Accessible Staycations in the UK
From seaside towns along the coast to quaint country retreats, Great Britain has plenty of amazing spots for Accessible Staycations. Here are Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’s top places around the country for an accessible weekend away or day out adventure. Head South West to Bath for your Accessible Staycations Roman remains, fine architecture, and leafy waterways. The entirety of this stunning city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is not surprising because visiting Bath is truly delightful. The Romans spent 300 years building a bathhouse but ancient legends say King Bladud founded Bath and created the hot springs using magic. Celtic tribes visited the waters to communicate with their goddess of fertility. Wander the green spaces, have a cup of tea in the superb coffee shops, and of course, visit the world-famous Roman Baths. Enormous effort has gone into making this ancient site accessible, with four lifts giving access to ninety percent of the complex. Wheelchair-users may need help to negotiate the uneven paving around the Great Bath. Induction loops, BSL audio-tours and an enhanced audio description guide are also available as well as three wheelchairs and one mobility scooter to borrow. It is not only the historical hot springs that’ll impress you, you’ll find Britain’s most elegant Georgian architecture, a unique and fascinating abbey, and an array of quaint boutique shops. Escape to nature in the Lake District Take a drive through some of the finest scenery in Britain. Starting at Cockermouth, a handsome market town on the north western edge of the Lake District, head south west onto a mile-long fully accessible path that leads from Maggie’s Bridge car park down to the lakeshore. The views from here across to the undulating slopes of Fellbarrow are lovely, and visitors with good mobility can continue through the lakeside woods. As you head south, the scenery gets wilder and more dramatic at every turn particularly as you drive over the 1167-feet-high Honister Pass, hemmed in by steep, craggy hillsides. Once over the pass, the road loops north through the Borrowdale Valley, treating you to classic Lakeland vistas in all directions. Accessible Staycations in Norfolk As part of the National Trail, there is a 45-mile-long Norfolk Coast Path that runs from Hunstanton to Cromer, but you don’t have to walk it all – the one-mile stretch linking the busy harbour of Wells-next-the-Sea to its beach and coastline makes an easy, accessible and enjoyable stroll, with plenty to look at along the way. Start at the harbourmaster’s office on Beach Road, where the level asphalt footpath then heads north towards the lifeboat house and beach car park. This footpath runs parallel to the road and narrow-gauge railway line. As you follow the path, you’ll be treated to great views of the lively harbour full of working boats, a pleasure craft, and the saltmarsh and sandbar running alongside it is rich with birdlife. There are plenty of rest benches along the way, including a few with spaces for wheelchairs next to them. After about a mile, the path reaches a steep concrete slipway that, with care, can be used to access the sandy beach. After you’ve had your fill of the sea views, and perhaps stopped for a bite at the Beach Café, go back the way you came. For more information on the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain or to view other accessible venues, please visit accessibleguide.co.uk, follow www.twitter.com/accessibleguide or ‘like’ www.facebook.com/accessibleguide.
Tamworth Castle Grounds toilets re-open with Changing Places facility
Tamworth Castle Grounds refurbished toilets re-open with town’s first ever Changing Places facility A major project to refurbish public toilets in Tamworth Castle Grounds is now fully completed and the facility re-opened on Friday, August 23, just in time for the busy summer bank holiday weekend in the grounds. The new toilet transformation includes the town’s first ever Changing Places facility – an assisted accessible Closomat Palma Vita wash and dry toilet with a height adjustable changing bench, hoist that moves across the room and its own coded door access. In addition, the new facilities will have longer year-round opening hours, individual unisex cubicles with automatic WC with warm water washing and air drying functions; plus baby changing, disabled access toilets and an outside re-fill drinking water station. The refurbishment has been carried out by Healthmatic, which specialises in the provision of smarter public conveniences for local authorities, ensuring that facilities are truly accessible for everyone. Cllr Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, was one of the first to check out the new facility with his children. He said: “The new toilet facilities are a truly amazing transformation of the previously