Back to top"DIRECTIONS" Issue 32 Autumn 2006
The Disabled Facilities Grant is a council grant to help meet the costs of making adaptations to a person's home. The amount of money awarded is usually dependent on the outcome of a means test.
As a result of a successful campaign involving top U.K. charities, the means test for children under 19 was abolished in October 2005.
This means that families of disabled children will no longer have to struggle financially to look after their children, safely within the family home.
You can apply for a grant by contacting your local housing or environmental health department. Numbers can be found in the Phone Book. To find out more about disabled facilities grants please visit: www.directgov.org.uk or contact your local council.
(Source: Mencap: www.askmencap.info)
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The Minimum National Wage will increase on October 1st 2006. If you employ a personal assistant or carer you will need to ensure you are paying them the new minimum rate of pay from this date.
There are different minimum wage rates for different groups of people:
For service users who provide accommodation, the new offset rate will increase from £27.30 per week (£3.90 per day) to £29.05 (£4.15 per day).
There are a few exemptions to those covered by the national minimum wage, which are:
For more information please call the minimum wage helpline on: 0845 6000 678 or visit the DTI website: www.dti.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minimum-wage.
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The Independent Living Bill will go before Parliament later this year. It aims to deliver stronger rights and entitlements to disabled people who want to have the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens.
The National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) is working with the Disability Rights Commission to try to gain practical examples of where people feel they are not living an independent life.
If you feel this applies to you, a form can be downloaded from the NCIL web page: http://www.ncil.org.uk/IL_CSFlyer.asp or telephone: 0207 587 1663
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In October this year, the new laws concerning 'age discrimination' come into force. The legislation is called the Equality (Age) Regulations 2006.
The following information is important to anyone who recruits and employs personal assistants, carers or any other type of worker.
All employers need to be aware of what these regulations are about and what measures they may need to be put in place to ensure they comply with them.
The regulations make it unlawful on the grounds of age to:
The laws cover many areas of employment, including vocational training, advertising and recruitment of staff (see later).
Other key points are as follows:
Current guidance from ACAS on the new laws makes it clear that under most circumstances, an employer cannot make reference (either directly or indirectly) to age in the job advertisement or in the interview process.
However, the law will allow this to occur if the employer can provide good reason ('objective justification').
An example might be that a young disabled adult specifically requires a personal assistant of a similar age, because the assessed needs indicate a benefit for them through social integration with younger people.
Equally, an older person requiring personal care and social or emotional support might be justified in expressing a preference for a PA of a similar age and with similar interests.
At the time of writing this article, the Rowan Organisation is trying to obtain a better interpretation and opinion from authorities such as the Department of Trade and Industry and ACAS on this specific issue.
Because job adverts for PAs are often displayed through Jobcentre Plus offices or through local newspapers, we currently believe that as long as an employer can demonstrate the justification for allowing age discrimination in an advert, the regulations allow for them to rely upon that justification.
It is possible that Jobcentre Plus or a local newspaper will require the employer to put the justification in writing before allowing the advert to be displayed.
This article is a brief summary only. Further information can be obtained by contacting the ACAS Helpline on: 08457 474 747 or by visiting their Website: www.acas.org.uk.
Equally, if you have any concerns or queries, you can contact your local Rowan Independent Living Advisor or the Rowan Organisation's Information Service.
(Sources: ACAS, www.acas.org.uk , DTI, www.directgov.org.uk , www.dti.gov.uk, Employers Forum on Age, www.efa.org.uk , Age Positive, www.agepositive.gov.uk)
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Huw Thomas from Ceredigion writes:
"Back in October I set off with my PA, Karen, to Andalusia. We flew from Manchester to Malaga where we were met by Adrian, who with his wife Hanna runs the hotel we were staying at.
Having secured us both in the wheelchair accessible minibus Adrian set off for the hills. The journey took about an hour with the final part involving a snaking climb to a final height of 1500 feet above sea level.
Las Piedras is a delightful little guesthouse set in the spectacular wild Andalusian countryside. There are only four guest bedrooms, each with plenty of wheelchair space and a generous ensuite bathroom with wheel-in shower.
The welcome from Adrian and Hannah was as warm as the climate. Hannah's warmth and beauty permeated the very fabric of the place, while Adrian proved to be an excellent, though somewhat unconventional host.
