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Medical Assessments Not Working, say Charities
Sep 9th
The Work Capability Assessment, which examines people’s fitness for employment, isn’t working, according to a coalition of national and local organisations led by the Papworth Trust.
Charities are being overwhelmed by evidence showing the assessment to be inaccurate and often unfair to the nation’s most vulnerable people. The charities believe that the assessment is too focused on physical capability, meaning that people with serious mental health issues, learning disabilities and fluctuating health conditions are often marked as fit to work. More >
Could B Vitamins Delay Onset of Alzheimer’s?
Sep 9th
A major University of Oxford study has shown that daily tablets of B vitamins can halve the rate of brain atrophy in elderly people affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
The two year randomised double-blind clinical trial is the largest to study the effect of B vitamins on MCI and one of the first disease-modifying trials in the Alzheimer’s field to show positive results in people.
The study assessed disease progression by measuring brain atrophy rate and followed 168 volunteers with mild memory problems, half of whom took the combined high dose B vitamin tablets for two years and the other half a placebo tablet. The team used MRI scans to measure rate of brain shrinkage over the two-year period. The findings were published in the journal PLoS ONE and have been widely reported in the media. More >
Disabled Father’s ‘Walk’ for Injured Grenadier Guards
Sep 8th
Darren Heaton
A wheelchair-user aims to complete a 10 day charity ‘walk’ in aid of several military charities.
Darren Heaton, the father of a serving Grenadier Guard, intends to complete the 239 mile trip from Glossop near Manchester to Wellington Barracks in London, starting on 14 September.
He will complete the trip on a brand new Breeze 4 scooter and NuDrive system donated by leading mobility scooter specialist TGA Electric.
“My son, Chris, is a serving Grenadier Guard who has recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan,” Darren explained. “While out there he unfortunately lost comrades during engagements with the Taliban and witnessed injuries to close friends. With such a personal connection, this has led me to attempt this journey to raise money for injured British troops, especially the Grenadier Guards who have close links with the four charities I have chosen. More >
TfL and Rail Operators Face Questions on Accessibility
Sep 8th
Transport for London (TfL) and Network Rail will face questions tomorrow about how they’re working to improve the accessibility of the capital’s bus, Underground and rail networks.
Representatives of both organisations will give evidence to the London Assembly’s Transport Committee tomorrow, Thursday 9 September. Interested members of the public are invited to attend.
The Committee is currently examining the experience of people with reduced mobility on public transport across the capital, and what can be done to make improve accessibility for disabled and older people, and parents with buggies. More >
Deaf Teenagers’ Adventure is Capital
Sep 8th
The visitors in Downing Street.
A group of deaf teenagers with cochlear implants received a unique invitation to visit Downing Street as part of a two-day residential summer programme in London, organised by national charity The Ear Foundation.
While in the capital, the 15 teenagers – aged between 11 and 15 – also enjoyed a trip on the London Eye, a tour of the Sea Life Aquarium and a bus ride to Covent Garden to watch street performers.
The teenagers also took part in a film making workshop during which they made their own DVD, involving filming, learning scripts, acting and directing. More >
Are You Missing Out on State Pension Protection?
Sep 7th
A quarter of a million people caring for ill or disabled friends or relatives could be missing out on a top up that protects their basic and second State Pensions in later life, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
An estimated one million people have given up work to care for someone and Pensions Minister Steve Webb wants these ‘hidden’ carers who could be eligible for Carer’s Credit to benefit.
Steve Webb said: “It’s natural that people caring for a loved one often forget about their own needs and thoughts about the future are pushed to one side. But this is a very simple way for carers to protect their State Pension and I urge people to find out more by visiting the Directgov website or by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit.” More >
‘People’s Nancy’ Goes to the Dogs!
Sep 7th
Ignoring the old show business adage of never working with children and animals, West End Star Jodie Prenger – winner of BBC One’s I’d Do Anything talent show – recently spent time at the Banbury centre of charity Dogs for the Disabled.
The charity, which provides disabled children with a best friend and helper in the shape of four legs and a wagging tail, receives support from the BBC’s Children In Need.
Jodie said: “I was so excited to see these amazing dogs in action. I love dogs so much and so could instantly see how much difference they make to the lives of these children who face huge challenges every day.” More >
Charity Brings Aid to Disabled Ghanaians
Sep 7th
The Q’Straint Community Centre, Kpone Tema, Ghana.
Disabled people in Ghana are benefiting from recycled mobility equipment, courtesy of a new facility run by a Canterbury-based charity with the support of a wheelchair passenger safety specialist company.
Disabled Equipment Sent Overseas (DESO) is run by Mavis and Eddie Hyde who, despite both being in their 70s, regularly travel and live in deprived areas of Ghana, assisting the most vulnerable disabled members of society. Since 2006, the charity has managed to send one 40ft shipping container per year to Ghana containing crutches, walking sticks, wheelchairs, Braille books, typewriters, visually impaired equipment, continence products, hearing aids and tools.
