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Welcome to this week's Independent Living newsletter
13.07.16 Contents:
Adult social care survey
Motability update
Wheelchair tennis
Changing Places Day
Derek's View – Accentu8 riser recliners with style
Latest updates - Remap podcast; future of AA
1. Adult social care survey

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) publishes its annual survey of adult social care budgets today.

This survey is regarded as an authoritative view of the state of funding for the care needs of older and disabled people, and the implications that result from this. There are growing numbers of people with complex care needs, and also, an ever-increasing number of family and friends providing care for them.

The survey highlights the fact that the 2% council tax precept only covers two thirds of the care cost increases associated with the National Living Wage – future financing of adult social care is in a precarious position.

You can read more of the survey findings here

 

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2. Motability update

Two weeks ago now, I wrote about Mobility Roadshow Ambassador Stephanie Leaf, who – ironically – can't get behind the wheel of a car in real life, because Motability turned down her application for a grant towards a vehicle she could drive from her power chair. She was trying to raise the money she needs, but it would obviously be an uphill struggle.

I am pleased to say that Motability have got back in touch with her, and are now looking at the options going forward – which I hope will include funding her vehicle!

 A number of people got in touch with me following the article, to say that they thought she would definitely qualify for help under the current Motability rules, so I thought it would be a good idea to explain them in a bit more detail – which you can read here

 

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3. Wheelchair tennis

I can't let Wimbledon fortnight slip away entirely without highlighting the achievements of the doughty Scotsman who carried off the singles title. No, not that one, the other one – Gordon Reid (pictured courtesy of Getty Images) – who not only won the inaugural wheelchair singles title at Wimbledon, but was also one half of the winning doubles partnership, alongside Alfie Hewitt.

The dramatic finals were followed by many in our Facebook group, and someone made the point that increased coverage for this exciting sport ought to raise sponsorship opportunities, and enable the elite athletes involved to make a living as other sports professionals do. When you reflect that a win in the singles brings prize money of £2 million, while the figure for the wheelchair singles winner is £25,000, you can see that there is a way to go before these tennis pros do more than cover their costs...

 

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4. Changing Places Day

Next Tuesday, 19th July, is Changing Places Day, which is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the campaign to install fully accessible toilets in public places, so that everybody can go out without worrying about going to the loo.

There are now 850 Changing Places facilities around the country, but there is potential for thousands more. There isn't a cinema in the country yet with a Changing Places, for example, and very few in motorway service stations. The latest addition is in the Washington Galleries (this picture is the official opening) – you can see more about it in our Changing Places area, here.

Another important recent development, supported by Clos-o-Mat, is Space to Change, a diet version of Changing Places, with adult-sized changing bench and hoist, for destinations that don't have the space or the budget for the full installation.

 

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5. Derek's View – Accentu8 riser recliners with style

I am always pleased when I see products that combine accessibility with good design. Accentu8 is a great example: they have a range of rise and recliner armchairs which offer all the functionality you would expect, such as tilt in space and pressure care options, combined with cool contemporary design and a built-in USB port. They even have a chair that combines swivel with rise and recline, as shown here, which is a real rarity.

You can see more of the range on their new showcase page.

If you provide high quality products and services, and you would like to reach our site visitors and newsletter readers, please email derek@independentliving.co.uk

 

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6. Latest updates - Remap stories... future of AA

Remap held their annual awards ceremony at the end of last month, and I have interviewed three of their engineering volunteers and two clients who had custom solutions designed for them. You can listen to the Remap podcast and find out more about the process of designing a tongue-controlled e-reader page turner and a cutlery holder for someone with no movement in her fingers, here.

As expected, the government has launched a consultation on the future of Attendance Allowance, the disability benefit for claimants aged over 65. More details next time.

As always, there are various ways you can get in touch with Independent Living: email me; visit our Facebook page and leave a message there; or if it's short and sweet, Tweet!

Previous newsletters are archived here.

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Until next time, all good wishes,

Frances

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Frances Leckie
Editor

e: editor @ independentliving.co.uk
t: +44 (0) 208 133 0628
Skype: francesleckie
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