The View from Where I Sit

Category: advocacy

  • What is the difference between a Disability Minister and a Disability Commissioner?

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Ministers and commissioners are both important for ensuring fairness in human rights. They also reinforce diversity. They are appointed by the Queen. The UK has both.

    However, the difference between a minister and a commissioner, is that a minister is a person who is commissioned by the government for public service, while a commissioner is a member of a committee.

    Disability Minister


    Responsibilities

    The minister’s responsibilities include:

    • responsibility for the departmental strategy on disability and disability employment
    • cross-government responsibility for disabled people
    • Employment and Support Allowance
    • Personal Independence Payment
    • Disability Living Allowance and elements of Universal Credit that relate to disabled people, including severe disability premium
    • work and health strategy including sponsorship of the joint Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Health and Social Care Work and Health Unit
    • disability benefit reform
    • devolution framework
    • Carer’s Allowance
    • future relations with the EU
    • Motability
    • arms-length compensation schemes

    Disability Commissioner

    Responsibilities
    The Commissioner conducts visits to help raise the standards of human rights protection in all Council of Europe member states, in accordance with his mandate.

    Visits aim at pursuing a direct dialogue with the authorities and looking into one or several specific issues. The Commissioner is currently carrying out more targeted country visits focused on specific topics. A report may be published, containing conclusions and relevant recommendations to help redress shortcomings. Some of these reports may also relate to crisis situations and human rights in conflict areas.

    Based on my research, I think it is more effective and beneficial to have a Disability Minister to help advocate for disability rights because their role is multifaceted and unrestricted. They have more legislative privileges.

    https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/244164

    https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/the-commissioner

    https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/new-disabled-commissioner-astounded-and-offended-by-ehrc-treatment/

    https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/mandate

  • Interview with Access Adviser

    Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
    A: My name is Daniella Jade Lowe. I am a university graduate with a BA degree focused on History and Politics from the University of Bradford, England. Journalism and Politics are my passion. I am an emerging Journalist, Politician and Disability Advocate. My motive behind doing this was to be an advocate for people with disabilities. I am also marketing myself as an Access Consultant.

    Q: What is your experience of life as a disabled person?
    A: I have advocated for Wheelchair Accessibility in Bermuda, by writing various articles for numerous publications on the subject. In fact, one of the reasons why I pursued further education and started my career in England was due to Wheelchair Accessibility. During Middle School and High School, I used a Garaventa StairTrac for navigating the school for classes. I have even represented Bermuda at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a reporter for Bermuda’s Paralympian Jessica Lewis. During the games I also assessed the level of Wheelchair Accessibility at the event.

    Q: How would you describe your disability?
    A: I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus at birth. This condition is neurological. It comes with mobility issues and learning difficulties. As a result, I use a wheelchair for mobility.

    Q: What is accessibility like where you live?
    A    : Accessibility is terrible in Bermuda. Accessibility is much better in England.

    Q: Where is your favourite place for accessibility & why?
    A: Bradford and Ilkley are great for Wheelchair Access because there are plenty of ramps, lifts, and flat surfaces. Leeds has Disability Confident companies too.

    Q: What is one accessibility improvement that you would like to see?
    A:     Travelling around London can be improved especially when using the Tube or the Underground. Gatwick Airport is better for Wheelchair Accessibility than Heathrow Airport is.

    For more information about Access Adviser, please visit https://accessadvisr.net.

  • WHAT IS AN ASBAH AMBASSADOR?

    WHAT IS AN ASBAH AMBASSADOR?

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    The Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus is a charity that was founded in 1967. ASBAH is the local association and does peer support, activities and events to bring the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus community together.

    Katy Raven is the Project Manager for ASBAH. This charity is comprised of volunteers, parents/carers, children, adults and committee members.

    This organisation covers North and West Yorkshire which includes Cheshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Halton-Runcorn, Halton-Widnes, Kingston Upon Hull, Lancashire, Merseyside, Middlesbrough, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Staffordshire, North Yorkshire, Redcar/Cleveland, Shropshire, South Yorkshire, Wakefield, Warrington, West Yorkshire, Wigan and Wirral.

    ‘Supporting you to flourish and thrive’ is the slogan for the ASBAH foundation. By supporting, informing, and campaigning, North & West Yorkshire ASBAH is continuing to help promote individual choice, control, and quality of life for all the people who use their services.

    It is very important for people who are born with a developmental disability to have a good support network through peer support and befriending, especially if they are excluded from mainstream education and employment and always have to push for inclusion. It helps them to thrive and flourish.

    For the past 13 years, I have been a recipient of this charity’s services. They’ve helped me with medical support, educational advice, Spina Bifida clinics, job-searching assistance, interviews, companionship, advocacy, applying for financial support and wheelchair services. They also played a role in helping me get my first electric wheelchair during my first year of college.

