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.
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!
“Stop the Pressure” is an initiative from NHS Midlands and East, which has been rolled out across the NHS. The campaign used data collected by NHS Safety Thermometer and worked to raise awareness and improve monitoring and management of patients at risk of damage.
They found that the number of new pressure ulcers was reduced by 50% in one year.
A key part of the success of the campaign was attributed to a preventive strategy with a number of elements, referred to as the SSKIN bundle, which was communicated with great clarity.
The acronym SSKIN contains five key steps:
• Surface – make sure patients have the right support • Skin inspection – early inspection means early detection • Keep patients moving • Incontinence/moisture – patients need to be kept clean and dry • Nutrition/hydration – make sure patients have the right diet and plenty of fluids
As part of a worldwide effort to reduce the prevalence of pressure damage, November 19th, 2020, saw the international Stop Pressure Ulcer Day. This year it will be celebrated on March 24, 2022, through a Virtual Conference.
I never knew what pressure ulcers were until I got one for almost all pressure points. I am currently facing possible amputation. If this happens what am I gonna do?
24 hour support will be needed. I don’t like the idea of amputation. The problem is, I’ve been having pressure ulcers, foot x-rays and MRIs/CTIs. I’ve had a series of meetings about my right foot. I’ve got antibiotics to take. Blood sugars, protein levels, blood circulation, feet pulses and kidneys all contribute to the feet. I also got to see photos from MRI scans. I got permission to take photos of them. The heel bone is infected. I know what it’s like to be cured of pressure ulcers, but they keep returning, especially on my feet. What’s going on?
As a result, I have chosen to join the fight against pressure ulcers.
During my first year of college, the pressure ulcers started. When this happened, I got a social worker, carers, District Nurses from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London while studying. I also have a Tissue Viability Nurse and a Podiatrist. Before the pandemic, I visited the doctor’s office for appointments. Now I get home visits.
One day, the wound on my right foot seemed smelly to the nurse as if it’s infected so I was on antibiotics for 7 days. Sensation and movement is limited from the ankles down as a result of lower spine damage due to Spina Bifida. Pressure ulcers can also be caused by bed mattresses or wheelchairs. Bermuda has a lack of resources and a lack of information. There are no Spina Bifida clinics/specialists in Bermuda. Lived with parents. Swimming in the salt ocean in Bermuda beaches has contributed to the healing process. Before England and College, I had no pressure ulcers.
Podiatry and District Nurses tend to clash from time to time. District Nurses visit three times a week while Podiatry only visited once. District Nurses know how to dress my foot correctly. Which one is more important?
Pressure Sores (also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers) Pressure sores, also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers, are areas of broken skin and underlying tissues that have been damaged by pressure. Pressure (such as sitting in the same position for too long) restricts blood being supplied to the area, so the tissues become deprived of oxygen and toxins build up, which causes the skin and tissue cells to die. People with Spina Bifida may not feel this damage beginning because of reduced feeling in parts of their body.
PURSUN GROUP IN LEEDS Prevention is better than cure! You must have tough skin. Pay attention to pressure points. Additionally, make sure you have good quality, well-fitting shoes that do not cause red marks on your feet. You may want to ask your GP to refer you to an orthotics centre to have shoes made especially for you. The styles are much better than they used to be!
Make sure you have a well-fitting wheelchair with a pressure-relieving/ reducing cushion. Pressure mapping in the wheelchair cushion. Always use your footplates to support your feet and stop your legs from ‘hanging down’, which is bad for the circulation. Ergonomic Assessment required.
Feet must be elevated above the head, especially in bed, for good circulation. Check your wheelchair does not leave red marks on your legs or body. When you see a reddened area of skin, tell your GP straightaway. Don’t wait to see if it improves on its own. If left untreated they can take a lot longer to heal. If you do have a skin breakdown, make sure your health professionals look at the reasons why it happened, and don’t just apply dressings. Change your sitting position frequently throughout the day and have a chair at home to sit in other than your wheelchair. Try to spend part of each day off your bottom. Check your skin regularly for pressure sores using a mirror to see areas of your body you cannot see otherwise. Pay particular attention to areas of skin where you have little or no feeling.
Massage is now advised against as recent evidence suggests that it is not beneficial for pressure areas and may be harmful.
