The View from Where I Sit

Tag: UK

  • Dietary Impact of Food on Pressure Ulcers

    Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure sores) occur when the skin and surrounding tissue is damaged by medical devices or the weight of the body pressing down. This restricts blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the area. They often develop where bones are close to the skin such as on the lower back/spine, hips, heels and elbows. Having a poor nutrient and fluid intake can increase the risk of pressure ulcers.

    The risk increases in those who are underweight or overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet can reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers. You should try to adopt a meal plan like this:

    Breakfast
    Mid-morning snack
    Lunch
    Mid-afternoon snack
    Dinner
    dessert

    This is because being overweight can reduce mobility and increase the weight bearing load through pressure areas such as the bottom.
    Being underweight can mean there is less natural padding on bony areas such as the bottom and hips.
    The skin needs a good supply of fluid and nutrients to maintain its circulation and keep it supple.


    Nutrition and pressure damage
    Once a pressure ulcer has developed, nutrition plays a vital role in the healing process. This is because the body needs protein, energy (calories), vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin C, iron and zinc), and plenty of fluids to support the wound healing process.

    Protein
    Your body may need more protein if you have a pressure ulcer. Foods that are high in protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, beans and pulses. Try to have at least one of these foods at each meal. Aim to have one pint of milk per day or a variety of milk and dairy foods such as milk puddings, cheese or yoghurts.

    If you are overweight choose low fat versions. They contain the same amount of protein as full fat versions but are lower in calories. There are also some yoghurts, ice cream and milks available that contain higher amounts of protein.

    If you use milk substitutes, soya milk contains a similar amount of protein as cow’s milk. Oat, rice, hemp and nut based milks contain significantly less protein.

    Iron
    Iron is important for the healing process by helping to maintain adequate blood haemoglobin levels. Foods that are good sources of iron include meat, fish and eggs. Iron is also found in other food such as beans, pulses, green vegetables and dried fruit, but these are less easily absorbed.

    Vitamin C
    Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron from your food and also directly with the healing process. Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. It is not stored in the body so a daily supply is needed. Vitamin C is destroyed during the cooking process, so it is important not to overcook your vegetables, or if possible, steam them. Drinking a small glass of fruit juice (150ml) with your meal is a good way to improve your intake. If your vitamin C intake remains low you may need to take a supplement.

    Zinc
    Zinc is important for the formation of new skin tissue and to help pressure ulcers to heal. Good sources are lean red meat, shell fish, milk, cheese, bread, lentils, beans and cereal products such as wheatgerm.

    Vitamin and mineral supplements
    If you cannot eat enough foods containing key vitamins and minerals then you may need to take a supplement. If you are unable to manage a varied diet, or have a poor appetite, an “A to Z” type vitamin and mineral supplement may be necessary and these are available from many high street chemists. If you are managing to eat a full and varied diet then there is no benefit in taking high levels of vitamins and mineral supplements – in fact, this can be harmful.

    Fluid
    Dehydrated skin can become dry and fragile. It is important that your skin is kept moist from the inside. You should aim for 1.5 to two litres per day (six to ten mugs). This could include any liquid (tea, coffee, milk, water, juice) but not alcohol. If you are overweight avoid drinks that contain sugar, choosing sugar free alternatives or using low-calorie sweeteners in hot drinks.

    Body weight
    If you are overweight, losing weight could help to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers and protect a newly healed pressure ulcer. However, if you restrict your intake too much whilst a pressure ulcer is healing it could delay the healing process.

    It is important that you maintain a balance to your diet so that your body continues to get all the nutrients it needs. Simple changes that you could make to your diet if you are overweight are:

    • Cutting out sugar from hot drinks or using a sweetener.
    • Using low fat cooking methods such as grilling, baking, microwaving or steaming rather than frying.
    • Opting for snacks that are lower in energy and fat such as low fat yoghurts and fruit.
    • Remember to have meals that are balanced. Try not to miss meals.
    • Aim to lose an average of no more than 0.5 to 1kg a week.