    It all started back in the summer of 2009, when I originally moved to Bradford to start college. Upon arriving at the student accommodation, I met Miss Joan Pheasant, a chairman from the board of the ASBAH foundation. I found out about this charity through online research while still living in Bermuda. My case was slightly unusual because, I think I am the only international ASBAH member.

    For the sake of awareness, this organisation has decided to start an initiative called ASBAH Ambassadors and I’ve chosen to join in to advocate for others with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

    For example, one way that they do this is by celebrating Spina Bifida Week from October 25th to the 29th annually. During this week, they have campaigns and forums to educate people on the subject.

    In my opinion, being an ASBAH Ambassador is about disability representation, not just sharing information and advocating. It’s also about raising awareness. For me, being an ASBAH Ambassador is also about networking. This is why we have a befriending initiative too.

    I strongly feel that this charity has helped me to mature and properly manage my disability related issues. I definitely found it difficult to prioritise my medical affairs, finances, social life and education, especially during my first year of college.

    When I first started college, I remember participating in the Go Folic Campaign with ASBAH for Spina Bifida Week (https://www.totalhealth.co.uk/blog/importance-folate-prior-conception-go-folic-you-frolic). These campaigns and forums taught me how to improve the way I take care of myself, especially in diet and personal hygiene. ASBAH has definitely helped me to flourish and thrive in my health, education, social life and finances.

    Joan Pheasant has even helped me with transportation to and from appointments and legal advice (https://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/12965951.keighley-group-takes-taxi-overcharging-campaign-district-wide/.)

    I’ve also been to various annual social events like afternoon tea at the Clevedon House in Ilkley and Christmas dinners in Leeds, as a member of the ASBAH Association. One Sunday, we even went to lunch at the Cow and Calf in Ilkley.

    I appreciate this and feel it was beneficial to me because I know what it is like to live in a country that does not provide these services. I’ve learned a lot from this charity, like how to approach interviews and applying for benefits. I also feel that my social skills have improved. This charity is definitely needed and a great asset to the community especially for the expectant families and parents with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. When I grew up I didn’t have access to these services. I went to private nursery and preschool because not everyone was willing to take on a child with a disability.

    For more information, you can check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ASBAHNWY.

    You can also log onto their website: https://www.nwyasbah.org/?fbclid=IwAR3GIzZsOSyRXiRwD7l-qiVaDIle0ezgXHk7puKhBNDnh_PEPTT6cuVuBP4.

  • Common Ground 2020 Virtual Conference presents ‘Amplifying Community Voices’

    Common Ground 2020 Virtual Conference presents ‘Amplifying Community Voices’

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    On December 3, 2020, I was a panelist for a Virtual Conference hosted by the WindReach in Bermuda. This virtual conference was held in honour of ‘International Day of People with Disabilities’.

    Conference objective:

    Due to COVID-19, but even before, the needs and voices of People Living with Disabilities were often not made a priority in our social world, in our workplaces, in our schools or even in their own care and goals. Focusing our main topics of understanding on the history of disability, employment, accessibility, stigma, people’s misperceptions, and encouraging self-advocacy, we hope to address many of the issues facing Bermudians living with disabilities.

    This conference is meant to shine a light on the disability community as a whole, give space for their voices to be heard and to work on solutions to better the lives of all individuals. Everyone benefits when we collectively move towards a more inclusive society. There were ASL interpreters present throughout the whole conference. It was well organised and things went smoothly.

    During the conference, I shared the subject of Disability & Accessibility in Bermuda (Panel) alongside Chris Bulley, Vince Godber from Vision Bermuda & Keith Simmons.

    This discussion was between Panelists on the state of accessibility in Bermuda, what are the issues facing individuals accessing public and private establishments, transportation, and health care from an access perspective. Examine what laws are in place to address this, how they are used and how we can move forward to create a more accessible Bermuda.

    I also discussed how I’ve explored the option of marketing myself as an Access Consultant, and how we could do with more in Bermuda.

    I have always advocated and written articles on the subject of Wheelchair Accessibility, especially while growing up in Bermuda. This has been a longstanding issue in Bermuda, at least since 2006. I’ve even attended a ‘Brown Bag Lunch’ with Bermuda’s former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, to discuss subjects like Wheelchair Accessibility amongst other things.

    This is a photo of former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown’s first Brown Bag Lunch.

    During Middle School and High School, I used a Garaventa StairTrac for navigating the school for classes. https://www.garaventalift.com/en/products/portable-lift-evacuation-chair/stairtrac.html.

