DFN project search appoints a new CEO to spearhead growth
Claire Cookson has been appointed as the new CEO of DFN Project SEARCH. Claire replaces Maura Lynch and will be responsible for executing DFN Project SEARCH’s long-term strategic goal of getting thousands of young adults with learning difficulties and autism into full-time paid jobs. Claire is currently the CEO of the DFN Charitable Foundation and has been working alongside DFN Project SEARCH colleagues for some time. She will continue to lead the Foundation’s other education and transition to employment programme, DFN MoveForward. Claire began her career in education and was Associate Headteacher of Woodlands School, a broad-spectrum Special School, before joining the DFN Charitable Foundation in 2019. She is a passionate advocate both in the education sector, as well as with employers, and has developed an extensive knowledge of supported employment provisions across the country. Her recent work partnering with National Grid to develop the supported internship programme, EmployAbility Let’s Work Together, has seen Claire emerge as one of the leading educational voices for supported employment in the UK. DFN Project SEARCH is a transition to work programme for students with learning disabilities and autism. Its pioneering programme is total workplace immersion at its very best, facilitating a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on skills training. Today the charity has 69 internationally recognised programmes across the UK, Ireland and Iberia, and has supported over 1000 interns into work. Over 60 per cent of its graduates obtain fulltime paid employment which is well beyond industry benchmarks. Discussing her appointment, Claire said: “It is a real privilege to be given the opportunity to shape and lead DFN Project SEARCH. Everyone deserves the right to aspire to the very best future – yet nationally only 5.9 per cent of people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) go on to secure full-time paid employment. “Through this incredible transition to employment programme, DFN Project SEARCH supports at least 60 per cent of its interns into full-time paid employment. I am delighted to be able to work with the team to realise our vision and ambition; to grow our provision and eradicate the postcode lottery to ensure that learners with SEND can access a high-quality Supported Internship in their local area. Our job now is to work with other aspirational providers, educators and local and national Government to give these talented young people hope and the chance to fulfil their potential.” David Forbes-Nixon, Chairman and Founder of the DFN Charitable Foundation, believes that Claire’s passion and dedication will be a key asset for DFN Project SEARCH as it meets its commitment of driving positive change for young adults with learning disabilities and autism. He said: “I am very excited about Claire’s appointment to lead DFN Project SEARCH and would like to thank Maura Lynch for the excellent job she has done leading the charity since 2019 and wish her well in the future. Claire is one of the leading practitioners in supported employment in the UK and will spearhead our ambitious plans to roll out DFN Project SEARCH over the coming years and get thousands of young adults with learning difficulties and autism into full time paid jobs.” David Forbes-Nixon has also recognised the dedication and ingenuity shown by the charity’s partners during the Covid-19 crisis. In response to the pandemic, DFN Project SEARCH has been working closely with its US colleagues to expand and develop online resources and training. They have also been partnering with its education and business partners to create new training materials to offer tailored support to individual needs. In addition, the charity has also been collaborating with the DFN Foundation and NSEF to launch the Finding Your Future campaign, a YouTube content channel designed to keep supported interns inspired and focused on employment outcomes. David added: “We find ourselves in unprecedented times, but this has brought our community together and driven collaboration to ensure that young people going through supported internships maintain their pathway to full employment. We know more than ever the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, being strong advocates, ambassadors and champions of our cause. We can be very proud of this collaboration and I truly believe that it creates a strong precedent for the supported internship community to emerge stronger on the other side, and united towards our goal of helping young people earn life-changing jobs.” For similar articles visit our features section
Tech company offers support solution to help disabled shoppers during lockdown
Scottish technology company Neatebox is offering supermarkets across the UK access to innovative new technology which, the company claims, can remove the challenges millions of individuals are currently facing when they visit a shop during lockdown and help disabled shoppers. Social distancing rules, queues, changing opening times and protected hours for key workers are just some of the vital new rules being employed by supermarkets countrywide to help protect both staff and customers from COVID-19. However, for those with a visible or hidden disability, the new regulations can increase anxiety, cause confusion and, in some cases, pose a significant barrier to simply shopping for essentials. Gavin Neate, founder of tech company Neatebox, explains the challenges: “Supermarkets have had to adapt rapidly to an evolving situation, creating innovative ways to minimise the risk of viral spread. However, for millions, the new rules are impossible to follow without more support. For individuals with autism, the rules can add an extra layer of anxiety. For someone who is blind, finding the end of the queue to enter the store is hugely difficult. Knowing where to stand on the 2 metre-spaced markers and when to move forward is impossible without help, while social distancing is reliant on other people being aware. Supermarkets have had to adapt quickly so there aren’t tactile markers or trained door staff able to effectively assist customers who require that level of additional support. Our technology, called ‘Welcome’, is designed to address inadequate customer support by alerting a venue to an individual’s visit in advance, outlining their specific requirements and, most importantly, providing staff with an overview of the customer’s condition and clear guidance on how to interact with that customer. 