The welfare reform bill will incentivise people: to turn on David Cameron | Polly Toynbee

Mark Glasgow — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:33:26 +0000

David Cameron’s cuts have barely got going yet. That’s the frightening truth about austerity While Tory and Lib Dem MPs were contemptuously rejecting all seven Lords amendments to the welfare reform bill on Wednesday, I was at a credit union in London’s East End, listening to low earners and unemployed people struggling to save small sums to avoid loan sharks. Admirable, but little protection from a tidal wave of cuts heading their way

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The welfare reform bill will incentivise people: to turn on David Cameron | Polly Toynbee

Cast at Theatre Royal raise funds for cancer prevention

Mark Glasgow — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:14:20 +0000

Staff at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal will be rattling their buckets this weekend as they collect for cancer prevention to mark World Cancer Day.

Audiences will be invited to make a donation to World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the charity’s vital science and education programmes.

In total, 39 Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) venues around the UK will be collecting on Saturday February 4, as cancer organisations around the globe mark World Cancer Day.

Teresa Nightingale, General Manager at WCRF, said: “We’re incredibly lucky that the Ambassador Theatre Group has agreed to promote World Cancer Day with a collection.

“Not only does it raise money for our important work, but it also helps raise people’s awareness about cancer prevention and the message that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented.”

Nick Potter, ATG’s Managing Director (Venues), said: “We’re delighted to be able to play our part in supporting and promoting World Cancer Day, in particular the crucial work WCRF does for cancer prevention.

“We know our audiences have always been supportive of charitable causes and we would like to thank them in advance for helping out in whatever way they can. “

Rick Santorum, all disabled people deserve the care your daughter gets | SE Smith

Mark Glasgow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:37:14 +0000

The way Santorum publicises the life of his daughter Isabella shows up his hypocrisy on health and disability Rick Santorum made headlines in the US last weekend by taking a break from campaigning in the Republican primaries to spend time with his three-year-old daughter, Isabella , who was hospitalised with pneumonia. Respiratory infections are a common complication of Trisomy 18 , the genetic disorder Isabella was born with, and life expectancies for people with this condition are often “measured in days and weeks”. Fortunately, Isabella made it through this medical crisis, but there will be more in her future

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Rick Santorum, all disabled people deserve the care your daughter gets | SE Smith

The work capability assessment should help, not hound people back into work | Tom Greatrex

Mark Glasgow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:37:07 +0000

Failure to address the flaws of the Atos assessment has hurt the needy, and undermined the principle of helping people work In the 21 months since I was elected an MP, one issue is consistently raised by constituents: employment and support allowance (ESA) and the work capability assessment (WCA) that underpins eligibility for it. The principle of assessing those claiming sickness benefit is one with which I agree. As do, surprisingly, many of the people who have contacted me about problems with WCA .

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The work capability assessment should help, not hound people back into work | Tom Greatrex

Welfare reform bill – benefit cap Commons live debate

Mark Glasgow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:35:06 +0000

After seven defeats in the Lords, the government’s controversial welfare reform proposals return to the Commons for further discussion 12.15pm: Some excellent comments coming in below the line . My colleague Laura Oliver asked for your thoughts on the government’s proposed concessions. Wishface responds : • Families affected by the £26,000 welfare cap will be given at least nine months “grace period” to adapt to the loss of benefits, by fiinding a job or moving house

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Welfare reform bill – benefit cap Commons live debate

EasyJet profits, while disabled passengers lose | Tanvi Vyas

Mark Glasgow — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:04:54 +0000

The airline’s policies have repeatedly failed disabled people – its profit margins may come at too high a price When easyJet released its trading figures for the fourth quarter of 2011, it reported a 16.7% increase in revenue, taking pride in the fact that its confident financial performance bucked the trend of poor sales across other UK airline carriers.