DESO recently purchased land to build a new community facility thanks to financial support from Whitstable-based Q’Straint. The fully accessible Q’Straint Tema Community Centre will provides a drop-in day centre for activities such as teaching, sewing, discussion groups, medical advice and basic nursing. It also provides a home for several local residents who were previously living on the street and completely destitute. More >
Company Seeks Amputee Actors
Sep 6th
A company specialising in providing ‘simulation services’ to support medical and military training is looking for amputee actors.
Trauma FX Ltd employs amputee actors – male and female, aged at least 18 years old – and special effects make-up artists who are contacted to work throughout the UK providing Casualty Simulation (CASSIM).
No previous acting experience is necessary, as training will be given – although military and/or medical experience would be of an advantage. Applicants should be fit, have their own transport and able to commit to what can be a physically and emotionally challenging but exciting and rewarding job.
More: Call 07769 976 682, email enquiry@traumafx.co.uk, or visit www.traumafx.co.uk
Liberty 2010 ‘Great Success’
Sep 6th
Trafalgar Square was transformed on Saturday into a showcase and celebration of the artistic and sporting talent to be found within the UK’s Deaf and disabled community.
The free event brought street arts, dance, aerial performance, comedy, cabaret and children’s activities to the heart of London – to the bemusement and enjoyment of many of the city’s visitors
Among the performance highlights were an exclusive preview from Graeae’s new musical ‘Reasons to Be Cheerful’ (featuring the songs of Ian Dury), an aerial collaboration between Candoco and Scarabeus inspired by the myth of the minotaur, music from Heart n Soul and the Orpheus Centre, and an array of cabaret artists including Francesca Martinez, Steve Day and Liz Carr. More >
Could you be a 2012 Games Volunteer?
Sep 3rd
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, is inviting Able readers to help make the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games happen by volunteering.
Lord Coe writes: “The success of London 2012 will depend on a diverse group of up to 70,000 dedicated and brilliant volunteers, Whether directing spectators, checking accreditation or managing media, you will be right at the heart of the action, welcoming the whole world and showing what the UK has to offer. We call our volunteers the London 2012 Games Makers as they will literally make the Games happen for athletes, spectators and media alike.
“We want people of all ages, backgrounds and of all abilities to apply to be Games Makers. Being a Games Maker will be challenging but the rewards are life-long. We want the best team players in the UK to apply, people who show the same qualities as our disabled and non-disabled athletes – dedication, focus, grace under pressure, adaptability, responsibility and pride in their endeavours. You will help make history happen, work along-side new colleagues, start new friendships and gain new skills and knowledge. We also have some exciting reward and recognition plans to start sharing with you next year. More >
Charity Launches Benefits Campaign
Sep 3rd
Disability charity Scope has launched a new campaign against potential cuts in public spending that would seriously affect the lives of disabled people.
‘Don’t cut us out’ aims to gather the views of disabled people to use as evidence to government, the media and general public about how disabled people feel.
A spokesperson said: “We don’t believe that the Government has fully considered what the impact will be on disabled people and their families if these cuts go ahead. We’ve already heard from many who share our concerns.” More >
Scientists link PTSD with Dementia Risk
Sep 2nd
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a greater risk of dementia than veterans without the condition, even if they experienced traumatic injuries during combat, according to a new study by US scientists.
A study reported in the September issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests that veterans with PSTD resulting from exposure to life-threatening events, are twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
Report co-author Mark Kunik MD MPH, a psychiatrist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Texas, said: “Although we cannot at this time determine the cause for this increased risk, it is essential to determine whether the risk of dementia can be reduced by effectively treating PTSD. This could have enormous implications for veterans now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.” More >
Disabled People at Risk of Becoming Increasingly ‘Invisible’ in Modern Britain
Sep 1st
Disabled people risk being increasingly marginalised on the edges of society by proposed Government cuts, according to national disability charity Scope.
New research by the charity has found that disabled people are already ‘invisible’ to large parts of the society, with nearly two in five (40%) of non-disabled people (who do not have a disabled relative) not knowing any disabled people.
The survey found that, while the vast majority (91%) of non-disabled people believe that disabled people should have the same opportunities as everyone, only one in 10 had ever welcomed a disabled person into their house for a social occasion. Only a fifth (21%) had ever had the chance to work with a disabled colleague. More >
Mobility Aids Buyers Beware Rogue Traders
Sep 1st
Elderly and vulnerable people are being increasingly bullied into handing over thousands of pounds for overpriced mobility aids by rogue traders, according to the Local Government Association.
Some are even posing as social care workers to make sales. In one case, an 80-year-old was bullied into buying a £5,000 motor scooter, even though he already had one.
But now trading standards officers are recovering hundreds of thousands of pounds paid out for over-priced home equipment such as mobility scooters, stair lifts and walk-in baths. More >
