Web accessibility, or e-Accessibility, is the inclusive practice of ensuring there are no barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, websites on the World Wide Web by people with physical disabilities, situational disabilities, and socio-economic restrictions on bandwidth and speed.
Misconception #1: web accessibility is about disability.
It’s not. Web accessibility is about universality. It’s about making something that can be used by as many people as possible. Different environments, different devices, elderly, different cultural backgrounds, non-English speakers and impaired abilities. 11.2 million people in the UK, are registered as having a disability. Eighty-three percent of disabled people acquire a disability during their working life.
Disabled people in the UK are estimated to have the spending power of at least eighty billion per year. The majority of disabilities are not visible. Less than eight percent of disabled people use a wheelchair. We need to make our websites easy to use for everyone, including the hearing impaired, those with limited mobility, those with reading difficulties and anyone using hand-held devices.
So why do we do it?
By making your content more accessible more people in more locations can read your information and they will understand it more easily.
After all, you want everyone to get your message, right?
Accessibility is also a legal requirement under the Equality Act of 2010.
Misconception #2: web accessibility is not my problem.
It is. Web accessibility is everyone’s responsibility. We’re all in this together what you do makes a difference.
So what do people need?
People need information that is easy to read that works on different devices and that is easy to navigate. It also needs good design and colour contrast, images and graphs that are described well, has video captions or transcriptions, has documents and attachments in a format that can be used by everyone everywhere. Remember what you do at the start makes it easier at the end and your content gets published faster.
Manningham Housing Association has a new project called Building Bridges Bradford Project of which aims to bring diverse groups and voices together during the Pandemic. Besides building the community, the project aims to tackle mental health. As has been highlighted by the experts and in the media, with the pandemic, some cases of mental health have been raised.
The new project by the Association therefore aims to build bridges between its residents in the community in various ways.
In the next year, between January to March, we would be delighted if you could deliver a confidence building/ awareness workshop on the disabled group.
Our aim to activate community conversations and bring different communities together. For you, how you deliver the session/s is up to you (to be discussed).
Information useful for the project:
We would like course structures between 2-8 weeks, a session each week/ fortnightly/monthly.
They can run between 60 mins-2 hours a session (2 hours however might be too long. We recommend 1hr sessions max to ensure active engagement and participation. You might however have other ideas-open to hear about them).
Suitability of time depends on your structure and audience you wish to target (family programmes for instance may happen after school or on weekends in the afternoon).
Regards to the number of participants expected to attend, this depends on the audience interested in this session and themes that you are keen to offer. For example, you could incorporate a number of 121 sessions to specifically positively impact some individuals who may best benefit from this. You can also run group sessions.
Age range: any (might depend on your offering/s). We would, however, like to impact all age groups for greater impact. Maybe you might like to break down activities by age.
Ethnicities: All (we aim to inspire community integration, conversations& learning)
As you may have gathered, we are very flexible on your delivery. Our main aim is to positively impact as many people as possible. It’s however not about numbers, you might propose to work with few individuals of whom you can truly positively impact…impact is better than numbers.
As of Covid-19 , all sessions will run online ( over Zoom/other) unless Covid-19 Tiers allow otherwise.
If you have any more queries, please send these or send a time of your availability so that we can discuss this further.
When buying a new wheelchair, there are many types to consider. Wheelchair assessments can be quite stressful when applying for a new wheelchair as frequent as every four years. It makes it worse when able bodied assessors are trying to tell what you need and don’t need. In fact the only reason why I got one in the first place is because the college I attended, made it mandatory for me to have one in order to study there. I was told that Bradford was too hilly so I got a motorised wheelchair to get through college. This is one of the many times that a wheelchair user has to advocate for themselves.
One of the most popular varieties is an electric wheelchair. Before you commit to this purchase, make sure it is the right option for you. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.
PROS
Pro: They are more comfortable
One of the top reasons people choose an electric wheelchair over a manual one is that they tend to be more comfortable. These chairs are often custom-made to fit the person’s size and body shape. You will find that the seat of the chair is cushioned to provide extra support and has a headrest at just the right height. It might also have additional back support. Also, the pads of the seat sit more securely than manual wheelchair seat pads. In general, electric wheelchairs will have more custom options for comfort than the manual wheelchairs have.
Pro: There are a lot of great features
You also have a wider range of features when you choose an electric wheelchair. Not only is the wheelchair motorized so you can go farther faster, but you can go in reverse without too much effort. You can also add a lot of different features since the larger wheelchairs provide ample space for extras. For example, if you don’t have good use of your arms and hands, you can get an electric wheelchair that moves when you change your head positions or get a voice-controlled wheelchair. Some models also add built-in heat just in case you are out on a cold day. You can get one with a seat that rises to help you get items on a higher shelf. This feature encourages pressure relief and independence. The newer models even have extra security features to prevent it from being stolen.