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EasyJet profits, while disabled passengers lose | Tanvi Vyas

Letters: The benefits of a civilised society

Mark Glasgow — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:24:21 +0000

Today the welfare reform bill is expected to return to the Commons ( Report , 30 January). Under government plans, 670,000 households – two-thirds containing a disabled family member – would lose an average of £670 a year because they are deemed to have one or more additional bedrooms. Separated parents or grandparents who use their extra bedroom to share the care of their children or grandchildren; families in which two same-sex teenage children have their own bedroom for privacy and study; foster parents with rooms occupied by foster children – many, despite having nowhere else to move to, will see their incomes cut if the bill passes unamended.

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Letters: The benefits of a civilised society

If Lib Dems can’t influence this welfare bill, why are we in coalition? | George Potter

Mark Glasgow — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:11:54 +0000

MPs must listen to Lib Dem members before they vote on the Lords amendments to the bill: the soul of the party is at stake “To build and safeguard a fair, free and open society where no one is enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.” Those are the words that appear on the membership card of every single member of the Liberal Democrats, spelling out the fundamental values we believe in. As a Lib Dem, I appeal to our MPs to remember those values this Wednesday when they vote on the Lords’ amendments to the welfare reform bill . If they do not then I fear that the soul of our party could be heading to a very dark place.

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If Lib Dems can’t influence this welfare bill, why are we in coalition? | George Potter

Rod Liddle’s attack on disability cannot be ignored | Frances Ryan

Mark Glasgow — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:05:12 +0000

By presenting disabled people as scroungers Liddle has done a lasting damage. We must help the public see us as we really are “My new year’s resolution for 2012 was to become disabled.

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Rod Liddle’s attack on disability cannot be ignored | Frances Ryan

Nick Coleman: I fought going deaf with a day at the football

Mark Glasgow — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:31:39 +0000

When the writer lost his hearing, he lost his ability to enjoy the pastimes he loved.

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Nick Coleman: I fought going deaf with a day at the football

Wheelchair users block Oxford Circus to protest at disability cuts

Mark Glasgow — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:31:34 +0000

‘We’re not scroungers and fakers’ say wheelchair protesters Disability activists blocked one of central London’s busiest road junctions on Saturday with a line of wheelchair users chained together in the first of a series of promised direct action protests against government welfare cuts. The demonstration, which brought much of Oxford Circus to a standstill for more than two hours, was the product of an alliance between disabled groups and UK Uncut, which came to prominence by staging similar direct actions against corporations accused of avoiding tax

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Wheelchair users block Oxford Circus to protest at disability cuts

Disability campaigners stage central London protest against welfare reforms

Mark Glasgow — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:49:50 +0000

Members of Disabled People Against Cuts and UK Uncut demonstrate against government cuts Disability campaigners have blocked one of central London’s busiest road junctions with a line of wheelchair users chained together in the first of a series of protests against government welfare cuts. The demonstration – which brought much of Oxford Circus to a standstill for more than two hours – was the result of an alliance between disabled groups and UK Uncut, which has staged similar protests against corporations accused of avoiding tax.

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Disability campaigners stage central London protest against welfare reforms

Welfare reforms protest blocks Oxford Circus – video

Mark Glasgow — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:49:44 +0000

Disability activists and UK Uncut stop traffic for two hours, chaining themselves together across Regent Street in a demonstration against the welfare reform bill John Domokos

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Welfare reforms protest blocks Oxford Circus – video

A Winners Tale

Mark Glasgow — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:26:54 +0000

It was with a heady mix of excitement and anxiety we left the house on our journey to Bristol Airport. Taking twin boys of 6 and a half and our wheelchair bound daughter on a plane was a new experience. I had been preparing tick lists and running through worse case scenarios for weeks but luckily all my worries were completely unnecessary and unfounded.

The booking and special assistance request with Easy Jet was amazing, everything was so smooth so that instead of being ‘very irritating people’ as we tried to get through with the wheelchair we felt like proper VIPs as we were whisked through check in, security and boarding. All the airport staff were friendly and genuinely helpful.