dated facilities we had in the Castle Grounds. “The project is something we have wanted for some time and I am delighted to say they are now open every day and provide modern facilities that everyone can use. “The Changing Places room has been fully fitted by Healthmatic and we are very proud to have this in Tamworth. “My two children joined me to see the new toilets and were very impressed with the new automatic WC with the soap, warm water and drying functions! I’m sure other families will find the new facilities comfortable and very accessible, plus the addition of the outside drinking water re-fill station will be popular with anyone using the park.” Cllr John Chesworth, Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “This project represents a significant investment into our public conveniences and has the overall aim of providing facilities that are more accessible to more people. The design of individual cubicles, which can be remotely activated, will enable us to keep the toilets open longer and at all times of the year. “The provision of Tamworth’s first Changing Places facility is also really important for the older children and adults in our community with additional needs who need full changing conveniences. The lack of such a facility can actually prevent some disabled people and their carers from being able to go out and visit a certain place. Having a Changing Places facility in Tamworth will remove that particular barrier and will hopefully enable everyone to come and enjoy our wonderful park and town.” Contact Michelle Eldred on 01827 709572, or email Michelle-Eldred@tamworth.gov.uk. Or Linda Ram on 01827 709571, mobile 07791 782802, or email Linda-ram@tamworth.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/TamworthCouncil, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TamworthBoroughCouncil/ or visit our website www.tamworth.gov.uk/news Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Staffordshire B79 7BZ
Friendship & dating agency for adults with learning disabilities launched
First friendship and dating agency for adults with learning disabilities and autism launches at event in Bristol Bristol’s first friendship and dating agency for adults with learning disabilities and autism launches this month with a party. The new Luv2meetU service, which is run by national learning disabilities charity Hft, will celebrate its launch with music, food and games at Bristol’s Za Za Bar on the ground floor of Za Za Bazaar on Monday 23 September. There will also be information about the service available for potential members and their families, as well as carers, support workers and service providers. The new service will be focused on supporting people with learning disabilities and their families to develop and sustain relationships, improve health and wellbeing, and extend their social networks. It has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Simon Clarke, Project Development Worker at Hft, said that the team plans on running ten to twelve events a month in the community, including trips to cafes, bars and the cinema, outdoor activities and gaming, and any other activities that members express an interest in. They will also be running singles events, chaperoning dates and running events for different age groups and people on the autistic spectrum. As Luv2meetU’s ninth branch, the new service extends from existing operations in the north of England. It is hoped that a further 80 – 100 individuals with learning disabilities will benefit from the service, which is open to people from Bristol and the surrounding areas. Simon Clarke says programmes like Luv2meetU are essential for the wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and autism. “We’re delighted to be able to extend Luv2meetU into this new area, which doesn’t have any other friendship and dating agencies of this kind,” he says. “We all have a right to make friends, go dating and maybe find love, and people with learning disabilities are no exception. We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of new members from Bristol, and offering them a new way to socialise, have fun and be themselves.” Luv2meetU was originally set up as a pilot in the Leeds and Wakefield area in 2007, supporting 40 people to get out and about, socialise and build friendships. The team now supports around 250 to 300 people with services in areas including Bradford, Kirklees and Leeds, and has enabled dozens more to make friends and forge relationships. The launch event takes place from 4pm – 8pm on Monday 23 September at Za Za Bar on the ground floor of Za Za Bazaar, Harbourside. It is open to any adults with a learning disability or autism, as well as families, carers, support workers and service providers. To confirm your attendance, call Simon on 07825 218111.To find out more about Luv2meetU, visit www.luv2meetu.com or contact luv2meetU@hft.org.uk.