Pro: You have more independence
Perhaps most of all, you have more independence with an electric wheelchair. As someone who is a wheelchair user, it can be hard requiring someone to move the wheelchair for you, even when you do not have the energy to use your arms for turning the wheels of a manual chair. If you want to be able to get around freely without someone else’s help, an electric wheelchair is your best option.
CONS
Con: The wheelchair is large and heavy
On the downside, electric wheelchairs are large and bulky, not to mention heavy. Nobody will be able to lift this chair on their own to get it into a vehicle or into your home. You must have a proper ramp or a wheelchair-friendly vehicle. Manual wheelchairs are light enough to lift and fold to fit just about anywhere.
Con: They are more expensive
Naturally, electric wheelchairs are considerably more expensive. You are paying for all those extra features, the motorized function, and the overall size of the new chair. It is possible that your insurance policy will cover some of the costs, so you should check with them before you decide not to get this type of wheelchair. Charities, government and personal fundraisers may help but there’s no guarantee they will cover the costs.
Con: It impedes on your cardiovascular strength.
Upper body strength is important for a wheelchair user, especially when you have little to no use of your lower extremities.
Con: It is hazardous to use them in rain, ice, mud, sand and snow.
The traction from the wheels gets stuck in ice, mud, sand and snow. It can also be slippery when it rains. It is also tricky to charge them in a power cut.
A.R.T is somewhat similar to massage therapy in that a therapist will use their hands to manipulate soft tissues. During A.R.T, however, the patient or the therapist will actively flex and extend different muscle groups during manual therapy. This active motion improves circulation and helps to break down scar tissue. A.R.T can help people with:
Plantar fasciitis
Tennis elbow
Shin splints
Carpal tunnel
Neck pain
Back pain
One study found that A.R.T was helpful for people with neck pain as it improved range of motion and the pressure pain threshold score.
Graston and Astym Therapy
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a therapy called Gua sha, which is where a therapist uses a tool, such as a smooth stone, to scrape the skin. Gua sha improves circulation and helps to break down scar tissue. Many therapists have taken the gua sha concept and applied it to different physical therapy techniques, such as the Graston technique and the Astym technique.
Therapists that follow Graston and Astym protocols use plastic and/or metal tools to rub down soft tissues instead of their hands. If you have deeper areas of scar tissue that can’t be resolved by manual therapy, then these types of tools can be beneficial since the therapist can apply deeper pressure. These tools also come in a variety of shapes, which can help therapists pinpoint difficult-to-reach muscle groups, like the iliopsoas. Lastly, these tools help stimulate new cell growth in soft tissues and help the body resorb scar tissue.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a therapy where practitioners use thin needles to break up scar tissue and reduce inflammation in trigger points. Trigger points are tight muscle fibers that can form from soft tissue trauma, muscle imbalances, and repetitive motions.
Some people may confuse dry needling with acupuncture treatments. While dry needling looks like acupuncture, Healthline points out some distinct differences.
For example, acupuncture is rooted in T.C.M and is meant to improve energy flow in the body; dry needling’s main focus is on correcting overly tight muscles with scar tissue. If your soft tissue injury has caused muscle spasms, then dry needling may be a good option. Some people’s soft tissue injuries may cause extreme sensitivity to touch, so dry needling may be a better option for these patients instead of A.R.T or Graston/Astym therapy.
I’m glad to know this because I only have a Tissue Viability Nurse and none of these techniques were suggested to me. I intend on trying out these new techniques soon.
Between 2008 and 2010, PPI was limited by the ability to recruit service users. Following the establishment of PURSUN UK in late 2010, involvement activities increased across the programme. Furthermore, the methodology and focus of each work package have guided the nature of involvement.
The Pressure Ulcer Research Service User Network UK (www.pursun.org.uk) has a minimum of two management meetings a year at which a core group of the most active members consider the direction of the network, the terms of reference, recruitment, the website and other network materials. Research involvement opportunities are sent out by way of the mailing list, as they arise. For example invitations to help interpret data, become co-authors or input into the study methods.
All members of PURSUN UK are prepared for involvement through a minimum of one induction meeting with the PPI officer (either in person or by telephone). During this meeting, service users are encouraged to discuss the skills and experience that they bring to the group, as well as any support that they may need.
