforgettable travel opportunities.” The competition winners will be announced in ORA’s April newsletter. Open Road Access invites attendees to Naidex to be part of this movement toward more accessible future. “We are excited to welcome visitors to our stand at Naidex and we encourage everyone to participate in this fantastic giveaway” adds Dew-Veal. Visit ORA at Naidex Find out more about Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes

Pembrokeshire access for all visitors in 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE TAKES NEXT STEPS IN PROVIDING ACCESS FOR ALL VISITORS IN 2025 Pembrokeshire is an inspiring place and to ensure everyone has access to its natural coastal beauty and experiences, Visit Pembrokeshire is stepping up its commitment to inclusivity with the launch of a dedicated portal on its website https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/open-to-all Part of a destination initiative called Open to All, the portal will feature a directory of businesses and organisations across Pembrokeshire offering services for those who face barriers to travel and tourism. It will include, for example, information about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s all-terrain equipment and easy-to-hire mobility trikes and beach wheelchairs. Plus, details of accommodation providers offering wheelchair equipped rooms, the location of adaptive toilet facilities, information about those businesses with hearing loop facilities or sign language trained staff. In short, it will reference those Pembrokeshire businesses and organisations – from coastal foragers to yoga providers – featuring inclusive elements within their offering. Providing positive examples in action, the case study section will highlight specific operators such as North Pembrokeshire based Havard Riding Stables, who offer lessons for all abilities. Also Windswept, the Dale-based paddleboarding-for-all company who provide individual as well as family and group sessions with adaptive kit and hoist facilities too.  Plus, Blue Horizons, a surf school with an operation at Broadhaven Beach, is one of the only surf instruction schools to offer itself exclusively to those with disabilities and their families. Not just limited to disability specialists, other case studies will include businesses who, just by implementing small measures, have made a difference to visitors with extra needs.  Celtic Deep, for example, a marine conservation and wildlife adventure company, tailors its experiences by offering small group sessions and minimising walking distances to its activities. While bushcraft expert Buzzard Chris Bushcraft offers a range of courses that can be tailored to meet specific needs. As well as being useful for visitors, it is hoped this case study section will inspire other Pembrokeshire operators to follow suit. To this end, providing practical help to do so, there will be a Resource Hub, featuring free education and support tools. This section will include suggestions on how small tweaks to a business’s website, such as enlarging the font and tailoring its messages on its social media, can make a difference to a visitor’s experience. Links to free training opportunities offering a diverse range of sessions from British Sign Language to cultural awareness and how to help those with partial autism is also included.  These will be supplemented with information about forums and in-person meet ups such as beach days, designed to encourage businesses to network and share ideas about best practice. While a positive step, Visit Pembrokeshire understands that the launch of the website is very much part of an ongoing cultural change. Says Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire “The initial work conducted by the Open to All team alerted us to reports that a lack of accessibility provision was in fact discouraging potential visitors. “To turn this around, we initially began to highlight those organisations where accessible provision was already central to their offer, then used them as inspiration to other businesses to instil changes. “We’re now working with businesses across Pembrokeshire, helping them, where they can, to make changes and to tailor their own accessible offer; and we’re already seeing positive results.  Some businesses for example have created new and bespoke access guides with accompanying videos. Others have added detailed information to their website about their inclusive offer for potential visitors to view.   These positive tweaks demonstrate to potential guests that their needs are being taken into consideration.  It says, ‘we’re listening,’ empowering them to feel confident in booking and visiting us.” She continues “Alongside this social inclusivity perspective, financially it makes sense too.  Recent figures from the charity Scope suggest that the Purple Pound is worth over £249 billion annually, so ignoring this is not only doing a disservice to disabled visitors, but commercially to us as a destination too”. Open to All Project Manager, Abi Marriott, adds, “2024 was a busy and successful year gearing up to launch the new Open To All Resource Hub.  Somewhat of a project legacy, this new website brings together the multiple strands of our work, offering access to business case study examples, training materials, toolkit and templates, plus a place where people can connect for ongoing specialist advice. It will also feature an inclusive media library for businesses to enrich their own marketing materials. We hope it will be an extremely useful resource for both visitors and businesses alike, adapting and expanding as we continue on our path to creating a more inclusive destination that is truly ‘Open to All’”.

First disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole

A British stroke survivor from Devon, Jonny Huntington, has made history by becoming the first ever disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. Just 52 people have ever successfully skied to the South Pole without support. Jonny is the first explorer with a disability to do so, covering the 911km of Antarctic tundra with limited mobility down his left-hand side; a feat he completed in 45 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes.  Having set off from Fuchs-Messner on the edge of the Antarctic landmass on 21st November, Jonny arrived at the South Pole on 6th January at around 5pm (GMT) officially making history as the first ever explorer with a disability to reach the South Pole alone. “I’m exhausted – but so proud to make it to the pole and complete an expedition that many thought impossible,” said Jonny from the South Pole.  “It has pushed me to my limits – both mentally and physically – but there was no way I was going to give up. I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. “It is incredible to think that I am the first disabled person in history to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, and it just proves that anything is possible with self-belief.  “I will never let my disability define me, and I hope that by reaching the finish line, it shows that no matter what life throws at you – with enough determination everyone can fulfil their own potential.” On average, Jonny was skiing for 11 hours a day and dragging all his equipment and food in a sled which weighed more than 90kg, with everything he needed to survive the expedition.  Throughout the expedition he battled Arctic temperatures as low as -40 C and blistering 24-hour sunlight; huge ice formations called sastrugi and soft snow making progress challenging.  This year has been particularly challenging for adventurers in Antarctica with other expeditions having to be aborted. Jonny added: “Antarctica is a remote, hostile and uninhabitable environment, and some of the conditions were incredibly challenging.  “There were days when I had to finish earlier than planned because of dangerous conditions or pure exhaustion and self-preservation for the longevity of the expedition, meaning the expedition took longer than I initially planned. I ended the expedition with just 24 hours of rations left.” Completing the expedition has been a monumental effort for Jonny, who has a significant lack of mobility and control down his left-hand side, following a stroke in 2014. At just 28 years old, the stroke left Jonny with complete left-side paralysis from the neck down. After years of intense rehab, today Jonny lives with permanent brain damage resulting in a significant lack of strength, mobility and control down his left side. Talking about how it affected him on the expedition, he said: “This was a massive undertaking for an able-bodied person. Add my restricted movements due to neuro fatigue from the brain damage, and it took the challenge to a whole new level. “My disability means I have little control in my left ankle, meaning that my leg kind of freely rotates. I fell a lot over the course of my journey, especially at the start of the expedition while I was getting acclimatised to the conditions, but just had to get back up, dust myself off, and carry on. “It was also exacerbated by the cold climate of Antarctica and proved a constant challenge with the uneven and sometimes unpredictable snow conditions. “Despite the challenges I faced on the ice, my hope is that by completing the expedition, I have shown that disability does not mean inability.” ALE’s Expedition Manager, Steve Jones, said “I’m delighted for Jonny that he has succeeded in his goal of becoming the first disabled person to ski solo to the South Pole.  “This is a milestone achievement for Jonny personally and for the everyone living with disabilities. “He has not just skied to the South Pole alone, but unsupported, without resupplies or outside assistance en route. This is a massive physical and mental challenge in which Jonny has thrived.” Jonny was born in Cambridge, where he lived until he went to university at 18-years-old and subsequently joined the military. He now lives in Kingsbridge, Devon. Through his expedition, Jonny was raising money for four charities including the Invictus Games Foundation, Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team, Team Forces and The Adaptive Grand Slam Foundation. To donate, visit https://givestar.io/gs/south-pole-solo-expedition. To find out more about Jonny’s expedition, visit www.jonnyhuntington.com see @jonnyhuntington on Instagram and LinkedIn. Jonny would like to thank the many people who have helped him to take on this challenge including his partners Specialist Risk Group, Team Forces, Collins Aerospace, ACRE Capital Real Estate, and Continuate. Major General Lamont Kirkland CBE, CEO Team Forces, added; “What a monumental effort from Jonny. It’s a privilege to have supported him to show that anything is possible with the right training and mindset.” He’d also like to thank his technical partners Dynafit, Doxa Watches, JADAT Adventures, Salewa and SunGod Eyewear; and supporters Veeam, Dell, Pointwire, Comtech, Tila Capital, NSSLGlobal, Branding Science, Lidstones, and &SONS.