    If you are underweight, pressure ulcers need a lot of nutrients to help them heal. If you are underweight you may not have enough nutrient stores in your body so you will need extra nutrition from your diet. Without nutrients the healing process may take longer. Some changes that could help to increase your intake are:

    Ensure that you have regular meals. If you find it difficult to prepare and cook meals then there are a wide variety of tinned, chilled or frozen ‘ready meals’ available. Frozen or tinned vegetables can also be useful.
    Try to have three small meals and two to three nourishing snacks throughout the day (such as yoghurts, cheese, nuts and biscuits).
    If your appetite is poor, try to also include two nourishing drinks each day such as: milk, malted milk drinks, fruit juice or powdered supplement drinks which are available from your local chemist or supermarket.
    Oral Nutritional Supplements (sip feeds)
    If your food intake remains low, it may not be enough to help heal the pressure ulcer. If this is the case, it may be necessary for you to have some prescribed oral nutritional supplements. These types of drinks provide a rich source of energy, protein and other nutrients. A dietitian may be available to discuss with you the most appropriate one and how many you will need. You should not take additional vitamins and mineral supplements if you are taking three or more oral nutritional supplements per day.

    If you have diabetes, poorly controlled diabetes can delay healing. Diet and medication may need to be adjusted to achieve good diabetic control. Speak to your GP, nurse or dietitian if you require help with this.

    Eating a balanced diet and having a healthy body weight will help to reduce the risk of developing a pressure ulcer. If you have a pressure ulcer, eating and drinking well will help it to heal. If you are overweight then it would be beneficial to try to lose weight gradually. If you are underweight then weight gain will help improve the padding over the bones. This can be best achieved by eating small and frequent meals and snacks.

    For more information, you can follow: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/pressure-ulcers-pressure-sores-diet.html.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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/

  • 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.

  • The Purple Pound

    The Purple Pound

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Disabled shoppers now have equality in business called the ‘Purple Pound’. The Purple Pound represents the spending power of the disabled household. A disabled household is a household in which at least one of the members has a disability.

    The Purple Pound here in England is equivalent to the Black Dollar in America. This is England’s way of ensuring Inclusive Marketing for the disabled population.

    Organisations are missing out on the business of disabled consumers due to poor accessibility (both physical and digital) and not being disability confident in their customer services approach. Out of this came ‘The Purple Shopper’.

    The Purple shopper was created to make the disabled person’s shopping experience a personal one, where stores are accessible at their convenience. No more queuing at checkouts, no over bright and loud environments.

    Businesses can join this initiative and become a Purple Shopper by signing up on their website at http://www.purpleshopper.co.uk.

    The Power of the Purple Pound

    In the UK, it is thought that some seven million people of working age have a disability, which all adds up to an awful lot of spending power.

    It is reckoned to be worth around £249 billion to the economy.

    According to statistics, 75% of disabled people have left a store or website due to inaccessibility. To combat this, ‘Purple Tuesday’ came into effect.

    Purple Tuesday 2020 is a change programme for organisations of all sizes from all sectors to get involved in, with the common goal of improving the customer experience for disabled people 365 days a year.

    Purple Tuesday is about creating a step change improvement in the awareness of the value and needs of disabled customers. It is about making the customer experience accessible.

    Participating organisations will make public commitments (a minimum of one new activity or initiative) to ensure sustainable changes are made. For organisations, this will result in the opening up of products and services to the disability market.

    I like these initiatives because they tackle isolation while promoting independence. Bermuda is a Purple Tuesday campaigner which makes me happy: https://bernews.com/2019/11/bermuda-joins-global-purple-tuesday-campaign/. For more information about this go to http://www.purpletuesday.org.uk.

  • Dealing with Disability on the Job: First edition of series

    Dealing with Disability on the Job: First edition of series

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    This is the first segment of my article series ‘Dealing with Disability’. In this article, I will cover Dealing with Disability on the Job, using examples from my personal experiences.

    Lived Experience

    How does one handle disability in the workplace?

    While living in Bermuda, I’ve had sporadic summer jobs and work experience. One paid job was working as a Junior Counselor at an inclusive Summer camp for disabled and non-disabled children.

    Another paid summer job included representing Bermuda at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a reporter. That was fun and unforgettable.

    However, after graduating from university in 2017, my real career development and job searching began. My personal experience with job searching has been very tough.