The value of the Pressure Ulcer Research Service User Network UK to the service users involved
As a PURSUN researcher, I have definitely benefitted from the virtual conferences, Zoom calls and emails about Pressure Ulcer Prevention at Home, pressure relief and an app to help people with general healthcare. I’ll also be joining a focus group and I’ll be partly responsible for creating an app to ‘stop the pressure’. Delia Muir and Holly Schofield take turns leading the Zoom calls. I started my role as a PURSUN researcher in 2020, and I believe that Bermuda needs to be included in the network and the impact that it is making. Maybe I should start a sister branch there.
Wider impact of the Pressure Ulcer Research Service User Network UK
In addition to PPI throughout the programme, PURSUN UK has begun to impact the wider tissue viability and PPI communities. For example, members of PURSUN UK have been invited to speak about their experiences at several events.
Locally, this has included training for tissue viability link nurses, presenting to PURPOSE principal investigators, speaking at the launch of the NIHR Bradford Wound Prevention and Treatment Healthcare Technology Co-operative and working with medical students. Nationally, members have presented at the Tissue Viability Society conference, tissue viability education events and the INVOLVE (a national PPI advisory group) conference.
They have developed an effective model for presenting service users’ experiences in which the PPI officer, interviews a member of PURSUN UK in front of a live audience. This provides an alternative to a traditional presentation for people who do not feel confident presenting personal experiences in that way. This model has received very positive feedback from both audiences and the service users involved. They have found that real-life stories are extremely powerful and can create a common focus for professionals from a variety of backgrounds.
Collaboration with industry
Medical devices also play an important role in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. With this in mind, PURSUN UK has collaborated with industry partners on projects such as education days and product development workshops. This collaboration has helped to diversify the involvement opportunities offered to PURSUN UK members and has been useful in terms of members’ personal development, as it has given people an insight into another aspect of tissue viability research. This work has also generated some funds for PURSUN UK, moving the network towards a sustainable model post PURPOSE.
Developing and sharing patient and public involvement methods
the use of role play and video to facilitate PPI in the interpretation of data from the severe pressure ulcer study
the adaptation of the Patient Learning Journey model for use in a research context
the use of a live interview model as an alternative to traditional presentations
the addition of a service user group to the consensus methodology used in the risk assessment study
individualised support for steering committee members, including one-to-one debriefs with the PPI officer
the integration of service user narratives into the dissemination of the quantitative pain studies.
Further developments include a completely new service user network, which has given them the opportunity to be creative in their approach and develop innovative involvement models. These models have been shared with the UK PPI community. The PPI model used as part of the severe pressure ulcer study, has been presented at three national conferences (Involving People Wales and Tissue Viability Society) and forms part of an INVOLVE video resource on PPI in data interpretation and analysis [see www.invo.org.uk/resource-centre/conference/involve-conference-gallery/ (accessed 20 February 2015)].
A video about the Severe Pressure Ulcer PPI event was also made by PURSUN UK and has been widely disseminated online [see https://youtu.be/bgg6zkbILrg (accessed 21st July 2015)]. The novel approach of using the Patient Learning Journey as a model for service users contributing to research rather than health education has also been included as a case study in the INVOLVE training and development guidelines [see www.invo.org.uk/training-case-study-13-2/ (accessed 20 February 2015)].
In light of the recent events in Uvalde, and after seeing a post on Instagram on the subject, I was compelled to write my thoughts about it, because it made me really think.
Imagine being an amputee, running for your life, trying to escape from a gunman?
What about the blind?
What if the blind had a guide dog and the guide dog got shot?
What if the venue is no where near wheelchair accessible?
Do we need to manufacture bulletproof wheelchairs nowadays?
When I was in high school, in Bermuda, we had lockdowns in the midst of school fights. But according to my research, Bermuda has nothing in place.
As a wheelchair user, I was given a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (P.E.E.P) in University for fire drills, in the UK. I’ve also had an evacuation plan while on a job placement in England, which was successful.
It looks like America has something in place, but is this effective? Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law. No one shall be deprived of his life intentionally save in the execution of a sentence of a court following his conviction of a crime for which the penalty is provided by law.
Neglecting to make reasonable adjustments goes against ones’ ‘right to life’. Not much seems to be in place by way of safety legislation. However, as an alternative, there is Martial Arts and carrying a gun for self-defence.
The Disabled People’s Forum in Bradford has officially relaunched. This is a forum which allows disabled people to have their voices heard. The forum also has a Steering Group, which I am a member of. The forum and Steering Group exist in conjunction with the Equality Together Bradford organisation.This comes after the government released its Disability Strategy, and the Bradford and District Disabled People’s Forum wants disabled people to have their say on the governments priorities, what they have missed out and any concerns they have.