    Accessibility can be viewed as the “ability to access” and benefit from some system or entity. The concept often focuses on people with disabilities or special needs (such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and their right of access, enabling the use of assistive technology.

    Bermuda is not wheelchair-friendly. But in the City of Hamilton, some roads have disabled-friendly sidewalks. Bermuda’s sidewalks are often very busy with pedestrians, can be steep, are not always on both sides of the road and traffic on the main road between sidewalks is often dense. It is a very hilly, with few flat places, not good for disabled people confined to a wheelchair who are not accompanied by a spouse or caregiver with the strength to lift them. Main roads are very narrow and almost always busy during the weekday especially. There are now sidewalks with sloping ramps uniformly throughout the most frequently traveled tourism and international business areas of the city. The Town of St. George is slowly improving. It is semi-rural. http://www.bermuda-online.org/disabledinBermuda.htm.

    Wheelchair Accessibility and mobility issues are additional problems that wheelchair users face daily. I experienced this many times in Bermuda, especially at school. Access alleviates the amount of limitations and restrictions on wheelchair users. Failing to ensure wheelchair accessibility is neglecting to provide reasonable adjustments. It is like functioning in dysfunction. Fortunately AccessAdvisr helps to tackle this in England. I still think that people must be mindful.

    Accessibility Consultation and Disability Services (ADS) provides inspections, assessment, and consultations for accessibility requirements like ramps, door sizes, for new buildings and renovations. The purpose of this service is to help ensure and promote accessibility for all. The Accessibility Officer reviews planning applications, upon the request of the Department of Planning or the applicant, to help ensure buildings meet accessibility requirements. For more information about the Building Codes in Bermuda visit The Department of Planning Website: https://www.gov.bm/accessibility-consultation.

    The Department of Planning has Building Control. Building Control consults with other government agencies, reviews building permit applications for compliance with Building Codes and may require professional engineer certification of structures before issuance of building permits.

    Building Control building and electrical inspectors visit the sites where construction is underway to inspect work and determine if work is in accordance with the planning approval and the building permit. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure inspections are requested and the owner may be required to obtain a professional engineer certification of works which have not been inspected. Requests for Certificates of Completion/Occupancy, whether partial or final, must be made in writing: https://planning.gov.bm/index.php/building-control/.

    Additionally, Bermuda businesses are taking steps to improve accessibility. In 2019, Bermuda joined the UK’s business initiative called ‘Purple Tuesday’. Companies and individuals can register in advance using an online form or can speak with accessibility advocates in Hamilton, where sign-up details are taken in-person and additional information is available.

    This initiative is part of a National Tourism Plan effort to ensure Bermuda becomes a more accessible destination for people with disabilities, an effort that will not only set the island apart but also benefit Bermudians, too.

    Some of these businesses include:

    • Ambiance Bermuda

    • Benedict Associates

    • Bermuda Connections

    • City of Hamilton

    • Dolphin Quest

    • Grotto Bay Beach Resort

    • Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club

    • Lifestyles Co. Ltd.

    • Utopia Eatery

    • Department of Workforce Development

    http://bernews.com/2019/11/bermuda-celebrating-its-first-purple-tuesday/

    https://bernews.com/2019/11/bermuda-joins-global-purple-tuesday-campaign/

    Bermuda is really trying their best. On Thursday, November 26, 2020, a new pathway at St. Peter’s Church was created to make grave access for wheelchair users: https://bernews.com/2020/11/photos-st-peters-grave-access/.

    Alternatively, England even has an Access Rating Phone app, created by Mark Esho, Rich Copson, Martyn Sibley and Jignesh Vaidya. England seems to take Access Consultancy really seriously: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/raising-accessibility-standards-for-new-homes?fbclid=IwAR2K2mgbtIWzzJm5NIHIvJEnjjuNTaXla4KeBVe6K16IncPmAmTLNVoWHDs.

    The subject of Access also affects the visually impaired too. Public places must be accessible for them too, especially if they have little or no access to guide dogs. https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/campaigning/our-current-campaigns/access-all-areas. Vision Bermuda does this: https://visionbermuda.bm/community/advocacy.html. This is the most common ‘blind spot’ today.

    According to the British Government website, anyone can apply for a dropped kerb in England (https://www.gov.uk/apply-dropped-kerb).

    However, I get really annoyed with drivers who park across dropped kerbs. Dropped kerbs are meant to make it easy for wheelchairs to enter and exit sidewalks. Some drivers even park on top of the sidewalks blocking the walkway. We need to clamp down on this with a fine both in the UK and Bermuda.

    One solution to resolve this is through installing ramps and lifts.