75% of disabled people have left a shop or deserted a business because of poor disability awareness or understanding. At present, the challenges are even greater for the 13 million disabled people living in the UK. We recognise the importance of immediate action and can install and deliver a trial of the system for free during the lockdown to help manage the disruptive effects of COVID-19.” ‘Welcome’ which is a free app for end users, is available on a free trial basis to all supermarket brands in the UK. It allows customers to tell the venue in advance about their upcoming visit and indicate any specific customer service assistance they may require. The shop is then notified of the visit and receives an overview of the customer’s condition. Crucially, this includes guidance from the appropriate charity to aid all interactions with the customer, including easy to follow top tips. The aim is to facilitate better communication between customers and staff to create long-lasting and mutually respectful relationships. ‘Welcome’ is already used in a variety of venues across the UK, ranging from banks and offices to galleries and hotels. Siobhan Meade is blind and she explains why the ‘Welcome’ technology is vital, especially during the current pandemic. She said: “My experience as a blind shopper is entirely dependent on either the knowledge or common sense of the staff member I encounter. Some venues are amazing and they just get it while others ask how they can help but there’s a real problem with some shops not knowing and not caring to know how to help. I never feel as blind as I do when I stand somewhere I don’t know and can’t find staff help. Supermarkets create the biggest barrier to my independence. Sometimes we’ll be waiting for 30 minutes and often they seek to obtain the services of the youngest, newest and least able to communicate colleague and that was before the additional complexities of COVID-19. It’s so important that venues know that communications are central. At present, it isn’t necessarily possible to use online delivery. The creators of ‘Welcome’ know that their challenge is to install the app in new shops so that more people with all types of disability know it’s available and get genuine use out of it. If we can get this out there more widely, I’d head on to the high street and into shops more often. Knowing that I could head out to shops and, after lockdown, restaurants without being made to feel incapable would be amazing and give me a sense of control about how I want to be assisted.” Welcome is available to venues of all types. For more information, please visit www.neatebox.com, follow @neatebox
Free newspaper subscription for people with sight loss during COVID-19 pandemic
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is helping people with sight loss keep up to date during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a free newspaper subscription or broadcast guide via its Newsagent service. RNIB Newsagent provides plain text email versions of major UK newspapers, and TV and radio guides, which can be easily read with magnification or screen reading software that many blind and partially sighted people use. This offer means that anyone who finds it difficult to read a paper or TV guide in their current print or online formats can get easy access to their favourite newspaper or broadcast guide for free for up to three months. RNIB Library and Newsagent Manager, James Bartlett said: “Now more than ever people are keen to keep up with the news headlines and hear about what is going on in the world. Reducing isolation is one of RNIB’s key objectives and this offer of a three-month free subscription via email from RNIB Newsagent is part of that. We would like to acknowledge the support of NLA Media Access for helping us to provide this offer and encourage anybody interested to sign up via the RNIB Helpline.” NLA’s Head of Publisher Services, Matt Aspinall said: “It’s an honour being able to help support RNIB with this initiative, at a time when consuming the news is so important and increasingly difficult. NLA has been a partner of RNIB for nearly ten years, each day generating accessible content from over 100 newspapers, making sure news can be converted by RNIB into multiple formats for their customer base. We are also always keen to hear from new publishers who wish to support RNIB in this way.” For a full list of what publications are available from RNIB Newsagent or to sign up to the service, contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or by emailing helpline@rnib.org.uk. RNIB is supporting blind and partially sighted people during the coronavirus pandemic with advice and support thanks to generous donations from the public. To help RNIB to continue to deliver these vital services we would welcome contributions from the public. To donate please visit https://www.rnib.org.uk/donations-and-fundraising
Heroic support worker saves a life with first aid actions
