News

One of the most alarming changes in the welfare reform bill is the proposal to scrap disability living allowance (DLA) and replace it with a personal independence payment (PIP). On the surface PIP appears to be DLA expensively rebranded. However, the devil is in the detail and the details of PIP are deeply disturbing. The government’s stated aim to reduce the caseload by 20%, when DLA has a fraud rate of just 0.5%, indicates that hundreds of thousands of genuinely disabled people can expect to lose out as the goalposts are narrowed.

Instead of claimants being assessed on their ability to walk, their ‘ability to mobilise’ will be considered. So, if someone could theoretically use a wheelchair, they will be considered to be able to ‘mobilise’ and deemed ineligible for the mobility component of PIP – even if they have no wheelchair available. Maria Miller, the minister for disabled people, has suggested the justification for this change is that improvements in technology, and laws against discrimination, mean disabled people are able to access the mainstream world and so do not require funding to overcome access barriers.

A chief constable has joined an MP and a council chief executive in a challenge to highlight the problems faced by people with disabilities.

Ian Arundale, head of Dyfed-Powys Police, took part in Brecknock Access Group’s (BAG) “big challenge”.

He, local MP Roger Williams and Powys council’s Jeremy Patterson, were asked to find their way around Brecon in a wheelchair and then in dark glasses.

Alex Robinson of BAG was impressed by how well they handled the tasks.

Mr Robinson, the group’s vice-president, said: “We think today was really constructive and we got a lot of points across.”

Mr Robinson, a wheelchair user who was injured while serving in the Army, said: “They saw a lot of the problems we have to deal with and they were sympathetic and said they would try and fix them for us.

“The chief constable is good and usually delivers what he promises.”

BAG said some people in Brecon did not take care parking their cars which often blocked drop-kerbs.

The charity also complained that its members were impeded by advertising boards and other items on pavements.

Mr Patterson said: “I was pleased to be able to take part in today’s big challenge.

“Whilst I feel access in our towns and villages across Powys has improved in recent years, it was obvious to me today that there is still work to be done to improve the current situation.

‘Simplest task’

“I am confident that the council will tackle these issues and will consult with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the best possible results are achieved.”

Mr Williams said: “Even the simplest task of popping to town to buy a paper or a loaf of bread can cause difficulties for people with disabilities.

“Wheelchair users and people who are blind or partially sighted face particular problems when cars are parked on pavements or signs are placed in the way. New road layouts and shared surfaces also cause problems.”

Mr Arundale said Dyfed-Powys Police was working hard to ensure that “all aspects of diversity and equality are a core part of our day to day work and we recently launched a single equality scheme for the force that integrates all the strands”.

Seventy five hot air balloons, from across the UK and Europe, are currently on standby to fly across the English Channel to France from Lydden Hill Race Circuit in Kent.
As soon as the Met Office gives the all-clear for take-off, balloons of all shapes and colours will soar above the English Channel, marking the largest ever group of balloons to attempt the crossing. Leading aviation business Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons will be flying four of the balloons.

One of the Lindstrand balloons making the crossing will be carrying a panoramic basket, specifically designed for wheelchair access, a significant development in allowing those with limited mobility to enjoy ballooning. Flying in the balloon, with Pilot Steve Kinsey, will be wheelchair user Andrew Jeffrey.

Andrew is a BBC Online Producer and has flown in balloons several times since his accident in 1979 when, while working off-shore oil drilling in Angola, West Africa, he fell 40ft and snapped his back at waist level. His first foray into the sky was in France with his wife while filming a holiday programme – that was it, he was hooked. He has flown in gliders, micro-lights, fixed wing planes and even jumped out of them, but ballooning is his love.

He first met Pilot Steve Kinsey when he was reporting for BBC Five Live and broadcasted a report from a balloon with Steve in the Scottish Borders – narrowly avoiding a “splash-n-dash” in a loch – we hope that they avoid doing that in the channel this time!

These days – out of the office, Andrew is involved with the major UK flying charity “Aerobility” and is about to embark on managing a new project for them … ballooning.

Organiser of the Cross Channel flight, Ian Sharpe, said: “We have got balloons from all over the country and some from abroad taking part. All we need now is the weather!”

2008 saw Britain’s first wheelchair-led ascent of Ben Nevis. This year you could be part of the adventure.
 

Sponsored by Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky the Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge, supporting Capability Scotland, will see teams of disabled and non-disabled people work together to take on the challenge of scaling the UK’s highest peak on Saturday 4th June 2011.

You could be part of it. We are looking for wheelchair users who want to lead a team to the summit. Guided by ex-SAS officer and TV Presenter Ken Hames, twelve teams of six led by disabled people will take on this challenge, which will not only raise valuable funds for Capability but challenge people’s expectations of what is possible.

The leaders will navigate and direct their team to the summit. No previous experience is needed, but you must be up for the challenge itself, for leading a team, helping with the fundraising and getting mentally and physically fit for the ascent.  Physically the challenge is extremely draining but the team will work together, supporting each other throughout.

Time is short, the challenge kicks off with a training weekend on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April so if you want to be part of it let us know. Contact Suzanne O’Hara on 01313471044 /07787536658

Advances in medical technology and an ageing population look set to fuel demand for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, according to a new report.

The study by California-based market research specialist BizAcumen noted that demand for wheelchairs is also being driven by changes in legislation governing accessibility to buildings and workplaces.

Furthermore, it forecast that the market will continue to grow as more baby boomers look after elderly parents while using mobility aids themselves.

In addition, there is likely to be an increase in demand for mobility scooters and wheelchairs thanks to advances in medical technology saving the lives of more adults and premature infants.

BizAcumen noted that a wide range of powered and manual wheelchairs are now available.

Thanks to the “intensive efforts” and a great deal of innovation on the part of manufacturers, it added that many wheelchairs come in more lightweight and ultra-light designs.

The UK’s largest event for homecare, disability and rehabilitation returns for its 37th year.

Held at Birmingham’s NEC, Naidex is the biggest and best opportunity to test, touch and compare the latest products and services to aid independent living.

Naidex will attract over 11,000 visitors in April, including healthcare professionals, trade visitors and members of the public. With over 360 exhibitors joining us, there will be plenty for all to see.

National Mobility Hire is planning on exhibitting and is looking forward to seeing you there.