Disability Living Webpages

Here are some great webpages for disabled people. You can find out all sorts of information and discover many a new opportunity here! Disability doesn't have to stop you from living life to the full!

Do you have a favourite disability related webpage? If so, then please let us know so we can share it with others.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

What does it mean for you?
A guide for disabled people and disabled people's organisations

If you are a disabled person, the United Nations Convention on the rights of People with Disabilities (the Convention) is for you.

The Convention is a new international human rights agreement that:

•recognises that we are all equal. Disabled people have the same rights as everyone else to freedom, respect, equality and dignity.
•brings together all our basic human rights in one place
•describes what government has agreed to do to make these rights real.

The Convention was created because often our human rights are not respected and we face many barriers to inclusion in society.

The Convention is not just a paper ‘declaration’ without any teeth.  It requires government to take action to remove barriers and give disabled people real freedom, dignity and equality.  We can use it in lots of different ways to make sure our rights are respected and to get a better deal.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is working hard to raise awareness of the Convention among disabled people, legal advisers and public bodies.

The Commission's role is to ensure Britain makes rapid progress towards making the Convention rights a reality for disabled people. We have produced this guide so that you can find out:

•What your human rights are and how they are protected.
•What difference the Convention could make to your life.
•Hw you can be involved in putting the Convention into practice.
•How you can use the Convention to challenge injustice and improve services.

This guide is for people living in England, Wales and Scotland. We hope you find it useful.  The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission have produced a separate guide which explains how the Convention will work in Northern Ireland.

Mike Smith
Commissioner and Chair of the Disability Committee
Equality and Human Rights Commission

You can download the convention document or read it online - http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/human-rights/a-guide-to-the-un-disability-convention/

Source: Equality & Human Rights Commision (20/07/10)

A disability directory of UK adult and children's disability services.

Includes advice and information, access, education, recreation and sports, plus the arts detailed information on specific disabilities.

Website: http://www.ableize.com/

Accessible South West is a new directory designed to assist visitors with disabilities travelling to the South West of England find suitable places to stay and visit.

The directory includes accessible information on accommodation, attractions and other places of interest, places to eat, public toilets, and beaches. There is also information on disability groups and organisations that can assist the disabled traveller whilst staying away from home, and local suppliers of accessibility equipment to hire.

Adapted Car Hire provides a broad range of specially adapted vehicles to cater for the needs of disabled drivers and passengers. Vehicles can be hired on a daily, weekly and monthly basis and they provide a door-to-door delivery and collection service. They have a variety of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, where the wheelchair passenger travels in their wheelchair and vehicles with hand controls or adapted foot pedals, to allow the disabled person to drive.

They provide...

• A broad range of new vehicles
• Cars with Push/Pull hand controls
• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV)
• Cars with left foot accelerators
• Automatic and Manual vehicles
• Online and telephone bookings
• A nationwide door-to-door delivery and collection service
• Comprehensive Insurance Reasonable rates
• Unlimited mileage

All of their vehicles are supplied and adapted by Motability accredited suppliers or have European Type 1 approval.

Everyone has a right to information in a format that they understand. This can be achieved by using uncomplicated words or sentence structures, large copy or braille, audio and audio visual, illustrations, photographs or any other medium that can be used to convey a message or information.

Ask Vera is constructed to project manage and produce information packages that work via the most effective route. Communication and care sector professionals combine their skills and expertise to achieve creative solutions to make information accessible for all people.

Ask Vera,
Colbea Business Centre,
1 George Williams Way,
Colchester,
Essex C01 2JS

Telephone: 01206 769 477

Website: http://www.askvera.org

Email: vicky@askvera.org

AskSARA is an award-winning guided advice tool developed by national charity the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) to help people find solutions to their daily living problems.

AskSARA is very simple to use. Just choose the topic you wish to complete, respond to the questions and then go to your report. The report contains useful advice written by the DLF's team of occupational therapists as well as details of products that might help you. This information is drawn from the DLF's impartial database of equipment that aims to include details of every product on the market.

After viewing your report, you can go back to answer more topics, print the report out or email the report to yourself or a friend.

Website: http://www.asksara.org.uk/

Scotland’s Bright New Magazine that’s Positive about Disability.

Since its launch CanDo has been a phenomenal success, with all available copies being distributed soon after publication. From Inverness to Inverclyde; Aberdeen to Ayr, Duns to Dunfermline and all points in between, we have been inundated with requests for extra copies.

Our lightweight, easy-to-read format with a mix of news, competitions and photos has been a great success. Congratulatory letters, messages and emails have been arriving since a couple of days after our launch.