A support worker from Pegswood has been recognised for his lifesaving first aid action earlier this year while at work supporting people with learning disabilities. Kevin Hope works for national learning disability charity Hft at one of its day opportunities services in Morpeth, where he supports adults with learning disabilities to identify their skills and interests within their communities. While at work in February this year, the support worker noticed that someone who regularly attends the service was choking on her lunch. The 50 year old leaped into action and performed an abdominal thrust, followed by a further two thrusts, which eventually dislodged the food. When paramedics arrived to check the individual was safe and well, they praised Kevin’s quick thinking during a very stressful situation. Kevin’s career as a support worker began 15 years ago when he was looking for a change of direction from his role as a security guard at a Newcastle shopping centre. After looking for a job with more flexible hours and a better work life balance, Kevin applied for a role at Hft where he could combine his previous horticultural experience with making a difference to the lives of vulnerable adults. Over a decade and a half later, Kevin has become a well-established member of the team, who counts introducing a pioneering new outdoor programme among his many achievements. The support worker set up the Happy Diggers initiative nearly three years ago and now spends his days supporting four individuals to grow seasonal produce on an accessible allotment. The group has gone from strength to strength, with members relishing the fresh air and exercise, as well as enjoying a boost in confidence thanks to their new skills. Kevin Hope said: “I didn’t have time to hesitate when I saw someone in trouble. The first aid training course I did last year came back to me immediately and it was only afterwards that I realised the enormity of what had happened. “This is definitely one of the most memorable moments of the years I have spent as a support worker. This job is always rewarding – you can look back at the end of the day at all the things you’ve helped people to achieve. There’s also a great sense of camaraderie and teamwork between members of staff.” Rita Love, Day Services Manager at Hft, said: “Support workers like Kevin make such a difference to the people they support by providing both practical and emotional support so that they can live the best lives possible. Kevin is one in a million, both in terms of his response during an emergency and his role leading the Happy Diggers group. We’ve been pleased to recognise his heroic actions with our staff reward scheme.” Hft currently supports more than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work, and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities. The need for people to provide care in this uncertain time is greater than ever. Hft is calling on anyone who may find themselves temporarily out of work or seeking alternative employment to apply for a relief support worker role. To find out more, visit www.hft.org.uk/jobs
New Child and Adult Protection Committees Chair
Aberdeenshire Council has appointed a new independent Chair of its Child and Adult Support Protection Committees. Susan Maclaren, who is joining the team from the Childcare and Learning Alliance in the Highlands, was Head of Integrated Children’s Services and Chief Social Work Officer at Moray Council until August 2018. Susan explained her “bizarre career path” has taken her from being an aircraft mechanic in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, to a police officer and later a social worker before climbing management ranks. She grew up in Badenoch and Strathspey and has worked in Cornwall and Caithness as well as many places in between. new child and adult protection chair Susan Maclaren [Click and drag to move] Susan said: “As a young police officer I became involved in a number of child protection cases and worked closely with the local social work department which brought me into contact with a number of highly skilled and dedicated social workers. Their commitment to working with families and children to make things better had a lasting impression, and I was lucky to be one of the first police officers to gain a Child Protection Diploma – more than 30 years ago. “I’m really looking forward to working with new and former colleagues in Aberdeenshire. There has never been a more important time to look out for the most vulnerable and the most important thing we can do is to listen to those we are there to protect, and to work in partnership with parents, carers, children, young people and families. It’s important we work well together across different agencies and do everything we can to enable young and vulnerable members of our society to live safely, feel valued and reach their potential.” The Child Protection Committee and the Adult Support Protection Committee both bring together colleagues from social work, health, the police and voluntary organisations to steer the strategic direction of joint working practices. They influence and guide local working groups who meet to ensure service users’ needs are met in the most effective ways possible. The Council’s Chief Executive, Jim Savege, who is also Chair of the local Executive Group for Public Protection commented: “While these are very different circumstances to those we were expecting to welcome Susan in to, teams are adapting well and Susan will be a great asset to an already strong multi-agency team of committed professionals. We are continually striving for improvement and looking for opportunities to improve the life chances of children and young as well as vulnerable people, and we’ll continue to give of our best in the weeks ahead. “Susan’s wide-ranging career in social work as well as Armed Forces and police services means she’s no stranger to partnership working and is very much committed to multi-agency working. We are very much looking forward to working with her.” Anyone looking to report a child protection concern can contact local social work teams using the details on Aberdeenshire Council’s website: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/children-and-families/children-and-families-team-offices/ The main telephone number is 01467 537111 during working hours Monday to Friday and Out of Hours after 5pm and at weekends is 03456 081206. The Adult Protection Network can be reached on 01467 533100 or by emailing adultprotectionnetwork@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Grampian Women’s Aid continue to provide support to those affected by domestic abuse and can be reached on 01224 593381 or by emailing info@grampian-womens-aid.com In an emergency, please dial 999 or to report a crime in a non-emergency situation use 101.