Constitution
AIMS/OBJECTS 1. To link disabled people and disability groups together to ensure that they have a stronger voice in the district. 2. The forum is led by disabled people, of disabled people, for disabled people. 3. To establish an inclusive partnership of groups bringing together representation from the widest definition of disability including people who are physically disabled, have a sensory impairment, a learning disability, who have experienced a mental health problem and people who have a long-term illness and/or limiting condition. 4. To publicise the Forum and establish accessible ways of communicating, including a website, that will allow groups to share and exchange information and ideas. 5. To seek to ensure that disabled people are represented on a wide range of strategic, ‘decision making’ bodies across the district. 6. To ensure that disabled people who are ‘experts by personal experience’ are able to have a say in the development of services. 7. To create a district where all disabled people can participate fully as equal citizens.
POWERS 1. To raise and hold funds. 2. To obtain or lease equipment and premises. 3. To employ staff and recruit voluntary workers. 4. To work with other organisations. 5. To do any other such lawful things as are necessary to achieve the aims.
MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to:
All groups of disabled people and individual disabled people who live or are based in the Bradford District and who support the aims of the Forum.
Who have paid any annual subscription laid down from time to time by the Management Committee. Membership is currently free. Additionally:
Applications shall be made in to the Management Committee
Groups will nominate a named person to be their representative in all dealings with the Organisation
Every member shall have one vote
Attendees shall declare at the beginning of the meeting whether they are attending as an individual or a representative.
It may be that groups will have more than one representative at forum meetings – should a vote be taken groups will have only one vote,
The Secretary shall keep an up-to-date record of both individual and group membership
Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated by the Management Committee on the grounds of a member or group acting against the objects of the Organisation or bringing the Organisation into disrepute.
Annual General Meeting
An annual general meeting shall be held within 15 months of the previous Annual General Meeting, the date, time and place to be determined by the committee.
Each annual general meeting shall be convened by the Secretary who shall notify all members in writing at least 21 days before the date of that meeting.
Any motion for consideration at the annual general meeting must be in the Secretary’s hands no later than 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.
The business of the annual general meeting shall include:
adoption of annual report and accounts
election of the committee and its officers
appointment of an independent examiner
Nominations for the committee should be submitted to the Secretary 24 hours before the annual general meeting. If there are more nominations than there are vacancies to be filled, an election will be held.
Every member shall be entitled to one vote.
Members unable to attend the Annual General Meeting
I learned alot at this year’s Healthcare UK Conference. It started at 10:00 with the Chair’s Welcome and Introduction. Then at 10:20, I learned about The New National Pressure Ulcer Surveillance System. At 11:00, they discussed Supporting Learning with frontline staff in pressure ulcer prevention. By 11:30, I had a Comfort Break and Virtual Networking. By 11:45, I was learning about Pressure Ulcer Assessment, Reporting & Management. At 12:15, there was a presentation about Case studies in Small Breakout Groups. During the 12:35 session, I was Addressing Diversity in Pressure Ulcer Prevention.
At midday by 13:00, I had a Lunch Break and Virtual Networking. Again, at 15:30, I had another Comfort Break and Virtual Networking. At 15:45, I learned about Nutritional Assessment and Pressure Ulcers. And to end the conference at 16:15, there were Question and answers. This included a survey to grade each session.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)- They provide national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. https://www.nice.org.uk/.
National Wound Care Strategy Programme- The National Wound Care Strategy programme (NWCSP) seeks to improve care for people with wounds. http://www.nationalwoundcarestrategy.net.
Model Health System- The Model Health System is a data-driven improvement tool that supports health and care systems to improve patient outcomes and population health. It provides benchmarked insights across the quality of care, productivity and organisational culture to identify opportunities for improvement. The Model Health System incorporates the Model Hospital, which provides hospital provider-level benchmarking. Access to the Model Health System is currently available for all NHS commissioners and providers in England. http://www.model.nhs.uk
My Improvement Network are committed to investing in education for health care professionals and are proud supporters of RCN Projects. http://myimprovementnetwork.com.
Now that I’m a PURSUN Researcher, I’ve been studying pressure ulcers, prevention and cures. During my research, I’ve noticed we’ve discussed pressure points, mattresses, dieting, hygiene and PICOs, but nobody said anything about transferring techniques and equipment.
Ever since my journey to fight against pressure ulcers has started, my transferring techniques have changed. While living in Bermuda, I was taught to ‘bum shuffle’ from, let’s say, my wheelchair to the bed or a chair. However, I was told that this is wrong. Climbing in and out of bed can also be risky, especially when barefoot. As a result, my transferring techniques have changed since then.