We were boarded first and given the first 2 rows of seats which was perfect for fidgety boys and Katia who is unable to sit up unaided so she was able to stretch out across the seats. Katia has profound learning disabilities and was disorientated and grumpy but the teenagers sitting behind her sang twinkle twinkle little star to her and made faces which helped distract her. We found bringing one of her favourite musical toys very helpful as it was a familiar object. The Portuguese staffs were equally as efficient and the disembarkation went very smoothly. Finally we were through customs and there we were in arrivals looking for Hazel and her pink folder.

Hazel waved vigorously to us, there was no question of not recognising us we were not a party that could not easily be missed. We all followed Hazel out into the warm air and with just enough time to shed some of our ‘English Summer ‘ layers we loaded into the transporter and set off to Funchal Ridge with me mentally crossing off each of my worries!

It was a late arrival at the apartment but as we wearily got out of the WAV and wandered through the prettily landscaped garden I could smell the wonderful ly aromatic smell of oleander and feel the warm air around us I knew then I was on holiday and it was going to be good. We had a quick look through the apartment but were too tired to take on much except it was huge, beautifully furnished , the fridge had been stocked up with a pre ordered food shop and vitally important there were PG tips tea bags for me to make a much needed cup of tea. Hazel and Bryn had also thoughtfully set out a plate of pastries and pate which gave us something to nibble on before getting some much needed sleep. We all settled down for the night, I chose to sleep with Katia as she was still a bit disorientated and Ben took the other double bed. The twins settled in to the 3rd
twin bedded room.

The next morning I got up and tentively pulled back the curtains, bright blue sky and glorious sunshine (another anxiety regarding poor weather left my mental tick list) I tiptoed around the apartment making myself a cup of tea and taking it out on to the terrace. What a start to the holiday I could see the sea from the Terrace there was a light breeze fanning the trees and plants and it was shorts weather with no jumpers / cagoules as a back up plan.

I just had time to finish my tea and drink in the stunning views when the boys and Ben arrived. After a quick breakfast it was operation pool time. The boys unleashed 6 hours of cooped up travelling on the beautiful sparking pool. The once peaceful Funchal Ridge was punctuated by the screams and whoops of 2 hyped up boys. Ben, Katia and I made a slightly more dignified entrance and basked in the warmth of the water and the air. Getting Katia in the pool was very easy, a ramp leads down to the pool and then we could either hoist her in using the pool hoist or lift her in via the Roman steps. The sunbathing terrace is again very attractive and picks up a slight breeze to help keep you cool, however there are plenty of parasols and sun loungers with shades. The loungers come with cushions so reading is a very comfortable experience. I realised my holiday persona was now overtaking my stressed ‘working mum’ one when it got to 1pm and I hadn’t unpacked or consulted my unpacking list!

Ben arrived back from his orientation tour with Hazel bearing bags of food and some adult beverages. Hazel had very helpfully shown him where the supermarkets were and some of the local beaches. We tucked in to a lovely salad lunch and realised just how well the kitchen is equipped. I realised lugging a hand blender here was totally unnecessary, this kitchen could cater for a gourmet chef if the need required!

While the rest of the crew had a post lunch snooze I did unpack which was when I realised the term luxury self-catering really did apply to this apartment. The soft furnishings and bed linen are beautiful and they all coordinate which is a rarity in our own house. I was totally amazed by the amount of towels (again matching) and also the stack of beach / pool towels. Hazel had even taken the trouble to find star wars towels for the boys. This was not just a holiday apartment this was like a hotel. All the rooms are very spacious; you enter the apartment from the terrace into a lovely sitting room with comfy leather settees and TV area. Leading from this is a dining area which has an elegant glass topped dining table which seats 8. The focus of the dining area is a wonderful wood burning stove and fireplace. The kitchen and dining areas are separated by a high wooden counter. Leading off the kitchen / dining areas is the games room which links the 2 apartments and also acts as the laundry room.

Leading form the other side of the lounge is the master bedroom and a hallway leading to the other bedrooms and bathrooms. All doors and areas of the apartment are wide enough for easy access so no squeezing the wheelchair through tight doorways and corners. The bathrooms are beautifully appointed using the wetroom was a treat for us all it has a lovely rain shower for you to luxuriate in but also a hose type shower for sandy bits.