    Did you know that ramps originated in Greece?

    https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/07/ramps-disabled-people-trace-back-ancient-greece

    Having this event is one good way to make some noise about Wheelchair Accessibility. The purpose of this virtual conference is to find a common ground on this relentless issue so that we can move forward together as a community. Finding a solution might mean compromising things for the greater good to move Bermuda forward.

    But we need more help. We need more allies, pressure groups, focus groups and need to get more people with disabilities in Parliament and The Human Rights Commission.

    I am very thankful and happy that I was given the opportunity to be a panelist for this virtual conference. I hope this virtual conference can encourage positive change and bring about a ‘new reality’ for disabled Bermudians and disabled tourists.

    https://www.accessrating.com/app/

    http://martynsibley.com/?fbclid=IwAR1vhssbmJ05WtF5-Al4Wuh0PONHxjJdqVtqcRhL9ger9etR_e5vKxiC2Co

    https://www.markesho.com/about-me/

    https://accessadvisr.net

    https://www.consultancy.org/.

    http://<iframe src=”https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPaparazziattheParalympics%2Fposts%2F359415517476902&width=500″ width=”500″ height=”299″ style=”border:none;overflow:hidden” scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ allowTransparency=”true” allow=”encrypted-media”></iframe>

    Wheelchair-Access-at-the-London-2012-Paralympic-GamesDownload
    DJ-article-RG-2006-1Download
    DJ-Lowe-Bda-Sun-Aug-29-2008Download
    ACCESS-CONSULTANCY-CopyDownload

    http://www.visionbermuda.bm/

    https://www.gotobermuda.co.uk/article/accessible-bermuda

  • Democracy in the UK

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    How does democracy work in the UK?

    The United Kingdom (UK) is a democracy. In the UK there are too many people to all discuss all the decisions about how the country is run. Therefore, representatives are elected to make decisions.


    Representatives include Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and local councillors.

    The UK Parliament meets in Westminster, London. It has three parts:


    The Crown- the Queen – Head of State, approves laws
    The House of Lords – Check proposed laws, make amendments
    The House of Commons – Debate proposals and make laws


    When did the UK become a democracy?


    Britain did not become a democracy until the Representation of the People Acts of 1918 and 1928 that gave the vote to all men and women over the age of 21.


    Is UK a representative democracy?

    Nearly all modern Western-style democracies are types of representative democracies; for example, the United Kingdom is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, France is a unitary semi-presidential republic, and the United States is a federal presidential republic.

    How do democracies work?

    Democracy is government in which power and civic responsibility are exercised by all adult citizens, directly, or through their democratically elected representatives. Democracy rests upon the principles of majority rule and individual rights. … Fair, frequent, and well-managed elections are essential in a democracy.

    Democracy and Disability

    Only 6 British MPs identify as disabled. In a world where 1 in 7 people have a disability, this lack of representation is a serious threat to the inclusion of disabled people in UK policy matters.

    The UK Parliament has been a vocal promoter of disability inclusion and the leave no one behind agenda. There are several All Party Parliamentary Groups focused on disability and of the 0.7% of GNI ringfenced for international development, disability is a priority issue. https://www.add.org.uk/disability-and-democracy-uk

    The Purple Vote Campaign in Wales hope to do the same.

  • DISABILITY AND VOTING IN WALES

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe


    Welsh Parliament
    There are 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs) of the Welsh Parliament.
    To vote in the Welsh Parliament elections you must:

    • be registered to vote
    • be 16 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
    • live in Wales
    • not be legally excluded from voting


    MSs are elected using the Additional Member system. You vote once for your constituency MS and once for an MS to represent the wider region.


    Wales is in the west of Great Britain and is part of the UK. It has a population of 3 million. The capital city of Wales is Cardiff. People in Wales speak English and many people also speak Welsh which is quite different and older than English. Street signs in Wales are written in both languages. Wales has been politically linked with England since 1542. Wales was an independent country until it was defeated by the English army. Wales has some independence in making its own laws, but it is still very much part of the UK political system.

    Inaccessibility and stereotyping are barriers for people with disabilities in politics. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-42167892


    An estimated 20% of the population are disabled, but only 1.5% of councillors are known to have a disability.


    About 600,000 people in Wales have a disability, but very few councils hold data on how many councillors are disabled.


    BBC research showed of the 1,254 councillors elected in May, just 19 are known by local authorities to be living with an impairment or long-term health condition.


    According to disabled politicians,’You have to be quite strong’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-42826002.

    The Legacy International Group alongside The Purple Vote Campaign hope to change this within the Welsh Assembly during the May 2021 elections.

  • The Equality Act: What has changed 10 years later?

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    What is Equality?

    Equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. Equality is a human right. It prevents discrimination. It’s all about inclusion.