For those who have not yet seen CanDo, it is a magazine that offers a positive outlook on disability…we focus on what disabled people CAN DO, rather than what they can’t. The magazine is now available for reading online.

Horses as Therapy

Penny has discovered Riding, playing on the ground or just spending time with horses can be extremely beneficial for people with disabilities, some illnesses, depression or behavioural or social problems in children and young adults. The horses, coupled with Penny's sympathetic, caring teaching style and the laid back peaceful atmosphere at South Nethercott Farm can help people re-discover their confidence and a level of freedom and happiness they never imagined possible.

Penny invites you into "Caring Horsemanship" which gives you a wonderful opportunity to learn about the 4 "C's"- communication, Connection, Centring & Confidence. Do you need a boost to your confidence, a fresh start? You can do all of this with our help. Riding is only part of it. Come and learn to play with our horses, learn about freedom and learn about yourself. Or bring your own horse for a day course or longer and work with Penny learning caring horsemanship together.

Disabled or vunerable people especially welcome re-discover freedom and joy with the help of a horse, riding or playing on the ground. no experience necessary. The caring horsemanship style of riding and horse training relies on close communication between the horse and the rider without using sticks, spurs or gadgets and enhances the overall experience for both. It can be used as a complementary approach to standard riding techniques.

The Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation (CLEAR) Unit is run by experienced clinical exercise scientists at Oxford Brookes University.

CLEAR is part of Oxfordshire’s GP referral scheme and it is closely linked to the Movement Science research group in Life Sciences, ensuring it is run on the latest evidence based practice.

CLEAR is a non-profit making unit supported by the University and charitable donations.

Website: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/lifesci/clear

We take pride in the work we do, recycling PCs for both individuals and organisations and providing services to disabled users. We supply all these PCs, installed with software, ready for immediate use, without making any profit. The only thing we ask of you is that you cover the costs of the parts we use to make the PC to your full specification and needs. We also offer basic PCs for free. These are ideal for those simply wishing to use them for typing.

Contact Details:

Tel: 01268-284834

Fax: 01268-479028

Chairman Paul Harris

Email: bigpaulh@blueyonder.co.uk 

Website: http://www.cftd.co.uk/cftd.htm

All Correspondence to:
41, New Waverley Road.
Noak Bridge.
Laindon. SS15 4BJ

DIAL UK is a national organisation which gives advice to disabled people on any disability related issue.

They have 160 local disability information and advice centres around the UK which are run by and for disabled people.

• Information is offered on topics such as:
• Welfare benefits
• Community care equipment
• Independent living
• Mobility and transport
• Discrimination
• Holidays and much more...

For further information contact DIAL: Telephone (01302) 310 123

Email enquiries@DIALuk.org.uk

Webpage: http://www.dialuk.info/index.asp

Disabled access? It’s serious business

Direct Enquiries – is an online access register that gives businesses and service providers throughout the United Kingdom an opportunity to shout about what access and facilities they currently provide. Importantly it also provides details about what access and facilities they cannot provide today, but hope to provide in the future.

The register is completely free to use. It is designed to provide users with a single source of information regarding access and facilities for any building that is open to the general public. As well as accessing vital information, anyone that registers can request email alerts when their favourite business updates its information and can also send feedback on what they think about a business, its service, access and facilities.

Whether you are looking for a restaurant, cinema or hotel that can cater for the needs of a wheelchair user, a bank that provides sign language or an induction loop or a clothes shop where you can sit down in between shopping – Direct Enquiries will try and help.

The Disability Law Service (DLS) provide free confidential legal advice for people with a disability. The MS Society pays DLS to offer additional legal services for people with MS from solicitors who specialise in disability matters. This covers weekly telephone advice sessions specifically tailored to the needs of people with MS, covering all aspects of disability discrimination, including employment and community care.

If you want to benefit from this service, ring the Disability Law Service on Tel. 020 7791 9800. The best times to phone for advice are:
10.30am - 1pm and  2.30pm - 5pm, Monday - Fridays.

Mention that you are contacting them on behalf of the MS Society and you will be advised how to book a slot on one of their weekly telephone advice sessions. For further info Click Here.

Have you been discriminated against due to MS or disability?

Do you need help or advice about the Disability Discrimination Act.

If so contact the Disability Rights Commission on:

Telephone: 08457 622 633

Textphone: 08457 622 644

Or visit their webpage, click on their name above.

Please note the The Disability Rights Commission amalgamated with the The Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) on 1st October 2007.

This page has plenty to offer, from Friends & Dating, Chat, Travel & all the latest News.

