The View from Where I Sit

Tag: independent living

  • ‘Home Automation for Physically Disabled People in the UK’

    CareFree Smart Homes began from a desire to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. As a disabled-owned company, we recommend all of our products to anyone disabled who is looking to utilise technology to enhance their level of independent living. During an interview with CEO Josh Porritt, this is what he said:

    1. What is a Care Free Smart Home?

    A CareFree Smart Home is one that provides the occupants with useful automation and voice controlled features that make it easier to control their home.

    2. Are Care Free Smart Homes wheelchair accessible? How?

    Products available at CareFree Smart Homes can help wheelchair users by enabling them to do more from their chair without having to move around as much or stretch for switches.

    3. Are Care Free Smart Homes digitally accessible? How?

    CareFree Smart Homes is all about technology. Whether you want to control your home whilst you’re there, or somewhere completely different. We have a website and are available on all major social media platforms plus live chat and WhatsApp.

    4. Do Housing Corporations know about your company?

    We are open to working with housing corporations and welcome them to contact us.

    5. Are Care Free Smart Homes legal?

    All our products and services comply with the law.

    6. When did you start Care Free Smart Homes?

    CareFree Smart Homes was incorporated in July 2022 and began operating in September 2022.

    7. Does a Care Free Smart Home, work without Wifi or Internet connection?
    Sort of, at the moment. The ability to control your smart home without an internet connection is becoming more and more possible every day. There will come a time where every smart home accessory can be controlled independent of an internet connection.

    8. You say that you like solving problems. Which problems arose for you to start building Care Free Smart Homes?

    It’s often difficult for disabled people to navigate properties, whether it’s fully adapted or not. As a disabled person, I understand this problem first hand. Coupled with the fact I’m obsessed with technology, I’m ideally placed to advise on how smart technology can be used in the homes of everyone, including disabled people.

    9. How do you build Care Free Smart Homes?

    Whilst there’s a broad range of smart products available, we focus on providing products and solutions that are ‘plug and play’. We believe that ‘plug and play’ products, if they can’t be installed by the purchaser, are suitable to be installed by family members, friends, carers, handymen, and for certain products, a short visit from an electrician

    10. Do you eventually wish to go global/international?

    At this time we are focused on establishing our name within the United Kingdom and making life easier for as many people as possible through use of technology.

    For more information about his company, you can check out his website at: Home Automation For Disabled Persons | CareFree Smart Homes https://www.carefreesmarthomes.co.uk/

    Seen by Josh Porritt at 14:35

    Enter

    Write to Josh Porritt

  • What does Independence mean to me?

    All throughout life, I’ve been encouraged and trained to be independent despite being diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus at birth. Independence is important to me. This pandemic has actually caused me to live at a higher level of independence, especially, in relation to self care and health care.

    Some wheelchair users prefer their own independence because receiving help makes them feel more disabled than they already are. It’s partly about dignity and respect. Other times it can be about disability pride. Their disability pride can be fuelled by entitlement, and identity. Wheelchair accessibility is one right that wheelchair users are entitled to.

    Wheelchair inaccessibility causes one to be co-dependent. I experienced this in Bermuda. I also cannot claim benefits at all in addition to relying on family. Fortunately, wheelchair accessibility enhanced my Independent Living. I experienced this in England. Wheelchair accessibility causes one to be independent because you can access things without relying on someone. I also cannot claim benefits while living with family.

    For example, when I was eight years old, I got my first manual wheelchair. From that age, I was always encouraged to push myself instead of allowing anyone to push me. This reinforced my independence.

    Another level of independence that I’ve experienced was high school. During my first year of high school, the building was nowhere near wheelchair accessible so I required hands on support. However, while in my second year of high school, it was taken away from me. I did everything on my own without a Paraeducator, because, when I transferred to the new wheelchair accessible building, it was assumed that I no longer needed support. This wasn’t a smart move because I struggled under pressure, failed two subjects and had to do Summer School to catch up on credits. This also affected my G.P.A when I graduated. This was quite stressful and frustrating for me. I cried and complained to my parents so they met with the school to sort it it out.

    However, it made me more self aware and helped me improve time management. Having an extra pair of hands helped me to navigate the school faster.

    The next example was during the first semester of my first year in college. I took classes without learning support for fear that I’d have to pay for it, because I was being treated as an international student instead of a home student. Before my January exams, lecturers raised concerns about my grades and overall progress. When this was realised, I was given assistance from learning support without paying for it. But I must admit, that it made me more organised and it improved my study skills and habit.

    Another aspect of independence that I learned, especially in college, is speaking up for myself while living independently. I had to move to another country to further my studies due to wheelchair accessibility issues.