Rutland Sailability expands services thanks to £23,400 grant
Sailing centre of excellence, Rutland Sailability, celebrated an expansion to its services for disabled sailors on 29 August with an official champagne launch of a brand new rigid inflated boat (RIB) by the High Sherriff of Rutland, Margaret Miles. The purchase of the safety boat, along with a launch and recovery vehicle, was made possible thanks to a £23,400 grant from the LEADER funding programme managed by Opportunity Peterborough with support from Rutland County Council. Based at Rutland Water, Rutland Sailability supports hundreds of disabled sailing enthusiasts to enjoy the sport with over 20 specially adapted boats to cater for all abilities. As a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability Centre of Excellence, Rutland Sailability advises other clubs on how to run successful Sailability centres and even hosted trials for the Invictus Games in 2018. The club attracts hundreds of disabled and able-bodied sailors each year and the new RIB and recovery vehicle means that more people can be accommodated safely on the water at any one time when it is open on Thursdays and Saturdays. Rutland Sailability is run entirely by its 200 members, around half of which are disabled. They volunteer their time on and off the water to run the club and provide hands-on support to more novice sailors. The club ensures that everyone who wants to sail does, and is on the lookout for even more volunteers to meet growing customer demand. Rutland Sailability also hosts regattas, training and fun activities for groups like the Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children (PASIC), Grantham Disabled Children’s Charity and students completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. These usually attract 170 regular visitors on top of its 200 strong membership. Sarah Forsyth, a volunteer fundraiserat Rutland Sailability said, “Rutland Sailability attracts people from as far afield as Ireland, Scotland and Yorkshire who want to use our facilities, so the addition of the RIB and launch and recovery vehicle has been a huge boost. It doesn’t matter what disability someone has, we will always find a way to get them onto the water. “We are completely reliant on our volunteers to make sure our members and visitors have unforgettable experiences. With these new pieces of equipment we can help even more people sail at any one time and develop their passion for the sport, and we would welcome new volunteers to help us make the most of this extra capacity, whether they’re avid sailors, fundraisers or administrative whizzes. “We’re extremely grateful to Opportunity Peterborough which runs the LEADER programme, Rutland County Council, the Moralitis Group, and the members of the LEADER Local Action Group who have provided so much support throughout the application process.” High Sherriff of Rutland, Maragaret Miles added, “I am delighted to be here to launch this new boat. It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet some of the Rutland Sailability team and the partners involved in securing this funding. Rutland Sailability promotes our region extensively and we are very lucky to have an organisation that helps so many people stay active whilst promoting social inclusion.” LEADER funding aims to boost the rural economy, from supporting tourism and small business growth to aiding the development of agriculture, farm diversification and forestry. Across rural Peterborough and Rutland, the £1.3 million funding programme is being delivered by Opportunity Peterborough with support from Rutland County Council. This work is supported by a Local Action Group (LAG) made up of 13 local volunteers from a variety of sectors and professions. The LAG approves funding for projects with the aim of improving the overall prosperity of the area. Dennis Stanley, Chair of the LAG said, “The volunteers behind Rutland Sailability provide an absolutely outstanding service to their members and visitors alike, sharing their passion for sailing and making the sport accessible for everyone. It’s no surprise it’s one of our region’s most well-established centres of excellence and we’re delighted to have been able to support the club’s brilliant work. Now that Rutland Sailabilty has the equipment it needs to support its growing customer base, this is a great opportunity for more volunteers to get on board.” Cllr Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council said, “As a keen sailor myself I know all about the passion and commitment of Rutland Sailability’s volunteers. The team is absolutely committed to removing any and all barriers to sailing – they do whatever they can to get people out onto the water and this new RIB will be a great asset for them. We’re extremely pleased to see so much support for a club that has a big, positive impact for people in Rutland and right across the country.” Chief Executive of Opportunity Peterborough, Tom Hennessy concluded, “The geographical pull of Rutland Sailiability is spectacular and we hope that more people can volunteer their time to support the club. Their services are in such high demand and this brings a lot of footfall to the region, boosting the economy. The dedication of the volunteers is outstanding and we’re very proud to contribute towards the club’s continued growth so that even more people benefit from this centre of excellence.” Find out more
People with hidden disabilities can access Blue Badges for the first time from today
People with hidden disabilities, including anxiety disorders or a brain injury, can apply for a Blue Badge for the first time from today (August 30). The Department for Transport has issued new guidance to councils in England on Blue Badge parking permit eligibility, along with a new online eligibility checker to make the scheme clearer for people before they apply. In the biggest change to Blue Badges since the 1970s, the DfT has been working with specialists to expand the eligibility criteria for the badges, which now includes people who cannot walk as part of a journey without considerable psychological distress or the risk of serious harm. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We know that for some people, the possibility of not being able to find a parking space can make even leaving the house a challenge, which is why the Blue Badge is so important. “The scheme, which is already a lifeline for so many disabled people, will make a huge difference to those with non-visible conditions such as autism, dementia, Parkinson’s and arthritis. It is my sincere wish that these changes will improve even more people’s lives.” The Government’s ambitious Inclusive Transport Strategy, changes to the Blue Badge scheme and the Access for All programme will continue the UK’s internationally-leading plans for fully-accessible transport. The Blue Badge scheme already means people with physical disabilities can park closer to their destination than other drivers, as they are less able to take public transport or walk longer distances. Plans to extend the scheme to those with non-visible conditions were announced last summer following an eight-week consultation. It is an important part of the Government’s drive for greater parity between physical and mental health. It will offer a lifeline to people who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities, while also helping combat loneliness by helping them stay connected to family and friends. Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said: “Today is a pivotal moment for thousands of people with hidden disabilities across the country, many of whom face unacceptable discrimination or even abuse when using disabled parking spaces. “The changes we’re making will be life-changing for these disabled people, allowing them to go about their daily lives without experiencing unnecessary stress or worry.” To help councils with the expected increase in applications, the department has agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to provide £1.7 million in the first year of the programme. The expanded scheme coincides with the launch of a review intended to improve enforcement, and help councils tackle fraudulent use of the badges. At the end of 2018, the Local Government Association estimated that the theft of Blue Badges had risen by 45 per cent in 12 months and was up six-fold since 2013. The review will look at ensuring Blue Badges are used correctly and improving public understanding so that those with non-visible disabilities can use the badges with confidence. A task group will also be set up with key organisations to gather ideas and evidence on how to improve the consistency of council enforcement to tackle fraud and misuse. Tim Nicholls Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the National Autistic Society said: “We are delighted to see the new Blue Badge rules come into force. This will be a huge relief for thousands of autistic people and their families in England, many of whom are so anxious about things going wrong that they find it hard to leave the house at all. “A Blue Badge can be life changing. To live up to this promise, it’s absolutely essential that council officials making decisions about Blue Badges understand autism and the challenges autistic people can face getting out and about.” While the new criteria will give clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-visible disabilities will qualify for a badge. It will be up to the relevant local authority to decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case. Councils may need to review parking provision to increase the number of spaces, both in terms of the availability of disabled parking, and the overall number of parking spaces if disabled spaces take up other existing parking spaces. Last year, the Government set out its plans to improve accessibility across all modes of transport in the Inclusive Transport Strategy, which aims to make the UK’s transport network fully inclusive by 2030.
Why autism needn’t be a barrier to finding a job
Autism and learning difficulties can often make recruitment difficult – for both the candidate and the employer. Can local forums help overcome such barriers to finding a job, and enable companies to make their workforce more diverse? Here Sue Webster, Employer Engagement Officer at SkillsHouse Bradford and Caron Munro, Development and Programme Manager at Lighthouse Futures Trust, discuss with UCan2 the Employers’ Forum in Yorkshire which has been set up to find more people a suitable job. When it comes to getting young people with autism or learning difficulties into work, what are the most common barriers to recruitment? The whole online recruitment and interview process is one of the main barriers to the young person as they may not have the written or verbal communication skills to sell themselves effectively. Therefore, employers who can offer a ‘working interview’ such as a supported internship, or work experience placements etc would give the young person the opportunity to demonstrate their hidden talents to the employer who will find it easier to recognise how they could benefit the company – and in many cases be the better candidate for the role. Employers may also feel uncertain about employing individuals with a learning difficulty and be concerned that they would not know how to give them the best experience at work, however with disability and/or Autism Awareness training this would not be an issue. A key to success lies in having fully trained job coaches on site who learn the role and support the interns throughout their placement. Employers who have hosted supported internships and who spoke at the Bradford Employer’s Forum Launch spoke very passionately about the effect on employer engagement for the whole company, focusing on diversity and inclusion which reflects their customer base. How did the idea for the Employer’s Forum come about: who is behind the launch? In November 2017, the government announced £9.7m for local authorities to increase the number of supported internships and other pathways to employment for young people with SEND, by establishing local supported internship forums and increasing the pool of expert job coaches available to support young people with SEND on work placements. Bradford City Council put the project out for tender and Lighthouse Futures Trust (LHFT), a Leeds-based charity, were the successful bidders. LHFT have been delivering supported internships since 2016 when they embarked on their first pilot with Yorkshire Water. The Leeds Employers Forum now includes organisations such as Johnson and Johnson, Sodexo, Anchor Hanover, KPMG, Burberry, John Lewis Partnership and Marriott Hotels. The members follow the journey of the interns and support the charity into getting them into paid work when internships finish. Tell us about what happens at the Employer’s Forum… The Employers’ Forum Launch was held in June this year at City Hall in Bradford. We had over 30 employers attending. Many of those expressed an interest in finding out more and arrangements were made to meet with them individually. The first Forum Meeting is kindly being hosted by Mark Cowgill of Exa Networks in Bradford in September. Employers who have an interest in