DisabledGo is the UK’s leading provider in detailed access information. We work with Local Authorities, Health Trusts and Education Establishments across the UK and Ireland to provide personally surveyed access information that you can trust. We cover venues from Restaurants, Hotels, Cinemas and Theatres to Job Centres, Doctors, Dentists and Hospitals. We have consulted with over 800 groups of disabled people to ensure the information we are providing is what people need to know.

The information is completely free of charge and can be found at www.disabledgo.com

DoctorBabel allows you to create and maintain an online medical record that can be translated into multiple languages at the click of a button. The translation facility is especially important for safe travel abroad. Having your medical details available in an accurate, organised and easily understood format helps medical professionals to make better decisions. You print your medical record at home and carry it with you whenever you travel.

Basic membership is free and includes web-space for your medical record, the facility to print an emergency card at home for free and free access to the medical forum.

A premium membership is available at a cost of £20 which adds features useful for travel.

Dog Aid (Assistance In Disability) is a national voluntary organisation, which provides specialised training for people with physical disabilities and their own pet dog.

Dog AID training is designed to give a measure of independence and provide owners with the knowledge to train other tasks. This allows them to adapt the training to their own needs with an instructor, who is able to give advice should it be requested.

Contact Details:

Dog AID Headquarters
25 Speechly Drive
Rugeley
Staffordshire
WS15 2PT

Telephone: 01547 510266, 01322 667058 or 01743 891314

Email:  dogaid@onetel.com

Website: http://www.dogaid.org.uk/

Door to Door - the transport and travel website for disabled and less mobile people.

It has been developed to give disabled people information about transport and advice about travelling using all forms of transport.

The website is updated regularly to reflect improvements in access to transport vehicles and interchanges, as well as keeping people informed about changes to Legislation, regulations and good practice.

Door to Door brings together in one website all the information that disabled people need to make informed decisions and choices. However, if you want to find out more detailed information about specific issues, the website also features direct links to the websites of other organisations.

EQUIP - an NHS website which signposts members of the public to useful health and social care websites that have been quality-checked and has a directory of over 4200 support groups and services both national and local to the West Midlands and checked regularly.

The Dana Centre is part of the Science Museum and is a purpose-built venue for science events. I work for an organisation called the European Dana Alliance for the Brain, which is a organisation that promotes brain research.

The online guide to life, leisure and mobility. The UK's leading directory of services for disabled people, seniors, and anyone whose life is made easier by better access to goods, services and amenities. That's pretty much all of us!

Through this unique online resource, residents and visitors of all abilities can now discover the very best in accessible and inclusive living, leisure and mobility in the UK and Ireland.

Website: http://www.goodaccessguide.co.uk

"This is my own website which I have set up as a disabled volunteer to help other people with a some kind of disability to gain access to as much information and contacts under one site and help to get disability and access issues brought to the attention of the relavent company's and businesses and see if they can be resolved."

Kenny's site is packed with information on Workability, Disability Issues, Visual Aids and much more, with links to many diabled charities etc.

London Underground launched its new detailed, interactive service yesterday (Easter Monday 9 April) which allows passengers to understand the access available at every station across the network, particularly the routes between street and platforms.

The service, launched at Southwark Station takes access information to a new level and is initially only available on www.directenquiries.com It will soon be fully integrated with the Transport for London journey planner.

London Underground’s Accessibility and Inclusion Manager, Wayne Trevor said: “The new service will be a real benefit for all our customers showing them the best routes through stations for their individual needs, not just wheelchair users, but the elderly, travellers with heavy luggage and parents with buggies, as well as those passengers with visual and hearing impairments.

“This groundbreaking new service allows all customers to plan in advance ensuring an easier and more relaxed journey, promoting confidence and independent travel on the Tube.”

Susan Scott-Parker, Chief Executive of Employers Forum on Disability said: "London Underground’s new accessible route planner on the Direct Enquiries website will revolutionise travel in the capital for disabled people. This easy to use service will take the hassle out of journey planning for everyone.

"Disabled people always tell us that inaccessible transport is the greatest barrier to employment. A service that smoothes the way through London’s complex maze of stations, platforms and exits is welcome news for employers who are looking to recruit disabled people.

"We are looking forward to the day when the whole transport system is mapped on to Direct Enquiries."

Visitors to www.directenquiries.com will be able to search for accessible routes through each Underground station, prioritising their search according to their individual needs. Routes available include both street-level to platform and interchanges (platform to platform). The access details include the number of steps, lifts, escalators, walking distances, ramps and platform to train gap width.

The site also allows passengers to search for comprehensive information about each station, including car parking, toilets, and services for visually impaired people, induction loops and other access facilities. Visitors to the site can also register, free of charge, which will allow them to receive updated travel and access information on stations of their choice. This additional service will also be available by SMS before the end of the year.