Adrian is a funny man-some might call him bonkers, well I would; great company to have on holiday. We were there for just one week and on four of the days.
Adrian took us on an excursion, providing us with the experience of Andalusian scenery, culture, food and drink. He was very knowledgeable about the history of southern Spain and his explanations of many of the architectural features brought the place to life. In the evenings there was ample time to gather around the table for the delicious food, wine and good company.
Las Piedras is the ideal holiday venue for someone like me, who is not only in a wheelchair but pretty decrepit as well. The accommodation was hassle free and very comfortable (a hoist and profiling beds were available upon request); the location was wonderful, providing a real taste of Spain; there was the intimacy of the company the guests, and the flight to Malaga is only about two hours.
This is a holiday that can be relaxing, stimulating, educational, fattening and fun. You can get more details of Las Piedras on their website: www.laspiedras.co.uk".
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Nanette Hopkins from Ceredigion writes:
"Direct Payments has made my life completely different. I used to go to Gorwelion on Thursdays and Fridays and depending on my husband Ivors's shift, sometimes I would not see anyone from Friday through to Thursday.
Ivor used to take me out sometimes but he had to do all the things I couldn't do. I am here all day but can't do anything much and it seems such a waste of time that I can't help. I have 24 repeats on my prescription, 9 of which say they make you drowsy.
Its 9 years since I have not been able to drive and I still feel as though I have had my legs cut off. I have learnt to accept it but it is still a big problem. Having Ruby my PA is like having an extension to myself. Now Ivor does 12 hour shifts on Saturdays and Sundays but I have a chance to see people and go out-its lovely. Ruby also helps me to remember things as I am so forgetful.
I had to watch the boss employee relationship. Right at the beginning, I said I have never had anyone work for me. I would rather you didn't wait and let a problem fester for six weeks and be past helping. If you just discuss it right at the beginning; if you have any problem don't leave it. If we need to put anything right, we can put it right.
I feel it is important to ask Ruby nicely about anything I want her to do. Ruby thanks me when she goes home of a night. I ask "What for?" and she says "Thank you for a nice day!"
We hope to go to Barmouth for a day out soon so we will have to save up our "points" - I mean miles! I have worked out my costings and can do 120 miles a week.
I have discussed with Ruby what she likes and what I like doing and they are pretty similar, which suits us both. It has been funny her being so young and me being so old. We have had some big conversations about things that you have forgotten about, like talking about money and old pennies and decimalisation. She didn't know what Tupperware was!
We do get on well and have a laugh because of our age difference. I have learnt things from her; before I only went to Gorwelion. I didn't ever have young company before. Now my husband says I am getting very "with it" because I have learnt new colloquial expressions.
The Milk Bar and the Upper Limit café now ask us if we want our usual, they think she's my daughter and give us a good welcome. We have been shopping together for presents for Ivor's daughters and they have been amazed how I know what someone of their age would like!
Sometimes I have to encourage Ruby and explain a bit about how I want something done but it really couldn't be any better. Direct Payments has made a massive, unbelievable difference to my life".
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Community Legal Service Direct is a network of organisations made up of Solicitors, Citizens Advice Bureaux and organisations, who can provide free information, direct to the public on a range of common legal problems including:
To qualify for free legal advice you need to be in receipt of or be eligible for any of the following:
Telephone: 08453 454 345 for help and advice or visit the website: http://www.clsdirect.org.uk. A series of information leaflets is also available in English, Welsh, Braille and Audio.
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Whizz-Kids is a registered charity helping children to enjoy freedom and enable them to live full and active lives with their family and friends. The charity provides customised mobility equipment and services to disabled children and their families that are not available through the NHS.
It runs a free, all inclusive Keep On Moving wheelchair skills training scheme, which allows children to meet and have fun with other people who use wheelchairs.
A new mobility centre has opened in Birmingham and the charity invites you to attend the following product and information days as follows:
13 October
Walkers product and information day
8 December
Christmas open day and information day
If you are interested in attending or would like more information please contact Holly Pyke on: 0121 472 3261.
For more information about Whizz-Kids you can Telephone: 0207 233 6600 or visit the website: http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk.