Hygiene: Access to Showering facilities instead of bathing facilities in England. District nurses clean and dress wound 3x a week maximum, in addition to personal daily showering. Skin care included Aqueous cream. No scented creams are allowed on broken skin. I shower daily but due to pressure ulcers and a PICO, I also use a LIMBO to cover my damaged foot to keep it clean and dry.
Why does immobility cause pressure ulcers? Poor mobility/immobility: Patients who are unable to independently change position are at increased risk of developing a pressure ulcer, due to pressure exerted over bony body parts which results in reduced blood flow to the tissues and subsequent hypoxia.
CURE
I also use a Profile bed, I prefer loose clothing vs tight clothing like dresses or sweat suits. Compression socks/stockings/orthopaedic shoes/socks because sensation and movement is limited from my ankles down.
Incontinence can also contribute to pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers must be kept clean and dry. Previously during the first four months of my first year in college, I skipped meals for the sake of my studies. I was also given a Dietician who put me on a high protein diet. My meal plan looks something like this:
Unplanned weight loss is a major risk factor for malnutrition and pressure ulcer development. Suboptimal nutrition interferes with the function of the immune system, collagen synthesis, and tensile strength.
Pressure Ulcer Prevention at Home
Treat your skin gently to help prevent pressure ulcers.
When washing, use a soft sponge or cloth.
Use moisturizing cream and skin protectants on your skin every day.
Clean and dry areas underneath your breasts and in your groin.
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.
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.
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.
Danny was a young Para-Superhero. Nobody had seen or even heard of a neurodiverse superhero. He had an adaptive costume for all occasions. His wheelchair was faster than the speed of lightning.
Being born as a Para-Superhero, made Danny quite the ‘oddball.’ He was birthmarked to defy genetic dispositions. He demanded respect wherever he went.
As a Para-Superhero he always wanted to prove people wrong which made him ambitious.
‘A superhero is supposed to save the day,’ he thought.
‘How can I save the day as a Para-Superhero?’ Danny thought to himself.
Unfortunately he inherited the nickname, ‘supercrip.’
As Danny got older he could not tolerate the stigma that came with being a Para-Superhero. Too many titles from society caused him to lose who he was. As a result, he suffered an ‘identity crisis.’
Danny already dealt with physical limitations. He didn’t want people’s labels too. It brought intersectionality to his personality.
The mainstream world saw Danny as ‘privileged’ but ‘abnormal’ when all he wanted was ‘acceptance’ which often led to discrimination.
‘What is normal?’ Danny would think to himself.
‘Normal is the setting on a dryer!’ he concluded.
This one stereotype has repeated itself so much that it resounds like a broken record to Danny.
His mother reminded him, ‘It’s not about what they call you, it’s what you answer to!’
Stereotypes were his handicap. Danny had two options, either take life lying down or be motivated to live up to his own goals and expectations. So he started a war on stereotypes with archetypes.
This war included fighting against exploitation of disabilities, deformities, misconceptions, and negative portrayal of disabilities.
‘Disability is not a taboo!’ he said. Inclusion is not a delusion.
Heroes don’t need to overcome their disabilities.
Wheelchairs aren’t exclusively for older people.
We are not “inspiration porn”.
Who said you need to walk in order to be a hero?
‘Let’s have a ‘big conversation’ on stereotypes,’ Danny exclaimed!
‘Stereotypes exist, definitely, but that’s why we should listen to the individual voices of disabled people over non-disabled charity voices’ Danny said!
Danny says, ‘Let me tell you how to deal with the terrible power of stereotypes.’
‘Disable the label!’ Assumptions are lazy. Statistics should not affect status.
Change the stereotypes. Challenge the ‘status quo.’ Upset the fruit basket. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
Buffer the stereotype threat through shifting self perception to positive self affirmation.
Reframe the stereotype threatening task as a challenge. See a stereotype as a chance to prove people wrong instead of getting offended over it.
Reinterpret the anxiety that comes with stereotype threats. In other words, ‘don’t take it personal’ and make bold steps to overcome them.
Over the years, classifying and defining disability has become quite tedious. There are various examples to describe disability.
Disability is seen as a ‘social construct.’ It is the idea that society and its’ institutions have the authority to construct disability around social expectations. In medieval times, disability was constructed around a person’s moral behaviour.
Disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. According to an article I read from meriahnichols.com, ‘dis’ is another way of doing and being. The term disability is an ability to do or be in another way. The term disabled is an ability to do or be something, in another way-https://www.meriahnichols.com/3-reasons-say-disability-instead-special-needs/.
Even though, I’ve only identified three models of disability, according to research there seems to be loads more.
Models of Disability are tools for defining impairment and for providing a basis upon which government and society can devise strategies for meeting the needs of disabled people.
Medical Model of Disability
The medical model describes disability as a consequence of a health condition, disease or caused by a trauma that can disrupt the functioning of a person in a physiological or cognitive way.
This model is a conceptualization of disability as a condition a person has and focuses on the prevention, treatment or curing of the disabling condition.
Functional Model of Disability
This model is similar to the medical model because it conceptualizes disability as an impairment or deficit. Disability is caused by physical, medical or cognitive deficits. The disability itself limits a person’s functioning or the ability to perform functional activities.
Social Model of Disability
The Social Model of Disability includes people’s views, opinions and attitudes. It has been the prominent approach to disability over the last 30+ years.
It was developed by disabled people based on real life experience of discrimination, inclusion and challenging disabling barriers. It is outward looking and focused on the things in society that can be changed or improved, like, the environment, information, communications and people’s attitudes.
It’s a problem solving approach which gives disabled people greater control over vital, even basic decisions, like, from what time to get out of bed on a morning to employability and education choices.
This approach enables you to better understand how reasonable adjustments can be implemented. It also focuses on the things you can influence or change and promotes valued skills.
In conclusion, the purpose behind the models of disability is to highlight the political struggle of disability. It analyzes the ‘problem of disability.’ It also affects policy making, so that we can make positive change in our society for people with disabilities.
Since laws are already created to discriminate against disabled people by default, we need to make sure that the Social Model of Disability is pushed to ensure equality.
The Legacy International Group has launched The Purple Vote Campaign. This group was started by Sara Flay and Leighton Morris who lead a team of 15 people with various disabilities.
The Purple Vote Campaign was launched in February. This campaign was created to raise awareness about what concerns disabled people and how they can represent their constituents and to ensure that the disabled community have a voice in the democratic process which includes encouraging disabled people to vote in public committees and groups as well as communicating with their local assembly members and MPs. Purple is the colour of disability.
Elections are being held next year. This should see more disabled people in Parliament. This campaign endorses more inclusion in Politics. Welsh Government and Parliament want to champion disability inclusion. It’s about making politics accessible and influencing policy.
They also encourage people to pursue Access to Work. Hopefully this will expand to local and central government positions.
I like and approve of this initiative because it will cause society to reimagine law enforcement and legislation. This will also test how well MPs understand disability. For more information log on to http://www.legacyig.org.
He may not have the use of his legs, but he can do amazing things.
Sammy is Strong.
Sammy is Fast.
Sammy is Awesome.
What is so Awesome about Sammy?
Well, Sammy is a short, black, 5 year old boy Para-superhero.
He had a ready smile that would light up any room.
When he giggled, it was contagious and you couldn’t help but giggle with him, even if you didn’t know what he was giggling about!
One thing everyone knew about Sammy, you couldn’t be around him for too long before, you too, had a smile on your face. That is just how he was, “Smiling little Sammy”.
Super Sammy loved to have fun and explore, just like any other 5 year old. He loved to laugh and when he was in the company of people he loved, you would hear shrieks of laughter and when curiosity got the better of you, you would find that Sammy was smack bang in the centre of it all.
It was during one such family occasion with his two friends Jamar and Johnny, when everyone was laughing and having fun, that Sammy made an amazing discovery. He realised that he had something that was a bit out of the ordinary. Nobody had told him about his self-discovery, and he kept it a secret.
Sammy loved to be of help to others, but not only that, he found himself dreaming about helping others. He dreamt he had an extra special ability to help others, but never imagined, for one moment, that it was a power that was to be used in reality.
This dream happened regularly and would often occur just before he awoke from his sleep. He would dream that he was helping people who were in need in different types of ways.
In his dream, Sammy was doing all sorts of things that he was unable to do in real life. Sammy was in a wheelchair and had little use of his legs but, in this dream, his legs were not bound. He was not in a wheelchair. There was nothing he couldn’t do. The disability became invisible. He would think about these dreams often, wondering what they meant, as they happened a lot.