Bert Massie, Disability Rights Commission (DRC) Chairman said: “This new on-line accessible information about the Tube is a good step forward in providing better information for disabled travellers.

“DRC research shows that disabled people would travel more if they had clearer and more accurate information. So more transport companies need to follow London Underground’s example by providing clearer information about their services, vehicles and stations.”

The Transport for London journey planner allows passengers to conduct searches across the whole network covering 274 stations, providing accessible route information across the city. Integration of the two services is underway.

Grant Kennedy, Chief Executive of Direct Enquiries said: “The addition of London Underground’s access information is a substantial step for disabled people and those with specific access needs in London. This is groundbreaking work and we are really excited to have created the world’s first online resource of this type. It is also clear that www.directenquiries.com is now seen as a truly useful interactive tool, rather than just a database.”

MediPAL is a plastic hard wearing card, the size of a credit card that is used as an Emergency ID Card or an Emergency Contact Card.

The MediPAL® card shows:

• A distinctive Green Cross
• Name
• DOB
• Emergency contact details
• Current Medication
• Medical history (including allergies)
• Blood group
• GP Details

The card costs £11.99 if applied for online or £14.99 via an application form available from the MediPAL website or you can call their 24 hour help line on 0845 603 4604 to request one.

Mobilise promotes and protects the welfare and personal mobility of all disabled people, drivers and non-drivers.

Membership is open to both drivers and non-drivers with a disability that affects mobility. Those without a disability are also welcome to join as an associate member.

As a member of Mobilise you have access to a helpline run by experienced information officers, a monthly magazine, and plenty of discounts and concessions. Mobilise also campaigns tirelessly for improvements to the blue badge scheme, parking at healthcare facilities and exemption from congestion charges. Mobilise also has regular contact with Motability and the Department for Transport where they make your voice heard and listened to.

Further Information

Mobilise
National Headquarters
Ashwellthorpe
Norwich NR16 1EX

Website :  http://www.mobilise.info

Email :  enquiries@mobilise.info

Tel: 01508489449
Fax: 01508488173

The Multiple Sclerosis Regional Therapy Support Group provide therapies to sufferers of MS within the greater Manchester area.

Services provided included Yoga, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Counselling

Ince Community Centre
Manchester Road
Ince, Wigan
WN2 2DJ

Telephone: 07759 286285

Email: info@msgm.org

Website: http://www.msgm.org/index.htm

The site provides advice and help to all those people who would benefit from making changes to their browser, operating system, or computer to be able to view bbc.co.uk and the rest of the web in a more accessible way.

The site is not only for those with disabilities (visual, hearing, motor, cognitive or learning impairments) but also, for example, for those people with minor vision impairments who would not consider themselves to have a disability.

The site also provides a guide to getting the most of the accessibility features that BBC New Media are increasingly putting into http://www.bbc.co.uk.

The site has been developed and maintained through a partnership between bbc.co.uk and AbilityNet, a leading UK computing and disability charity.

If you would like to read and/or download the National Institute for Clinical Execllence (NICE) Guidelines on Multiple Sclerosis they are now available from their website:

http://www.nice.org.uk/download.aspx?o=cg008guidance

This website is a collaboration between the Northern Neurological Alliance, the Tees Valley, Durham, North Yorkshire Neurological Alliance and the North East Neurosciences Network.

The Website has been designed as an information portal for neurological communities in the region. It is a conduit for communications within and between those communities, it will seek to encourage and facilitate engagement with, and involvement of, all parties interested in improving provision of services and the 'quality of life' for people affected by long term neurological conditions.

Website: http://www.nenp.org.uk/

Members of the public were able to consult with the neurological physiotherapist, see a variety of complementary therapists and to speak informally to the MS specialist nurse.

A monthly programme of informative and educational talks, starting with managing fatigue, will also commence on Monday, October 8 at 6.30pm.

Jane Metcalfe, MS specialist nurse for Northumberland Care Trust said: "We are delighted with the response to these new sessions in Berwick.People affected by MS in north Northumberland are now able to seek expert advice and support from the MS specialist nurse and physiotherapist, as well as having the opportunity to book free complementary therapies. We would like to invite even more people to come along to the sessions and we hope the new monthly talks will offer something interesting for everyone. All of our new services will allow people and their families living with Multiple Sclerosis to undertake therapies which will help with managing symptoms and maximising independence."

Further talks are scheduled for the next few months, including tai chi on November 19, benefit information on December 17 and complementary therapy on January 21.

Guest speakers for 2008 will include Rev Dr Barbara Chandler, consultant in rehabilitation medicine.