Calls for clarity from Government over planning for young disabled people
Simpson Millar issued a letter before action on behalf of the mother of a child with a number of complex health and learning disabilities calling on the government to put in place clear plans to ensure the needs of young disabled people are met, including reviewing its policy and practice of not testing health and care workers for Covid 19. 17-year-old Francesca Adam-Smith has significant underlying health difficulties, as well as severe learning difficulties, which leaves her more susceptible to disease than others; and more likely to be adversely affected and require hospitalisation if she contracts Covid-19. Her mother Rachel who also has an underlying congenital heart condition is also particularly vulnerable were she to contract the virus. On medical advice, Francesca is not currently attending her special school, although it is currently seeking to remain open. In a letter before action (LBA) issued by leading public law experts at Simpson Millar on their behalf the government was urged to confirm its strategy for ‘meeting the needs of young disabled people (children and working age adults) in the context of the current pandemic’. While the government addressed some of the concerns raised within the letter during the Covid 19 press conference that took place on Wednesday March 18th which have been welcomed by the family, the family’s lawyer says a number of key issues are yet to be dealt with. Dan Rosenberg, an education lawyer at Simpson Millar, said that there remained a ‘lack of clarity and reassurance’ that the Government ‘has a grip’ on a serious matter that significantly impacts thousands of families. He says: “The government has committed to more testing, but we’re looking for clarification that testing for those working in Health, Care and Education will take place.” Rachel said: “In our personal circumstances I know that there are many specialist teaching assistants at Francesca’s school that are trained in, for example, Makaton or the specialist feeding provision needed for those with complex conditions who are currently off self-isolating due to this outbreak. The reality is that these people or people close to them may be displaying symptoms but are just suffering from a minor cold or chest infection. Without clarity on when and if they will receive testing, how do we know? Similarly, there are healthcare professionals in hospitals who are in the same boat, leaving our front-line provisions hugely understaffed. I’m worried that if vulnerable individuals such as Francesca, or even myself, need care as a result of exposure there may not be enough people there to look after us.” While welcoming the fact that the Government has confirmed that there will still be education for those with EHCPs, as part of a further letter to the government issued Simpson Millar sought further clarification regarding any additional support for parents looking after severely disabled children such as Francesca who cannot take them to education either because of health issues, or because relevant staff are not able to get to school. While also acknowledging that the Government is dealing with the major crisis at hand, the letter calls for reassurance that this issue, which ‘will affect tens of thousands of families with children with significant learning and health difficulties, if not more’ is being addressed as a priority. Rachel, who lives in Yorkshire, said: “Having sought medical advice on the matter I feel I have had to take my daughter out of school to keep us both safe. “I know this is a very challenging time for everyone, but I have real concerns that due to the lack of testing taking place outside of a hospital environment we do not know whether or not those who help to care for Francesca have, or are free from, the virus. Staff shortages will be an issue anyway, however, as long as there is no confirmation of who is infected and therefore needs to go into isolation vs those who have simple cold symptoms but are otherwise fit and healthy serious staff shortages feel like an inevitability. I desperately want some reassurance that the government has a plan of action for my family, and other families facing the same challenges.” For similar articles please visit our features section
Could homeworking work for you?
The current Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis has brought homeworking into sharp reality for millions of office workers. But is it a viable route into the workplace for many living with a disability?The idea of homeworking as an option for disabled people is nothing new. Scope, for example, provides extensive support and advice https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/homeworking/ on the topic. What has changed recently are two key things. First, there’s now a massive focus on homeworking within the boardroom – both as a disaster recovery response should the Coronavirus close down transport links and force office closures, and as a longer term option on productivity/ cost grounds. Second, the homeworking industry has moved on……. with more effective homeworking models, and a realisation within Corporates that homeworking is a ‘proper’ job, where people can develop rewarding careers.The contact centre sector is a case in point. 15 years ago, few companies considered it possible to run an effective operation using homeworkers because of a multitude of technology, HR and operational issues. With experience, many of these HR and operational issues have now been resolved, and specialist virtual workplace tools – with virtual training environments, specialist real-time communications, and real-time management – today provide managers with real-time visibility of homeworkers so they can support and collaborate as required. In the past, homeworkers were frequently either managers and top performing employees offered homeworking ‘as a reward’ or self-employed people required to create their own limited companies before supplying services. Today, homeworkers are now more likely to choose to work from home and be more experienced. Indeed, according to the 2016 UKCCF Contact Centre Homeworking Survey, 74 per cent of homeworkers are aged 35 or over, and 66% have over 10 years experience in customer contact roles. They also come into homeworking for a wide variety of reasons – and our company is a good example. We currently have 700 fully-employed homeworkers who deliver services for Allianz, BUPA, Hastings Direct and others. Amongst our people are work-at-home mums, many who find working in an office stressful, and others that are excluded from the normal workplace. This includes people who live in rural areas or are simply too far from the office to commute, as well as many living with a disability. Indeed we estimate that 18% of our colleagues have some form of disability, and a further 8% are carers to people with special needs. The secret to providing excellent work-from-home opportunities is to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly, and that engagement, community and socialisation is part and parcel of the homeworking experience. Technology plays a key role here too, ensuring that teams communicate and interact efficiently and that working from home isn’t a solitary experience (unless someone wants it to be!) Implemented effectively and homeworking can provide not only a route back into the workplace but also a fulfilling career. According to the UKCCF survey, 92 per cent of homeworkers say that they are happy (at least some of the time), and 72 per cent say they are proud to tell people where they work. As for companies, 78 per cent of organisations employing homeworkers said they expected to increase numbers in the next 12 months. By Mark WaltonSenséewww.sensee.co.uk Sensée is in regular contact with organisations that support the disabled community, is a Purple Member, supports the Armed Forces Covenant, is Disability Confident Committed, and is registered with Employers for Carers.