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SAFETY GUIDE FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANTS
For those who employ personal Assistants (PAs), Fish insurance have prepared an easy to read guide for service users to present to their PAs. The guide explains how to avoid accidents and injuries both inside and outside of the home. The booklet will be issued to all new clients and existing clients as they renew their policy. One booklet will be issued free of charge and additional copies will be available at a cost of £2 each including postage.
If you have any queries, please telephone Fish Insurance on: 01772 724 442 or visit their website: http://www.fishinsurance.co.uk.
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Watermead Country Park is a 140-hectare green oasis in Leicestershire. It is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful stretch of countryside. The park hosts an array of excellent accessible facilities for disabled people, including landing stages, suitable for disabled anglers.
If you fancy either a peaceful or active day out contact the Ranger on: 01162 671 944. Email watermead@leics.gov.uk or visit: http://www.leics.gov.uk/country_parks_watermead.
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We would like to acknowledge Liz Carr for her determination to following her dreams and fulfil her ambitions. Liz who is a "crip activist" has moved to London from the North West, to follow her dreams of becoming a stand up comedian.
Liz currently writes a column for BBC Ouch, a website from the BBC. Its aim is to reflect the lives of disabled people, in contemporary society. Liz writes from experience, with a witty sense of humour and from a realist perspective.
If you would like to read articles written by Liz or share your experiences on the topics covered by Liz please visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/columnists/lizcarr/240706_index.shtml.
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The Rowan's Information Service is available to anyone in the counties where the Rowan works, but we do often receive calls from elsewhere.
Our objective is to provide high quality, accessible information to members of the public, existing service users, local authorities, voluntary groups and Rowan's own team of Independent Living Advisors (ILAs).
One of our key roles is to respond to queries about Direct Payments and related issues, particularly those associated with the employment of personal assistants or carers. We keep fully up to date with the various areas of legislation and have developed extensive knowledge and experience in this area.
We are also able to assist with other types of disability-related queries. If ever we are unable to answer a specific enquiry, we will always endeavour to provide you with contact details of someone else, or of another organisation that can.
In addition, we produce accessible information which includes:
The Rowan Organisation believes in an inclusive society and access to services for all. Consequently, we are able to provide information in a range of alternative formats, including;
Other formats or languages can be made available by request from any of our service users.
We also support the Rowan's teams of Independent Living Advisors, by researching and developing various guidelines to help them in their work.
Finally, we strive to continue to improve our service to individuals and groups by developing new accessible information through planned projects. If you have a query or a request for information, please contact the Information Service at our Head Office by using our Free phone number: 0800 783 1755 or by email to info@therowan.org.
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BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
SEN Press is a new publishing house specialising in producing books that are accessible to young people (14-19 years) with special educational needs, operating at or around Level 1.
Each book introduces key Life Skills and Social Skills topics directly relevant to young people leaving school, their personal development and the steps they need to take to achieve greater independence. Books are primarily aimed at schools and organisations but can be ordered by individuals.
If you would like more information or would like to request an order form please visit: http://www.senpress.co.uk Alternatively you can telephone: 01706 668398.
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MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROWAN ORGANISATION
The Rowan Organisation is a registered charity and not for profit organisation. It is a user-led organisation and the majority of Board members are disabled people, as are a number of our operational staff. Membership of the Rowan Organisation is open to all service users and it's free !
Ordinary members receive a summary of the quarterly Board meetings, are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM and also have the chance to become a Board Member themselves.
Board membership offers an exciting opportunity to travel and meet up with others. Service user members who are elected on to the Board, influence the management and direction of the organisation. Board membership offers a mix of business and social elements and all reasonable travel, accommodation and other expenses are paid for by the Rowan Organisation.
If you are interested in applying for ordinary membership, with the chance of becoming a Board member, please contact the Rowan Organisation at Head Office on 01827 718972 or send an email to theRowan Organisation's Information Service, who will provide further information.
The following further information may help you to decide to become a member:
Mission Statement
"The Rowan Organisation exists to provide disabled people with access to information and support in order that they can make informed choices and be in control of their lives".
Vision Statement
"A society that is fully inclusive in which the barriers, whether environmental, attitudinal or institutional, that prevent disabled people from having equality of opportunity have been removed."
In providing services we advocate the following Principles:
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