The Multiple Sclerosis Outreach Therapy and Advice Service is supported by MS Research and Relief Fund, Northumberland Care Trust, Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, MS Scotland and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Patient UK site  has links to an amazing number of disabled organisations and equipment suppliers. It is a very good resource page. So check here first for all your disability needs from Mobility Aids to Home Security and Panic Alarms and much more.

July 2011

Radar – the Royal Association for Disability Rights have launched their new website aimed at people living with disability or health conditions, disability groups and members, employers and service providers and campaigners and policy makers. 

“This fantastic new website has been developed to provide information to our members, supporters and key partners on the work we are doing.” says Liz Sayce, Radar’s Chief Executive. “Our research and feedback from our members and key stakeholders told us what was needed and we hope that our new site does just that”.

There are four main sections of the website Leadership, Equality, Routes out of Poverty and Independent Living, with each section providing in depth yet practical and accessible information to the user.    

New features on the website include
• All the latest news
• How members and supporters can shape the disability rights picture and get involved in our campaigns
• Information on forthcoming events
• A detailed list of Radar publications and research papers
• Radar shop area to purchase a range of our products and services with secure billing
• Media Centre to access all the latest and past press releases

RADAR Website - http://www.radar.org.uk/

Did you know that if you are disabled you can get hold of a RADAR Key which enables you to gain independent access to approximately 6000 locked disabled toilets located all around the UK?

 The Keys are large for ease of use, and cost just £3.50 with disability declaration so that you can get VAT relief (without declaration = Vat £4.11).

 A NKS Guide for Accessible toilets for Disabled People is also available, priced just £10.

For further information about the Radar Keys and how to get one click on the link above and click on the 'National Key Scheme' link.

The RDAC specialises in providing assessments for people who want to learn to drive or return to driving with a disability, or following a debilitating illness.  The centre is staffed by a team of dedicated and experienced professionals - including specialist driving instructors and occupational therapists – and has a range of adapted vehicles permanently available, which can cater for a wide variety of mobility needs. 

Even more now with an ageing population, people are wanting to drive until they are older and this places quite a strain on general practitioners who will be asked by patients about their ability to continue driving or return to driving.

We feel that this is where we are able to support general practitioners & medical staff who can suggest to their patients that they attend the centre for a practical assessment of their ability to drive providing that they meet the current DVLA regulations of medical fitness to drive.

All fees are stated on the Application Form which can be downloaded from our website www.rdac.co.uk  The website holds invaluable information that we hope you will find useful.

We are here to try to help them maintain independence either as a driver or a passenger.

Ryder-Cheshire Volunteers is a charity operating in certain areas of central England, providing a service to anyone aged between 16 and 70 who has a physical disability. We provide access to leisure or educational activities of your choice, either at home on a one-to-one basis with the help of a volunteer, or by introducing you to a community group or college.

We operate in Oxfordshire (Cherwell, Vale of White Horse, and South Oxfordshire), Buckinghamshire (Vale of Aylesbury and the Princes Risborough area), Northamptonshire (Brackley and Towcester areas), Leicestershire (Loughborough and Charnwood), and Derbyshire (Swadlincote area).

If you are interested in joining us, you can apply directly (you do not need to be referred by an agency).

We particularly have vacancies in South-East Oxfordshire (Wheatley, Thame, Chinnor areas) and Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury and Princes Risborough areas)at the moment.

Please contact Kathryn Robinson

Telephone: 01844 350381

Email: k.robinson@rcv.org.uk

Website: http://www.rcv.org.uk/

This site, based in Ghana, has been set up primarily to reach out to Ghanaian people who have had or are living with long-term illnesses and want to share their experiences, expectations, treatment options or just chat.

They are also part of a support group for Ghanaians with Devic's Syndrome and other rare neuroimmunologic conditions, and Multiple Sclerosis, which is pretty rare in Ghana.

Devon wide charity Living Options Devon is celebrating the success of its ‘Countryside Mobility’ scheme this week one year after the scheme first launched

The scheme which began last summer is working to make access to the countryside easier for people with limited mobility living in and visiting the South West, helping make the region a truly ‘accessible’ visitor destination.

Based on the principle of urban Shopmobility schemes, ‘Tramper’ all-terrain mobility scooters and wheelchair accessible ‘Wheelyboats’ are now available for hire at over 20 countryside locations across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset with more to follow next year.