    The Equality Act 2010

    It was created in 2010. It is comprised of 115 sections, which includes the DDA. Inclusion is a key theme of this Act. It covers the workplace and society.

    Example of Unconscious bias in the Workplace 

    Historically, there has been a gender pay gap. However, this has changed, at least since 2017, according to the gender pay gap factsheet. file:///C:/Users/Daniella%20Lowe/Downloads/Gender-Pension-Gap-Factsheet.pdf. This factsheet shows evidence that people (women in particular) are now encouraged to discuss salaries with each other. This will definitely expose and clamp down on discrimination.

    For more information on how to beat the Gender Wealth Gap visit- https://www.hl.co.uk/free-guides/thank-you?SQ_DESIGN_NAME=ppc&guide=https://www.hl.co.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/16042734/Gender-Pension-Gap-Factsheet.pdf&pub=TGWG&name=on%20how%20to%20beat%20the%20gender%20wealth%20gap.

    What stayed the same?

    • Still paying lip service.
    • Disability Employment gap still remains high. But there are some improvements to this such as the Access to Work for the Self Employed. This covers disability.
    • Benefit changes have disadvantaged disabled people.

    Also, taxi drivers still overcharge wheelchair users despite the Equality Act 2010 Taxi Annexa. Well, at least that’s what my experience has been.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents.

    What does the future hold?

    • We expect more action instead of information and promises.
    • Intersectionality must be focus of progress.
    • Culture of organisations must be inclusive.
    • Inclusion cannot be bias – it means all, not our favourite parts. 

    As an overview, this means that there is still work to be done. Law reinforcement and accountability must take place. Hopefully ten years from now we can expose all inequalities and have disparities resolved.

  • Access to Work Grant 

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Self employment is a form of independence for the disabled. Self employment is a form of freedom and self reliance. Many people like the idea of working for themselves because they have no one to be held accountable to. However, there are many challenges to self employment, especially for a person with a disability.

    Challenges of Self Employment

    The challenges above and beyond for a disabled self employed person:

    • Fluctuating conditions
    • Business hours affected
    • Accessing finance
    • Solutions are not always possible
    • Accessing the right advice
    • Accessing transport


    The term ‘disabled’ has the same meaning as in the Equality Act 2010. This defines disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on one’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’.

    The term disabled can also include disabilities that only become apparent in the workplace. An example of this might be where you started work and found that your eyesight was affected by computer screens but had not noticed this problem before you started work.

    1.What is Access to Work?

    Access to Work is a government programme aimed at supporting disabled people to take up or remain in work. Access to Work is a discretionary grant scheme that provides personalised support to disabled people who are:

    • in paid employment
    • self-employed
    • apprentices
    • trainees
    • supported interns
    • doing self-directed work experience
    • on Jobcentre Plus promoted work trials
    • going to a job interview
    • You can also apply if you have:
    • a job offer letter
    • a job start date
    • a letter confirming your interview

    There have been changes to Access to Work due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    2.Who can get help?

    The Self Employed can apply for the Access to Work grant if they earn £6000. They can also apply if:

    • are disabled, have a mental health condition or have a long-term health condition that impacts on your ability to work;
    • are aged 16 or over; and
    • live in England, Scotland or Wales – there’s a different system in Northern Ireland
    1. What help is available?

    Access to Work support covers a wide range of interventions beyond ‘reasonable adjustments’ associated with overcoming work-related barriers resulting from disability. The support package is agreed based on individual need.

    Examples of the kind of help available through Access to Work are:

    • A communicator, advocate or BSL interpreter for a job interview, if you’re D/deaf or have communication difficulties.
    • a support worker, such as a reader for somebody with a visual impairment; communicator for a hearing impaired person; a specialist job coach for a person with a learning difficulty; or a helper for personal care needs at work
    • Specialist equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your particular need.
    • Help towards the additional costs of taxi fares if you cannot use public transport to get to work
    • Support via Access to Work’s dedicated Mental Health Support Service.
    • Young people who start a work placement with an employer as part of the Department for Education supported internship programme or a traineeship will be able to apply for Access to Work support for the time of their work placement only.

    Access to Work will fund additional travel, job coach and other support, including costs of equipment if appropriate, and promote the smooth transition into paid employment.

    No other types of unpaid internships or traineeships will qualify for Access to Work support.

    1. Help available for people with long-term mental health conditions

    A free and confidential ‘Mental Health Support Service’ is available to anyone with a mental health condition through Access to Work.

    The scheme offers:

    • Work-focused mental health support for up to nine months tailored to your needs
    • An assessment of your needs to identify suitable coping strategies
    • A personalised support plan, detailing the steps needed for you to remain in, or return to, work
    • Ideas for adjustments in the workplace or of working practice

    Support for Apprentices

    This free service supports apprentices who are feeling low, upset and struggling to keep up with their apprenticeship. It is completely confidential and run by fully trained professionals with expertise in mental health.