Nowadays to prevent pressure ulcers, it has been suggested that I use a banana board or a sliding sheet from BACES in Bradford.
The Bradford and Airedale Community Equipment Service (BACES) is a partnership between Bradford Social Services and the NHS in Bradford and Airedale.
This service has been set up to provide you and your family with a wide range of equipment, to help you live more independently.
Banana Transfer Board
This Banana Transfer Board is designed to assist in the seated transfer of a patient between two surfaces.
Transfers from Bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to Chair, wheelchair to toilet and the like, are just some of the uses the board can be put to. It was made from an extremely durable and hard-wearing materials, the transfer board is curved to facilitate positioning and features anti-slip pads on the underside for safer location and a convenient carrying handle. The board has a maximum user weight of 200 kgs (over 30 Stone) and can be easily cleaned with soapy water/alcohol/disinfectant and a non-abrasive cloth. I’ve tried this but it’s too hard on the buttocks and doesn’t help with shearing pressure.
Hoists Hoists provide support for lifting and moving those in need from one place to another without causing undue stress or discomfort. They are used for moving from bed into a wheelchair, or vice versa, the range can carry a variety of weights and are good for the bathroom, bedroom, and all points in between. Part of the medical supplies and aids range, they also offer battery monitors, chargers, and slings for your hoist so you can be fully prepared to face the day. There are also travel cases available if you need to go somewhere and take your hoist with you, and specialist hoists for wet environments like the bathroom.
Lateral Transfer Slide Board
This is designed for use with the Transfer Glide Sheet, this Lateral Transfer Slide enables easy transfers between beds, trolleys, tables and treatment couches.
It works by creating a stable, slip-resistant platform between the two points and by providing a smooth top surface over which the patient can easily be moved without the need for lifting. User comfort is enhanced by the slide’s tapered edges, which pass easily under the body, whilst the handles around the perimeter provide plenty of convenient places to grip and hold it steady. I’ve tried this but it’s risky and slightly flimsy.
All our equipment is clean and maintained to the highest standards.
What equipment do we offer?
Equipment to help with:
moving, handling and walking
bathing, showering and toileting
household and kitchen tasks
nursing tasks
Commodes can also be used for pressure relief.
Proper Transfer Techniques
The push-up – Use the wheelchair armrests (or wheels if you don’t have any) to push up out of the seat with your arms. You should straighten your arms fully so that your elbows are locked. Then ensure that the buttocks and lower back are fully out of the seat.
The forward lean – Lean forward as far as you can – imagine that you are trying to rest your chest on your knees! This movement is particularly good for relieving pressure on the coccyx.
Leaning side-to-side – Whilst seated, shift your body weight onto your left side to lift your right side out of your seat. Then repeat on the other side. Like the push-up, this movement relieves pressure from the buttocks and the lower back. However, because this is a more subtle movement it’s great to perform whilst you’re out and about!
Why is proper transfer technique so important?
Correct technique should minimise risk of skin injuries. Incorrect technique can increase your risk of falls during transfers. Managing the injuries which result from poor technique can be difficult and lengthy. Prevention is far superior to cure!
Inclusive communication is about how to produce publications that include, accurately portray, and are accessible to disabled people.
This guidance aims to help you to:
communicate using inclusive language and know which words to use and avoid when writing about disability
include disabled people in your communications and campaigns and make sure that they’re portrayed positively and realistically
make sure your communications are accessible
choose and use appropriate communication channels to reach disabled people
There are over 11 million people with a long term illness, impairment or disability in Great Britain. Communicators must be confident their messages will reach everyone, including disabled people. This can be done by ensuring all communications are inclusive and accessible.
The Office for Disability Issues wrote this guidance for government communicators but it may also be useful to others. This is predominantly used in employment, but has also been used in disability sport like the Paralympic Games.
For example, when I represented Bermuda at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a reporter, we were expected to use inclusive communication. We we’re expected to indicate the difference between a Paralympian and a Para-athlete.
As per the official IPC website and catalogue on terminologies for para sportspersons, the Preferred term is Para Athlete. If however a person does compete in the Paralympics, then they become a Paralympian. If a person competes in the Paralympics once, then they will always be called a Paralympian.
We weren’t allowed to use the term ‘disabled’, especially when writing articles and headlines. We say ‘person with disabilities’ instead of ‘disabled person’.
This is in place to target labelling and stereotyping. It also gets rid of the stigma centred around disability.
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