Claire Hariades recently took her father, Ronald, to visit the ‘Tamar Trails’ in Devon and said: “I didn’t expect my father to do be able to do much more than sit in a chair while he was staying with us for a short break recently. He has suffered with severe back problems for the past 2 years and walks with very great difficulty. He had to give up driving several years ago and really misses this independence. Most of his days he now spends confined to the house. He enjoyed a very happy afternoon on the tracks exploring the woodland and enjoying being out in the sunshine. I am sure that he experienced the greatest feeling of independence since the onset of his mobility problems.”

“I myself felt quite proud of the achievements that my father was able to make with the benefit of the scheme and had never expected to see him enjoying the outdoors again in the way that he used to.”

Diana Crump, CEO of Living Options Devon said: “It's fantastic to have so many organisations now working in partnership with us with a common aim”.

“People with mobility problems have long been excluded from exploring beautiful areas of countryside and this scheme enables people to get out in the fresh air with friends and family to enjoy spectacular views and wildlife like anyone else.”

James Maben, Countryside Mobility Project Manager said: “Feedback from our members has been great and with such a varied selection of sites now involved, people with limited mobility have some fantastic opportunities to get out and explore the region.” “There is something for everyone – from wild Exmoor moorland to peaceful country parks and beautiful sections of the South West Coast Path.”

The scheme has been supported with a grant from Natural England as part of its Access to Nature programme, funded from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme.

A Countryside Mobility Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter on a section of the South West Coast Path at the National Trust’s Penrose Estate, Cornwall.

For more information about the scheme and for details of all sites involved visit www.countrysidemobility.org or telephone 01392 456522.

• The Countryside Mobility scheme is working to improve access to the countryside for people with limited mobility living in and visiting the South West region. Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters and wheelchair accessible Wheelyboats are available for hire at locations across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset. For more details visit www.countrysidemobility.org

• To hire the Tramper people need to join the Countryside Mobility South West membership scheme [£8.50 per year or £2.50 for 4 weeks] which covers users for all Tramper sites in the South West, to ensure people receive proper training in how to use them safely. Full details about the scheme, the sites, and how to become a member can be found on the website www.countrysidemobility.org or by telephoning 01392 456522.

• Living Options Devon is an Exeter based charity that exists to ensure people with physical and/or sensory disabilities and Deaf people with sign language can make an active and equal contribution in society.

• The scheme is being developed through a partnership between organisations that manage countryside sites across the region. The current partners are; Cornwall AONB Service, Devon County Council, Exmoor National Park Authority, Gloucestershire County Council, Dorset County Council, The Forestry Commission, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Royal Horticultural Society, South West Lakes Trust, The Wheelyboat Trust and the National Trust.

• Other sites currently operating Countryside Mobility Trampers & Wheelyboats include:

1. Haldon Forest Park (Exeter)
2. Stover Country Park (Newton Abbot)
3. Durlston Country Park (Swanage)
4. Berry Head National Nature Reserve (Brixham)
5. Siblyback Lake (Liskeard) – Wheelyboat & Tramper
6. The Heddon Valley (Exmoor)
7. Crickley Hill Country Park (Gloucester)
8. The Granite Way (Okehampton)
9. Rosemoor Gardens (Torrington)
10. Grand Western Canal (Tiverton)
11. Mount Edgcumbe Country Park (Plymouth)
12. Seale Hayne (Newton Abbot)
13. Saltram Estate (Plymouth)
14. Penrose Estate (Helston)
15. Tree Surfers at the Tamar Trails (Gunislake)
16. Ashton Court Estate (Bristol)
17. Wimbleball Lake (Exmoor)
18. Batsford Arboretum (Cotswolds) –Tramper coming soon!

•Sites currently operating wheelchair accessible Wheelyboats include:

Sportability

So why not try your hand at scuba diving, hang gliding or jet-skiing? Sportability is an organisation that enables people with disabilities to do all kinds of Sports: archery, canoeing, falconry, fishing, gliding, jet-skiing, land-yachting, martial arts, quad-biking, sailing, scuba, shooting and tennis!

For further information about any of these sports visit their webpage: http://www.sportability.org.uk, or call Sportability on 0208 959 0089.

Flyability

If you are interested in hang gliding or para-gliding then Flyability, the Disability Initiative of the British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association, can help you.

To find a reputable school close by to where you live check out their webpage: http://www.flyability.org.uk, or call 0116 261 1323,  or email:  Contact@Flyability.org.uk

They may also be able to help you out with a voucher towards costs.

British Parachuting Association

For the even more adventurous how about doing a tandem skydive in spite of your disability?

For further information about this visit the British Parachuting Association webpage: http://www.bpa.org.uk/progress.htm, or call 0116 278 5271  or e-mail: skydive@bpa.org.uk

And whilst you are enjoying any of the above Sports, why not collect some sponsors for the event and raise some much needed funds for MSRC?