For me sitting by the pool taking in the peace and quiet and the wonderful outlook allowed me to completely relax. For the male members of the family the Freeview, pool table, table football and Wifi gave them things to do other than relax poolside. The boys found loads of toys and games to play which kept them busy especially when playing with Hazel and Bryn’s children. For Katia it was all about the water; having the pool heated meant she could swim 4 – 5 times a day and stay in for up to an hour. There are all sorts of pool toys for all the family but a particular hit for Katia was the
floatation jacket and water hammock which allowed her to float on the water completely safely.

Katia thrives on vivid strong stimuli and the bright colours of the sky, pool and landscaping was perfect for her. While sitting on the roman steps she loved to chase the ripples and reflections with her hands and actually learned to splash with both hands which was a great development for her. She quickly eased into her routine and we could all see her gain in strength and vocalisation as the week went on. As I’d hope this was a week of therapy for her as well as being a fantastic holiday for the rest of us.

Having the transporter was such a bonus as we could go out altogether so easily, it took a few times to master the seating but by day 2 our loading and unloading was as slick as an F1 pit stop (well almost).

There is so much to do in the area just walking up the hill to look at the amazing properties and views of the sea on one side and the mountains on the other was a pleasant, evening stroll for Katia. We visited 4 different beaches within a 20 minute drive. The nearest is Luz which is about under 10 minutes drive. Each beach has their own character so each beach visit left a different impression.

From long expanses of white sand with white crested waves and windsurfers zapping around on them to smaller coves with sandcastle making sand and crystal clear water to swim in. I had my first sea swim in 10 years. There is not a trace of high rise over development just clean friendly beaches with pleasant cafes to sip drinks and watch the world go by. The wheelchair accessibility is amazing; each beach has wooden walk ways to allow access over the sand, dedicated sunshade platforms for a chair and sand and sea buggies to allow wheelchair users to be pushed along the sand or even enter the sea. These buggies don’t come with a harness so it is best to bring your own.
The beach that was the highlight of our trip was Alvor which is situated at the end of the estuary not only did it have all the wheelchair access it had a tent to offer shade for wheelchair users and a dedicated lifeguard to help. There are paths which lead from the beach to the estuary and down to the harbour. We spent a wonderful afternoon, strolling and bird spotting combined with the usual beach stuff. For us this destination really allowed Katia to do what she likes and accommodated the needs of her brothers.

An important feature of any holiday is the food and this one didn’t disappoint. Hazel’s
recommendations of the ready roasted piri piri or garlic chicken was an excellent one and other suppers included a BBQ and a mixture of ready-made Portuguese dishes form the supermarket. We ate out twice and found Lagos offered a range of eateries but we settled on harbour side restaurants which had a large Portuguese clientele. The food was simple and tasty. The Portuguese steak, sword fish and fish stew were favourites. A meal out cost between 12-16 euros a head including drinks.

We had a totally amazing holiday at Funchal Ridge Hazel and Bryn and their family make you totally welcome and are on hand to offer advice and help but allow you space to relax and enjoy family time together. They are passionate about providing a high quality holiday experience for every one but are totally tuned in to the needs of disabled clients. For us finding somewhere that ticks boxes for disabilities, active boys and stressed out parents is incredible. By the end of the holiday I was so relaxed I didn’t even make a packing list There is so much we would like to do again and so much we would like to do next time we go that it is a definite we will be back. I just can’t wait to leave the lists behind again.

Global Game Jam tackles the issue of accessibility

Mark Glasgow — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:50:10 +0000

Thousands of coders are taking part in a global game development challenge, and many are being encouraged to consider a specific audience: gamers with disabilities The annual Global Game Jam kicks off on Friday, with thousands of coders around the world gathering in hundreds of different venues to spend the weekend writing games.

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Global Game Jam tackles the issue of accessibility