    During my first year of college, meeting with the learning support department was very frustrating. Communication between my lecturers and the learning support department always seemed disconnected. The week or day before my exams, lecturers always asked me what was the learning support plan for my exams. This stressed me out because after every meeting, they assured me that they would share our discussion with the staff members. This almost never happened and I found myself repeating all of the information just to ensure my needs were met. This took away from my personal study time.

    However, all of these experiences taught me how to advocate for myself and cultivated the desire to advocate for others with disabilities.

    Unfortunately, due to struggling to balance studies, personal care and health I got help from disability services. This came in the form of a social worker, carers, district nurses, and a GP, after my first year of college. I received these services because I started losing weight and getting pressure ulcers. This means I had to rely on people more to help me cope with the demands of life. They helped me with cooking, cleaning, laundry and sometimes shopping. It helped me to set my priorities straight and enhanced my independence.

    Independence means taking ownership, taking responsibility, and taking action. It’s all part of maturity and putting on my ‘big girl panties.’ This is what independence means to me!

  • 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.

  • Dealing with Disability in the Home: Second edition of series

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Housing and assisted living can be quite scarce for people with disabilities. Most times people with disabilities live with family where they rely on parents for support.

    While living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, I’ve had the privilege of living in two separate countries, which means I’ve had two separate homes. I was born in England, raised in Bermuda. I have dual nationality, which has resulted in dual perspectives on disability.

    I lived with my parents in Bermuda during my early school years, then I lived independently in England. I completed Primary, Middle and High School in Bermuda then completed college and university in England.

    Living in both countries has been an eye opener for me especially from the perspective of being a wheelchair user.

    Housing in England vs Housing in Bermuda

    Housing in England is completely different to Housing in Bermuda, especially for people with disabilities.

    During my college and university years, I lived in student accommodations that were modified for wheelchair users. Cultural differences impacted this. Once I completed university, I transferred to Assisted Independent Living. I live at a housing scheme called Five Oaks Housing Scheme under Sanctuary Housing Association in Ilkley. Sanctuary Housing Association is a housing corporation dedicated to the disabled community in the UK. https://www.sanctuary-housing.co.uk/.

    I have a great landlord who meets with the residents and I on a quarterly basis. She also communicates effectively, in-person, by phone and email. My bathroom is equipped with handrails to make transferring easy. I also use a profiling bed in addition to my height adjustable electric wheelchair. All counters and tables are low enough for me.

    However there are other people in my flat who require the use of assistive technology.

    Residents who are either unemployed or actively job seeking are eligible for Housing Benefit pays rent in the UK.

    One recurring issue that I’ve experienced in relation to housing is having access to showering facilities instead of bathing facilities. I personally prefer baths to showers.

    According to my research, Bermuda offers Summerhaven Trust. Summerhaven Trust is an assisted living residential complex that provides the opportunity for people with physical disabilities to live in the community. https://helpingservices.bm/listing/summerhaven-residential-home/

    The Bermuda Housing Corporation provides loans for the elderly and the disabled in Bermuda. https://www.bhc.bm/senior-disabled-loans/.

    For the last house that I lived in, before moving to England, my family sought to make the house wheelchair accessible with an escape route for me in case of a fire or flood, by the patio area, but the Department of Planning wouldn’t let us do so because it was too risky. Bermuda has legislation for this. https://planning.gov.bm/index.php/planning-legislation/.

    During my high school years, my father teamed up with a family friend to implement a lift at my house at one point because there were stairs to access and exit the house. Bermuda has legislation for this. http://www.bermudalaws.bm/laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Building%20Authority%20(Elevators%20and%20Lifts)%20Regulations%201962.pdf.

    Additionally, the Disabled Living Allowance is also available while living out here. I’ve also received additional support from Carers like Dignicare and Visioncare.https://www.dignicare.co.uk/, http://www.visioncare.co/.

    https://www.ilkleygazette.co.uk/news/10128744.ilkley-community-centre-back-in-business-after-a-two-year-closure/

    Wheelchair Accessibility: Functioning in Dysfunction

    This is one of the main reasons why I moved to England from Bermuda as a high school graduate.

    Wheelchair Accessibility and mobility issues are just some of the problems that I face as a wheelchair user. 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.

    However, despite all of this, people with disabilities, like me, can lead independent lives even though we experience a restricted level of independence. Yes we do have preferences, goals and ambitions. We also have rights too.

    Throughout this whole ‘Dealing with Disability’ series, I’ve learned that both countries have endeavoured to make mandatory reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities through legislation and finances. Reasonable adjustments, finances and legislation enable us to live independently. This is the way we deal with life.