How to get a job with a disability – some helpful tips and tricks
How to get a job with a disability – some helpful tips and tricks from Cascade More often than not, people living with a disability are made to feel isolated from larger society, and that they can’t or shouldn’t work because of their disability. However, there is lots of evidence to suggest that having a meaningful occupation improves both a person’s mental and physical health, alongside being invaluable as a learning tool to develop greater independence and a sense of responsibility. At Cascade, residents are often at risk of being isolated from their local communities and the wider society due to misconceptions around people with autism, learning difficulties or mental health issues. Moreover, the team at Cascade knows only too well how joining the workplace can improve their residents’ lives for the better. In fact – according to research by the National Autistic Society, whilst only 32% of people with Autism are in any form of paid employment, 77% of unemployed autistic people said that they wished to be in paid employment. “Everyone deserves to live their lives in a way that they want to, as long as they are safe and not putting themselves at risk.” Simone Garland, Community, Social Inclusion Lead and Mental Health Nurse at Cascade, quotes. “Awareness needs to be raised amongst employers to look past someone’s disability and see the unique individual with their own strengths and abilities. “Finding meaningful occupations, whether through paid employment, voluntary or work experience, is important for a person’s mental wellbeing, providing a sense of purpose and inclusion. “Through employment, a person with a disability may not only see improvements in their mental health, but also physical health outcomes, as meaningful occupations have been linked to better health choices.” Ingrained in the Cascade ethos is a dedicated team of people who look at each individual in terms of what community activities they would like to participate in or to help them to find and maintain voluntary work in the local area. Community and Social Inclusion at Cascade is built on recommendations from NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and government guidance to promote community engagement with the view to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. To help people with a disability on the road to getting a job, the team at Cascade has put together some useful tips and tricks: 1. Contact the employer prior to the interview to let them know if you need any specific requirements. This will demonstrate you are experienced in planning and thinking ahead. For example: 2. View your disability as one of your strengths. There’s no one in the world like you, you’re not just your disability, although it is part of you! If your Autism means you like things organised and tidy, why not use this as one of your strengths? 3. Know your rights – there are lots of legislations and regulations that protect your rights to have employment. Just a few include: The Equality Act 2010, Human Rights (protected characteristics), The Autism Act 2009. 4. Prepare for your interview. Get a friend to practice some common interview questions with you to get a feel for what your interview might be like. If you get anxious in new environments, you might like to write some answers such as what you think your strengths are, your previous experiences, any barriers you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them. 5. Think of reasonable adjustments you might need from the employer, and have these written down so you remember to ask them. Examples would include: For more information about Cascade, contact: Simone Garland, simoneg@cascade-care.com.
New dates announced for Naidex 2020!
Further to its announcement of postponement last week, the organiser of leading independent living show Naidex, is pleased to be able to announce the new dates of 9th and 10th November 2020. The event will take place at the same venue the NEC Birmingham and all tickets remain valid. This includes all events co-located with Naidex including Smart Home for Assisted Living, Dementia, Care & Nursing Home, Home Care Expo, Care Tech Live, European Neuro Convention, Medical Imaging Convention, European Oncology Convention and AI&ML Convention. Like many large event organisers, this has been a complex situation and difficult for everyone involved. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our exhibitors, speakers and partners for their messages of support. We very much look forward to welcoming you all later in the year. https://www.naidex.co.uk