    Job hunting can be quite frustrating for the disabled community. We have special skill sets based on level of ability.

    The problem is, we need a job to get work experience, and we need work experience to get a job. Going from interview to interview without any success can be quite discouraging.

    Nowadays, there are an increasing number of disabled people starting businesses because the job searching and interview process is proving to be difficult.

    If you desire to apply for benefits, you must be eligible for it. Before one is eligible, they must have a financial assessment. The unemployed who are actively seeking work can apply for the Jobseekers’ Allowance which is paid into their bank accounts from their local Jobcentre, fortnightly.

    There is also the Employment Support Allowance and Universal Credit that one can apply for.

    Business owners are entitled to the Income Support Scheme. All of this is provided at the local Jobcentre Plus through the Department of Works and Pensions.

    Purple Tuesday is an accessibility initiative for businesses and I am proud to know that Bermuda has joined this community. This initiative promotes inclusive marketing for the disabled shopper.(www.purpletuesday.org.uk)

    All employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments, especially for wheelchair users. They’re also expected to conduct risks assessments for health and safety reasons. They should also provide a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan in case of any emergencies like fires or flooding.

    From personal experience, I know that, the Park Place Jobcentre in Leeds, England, definitely prioritises and values the disabled community because they take precautionary measures first.

    For example, during a placement that I completed under the Department of Works and Pensions at the Park Place Jobcentre, I had to complete a risk assessment for them to make reasonable adjustments in order for me to start the placement. This included checking the accessibility of escape routes for fire drills.

    All employers have some level of a duty of care and can be held liable for accidents.

    Employers must look at job design. Job design should play to people’s strengths. Talents and skills are important.

    Employers should not give disabled people jobs out of sympathy. Problem solving skills make disabled people good candidates because they always have to overcome barriers which could make one employable.

    Inclusive Workplaces

    Channel 4 is a Disability Confident employer and they judge job applicants on their abilities against job descriptions. They try their best to recruit from groups in society that are underrepresented.

    Job Agencies for the disabled include Remploy, Evenbreak and Scope. Remploy helps get our disabled community into cleaning jobs unless they have alternative career goals.

    There’s a consultation agency called Inclusive Employers which also does this. Inclusive Employers is an organisation created to help employers develop an inclusive workplace, avoid the pitfalls of discrimination and get more from their workforce.

    Inclusive Employers provides knowledge and networks to help build workplaces where people feel valued, and can add value. Their employer members are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, maximising the potential of all employees. They strive to lead the way in breaking barriers and building success.

    Delsion Ltd. is another inclusive employer known as the People & Development Consultancy. They’re the award winning specialists in Learning & Development, Diversity & Inclusion and all things that help people and organisations reach their true potential.

    Why should organisations employ disabled people? Why not? Political correctness is the enemy of inclusion. Political correctness is the avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.

    The alternative is working from home but it doesn’t necessarily promote inclusion or diversity neither does it clamp down on discrimination.

    Another interesting aspect is blind interviews vs physical interviews. Blind interviews are better than physical interviews because candidates are judged on skills not memory or tests.

    Using technology and specialist equipment can make workplaces more inclusive for people with disabilities too.

    Wheelchair Accessibility and mobility issues are just some of the problems that wheelchair users and the physically challenged face daily. 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.

    According to the British Government, the British can apply for dropped kerbs. 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. The Government needs to clamp down on these drivers with a fine. The same should happen in Bermuda.

    AccessAdvisr helps to monitor wheelchair access. Disabled people going places. AccessAdvisr Board members are Rob Trent and Martyn Sibley.(https://accessadvisr.net)

    The AccessAdvisr website allows disabled people to rate and find first-hand accessibility information. Photographs can also be uploaded alongside reviews. This helps to tackle wheelchair accessibility issues. It also encourages accountability and inclusion.

    So, in ‘Dealing with Disability on the Job’, we must work towards inclusion, equality and diversity in the workplace by creating inclusion in the workplace, and inclusive workplaces. This could possibly help to improve the economy on a global scale. All jobs should be Disability Confident. I think Bermuda should also adopt this scheme to work on a better future for Bermudians.