In this dream, he had been given super powers. These super powers aren’t genetic or hereditary. They help him to fight off bullies. He could also fly in his dreams, which meant that he has the ability to rise above his problems in reality.
As a disabled superhero, Sammy has grown to dislike bullying. He also doesn’t like the drama that comes with it. As a victim, he has been called all sorts of names like, ‘chocolate-cripple’.
‘See me first, not my wheelchair,’ he cried.
He even has advocates and tactics to help him overcome them. These advocates include Johnny, who has been teased because of his race, and Jamar has been bullied because of his hair. They eventually formed an anti-bullying gang alongside Sammy. He also wears blue to help ‘stand against’ bullying, in support of anti-bullying day.
Johnny and Jamar, helped Sammy come up with five solutions to overcome bullying. Johnny and Jamar were Sammy’s sidekicks.
These tactics include speaking to a caring teacher, trusted adult, parent, calling a helpline or get a personal emergency alarm. Johnny and Jamar teach Sammy that bullies are not born bullies. Bullying is learned behaviour.
So Sammy tried to get to know his bullies and understand why they behave the way they do. Once the bullies realised the error of their ways, Sammy and the bullies worked together to remove the negativity.
Johnny and Jamar also taught Sammy what to do if conflict doesn’t stop.
Conflict 101
Have the right attitude.
Speak up for yourself.
Be direct- Don’t let people boss you around.
Pick your fights.
Even today, Sammy continues to use the superpowers from his dreams and uses them in reality to help others.
Wheelchair users in the UK are being overcharged indiscriminately by various taxi firms. According to previous articles printed by the Telegraph and Argus newspaper, this is a situation that has been recurring for over three years. Despite previous campaigns to end this madness, it has relentlessly continued.
As a disabled citizen, I personally have experienced this discrimination first hand. I lived in Bradford for 5 years, and ever since my first year, I’ve been charged from £5-£10, by taxi firms that I’ve used. So far, I’ve travelled with Girlington, Bradford Central and Douglas taxi firms. Girlington taxis charges me £7 each time, Douglas charges me £5 consistently and Bradford Central fluctuates between £5 and £7 depending on if it’s a weekday or weekend. Before receiving my electric wheelchair, I used to spend £14.28 a week on taxis.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2015, I was involved in a Student Union meeting at the University of Bradford and at this meeting; this cab discrimination issue was raised. During this meeting, everyone signed a petition against this display of exploitation. In this petition, everyone signed their name and what taxi firms they use in solidarity against this corruption.
The university’s student union planned a campaign in hopes to effect change against this malarkey. To highlight this issue, we created a presence at an event hosted by Turning Point (a disability group in Bradford) on Friday, 29 May, 2015 from 10:00 at Cottingley Cornerstones Centre, Littlelands, Cottingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AL. Transport was provided from UBU leaving at 10am from the University of Bradford and returning for 2pm (https://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/12965951.keighley-group-takes-taxi-overcharging-campaign-district-wide/.)
The day went really well. I think it was clear that this is a real issue locally and something we can move forward with. There is still a lot of work to be done. The event also included speakers and a couple of presentations on why the law should be different on how taxi fares of several taxi firms are affecting the lives of disabled people. Also, there were workshops on why the law should be different, followed by provided lunch.
For Hackney Carriages (White taxi labelled cabs), there is legislation that all their cars are adapted and can take wheelchairs. There is also a ruling that says prices are fixed and cannot be changed for a wheelchair user.
However, a brilliant initiative was introduced during the meeting called iTaxis which is an app and an innovative solution revolutionising the method they book private hire taxis. It is not a ride sharing service like Uber. It works with licensed private hire operators.
A customer enters their journey details and iTaxis search their records of local private hire operators. They display the fares set by those operators for the journey. The customer can then pick an operator and pay by cash or card.
The address for the company is iTaxi247 Ltd, Town Hall, St George’s St., Hebden Bridge, HX7 7BY. It is registered in England. The Company Reg No is: 8849416. Find private hire vehicles (taxis) in your local area.
For more information about this app, you can download the app from Google Play Store onto your phone.
Again, if this happens, disabled citizens have been encouraged to report it. There is a lot to be done and we will now be moving forward with further action, but I feel the event represents a positive move forward.
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