Motability partners with Designability to support accessible EV charging project
Motability, a national disability charity, has partnered with Designability, a charity which creates products to enable disabled people to live with greater independence, to help support Motability’s latest project to make electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the UK accessible for people living with disabilities. Over the past year, Motability has conducted extensive research to improve understanding about the challenges disabled people face when using private and public transport, in order to ensure their voices help to inform the charity’s work. Lack of accessibility across the UK’s EV charging infrastructure has been highlighted as a key problem area and, with the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles due to end in 2030, Motability is focussing on charge point accessibility to ensure disabled people are not left behind. With one in five people in the UK living with a disability, Motability’s research with Ricardo* estimates that there will be 2.7 million disabled drivers or passengers by 2035, with 1.35 million expected to be partially or wholly reliant on public charging infrastructure, meaning they will need to charge their vehicle away from home. An additional report, sponsored by Motability, from the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC), field tested the experiences of disabled drivers with EVs, identifying a range of specific challenges with design features, such as high kerbs, inadequate space for wheelchair users around the charge point and heavy cables**. In the race to ensure the UK is inclusive by 2030, Motability has awarded grant funding to Designability, and the two charities are working together to further understand the challenges disabled people face and explore possible solutions to increase the accessibility of EV charging infrastructure. The experience, shared knowledge and expertise of Designability’s researchers, product designers and engineers will be invaluable in achieving the project’s aims – to provide an understanding for industry and Government of what accessibility means and what best practice could look like for EV charge points. Catherine Marris, Innovation Lead at Motability, says: “Our research has found that current EV charging points have not been designed with the needs of people living with disabilities in mind and it’s imperative that they’re included in this future shift. Given the high cost of retrofitting major infrastructure, there is a robust commercial and social case for building in accessibility now to ensure that the transition is inclusive for everyone. “We have joined forces with Designability as their objectives align closely to our own and they’re experts in the field of user centred design and product creation to increase independence for disabled people. As a world leading project, we are determined to work towards ensuring that future charging infrastructure is inclusive and accessible for anyone living with disabilities. “One of our charity’s key priorities is to work with industry and Government to amplify the voices of disabled people in the transport system and innovate solutions to charge point accessibility challenges. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please get in touch.” Catharine Brown, Chief Executive at Designability, adds: “This is an exciting new project for Designability. Our expertise in working with disabled people makes us perfectly placed to find solutions to these every day challenges – which will only increase as more people want to drive electric cars. It is shocking that the needs of disabled people have not been taken into account as this new technology becomes mainstream, and we are delighted to extend our relationship with Motability to create cutting edge design solutions. “For over 50 years we have listened to disabled people describe their challenges and created innovative products which help them to live the life they choose. This project will enable us to have impact on the lives of millions of disabled drivers for many years to come.” The scoping and discovery phase of the project began in January this year, with the aim of understanding where design solutions could be focussed to best improve accessibility, and to identify what issues need to be explored further with disabled people to help inform best practice for accessible design in this area. Motability and Designability will continue working closely to engage with disabled people to identify needs, define design requirements and test concepts, demonstrating what best practice in EV charging accessibility looks like.
Five Outdoor Accessible Activities During the Pandemic
The outdoors is a place of relaxation, a place to explore and a place of finding excitement. With simply a pair of shoes and a sense of adventure, even the plainest of fields can provide hours of entertainment. Even those with limited mobility can enjoy the outdoors with accessible activities, it really is something for everyone. The Great British Countryside From scenery to exercise, the outdoors has many health benefits to boost both mental and physical wellbeing. As well as absorbing vitamins from the sun, when it shows its face in the UK, or relieving a headache by getting some fresh air, the outdoors is a great place to relax and reset. High profile shows like Countryfile shine a light on the joys of the countryside around us, from farming, places to explore and historical traditions that go on around us. While some are restricted currently, there’s plenty of fun to be had still. What kinds of outdoor activities should you try during the pandemic? And what are the accessible activities that everyone can enjoy? Accessible Outdoor Activities 1. Den building While this may seem a childish activity, people of all ages can take part. From finding the perfect Y shaped tree as a base, to hauling logs or even building a fire, everyone can help. People with sensory disorders can revel in the textures around them, and the comfort of an enclosed space they’ve helped to construct may seem comforting. The accomplishment and relaxation of building a fire and cooking something, perhaps a s’more, is a joy for anyone. 