    To qualify for this service, you must:

    • be in an apprenticeship (attending or signed off sick); and
    • have a mental health condition that has resulted in absence, or is causing difficulties to remain in your apprenticeship
    • What help is available?

    An expert will provide you with emotional well-being support and advice for nine months; they will help you to cope better so you can concentrate on your apprenticeship; develop a step-by-step support plan to keep you on track; advice on workplace adjustments; and help an employer understand how they can best support you if you are experiencing a mental health condition.


    How to access the supporting apprentices scheme:

    Tel: 0300 456 8210
    Email: apprentices@remploy.co.uk
    https://www.remploy.co.uk/employers/mental-health-and-wellbeing/supporting-apprentices-service.

    1. Amount of grants

    There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant. How much you get depends on your specific case. The grant will only cover the support needed to let you stay in work or in self-employment.

    There is an annual cap on the total amount of support that can be provided under Access to Work; this is currently set at £60,700.

    Access to Work will pay 100 per cent of the approved costs (subject to the cap):

    • for travel to work, for a support worker/reader or a communicator for support at job interviews;
    • if you are unemployed and starting a new job;
    • if you have been working for an employer and have been in the job for less than six weeks; or
    • if you are self-employed or setting up your own business through the New Enterprise Allowance.
    • If you have been in your job for six weeks or more when you first apply for help, Access to Work will pay a proportion of the costs of support as follows: (As the employer, you will contribute 100% of costs up to the threshold level and 20% of the costs between the threshold and £10,000.
    • Employers with less than 50 staff: Access to Work can pay 80% of the approved costs.
    • Employers with 50 to 249 staff: The employer will have to pay the first £500 and Access to Work can then pay 80% of the approved costs up to £10,000.
    • Large employers with 250 or more staff: The employer will have to pay the first £1,000 and Access to Work can then pay 80% of the approved costs up to £10,000.
    • Access to Work would normally cover all additional costs over £10,000, subject to the cap.
    1. What Access to work cannot cover

    The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on an employer to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees. Access to Work funding cannot be used to support these adjustments.

    Access to work will also not fund items which are regarded as standard equipment, standard business costs or standard health and safety requirements. This means that any item which would normally be needed to do the job, whether a person is disabled or not, will not be paid for.

    1. Students

    If you need communication help for a job interview before graduation, you should be able to access this service, even though you’re still studying.

    If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty and are studying in higher education, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances.

    1. Employers and Access to Work

    When you’re applying for jobs, you should mention to your potential employer, either at the application stage or in your interview, that Access to Work may be available to you.

    Access to Work information for employers is available at http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-guide-for-employers.

    Access to Work also has an eligibility letter, which you can give to your employer or take to a job interview.

    1. How to apply?

    You can apply online.

    Telephone: 0800 121 7479

    Textphone: 0800 121 7579
    Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
    Find out about call charges

    British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service

    To use this, you must:

    • first check you can use the service
    • go to the video relay service
    • Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

    Alternative formats

    Call the Access to Work number to ask for alternative formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD.

    If you need an alternative way of contacting Access to Work to discuss your needs, you can write to:

    Access to Work
    Operational Support Unit
    Harrow Jobcentre Plus
    Mail Handling Site A
    Wolverhampton
    WV98 1JE

    Supported Internships and Traineeships

    The application process for those on supported internships and traineeships wishing to apply to Access to Work includes:

    • The provision for a supported employment provider to make an application on behalf of an education provider (education providers can still make the claim if they would like to do so)
    • One placement per month for each student
    • The ability to make applications up to three months in advance.
    • For a flowchart setting out who may be eligible for Access to Work funding and the form for applying for Access to Work funding go to:

    https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/downloads/supported-internships/access-to-work-fund.htm

    Completed applications should be sent to the dedicated Access to Work team at: Atwosu.london@dwp.gsi.gov.uk.

    Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands

    You cannot get Access to Work support if you live in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. There is a different system in Northern Ireland.

    Forms

    Access to Work uses a specific medical form in connection with claims for travel to work. The form can be completed by someone who knows you well, giving a clear indication why you need support with travel to work. Once completed, this then needs to be signed by a medical professional to verify that the information is accurate.

    This could be your GP, Practice Nurse, Psychiatrist, Psychologist or Learning Disability Nurse, but it can’t be signed by a non-medical person such as Social Worker or Support worker.

    1. How long is Access to Work funding available for?

    Access to Work funding agreements can cover up to three years. Reviews normally take place annually to assess if continued or further funding is needed. As long as you need the funding, you should continue to get it.