Transforming Air Travel to Meet the Needs of Disabled Passengers

Air travel remains fraught with challenges for many disabled passengers – from mishandled mobility aids to insufficient staff training and outdated accessibility standards. These barriers highlight the urgent need for meaningful change in the aviation industry. To address these critical challenges, leading wheelchair accessible vehicle rental service Open Road Access recently hosted a groundbreaking webinar in collaboration with the Rights on Flights campaign. The event brought together industry leaders, accessibility advocates, and members of the disabled community to discuss practical solutions for improving air travel for disabled passengers. Featuring insights from experts like Christopher Wood MBE, Martyn Sibley, and David Dew-Veal, the session aimed to shape a roadmap towards a more inclusive future. “At Open Road Access, we believe air travel should be accessible, safe, and dignified for everyone” says David Dew-Veal, Director of Strategy & Innovation at Proximo Group, the parent company of Open Road Access. Drawing insights from a recent webinar, Open Road Access has developed an actionable roadmap for achieving accessibility in air travel, ensuring equity, dignity, and inclusion at every stage of the journey. Key recommendations from the roadmap include: Disability inclusion and representation: Disability inclusion and representation in the industry is crucial, as it ensures accessibility is foundational rather than an afterthought. This can be achieved by making sure disabled people are employed, included, and actively engaged in the aviation industry. Booking and assistance coordination: • Making all booking platforms accessible (WCAG 2.2 compliant) and enabling an electronic “passport” storing mobility information for regular passengers to streamline booking. • Providing free travel for personal assistants and implementing seamless data sharing between airlines and airports. At the airport: • Implementing universal design principles in airport refurbishments and builds. • Equipping terminals with accessible self-service kiosks, e-gates, restroom facilities. Installing changing places and service animal relief areas (SARAs) and ensuring gates feature lifts to easily transport mobility aids. Pre-flight and boarding: • Using photo documentation for mobility aids at check-in and prior to returning mobility aids to ensure they are returned in good condition. • Allowing wheelchair users to stay in their chairs up to the aircraft door and prohibit handcarrying for level changes, requiring proper lifting equipment. In-flight accommodations and accessibility: • Equipping aircraft with on-board wheelchairs and accessible lavatories for all aircraft seating 125+ passengers. • Providing movable armrests on aisle seats and designated seating for passengers needing to stay in their personal mobility aids. Onward travel and disruption management: • Implementing a “travel disruption support” program for real-time assistance during delays and cancellations. • Ensuring accessible car rental services at airports. The roadmap highlights the importance of collaboration between airlines, airports, and policymakers to make these recommendations a reality. “Whether you’re an aviation professional, an advocate, or a passenger, join us in exploring how we can work together to make air travel accessible for all” adds David Dew-Veal. https://openroadaccess.co.uk/key-takeaways-from-the-shape-of-the-future-of-air-travel-webinar/

Stiltz to exhibit at all OTAC Conferences 

Event sponsor Stiltz to exhibit at all OTAC Conferences  With £86 million added to DFG funding this year, Stiltz will be exhibiting at all Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conferences (OTAC) to meet the increased demand for homelift solutions in domestic properties with inaccessible stairs. The 10 OTAC events this year will provide an opportunity for housing and healthcare professionals to engage and learn about the latest accessible home adaptations for private and public funding. Delegates will consist of occupational therapists, equipment prescribers and grant officers with a duty of care to residents with mobility challenges. With only 9% of English housing stock having basic accessibility and over 1.8 million people now in need of accessible housing, identifying an efficient and clear pathway to an enabling solution is vital. That solution is a Stiltz Homelift. By attending OTAC, visitors will be able to tap into a wealth of expertise from Stiltz. Its stand will be manned by product specialists who will be able to discuss in detail the homelift assessment and provision process – 100% client-centric at every stage. Other topics to explore will include: Stiltz CPD seminars will also be available as part of the OTAC educational programme.  Respected accessible architect Amy Francis-Smith RIBA, continues to encourage all occupational therapists to consider prescribing a Stiltz Homelift. In conclusion she adds, “The impact of a homelift on homeowners is profound. For those previously limited by stairs, these lifts restore access to the entire home, fostering independence and freedom. The message for occupational therapists is clear – homelifts are no longer a luxury but a core component of inclusive design. By incorporating this innovative assistive technology, we can create homes that are not only functional but beautiful and sustainable for years to come.” Come and meet Stiltz at all 2025 OTAC conferences: 30th January – GlasgowGolden Jubilee Hotel, Beardmore St, Glasgow, Clydebank, G81 4SA (In partnership with Stiltz dealer, Scotland Mobility) 6th February – CambridgeHilton Cambridge City Centre, 20 Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3DT 13th February – DevonThe Imperial Torquay, Parkhill Rd, Torquay, TQ1 2DG 20th March – LeedsWeetwood Hall Estate, Otley Rd, Weetwood, Leeds, LS16 5PS 1st May – NewcastleHilton Newcastle Gateshead, Bottle Bank, Gateshead, NE8 2AR 26th June – MidlandsMolineux Stadium, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR 25th September – LiverpoolAintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Rd, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS 6th November – WatfordHilton Watford, Elton Way, Watford, WD25 8HA 13th November – BrightonBrighton Racecourse, Freshfield Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 9XZ 4th December – Cardiffvoco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel, Havannah St, Cardiff, CF10 5SD If you would prefer to book a one-to-one appointment with a Stiltz Trusted Assessor,please email: enquiries@stiltz.co.uk www.stiltzhealthcare.com