2. Take art and photography outdoors! Cameras take snippets of a memory and allow you to reminisce over memories. Similarly, painting or drawing of any kind can be done outdoors. Such an activity can be optimised for any kind of disability and art is a non-subjective pastime, one that anyone can partake in. You can find leaves and flowers to press, make patterns with a twig and many other opportunities.For those who have ADHD or similar activity related disabilities, a camera can keep even the busiest of minds occupied as there is always something new to take a photo of. Having an additional dimension to the walk allows a distraction when it can seem otherwise boring to a neurodiverse brain. 3. Gardening With garden centres remaining open, there’s no excuse to avoid getting some new plants in. From getting out on short breaks to tend to plants while homeworking, to putting in large borders, gardens have a variety of tasks to do.If you have no outdoor space, having a mini herb garden for the kitchen, or an excessive (depending on opinion) amount of houseplants can brighten up any room. The bathroom is the perfect place to grow cacti or similar houseplants, and any windowsill can be transformed with a variety of plants. For those wanting to make outdoor gardening accessible, building raised beds to varying heights can help for those with mobility issues and even those in wheelchairs. Putting some plants in pots means that anyone can help with planting and for those wanting to help with the watering, a garden hose means that all can join in! People with autism can sometimes find their passion in gardening, and their attention to detail and seeing the alternative side can bring a side to gardening others may not see. They may also be able to speak reams about the intricacies of plants and enjoy the finer details of gardening. 4. Camping and caravanning. Whilst the reality of camping either in Scotland’s wildlands or on a campsite may seem limited by lockdown measures, you can still arrange for when such options become available. Having a caravan or motorhome is a way to add luxury to an otherwise rustic holiday. In one account, a wheelchair user noticed how camping offered them a great escape. Campsites can offer wheelchair accessible bathrooms, and some even offer bathing suites or washrooms for carers to assist where needed. Most will be able to cater to some extent if you ask. 5. Fishing for relaxation Whether you want to sit and wait for a fish to bite, or simply spend time with a family member or friend who enjoys it, fishing is something all can enjoy. It’s remained largely untouched by lockdowns, thanks to it’s isolated practice.Some may chose to camp out overnight on a beach somewhere, others may take to a fishing lake on a boat, either way, fishing can provide a brain reset from a busy life or simply a different pastime. Written by Toby St. George, Director at Lith Tech Mobility, the UK’s leading electric folding wheelchairsupplier.
Rutland Sailability
Founded in 1995 and based at Rutland Sailing Club (RSC), our mission is one of “Sharing the sport of sailing with people with a wide range and degree of disability, through recreation, training and racing – towards the limits of individual aspirations.” This might range from learning to sail, the satisfaction of sailing solo, racing at local, national or international level or simply enjoying the sensation of being out on the water in a beautiful setting such as Rutland Water. Sailing activities take place at Rutland Sailability from April to October. During the winter months, a range of talks, training courses and social activities are also arranged, providing members with year-round opportunities to maintain regular contact with like-minded friends. Membership is open to people with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities from aged 7 years upwards. In addition, if you are able-bodied and would like to support our activities on a regular weekly basis, sailing skills are a bonus but certainly not essential – there are plenty of other tasks. We look forward to hearing from you. Who to contact Contact Name – Pauline Harrison Contact Position – Chairman Telephone – 07808 921740 Or E-mail – Jill Dunderdale memsecrssailability@gmail.com Website – www.rutlandsailability.org.uk Where to go Rutland Sailability Rutland Sailing Club Gibbet Lane Edith Weston Oakham LE15 8HJ Time / Date Details Thursdays (all year): 10.00-3.00 Saturdays (April – October): 9.00 – 12 NOON
BBC sets out plans to become industry gold standard for workplace diversity and inclusion
The BBC will create the most inclusive and diverse workforce in the media sector, under ambitious plans announced today. The 2021-23 Diversity and Inclusion Plan will create a more diverse leadership team, boost career opportunities for people from all backgrounds, overhaul recruitment processes and increase accessibility for disabled staff. At the heart of the plan is a significant boost in the number of apprenticeship places offered in the coming years providing more opportunities for talented individuals from all backgrounds to join the Corporation. As the UK becomes more diverse than ever, the plan will help ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves. Measures in the plan include: The proposals follow an extensive review of the BBC’s working practices, including consultation with staff from across the organisation – from entry-level positions to senior leaders – as well industry experts and agencies representing diverse groups. The proposals also build on the progress and