    1. What if I disagree with an Access to Work decision?

    You cannot appeal against an Access to Work decision, but you can ask for it to be reconsidered by a different Access to Work Adviser. To arrange this, use the contact details at the top of your award letter.

    If your circumstances change, such as if you change employer or your job role, you can ask for your award to be reviewed.

    If you have a complaint about the service you have received from Access to Work staff, you can use the DWP complaints procedure.

    1. Where can I get more help or information?

    For general information on Access to Work, go to http://www.gov.uk/access-to-work.

    You can get help and information at your local advice centre, such as Citizens Advice. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/access-work.

  • Voting with a Disability in the UK

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Voting with a disability can be quite a tedious but rewarding experience. We often suffer marginalised politics for a marginalised people.

    The Electoral Voting Commission in the UK offers Accessible Voting for all. They endorse voting through accessibility videos: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessible-voting-for-all.

    First of all, you must register to vote, but only once you’re 18 years old or older on the day of the election. In Scotland and Wales you can vote at age 16 or over.

    You can register online or by post. However, you cannot vote online in any elections.

    Physically challenged voters and wheelchair users can vote in person because all polling stations are wheelchair accessible. They also have the option of voting by post. As a wheelchair user, while living in Bradford as a student, I voted in person. I’ve also voted in person at the St. John’s Anglican church in Ilkley.

    Vision Impaired Voters

    Vision Impaired voters can vote through Tactile Audio Device Voting. The TAD is easy to use and utilize your hearing and touch senses to vote without assistance: https://bernews.com/2020/09/tad-voting-demonstration-on-saturday/?fbclid=IwAR0i7UY4PXPDUJ1uF95-w_F3QBogRtqDwOWq8jDPpgJqHn_ZmBiWyA8wF4k.

    There’s also Proxy Voting in Wales. You can do this by asking someone to vote for you. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/898774/Apply-to-vote-by-proxy-due-to-a-disability-Welsh.pdf.

    Hearing Impaired Voters

    Unfortunately, according to my research, the hearing impaired want to be included in voting at the European Parliamentary Elections, through subtitles and sign language but are still fighting for recognition. https://www.eud.eu/news/real-rights-persons-disabilities-vote-european-parliament-elections/.

    Deaf voters are demanding improvements. ‘No captions, no vote’, they say! https://inews.co.uk/opinion/no-captions-no-vote-why-deaf-voters-are-calling-for-more-accessible-campaigning-this-general-election-368084. This indicates that there is more work, by way of advocacy, to be done.

    According to statistics, one in five British voters are disabled. So why does politics ignore us?

    Austerity has been bruttal for disabled people. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/13/disabled-people-politics-brexit-election. This is why we need elections and voting.

    Most politicians like to say ‘don’t vote, don’t complain.’

    However the disabled community has every right to complain if they’ve asked for reasonable adjustments but get ignored every time.

    Voting is about getting your voice heard. Voting is the starting point for political action. It’s about sharing political concerns, expectations and solutions. Disability voting is about tackling and dismantling oppressive systems of injustice. It is also about holding our politicians accountable. Voting should reimagine law enforcement, as well as reinforce disability justice, disability rights and disability advocacy.

    The next step after campaigning and voting would be debating disability related issues. Canvassing is about relationship building. Canvassing will most likely highlight voters concerns. It is very difficult to debate sensitive subjects that you are passionate about like Euthanasia, without letting your emotions run high.

    During my high school years, I had the privilege of participating in a political group called ‘Youth Parliament Bermuda.’ While on this team, I got a chance to debate various topics in the House of Assembly with other students. http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20070517/NEWS/305179917.

    The Disability Union is also good at doing this for legal support (https://disabilityunion.co.uk/).

    Netflix even has a disability revolution movie entitled, ‘Crip Camp’, which is a documentary about a groundbreaking summer camp which galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities, to help build a movement forging a new path towards greater equality. It also shows great impacts on disability rights and advocacy.

    Also, voting and elections is about power. Purple is also associated with royalty. The reason why the colour purple is used to represent disability is because it’s about identity : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-25767082. As a member of the Purple Vote Campaign, this is important to know.

    Disability representation is important for inclusion, equality and identity. ‘DISABILITY VOTE MATTERS!’

    Voting might be more difficult this year than at any other point in history due to global pandemic and lack of access to voting options. This is why we are raising awareness about voting resources, rights, and the importance of the disability vote. We need everyone involved to make positive change in our communities.

  • Disability Crowdfunding Campaigns within the UK

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    I am writing this report about crowdfunding campaigning in the UK, as part of my research for the Purple Vote Campaign, in conjunction with the Legacy International Group.