Skyline

Skyline is a company which organises many fundraising events throughout the UK and abroad, such as skydives, abseils, zip gliding, trekking and many more. To find out more about the opportunities skyline has to offer visit their website: www.skylineevents.co.uk/, or call them on 0870 345 3355.

The Calvert Trust

Do you want to go on an Outward Bound course which caters especially for people with disabilities?

The Calvert Trust, Keswick, which is in the beautiful Lake District, run such courses offering a range of outdoor activities such as: sailing, kayaking and canoeing, rock climbing, horse riding and hill walking.

You can also attend courses specialising in just paragliding, sailing or canoeing amongst others.

You could even go on a trip to the Grand Canyon!

For further info visit their website: http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/, or call the Calvert Trust on (017687) 72255

The Accessible Property Register is a property website with a difference - we only accept adverts for property that is accessible or adapted.

On this site you can:

• Advertise accessible and adapted property for sale
• Advertise accessible and adapted property for rent
• Advertise projects and developments promoting accessible and adapted property
• Search for accessible and adapted property
• Look for property with specific adaptations
• Contact property advertisers
• Register your details and describe the kind of accessible or adapted property that you are searching for
• Find a list of estate agents, housing associations and other housing providers who work with the Accessible Property Register
• Find links to other providers of accessible property
• Find links to organisations and businesses that sponsor or support us
• Read our latest news and find links to useful information and to other websites
• Advertise goods and services

In addition to the inviting adverts from private individuals, the Directors' priority is to establish working relationships with estate agents, house builders and developers, housing associations, local authorities and other housing providers.

Accessible housing benefits everyone: it is the aim of the Accessible Property Register to ensure that accessible property is identified and promoted, and that information is made widely available.

General Enquries
Tel: 0114 2307058
Email: enquiries@accessible-property.org.uk

Website: http://www.accessible-property.org.uk/

This registered Charity offers coarse, sea and game fishing opportunities to disabled people in the UK.

The CEHR enforce equality legislation on disability, age, gender, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998.

The Disability Rights Commission amalgamated with the CEHR on 1st October 2007.

For more details on the Commission for Equality and Human Rights please visit their website by clicking the link above.

5 December 2005

Rights for seriously ill workers

 At least 250,000 workers with serious health conditions now have new legal rights not to be treated unfairly.

People with cancer, HIV or multiple sclerosis, but not yet showing signs of their illness, will be protected for the first time under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Employers and organisations providing services will not be able to discriminate, such as sacking people just for being told they have found out they have one of the conditions.

Work and pensions secretary John Hutton said: "Tackling inequality is right at the heart of the government's social agenda.

"I'm delighted to announce that today we are delivering on our commitment to extend and strengthen disability rights to protect people from discrimination."

Bert Massie, chairman of the Disability Rights Commision, said: "This closes a significant loophole in the law. We have been unable to help people who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses and then treated unfairly, because they didn't fall under the legal definition of disability.

"This is plainly wrong. People diagnosed with serious long-term health conditions shouldn't be discriminated against."

The changes also mean improved access to justice for people with mental health conditions.

It is estimated that 250,000 people will be given extra protection, including 220,000 with cancer, 17,000 with MS and 13,000 with HIV.

Naeema Choudry, employment partner at law firm Eversheds, said the change in legislation was "significant", adding: "Workers with these kinds of progressive conditions will now be protected from day one of diagnosis, regardless of how it may affect their ability to carry out everyday activities, and will be available to all workers, regardless of their employment status or how long they have been employed.

"The same rights of protection will also be extended to workers with mental health conditions who will no longer have to show that their conditions are clinically recognised by bodies such as the World Health Organisation. For example, workplace stress or depression could be regarded as a disability under the new legislation."

The Act will also be extended to cover private clubs with 25 or more members, while newspapers will not be allowed to publish discriminatory adverts.

And Anne McGuire, the minister for disabled people, said the new laws "will benefit many thousands more people who will no longer have to tolerate discrimination without legal recourse".

"People with HIV, multiple sclerosis and cancer won't have to put up with discrimination effectively from the point of diagnosis," she added.

To see how this may affect you please click here.

What is the DLF?

The DLF is a national charity that provides impartial advice and information about products for older and disabled people. For over 35 years they have compiled and maintained the UK's only comprehensive, impartial database of products for older and disabled people.

With support from the voluntary sector, public sector and other organisations, they will be able to roll out gradually further sections of their database in this way - making their detailed, impartial product information available free for public use for the first time.