achievements made over the last four years through the previous diversity and inclusion plan. The new plan will enable the BBC to meet the 50:20:12 workforce targets – announced in September 2020 – in the next three to five years. That’s 50% women; at least 20% black, Asian or minority ethnic; and at least 12% disabled employees. Tim Davie, the BBC’s Director-General, says: “We must – from top to bottom – represent the audiences we serve. We have made some big improvements, but we want and need to go further. “This plan will ensure we are a modern, progressive, welcoming organisation where our staff are supported to deliver outstanding creative work and background is no barrier. “Having the right mix of people, ideas and experiences at the BBC will mean we continue to provide world-class content for everybody.” The new plan is delivered by the BBC’s Workforce Diversity & Inclusion team, led by Anne Foster, Head of Workforce Diversity & Inclusion, who joined the BBC in October 2019. Anne Foster says: “I am passionate about working to create a BBC that reflects the diversity of the UK and is somewhere people feel proud to work. “Every aspect of our plans are shaped by extensive consultation with staff to ensure we can lay a strong foundation for a modern, transformed BBC.” The Diversity and Inclusion Plan is part of a BBC-wide strategy to ensure its workforce reflects the public it serves and that creative teams who make BBC programmes also reflect modern society. The BBC’s Creative Diversity Report 2020 published last December, led by the BBC’s first Director of Creative Diversity June Sarpong, focusses on better representation on screen and in content production. Next month the BBC will be speaking to the industry on how it can support the broadcaster’s commitment to spending £100m of its TV commissioning budget and £12m of its Radio commissioning budget on diverse content. The BBC will host an industry day to outline the criteria which will define how production companies and programmes makers can qualify for this ring-fenced commissioning spend. This will be held on 17 March, with invites being sent to TV and Radio suppliers shortly. Also today, BBC Studios has published its Diversity and Inclusion plan, which details how it will meet the BBC Group target of 50:20:12 in production and across its global offices over the next three years. The ‘Valuing difference’ strategy is designed to make long-term changes to the way BBC Studios operates, to ensure an inclusive culture and generate creative ideas which authentically reflect modern Britain. It includes on-screen initiatives already announced such as the Inclusion Rider for all new BBC Studios productions, and a new year-long Trainee Assistant Producer Programme (TAPP) to develop the next generation of content-makers. https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2021/bbc-plans-industry-gold-standard-workplace-diversity-inclusion
Mencap responds to JCVI announcement
Mencap responds to JCVI announcement that all people on the GP Learning Disability Register should be invited for the COVID vaccine The JCVI announcement advises inviting all people on the GP Learning Disability Register for the COVID-19 vaccination. Jackie O’Sullivan, Executive Director of Communication, Advocacy & Activism at learning disability charity Mencap, said: “This is a hugely welcome announcement, and fantastic news for people with a learning disability. Now everyone on the GP Learning Disability Register can get access to the COVID vaccine. “It’s now crucially important that everyone with a learning disability checks that they are on the register and asks to go on it if they are not. Being on the register has many benefits and entitles people to annual health checks and prioritisation for future vaccinations, as well as allowing them to get the COVID vaccine and be confident they are protected.”
How technology can help adults with special educational needs from being left behind by the government during the pandemic
Hester Anderiesen Le Riche PhD, CEO and creator of the Tovertafel Far too often, adults with learning disabilities are neglected and left without the crucial support that is required to support their needs. Covid-19 has only served to exacerbate this harsh reality in the worst way possible, with evidence emerging that in the UK this community is on average six times more likely to die from Covid-19 on average. When it comes to receiving government support, these groups are consistently denied being prioritised in the vaccine queue where they desperately need to be in the fight against Covid. The disproportionate effect Covid-19 has had on those with learning disabilities that this latest report has shown cannot be understated. In order to safeguard some of society’s most vulnerable, there needs to be far more action taken to support care settings, including staff, supporting these individuals. Many are in a state of disarray without a clear roadmap of where further meaningful steps are being taken to provide comfort for those living with special educational needs, their families, and carers. The restriction on physical interactive and mental stimulating environments is already having a detrimental impact on those living with cognitive challenges. It is absolutely crucial in the maintenance of their wellbeing to have mental and social stimulation because without it, their happiness and health will take a substantial hit. In order to tackle this challenging period, there is an opportunity to look at new technologies which can offer those with learning disabilities a chance to feel respite by socialising safely without a risk to others. Light in a time of darkness One valuable approach to take would be the implementation of interactive light play technology made more widely available in care homes. It involves the projection of light animations which are responsive to hand and arm movements, giving