    Before carrying out my research for this report, I was of the assumption that crowdfunding campaigns were only politically driven. However, to my surprise I am wrong.

    What is crowdfunding?
    Crowdfunding is a different way to raise money for good ideas. People are increasingly bypassing more traditional funding routes such as bank loans or grants and turning instead to the people around them and in their community to support their venture. It’s been around for centuries but the internet makes it possible to reach much bigger audiences than before.

    There are various types of crowdfunding campaigns such as:

    • donation-based crowdfunding
    • Reward-based crowdfunding
    • Debt crowdfunding
    • Equity crowdfunding

    DISABILITY CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGNS IN THE UK

    Crowdfunding Campaigns are quite popular in the UK.

    SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS

    According to my research, there have been some successful disability related crowdfunding campaigns within the UK.

    For example, Access Enable 1st Start Up is one disability related crowdfunding campaign, that was created to break down the social barriers disabled people face in everyday life by educating businesses about Disability, Access, and Inclusion. On 27th February 2018 they successfully raised £125 with 6 supporters in 56 days.

    Another campaign is Brainhead which was launched in 2013. BrainHead is an app developed by the Autism Diagnostic Research Centre which was successful because it ultimately led to £10,000 being raised through Crowdcube, (a crowdfunding platform) in addition to the project’s £150K grant.

    Disabled People Against Cuts in London also held a ‘Rights not Charity’ crowdfunding campaign. On 25th November 2019 they successfully raised £1,929 with 53 supporters in 28 days.

    Ability Today had a ‘Turning Disability into Ability’ campaign which was successful because they raised £6,700 on November 13th, 2019 with 160 supporters in 69 days.

    Alan Barnes Fund was successful, because they topped £300K in four days. The original target of the Alan Barnes Fund was £500. The Alan Barnes Fund was a personal appeal for health and medical reasons.

    https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/02/02/crowdfunding-campaign-alan-barnes-tops-300k-four-days/

    UNSUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS

    On the other hand, there have also been unsuccessful disability related crowdfunding campaigns within the UK.

    For example, Support disabled people in society. Their goal is to make websites accessible for everyone. Their vision is to support disabled people in society. Unfortunately, this project was not successful. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/make-websites-accessible-for-everyone

    AME Communicate offers three app-based products for people who are visually impaired, hearing-impaired, and non-native English speakers. They comprise AME Sight (an all-in-one screen magnifier, reader, and character recognition app), AME Translate (which enables users to communicate in other languages via pre-loaded phrases and words) and AME BSL (a British Sign Language interpreter and translator). This campaign was unsuccessful.

    Why?

    “Crowdfunding didn’t allow us to fully represent our goals and show the products off to their best advantage,”

    Teleford admits.

    Grippoz, an innovative wheelchair push-rim cover, crowdfunding made the prospect of developing and mass-producing the product feasible, but it failed, unfortunately, because the Grippoz Kickstarter campaign was only able to raise £5195 of the team’s £22,500 goal.

    The Peers Connection Group was an unsuccessful disability crowdfunding campaign.

    Disability Snowsport UK was also an unsuccessful disability crowdfunding campaign.

    Additional reasons why crowdfunding campaigns are unsuccessful

    Another reason why crowdfunding campaigns fail is due to the lack of momentum within the first 48 hours of launching. It is crucial that you reach a third of your target within 48 hours of launching. If you do not achieve that, studies have shown that campaigns are not likely to succeed.

    https://www.fundingcentral.org.uk/Page.aspx?SP=6549

    https://www.startups.com/library/expert-advice/crowdfunding-pros-cons

    People with disabilities should not need to crowdfund in order to afford basic independence.

    However, I suppose crowdfunding campaigns are a good alternative to charity in the face of austerity. Crowdfunding campaigns for a disability focussed political campaign sounds very effective.

    For example, Cambridge Green Party raised £300 from 10 supporters. Unfortunately, campaigning also requires money for leaflets, letters, posters, ads and more. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/VirgilGreen

    Additionally, Wales People’s Assembly against austerity, is another crowdfunding campaign that was successful. This was an anti-austerity campaign involved in organising events to protest, protect and fight austerity which negatively affects the most vulnerable. On 25th June 2015 they successfully raised £10 with 1 supporter in 28 days.

    Based on my findings, there is seemingly more successful disability focussed crowdfunding campaigns in the UK than there were unsuccessful disability focussed crowdfunding campaigns.

    As a result, I conclude that crowdfunding campaigns are the best and most effective way to make money, especially for a disability focussed political campaign. It will also be the most modern and effective way to build momentum and raise awareness for disability advocacy and political causes.

    http://www.legacyig.org/purple-vote/