The 'Gardening for Disabled Trust' provides help and support for gardeners with a wide range of disabilities enabling them to continue gardening, often against the odds. They can help you by:

• Adapting private gardens to meet the special needs of the disabled.
• Making grants towards tools, raised beds, paving and greenhouses.
• Providing help with special gardens in hospitals, centres and schools.
• Distributing information on garden aids and techniques.
• Providing a forum for disabled gardeners by publishing the Garden Club’s magazine.

The Government's Disabled Peoples site contains extensive information with regards all facets of Disablement.

With many links to things from Motability to the Disability Discrimination Act, benefits and much more.

This site is recommended as a first stop for all disabled people

THIIS (The Homecare Industry Information Service) has been providing manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and retailers with important news and views about the homecare industry for over eight years through a monthly magazine and weekly email bulletin.

Now THIIS has developed a website to keep anyone working in the homecare marketplace up to date with new products and improvements to existing products. The website, which is very clear and easy to use, features a wide range of new products and details of existing products that have been updated and redesigned. It also includes a ‘Find a Supplier’ and ‘Find a Dealer’ facility and has a ‘News Snippets’ section with up to date information on a wide range of subjects. You can register for free ‘News Alerts’ on the site.

The website can be found at http://www.thiis.co.uk

Direct Enquiries – is an online disabled access register that gives the details of businesses and   service providers throughout the United Kingdom.

So whatever you are after, be it an hotel, bank or shop, wherever you want to go, you can use this site to find a place that defintely has the access you'll need.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Sessions

The Multiple Sclerosis Group sessions help the client develop the skills and motivation needed to overcome problems of movement and bodily control encountered in everyday living. A participant in CE sessions can gain increased confidence and self-assurance in finding solutions to the problems faced in day to day living, with the leadership and advice of a single conductor in the group. This renewed confidence in abilities enables a more active and independent life to be lead.

All aspects of living with MS are addressed. Planning and recording of progress are guided by the Principles of Conductive Education. Each client has the potential to improve from where he is at the startingpoint. The conductor is constantly looking for such opportunities and potential.

The adult service offers placement for everybody with MS, both for those who have recently been diagnosed, and also those who have had multiple sclerosis for several years and are beginning to lose control of their mobility. Whatever the stage of the condition, Conductive Education can help.

Telephone: 01329 289 500

Email: enquiries@rainbowcentre.org

Website: http://www.rainbowcentre.org/services/adults/multiple-sclerosis-sessions/

The Seeing Ear is a website which provides online books for the Blind and Partially Sighted to download and read via their "screen readers" on their PCs.

"Library membership is restricted to the visually impaired who are also UK or EU residents.

Visually impaired means that you must be registered blind, registered partially-sighted, or can supply written proof from your doctor that you are unable to read normal print because of visual impairment.
We regret that print-disability due to other reasons, such as dyslexia, are not allowed under the terms of our Copyright Licence"

Becca Clayton runs her own wellbeing business offering both corporate and personal one to one programmes (delivered in the workplace or at home).

Becca's sessions are bespoke and only start after a full health and fitness screen.

Each session covers exercising-resistance, aerobic and flexibility training as well as nutritional and lifestyle advice. 

Becca has several clients with MS - different ages and with different symptoms however the results they are achieving are very exciting and making an impact on their day to day functionality.

The Tonic Wellbeing Clinic
Wyndhaven House
Cedar Hill
Alton
Staffordshire
ST10 4BQ

Phone: 0870 165 1475

Email:  info@choosetonic.com

Website:http://www.choosetonic.com/individualwellbeing.html

The H2O Hydrotherapy Pool at Woodview, Sheffield is specifically designed pool for access for all. The pool is kept at a temperature of 35ºC and has access for all abilities. Its value comes from the effects of the warmth, pressure of the water and particularly the buoyancy provided. Some of the main benefits are:

• Non weight bearing exercise
• Relief from pain, swelling and stiffness
• Promotion of relaxation
• Joint mobilisation
• Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration
• Increase in the range of motion of affected joints
• Improved circulation
• Cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs)

At the pool we provide a safe, friendly warm water experience with trained pool attendants for all booked sessions and access to a physiotherapist if required. Ring or e-mail to find out more and to book a session.

E-Mail: hydroh2o@unitedhealth.co.uk

This website was created to serve college students with disabilities.

The website was developed in an effort to connect and integrate college students with disabilities as a virtual community with a voice on important issues.

The We Connect Now website has been up and serving college students with disabilities since April of 2008.

The website has been used as a resource by institutions of higher learning and has been linked to by colleges and universities and groups serving people with disabilities in 50 US states and at least 9 other countries.

Check out this webpage for information, support, newsletters, chat, Forums, News and Shopping amongst other things!