users the chance to ‘play’ with the light in real-time. With games designed to provide purposeful light stimulus that are both physical and sensory, while rich in movement and detail, the technologies available can create an engaging atmosphere for participants. The technology’s light can be projected on any flat surface, from a table to the floor or a chair tray, meaning it is flexible and adaptable for any care-home setting. Interactive light therapy games are designed to enable every level of learning disability to participate. These games are highly effective at becoming suitable for all disability specifications, from social and physical to sensory and cognitive, it offers an inclusive environment for all. In doing so, the game provides a conduit for collaboration whilst playing, cultivating a productive setting for social interaction and focused activity. The added benefit of light technology in today’s climate is that the game set-up is able to meet requirements around social distancing and low-touch points. The technology can be facilitated at ease – an important consideration for care-workers – to allow for a hygienic setting for group contact.Bringing back playtime While playtime is mostly associated with the healthy development and growth of children, the benefits of play for adults with learning disabilities includes improvement of physical health, sociability, learning, and problem solving. The absence of play in the wider sense will only prolong feelings of isolation, which is already anticipated to have a long-term impact on people’s health who haven’t had contact with their loved ones since the onset of the pandemic. Play technology, such as the Tovertafel, has shown significant evidence of adding value to daytime activities of adults with special needs. During a period where information isn’t being made effectively accessible for those with learning disabilities, play therapy can be introduced as a useful way to soothe anxiety and improve mental health through redirecting focus and alertness towards the games’ interactive set-up. It is also increasingly more important to introduce engaging methods to improve the overall immune system of care-home residents. Studies show play therapy can provide a lighter gateway to reducing pressure and stress when taking steps towards communicating and connecting with others as it helps increase social interaction outside the game sessions. While at the same, it increases physical activity, aiding in the release of endorphins, creating an environment that is more optimistic and upbeat. A catalyst for change This year has stood to truly test the resilience of a cohort of people who have for too long already experienced limitations and injustices. The issues that we continue to see need to be addressed and quickly, particularly in implementing secure ways for families and friends to see their loved ones in facilities once it is safer to do so. It is necessary in order to help relieve the intensity most healthcare professionals are under having to weather the storm without the right support. Interactive light and play therapy is a promising tool for care-homes to provide for adults with special needs. Creating more opportunities for inclusive and engaging activities can encourage a more joyful and enjoyable environment in which all adults with learning disabilities have an equal chance to feel relief in such a challenging period. This last year should serve as the final lesson to providing better treatment to those with learning disabilities so that they feel more empowered and supported – today offers us the chance to start. About The Author Hester Anderiesen Le Riche, PhD, is an expert in how play can improve the quality of life of those living with learning disabilities and cognitive challenges. Based on years of research with people with cognitive challenges and their carers, as well as her training as a social engineer, Hester developed the world’s first interactive light game for those with learning disabilities – the Tovertafel (Magic Table). For more information, visit: www.tover.care/uk/tovertafel/adults Twitter: @ToverCareUK | Facebook: @ToverCareUK | Instagram: @ToverCareUK
Mencap calls for people with learning disabilities to be prioritised for vaccination
Mencap calls for all people with a learning disability to be prioritised for vaccination. London medics say they are beginning to run out of patients in the government’s top four priority cohorts to vaccinate and fear that lives will be lost unless they are allowed to immunise more people immediately, as reported in the Guardian. Jackie O’Sullivan, Executive Director of Communications, Advocacy and Activism at the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “It’s encouraging that many in the top 4 priority groups having received the vaccine – but too many people with a learning disability are still waiting, despite being more at risk than the general population. We urge the Government to open up the vaccination programme to priority groups 5 and 6 and, critically, to include everyone with a learning disability in group 6. “Currently people with a severe or profound learning disability are in group 6 on the vaccine priority list, and adults with Down’s syndrome are in group 4. Yet people with a mild or moderate learning disability are not being prioritised, unless due to their age or clinical vulnerability. This is despite data showing that 65% of those with a learning disability who died from COVID in the first wave in England had a mild or moderate learning disability. “It’s unacceptable that within a group of people hit so hard by the pandemic, and who even before COVID died on average over 20 years younger than the general population, many are left feeling scared and wondering why they have been left out. The government must act now to help save the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable people.”