offering support to young people with hidden talents will be attending. The support could range from hosting an internship, work experience placement, workplace visits, mentoring, providing industry-relevant courses, influencing changes to recruitment processes etc. How will young people with autism or learning difficulties benefit from the Forum? The young people furthest from employment will benefit by having direct access to major employers in the region. In Leeds the forum works because we do not always have to go through the usual recruitment process. Candidates are supported by a job coach who understands they way they like to learn. They are likely to feel more visible and supported when allowed to demonstrate what they can do. Going into a workplace is likely to increase self-respect, self-esteem and a sense of belonging. This means candidates are less likely to suffer from depression or a feeling of isolation by being at home all the time. Are you still inviting more employers to join the Forum? Yes – if any employers are interested in attending or finding out more about the Forum in Leeds or Bradford they can contact caron@lighthousefuturestrust.org.uk or sue.webster@bradford.gov.uk Lighthouse Futures Trust Case Study: Ross Here Jayne Uren, Human Resources Manager at Leeds Marriott Hotel, discusses her experience working with Ross Hall, who is on the autistic spectrum… I would like to let you know how things are after several months of working with one of your students, Ross Hall. Back in 2017 our Executive Chef and I visited Keepers Coffee & Kitchen in Cookridge, this was after we initially met and discussed a potential vacancy we had in our kitchen. We met Ross, who was at the time running the catering side of your establishment. It didn’t take long for us to realise how passionate he was in what he did and also what he wanted to do. We saw his potential and wanted to help him with his next career journey. Ross was successful in his application for the role of Culinary Apprentice and he has been in his role now for 12 months. He is part of our MCAA Programme and has enrolled on his NVQ to complete the necessary training required for the Apprentice Chef role. I cannot express how he has changed people’s mindsets and had brought a laughter and happiness to the team and within the hotel. We can see how your students have so much to offer if employers gave them an opportunity or a chance. They add value to your business and should be given every opportunity to succeed and grow as young people into adults. The Leeds Marriott would love to continue to work with you and enrich our education with supporting young people in the workplace and hopefully we may be in a position to offer further employment. If any companies have any doubts about building a partnership with you then I would say, this is their loss. We would also like to thank you for
UnLtd joins forces with City & Guilds Group to help social entrepreneurs to thrive
A new partnership between UnLtd and City & Guilds Group will provide funding for social entrepreneurs with bold ideas to create positive change in society. Funding from City & Guilds Group will be used to support UnLtd’s Thrive programme, which aims to improve access to employment by providing more employment and training opportunities for people furthest from the labour market. City & Guilds Group, the global skills development body, has joined forces with UnLtd, the foundation for social entrepreneurs, in a new partnership that will provide funding and expert support for social entrepreneurs to scale up and achieve greater impact. Financial support from City & Guilds Group will be made available to entrepreneurs that run social-purpose businesses which aim to get more people into jobs and training. Whilst current unemployment figures in the UK are low, not everyone with the desire to work is able to gain appropriate, meaningful employment. This is particularly the case for people furthest from the labour market, such as disabled people, refugees, care leavers, ex-offenders, single parents and those who are homeless. Unltd’s Thrive programme offers a mix of finance, six months of tailored expert advice and pro-bono support to help social-purpose businesses to build connections, secure further investment, and really scale their operations. It builds on the learning from UnLtd’s Big Venture Challenge work, a similar programme which supported 120 ventures and raised more than £13 million of investment. Mark Norbury, CEO of UnLtd, said: “I am thrilled that UnLtd is working with City & Guilds Group, a global organisation with a rich and successful history of investing in education, learning and skills development, on our Thrive programme. Our partnership demonstrates a real commitment between our two organisations to improve access to employment for people distant from the labour market and help reduce the disability employment gap. “Inspirational organisations such as Exceptional Individuals, who placed more than 300 talented dyslexic and neurodivergent people into meaningful work in 2018, are helping to change the mind-set of employers by showing that there are significant advantages to creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Yet we know that ventures like this need support to grow and scale up to really maximise their social impact. This exciting new partnership will enable us to provide more funding and support to help ventures to make a lasting positive impact.” Chris Jones, CEO of City & Guilds Group said: “Our purpose is to give everyone the chance to develop the skills they need to find meaningful jobs. For so many people, their ability to find lasting work is hindered by circumstances, which too often results in a vicious cycle of unemployment. “The partnership with UnLtd will help us deliver genuine interventions to a social system that leaves behind some of the most vulnerable people. Working with innovative and dedicated entrepreneurs who are driven by the need to make a lasting impact on lives – and economies – is a privilege and we look forward to supporting those who share our vision.” Launched in 2018, Thrive was backed by the then minister for disabled people, Sarah Newton. Examples of ventures on UnLtd’s Thrive programme include: CrackedIt, a smartphone repair service staffed by young ex-offenders; Exceptional Individuals, an employment partnership that gets dyslexic and neuro-diverse people into employment; Fat Macy’s, a catering business that provides employment and training for unemployed homeless people; and Offploy, an organisation that is helping people with criminal convictions into meaningful work.
Introducing the RAD RaceRunnerTM Running Frame
RAD-Innovations LLC Introduces the RAD RaceRunnerTM Running Frame Designed for Disabled Athletes with Balance and Mobility Issues Vermont-based Company Will Help to Develop the Sport of RaceRunning in North America RAD-Innovations LLC is pleased to announce the introduction and availability of the RAD RaceRunnerTM running frame. The RAD RaceRunner running frame is designed for use by individuals challenged with balance, range of motion and mobility resulting from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, stroke, or amputation, for example. Athletes use running frames to compete in the sport of RaceRunning which is an internationally recognized disability sport. While RaceRunning is established in Europe and gaining interest in other parts of the world, its popularity has been slow to grow in North America. The RAD RaceRunner running frame is made of aluminum and similar to a tricycle without pedals that supports the athlete as they move. Despite significant physical challenges, most athletes can propel themselves on the RAD RaceRunner running frame considerably faster than they can move unassisted. The low center of gravity and frame design offers stability and poise while running or walking. The saddle unit counteracts lateral sway and can also be used as a seat when at rest. The RAD RaceRunner running frame rolls so freely that even someone who is restricted to a wheelchair can propel themselves by their own efforts. “RAD is interested in RaceRunning because we see the RAD RaceRunner running frame as one of the most affordable products that can make a difference in people’s lives,” said David Black, co-owner, RAD-Innovations LLC. “We’ve been providing products to the mobility market since 1999 and with that know-how we have the ability and sourcing to significantly improve the design, quality, cost and deliverability over similar products, as well as the experience to support and train organizations in developing local programs.” RaceRunning as a Competitive Sport RaceRunning is an internationally recognized disability sport and promoted by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPIRSA). Athletes compete on a track in distances ranging from 40 to 5,000 meters. Like many other adaptive sports, competitors are classified based on their disability which allows athletes with physical challenges to compete on an even playing field. Originally developed in Denmark, the concept of RaceRunning was designed for foot-pushing wheelchair classes. It provides individuals who cannot compete in a racing wheelchair and/or ambulant run with opportunities for aerobic competition. One hundred twenty athletes from 17 countries competed at the 2019 World Championships held in Copenhagen earlier this summer. There are currently 30 countries with an estimated 500 registered RaceRunning athletes with only a handful from the U.S. RaceRunning was recently admitted as a demonstration sport at the Paralympic Games. RaceRunning in the U.S. While running frames are used in competitive environments, it’s also suitable for anyone who wants to experience the joy of movement. Benefits can include improved muscle tone, range of motion, cardiovascular and joint function. Often disabled persons are isolated and participating in a club-based sport allows them to be more independent, develop friendships and expand social networks. RAD-Innovations will establish a club in Middlebury, Vermont. Efforts in other countries have demonstrated that the growth of RaceRunning starts at the grassroots level with the development of local clubs. Local athletes can try the sport in a low-key, supportive environment, and as a network of clubs expands, competitive opportunities will become available. Two of RAD’s employees have been certified by CPIRSA as RaceRunning coaches. Recently, Kate McKay from Cornwall, Vermont who has cerebral palsy, tried out the RAD RaceRunner running frame. According to her father, David McKay, “She caught right on to it and put a grin on her face. Independence is important to her, and while physical therapy is very regimented, the RaceRunning frame allows Kate to use her body in different ways. One of the best aspects is that it allows Kate to explore using her body for herself. It makes her feel happy.” Product Availability The RAD RaceRunner running frame from RAD-Innovations LLC will be assembled in Cornwall, Vermont and available to the North American market in late 2019. Frames will be available for international distribution as well. Advance orders are now being accepted. Multiple sizes are available and can be customized to individuals’ needs. Contact RAD-Innovations LLC for more information on sizing, cost and delivery. More details are available at www.racerunningusa.com About RAD-Innovations LLC As North America’s adaptive sports and inclusive cycling mobility specialist for more than 25 years, RAD- Innovations LLC designs, manufactures, sells and distributes the world’s best adaptive bikes and products. RAD’s founders, David Black and Anja Wrede, work collaboratively with their clients from the initial concept to the final experience. Every bike and mobility product is specifically tailored to each client’s needs and abilities, ensuring their ride is as unique as they are. Customer support for ordering, assembling and shipping will be based in Cornwall, Vermont.