Oliver Voysey overcomes seizures to raise £178,000 for outdoor education charity that changed his life
A profoundly disabled teenager celebrated his thirteenth birthday this weekend, having raised a remarkable £178,000 for the outdoor education charity that changed his life. Two weeks ago, Oliver Voysey from Newcastle launched Oliver’s Calvert Army, a crowdfunding appeal to help save the Lake District Calvert Trust and its accessible education and activity centre, Calvert Lakes. The centre has already lost over £1 million as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike North of the border, where the Scottish Government has agreed sector specific support so outdoor activity centres can remain viable until schools return, no such financial help is available in England and Wales and the Trust has launched an Emergency Bounce Back Appeal. Oliver, who regularly visits Calvert Lakes as part of his rehabilitation, suffered a brain injury when he was two days old causing catastrophic damage including sight loss, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and learning difficulties. To support Calvert Lakes, Oliver has taken on a series of challenges, including walking on a treadmill for 13 minutes, standing independently for 13 seconds, completing a 13-minute walk, scoring 13 goals in a penalty shoot-out and eating 13 party rings all in one go! Oliver’s army of supporters have raised £70,000 on his crowdfunding page and £108,000 in off line donations – including an anonymous one-off donation of £100,000! His challenges continue over the next few days. Oliver’s campaign went viral after he and his parents Sarah and Gary and sister Elizabeth appeared on national television. Nearly 2000 people have now joined Oliver’s Calvert Army and are taking part in their own themed challenges. A range of high-profile figures from the world of sport and outdoor adventure have also expressed their support. Explorer Steve Backshall said: “Young people like Oliver are making the planet a better place and are our greatest hope for the future.” Former England captain Alan Shearer described Oliver as an “inspirational young man.” Oliver’s latest challenge was to thread thirteen shapes onto a thread with minimal support. “This was a really tough challenge as Oliver is registered blind,” explained his mum, Sarah. “If you close both of your eyes and then open one a tiny bit and squint that will give you an idea of the small amount of sight he has in one eye. It’s very hard to work out where objects are. It’s also very hard for the two sides of his brain to communicate with each other to use both hands for tasks like this. He did it despite having a seizure in this morning which had really tired him out.” Talking about Oliver’s Calvert Army, Sarah added: “I’m so proud. Calvert Lakes is Oliver’s favourite place in the world. He would be absolutely devastated if the centre was forced to close. “The Lake District Calvert Trust really do make disability just a word. They have given Oliver experiences we didn’t think were achievable. His confidence has soared doing canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, cycling, ghyll scrambling, sailing, assault courses, horse riding and fell climbing. “The psychological impact this has had has been amazing. It’s strengthened our bond as a family. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who has joined Oliver’s Calvert Army.” Said Jennifer Scott, Fundraising Manager at the Lake District Calvert Trust: “Oliver’s Calvert Army is on the march. Oliver is such an inspirational young man and we are immensely grateful to him and his family. They’re special people achieving special things. The support we are receiving is nothing short of incredible.” To support Oliver’s Calvert Army please go to: gofundme.com/olivers-calvert-army To learn more about Oliver and his family please go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq16VjGz5JI The Lake District Calvert Trust has been supporting people with disabilities from its specialist Calvert Lakes residential centre and accessible riding centre near Keswick in the Lake District for almost forty-five years. Participants enjoy the benefits of its unique programmes and facilities in a safe and accessible, yet challenging environment.
Disability charity receives incredible response to Katie Price documentary
National disability charity, Sense, says that it has had a huge response to the BBC documentary, ‘ Katie Price: Harvey and me’, that was broadcast on 25th January 2021. The documentary, available on BBC iPlayer, follows Katie Price and her disabled son Harvey in a crucial year of his life, as he turns 18 and becomes an adult: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rpv6 Sense supports families and people with complex disabilities, which includes information and advice, as well as specialist care. Following the BBC broadcast, many parents, some in a similar situation to Katie, contacted the charity to show their support. Richard Kramer, Chief Executive of national disability charity Sense, said: “The programme was incredible because as well as highlighting the issues that parents of children with complex disabilities face, it also showed its joyous and rewarding moments. Harvey is star, and the incredible bond between him and Katie is clear. “By bravely opening up about her family’s experience, Katie Price has raised awareness of the pressure on families in her situation – and over the last 12-months, with many services reduced, or stopped altogether, the pressure has never been greater. “We’ve been inundated with messages of support, as well enquiries from the general public to learn more. Families in a similar situation, facing questions about the long-term care of their loved ones, have said they are happy the issue is getting more attention – and that it helps them feel less alone. “The transition to adulthood that Harvey is experiencing is a crucial period. It means navigating a different care system and settings, and many parents have to make difficult choices about the future and what’s best for their child and the wider family. “There have been misconceptions that parents are not doing right by their child in seeking full-time care, but there should be no shame or judgment in finding the right support for their child and themselves. Specialist care settings can be hugely beneficial, supporting disabled children and young adults to become more independent, learn new skills, have fun and make friends. This also means parents and family members can have vital respite from caring around the clock for their loved ones. “Ultimately what matters is that everyone, no matter how complex their disabilities, has the right to live independent, happy and healthy lives.” If you have been affected by the issues raised in the documentary, or want to discuss options around social care, college or funding, you can contact the Sense Information & Advice service: https://www.sense.org.uk/get-support/information-and-advice/