How airports and airlines are becoming autism-friendly
OmniServ is the biggest provider of assistance for disabled passengers in the UK. Samantha Saunders, its Head of Innovation & Regulatory Compliance, explains why everyone gains when we adapt surroundings and working practices to become more autism-friendly to help people with autism. I recently came across an example of an airport operator going out of its way to welcome autistic children to the world of flying. Their ‘Flying With Autism’ campaign gave 60 children with autism the chance to experience all the regular airport procedures, board a plane and taxi to the runway, before returning to the gate. Airport lighting was changed to predominantly blue, to reflect the global ‘Light It Up Blue’ autism awareness campaign. The point was to give a group of autistic children the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the noise, lights and bustle that surrounds the flying experience. In the height of the school holidays, I suspect there are plenty of parents around the world who’d like to see the airports and airlines they use become a bit more autism-friendly. At OmniServ, we’ve been rolling out a host of initiatives to help make the flying experience better, including enhanced sensitivity training for staff and a lanyard scheme for people who want to make themselves known to airport staff as potentially requiring assistance. It’s not just children with autism who find the airport and airplanes daunting: their families often dread the idea of taking their children on an airplane, and in many cases simply don’t. Everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a disability, has the right to enjoy flying – a right which, for the disabled, is actually covered under laws in most countries around the world. Let’s be honest, a lot of us found our first exposure to the airport environment to be daunting, confusing and stressful – and most of us don’t have autism. Imagine what it’s like for young kids who are already finding the world a strange place to live because of their condition. If we are a caring society, then we should be inclusive, not exclusive. Nobody asks to be disabled – and any one of us could easily develop a disability. In fact, 12 million people in the U.K. currently have a disability of some sort. That’s one in every five people, and the number is growing as the population ages. According to Civil Aviation Authority statistics, U.K. air travel grew 19% between 2010 – 2017. During the same period of time, the numbers of passengers requiring assistance has grown an incredible 47%. As part of our day-to-day work, OmniServ provides assistance for People With Reduced Mobility (PRM) passengers at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest international passenger airports, as well as at Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Stansted. In total, we help around 1.8 million PRM passengers a year – that we know of. Some of these passengers are children with autism. Autism is often a ‘hidden disability’; it is therefore important to consider everyone as an individual, and not simply dismiss a disruptive child at an airport as unruly or misbehaving. There are some great Internet sites where you can get advice on travelling with autistic children. I’d suggest starting with the National Autistic Society (https://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/holidays-trips/preparation.aspx). I suspect though, that most parents with autistic kids will already have done all the research, however this is also a helpful read for those looking to increase their understanding and empathy. The ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign has been doing brilliant work, because it lets children on the Autistic Spectrum become acclimatised to the airport environment. It reduces the stress on the kids, it reduces the stress on their family, it reduces the stress on the staff who are trying to help, and it reduces the stress on the other passengers. I’m already talking to some of the airports and airlines we work with to see if we can try it out at a UK location soon.